Bigger vans

[rod_vw]

Did you build it yourself?

Hi @kave, no I didn't build this one myself although I have built campers for myself in the past (see my signature) and always sold them on successfully after a few years use.
Maybe I should have bitten the bullet and worked through the design and build process of the TGE myself but aging body, energy and brain tempted me away from that.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

If you order a TGE direct from MAN you can have whatever specification you want, I know I did just that. I guess that most MAN sales in the UK are made to fleet or business buyers as that's where their traditional market has been with the MAN HGVs.
MAN TGEs and VW Crafters all come off the same assembly line in Poland near Września.

I was going to ask the very same question myself, did you make a custom conversion? Hello from a fellow Salopian too!

 

[Barry Chuckle]

This just popped up on facebook:

Swift Trekker pop-top campervan

Trekker pop-top campervan exudes ruggedness without compromising on style, making it stand out in any setting and fit for exploration & new adventures afar.

www.swiftgroup.co.uk

That looks incredible value for money at c £70k pretty much ticks most boxes in a campervan. Personally I'd rather have a ford base than a fiat but that's just personal preference.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

That looks incredible value for money at c £70k pretty much ticks most boxes in a campervan. Personally I'd rather have a ford base than a fiat but that's just personal preference.

Good to see some competition. Especially as EV base vans start to get released.

 

[rod_vw]

I was going to ask the very same question myself, did you make a custom conversion? Hello from a fellow Salopian too!

Hi @Barry Chuckle as above, this one I had done locally in Telford. It was a bit of a learning curve as the design was mostly done to my specification. I now have a degree in hindsight but every day is a school day!

You are most welcome to give me a call and come to have a look if you wish, I'm in Wellington. My previous camper, a High roof LWB T6 is still here although sold but available for a look if you so wish.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Hi @Barry Chuckle as above, this one I had done locally in Telford. It was a bit of a learning curve as the design was mostly done to my specification. I now have a degree in hindsight but every day is a school day!

You are most welcome to give me a call and come to have a look if you wish, I'm in Wellington. My previous camper, a High roof LWB T6 is still here although sold but available for a look if you so wish.

That's really kind of you Rod, I'm not too far away in Cressage. I've a Sven Hedin on order, as I found that most of the Crafter/Man converters didn't have a layout that suited. For example I viewed a Globe Falcon XS in Shrewsbury and the layout was crazy at an equally crazy £120k! I wish I was brave enough to convert like you have as I would have the perfect van. It's interesting that so many Cali owners progress onto larger VW conversions other thank the Grand California.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

That looks incredible value for money at c £70k pretty much ticks most boxes in a campervan. Personally I'd rather have a ford base than a fiat but that's just personal preference.

Yeah will definitely look at that myself if upgrading to a bigger van, solves some issues I experienced with the GC600 (silly fridge, lack of kitchen cupboards, overcab bed’s a faff). Looks a good package to me.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Yeah will definitely look at that myself if upgrading to a bigger van, solves some issues I experienced with the GC600 (silly fridge, lack of kitchen cupboards, overcab bed’s a faff). Looks a good package to me.

If they ever did the Sven in 4 berth, I reckon that could well fit your bill perfectly. It's still fairly minimalist in design like the GC. I get that many don't like the ubiquitous light oak effect in most conversions. But I find the Westfalia's just look much more high rent, and combine modern look with a more inviting feel. I also felt the GC's seats just look really cheap when compared with the Westfalias which command the same money. This surpised me as the California combines functionality with premium/softer feel perfectly.

But a conversion could be completely tailored to your requirements, although the Sven is 95% to my requirements, there are still slight things I would change if could.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

If they ever did the Sven in 4 berth, I reckon that could well fit your bill perfectly. It's still fairly minimalist in design like the GC. I get that many don't like the ubiquitous light oak effect in most conversions. But I find the Westfalia's just look much more high rent, and combine modern look with a more inviting feel. I also felt the GC's seats just look really cheap when compared with the Westfalias which command the same money. This surpised me as the California combines functionality with premium/softer feel perfectly.

But a conversion could be completely tailored to your requirements, although the Sven is 95% to my requirements, there are still slight things I would change if could.

Correct, except I am guessing neither a 4 berth Sven or a custom conversion would land anywhere near the Trekker’s £73k for the 6m 4 berth version with automatic gearbox. Expect it will sell very well generally, and especially to Cali upsizers who have pondered a GC.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Correct, except I am guessing neither a 4 berth Sven or a custom conversion would land anywhere near the Trekker’s £73k for the 6m 4 berth version with automatic gearbox. Expect it will sell very well generally, and especially to Cali upsizers who have pondered a GC.

Many will probably want to stay with the VW lineage though.

Not sure but I'm guessing although the Trekker is great value you may need to add on more for most of the desirable options.

 

[wildslammer22]

Many will probably want to stay with the VW lineage though.

Not sure but I'm guessing although the Trekker is great value you may need to add on more for most of the desirable options.

I don’t think there are many big ticket options for the Trekker beyond the auto box. I applaud them for doing something a bit different at a competitive price. As someone who values function as well as form my biggest issue with the Trekker is no 4m/4x4 option. I appreciate that they probably understand their market well and very few Trekker owners will want to venture off the beaten track but I personally have an aversion to that sort of hollow marketing gimmicks. On the plus side it’s always good to see mainstream converters in this sector move away from the standard white box format.


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[Barry Chuckle]

I don’t think there are many big ticket options for the Trekker beyond the auto box. I applaud them for doing something a bit different at a competitive price. As someone who values function as well as form my biggest issue with the Trekker is no 4m/4x4 option. I appreciate that they probably understand their market well and very few Trekker owners will want to venture off the beaten track but I personally have an aversion to that sort of hollow marketing gimmicks. On the plus side it’s always good to see mainstream converters in this sector move away from the standard white box format.


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I've had a look at them and the price has gone up to £74k for the 6m one, think auto box is extra too. But it's outstanding at the price, I agree about the 4 x 4 option, wonder of putting on a set of BFG tyres may help....

 

[Corradobrit]

wonder of putting on a set of BFG tyres may help....

Won't hurt but it's not going to help in a lot of common situations. If I only had FWD and planned some off piste excursions I would be sure to take a couple of these. Every little helps

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082M2J37S/?tag=unique09f-21

 

[Ch1pbutty]

4wd would put the overall weight up & reduce payload...and would only actually be needed by a small minority. Pricewise its very competetive, hopefully with a waterproof roof canvas & no chance of galvanic roof corrosion.

 

[wildslammer22]

4wd would put the overall weight up & reduce payload...and would only actually be needed by a small minority. Pricewise its very competetive, hopefully with a waterproof roof canvas & no chance of galvanic roof corrosion.

Don’t disagree with that it’s just the styling and Trekker name is marketing issuing cheques it’s can’t cash that niggles me a little. But then I’m in the minority that does like to go off the beaten track.


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[Ch1pbutty]

Don’t disagree with that it’s just the styling and Trekker name is marketing issuing cheques it’s can’t cash that niggles me a little. But then I’m in the minority that does like to go off the beaten track.


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Most ‘trekkers’ only have 2 legs and like to keep the weight down!

For offroad the Merc 4x4 is far better, but same reflected in the price.

 

[Barry Chuckle]

That Trekker is outstanding VFM and could be a game changer. I suppose the 'rugged' image is no different to many SUV's which would be just as incapable off road.

 

[Corradobrit]

Don’t disagree with that it’s just the styling and Trekker name is marketing issuing cheques it’s can’t cash that niggles me a little. But then I’m in the minority that does like to go off the beaten track.


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I certainly wouldn't take it over a mountain dirt track in Spain.

 

[wildslammer22]

I certainly wouldn't take it over a mountain dirt track in Spain.

Or a Sprinter for that matter!


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[wildslammer22]

Most ‘trekkers’ only have 2 legs and like to keep the weight down!

For offroad the Merc 4x4 is far better, but same reflected in the price.

Yes but some are less than svelte and use trekking poles for additional traction.

That’s not me, no definitely not me but I do know a few like that…


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[Corradobrit]

Or a Sprinter for that matter!


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There are Sprinters...and there are Sprinters. This one I would take almost anywhere

 

[Corradobrit]

Yes but some are less than svelte and use trekking poles for additional traction.

That’s not me, no definitely not me but I do know a few like that…


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Don't knock it. Those walking poles are surprisingly effective. Or so I'm told......

 

[Barry Chuckle]

Loosely linked to the Sprinter, as a relative novice can anyone tell me why the Hymer Sprinter conversions are generally a lot more expensive than practically all other conversions. Are Hymer regarded as the Rolls Royce of this type of conversion?

 

[wildslammer22]

There are Sprinters...and there are Sprinters. This one I would take almost anywhere

A few of those tricked Sprinters have come a cropper off road. They are inherently top heavy - can’t cheat physics even with great suspension. I wouldn’t say no to one of those though!


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[Corradobrit]

A few of those tricked Sprinters have come a cropper off road. They are inherently top heavy - can’t cheat physics even with great suspension. I wouldn’t say no to one of those though!


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Well sure, which is why I said almost anywhere. But with the wide wheelbase, proper suspension, 4WD, diff lock, with appropriate rubber, it's probably about as sure footed as a chassis like this can be.