Campervan - The new "must have" piece of equipment ?

Fraser Euan White said:
Over the years I have spent countless nights at race circuits in all manner of sleeping accomodation from a silver foil blanket on the ground to nice campers

Most people prefer a comfortable nights sleep to multiple adjustments on a driver's seat!

Sleeping in the back of a car with no heating/ventilation in most people's opinion is crap TBH. A converted van is just far superior! Ford transit custom is superb to drive - again I visit race circuits over 8hrs away and have no problems driving this distance.

Trying to convince people that sleeping in the back of a car is better than a nicely converted van is just making you look silly imo.
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Different strokes for different folks. He's expressing his opinion regarding sleeping on the road, it's different to yours but it's definitely not silly.

I've owned a camper van for a number of years and enjoyed it. Other than the high mpg and restricted access because of the roof height and a number of other issues. But I enjoy, yes enjoy, sleeping in my duster, it takes 15mins to get the airbed up and the tent attached to the tailgate, seating and table up cooker set, I can get up and walk around in the tent no probs as well as stretch out and enjoy a nice G&T with ice. Ventilation in the duster is easy we keep the tailgate open anyway, and on warmer nights, nets over the windows or on cooler nights thermal sheets, you know the silver bubblewrap thingies. We have a couple of the damprid boxes too just for any extra moisture. Ok it doesn't work for the winter but that's what hotels are for and frankly the cost of some sites with hook up I could get a nice little Premier inn room for two :) Like I said, different strokes etc.
 
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Fraser Euan White said:
I understand you are clearly 'different' from the majority and you prefer a car but the thread is entitled ''Campervan'.
Constantly stating a car is better when quite clearly it isn't to the vast majority isn't really a discussion though.
I suspect everyone would prefer to spend three nights wild camping in a nice van conversion than three nights in the back seat of a Lexus TBH and if you say otherwise I don't think you are being honest.
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Not everyone because I wouldn’t. I like driving and the feeling of a luxury car.

I’d forsake that luxury of a totally flat bed of a van for the superior drive and refinement of a luxury car even if it means not a totally flat “bed”

The thread was about driving and sleeping in a vehicle. I’ve presented two alternatives that I feel are preferable.
 
SFTPhotography said:
Not everyone because I wouldn’t. I like driving and the feeling of a luxury car.

I’d forsake that luxury of a totally flat bed of a van for the superior drive and refinement of a luxury car even if it means not a totally flat “bed”

The thread was about driving and sleeping in a vehicle????. I’ve presented two alternatives that I feel are preferable.
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Have you read the title of the thread? - Campervan - The new 'must have' piece of equipment.

Then I have quoted the OP a where it mentions nothing about luxury cars or the enjoyment of driving but quite specifically talks about Capervans and how he/she wants to retire to a nice comfortable van - something you admit the 'back seat of a car' is a compromise.

here is the OP:
tonybassplayer said:
Slightly tongue in cheek headline but are campervans becoming the new "must have" piece of kit ?

I must admit that it's definitely on my longer term plan to own one as the facility to be able to pull up close to the bottom of a hill, coast or lake an hour before sunset, take a few shots, retire to the comfort of a nice van and be ready a few hours later for sunrise has a huge appeal.

Everywhere I seem to look there seems to be more and more people purchasing them or thinking about them

Anyone just bought or intending to ?
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The Poster is after opinions from people who are thinking of/own a campervan and clearly this appeals to them. I have no objection to you adding your 2p's worth but I don't think it needs mentioning time and time again?

In the middle of winter nights can be 12-14 hrs long - that's a long time to be lying on the back seat of a car!
 
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Fraser Euan White said:
Have you read the title of the thread? - Campervan - The new 'must have' piece of equipment.

Then I have quoted the OP a where it mentions nothing about luxury cars or the enjoyment of driving but quite specifically talks about Capervans and how he/she wants to retire to a nice comfortable van - something you admit the 'back seat of a car' is a compromise.

here is the OP:


The Poster is after opinions from people who are thinking of/own a campervan and clearly this appeals to them. I have no objection to you adding your 2p's worth but I don't think it needs mentioning time and time again?

In the middle of winter nights can be 12-14 hrs long - that's a long time to be lying on the back seat of a car!
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Yes - I’ve read every post in the thread thank you and I felt compelled to respond to that as I feel.

1. A campervan is absolutely not a must have vehicle for a photographer.
2. A luxury car gives you a nicer drive with room to sleep in the back, charge stuff, and cover great distance in a level of style comfort and refinement utterly alien to that of a van. When you drive all over Europe- that stuff matters.
3. A lockable boot is also handy to hide equipment
4. Used prices of luxury cars make converted vans look very expensive. I do anyway. A v8 luxury car or a 4 clyinder diesel van - there’s no comparison. And you can still sleep comfortably in the back ;) or front.
5. The land cruiser is very viable, some locations are hard to reach. It’ll be good in the snow and you can buy an easy to fit conversion with a bed and storage for one.

The fact that NONE of this was mentioned meant I was providing a service by posting, in what in my mind, is a viable and superior alternative in case they hadn’t thought of that.
 
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Cobra said:
:wave:
Hey Lynne long time no see I trust you are well?
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Hi ya mister :wave: all fine n dandy here ta muchly ,especialli since Maddie arrived
Nowts changed in here I see
Hope you're keeping well
Ps .....I may be about to get banned
 
SFTPhotography said:
Yes - I’ve read every post in the thread thank you and I felt compelled to respond to that as I feel.

1. A campervan is absolutely not a must have vehicle for a photographer.
2. A luxury car gives you a nicer drive with room to sleep in the back, charge stuff, and cover great distance in a level of style comfort and refinement utterly alien to that of a van. When you drive all over Europe- that stuff matters.
3. A lockable boot is also handy to hide equipment
4. Used prices of luxury cars make converted vans look very expensive. I do anyway. A v8 luxury car or a 4 clyinder diesel van - there’s no comparison. And you can still sleep comfortably in the back ;) or front.
5. The land cruiser is very viable, some locations are hard to reach. It’ll be good in the snow and you can buy an easy to fit conversion with a bed and storage for one.

The fact that NONE of this was mentioned meant I was providing a service by posting, in what in my mind, is a viable and superior alternative in case they hadn’t thought of that.
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Of for the love of god ! Its rare i want to scream but .................. We get it SFT ,you much prefer a car to a camper ....
Nuff said ,end of
 
I have to say that when I drive long distances, I have never once thought... ‘gosh, I wish this engine was more refined’. I tend to get in the van and drive. It’s comfortable to drive and I don’t suffer fatigue at all. It has an elevated driving position which is far superior to a car and then when I feel like it, I can make the BED, lie down completely flat and have a great night’s sleep. In the morning, I can chuck the kettle on the hob and have a brew or the frying pan and make a proper breakfast and a hot meal later too. It’s soundproofed, insulated and miles better than a car really. Cars are for getting from A to B. Campers go way beyond that. By all means, sleep in your car but as most people have cars, I think the discussion was to do with the utility of a camper.

I also have a Disco, I wouldn’t particularly want to sleep in it but it’s great in the snow. However, it’s ridiculously thirsty for fuel (probably similar to a Landcruiser) and costs a fortune to tax (probably like a Landcruiser)
 
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I'm pretty fond of my 4wd van for photography (I was photographing owls in an elevated nest)...

Van.jpg

I've got a drop in kitchen box and expanding slat bed/table (4" thick self inflating foam mattress) that can be removed in a few minutes so I can also use it for other things (i.e. hauling crap).

DSCF2584.jpg

It may not be terribly refined, but it beats a tent. And I like being in nature and not getting up at 3am to be able to be there for sunrise. I've taken to driving out during the day, being there for the evening and morning(s), and then driving again during the day... sure beats a lack of sleep and driving in pitch black/fog/etc.
 
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SFTPhotography said:
Lol - we are in a thread thats upsetting people because someone prefers a nice car to a van and someone who sleeps 14hours a day.

I sleep about 4hrs to 6hrs a day and function fine.
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Wrong !
No-one is upset because you prefer to a nice car to a van or that you don't sleep for 14 hrs a day .

Each to their own , That's what makes the world go round

Maybe ,just maybe , we're getting a little fed up of you continuing to bang on about how great your car is versus a van .....or maybe that's just me !

Some folk like cars ,some folk like vans...that's just the way the cookie crumbles :)


Ps.....sorry @Cobra :rolleyes:
 
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sk66 said:
I'm pretty fond of my 4wd van for photography...

View attachment 136895

I've got a drop in kitchen box and expanding slat bed/table (4" thick self inflating foam mattress) that can be removed in a few minutes so I can also use it for other things (i.e. hauling crap).

View attachment 136896

It may not be terribly refined, but it beats a tent. And I like being in nature and not getting up at 3am to be able to be there for sunrise. I've taken to driving out during the day, being there for the evening and morning(s), and then driving again during the day... sure beats a lack of sleep and driving in pitch black/fog/etc.
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That’s a beast, it looks capable. Love it!
 
blondie606 said:
Wrong !
No-one is upset because you prefer to a nice car to a van or that you don't sleep for 14 hrs a day .

Each to their own , That's what makes the world go round

Maybe ,just maybe , we're getting a little fed up of you continuing to bang on about how great your car is versus a van .....or maybe that's just me !

Some folk like cars ,some folk like vans...that's just the way the cookie crumbles :)


Ps.....sorry @Cobra :rolleyes:
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Ok - but plenty here are “banging on” to use your phrase about how great their vans are and you don’t see me wanting to “scream”. Some perspective is needed and different views help form a discussion. So yeah, maybe it is just you.
 
sk66 said:
I'm pretty fond of my 4wd van for photography...

View attachment 136895

I've got a drop in kitchen box and expanding slat bed/table (4" thick self inflating foam mattress) that can be removed in a few minutes so I can also use it for other things (i.e. hauling crap).

View attachment 136896

It may not be terribly refined, but it beats a tent. And I like being in nature and not getting up at 3am to be able to be there for sunrise. I've taken to driving out during the day, being there for the evening and morning(s), and then driving again during the day... sure beats a lack of sleep and driving in pitch black/fog/etc.
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I’m glad you like it - the four wheel drive and extra ground clearance look great for getting down dirt roads etc. Sleeping in the tent is the pits.

Re driving in the dark - once you try xenon or even the newer LED lights they are much better. I quite like driving through the night to get for sunrise. The roads are dead (up here in Scotland anyway) and it gives you time to reflect and plan the shoot. That’s how I do mine anyway if sunrise location (let’s say Elgol) is only 3 1/2 hours drive away.

I prefer in many ways driving at night to the day - it’s more relaxing - particularly the motorways. But then I have to concede - I really like driving and I’ve never felt the vehicle I have has held back my photography.
 
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SFTPhotography said:
Ok - but plenty here are “banging on” to use your phrase about how great their vans are and you don’t see me wanting to “scream”. Some perspective is needed and different views help form a discussion. So yeah, maybe it is just you.
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You mention discussion? There is no discussion with you though. You seem to be a closed book. You prefer to ‘sleep’ on the back seat of your car. Good for you. Yawn.
 
Birdy06 said:
You mention discussion? There is no discussion with you though. You seem to be a closed book. You prefer to ‘sleep’ on the back seat of your car. Good for you. Yawn.
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The OP was about campervans being a must have piece of photography equipment-I was simply pointing out alternatives and how maybe, just maybe, they aren’t and what else can be done.

Perhaps it is you who’s closed to the views of others.
 
SFTPhotography said:
The OP was about campervans being a must have piece of photography equipment-I was simply pointing out alternatives and how maybe, just maybe, they aren’t and what else can be done.

Perhaps it is you who’s closed to the views of others.
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The ONLY alternative to a campervan is not having a campervan. Your alternative is ridiculous because it’s a car. Most people have a car.
 
Birdy06 said:
The ONLY alternative to a campervan is not having a campervan. Your alternative is ridiculous because it’s a car. Most people have a car.
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But they may not have a full sized large car like an LS, 7 series, S class which are truly huge in the back and have reclining rear seats and properly comfortable front seats which after a 14hour drive you’re still fresh enough to hike to your spot.

I make do with just a little GS and honestly I sleep like a log in it and as well as I do in a hotel room but maybe not my own bed. Personally I see a campervan as a bit overkill for my needs and I go round Europe by car.
 
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sk66 said:
I'm pretty fond of my 4wd van for photography (I was photographing owls in an elevated nest)...

View attachment 136895

I've got a drop in kitchen box and expanding slat bed/table (4" thick self inflating foam mattress) that can be removed in a few minutes so I can also use it for other things (i.e. hauling crap).

View attachment 136896

It may not be terribly refined, but it beats a tent. And I like being in nature and not getting up at 3am to be able to be there for sunrise. I've taken to driving out during the day, being there for the evening and morning(s), and then driving again during the day... sure beats a lack of sleep and driving in pitch black/fog/etc.
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Oohhh , liking that :love:
 
SFTPhotography said:
Ok - but plenty here are “banging on” to use your phrase about how great their vans are and you don’t see me wanting to “scream”. Some perspective is needed and different views help form a discussion. So yeah, maybe it is just you.
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I have no issue with discussion , as I've said , several times I think , each to their own ,That's what makes the world go round.
So you go off & enjoy your Lexus & some us in here will go off & enjoy our vans & the rest will decide what they want do .

Job sorted


@tonybassplayer .....how's things going ?
 
Wow, some people getting a monk on because not everyone thinks campervans are a must have accessory for photography and likes to do things differently.

Its almost as bad as the mirrorless v dslr or the canon nikon wars. :D
 
jakeblu said:
Wow, some people getting a monk on because not everyone thinks campervans are a must have accessory for photography and likes to do things differently.

Its almost as bad as the mirrorless v dslr or the canon nikon wars. :D
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I love the phrase ‘monk on’.... hehheh :plus1:
 
SFTPhotography said:
Lol - we are in a thread thats upsetting people because someone prefers a nice car to a van and someone who sleeps 14hours a day.

I sleep about 4hrs to 6hrs a day and function fine.
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Don't be rediculous! I quoted the length of winter nights to show you will have numerous hours awake in the dark which isn't much fun sat in a car! (How many people enjoy sitting in a traffic jam for 4+ hrs in their cars?)

In a van you can relax with hot food/drinks laptop out and watch a film etc.

As has been said - most have cars so can imagine what a few nights sleep on the back seat would be like! I have yet to meet anyone who would pic that option!

Buying a second hand ''barge' might be cheap but running them costs a fortune especially as they are older.
 
I couldn't imagine using a luxury car or any regular car as base for a photography outing. Maybe for going somewhere, perhaps get a few hours of sleep do the photography and go home it could do. other than that no. The lack of cooking and toilet facilities, room for changing clothes.... heck room in generel, the ability to stand up, sit and lie down unrestricted simply makes it unsuitable for longer trips say over a weekend. How far will you drive anyway? 4-5 hours aint that tirering in modern cars and even 2 hours will take you places and give you opportunities staying a couple of nights vs driving forth and back.
A camper van is not a must have but a great convenience.
Here in DK I can get a Mercedes Vivano a lot cheaper than a S class, both used. Beds for four in a S class any one?
 
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soeren said:
I couldn't imagine using a luxury car or any regular car as base for a photography outing. Maybe for going somewhere, perhaps get a few hours of sleep do the photography and go home it could do. other than that no. The lack of cooking and toilet facilities, room for changing clothes.... heck room in generel, the ability to stand up, sit and lie down unrestricted simply makes it unsuitable for longer trips say over a weekend. How far will you drive anyway? 4-5 hours aint that tirering in modern cars and even 2 hours will take you places and give you opportunities staying a couple of nights vs driving forth and back.
A camper van is not a must have but a great convenience.
Here in DK I can get a Mercedes Vivano a lot cheaper than a S class, both used. Beds for four in a S class any one?
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To be fair if it’s a short a drive as 2 hours I’ll drive back and forth. 4-5 hours unless the weathers good two days in the Trott is a there and back in a day. Driving wise I’ve driven all over Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium/Netherlands Austria etc and personally don’t think a van based vehicle cuts it in terms of NVH, comfort etc. The prospect of owning and driving a Viano would horrify me, but an S class is a dream car.

Interesting comment re beds for 4 - all my comments and thoughts were based around just 1 solo person as that’s how I do it. I never travel with anyone and that’s why I find a night or two in a car perfectly pleasant
 
SFTPhotography said:
The OP was about campervans being a must have piece of photography equipment-I was simply pointing out alternatives and how maybe, just maybe, they aren’t and what else can be done.

Perhaps it is you who’s closed to the views of others.
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Yes you pointed out an alternative. That’s valid. :)

Repeating it 7 times is trolling ;)

Pretend you’re a grown up Steve and imagine how a conversation works. :)
 
Birdy06 said:
The ONLY alternative to a campervan is not having a campervan.
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How do you work that out?
There are many alternatives....
Hotel
Hostel
Bed and breakfast
Caravan
Lodge

With a campervan (which I would like) you drive, photograph, sleep, photograph, drive....
I can do all that using my car, my camera and whatever choice of sleeping accommodation I choose.
 
GreenNinja67 said:
This thread now stinks of elitism and “I can afford a so and so car”

I’ll bow out now cos I can see me getting a little p***ed off if it’s going to go that way
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I dont think it does....
There's a jaguar garage and a campervan garage less than a mile from my house. They are on opposite sides of the road. The new campervans are more expensive than a lot of the cars.
I'd say campervan owners could be considered more elitist....mines is bigger than yours lol.
I know there are cheaper ways of owning a camper, but as Steve has pointed out, with examples, there are cheaper ways of owning a "prestige" car too.
This just seems to be the way threads go these days.....descending into disagreements, then name calling and slagging off anyone who has a differing opinion (I'm not meaning you, just in general).
 
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Well I have looked at a Lexus and lovely though it is, it would not suit me. So I am back to my original plan for a Fiat Doblo long wheel base, but I am looking for the car version rather than the van. I like waking up in the morning and looking out the windows to see the surrounding countryside and there are many different options for privacy solutions. Cannot wait to wake up on the banks of Loch Lomond to a cuppa and bacon sandwhich. Of course, if I was fitter and younger then it would be a motobike and tent, which is in my opinion the best way to travel but an option no longer open to me.
Whichever way you choose to travel it is very cathartic to get out into the countryside and take pictures I reckon.
 
Bearair said:
Well I have looked at a Lexus and lovely though it is, it would not suit me. So I am back to my original plan for a Fiat Doblo long wheel base, but I am looking for the car version rather than the van. I like waking up in the morning and looking out the windows to see the surrounding countryside and there are many different options for privacy solutions. Cannot wait to wake up on the banks of Loch Lomond to a cuppa and bacon sandwhich. Of course, if I was fitter and younger then it would be a motobike and tent, which is in my opinion the best way to travel but an option no longer open to me.
Whichever way you choose to travel it is very cathartic to get out into the countryside and take pictures I reckon.
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I agree - getting out is great. I could lose the bacon sandwich and cuppa though and just drive up and arrive at sunrise but I get the gist of it. I'm missing the Spanish Pyrenees terribly already it must be said.
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
How do you work that out?
There are many alternatives....
Hotel
Hostel
Bed and breakfast
Caravan
Lodge

With a campervan (which I would like) you drive, photograph, sleep, photograph, drive....
I can do all that using my car, my camera and whatever choice of sleeping accommodation I choose.
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Well none of those things are a campervan. My point is that of course a van is not a needed accessory and whether you sleep in the back of your car, a tent or use hotels or whatever there is minimal difference as you are still out and about in a planned (or unplanned) location. A van just seems to make the accommodation side of things a little more convenient and gives perhaps a little more scope to being right on location without a need to faff around with hotels etc. Ultimately, if folk prefer sleeping in a car, they'll sleep in a car.

Also, there's plenty of converted vans around at the price that SFT posted links to. Mine's just a day van with a rear seat that makes into a bed and has a kitchen area accessed through the back doors. It's not a full fat camper but it suits my purposes and I'm happy with it. My only regret is that I didn't hold out for a 4x4 version. Maybe next year ;)
 
SFTPhotography said:
I agree - getting out is great. I could lose the bacon sandwich and cuppa though and just drive up and arrive at sunrise but I get the gist of it. I'm missing the Spanish Pyrenees terribly already it must be said.
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One of the best bike rides I ever did was the Pyrenees, in and out of France and Spain on an almost hourly bases on the twisting mountain roads, then to the Cathar castles which are truly astonishing.
 
Bearair said:
One of the best bike rides I ever did was the Pyrenees, in and out of France and Spain on an almost hourly bases on the twisting mountain roads, then to the Cathar castles which are truly astonishing.
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:) yep gods country over there. I like the Cathar castles and I bet on a bike the routes are a hoot.
 
SFTPhotography said:
The prospect of owning... ...a Viano would horrify me, but an S class is a dream car.
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How could one face one's neighbours with a van parked on one's drive? :D

I've kipped in a fair few cars and vans over the years when away fishing for a few days, and a campervan is the most civilised by far. Even when accompanied by two wet springer spaniels!
 
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