Terry,please don't bow out....some of us really want a van but are still at that stage of indecision about so many things. I'm pretty settled that a T5 is what I want. but nowt written in stone... I ain't got pots of money. sure I might not take the cheepest route,but i'm not elitist and would value the real world experiences of good folks like your self. I'm a bit out of sorts at the mo,being told I might go blind in one eye and all that malary has thrown me a bit ,I'm also trying to rest the bugger which means typing is more of a PITA to me than normal. I'd really like to draw on the expriences of others,from the cheepest self build to the guys whom are fortunate enough to have a pro conversion. I just can't really tap into all the expertise at this time.. although I'll try a bit below
Jerry, there are vans in the T5 range which I believe are classified as cars,ie shuttle and almost certainly Caravelle. i'd really like someone here whom is certain they are sure,to outline M1.N1 classification.
Also I'd love to hear from a party that has made a claim on an adapted van. I have done a lot of homework on this and there is much confusion typically main insuraers wont touch these types of modified buggies. Many use one company which is just a broker...i'd rather not state that name i'm aware of a horror story. with a claim
Jerry who converted your van,i'm aware of many of the designs to layout. At the mo I need to sleep two and be able to carry 2 passengers safely and legally I know I want heating for the winter months. and an insulated van...
I'd also love to know the implications of whole type aproval gas lockers/certification rock and roll bed certification modified seats to an insurance company . I understand a M1 crash tested bed is needed to carry passengers I understand that side o9f things,but not how this relates to insurers
Having the history I do ie trained with car body work I want to be in a buggy that is safe if I have an accident. I don't want stuff flying about simple as !!
does a split charge system have to be installed by an qualified electrician,does one need any certificate for this. Does the fact that it's 12v negate the need for a pro...what about 240 hook up is that bypassed because it's basicaly an extension lead ??
Finally diesels inner city bans emmisions ERG thingies etc. Does anyone have any knowledge they can share. I am like a fish out of water in a city,I'll be thankful if I never have to visit one again period,but I need to know more about all this and how it might affect the ownership of an older van say T5 not 4 or 5.1
I've read up a bit on the VW scene becuase so many vans get 'erm played with even things like wheels get changes,cause a 20" alloy looks smoky in that wheel arch
. VW to the best of my knowledge never fitted a 20rim to any t5,the biggest is an 18" on the sporlines Surely all the gearing is now out of kilter,the speedo is going to read worng if a different circumferance is touching the road. Lots of range rover wheels out there,load rated sure...but not meant for a comercial ,a mate was told by the RAC these invalidate insurance....true or false??
There is alot of things I personally am unsure about the camper scene is quite chiled and unregulated I like that we have enough laws already,but I want to be safe and travel in a van that is safe and complies with the law,best I can.
I'll stop there it's enough to get your collective teeth into
ok sod it one more
who knows about the T5 4motion drive train what are the negatives how much does it add to the value and running costs. Yup again I understand a bit the tyre side,right boots needed.............. but little else
and add
Steve ( from the states
I love your van,
seeing a tripod and seat atop a van the practical nature of it all is really thought provoking
stu
ps
Guys forgive me , I am simply not up for fighting with eng lang at this time,I hope this isn't too hard to read