Archive for the ‘VW Campervans’ Category

Building the Dream Campervan

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Once you start tinkering with campervans, it becomes very difficult to stop and for many campervan owners what starts as a hobby becomes a real lifestyle. There are limitless modifications that can improve a campervan and for many people the dream is to build up and restore something to new. How can you go about starting off on your own campervan project?

The Starting Point

Few people these days are able to design chassis and even fewer have the requisite skill to build them. Most people start off with a body and a solid chassis of something reliable and classic – a Transporter or a Transit is a good place to start. Go for something with a little bit of age, too, the computer wizardry on a lot of the newer models makes life a little more tricky for the amateur.

Replace or Repair?

Once you’ve found a base, the question is should you strip it out completely or look to modify and change what already exists. The first thing to think about is the quality of what is there – anything rotten, weak or damaged needs to go immediately. Replacements might also be cheaper than you think so unless you’re particularly fond of vintage décor, it’s often best to start afresh.

Road Legality

The final step is making sure that everything is road legal. You’ll need to ensure that you have the proper safety provisions, an appropriate license for the weight and, of course, you’ll need to find the best motorhome insurance quote for a modified vehicle. Even if you’ve just made a few changes to the interior, some insurers will request you have special cover, so make sure you are properly insured.

It’s not always easy to build your dream motorhome, but it’s so rewarding. You’ll need to make some tough decisions, probably splash some cash and make sure that everything is up and running safely before you hit the road but you can be assured that it’s worth it!

Campervan Rallies

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

If you’ve been a campervan owner for a little time now, you’re sure to have come across some other campers who are as enthusiastic as you about your motor and it’s great when people get together and share ideas about builds, models and trips. Across the UK every year, people get together in rallies to do just that!

First Time Rallies

Often people are a little nervous about attending their first rally and often it’s difficult knowing whether you’ll fit in. All you need to remember, though, is that the campervan community is one of the friendliest in the country and if you’re enthusiastic, outgoing and happy to share your ideas then you’ll definitely find a group that is right for you.

Finding the Right Rally

There are plenty of rallies that are for owners of specific models or brands – there are plenty of VW clubs that meet on a fairly regular basis. However, if you can’t find one that is right for you, try to find a show that is open to all. You might have to travel a little way, but often festivals and things like steam fairs have sections for campervan owners so there’s no excuse not to get involved!

Practical Rallying

It’s a good idea to set off early for a rally, you can’t imagine the numbers that turn up to some of the larger events and, of course, that causes traffic! Plan in advance if you’re looking to camp near the event as, undoubtedly, there will be a lot of people with the same idea as you! Equally, make sure your campervan insurance covers you appropriately: if you plan to indulge in any displays or racing of any sort which can happen at these rallies then do make sure you’re insured.

Rallies are the best way to get to know members of the campervan community and they’re a great way to spend a weekend. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth a try so get out and give it a go!

Campervan Fire Safety

Monday, March 19th, 2012

You might have spotted a sad story late last week about a campervan worth £80,000 which caught fire and was totally destroyed in Reading. The cause was believed to be an electrical fault and it’s a sharp reminder to campervan owners to keep fire safety in mind at all times. Sometimes, there’s not a lot you can do about campervan fires, but there are steps you can take to minimise the risk.

Common Causes

The risk of fire in campervans is considerably higher than elsewhere because there are two sets of risks both working at once. When you think about it, there is a danger of accident from both mechanical or electrical failures caused by your drive train combined with the risk of something like an oven fire or harmless cigarette butt. Canvas awnings or fixtures are also very flammable so beware about cooking or smoking under canvas.

Protecting Yourself

Some things can’t be helped, but keeping a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm in your cabin will really reduce the risk. You should not try to fight any large fires yourself, but a fire extinguisher might be able to nip out something small before it becomes uncontrollable. Most campervans will be fitted with smoke alarms but you need to check yours is working and safe at all times – it might end up saving your life.

Claiming Damages

A campervan insurance policy which offers you fire protection is invaluable when it comes to protecting yourself against the risk of fire as you might be able to claim back any damages in part or in full. Make sure your policy gives you an appropriate level of cover for your campervan, but don’t think that because you are insured you won’t be affected. Plenty of campers every year lose personal effects which might include photos or valuables that just can’t be replaced.

Fires do occur on campsites or in campervans that are off the road. Be safe and make sure you deal with the risk of fire before it occurs – it’s often a very easy thing to prevent but can be very damaging if you are affected.

Buying a Vintage Campervan

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Everyone knows the classic split-screen VW Transporter Campervan and at some stage everyone has probably dreamed of owning one, probably complete with a purple psychedelic paint job and leopard print seats! Of course, the Transporter isn’t the only vintage camper out there; there’s a lot of choice and a lot of models which are just as much fun. But is buying vintage really for you? Here’s a quick guide to the pros and cons of buying a vintage campervan…

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Without doubt, there’s a great deal of kudos attached to vintage campers and it can be a great deal of fun buying and driving something that’s a bit special. There are plenty of collectors clubs, meetings and a real social aspect to owning a vintage campervan and, of course, it still functions beautifully as a vehicle for getting around! They can also be great for budding engineers to get stuck into a conversion or restoration project and it can be a one-way ticket to your dream camping trip.

Down Side

The practical aspect of vintage campervans shouldn’t be overstated though, as plenty have huge problems owing to the fact that they’re just a bit old! Transporters in particular have been known to suffer reliability problems and a lot are on their last legs. Also, there’s a definite collector’s premium attached to a lot of campervans and you might end up paying an excess just because your model is regarded as desirable.

Overall, picking a vintage model isn’t the most practical of affairs and you might have to look out for specialist campervan insurance to make sure you get the proper level of cover. You’re not likely to get loads of miles out of a real vintage campervan, but if you’re after a second campervan, perhaps something to tour for a few weeks in the summer or take to the odd festival then it can be a joy to own something a bit special.

Surf Trips and Campervans

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

The campervan, especially the retro VW models, have been long associated with catching waves and plenty of people still use motorhomes as great ways to catch the best waves. With more space in the boot than a car there’s always plenty of room for a couple of boards and a shower room or even just a kettle is a godsend if you have just finished a cold session. So, how can you use your campervan to make the most of the waves?

Travel

It’s simple advice but if the main beach is crowded or flat then don’t be afraid to drive a few bays down to see what you can find. A slight change of angle or depth on a beach can be the difference between high quality surf and nothing at all. Make sure any beaches you surf at are lifeguarded, however, and always take stock of tide times.

Storage

Storing surfboards shouldn’t be a problem in most campervans and it’s worth seeing if you can manufacture a drying rack for wetsuits. Be careful of drying suits without any ventilation – you may cause problems with damp and mould. Check that your campervan insurance covers all your contents, too, especially if you’ve got a few nice surfboards in the back.

Camping up

It’s good to have a base at a campsite but perhaps plan a journey so that you move on to a different place every night. That way you’ll see the largest possible area of your country you can and you stand to meet some great people. You might need to book in advance for particularly busy sites but don’t worry too much if you’re in popular tourist areas like Cornwall or West Wales, there ought to be plenty of campsites around.

A campervan is a great way of catching some waves and can be a really practical way of getting a good, varied taste of a particular coastline. Test out your kit before you get on the road and make sure you’re covered for any surfboards or wetsuits left in your campervan.

How to Make the Most of your Campervan

Friday, December 30th, 2011

VW Campervans seem to becoming increasingly popular in recent times, with people all over the UK buying old campers and restoring them to their former glory, but are they really practical or just a big fashion accessory? Of course if you are a surfing fan a Camper is the perfect vehicle for packing up a load of gear, grabbing your friends and heading to the beach. But what about the non surfing Campervan lovers? How can they get use out of a VW Campervan?

Festivals

One place where we are seeing more and more campervans is at festivals. All around the UK, at different music festivals, people are ditching their small, flimsy tents and instead travelling and staying in a more spacious VW Campervan.

VW Campervans are perfect for music festivals as they provide transport, accommodation and fit in with the general feel and vibe of the events. You can also find some with running water and toilets installed, which will make it a much more comfortable experience! Of course before travelling to a festival in a Campervan you should check that they have parking available for them and that it will be covered by your Campervan Insurance policy.

Weddings

It may seem odd to some, but more and more people are now using VW Campervans as wedding vehicles! Not only can they create some memorable photos, but they can also add a sense of fun to the arrival and with space for plenty of people they can also be used for transporting guests between venues.

Brides will also be assured of an elegant and easy exit from the vehicle as most Campervans have large open side doors and an easy step down. Of course VW Campervans aren’t to everyone’s taste, but decorated with flowers and ribbons they can look beautiful and will most definitely be a talking point for your guests.

Staycations

As well as being ideal for the beach, VW Campervans make a great holiday home for staycations all over the UK and even for trips to Europe. They have plenty of room, are accepted by most caravan parks and can be fitted out with a small kitchen area, toilet and living space, although a lot do not come with this as standard.

So there you have it, no longer are VW Campervans the reserve of surfers and beach bums, but are actually becoming more popular and showing up in many different walks of life. If you have a VW Campervan why not tell us how you use yours?

Campervan Owner Wins National Award

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

A campervan owner from the Isle of Wight has won a prestigious award in recognition of her business skills and dedication to other businesses in her community.

Sarah Guy is an entrepreneur on the small island off the Southern coast of the UK and has a niche business renting out campervans to tourists. It was her skilful and dogged approach to starting out the business from scratch plus her thoughtfulness in promoting other local businesses that won her the NatWest Everywoman Hestia Award. The award is given to inspirational woman who run community spirited rural businesses.

Karen Gill, one of the co-founders of the awards, said “Yet again we have uncovered a host of role models who are testament that vision and determination equal success and that Britain remains a strong breeding ground for enterprise.”

Sarah started Isle of Wight Camper Vans just five years ago and never imagined the business would grow so quickly. She sold her car to raise the capital for her first campervan after getting the idea after touring Australia in a motorhome. The business has taken off much quicker than she expected and she now has to arrange campervan insurance for a dozen vehicles. Tourists love the idea of touring the island in a motorhome and Sarah has ensured her business does its best to promote the whole island. Her campervans give tourists information on where to source amenities that are run by local people, such as restaurants, cafés, laundry services and tourist activities.

The vans’ colourful exteriors are now recognised all over the Isle of Wight and tourists from all over the world are taking advantage of a novel way to see a beautiful island.

Invest in a Holiday with a Difference

Monday, December 19th, 2011

There is no doubt about it; we are living in a changing world. The financial and political turmoil experienced by countries all over the globe in the last couple of years has affected millions of us. It is beyond question that the world has changed dramatically since the credit crunch of 2008 and for those of us in the UK it has had a big impact on how we spend our holidays.

Hot air and empty wallets

Financial constraints have certainly affected the holiday plans of millions, the days of cheap air travel have evaporated quicker than the fuel coming out of a Jumbo Jet and expensive hotels in many cities of the world have made tourists consider just how they want to spend their hard earned cash. Many are now turning to an alternative holiday that can work out as an investment rather than an expense.

In the UK it seems that families are turning to a holiday solution that for many years was thought the preserve of the young and single. Campervan holidays are suddenly all the rage and the beat up bodywork of the old VW vans, now occupied by the young surfing generation are sharing car parks with swish newer models owned by families who know that many campervans and motor caravans hold their value very well.

A new camper van of course does not come cheap and on top of the purchase price comes extras such as road tax, campervan insurance and fuel, however, if the vehicle does hold its value, it can work out a better investment than money lying idle in a bank account that has a very low interest rate.

Freedom of choice

For families who are considering this option, a great way to find out if it really would be money well spent is to first try hiring a motorhome and spending their summer holidays trying it out.

A reputable hire company will organise most things in advance and campervan insurance which is absolutely vital will come as part of the deal. The hire company will give advice on places to stay and instructions on how to operate the more unusual aspects of mobile living. Try before you buy can be good fun and reinforce a decision which will open up a new world of adventure.