Looking at possibly getting a camper van to travel around Europe for an extended time (multiple months but not sure how many yet) so looking for advice on Camper vans from any owners.

Will probably be a modern VW camper type rather than a mobile home so what should we look out for and what is best avoided. I think we would opt for one with a extendable roof but other than that we haven't really started looking.

We also though possibly getting a LHD vehicle as we will spend most time in Europe but not sure on how this might effect prices etc.

Any advice welcome.

Don't know much about these to be honest (but considering ditching the caravan for one), but I do happen to know they'll be loads of inspiration at the NEC this weekend as its the main show of the year:

http://motorhomecaravanshow.seetickets.c...CFWkz0wodk2MB5w

There's lots of Autotrail van conversions that look absolutely fantastic albeit eyewatering prices. http://www.auto-trail.co.uk/ I think they're the benchmark so probably plenty of choice below this. I've been looking on gumtree and prices are considerably cheaper than the dealer & autotrader prices although obviously not without risk.
Good luck and have fun whatever - definitely something I'm itching to do.

ah pity we are busy then. TBH it will be at least 2018 before we do it so plenty of time yet....maybe next year - thanks for the heads up though.

I think we would be looking at something smaller than the auto trail range, most likely based on a VW transporter/Transit/Toyota as Mrs H wouldn't want to drive anything too big. We hired a Toyota Hi-Ace camper van in New Zealand which was fine for us. No kids either.

Time for my 2p again..

Mazda Bongo

I've got lots of info if you need it.

Our bongo is down at Plymouth ATM getting some work. Maybe alittle older than you liked. And smaller especially if your away for some months.

Is it at Allan's? He's a bongo legend.

I still think the bongo is a good alternative to a vw transporter. Much cheaper, and not much smaller.

My Mum has a Fiat Ducato which is just a nice size for 1-2 people and it's not massive or horrible to drive. It has the 2.3 engine, so plenty of power for steep hills, etc too.

With it being a Fiat, it'll probably be cheaper to buy than other makes

She bought hers new in 2004 and I think the only trouble she's had with it is the drivers window motor keeps packing up.

It's a Tribute model if you happen to see one in your search.

Yup at Allan's ATM. Lots of work but we bought it so cheap it's soo worth it.

Op if you do go for a smaller van a pop up room is a must!

Away for months at a time with a small can may start to be a bit cramped,especially if the weather turns.
We also had a very basic hiace van in NZ for two months in spring.
It was a bit limiting.

A slightly larger professional conversion of a lwb high top van would be a good choice imo.

Pop ups are a lot of faffing about. But I except that's just my opinion.

I am thinking about changing our large camper van for a converted van next year.

You won't go wrong touring France for a few months. Camping paradise.

If you are going to be away for a month or so at a time, I honestly think a bongo or VW is likely going to be to small. we have a talbot and even thats small once you have packed it up for two people for a long weekend.

My dad and bro did 6 months around Europe in a 70'd Dub camper.

If you're worried about living space, get an awning.

Thanks for the advice.

France will be on the cards no doubt as will Italy - the rest is still open.

I know space will be an issue but need to see how the misses feels about driving anything much larger. I think a week hiring a larger type might be in order to see how things go.

I have been looking at MB Sprinters/VW Crafters type vans particularly in the "race van" config which looks idea for a number of reasons. The open storage area many have looks perfect for storing bikes, tents, extra kit etc and a fixed double bed is also a bonus. Also if its more of a van fit out with too many bodywork mods I am thinking a self build might be a good way to reduce costs.

A key consideration for me will be parts/repairs. Not sure how the likes of bongos stand when in Europe. Something more widespread with plenty of commercial users seems like the best idea.

I must endorse Theresa's comments on the Ducato.

"Downunder" they are the most used campervan/mobile home vehicles on the road. In the last month, I have just done over 5000km touring in our Grande Punto and about every 2nd or 3rd one we saw was a Ducato.

I would go for the van conversion rather than the "box" on the cab/chassis due to the size constraints of the larger vehicle accessing narrow roads and parking spaces etc. Also with the "box" type, the departure angle, due to the long overhang behind the rear wheels, can pose a problem.

Photo here of what my Mum's Ducato looks like. It's a nice size

Fiat have their own Camper Van website for advise; help service issues etc. Fiat Campervan The Ducato is probably the most widely used base out there. I have an Italian 7.5 mfr conversion and i have to admit it's ace If space its an issue (and even if it isn't) you can get a drive away awning which as the name suggest you can leave in position whilst you go tootling off. You can get air inflated ones which save a lot of faffing around with poles and guide ropes etc

I rented a vw T5 california last summer, it really was a brilliant campervan (rental was about £600 a week I think from Hilton Rental near stansted but it was really only suitable for two people unless it had an awning, plus in the UK the doors open onto the traffic (not such a problem in europe). Spent a week travelling over to Wales and back and it was brilliant.

I would have prefered the beach version which has more room but no cooker / storage because although the cooking area was good it wasn't really practical to have a fry up and the extra room / seats would have been more practical with a gas bottle slung in the back. Unfortunately the california's hold there value really well, or at least they do through the dealer network. Electrical everything (pop top, heater, windows etc) made life easier plus the front seats could be turned around. Economy wise it got around 33-36mpg on diseasil.

There is a chap on pistonheads that has converted a bog standard T5, it looks amazing but i reckon a crafter would in the long run be a more practical proposition for a long holiday just because of the additional room. Like this one http://ghostwriter.belodedenko.me/lining-and-insulating-our-crafter/