For years, I loved Van Life and VW Transporters, but with my day job, a car was always the most sensible option.
However, my passion gave in and I could resist no longer, life is too short and I have never looked back. I sold my car and with all the knowledge I have, made a purchase of a Transporter T6 Kombi. Extremely practical van, with the ability to use as a daily vehicle and as a camper van for Staycation.
I bring you videos of different VW Transporter T5, T6, T6.1, Van, VW California Ocean, Shuttle camper conversions.
Product reviews and discussing items you will use in your van and related items for general outdoor living.
Products I discuss will be in the video description and those from Amazon, will be easy located on my store page: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/staycationlifestyle
If you click on my Amazon affiliate links, I may receive a commission. I will only link products I use and believe in.
Any questions, please ask.
Carpe diem
#vanlife #camper #campervan
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Save 8 minutes of your life: TLDR: Just make sure it's clean and not covered by anything at all.
Love these Vids !!
Well, these campsites have just withdrawn their right to complain about people wild camping, this is on them. My vehicle is a commercial vehicle although I guess that means it is excluded from "no motorhomes" signs. tbh the DVLA defines whether it is a motorhome or a commercial vehicle. tbf I don't really like campsites anyway, too many people, basically just an outdoors hotel. At least I feel better for not using campsites now, thank you campsites for taking some of the guilt off me and shouldering it yourself. Plus if I stay somewhere wile, it'll be tidier when I leave too and I save money too. The insurance thing, how do they manage EV's then as they are as much likely to catch fire as a homemade camper van
Would have been better to see the inside of the van
I was recently at a dog training centre that had pitches for camping there was was the remains of a burnt out double axle caravan that would have been professionally built and type approval.
Do you know how the fire started? Someone causing a fire because they have overcooked their dinner would be irrelevant to how professional the conversion was 🤷🏻♂️ Depending on age, it might not be type approved. Had a DIYer added some extra USB’s, maybe another 240v socket to plug their tv in, added a solar panel possibly. Lots of variables, which further goes to show, how can a site determine a good from a bad. I’ve shown bad conversions in the past, but never name anyone, who is to say that a brand new van was made by a NCC approved converter, then the next day goes for a cheap solar panel to be fitted by someone else and they completely mess up the wiring and turn it into a dangerous hazard. The van is type approved, NCC approved, yet potentially a fire hazard because of the aftermarket work
Let’s be honest these camp site owners need to get over themselves and their woke risk assessments of theirs If I was a campsite owner I’d prefer DIY campers 🤣 least they’ll be competent enough to find and fix any issue Rather than someone who talks down on them like snobby pre built twats
Problem is, many of these risk assessments have been written as a result of people being sued over ridiculous things. They are only trying to protect themselves. Some DIY campers are better than some of the so called “professional” conversions. The DIYers take pride in what they do, as opposed to some of the poorer converters (there are good and bad converters)
Does make you questioning if building your own camper is worth it. I’m looking at a T6 or similar, but you have to have somewhere safe to stay overnight.
There are loads of safe places to stay. It’s just a matter of checking the T&C’s of where you intend staying before you book
Plasterers bucket
Fundamentally this is Health and safety gone absolute insane ; additionally it’s the insurances that push Up policy prices deliberately. I get the shabby van and consequently the undesirable types that “usually “ drive them ( I say usually because it’s that demographic that do try to stretch it and soil it for others . My own experience and my own opinion.
It’s a result of previous problems/claims that are causing the H&S to be stricter. Insurance premiums for leisure premises will rise as people continue to try and claim for tripping over things, being hit by bikes, slipping on grass etc etc. Shocking really. A lot of sites want families which they believe wont cause problems
@@StaycationLifestyle it’s an awful culture we now live in. Bring back the 70s/ 80s common sense and genuine people.
@@CampingNE fully agree. Seemingly getting worse as time goes by, not better
Or just get a Transit Custom or Renault Trafic and get stuff like cruise control, Aircon, heated seats, Bluetooth etc that VW are too stingy to include as standard. Not a fan of paying the VW tax myself plus the Transit is arguably nicer to drive
Everyone can choose their own preference, some people like to buy a van that will hold value and want to be part of the “scene” the events etc. Others have different opinions. The Nissan’s are also another good option. The Transit does drive very well and it’s going to be interesting what happens with the new alliance with VW. Regardless we can all enjoy the outdoors the same 😀
Interesting, in Ireland a van is either commercial or not. A converted commercial van must be inspected and signed off by an engineer with the log book changed and the approriate taxes paid to the authorities on the conversion. If is has a conversion that's not recorded it is in avery grey area and possibly not insured, owning a commercial vehicle privately in Ireland is a challenge. There is no "halfway house" so to speak.
It is interesting how different places have different rules. They are classified different again in Germany, Spain, France etc
I am the owner of one, in this one, is there a foldable bed? May I ask who built this amazing interior. Love is so much! How can I get in touch with Dean?
More fool these campsites if they’re being that selective. Are they going to stipulate no electric vehicles in case they burst into flames, are they going to say no diesel vehicles because they aren’t as quiet as petrol vehicles? How about stating no vehicles with gaudy colours in case it irritates someone. Plenty of other campsites so leave the pedantic ones to go bankrupt in the coming years. 👍
Some do not allow charging of electric vehicles 😀 Some will have had bad experiences, suffered losses, had claims, complaints etc. They can be selective to an extent if they are still going to sell out. I think we are going to see more sites being “statics only” going forward. Plus others increasing prices. With the increase in “tourers” whether that be campervans, motorhomes or caravans, the sites can choose their own rules/regs and have the clientele they want.
@@StaycationLifestyle Well so far I must have been lucky. I have a T6 Transporter but I have no intention of converting it. I have a DJI Power 1000 powerbank and a Halfords portable compressor fridge/freezer. Those items coupled with my tent and some decent camping equipment allows me to put my motorcycle in the back and enjoy a stress free relatively cheap break whenever I fancy it. Keep up the good videos, I get a lot of inspiration from your channel 👍
Where can I find bespoke ? Do they have a website
They sell through a dealer network only. Not sure of their dealers, but I know these 2 www.tamarcaravancentre.co.uk/new+used/motorhomes/filters/body/campervan/ janslifestyle.co.uk/campervan-sales/
Was refused Entry to a Campsite in UK because we are Left Hand Drive and our Habitation door is on the right.
Interesting. Only really seen that happen with caravans, as there are lots of EU spec motorhomes in the UK now
Lots of these rules have been brought in since Covid. The size of awnings these days are also absolutely massive so I can understand why some places refuse vehicles. Unfortunately there are now lots of entitled people and a distinct lack of common sense around which hasn't helped. I know that a campsite near Durdle Door won't allow camper vans without certain internal criteria. It feels as if we are being demonised. Try parking in Bournemouth, that's truly a nightmare
Size of some awnings are huge now, as the vans themselves, they just get bigger. People need to start thinking of others in many regards and the world would be a better place
Everything got worse after convid ; it was of course part of the long term plan so not surprised :)
@@StaycationLifestyle I don't understand what's happened in the last few years to civility and kindness but I don't half miss it!
@@suewheeler5795 It's not a nice direction we are going in. BUT there are still some lovely people 😀
@@StaycationLifestyle and long may we keep finding them 🙌
Fully understand why some of the rules are in place, but you cannot get away from the fact that some sites are just down to Caravan & large Motorhome snobbery and they dont want campervans on site. I always look at the T&C's and book accordingly, but the amount of sites I've been on that state no commercial vans or sign written vans permitted, yet it seems if you turn up with a caravan on the back this is ok.
Some sites are more ruthless than others and will enforce it. Can they charge more for a caravan/motorhome ? 🤷🏻♂️ I know there is a move by some sites to reduce touring pitches in favour of statics.
You put polzeath in the pic you can stay there I’ve been there in my tranny custom a few times
Smacks of big brother Britain. What has cupboard space got to do with anything?
I can only imagine that they believe if it has cupboards then it’s a proper campervan 🤷🏻♂️ I have no idea. One night they could easily have a van with “cupboards” that’s got poor electrics and dodgy gas, yet they could turn away a far less likely van to cause problems, because the storage isn’t fitted (For example VW’s own California Beach) 🤷🏻♂️
There certainly are some crazy rules! I find the more commercial motorhome ones the worst! I'd much rather be in a nice basic chilled one 🤙
Driven by different factors. The litigation culture no doubt is a big factor in this 🤦🏼♂️
@StaycationLifestyle it's the culture we live in now unfortunately 😔
It certainly is 😢
Wow I didn’t even know this was an issue, we have recently bought an ex-fleet vehicle that we are converting in stages and would have got caught out by this if it wasn’t for this video. Thank you for uploading
Not all sites have strict rules, but some do, so it’s just a case of checking and making sure you don’t get caught out. Enjoy converting your van and the experiences it will give you 😀
@@StaycationLifestyle thank you so much, we have enjoyed binge watching your videos getting tips and information on products etc. we own a solo stove after seeing your video and love it, plus all the info you have given has been invaluable so thank you so much
Thank you. That’s a lovely thing for you to say. Always nice to hear I’ve helped people 👍🏼
I’ve had a problem with a camp site in chertsey Surrey because I own a transporter not a campervan
It’s becoming more common. Changes implemented since previous years
2:22 door strip. Your videos are great. The VW Golf door close is a lovely solid sound, I wonder if you can advise what the door strip is called and where to buy it, please. Cheers
Sadly you couldn't have fitted more wrong but hey, every day is a school day!
Please explain? The size of the panel means it can’t go any other way. It’s quite simple, when the bars aren’t being used, one is moved towards the other not blocking the panel. When the roof bars are in use, the panel is blocked anyway 🤷🏻♂️ A different size/type of panel and things could be different
Bring to the United StatesPLEASE
Explain its a great
Awnings are alright when the weather is dry. A nightmare to put in the van wet, then have to get it out in the back garden at home to dry. Because transporter and other similar height vans are a similar height to the awning, there is no ' fall ' towards the awning, from the van, then the awning tunnel makes a wonderful swimming pool - not good. I use an extendable curtain rail, from the floor vertically placed, with a rubber scraper taped to one end to make a wig wam shape with the tunnel, to stop it pooling on the tunnel roof, which stops rain collecting. Most of the time now though, I have completely solved the divorce in a bag problem. I have purchased a tow bar and a 7.5 metre fixed bed 4 berth caravan, when I need more space, result comfort, marital harmony and happiness. As far as the isabella, where is the sewn in ground sheet ? You could hardly use it as an extra accommodation sleeping place, could you ?
Sorry, but would rather see the fitting process, rather than looking at you rambling on about other mods you want to do to your nice van
Giving me confidence that maybe I can start small if I want a campervan. Thanks! Also these days, many people have power banks for phones and travelling. I think a car or van 12V charger is sufficient to keep one of those and a phone topped up. Plus a power bank is very useful beyond the van
Do all kombis have 2 sliding doors? Cheers
No, some kombi’s only have a single sliding door
I have found that if you leave half of the side between the awning and van in place it is an ideal place to "hide" the loo.
£1,699 😱😱
Less than that, but not far off. It’s a premium brand
No built in ground sheet gives it a no from me …. They say you pay for what you get but in this case you pay and don’t get ….
I get it and I think it should be an option, but with it being multipurpose I imagine that’s why there isn’t one. That and the fact that caravan awnings don’t have sewn in groundsheets. You can pay for quality and get less included. A 2 seater sports car only has 2 seats, but your paying more than a car with 4 seats 🤣 I joke, but I do understand what your saying
@@StaycationLifestyleI get it but a built in ground sheet would make this perfect 👌 I bought a Vango air awning ground sheet and carpet that had never been used off eBay for £275.00 and it does the job 👍
@@karlkjj I think if they had a zip in one, that would work. Then it can have best of both worlds
I just usepop up gazebo sawn sides together
Some sites don’t allow gazebo’s and could ask you to take it down. Some don’t even allow drive away awnings, they are that strict
I have a similar design outdoor revolution air beam awning with built in ground sheet, 1 airway that crosses like this one, great quality, sides open up, with windows and fly nets, can be put up in less than 10mins. cost me shy off £500, I’ve had it for for years. It’s the perfect awning for me for my T6. Worth a review
I have my awning from Magra. It is great and what I can say … the biggest challenge is to pack it in when it is raining 🌧️
It always rains when it’s due to be packed away. And if it isn’t raining, it will be covered in dew 🤣
Loved the video and like this awning. Will you be putting down any sort of ground sheet of matting?
Thank you. I have the Isabella carpet from when I had a caravan so will be using that. They call it carpet, but it’s like matting really
No ground sheet?
No. I’m guessing it’s due to the caravan roots which don’t have them and the fact it’s a canopy also.
Sorry. But I definitely font agree with. Regarding design msonly. 1 the tunnel falls back to the vsn Should be away from the van. If your van is level. Which we always try to get level. Will leave a puddle on roof of tunnel 2 no down in groundsheet. Bugs worms. Slugs etc can readily get into awning 3 ropes, complete overkill. Standard ropes are perfect. Not bulky 4 notice you didn't push door fully open.. It define the catches tunnel 5 tunnel attachment will take longer to remove than standard. And longer to re intall 6 not just for vw Any van of that size it.will fit Transit Vivaro Trafic Peugeot
That’s ok, we all have different opinions and more than happy to discuss when disagreements are polite. Too be honest, I quickly put it up, so need to check the slope and also opening the door, next time. I will follow up in a future video. The ground sheet is a good point, but i think it’s because it’s a multi use awning being a canopy also. Plus, the caravan world, they don’t have seen in ground sheets. I think it would be a good option to have a zip in ground sheet maybe. There is a different tunnel for those vans, there are subtle differences
Hello to everyone and let’s just say that is very much still a divorce in a bag. After pegging out please drive away and then reconnect it. This is what people on campsites pay money to watch. Then please doing this in the rain or wind of both. When the tunnel is full of water on top does the door catch the roof? Forget packing it away you’ll be dead before you pack it. I have a t6 with a van go air they are brilliant when you don’t move away and when the weather is good. My advice is buy a pop up tent and just use that instead of all that hassle. Only speaking from experience.
Watch this space, I will do exactly that. Happy to be proven wrong, but this system works. Will test out the water on tunnel as you mention. I did get it back in bag, without much hassle. These days they make the bags bigger than they used to. Not all sites accept pop up tents, that said not all sites allow unattached awnings, meaning your not meant to drive away 🤷🏻♂️
Anyone know supplier of genuine load rated roof rails? Would prefer black, T5.1 SWB
I don’t know this company, but states OEM 🤷🏻♂️ ceautomotive.co.uk/product/volkswagen-transporter-t5-t6-roof-bars-zgb7h0071151/
@@StaycationLifestyle Where did you get yours from?
@@phaedrus2k They were on when I bought it
Was interested until 1, has no sewn in groundsheet. 2, £1500 and 3, if you want all those panels off, there won't be any room left in the van when storing them 🤣.
🤣 It’s not for everyone. I will cover in future videos of using it, why I went for this one. The sewn in groundsheet is an interesting one, as at first, i thought the same, but with it being multipurpose as a canopy, I feel a sewn in groundsheet would hinder that. With previous awnings, it’s always been nice to have an area without a groundsheet. Perhaps future models they could have one that zips in and out. Good point about storing the panels 🤣
@@StaycationLifestyle I've had a couple of old tents (pre campervan) without sewn in groundsheets and had mice in the bloody tent. Irrational fear of mine 🤣
I always remember an old tent, without ground sheet many years ago and woke up to find lots of earwigs. Never forgot it
High quality, by any chance? 😂 I like the multi use of having it as a standalone canopy. Just ordered myself a Vango Faros iii Air Low for our 6.1! Just wanted a small awning to put our bags/little extra room!
“Actually” (I said that a lot as well 🤣) I’d never make a presenter, but I do enjoy making videos. That was one of the reasons I wanted it. Having a canopy will give me more use out of it. We all have different requirements and needs. There is a lot of choice out there to cater for everyone
Looks like to much effort for the older people as you run out of puff half way through also plus lots of zips the price to much
For a normal person who hasn’t got a heart problem it’s fine. I get out of breath walking at the moment. I was going to use my electric pump, but thought I would show how this one worked. The zips are a huge positive as it means it can be opened and closed in different combinations. I appreciate the price could be deemed high, it’s not for everyone, we all value different spec’s
That deffo wasn’t put away correctly 😂😂😂😂
Erm, I couldn’t possibly comment 🤣 It went back it didn’t it 😃 I think because i had opened the windows, I lost how to fold it. It was my first time with this one and will do it differently next time, BUT it shows that it does easily go back in the bag
Love the review, you’re looking fitter every week. Well on way to full recovery. I’m in Newquay in August may see you around lol
Thank you. You may have noticed i was very out of breath pumping it up. I’m still tired walking, but improving. I will be down that way a lot around August
We are in Treloy from 26th July to 16th August out and about everyday. You never know may end up in same place at some point. Be nice to let you see in my Wellhouse.
Isabella is quality, but I much prefer Outdoor Revolution products lifetime guarantee on tubes can’t be over inflated seen in groundsheet etc. I have Movelite T4e love it plenty of extra space.
Everyone has their preferences. All have different requirements. You will see in the coming months why I needed this one 🤔 The airframe warranty is useful if it’s a manufacturing default.
For £1500 I'd expect it to be pretty much be made of gold. That's a serious amount of money for a small vw van awning!
It is a lot, but the Isabella quality is superior. Have a look next to something else. Definitely not for everyone, but nor are VW’s, people will choose cheaper and go for Renaults, Fiats, Vauxhalls etc. And even with VW’s, people buy ones at £100k plus, when they could buy one for much much less. Difference is spec and not everyone values the spec differences. Lots of choices
This is the awning I’m going to buy. Thanks for the review 😊
I certainly like it. Looking forward to using it properly soon
I wouldn't. Roof slopes back into van. No sewn in groundsheet. And not wide enough for door to fully ooen
Vws are crap they are rust buckes when they leave the factory 😂 and their is no end of videos on engine breakdowns "they are a lucky dip" 😂😂😂😂😂😂