Bear with me....seriously considering taking next summer off work, sort of trial retirement...want to go away, me and the pooch for maybe several weeks at a time touring this wonderful country. SWMBO will join me when she can but will still be working, off to Wales, Highlands, Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland - have done most of this before (except Wales) but love it so much just want to go, take my time and potter about. Too long a trip for the Mog, luggage and security issues also don't want to spend a fortune on hotels....so I thought the answer is a campervan....NOT a motor home, definitely not a Motor home but a converted VW or Vauxhall panel van is the thought....anyone any experience?
Had 3 Campervans and toured Australia, New Zealand and USA in different hire vans.
USA was a motorhome 7 litre V10's worth of rolling whale but fun in a big country.
NZ was VW Crafter based but in 2litre lacked guts. Simple layout this size gives you built in loo.
Aus was Merc Sprinter faster than VW but harder suspension.
Ford Transit first camper built myself from Reimo kit. Instructions in German and for LHD. Worst bit cutting off the roof with jigsaw for elevating roof.
Second Autosleeper Topaz on T4 2,4 TDI. Great LWB van with loo.
Autosleepers are well built and hold value.
3rd Murvi Morello based on Fiat Ducato LWB 2.8 litre remapped. Great long distance van about same size as Sprinter/Crafter.
Remap gave 30% better mpg and transformed the engine. Murvi local converter and regular award winner. Great vans to live with.
4th Current Murvi T5 SWB 2.5 TDI. Bags of grunt 6 speed quieter than T4 and the T6's quieter again. Great van especially for lanes, exploring and 2nd vehicle.
I took the Fiat based van to Scotland and did find the driving hard compared to Continent. For driving, stick to the VW's if you can, especially the areas you are exploring. They will go down the 6'6'' lanes the next size up will not. Take a storage tent so that you can leave some kit out of the van and save your pitch. It is surprising how adapable you become at living in a small space.
Go for the well known converters as they hold their value and proven record. My son has a Jerba which is very innovative and you have VW's own California. Bilbo's are good and nearby. Give them a visit and see them being made.
Just like Morgan.
Good luck and have a great time.
