Planning your first camper van

It’s amazing how good VW T5 and T6 transporters are in the snow, especially the 4 Motion of course. It’s a good job too, as the weather recently has reminded us that it’s still winter.

However spring is on its way and thoughts are turning to days away exploring, picnics on the coast and of course the big family holiday.

Recently we’ve seen a steady stream of excited customers working out the exact specifications they want for their van. Cupboard colours, trim colours, flooring colours, RIB seat options, solar panels, diesel heater, under worktop LED lighting, extra windows, USB charge points, Loc8 Table System, valuables safe, bespoke leather trimming, Reimo rail, rear speakers etc etc. The list can become daunting. So where do you start?

Here is our recommendation as to what to do and in which order. And it all starts with getting the van right first.

No matter how many times we warn against it, people sometimes buy the first van they see as they are so excited at the prospect of planning their conversion. They then spend a lot of money getting it converted and live with it day in and day out, constantly irritated because it wasn’t the right van in the first place.

1. Size matters
Decide whether you want a SWB or LWB. SWB remains the most popular amongst customers, as these vans are easier to drive and park. But the LWB will give you 28% more usable floor area inside and allow you to have a longer bed if you need it.

2. Doors matter
Do you want a tailgate, which will give you a bit of protection from the weather when around the back of the van, or do you want barn doors which are easier to open when in a car park for example?

3. Specification matters
If you want A/C, or cruise control, or a heated windscreen etc get a base van that has it already. These are not things that can be easily added later.

And finally…

4. Some things don’t matter
If you want colour coded bumpers they can be done later, so too can you easily change the wheels or the stereo. You can add aftermarket features at almost any stage too, so don’t worry too much about those things.

Whatever the weight classification (T26, T28, T30 or T32) a conversion will work fine, although T28s and T30s are the most popular. Genuine VW lowering kits are available and can be fitted at any time.

Whether the van has a bulkhead or not makes little difference to the conversion and is not something you should get hung up about (although if you have the choice, no bulkhead is better for us thanks!).

And windows? We can fit them easily, so don’t pay extra for a van simply because it already has windows fitted. But if it already comes with windows, no problem.

And now the real fun can begin….planning the actual conversion!

20 Years Of Trust

You're In Safe Hands

With over 20 years of experience, we recongnise the fundamentals of what makes a great camper van. All of our camper conversions are certified to the highest standards.

Bespoke Touch

Custom Built Camper Vans

All of our VW Camper Conversions are custom built, right here in the UK. All of workmanship is carried out at our HQ in Yorkshire. We build everything our selves from the ground up, and covered by warranty.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

“Incredible attention to detail. The guys at 8-Ball helped me find a van to convert and after a few meetings we agreed the spec and I got everything I wanted.”

“Comfortable living. The comfortable living space and extra storage that your design gives us is incredible. I would have no hesitation in recommending your conversions”

“High quality & full customised. If you’re looking for a high quality and fully customised individual camper conversion then look no further than 8 Ball Campers”

Latest Camper News & Blogs

 

News

Key choices when briefing your converter

We talk to The Camper Van Channel around the accessory options available to you when briefing your camper van convertor.

News

Choosing the best van for your camper conversion

Considering a camper van conversion but unsure about the base van? We talk with The Camper Van Channel about selecting the correct van for your conversion.

#8BallCamper

We love hearing from and seeing our customers' camper vans being used. We would love you to share photographs of your adventures 8 Ball Camper Vans, simply use the #8ballcamper hashtag on social media.

Get In Touch

Location

18 Rowley Road
Little Weighton, Hull
East Yorkshire, HU20 3XQ

Phone & Email

01482 848236
info@8ballcamperconversions.co.uk

Opening Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 4pm
Saturday: 9am - 1pm

ABOUT US

8 Ball Camper Conversions have been converting VW vans into stunning campers and surf-day vans for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our build quality and simplicity of our designs. Only the highest quality lightweight materials are used.

CONTACT US

8 Ball Camper Conversions Ltd.
18 Rowley Road
Little Weighton, Hull
East Yorkshire
HU20 3XQ
T. 01482 848236
E. info@8ballcamperconversions.co.uk

© 8 BALL CAMPER CONVERSIONS

Copyright 2020, 8 Ball Camper Conversions Limited
All rights reserved
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Website by Ghost Digital