One can write a lot of general information about this subject, indeed, it would be better to deal with one particular project, that's just what we're now going to do. Let's assume, that in your family there are one, two or even three enthusiastic leisure-time sportsmen/women, who, e.g., are keen to drive a buggy around at the lake on a long weekend. What we'll do, is to conceive a moderate motorhome, which can also be used for the family holidays. However, our project will be thought out for a family with no more than two children.

We'll assume that you have above average DIY abilities, which is why your judgements are realistic when comparing your output with that of the industry. The result: We'll buy a van and leave it, at least from the outside, almost unchanged. Due to the fact that the financial means in a family are generally limited, we'll choose, using VW as an example, a van/bus, which in the version still to be fitted out, is a good € 20.000 cheaper than the VW- mobile home.

Of course, compromises have to be made. Thus e.g., we won't choose the Blue Motion engine, because oddly enough, VW doesn't offer the warm-air stationary heating together with this power unit. Should you opt for the more economical version of the T5, you would have to make do with the water-heating, which we would not recommend. You may already have noticed, we are trying to avoid the standard equipped gas installation, thus also avoiding the respective periodic MOT check-ups.

What is nice, is that, as an extra, VW offers the van with revolving seats, a rear window and side windows in the middle, which possibly may even be sliding. The rear door can also be had as a lift-up tailgate or two doors which open out to the side, in this case however, the bicycle carrier (for up to four bikes), which is also available, must be taken into consideration. By the way, in the version with stationary heating, the second battery is included. Another reassuring feature is the 80 litres fuel tank.

One very important aspect to be considered, is the possibility of having a High-Roof. Should this be chosen, then there would really be very little work to be done on the outside, however, then you can also forget about keeping the vehicle in a normal sized garage. It might be interesting, to hear what the insurance company has to say about that. Of course, one could fit (or have fitted) a folding roof from one of the suppliers, or one could choose the basic California Beach version without a kitchen etc., since this model has this fabulous VW roof, which cannot be had, even as an optional extra.

We've decided on the High-Roof, which gives us 1,9 meters of standing room. The van has another important advantage over the factory-fitted version. It can be also be ordered with a longer wheelbase. Admittedly, because of its additional 40 centimetres in length, it is no longer really suitable as a second car. Indeed, no-one can stop you from test driving the longer version. You can decide for yourself afterwards.

Our idea of leaving the outside of the vehicle unchanged also has a positive aspect. It can be used right from the word go, even if the fitting out is not yet finished but still secure enough, thus avoiding endless arguments about when it will be ready for use as a camper. Apart from that, you'll then know best, how e.g., the respective loading spaces are to be laid out and how many beds you really need.

We've chosen the VW as an example, because first of all, it's very popular and also because the prices for the various models are the most widely spread. Basically, the transporter range of any other manufacturers, who quite often offer more variability in their van range, could also be considered. However, please do us one favour, don't simply mount an obsolete caravan body on a version with a cab and just a chassis. 05/14