Last year I took my VW T5.1 transporter to be converted to a camper. The van had been a loyal workhorse for 7 years and if I was going to invest in a camper at least I knew the history of this vehicle. Originally the van had barn doors to the rear and this works best for trades persons as the doors are being constantly used for getting tools and materials in and out, but for a camper the rear area is not used for getting in and out and additional shelter comes in handy. So my first task was to source a secondhand tailgate. After several weeks and a round trip of a few hundred miles I turned up at T-Spoke Camper Conversions a very happy chap. A few weeks later I was not so pleased with myself as the tailgate had been repaired with a load of filler so the handle housing was insecure. Other than this set back all the rest of the work was moving on nicely. The elevating roof was installed, the kitchen, bed and storage areas were fitted.
The next big decision was to replace the double passenger seat in the front so we have two captain seats. This was a definate upgrade as the single seat is much more comfortable for the passenger and it allows access to the rear without going outside (handy on a wet day). If you’re following another shopping trip for me. A few weeks later after finding a contact on the T5 forum I was heading to Devon to pick up a pair of seats and onward to Cornwall for some interior treats for the new camper. Next the van went into the paint shop to have the elevating roof and back door painted. The inside has had a complete makeover and the outside looks pretty good as well. Sam and Simon have done a great job at T-Spoke Camper Conversions.