Suggestions for T25 for family of 5?

[martinj]

Hi, I am new to this forum. Had an early Bay years ago but ended up selling it when I ran out of options to store it - unfortunately I only ever drove it on the end of a tow rope, and never actually slept in it!
Now looking to buy a T25 to replace our caravan, managed to convince the wife after Dubs at the Castle in Caldicot last weekend that a T25 with a Spacemaker Tunnel awning will be great for us and our 3 kids. Got chatting to some friendly people at the show in the name of research, and now planning to go to the Volksfest Wales show next month.
What we need is advice from more experienced Dub campers on the best models to look out for. We have a 3 month old baby, a 6 year old and a soon-to-be 10 year old to accommodate. We like the look of high tops with windows in, and driver/passenger seats that swivel around. We will obviously need 3 seatbelts - is this easy to get?
As a trained mechanic I can deal with mechanical issues, but bodywork is not my thing. How much should we expect to pay for a van in decent condition, so we can just chuck our stuff in and start enjoying the lifestyle?
Thanks for any suggestions and advice!

[happy camper]

Hello matey welcome to the forum i to am new to the t25 thing and like you i am a mechanic albeit self taught which will save you a huge amount in little bills, tho i'm no expert i'll offer what little i do know,

Have a look at as many vans as you can to get the feel of whats out there how they should run sound drive etc and what sorta money they are fetching, take a fridge magnet, tourch and some stepladders with ya, filler has to be expected on these vans due to age but on the plus side filler wont ever rust check all over the vehicle with the magnet to try and establish what sort of conditions under the paint, chassis are very strong but have a good crwal about underneath with the torch paying special attention to seatbelt mounts and table support areas, engines are fairly bomb proof but you'll want to see lots of bills receipts and old mot's to verify mileage check all the fluid levels prior to test driving then take her for a good 30 mile drive see how she warms up and when shes at running temp with the stat open the temp needle should sit just under the little light in the middle of the gauge if the red light starts to flash when she's nice and warm there could be a head issue, upon your return from a testdrive have a look under the rear to ensure there are no leaks of any kind.

Check all the gutters by using the ladder also pull up as much carpet as you can as the floors can rot out specially the front as this is where they can trap water if the front carpet / mat is glued down whats it hiding ? check the battery tray under the drivers seat as this is also another rot hotspot disconnect and pull the battery out if needs be. check all the switches work and look for a van thats as well kitted out and been regularly used as vans that sit about for 8 months of the year are gonna be prone to rot.

Good luck matey keep us posted

[kevtherev]

Buy a late van.. later the better
don't buy anything rusty

Viking spaceaver will sleep 6 without awnings
most hightops and pop tops sleep 5 with out awnings

awnings get full of crap

read the wiki and see whats what

[BigTam]

My 1990 Westy is for sale along with a Kyham awning, more than enough room for you and the family,

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=54927" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[T'Onion]

My 1990 Westy is for sale along with a Kyham awning, more than enough room for you and the family,

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=54927" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and for the money is a cracking van

[slobbo]

Have a look at the wiki (link at top of page). Loads of info on there.

I have 2 boys aged 7 and 10 and seat belts were an issue for us. When you are looking at vans don't discount the ones without belts in the back as it isn't that hard to fit them even if it is a panel van conversion.

[martinj]

My 1990 Westy is for sale along with a Kyham awning, more than enough room for you and the family,

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=54927" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi
Thats a lovely looking van that you have,we need to sell our caravan first and are hoping to go to alot more vw shows this year so that we can see as many different vans as we can to get a feel for the layouts.
Many thanks for your help
Martin+ luisa

[kevtherev]

more vw shows this year so that we can see as many different vans as we can to get a feel for the layouts.
Many thanks for your help
Martin+ luisa

Get to vanfest for a day and come over to the 80-90 paddock, find me and I'll give you a tour

[1664]

Get to vanfest for a day and come over to the 80-90 paddock, find me and I'll give you a tour

He drinks Caffery's at shows

[Campcharlie]

i concur

Get to vanfest for a day and come over to the 80-90 paddock, find me and I'll give you a tour

He drinks Caffery's at shows

[kevtherev]

it wasn't a lead in, you know

but it's true

[timthetrader]

For sleeping arangements I have a 1990 good condition Autohomes which has a high top and sleeps 6 confortable take a look at the garage for the pics. As ever one has said look at late rust free models.plus I have seatbells on all seats.

[Llamapup]

I have a 1990 Westy that seats and sleeps 4 and have been considering for a while as how best to increase this to five. I have considered various options including selling my van and buying a T25 with a full width bed rather than my 3/4 width bed that I currently have. My biggest concern was seating ,as this affects the practical use of the van on a daily basis and involves making decisions about the safety of passengers. Ultimately I have decided the following:

1) The extra person will sit in a rearward facing jump seat that bolts to the back of the passenger seat battery box. The 3 point seat belt is fixed to the B-pillar and the seat frame. Apparantly these were a rare VW option and are safe for seating while driving unlike my storage box that I currently have. I've seen them for sale on the German Ebay going for about £150.
2) The extra person will sleep in my Khyam motordome Awning with the sleeping compartment that clips into the inside. I suspect that it will be me that ends up in the awning.

Hope this helps.

Llamapup

[Grantourer]

Hi, checkout issue 41 of VW Camper & Commercial. There is an article about a family of 6 and a Westfalia High Top. Link to back issues http://www.jazzpublishing.co.uk/index.p ... backissues" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I hope this is of use to you.

Regards, Graham