What kind of VW Van for Europe and Morocco surf trip?

Post by **vwsurftrip** » 09 Sep 2006, 00:33

Dear Group Members,

I am flying into the U.K from the U.S on Sept. 23 to look for a VW camper van to live in while I surf the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal and Morocco. I am a veteran of surf trips but COMPLETE newbie in the world of VW campers.

I recognize that my brothers and sisters in Europe are the experts in this kind of trip, hence my post in a UK forum.

Please advise as to the best kind of VW camper model, year for this kind of trip. One of the more pressing issues is whether to get a diesel or gasoline powered van. Reliability is clearly a concern, and though I have no problem getting down and dirty, the reality is that my mechanical skills at this point are LOW.

You can send me a private message and I would even be happy to call you from the U.S. Anyone who has done this trip with some sage advise will be rewarded with surf karma for years to come.

Much thanks in advance,

Aaron

Post by **Mudlark** » 09 Sep 2006, 12:46

You dont say how much money you are looking to spend ?

Although my own instinct would be to push you towards a VW T3 Syncro (Vanagon) because i like em' and the 4wd may be useful in places like Morocco; I reckon you will get better reliability and MPG from a Diesil powered T4 (eurovan) camper 1992 year onward.

As your going to be doing most of your mileage in left hand drive europe you may be better off buying a left hand drive van in Germany where they are more plentiful and relatively cheaper.

But its all very much down to money, so give us a clue?

Post by **vwsurftrip** » 09 Sep 2006, 18:19

Thanks for the advice thus far. To answer your question, I would like to spend no more than 4000-5000 Euros, but if I find that I am just going to buy trouble in that price range, than I can actually spend a considerble greater amount, like as much as 9000 Euros, but that is a truly last resort. This trip could last as long as 8 or so months, and though not stupid, I just dont have car mechanical skills, yet. The Syncro could be a great option, but I am trying to avoid the complexities of the 4 wheel drive, and my understanding is its just not necessary, even in Morocco. I need something reliable, and that I can live in is the bottom line, and preferably in that 4000-5000 Euro range.

Post by **ginge** » 10 Sep 2006, 10:13

if you go to the vec for sale section there is a guy called craig there selling a van as hes going to aussie to surf he is well in to the surfing scene the forum name is the[[ die bulli famillie]] and the add is 84 van for sale if you look at his add his phone number and all the rest is on there i spoke to him and hes been surfing and wind surfing all over the place so say thats the man to talk to hope it helps you out you more than likly got a good bit in common he also has a left hand drive coming up for sale even better in europe

dave jones [ginge]

Post by **strangely brown** » 10 Sep 2006, 11:48

Hi vwsurftrip, if you are after some tips/hints/advise on the trip you are talking about you can pm me, i have done this trip three times all with various vw's. Last one ended up staying for a year working and surfing around the Cassablanca/Rabat area.

Strangely Brown.

Post by **lhd** » 11 Sep 2006, 00:28

France, Spain and Portugal and Morocco.

I think it would have to be lhd,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_on_the_right
And the cheapest place to get a good "cheap" one is Germany.......
If you look at ebay.co.uk & ebay.de for a week you will be amazed at the difference in price and quality for the buck. Most good vans over here are over priced, where as in Germany they are a much more common vehicle...

Aslo if an overall of performance economy and reliability is desired, imho maybe a turbo diesel or TDI....
lhd....................................

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 11 Sep 2006, 10:06

Does it need to be VW? (playing devils advocate here) how 'bout one of the Merc Diesels form the late 80's,built like tanks. 4WD, on a beach you will be glad of the option to drive along in sand, depending on how remote you want to get. However 2WD camper with snow chains could be a real life saver when you find the tide coming in towards your home on wheels

Maybe even sniff out one of the limited slip diffs, although they are extremely rare.

Post by **jed the spread** » 11 Sep 2006, 10:39

if only money wasnt an object.then again ship it home and you could have a few bob in your sky rocket.(sorry this means some money)

jed

Post by **Mudlark** » 13 Sep 2006, 12:01

You know that diesil is nearly £1 a litre here right ? and its not much better in europe, so the fuel economy has got to be a prime consideration; so its a diesil on MPG and reliability stakes.

But the T25 (1980-92) versions were only 1.6 and the best of those was a TD version, still underpowered in a heavy camper in my view though some will argue not.

take a look on http://www.mobile.de and search by VW T3 and then T4 under Wohnmobil (campers) and you will see whats available and the kind of going rates.

Id be looking for a T4 Tdi camper if i were you, that is unless like me you are averse to engines being in the front

Whatever you get spend as much as you can afford on a low mileage/well maintained model; it will serve you well and still have some money in it when you come to sell it.[/url]

Post by **Russel** » 14 Sep 2006, 06:55

Hi there
Having surfed and done surf trips to a lot of different countrys for the last
23 years(i am of South African origin)i think i have enough expirience to awnser ure questions.I have also done a 3 month trip through France,Spain,Portugal and Morroco (will be back in morroco in late december.)Remember the best time to be in morroco for surf is November to middle March.
The european countrys the vehicle dosnt matter to much but for Morroco
I strongly suggest a diesle(bad quality petrol)4 WD is not nesesary in Morroco to find surf unless u are venturing below Tagasute(ankar point,Killers,boilers etc)This is just north of Agadeer if u didnt know.
Stay away from TDI or petrol injection.If it brakes there they dont have the equipement or experteese to fix it.
Probably the best vehicle u could do this trip in is a 1.6TD westfalia hightop.It has everything besides a shower u will need and u can keep a good quiver of boards in the roof away from prying hands.(get a lock for ure spare wheel.)
Hope that dit helps,if u need any other info please let me know.

Post by **JohnJono** » 14 Sep 2006, 11:40

Hi

Me and my girlfriend did a surf trip around south west France about two years ago in are 83 westy, i recommend you get yoursalf a copy of THE STORMRIDER GUIDE EUROPE it will help you find some of the best surf spots. It covers, England, France, Portugal, Morocco and more. I got my copy from Amazon.co.uk