Buying a VW T5 Campervan? Here's What You Really Need to Know Thinking about buying a VW T5 campervan? Welcome to the start of something amazing. Whether it’s a weekend surf trip to Devon or a pan-European escape, the VW T5 is the van-life icon that gets you there with serious style. At Gatwick Campers, we don’t just sell dreams, we help you drive them. So here’s our straight-talking, adventure-inspiring guide for potential buyers eyeing up a T5. What is the VW T5 Anyway? The VW Transporter T5 is the fifth-generation model in the legendary Transporter line. Built between 2003 and 2015, it’s known for being robust, reliable, and downright fun to drive. It’s the Swiss army knife of vans, capable of being your weekday runaround and your weekend escape pod. Why the T5 Still Shines Bright Despite newer models hitting the roads, the T5 remains a top pick for campervan conversions. Why? Classic VW Design : It looks as good outside your house as it does parked up beside a Cornish cliff. Mod-Ready : Easy to customise—roof pop-tops, smart interiors, tech upgrades? Yes, please. Solid Mechanics : The T5’s engines are known for their longevity when well-maintained. Resale Value : Good conversions hold their value exceptionally well, especially with a little help from us (wink). What to Look For When Buying One Let’s cut through the fluff. If you're eyeing a T5, here’s what to check: Service History – Full service history? Chef’s kiss. Watch for regular oil changes and cam belt replacements. Mileage vs. Condition – High miles aren’t a dealbreaker if it’s been lovingly maintained. But signs of rust or neglect? Walk away. Conversion Quality – Not all conversions are created equal. Ours? Professionally crafted with safety and comfort in mind. Pop-Tops & Electrics – Check the roof mechanism and all onboard electrics. Flick every switch and button. (Then flick them again.) Ownership History – Multiple owners aren’t always bad, but fewer typically means better care. How Much Should You Expect to Pay? Prices vary wildly depending on age, mileage, conversion quality, and spec. Expect something between £15,000 and £35,000 . But remember, it’s not just a vehicle; it’s your ticket to freedom. Want income from your investment? Chat to us about our Campervan Management Programme . We'll rent it out for you when you're not using it. Adventure + passive income = win-win. Should You Buy or Let Us Build One for You? You’ve got two roads: Buy a ready-to-roll T5 from us or the market, with a conversion that suits your lifestyle. Start with a base van and let us create your dream on wheels. Our custom builds balance practicality with personality. Final Thought: The T5 Lifestyle A VW T5 isn’t just a campervan. It’s sunrise coffees in the Highlands. It’s sleeping under stars in the South Downs. It’s music festivals, mountain hikes, beach BBQs—and making Monday mornings optional. Thinking about buying one? Come have a look. Have a brew. Take a van for a spin. Gatwick Campers is here to help you own your adventure.
The Camper Van Bible (2nd Edition)
A brutally honest (and slightly heroic) review of Britain’s most ferocious garden game
Thinking about hitting the road in a campervan for the first time? High five. You're about to unlock the kind of freedom hotels just can't compete with, sunsets from your bed, breakfast with a view and the power to chase the coast (or hide from the rain) at will. But before you turn the key and roll into the sunset, here are some tried-and-tested tips from the team at Gatwick Campers to make your first campervan trip smooth, safe, and seriously fun. 1. Choose the Right Van for You Not all vans are created equal. Are you a couple craving cosy weekends? A family of four with bikes and board games? A solo explorer needing stealth and simplicity? At Gatwick Campers, we help match you to the right van—before you book. 2. Don’t Overpack (Seriously) Space is premium in a camper. Pack layers, not wardrobes. Essentials, not “just in case” extras. Pro tip: soft bags fit better than hard cases. And you can always add marshmallows. 3. Plan (but not too much) Book your first night or two, especially in peak season. After that? Let the road guide you. Part of the joy is following your nose—and maybe a rainbow or two. 4. Know Your Power Campervans run on leisure batteries. Want lights, a fridge, and phone charging? Know what’s plugged in, and when to recharge (a campsite hook-up or a good drive will do). 5. Practice Parking & Setup Take a quick spin before the trip. Practice parking, reversing (hello, mirrors!), and setting up your awning if you’ve got one. You’ll thank us at the first stop. 6. Use Campsites (at least sometimes) Wild camping’s cool, but sites have showers, Wi-Fi, waste disposal, and often great views. Plus: fewer awkward “where do we park?” convos at 11pm. 7. Bring Entertainment Rain happens. Pack games, playlists, books, and download a few offline maps and shows before you go. Campervans are cosy—make the most of it. 8. Respect the Road & the Outdoors Drive slower than you would in a car. Wave at fellow campers. And always leave a spot better than you found it. Nature’s our playground—let’s treat it well. 9. Ask Questions (we love them!) Not sure about gas bottles, heating, or how to fill the water tank? We walk you through it all before you set off—and we’re just a call away if you need us mid-trip. 10. Relax Into It Things might go a little wrong. You might forget the corkscrew or take a wrong turn. That’s part of the magic. Campervan life isn’t perfect—it’s fun, freeing, and real. Ready to Rent? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or your first vanlife taste-test, Gatwick Campers is here to help you rent with confidence. Drop us a message or browse our campervans, we’ll get you road-ready in no time.
Because a little drizzle shouldn’t dampen your day! Let’s be honest, British weather is unpredictable at best. But rain doesn’t mean ruin. In fact, some of the cosiest, most memorable campervan moments happen under cloudy skies. So pack your waterproofs and let’s embrace the puddles. Here are our top 10 tips for thriving (not just surviving) campervan adventures in the rain : Choose Your Pitch Wisely Find higher ground. Avoid spots at the bottom of slopes or next to rivers unless you fancy waking up in a moat. Pack a Pop-Up Awning or Tarp Create a dry outdoor space for boots, barbecues, or just chilling with a cuppa while the rain taps a rhythm on your roof. Invest in Good Ventilation Keep windows slightly cracked to avoid the dreaded condensation fog-fest. Rainy outside doesn’t mean steamy inside. Go Full Snug Mode Blankets, fairy lights, hot chocolate... you know the drill. Turn your camper into the ultimate rainy-day den. Plan Cosy Activities Board games, books, portable projectors for van-movie nights—bring the vibes indoors when nature says “not today.”
Your First Campervan: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide So, you're ready to own the open road. Let's make sure you do it right. Buying your first campervan is a big decision—but it's also one of the most exciting investments you’ll ever make. Whether you're dreaming of spontaneous weekends, cross-country road trips, or a new lifestyle altogether, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy a campervan with confidence. 1. 🧭 Define Your Adventures Before you even look at vans, ask yourself: How will I use my van? (Weekend trips, long-term travel, festivals, remote work?) How many people will travel? (Solo, couple, kids, pets?) Where do I want to go? (City stealth camping, off-grid, UK only, Europe?) 👉 Your answers shape the kind of van you need—don't skip this step! 2. 🚐 Know the Campervan Types There are a few main styles to consider: Micro Campers: Compact, car-like, perfect for stealth city trips and solo adventurers. Converted Vans (e.g., VW Transporter, Ford Transit): Flexible, customisable, and great for couples or small families. Coachbuilt Motorhomes: Bigger and bulkier, but full of space and comfort—think bathrooms, fixed beds, and big storage. Campervan Conversions: At Gatwick Campers, we specialise in quality converted vans with great layouts for real adventures. 3. 🛏️ Choose Your Layout Wisely Think about: Bed type: Fixed bed? Rock-n-roll fold-out? Pop-top? Kitchen setup: Full hob, sink, fridge—or are you a BBQ-in-the-wild type? Toilet/shower: Necessary for some, not for others (hello, campsite facilities). Storage: Bikes, boards, boots—make sure your gear has a home. 4. ⚙️ Understand the Tech & Specs Here’s where we get a bit geeky (but it’s worth it): Mileage & service history: Lower isn’t always better—reliable service history is gold. Fuel type & MPG: Diesel is still popular for torque and economy. Leisure battery & solar: Want to go off-grid? You’ll need the right power setup. Insulation & heating: For all-year comfort, check thermal lining and diesel heaters. 5. 💷 Budget & Financing Set a realistic budget, and consider: Initial cost: Vans range from £10,000 to £50,000+. Ongoing costs: Insurance, tax, MOT, servicing, campsite fees. Finance options: At Gatwick Campers, we can help arrange flexible finance or leasing plans. Rental income: Offset costs by renting your van through our campervan management service. Inspect Before You Buy Whether new or used, always check: 🚨 Signs of rust or damp 🧰 Mechanics (get an independent inspection if unsure) 🔌 Electrical systems and gas safety 🛠️ Conversion quality—professional builds are safer and better long-term We offer expert pre-sale inspections and only sell vans that pass our high standards. Try Before You Buy Still not sure what’s right for you? Rent first. At Gatwick Campers, many of our buyers start with a hire. It’s the best way to see what works in real life before committing. The Long Game: Resale & Upgrades Look for: Good resale value: Popular models like VW Transporters hold value well. Upgrade potential: Can you add solar? Extra beds? A bike rack? Community & support: We offer servicing, storage, and upgrade options to keep your van adventure-ready. Why Buy from Gatwick Campers? Handpicked, quality vans Expert advice & no-pressure sales Test before you commit with rental try-outs Earn while you’re not using it with our rental management program After-sale support, servicing, and community events Ready to Start? Come visit us, chat with our team, or browse vans online. We’re not just selling vans—we’re helping you start your next adventure. 📍 Based near Gatwick Airport 📞 01293 123 456 📧 hello@gatwickcampers.com
