Hi All. I thought I might do a build thread about my Swamper styled 2015 reg T5.1 T32 140 after a year of fettling and tweaking. I love reading other folk’s posts and build threads and have found some really useful help, ideas and inspiration so I hope this of interest to others. So in September 2021 I sold my LWB T5.1 180 BTDi Caravelle and became “vanless” for a few weeks while I hunted for a new project. It’s surprising how bereft you feel with no van on the drive. I knew I wanted a reasonably newish T5.1 (or maybe T6), ideally SWB (LWB was a bit big for the driveway ). Ideally 6 speed ,140, tailgate and air-con. I had a budget anywhere from £15K to £25K depending on the van and work required. I found , and then kept coming back to, a yellow ex-AA 2015 T5.1 on eBay that was fairly local ( only an hour away ) , a reasonable price and had a decent semi converted interior with R&R bed although still a hardtop. It had 2 x side windows fitted but no rear tailgate window. This appealed on a number of counts. It ticked the tailgate, air-con, 6 speed, 140 boxes etc but I also loved the yellow colour! Having most of the interior work done would save me a lot of time and money but also still give me the flexibility of adding my own touches as well as adding some of the major stuff like a pop top. I could see in the advert images that it had a quality interior including RIB seat, furniture from Camper Worx in a Vohringer blue grey metallic finish, a solid composite worktop with an interesting radius fridge step out. It looked to have some nice black alloys which turned out to be nearly new Oz 18"'s. Appliances already fitted were a 12v JustKampers fridge and Dometic 9222 combi sink / hob. It also had a full set of decent internal silver screens, a nice bonus. The van had a full AA service history up to 90K as well as more recent entries including a cambelt and pump change. Current mileage advertised was around 110K. So quickly booked a trip to view, met the nice guy selling it, had a test and inspection, did the usual checks, bit of a haggle, handshake and bought for £17K including a full tank of fuel, screens and an unused matching table, rail and folding leg. Happy with that as it left me with around £6 to £7K in the kitty to complete the van to my liking, possibly more if required. View attachment 209387 View attachment 209388 View attachment 209392 View attachment 209389 View attachment 209390 View attachment 209391 View attachment 209393 I had a list to sort out from my inspection: The front driver seat was a bit worn and needed new foam, cab USB wasn't working , the engine warning light was coming on intermittently. Tow bar not working, a couple of very small dinks and chips, rear bumper had a "lump" under the tailgate. The roof still had the GPS and aerials attached plus the (supposedly) plugged holes from the AA lighting bar. The Sargent K115A electrics just needed the external hook up sorting. But, fundamentally, nothing major so time to crack on. I had decided ,virtually from the moment I saw it, that the final outcome was going to be more of a Swamper style than lowered "lean ‘n’ mean". I had downloaded loads of Swamper van images off the Net as inspiration and really like that style of van. First jobs were some wing decals, black sequential side indicators and wind deflectors. Big fan of deflectors , even have them on my little Kia Picanto daily now ! View attachment 209394 View attachment 209395 View attachment 209396

Where did you get your "removable snack table" from

 

Hi, I got it as a present from my daughter a few years back for another van. Kept it for this one.

She got it off Etsy but I can't find it anymore so I guess they no longer make it.

Etsy is however good for lots of interesting and quirky stuff though

I bought my custom chopping board for my sink off there for example.

Vw table - Etsy UK

Check out our vw table selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops.

www.etsy.com

Welcome to the forum BTW and thanks for reading my thread!

 

Another thing ticked off the list:

New 120ah AGM battery fitted. Easy fit ( apart from the damn weight of the thing ) and holding charge well. Been topping up from solar the last few days.

Thought long and hard about a 100ah lithium but because we have the All Powers and Eco Flow power packs I really couldn't justify the expense and I have an MSCraft swivel base to save for.

Hopefully the diesel heater LCD won't drain too much off it while standing on the drive.

 

Do you have an inline switch for the diesel heater? I'd heard that's a good way to make sure they don't drain the battery.
Thought about replacing my AGM with a 100 or so lithium but I also fancy fitting solar so I'm thinking that would keep the battery topped up enough (for my uses at least), so whilst a lithium would last twice as long, it would still need topping up regularly so the money would be better spent on solar.
How long do you find your power packs last? And what are you running off them?

 

A switch is a good suggestion for the display. I am surprised they are not available as a third party add on with the amount of Chinese ones sold .
It does concern me that it is on all the time but I guess I can simply reach behind and disconnect it while the van is standing.

I top up the van battery with a 120W folding panel. It's OK. I wouldn't say it's super efficient but it does go through the Vitron MPPT so that helps.

I have a small 288wh All Powers power pack that I bought used cheap off eBay and is just used for basic 12v jobs like running the awing air pump, tyre inflator or flag pole and awning LED lighting at festivals. It has 4 x USB's so occasionally charges the phones too.

The main power pack is the Eco Flow River Pro 720wh. I love this bit of kit. We use it in the awning to power a 12v Indel B portable compressor fridge and also the 12v Kampa Geyser hot water tap plus phones etc from USB if required. I have run the Indel fridge for a full 4 days at a festival topped up by 2 x Renogy 100w folding suitcase panels. It has a built in MPPT controller so solar can plug straight in. ( The All Powers does too. Most of these lithium packs like Jackery, Bluetti etc are the same ). Charges to full in 60 mins from mains too.
I haven't tried it yet with a small Nespresso machine but as it has a boost function I think it could run it.

EcoFlow RIVER Pro 720Wh Portable Power Station 240v Battery Pack | Generator Pro

EcoFlow River Max 720Wh 2 x AC OUTLETS, 600W OUTPUT AND 720Wh CAPACITY The RIVER Pro can power up to 9 devices simultaneously with multiple outlet options, including 2 pure sine wave AC outlets. It offers up to 720Wh power and it weighs just 7.6kg, which makes it a portable power source for...

generator-pro.co.uk

 

That sounds pretty nifty! I'd probably have similar use for one - something just to run a compressor coolbox (have a Dometic 40L jobby) and the odd extra like awnings lights on an evening.
When we go camping the coolbox usually lives outside in the awning as it's pretty bulky and awkward to have in the van with us if we go out for the day, so that's usually left plugged into the EHU to keep cool). I'd like to swap it for something smaller and more portable - like the ones with wheels on so that we can actually take it out with us and if we buy food whilst we're out it can be kept cool in the van until we get back to the campsite.

 

A truly spectacular thread, I've loved every word. Inspired to spend more cash lol

 

Cheers mate, really pleased you liked the build thread!

Got to say everyone on here is really good at spending other people's money and funnily enough we love it!

 

Latest update:

Swapped out my fairly new 120ah AGM for a 100ah Lithium. Couldn't believe how much lighter this was than the ludicrously heavy 120ah!

Got a good deal off the Bay, guy had this new battery as surplus from a unfinished project.

He was pretty local so collected for £225. Might be good, might not. For that money it's worth a punt.

Got to be better than the crappy AGM it is replacing. NEVER AGAIN will I have an AGM / Lead acid based battery.

Has built in Bluetooth too which is useful. Bought some post adapters and it's now fitted, no issues at all.

 

Bargain that. I'm really pleased with my 100ah Renogy but paid twice that. Never run it down even half full as the 200w solar panel always tops it up during the day.

 

Nice! A basic Renogy 100ah is £329.99 on amazon at the moment with a voucher. Cracking value!

Renogy 12V 100Ah LiFePo4 Leisure Battery, 12V Lithium Battery up to 5000+ Deep Cycles, Core Series Battery with BMS Protection for Trolling Motor,Off-Road,Cabin,Marine,Off-Grid Home Energy Storage : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Renogy 12V 100Ah LiFePo4 Leisure Battery, 12V Lithium Battery up to 5000+ Deep Cycles, Core Series Battery with BMS Protection for Trolling Motor,Off-Road,Cabin,Marine,Off-Grid Home Energy Storage : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.co.uk

 

How do these trickle solar panels work? I'm weary of leaving the van for extended periods over winter and wondered if plugging into the house was an idea just in case, the prevent everything dying out. Seeing a lot more posts with these solar panels around

Love the battery change - Total win win at a bargain price to be fair!

 

How do these trickle solar panels work? I'm weary of leaving the van for extended periods over winter and wondered if plugging into the house was an idea just in case, the prevent everything dying out. Seeing a lot more posts with these solar panels around

Love the battery change - Total win win at a bargain price to be fair!

I have a small 20w attached to the van battery ( main engine battery, not leisure ).

Weatherproof so just leave it outside attached with crocodile clips and the basic controller it came with.

Seems to do a reasonable job just trickling away. Also comes with a decent selection of cables / outlets.

Amazon.co.uk

 

Bargain did well there my pair were just short of 750 but they do work so much better, be wary of going too low though contrary to popular belief lithiums can be discharged too much!

 

Crackin find that! Gotta say a lithium replacement is on the cards for me I think before summer next year as the prices are coming down all the time. I've had my AGM coming up to 5 years now and whilst it hasn't been used hard, I would prefer having the extra capacity (and less weight!) and I've already got a decent Victron DC to DC that'll handle the charging side of things.

 

Quick upgrade today. I changed the very long Vamoose pop top straps to a couple of Quick Pop straps.

Saw these on here as a recommend from a member ( apologies, can't remember who but thanks for posting )

They come in a few lengths, I went for Small as the gap on my strap holder is 70mm. Spot on.

My existing long straps worked well but were a real pain to wind up once the pop top was dropped.

I did like my 3D printed yellow bobbins though

New straps fitted. Really tight lock and so much quicker!! Literally a few seconds to lock it down.

Great little upgrade for £20. Recommended.

QuickPop

QuickPop is a simple and affordable quick release Pop Top strap designed to cut down the time spent releasing or tying down your pop top to a mere 4 seconds so you can spend your holiday time doing the important things.

www.sjb.design

 

Anything that makes life easier is a bonus 😎

 

I have been tempted by these but never jumped onto them. Do you still have the main straps to help with pulling the top down/letting it up gently?

 

I have kept the long straps in the van as it's handy to have a pair of ratchet straps.

They were useful when fitted to reduce the tension of the gas lifts pulling the roof down a bit as a small section of Velcro came away from the lower frame in high wind and I needed to glue a new piece in place.

Otherwise not really required as Vamoose fit hand grips between their light fitting for pulling it up and down. Same on the bed board.

 

Hi All. I thought I might do a build thread about my Swamper styled 2015 reg T5.1 T32 140 after a year of fettling and tweaking.

I love reading other folk’s posts and build threads and have found some really useful help, ideas and inspiration so I hope this of interest to others.

So in September 2021 I sold my LWB T5.1 180 BTDi Caravelle and became “vanless” for a few weeks while I hunted for a new project.

It’s surprising how bereft you feel with no van on the drive.

I knew I wanted a reasonably newish T5.1 (or maybe T6), ideally SWB (LWB was a bit big for the driveway ). Ideally 6 speed ,140, tailgate and air-con. I had a budget anywhere from £15K to £25K depending on the van and work required.

I found , and then kept coming back to, a yellow ex-AA 2015 T5.1 on eBay that was fairly local ( only an hour away ) , a reasonable price and had a decent semi converted interior with R&R bed although still a hardtop. It had 2 x side windows fitted but no rear tailgate window.

This appealed on a number of counts. It ticked the tailgate, air-con, 6 speed, 140 boxes etc but I also loved the yellow colour!

Having most of the interior work done would save me a lot of time and money but also still give me the flexibility of adding my own touches as well as adding some of the major stuff like a pop top.

I could see in the advert images that it had a quality interior including RIB seat, furniture from Camper Worx in a Vohringer blue grey metallic finish, a solid composite worktop with an interesting radius fridge step out. It looked to have some nice black alloys which turned out to be nearly new Oz 18"'s.

Appliances already fitted were a 12v JustKampers fridge and Dometic 9222 combi sink / hob. It also had a full set of decent internal silver screens, a nice bonus.

The van had a full AA service history up to 90K as well as more recent entries including a cambelt and pump change. Current mileage advertised was around 110K.

So quickly booked a trip to view, met the nice guy selling it, had a test and inspection, did the usual checks, bit of a haggle, handshake and bought for £17K including a full tank of fuel, screens and an unused matching table, rail and folding leg.

Happy with that as it left me with around £6 to £7K in the kitty to complete the van to my liking, possibly more if required.

View attachment 209387

View attachment 209388

View attachment 209392

View attachment 209389


View attachment 209390

View attachment 209391

View attachment 209393

I had a list to sort out from my inspection:

The front driver seat was a bit worn and needed new foam, cab USB wasn't working , the engine warning light was coming on intermittently.

Tow bar not working, a couple of very small dinks and chips, rear bumper had a "lump" under the tailgate.

The roof still had the GPS and aerials attached plus the (supposedly) plugged holes from the AA lighting bar.

The Sargent K115A electrics just needed the external hook up sorting.

But, fundamentally, nothing major so time to crack on.

I had decided ,virtually from the moment I saw it, that the final outcome was going to be more of a Swamper style than lowered "lean ‘n’ mean".

I had downloaded loads of Swamper van images off the Net as inspiration and really like that style of van.

First jobs were some wing decals, black sequential side indicators and wind deflectors.

Big fan of deflectors , even have them on my little Kia Picanto daily now !


View attachment 209394



View attachment 209395



View attachment 209396

nice work!

 

Buddy, just a little thing, re your new solar panel................when you run the cables somewhere easily accessible fit a dual pole isolator...........it's just really handy to be able to cut the PV array rather than have to disconnect at your Vic MPPT. Preddy sure you have vic MPPT? Mate bit time pressed soz breif wanted to mention this. I uncovered an anomoly with my set up this weekend will explain more once I know what's gone on

ATB

stu

 

That all depends on your MPPT and the way it works for the record I didn't buy Victron because it didn't make it clear in the instructions that it would independently monitor and shut-down the inputs as required ( it may do and I missed it), however having breakers/fuses/switches on all your inputs is good practice, I used the trip breakers which double as a fuse or I can just manually trip it and cut the power to all inputs (and outputs) from the DC2DC which doubles as the MPPT

 

Great idea pal, I hadn't thought of that. I can easily fit one under my Victron MPPT, loads of room. Like this one?

Amazon.co.uk

 

I used one of these in fact I used the same breakers all over very small and easily visible or switchable

30A 12V/24V/48V Automatic over-current DC circuit breaker / switch

30A 12V/24V/48V Automatic over-current DC circuit breaker / switch

solarika.co.uk

 

That all depends on your MPPT and the way it works for the record I didn't buy Victron because it didn't make it clear in the instructions that it would independently monitor and shut-down the inputs as required ( it may do and I missed it), however having breakers/fuses/switches on all your inputs is good practice, I used the trip breakers which double as a fuse or I can just manually trip it and cut the power to all inputs (and outputs) from the DC2DC which doubles as the MPPT

You can set up a VE network with a BMV 712 smart and fit a temp sensor on the smart shunt to shut down the MPPT from charging the batt at low temps in the victron world . The overiding thiing I take from all this Suty is there isn''t a right way for all of us ,interior or leccy we all have differing needs use differing products If I had my time over I may well have used the renorgy Dc DC just cause it don't get hot LOL.seriously though do like haviing separate boxes means I have redundancy if something goes pear shaped.

tis all tools for a job bud

Great idea pal, I hadn't thought of that. I can easily fit one under my Victron MPPT, loads of room. Like this one?

Amazon.co.uk

Buddy let me come back I for the life of me can't remember what I used but think it's cheeper

 

I prefer a single option if it breaks I know exactly who to blame! The Renogy unit can get warm I have had it warm on a sunny Day when it was pulling maximum from the panels whilst running 2 fridges, you also get the temp sensor built in a, bluetooth option (optional) and fall over charging for your starter Batt once your LB is full as you say one shoe dont fit all. for me I wanted maximum space minimum faffing

 

@suty yeah as above do like that renogy DC..................... Renogy make some great products

Orion this or something very similar.I'm not using it as a trip so the spec bar it being massively overkill is irrelevent............. Wylex RECSW2S DP Isolator Switch with Enclosure 100A REC2S

Mate the base Idea for this comes from the yanks.in particular Nate Yarborough's " Explorist life" you tube channel..............I believe the yanks as part of their regs have to have a DP isolator fitted
So to me as a know nuffiin copying that mind set of " well there must be a reason" seemed worth while ..and it is worth while...if you have questions please refer them to a sparky not a stu 🤣

Mate I banged me 'ead against this wall (leccy) for around 2 years whilst making bits 'o' wood smaller My thanks go to Andy here 2 you tubers whom are both worth a study Nate already linked and Will Prowse and a certain Dellmassive on the T6 forum.hope it's ok mentioning another forum

all the luck bro

 

Hi orion.
Nice van.
Looking at your thread I've seen your snack table. Like it!. How/where did you get the table clip from?

 

Hi orion.
Nice van.
Looking at your thread I've seen your snack table. Like it!. How/where did you get the table clip from?

Cheers bud, thanks for taking the time to read my thread. Glad you like it.

My daughter bought me the little table a few years ago when I had my old Caravelle.

It was off Etsy but sadly seems to have been discontinued quite a while back.

Worth a browse on Etsy though as there are some neat items from small makers on there.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=VW+campervan&ref=search_bar

https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=VW+snack+table&ref=pagination&page=2

 

Just read the whole thread this evening, great build, given me some ideas for my van (which will be staying as a van, but with some camper type mods)

Looking forward to further updates

 

Just read the whole thread this evening, great build, given me some ideas for my van (which will be staying as a van, but with some camper type mods)
Looking forward to further updates

Thanks Mr S

Glad you got some ideas for your camper / motor bike carrier project.

I picked up loads of ideas on here from other builds and vans , some crackers and really useful.

Next big job is 35mm lift suspension swap over. Eibach springs, THQ BIG H shocks, drop links, top mounts etc. Booked in garage 30th April

Also I have finally booked my Thule Back Up Box into the spray shop to have the lid colour matched to the van's AA yellow.

Will update with pics as I go along

 

Your build is so inspiring - The matched Thule box will be superb!

Stupid question but does the box come off to be "loaded" or do you just load it in place and close it?

 

Your build is so inspiring - The matched Thule box will be superb!
Stupid question but does the box come off to be "loaded" or do you just load it in place and close it?

Cheers Fiz

No, the box stays on the Easy Base and the grey section just hinges up. It is lockable of course. Massive inside!

When we get to site or festival and have unloaded we just take the entire Easy Base and box off the tow hitch ( 2 min job )

Can then access the tailgate and also it's a great waterproof store for all those loads of empty tent / chair / table bags you seem to get lumbered with after setting up.

Honestly one of the best things I have ever bought. Here's a great write up from a first time user on a trip:

https://www.familyadventureproject.org/thule-backup-box/

 

Shocks were getting a bit tired so time for a suspension upgrade!

SoLow BIG-H ( special edition Bilsteins ) extended shocks

https://solowsuspension.com/product/transporter-lift-kit/

Eibach 35mm springs

https://solowsuspension.com/product/eibach-lift-kit/

New Poly rear spring mounts
Meyle drop links
Meyle T6.1 upgraded top mounts and nuts.
New front bushes
Also had new rear discs and pads done at same time.

Next jobs ( roughly in order )

• Fit 200W Renogy solar panel to roof
• 2 x grab handles to A-pillars ( my A-pillar trims don't have the drill hole positions indicated unlike some, what joy.... )
• Remove rear quarter swamper grilles and replace with fake windows
• Finally buy and fit a swivel base for the bench seat !

Got to say I much prefer the more lifted look of it now.

 

Shocks were getting a bit tired so time for a suspension upgrade!

View attachment 224404

SoLow BIG-H ( special edition Bilsteins ) extended shocks

https://solowsuspension.com/product/transporter-lift-kit/

Eibach 35mm springs

https://solowsuspension.com/product/eibach-lift-kit/

New Poly rear spring mounts
Meyle drop links
Meyle T6.1 upgraded top mounts and nuts.
New front bushes
Also had new rear discs and pads done at same time.

View attachment 224405


View attachment 224406

Next jobs ( roughly in order )

• Fit 200W Renogy solar panel to roof
• 2 x grab handles to A-pillars ( my A-pillar trims don't have the drill hole positions indicated unlike some, what joy.... )
• Remove rear quarter swamper grilles and replace with fake windows
• Finally buy and fit a swivel base for the bench seat !

Got to say I much prefer the more lifted look of it now.

Looks absolutely stunning..you've gotta be proud of how it's looking now!