Used Camper Vans

Safety Tips When Towing a Camper Trailer: Inspecting Tires and Breaks

admin — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:47:05 +0000

Whether you’re an experienced camper or looking into camper trailers for sale, there are many factors to consider to have the safest trip when towing your trailer. Looking into your tires and brakes are two crucial aspects that we will cover in detail as you read on, but please know that there are other things you should have on your safety checklist before taking any trips, so keep yourself informed.

Taking care of your tires

You can never check your tires too frequently. A flat tire on your trailer can go easily unnoticed, especially in tandem wheels or multiple axle trailers, which can result in your wheel catching fire. While you’re on the road, it’s recommended that each time you stop at a gas station you walk around your trailer hitting your tires lightly with a tire iron, making sure they all sound the same. Also, try to spot any tire with higher temperature than the rest, feeling each one with your hand. This is a sign of a tire getting low. Finally, before any trip you should measure the pressure on every tire, making sure that they are within a safe range.

Wheel lug nuts in good condition are crucial for a safe trip. It’s important to check them constantly because they will loosen over time, especially on a new trailer or a wheel that has been recently replaced. In these cases, you should check the torque on all wheels after driving from 25 to 50 miles. Acquiring a torque wrench will allow you to do this much faster and better. Make sure you always have all lug nuts on your tires, never drive a loaded trailer with a damaged or missing lug nut.

Tow Vehicle and Trailer Brakes

First of all it’s important to note that the more break you have the better off you’ll be. This sounds very basic, but what it means is that having good, effective breaks on your towing vehicle and more breaks on your trailer will ensure a safer drive. Also, having disk brakes instead of drum brakes will be better, as they are more effective.

If you’re starting out driving with a trailer you should be prepared for breaking emergencies. Practicing for this is as simple as finding a road with no traffic, getting up to good speed, and breaking suddenly. The objective of this is to get a good feel of how much pressure to apply on the breaks and the distance it takes to slow down. Be careful not to overdo it and lose control, just get to know your vehicle, so when an unforeseen event happens you feel more confident and calm.

Reduce the wear on your breaks, aid them by using your engine and lowering the gears, especially as you drive at greater speeds and going downhill. It’s equally important to avoid riding your breaks (having your right foot on the accelerator and left on the break). This will overheat your break and they will lose their effectiveness much faster.

Having electric brakes on your trailer is a great asset, but you should be careful when working with them. Learn as much as possible about how electric breaks work and how to adjust the controllers that trigger them. You should know that after setting this controller, the brake applied to your trailer tires will not depend on how hard you press the pedal, but on how you adjusted it. For example, if you turn it all the way up, the slightest pressure you apply can result in locking your trailer breaks.

If you are on a rush to leave it’s easy to forget what to check on your trailer, so having a checklist you can quickly go over is highly recommended. After consulting with a San Diego towing company, they pointed out that keeping an eye on your tires and breaks constantly dramatically increases chances of having a smooth ride, so don’t take this lightly and add these two important items to your checklist.

Safety Tips When Towing a Camper Trailer: Inspecting Tires and Breaks is a post from: Used Camper Vans

4×4 Camper Vans for Sale

amy — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:16:42 +0000

If you’re looking to truly explore the open road, there’s no better way than with a 4 x 4 camper van. Instead of sticking to the highway, you can choose to take off across the beach, head up a scenic mountain and have no trouble hauling any kind of vehicle or trailer. While 4 x 4 camper vans are relatively rare, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck. In this guide we’ll give you a few models to keep an eye out for and what to do if you can’t find the perfect camper van with 4 x 4 capabilities already on board.

4 x 4 Camper Van Models
If you’re looking for 4 x 4 used camper vans, you’ll have fewer choices than if you don’t need 4 x 4. That said, having the ability to go off-road is definitely an asset if you want to see varied types of terrain. Here is a list of some of the popular camper vans that are available with a 4 x 4 option:

VW T4 Kombi Syncro 4 x 4- Not many of these were made, so if you can get your hands on one, take advantage.
Ford E350 Conversions – These tend to be extremely popular. The diesel engine is great for fuel economy and there are many companies that specialize in doing conversions with the E350. Note that fully tricked out vehicles are likely to set you back $65,000 – $75,000.

Expand your Options
One possibility is to look at all types of used camper vans for sale, and then add 4 x 4 capability after you’ve made your purchase. There are a number of outfits that specialize in retrofitting wheels, suspensions, breaks – the works. Granted, this method is more expensive than looking at camper vans for sale that are already equipped with 4×4 capabilities. However, 4 x 4 camper vans can be few and far between so sometimes it makes sense to pay a bit more to get exactly the right camper, and then add 4 x 4 later.

A 4 x 4 camper van truly expands your horizons. If you have the chance, spend some time test-driving 4 x 4 campers to see what you think. If you can’t find many, give a thought to renting one for a weekend trip. Also, rental outfits can be a great place to find used 4 x 4 camper vans that are being retired from rental stock. Inquire with local dealers to find out if they have any models that they will be selling. You can often get on the waiting list with rental dealers too, which can be a great way to score a vehicle that has been well maintained.

4×4 Camper Vans for Sale is a post from: Used Camper Vans

Backpacker Camper Vans: See Australia in Style

amy — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:06:14 +0000

What is Backpacker?
Backpacker is the trade name of one of Australia’s top tourist companies. They operate the largest campervan and car rental company in Australia. With 11 branches in Australia and 6 in New Zealand, they’re well positioned to offer local and foreign travelers rental services. They have a fleet of over 4000 camper vans and vehicles in a wide range of categories. All of their rentals come with 24 hour roadside assistance.

Try a Rental
If you’re in the market for camper van conversions, renting for a trip or two can be a great way of trying one out before making the move to purchase. Rentals allow you to take any one of a number of different models for an extended test drive. If you just can’t decide between sprinter van conversions or a 4×4 camper van for example, renting will allow you to try both types in real-world situations. A quick 15 minute test drive at a dealer won’t tell you the same amount as a full length trip in a camper van.

If you’re not looking to buy but are just interested in visiting and seeing the natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand, there’s no better way than in your own Backpacker rental. You can pick up from one rental outlet and return to a different location for maximum flexibility.

Backpacker offers rentals in several categories:

Breezer (2 berth sleepervan)
Nomad (2 berth campervan)
Wanderer (2 berth with toilet & shower)
Warrier (4 berth)
4WD (2 berth)

Great Place to Find Used Camper Vans for Sale
If you’re looking for a good quality, used camper van, Backpacker is a great place to shop. Since Backpacker has a huge fleet, they’re always upgrading their models and so have a fair number for sale at any particular time. Since they were part of a rental fleet you can expect their used camper vans to be fairly well used, but also well maintained.If you decide to purchase from Backpacker, ask to see service records and ask about known defects or deferred maintenance that will need to be performed. Backpacker does tend to keep it’s fleet for several years, so expect their used vehicles to be at least 5 years old, sometimes more. However, camper vans kept in good condition can give you many more years of service.

If you’re considering a campervan purchase or you just want to explore the beauty of Australia, consider Backpacker as a good source for information. They have reasonable rental rates (expect to pay about $600 AUD for a 1 week Nomad rental) and are happy to assist you in planning an itinerary.

Backpacker Camper Vans: See Australia in Style is a post from: Used Camper Vans

Second Hand Motorhomes for Sale

amy — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:07:39 +0000

Motorhomes, just like cars depreciate the moment you drive them off of the lot. If you’re looking to save some money on the purchase of a motorhome or RV, why not consider one of the second hand motorhomes for sale? By buying a motorhome with only one previous owner, you put yourself in a position to get the best of both worlds. First, you’ll have saved yourself from the largest depreciation dip that happens just after you purchase a new vehicle. Second, the motorhome with only one previous owner will be in good condition, and if you’re lucky not too old. In this guide we’ll give you some tips for finding the best used motorhomes for sale and how to ensure that the motorhome you choose will fit your needs for the long-term.

Finding Used Motorhomes
There are a few places you can go to find quality used motorhomes for sale.

Online Directories
Pros: Good selection, ability to compare lots of models quickly and from your own home, easy price comparison.
Cons: Pictures can be misleading, it can be risky to buy a vehicle online so you’ll still need to look at the vehicle in person to do an inspection, asking questions takes time over email.
Local Dealers
Pros: Ability to ask questions, compare several similar models all in one place, take one or more test-drives, financing is usually available.
Cons: Can be more expensive, more likely to get a pushy salesman who wants to talk you into a newer model, fewer options to compare at one time.
Private Parties
Pros: Lower prices (usually), best way to get 1:1 information about past maintenance and repairs
Cons: You’ll need to visit several individuals to test drive multiple motorhomes before making a decision, financing is not available and there is no recourse if you change your mind after a sale

If you’re interested in particular brands, say Jayco motorhomes, then going to a local dealer that specializes in them can be well worth the trip. They can tell you of any used Jayco motorhomes for sale on their lot and can also be a wealth of information about the brand in particular. Dealers sometimes are able to offer extended warranties on used motorhomes as well.

Choose Right
To find the best motorhome, be sure to think about what your average trip will be like and determine how long you plan on owning this particular motorhome. If you want to go on extended trips with lots of family and want to own the motorhome for at least 7 years, your purchase will likely be significantly different than if you want to go on weekend trips with 2 people and want to trade up in a year or two. Plan carefully and you’ll find yourself with a great second hand motorhome that you’ll be pleased with.

Second Hand Motorhomes for Sale is a post from: Used Camper Vans

Cheap Motorhomes: Fun on a Budget

amy — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:24:47 +0000

Don’t let a limited budget keep you from enjoying weekends exploring with the family. With some planning and perseverance it is possible to find cheap motorhomes. In this guide we’ll give you some tips on setting a budget, determining your needs and where to shop for cheap motorhomes.

Set a Budget
The first step for finding a cheap motorhome is to define your budget. Cheap to you may be expensive to someone else and vice versa, so know in advance how much you’re willing to spend. It’s also a good idea to factor in a budget for mechanic inspections, licensing and initial repairs. If your budget is low, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t find a motorhome but it will likely mean you will need to put in some extra elbow grease to get it in top condition.

Wants vs. Needs
One way to help meet your set budget is to sit down with your family and determine what your needs are vs. your wants. You may want to look only at Jayco motorhomes that have top of the line surround sound and flat screen TV’s, but is that a want or a need? Start a list with two columns. In the first column write down all of the features you’d like to have. In the second column start by writing a W for want or N for need. After you’ve categorized all the features, you can do another prioritization by putting a number after the W or N. The priority #1 might be “good mechanical condition”. It may be that the flat screen TV ends up being a #30 on your list of wants. Having this type of list will help everyone involved in the buying decision get on the same page.

Finding Second Hand Motorhomes for Sale
There are a few great ways you can find a good quality motorhome for an affordable price. Online listings are often the easiest and fastest way to see a wide range of motorhomes. Surveying various online classified sites will help you determine what type of vehicles are available within your price range. Whether you’re looking for Jayco motorohomes for sale or VW’s, the internet can help you determine which brands have the highest ratings.

Once you’ve got a general idea of what the market is like, you can refine your search. Begin looking at local dealers to see what kind of inventory they have. Plan on spending a few weekends doing test drives and determining which brands you really like. This is the time to get the whole family involved as your new motorhome will be your “home away from home” when you’re on vacation.

Cheap Motorhomes: Fun on a Budget is a post from: Used Camper Vans

5 Benefits of Small Camper Vans

amy — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:16:42 +0000

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, particularly when it comes to camper vans. Small camper vans have several advantages over larger RV’s and motorhomes. If you’re debating on the type of camper to get, there are several benefits of small camper vans that you may not have considered.

Benefit #1: Easy to maneuver
When you own a camper van, you’ll be visiting all sorts of new places around the country. Driving in a new environment can be a challenge, particularly if you have to maneuver a huge RV or motorhome. Small camper vans have the advantage of being as easy to drive as a compact van. In fact, the VW Transporter is one of the most popular small camper vans because of it’s compact size.

Benefit #2: Lower cost
In general, small camper vans are more affordable than their larger sized counterparts. If you’re looking to find second hand camper vans for sale on a limited budget, you will have more options to choose from than if your heart were set on a larger RV or motorhome.

Benefit #3: Better gas mileage
Smaller means more fuel efficiency. With any RV, camper van or motorhome, your number one ongoing expense will be fuel costs. With a small camper van, expect to get significantly better gas mileage than you would with a larger vehicle. If you decide to buy one of the used camper vans for sale, be sure to have a mechanic give it a thorough inspection. Also ask for maintenance records and inquire about the fuel efficiency. Some older models, particularly if they haven’t been well maintained, may not get the best mileage so it’s better to find out in advance.

Benefit #4: Easier to store
Small camper vans can be stored in the average garage. There’s no need to find special parking or build a giant sized garage for the winter season. You also don’t have to worry about clearance at most drive-through windows or in parking garages built for standard sized cars, trucks and vans.

Benefit #5: Less expensive to insure
Smaller vehicles are generally less to insure since their overall value is a bit less. If you’re concerned about recurring costs like insurance and maintenance, a small camper van can help you keep your monthly expenses low.

Small camper vans are easy to maneuver, less expensive in terms of up front costs, insurance and fuel and are easier to store when not in use. In your search for the perfect camper van, why not take a look at the various small vans on the market?

5 Benefits of Small Camper Vans is a post from: Used Camper Vans

Volkswagen T5: A FAQ

amy — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:10:23 +0000

The Volkswagen T5 is the latest in the VW Transporter line of camper vans. If you’re in the market for VW camper vans for sale, you’d do well to consider a VW T5. In this FAQ we’ll answer some of the most common questions about the Volkswagen T5 as well as give you some tips on finding used camper vans for sale.

Q: Where are Volkswagen T5′s distributed?
A: T5′s are distributed in Germany, Turkey, Russia, France, and the UK. The United States does not receive T5′s because of the “chicken” tax which imposes an additional 25% tax on light trucks imported into the U.S.

Q: Can Volkswagen T5′s be customized from the factory?
Absolutely. There are over 100 different variations on the T5. There are some primary areas of customization (wheelbase length, roof line height, and van, bus or truck designs) that mean that if you can think of it, chances are VW can customize it for you. Some common models are: Pickup truck, 9-seater Shuttle bus, Kombi (passenger and cargo van combined) and Crew Cab Pickup.

Q: Which VW T5 Model is the Best Camper Van?
A: If you’re looking for a great camper van, the California Beach and California models are the ones to look at. The California is actually the first camper van to be designed and built by VW Special Business Unit. Here are some of the features of the VW Kombi California: ABS breaks, cruise control, air conditioning, CD player, alloy wheels, full size spare tire, storage nets, heated doors and mirrors, power windows. Additional options include: curtains, seating that converts to a bed, folding door that integrates with the sliding door, swiveling seats, and “pop-top” roof. In the California, additional features include: hydraulic roof with bed space, a kitchen with a sink, two burner gas stove, refrigerator and storage cupboards. The California also sports an awning, folding table and two chairs, satellite system, leather interior and parking sensors.

Q: What’s the Best Way to Find a Used VW Camper Van?
A: First, determine what features you must have and which are simply nice to have. Then determine your budget. Once you have figured out what your needs are, there are three main places you can look to find great used VW’s. The first is from private party sellers who generally advertise in classifieds. The second place to look is a camper van dealer who specializes in all kinds of campers. This type of retailer can be helpful because you can quickly compare several makes and models. The third place to look for a T5 is a VW dealer.Expect to get better prices from a private party, but dealer sold vehicles will have had a safety inspection.

No matter which route you go, the T5 camper van has a host of great features packed into a good sized, highly maneuverable package.

Volkswagen T5: A FAQ is a post from: Used Camper Vans

3 Types of Volkswagen T4 Camper Vans

amy — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:59:53 +0000

If you’re just beginning your search for a Volkswagen T4, it’s a good idea to learn more about the types of VW camper vans for sale on the market. The more you know about the various versions of the T4, the better chances you have of finding a camper that fits your needs. In this review we’ll take a look at the camper van conversions based off of the T4 that were done by 3 companies: Westfalia, Autosleeper and Reimo.

Westfalia Volkswagen T4 Camper Vans
Your chances are greatest of finding a used VW camper van made by Westfalia. VW partnered directly with Westfalia to make the T4 series of camper vans. Westfalia many features that were popular, including:

Sliding windows
Rear heating for passengers
Door pockets
Sliding seat/bed with safety belts
Lower profile elevating roof
Easy-clean vehicle lining
Steel storage units
Swivel cab seats
Two-burner stove with storage underneath
Sink
Refrigerator
Fresh water tank
Built-in closet

Westfalia T4′s are very popular, so plan on spending some time locating one in your area.

VW T4 Autosleeper Camper Vans
One of the fascinating things about looking for used camper vans for sale is the variety that you’ll be able to see. In the UK, a company called Autosleeper came up with their own camper van conversions built on the right-hand drive version of the T4. There were two models – a high roof version called Trident, and a elevating roof model called Trooper. In layout, they were both similar to the Westfalia conversions having the sink and kitchen area along one side and the bed and sleeping area in the rear of the vehicle.

In general, the Autosleeper models are a bit more plush offering more in the way of carpeting and finer detailing in the kitchens. Since these were made for the UK market, relatively few (if any) are found in the US.

Reimo Camper Vans
In Germany, a small company called Reimo had a good distribution network of dealers to sell their modified T4′s. They had two models, the Lucky and the Miami. Both had a sliding bed/seat and a low profile elevating roof. Interiors are generally clean and uncluttered looking with good space utilization. Since fewer Reimo’s were made than Westfalias, finding a good used one will likely take perseverance.

If you’re looking for a quality T4 be sure to look for conversions made by all 3 companies to increase your chances of finding a VW T4 that best suits you and your family.

3 Types of Volkswagen T4 Camper Vans is a post from: Used Camper Vans

Buying a Volkswagen T2

amy — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:40:42 +0000

If you’re looking for VW camper vans for sale, the Volkswagen T2 is a great model to consider. In this review we’ll give you some insight into the type of T2′s available, how to shop for a used VW camper van and a few tips and tricks for inspecting vehicles on your “maybe” list.

Types of VW T2′s
One of the things that makes Volkswagen vans so popular is the number of variations available. There were many variants of the Volkswagen T2, some of which include:

Flatbed pickup truck
Panel Van – no windows or rear seats, used primarily as delivery vehicles
Bus – Essentially a passenger van
Westfalia Camping Van – sometimes called a “Westy” and one of the more popular variants
Ambulances, Hearses and even Fire Trucks were also available!

Inspecting Used Camper Vans for Sale
If you’re seriously considering purchasing a used TW T2, it’s important that you do a careful inspection. Many of these vehicles are 60 years old and will likely require a good deal of renovation.When you go out to view particular vehicles, be sure to inspect the following areas:

Body: Here you want to be looking for signs of rust as well as body damage. Look for cracks in the roof. Also be sure to look at window and door casings. Vehicles that have not been restored are actually easier to inspect. Some unscrupulous sellers have been known to give a rusty VW a quick coat of paint to hide rust problems. If the paint is new, you may want to have a professional inspect it.
Interior: Look for signs of mold and/or mildew. Check all electronic components – windshield wipers, radio, etc. If you’re looking at a camper van variant see which items are in good working order and which will need replacement.
Mechanical: If you’re experienced with vehicles you may do this yourself but it’s likely best to have a VW mechanic look it over.

Including Repairs in Your Budget
As part of your camper van budget, consider setting aside money for mechanical inspections and also a budget for repairs after the purchase. For example, if you have $10,000 budgeted for the purchase, you may want to reserve $500 for 5 vehicle inspections and $2500 for must-have repairs. That would leave only $7000 for the actual purchase. Another way of budgeting for repairs is to set aside a specified every month, like you would a car payment. Determine which repairs are most essential and have those completed first. It can also be beneficial to look for a VW T2 expert who can help you complete all the repairs – that way you have one mechanic working on it who can develop a good working knowledge of your particular vehicle.

The VW T2 is a great choice. If you budget wisely you can end up with a terrific camper in great condition, just in time for the camping season.

Buying a Volkswagen T2 is a post from: Used Camper Vans

Volkswagen T1: The Camper Van Classic

amy — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:43:29 +0000

The Volkswagen T1 is the ultimate classic camper van. If you’re looking for used camper vans for sale that have a lot of character and history – the VW T1 should be at the top of your list of vehicles to investigate. That said, there are some things you should be aware of before you decide on a used VW camper van. In this guide we’ll give you some pointers to finding a T1 and a few pitfalls to avoid. After all, you want to enjoy your classic camper, not spend all summer working on refurbishing it.

What’s Your Goal?
One of the first things you should decide is whether or not buying makes more sense for you then renting. There are actually quite a few places that rent T1′s for family holidays. One of the benefits of renting is that you don’t have ongoing maintenance, you don’t have to pay for insurance and you don’t have to worry about storage. On the flip side, when you rent you can’t customize your camper to your particular tastes. Also, spur of the moment trips are more challenging because you will need to make reservations ahead of time. Before you begin your search for VW camper vans for sale, you should consider whether renting would meet your needs. If you’re not sure, try renting a T1 for your next family outing and see how it goes. Worst case you’ll get an extended test drive and you can determine the things you love, and the things you don’t like, about the T1.

Condition, Condition, Condition
Volkswagen T1′s are indeed classic – they were first manufactured in 1950. That means that in some cases you’re looking at a vehicle that is over 60 years old. Any time you look at a vehicle of that age, you’ll want to spend a good deal of time investigating the overall condition. Don’t expect to find a T1 out there that doesn’t need any work. What you do want to do is make a list of the work that would need to be done and make sure that the costs fall in line with your budget. When you go out to look at a T1 bring a tarp with you so you can comfortably lie on the ground. Also bring a notepad, a pen, a flashlight and a camera. If you have a friend who’s experienced with VW’s bring them along too. The most important thing is to know what you’re buying. Ask the owner if they have all maintenance records and if possible, have the camper inspected.

VW T1′s are amazing camper vans that are full of character. Spend some time determining whether a purchase or a rental will work best for you and if you do choose to buy, do your homework to avoid endless repairs later.

Volkswagen T1: The Camper Van Classic is a post from: Used Camper Vans