LWB T5 multivan 4motion base vehicle for campervan?

[heyasam]

Hi all, first post on this forum. I'm looking at selling my t3 syncro to upgrade to a 4motion t5 multivan and convert that to a camper. First question is are there any T5 LWB multivans? T6 would be out of my price range. I like the idea of building cupboards that bolt into the multivan rails to allow maneuverability and easily removable - e.g. if in one space for a few days put the kitchen unit outside. However it seems that looking through carsales, gumtree, ebay that a LWB t5 multivan is super rare or non-existent? Never mind one that's 4motion and ideally with rear diff lock. Should I give it a few months or am I chasing a unicorn? Also, the highline powered sliding doors, pretty cool, are they a hindrance for a camper? E.g. sucking too much power or a liability for the occasional water crossing?

Many thanks! Sam

[4wheels]

Hi all, first post on this forum. I'm looking at selling my t3 syncro to upgrade to a 4motion t5 multivan and convert that to a camper. First question is are there any T5 LWB multivans? T6 would be out of my price range. I like the idea of building cupboards that bolt into the multivan rails to allow maneuverability and easily removable - e.g. if in one space for a few days put the kitchen unit outside. However it seems that looking through carsales, gumtree, ebay that a LWB t5 multivan is super rare or non-existent? Never mind one that's 4motion and ideally with rear diff lock. Should I give it a few months or am I chasing a unicorn? Also, the highline powered sliding doors, pretty cool, are they a hindrance for a camper? E.g. sucking too much power or a liability for the occasional water crossing?

Many thanks! Sam

Hi Sam,

Brian here (ex Syncro T3 forum). 10 years in on my T5 4M Trakkadu. I think you'll find all Multivans were SWB, but Caravelles were LWB. Not sure if they have the rail system. Trakka use Transporter bases, and fit the rail system afterwards. Not sure of the cost though.
If you're into doing your own conversion, have a look at the auction sites (Mannheim Fowles I think, it's years since I looked). You should see plenty of ex-ambulances at a good price. Some will be 4 Motion, and usually include diff lock and heavy duty suspension. Just be aware that it is difficult/impossible to fit a pop-top. They are generally mid-roof vans, and the cut out is incompatible with most/all roofs. However, as a mid-roof, you may well get away with-out a pop-top.

[jonathan_k]

If you go down the path that Brian has suggested, this was for sale a couple of months ago... might be worth contacting them to see if it's still there. If my conversion wasn't already underway I probably would have grabbed it.

Volkswagen Transporter T5 Kombi Caravelle Multivan Beach interior fitout | eBay

I picked up a 2015 T5 Transporter 4motion SWB with 93,000km and still under factory warranty from Pickles Auctions. Cost me just over $30k on road with 12 months rego.

[heyasam]

Thanks for replies and Brian yes I'm also a Syncro T3 forum member. So I've been doing some more research and think my best option might be to get a lwb transporter, then add windows and a reimo rail system and seat, and still come out cheaper then a multivan. Hope you guys can help with a few more questions I am left with.

1. Haven't found a good answer on this one yet - feasibility of retro-fitting the mechanical rear diff lock if I find the right van that has everything except the diff lock?
2. Child seat anchor mount points. The reimo seat has two isofix child seat mounts, though I think you would still need the additional anchor point? If I get a transporter panel van as the base vehicle, will I come unstuck here?
3. Is there any other rail system alternatives I should be looking at apart from reimo? Could you take the rails out of a mutlivan and fit them into the transporter, and then get seats etc approved by an engineer, or too much trouble?

Thanks! Sam

[Sunny43.5]

The main problem with a base model Transporter is that there are no mounting points for any seats or belts or rails in the rear , any seats and belts would need engineer reports . This would entail lots of under floor reinforcing plates , as for child restraints depending where the last seat is placed can give you a couple of options . A CRAB bar can be fitted behind the last row seat giving you 3 anchor points , if the seat has ISO and you need a third then a single high mount could be fitted into the roof bracing at the tailgate opening it is more than adequate to mount there .