VW Vans Questions

[farmer]

I imagine that there would be no safety features in the rear for specing up a transporter though.

Can a caravelle still be used as a workhorse?

[4wheels]

I have a T5 Trakkadu (camper) with 4Motion & diff-lock. I've taken it to Cape Yorke and other off-road trips, and have been very impressed with its traction, even on the original road tyres.

It's only limitations for off road use are ground clearance and under body protection, both of which can be improved with modifications. But for just running around a paddock I'm sure it would be fine. This is exaggerated by the LWD, so choose a SWB unless you really need the extra space.

It's very comfortable towing (car on trailer; 1.5+ tonne), but watch out for the towball weight limits, especially for a horse float. Mine has taller rear springs now, and I'm sure would handle more than the 100Kg specified on my Hayman Reece bar, but then you have to consider legal/insurance issues if any-thing goes wrong.

Brian

[Transporter]

okay, one more to add to the confusion. Crew Van.

So we have

1. Transporter
2. Transporter Crew Van
3. Caravelle
4. Multi Van
(plus Kombi which obviously doesn't apply)

What is the difference between a Caravelle and a Multivan?

I've ordered some brochures from the VW site.

Am I better off getting a Transporter and specing it up in regard to back seating seeing as I want it for a work/family mix?

Have a look at the Crew Van.
The rear seat is removable and it has upholstery at the back. When you order a new van you can customize a lot and any option you think of is better to buy at the time of ordering, than buy latter on through the spare parts (much more expensive). And I would get the factory tow bar.

[phaeton]

What is the difference between a Caravelle and a Multivan?

Am I better off getting a Transporter and specing it up in regard to back seating seeing as I want it for a work/family mix?

The Caravelle does not have the ingenious Rail seating system that the Multivan has which lets you slide seats forward and back, tables in and out with ease etc.
Saying that I don't know whether the seats in the Caravelle vs Multivan are the same weight or not.

Crewvan is the pick unless you want a LWB Caravelle.

Whats the difference between miniblock springs and coil springs?

I think one is tranlated as leaf springs and the other is just normail coil springs

[Seano]

All T5's share the same suspension setup, regardless of type.......I think the difference occurs in the much bigger Crafter with rear suspension type depending on the specified axle load.

My first prefence would always be the dual cab but otherwise I'd be gunning for the Crewvan 4Motion with the optional centre sliding windows, right sliding door, ESP, side & curtain airbags for driver and front passenger, full side trim in rear, lumbar support & height adjustment in front seats, roof rack rails, cruise control, rough road suspension and diff lock.....but that is a solid swag of dollars!! Six and a half grand of options on top of forty six grands worth of van.......plus on roads.

[farmer]

Well, I will have to be buying 2nd hand so as long as it's 4motion and has the safety options I'll have to make do with whatever I can get. Off road suspension would be nice though. Roof racks, diff lock and tow bar would be essential too. I forgot to mention that I commute 100km + or - 20 kms a day.

I found this little vid on the volkswagen site featuring the seating of a caravelle.

http://www.volkswagengroupaustralia....e_Gallery.html

Does anyone have any experience with removing and mixing up the seating using this system? I like the idea of being able to add the third row of seats whenever I need to. As I will be picking the kids up from school after work it would be handy to be able to take them all plus some of their friends in our neighbourhood. (brownie points with neighbours when you have acreage is always a bonus!)

I think that the van in the vid is a 9 seater LWB which from what I've read doesn't come with 4motion which is a shame if true.

My concern with the crewvan is safety for the little ones as well as comfort (rear air conditioning is important for keeping fussy babies and toddlers quiet I've discovered!)

[gregozedobe]

Commercial's (Transporter/Kombi) have rear miniblock springs & telescopic shock absorbers vs Passenger's (Caravelle/Multivan) semi trailing rear axle & coil springs.

Whats the difference between miniblock springs and coil springs?

I think one is tranlated as leaf springs and the other is just normail coil springs

All T5's share the same suspension setup, regardless of type.......

I think Seano is spot on. I just had a look under the rear of my Transporter (bare van), and it has trailing arms, coil springs and angled telesopic shockies.

Well, I will have to be buying 2nd hand so as long as it's 4motion and has the safety options I'll have to make do with whatever I can get.

You will certainly have a limited choice buying 4motion T5s second hand. If the one you buy is still covered by the factory VW warranty then it may be a good idea to buy the extended warranty that VW offer.

Good luck in your search.

[Ivo]

A mate of mine had a Crewvan, very basic inside and no rear AC which I think is a must for young kids especially considering the sliding windows are not power operated so its VERY hard for young kids to slide them open. With the AC in my Multivan I can adjust it all from the front......provided the dirt magnets (kids) have not fiddled with the vents!

If your serious about a second hand van watch the government auction sites as T5's always come up. I got mine from an auction and it is an ex Department of Ageing vehicle.

http://www.pickles.com.au/cars/

and

http://www.governmentauctions.com.au/Default.aspx

[Transporter]

All T5's share the same suspension setup, regardless of type.......I think the difference occurs in the much bigger Crafter with rear suspension type depending on the specified axle load.

My first prefence would always be the dual cab but otherwise I'd be gunning for the Crewvan 4Motion with the optional centre sliding windows, right sliding door, ESP, side & curtain airbags for driver and front passenger, full side trim in rear, lumbar support & height adjustment in front seats, roof rack rails, cruise control, rough road suspension and diff lock.....but that is a solid swag of dollars!! Six and a half grand of options on top of forty six grands worth of van.......plus on roads.

Cruise control should be standard (was standard when I was buying).

[farmer]

Thanks guys.

Can anyone explain to me again the difference between a Caravelle and a Multivan?