Which Van Is Best Suited For a Driving Holiday?
Whether you are going to rent a camper van for the holiday or purchase one for that purpose, it's important to know that there are several different models of VW camper vans which have been manufactured since the 1960s. Each camper van has its own pros and cons for different types of vacation. Let’s go over the most popular models which people use for camper vacations.
T1 Model : The T1 camper van was the first style of VW camper, and was produced from early 1950 up through 1967. This original camper van was large and bulky but did feature simple accommodations such as fold up travel beds, fold up kitchen sets and plenty of carpeting and fun decor. This type of camper van is a highly desired collector’s item and can go for a hefty price on the secondhand market. The T1 model is probably not the best for your family vacation unless you've already got your hands on a T1 model and have the time and money to get it restored.
T2 Model : The second VW camper van was first produced in 1967 and was manufactured u through 1979 in some countries. The van was larger and heavier than its predecessor, and featured improved engine function and an abundance of new customization options. This second generation could house full beds with real mattresses, larger kitchen sets, dining room sets and even plumbing. The T2 camper van, unlike the first generation, featured a pop top roof which would let passengers stand up in the van as well as set up bunk beds, which added sleeping space. This retro model, if restored well, could make for a great family trip although some may not like the fact that the roof has to be popped up in order for them to stand up fully in the van.
T3 Model : The T3 VW camper was produced from the 1980s up through about 1990. This was actually the last VW camper van to use an air cooled engine, which was replaced by the much more efficient water-cooled engine in 1984. The T3, compared to earlier models, is larger and heavier and has a more square appearance. Like the T2, the T3 model was able to accommodate more complicated accessories as the technology for it developed. This model came with the option for high top roofs, which eliminated the need for having to pop the roof up! Camper van enthusiasts consider this model to be the first "classic" camper van, as it featured the traditional camper van layout that most companies still use today. This one is a great pick for camper vacations, and can feature more modern amenities
T4 Model : There's not too much to say about the T4 model, which was produced from 1990 to about 2003. These camper vans featured much more technologically advanced features, such as VHS and eventually DVD players, microwaves, televisions, game systems, more advanced plumbing and more.
T5 Model : The T5 model is currently the newest and most popular style of VW camper van. A converted camper made from a T5 model is considered one of the finest camper vans to take on a holiday due to the almost unlimited type of accessories and van customisations which can be done on the model. Most companies which offer rental camper vans or converted campers for holidays offer either the T5 model or occasionally a T4 model in very good condition. Although some companies do offer rentals on older models, they tend to be geared toward “retro” consumers who are looking for an experience from previous camper van eras and not a vacation for a modern holiday.
