Volkswagen Transporter T5.1 T30 LWB High Roof
Volkswagen Transporter T30 T5.1 LWB High Roof. 1.9TDI 6 speed manual. Registered in 2013 on a 62 plate it has covered 128,000 miles which is nothing for these engines, most of the mileage since I have owned it has been on the motorway between the Midlands and the South West.
It has a full service history, it has been regularly serviced by VW group specialists since I have owned it. It was last serviced in June this year by VW specialist VASS of Bath and had a fresh MOT too with no advisories (so 10 months MOT remaining). 4 new wheels and tyres approx 3000 miles ago so there’s lots of smiles before you need to change those.
It has AIR CONDITIONING, which is a lifesaver on hot days as there’s lots of solar gain from the big windows and windscreen. I upgraded the stereo from the standard fm radio to a higher spec genuine VW head unit which has DAB radio functionality, CD and aux input. It also has REAR PARKING SENSORS which is super handy for parking a van!
I wanted a minimal look with a nod to classic VW surf culture. I have upgraded the suspension to a fully adjustable Bilstein B14 coilover kit – if you’re not familiar with these look them up, they are pretty much the go to kit for these vans – you get a slightly lower look without being impractically low and the ride is like a car, doesn’t feel wobbly with excess rolling in corners like the standard suspension. The wheels have also been upgraded to 18” steels rather than the original 16” steels – makes it look slightly more proportionate to the arch but still understated and minimal.
I did a lot of searching and research before choosing the right van for conversion. I settled on the high roof transporter because there is space to stand up without having to set up pop tops etc. just park up and you’re set up, nice and stealthy! Being a Transporter it’s still nimble enough to manoeuvre and is just like driving a car rather than a more cumbersome van.
I’m an interior designer so I took the time to carefully consider the layout and how everything worked together. I wanted it to feel less like a converted van and more like a contemporary tiny apartment on the road. I’ve avoided the rustic look you see in a lot of vans in favour of a slicker more contemporary feel, combining natural birch ply texture with black and white painted elements.
Full off grid solar setup with 295W PV panel neatly mounted to the roof on stainless steel brackets, feeding a 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller. Power is stored in 2no. 12V 200 Amp Hour AGM leisure batteries – This gives enough power to not worry about running down batteries – so no need for camp site hook ups or interference with the vehicle battery/alternator with split charging. It has an 1500W inverter fitted for powering 240V items.
Propex Heatsource HS 2000 heater – super efficient on gas/12V power, heats the van in super cold conditions in approx 30 minutes – takes the edge of on cold summer nights in 10 minutes
It is very well insulated with two layers of Dodo Thermo Van Liner to pretty much all surfaces followed by Dodo Thermo Fleece to all wall, ceiling and door cavities. Floor was framed out and fitted with Dodo Thermo van liner and Celotex. It holds the heat pretty well once it’s up to temperature even in the coldest conditions.
Desk, chair and storage Elevation- For work on the road it has a nifty drop down desk with ultrawide LG LED display which connects to your laptop via USB-C, beneath the screen there are storage sleeves for a small Macbook/iPad Pro and Apple Keyboard and Mouse. Also makes for a great TV when sitting in bed. Beneath the drop down desk is a folding ply chair for working at the desk/sitting outside. This feature always amazes people! When these items are folded/stored away it all integrates seamlessly for a clean minimal look. There is a large storage cupboard above the cab, with drop down door designed as a handy additional shelf for additional worktop area when cooking, there is also a mirror for checking your look before you leave! There are two fire extinguishers located by the exit.
Kitchen/wardrobe Elevation – Set into a Valchromat worktop is a single burner hob and large sink for practicality, there is a 12v powered tap/pump which pumps water from a 12 Litre fresh water canister beneath. The sink drains to another 12 Litre grey water canister. There is a double door cupboard beneath the sink where the gas bottle is stored. Above the sink is a white ‘penny’ tile splash back.
There is storage at high level with sliding doors for storage of kitchen items – this unit also houses thermostat control for the heater and remote control switch for the power inverter. To the underside of the unit there is an extractor fan for cooking, a double 3-pin socket linked to the inverter and 2no. 12v usb plus 12v socket.
To the right of the hob is all the toggle switches (very satisfying to use!) for the lights, heater, tap, extractor fan etc.
To the rear of this elevation there is wardrobe storage with shelving at high level and to the right and rail for hangers.
Bed and storage Elevation- The bed is slightly less wide than a small double but comfortable sleeps 2. There is a memory foam mattress which is very comfortable. Great for sitting on during the day, for night the end of the bed slides out on heavy duty drawer runners and the two cushions slot in to the end to create a full length bed. Beneath the bed is additional storage, in the left cupboard there is a large cupboard which goes back deep for larger bulky items – it has a lift out base for access to the heater for maintenance. To the right is another cupboard – I originally sized this cupboard based on a Waeco pull out drawer fridge, though I never found I needed one and used a cool box instead. If you wanted to install a fridge there is space to do so in here.
Door elevation – The door has a Vanshades insulated blackout blind – completely blocks out light for sleeping and most importantly blocks out all light when looking at the van from outside, even when parked in the darkest locations. There is soft lighting over the bed switched from the bed for ease.
If you’d like to take a look I’m based just outside Loughborough, though I am regularly in Bath/Bristol for work so that can be easily arranged too.
It’s been great fun to convert and explore, it’s now ready for somebody else to continue adventuring!
The bed is slightly less wide than a small double but comfortable sleeps 2. Measuring 1100mmW x 1900mmL(when extended). There is a memory foam mattress which is very comfortable. Great for sitting on during the day, for night the end of the bed slides out on heavy duty drawer runners and the two scatter cushions slot in to the end to create a full length bed.
The contact details for this vehicle are no longer available because it has either sold or the listing has expired.
Quirky loves this style means that Quirky Campers would potentially approve this vehicle for hiring. However, Quirky have not approved a Gas Safe certificate, a Weighbridge certificate, or the vehicle's electrics. Buyers must check these themselves. For some tips on what to look out for read this. If the listing has no Gas Safe certificate, no unladen weight and no electrical sign-off please proceed with caution!
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