What is the Attraction of VW T2 Campervans?

DBK

DBK

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I'm writing something about the different sorts of motorhome there are but I'm stuck when it comes to the VW T2.

LRM_EXPORT_20180624_180703.jpg


I can think of disadvantages to owning one but I'm struggling to see the attractions. Clearly they are hugely important to some people and they can command very high prices.

Is it something to do with the surfer image? Trying to stay young? I'm not trying to be rude about them or fall out with anyone it is just at the moment all I can say about VW T2s is "they are very popular" and then finding it impossible not to follow that statement up with "for some reason". :)

Can anyone help me out? What are the reasons? :)
 
It's an image thing. say" camper van" and many people think of the VW. a bit like say" motor bike" and many think of Harley Davidson. Image. They're a bag of s*** but they have that image that some love, don't handle, don't go very fast, unreliable and sound like a tractor. But people love them. Same thing!
And yes I have owned a couple so feel entitled to comment. ( Harley Ferguson) that is. ?
 
We had a look at a few of these before we bought a Bongo a few years ago. The VW is not a good drive, uses a lot of fuel, is noisy and slow. We chose the Bongo.

But they do have an image, and a lot of people go by that, how else can you explain glamping?
If we had bought a VW, I'm sure we would not have lost money when we sold it, they keep their prices well, but from a practical point of view, not good.

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It's a 'classic' vehicle and much admired just like classic cars and motorbikes and also the romance on owning and driving one.
Having said that I can't think of any practical reason to pay the prices they command.
 
Jamie Oliver had one?

I can understand them as a kind of heirloom that passes from one generation to the next within a family, like grandma's engagement ring.

I suppose a good point about the T2 is the industry that has developed to provide all the body panels and spare parts that you are going to need.
 
It's a classic, they're cool, you can pretend it's the sixties, nostalgia, etc.

Basically we are all different, I personally would touch one with a bargepole, but then I restore & ride 45 year old motorbikes despite have a brand new one as well - big boys (& girls) toys and why not
 
It's different.

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Perhaps something to do with nostalgia and thinking back to a time people are led to think was a better one. We have a T5 and so many Europeans drool over that, they probably drool even more over a T2, thus enforcing the owners' perceptions of what a good camper it is. I wouldn't have one.
 
I've had about 10 over the years when i got my 1st one in the 90's they where cheap and easy to work on, as time went on i went to t4's t5's,If i hadnt of bought my 1st one years ago i would'nt be able to buy my motorhome i have,I wouldn't go back to one if yo gave me 1 the vw scene got very greedy and over priced and ruined it for me ! rather have a big double bed and comfort than trendy.
 
SpeedyDux said:
Jamie Oliver had one?

I can understand them as a kind of heirloom that passes from one generation to the next within a family, like grandma's engagement ring.

I suppose a good point about the T2 is the industry that has developed to provide all the body panels and spare parts that you are going to need.
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He also had a lisp but then I would not want either ?
 
I have to admit that, knowing the prices they command, every time I see one I think 'why????' BUT the occupants always seem happy so that's all that matters, money well spent.

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DBK said:
I'm writing something about the different sorts of motorhome there are but I'm stuck when it comes to the VW T2.

View attachment 382664

I can think of disadvantages to owning one but I'm struggling to see the attractions. Clearly they are hugely important to some people and they can command very high prices.

Is it something to do with the surfer image? Trying to stay young? I'm not trying to be rude about them or fall out with anyone it is just at the moment all I can say about VW T2s is "they are very popular" and then finding it impossible not to follow that statement up with "for some reason". :)

Can anyone help me out? What are the reasons? :)
Click to expand...
I'm with you on. I think you have written above everything positive there is to say about them. You could mention he legendary long life and reliability of the original splitty with the 1200cc 30hp engine. But you'd still be wrong.
 
DBK said:
I'm writing something about the different sorts of motorhome there are but I'm stuck when it comes to the VW T2.

View attachment 382664

I can think of disadvantages to owning one but I'm struggling to see the attractions. Clearly they are hugely important to some people and they can command very high prices.

Is it something to do with the surfer image? Trying to stay young? I'm not trying to be rude about them or fall out with anyone it is just at the moment all I can say about VW T2s is "they are very popular" and then finding it impossible not to follow that statement up with "for some reason". :)

Can anyone help me out? What are the reasons? :)
Click to expand...
I feel exactly the same about any twin axle or RV why o why would anyone want to own such a monster gin palace, what possible attraction could they hold in this country. The beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I think they are fantastic. :unsure:
 
buttons said:
I feel exactly the same about any twin axle or RV why o why would anyone want to own such a monster gin palace, what possible attraction could they hold in this country. The beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I think they are fantastic. :unsure:
Click to expand...
Mine has a concentric twin axle. Would that help? :giggle:

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Onemanandhisdog said:
Because they can't afford a splitty?
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I've had 3 spitty and they are worse ;)a karrmen colorado that was lovely like yours, in fact i have some original back light for the t4 version if your ever passing as looks like you have one in your avatar (y)
 
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From my experience of working on VW campers at the roadside they could be a bit of a challenge. Belt adjustment with a split pulley and shims, plugs are a pig to get out when hot, long throttle cable and clutch cable that is partially exposed. Climbing in that little engine hatch is a head banging waiting to happen.
I had one with a partially sized engine because the belt had come off. The owner asked me to tow it to a garage with a hose pipe. He sprayed the engine with cold water and it started in a cloud of blue smoke. After the belt was re-fitted with less shims, he wouldn’t have a new belt, it disappeared back up the motorway. We were waiting for another call out but it was never seen again in my area.
They are an iconic vehicle with big followings but they need looking after in there own way. Unlike a modern camper you can’t just get in it and point it up the motorway at 70 mph.
The origional ones, un modified, are a challenge to drive. Low power, vague steering and brakes from the fifties.
 
For a lot of people I’d guess they represent a certain way of life.

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