VW Navigator T4

[darenisepic]

Hi guys, We have the opportunity to buy a Y4 Navigator, are they good examples of motorhomes and are there any common problems for me to look out for before purchasing?

 

[busbuddy]

There was a guy on the T4 forum that had restored one
I've worked on a couple and both had issues with back wall where bike rack was fitted, whether it was user abuse or bad fitting I dont know but damp had got in wall
They can be very tail heavy if you have the rear washroom/kitchen model and look for leaks under units in those areas

 

[Spriddler]

I've had my 5 cylinder non turbo 2.4 litre automatic 1995 Compass Navigator on a T4 base for ten well travelled years. It has been totally mechanically reliable and is still free from rust apart from very light surface blemishes underneath which don't justify the word 'corrosion'. It has never failed an MOT nor even had an Advisory.
It's very well built internally with blissfully comfortable sprung seats/bed mattresses and cruises happily at 55 to 60. I don't keep fuel records but my guess is that it does around 20 - 25 mpg overall.
I have no desire nor need whatsoever to change it for anything else.

(You're very welcome to ask me for more info/opinion).

 

[darenisepic]

I've had my 5 cylinder non turbo 2.4 litre automatic 1995 Compass Navigator on a T4 base for ten well travelled years. It has been totally mechanically reliable and is still free from rust apart from very light surface blemishes underneath which don't justify the word 'corrosion'. It has never failed an MOT nor even had an Advisory.
It's very well built internally with blissfully comfortable sprung seats/bed mattresses and cruises happily at 55 to 60. I don't keep fuel records but my guess is that it does around 20 - 25 mpg overall.
I have no desire nor need whatsoever to change it for anything else.

(You're very welcome to ask me for more info/opinion).

View attachment 584701

5 cylinder non turbo 2.4 litre

This looks very nice, slightly different looking at the window location. This one is rear lounge is yours different? This is also 2.400 cc and has a choke which baffles me, I have never seen a choke on a diesel before does yours have one?

 

[Spriddler]

This looks very nice, slightly different looking at the window location. This one is rear lounge is yours different?

Mine has a dinette and end kitchen/loo.

I have never seen a choke on a diesel before does yours have one?

Yes, it's a cold start facility for very cold weather. It's operation is described in the VW Owners Manual.
(The Cold Start control on mine is on the right of the steering wheel).

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[darenisepic]

Very unusual, but hey if it works why not. I see you have 2 captains seats in the front, as practical as this is there are 3 of us and I was looking at removing the passenger side one and replacing with a 2 seater bench seat. I have seen belts fitted to the other seats which would solve a problem and allow me to leave the front seats as they are, have you ever seen this and could you shed some light on how I would fit them please?

 

[darenisepic]

 

[Spriddler]

My end kitchen and dinette layout has 4 forward facing belted seats.
I've no experience of replacing the passenger seat with a 2 seater front bench. Is there enough width for a 2 seater bench instead of the passenger seat? Wouldn't it obscure the handbrake which would have to be relocated?

Modifying or adding seat belts is a rather complex subject with regard to practical and legislative implications (e.g. V5 description, insurance, MOT). For safety reasons I won't comment on adding extra seat belts. It isn't simply a case of bolting the fittings to reinforced bodywork. There are specialist companies which have been mentioned in other posts on these Forums from whom advice should be sought.

This topic occurs from time to time on Fun and as a Guest you can only make 5 posts. If you subscribe (£20) you'll be able to search for them and continue to post replies, ask questions and probably save far more than the subs whilst you search for a suitable m/h and afterwards.

 

[darenisepic]

My end kitchen and dinette layout has 4 forward facing belted seats.

That's great news, many years ago I work for Charlie Browns auto centre (like quick fit) and one of my tasks was fitting child car seats so I know the importance of structural anchor points. Can 3 point belts be fitted or lap belts?

 

[Spriddler]

Can 3 point belts be fitted or lap belts?

My 4 belts are all lap and diagonal as fitted by Compass. I wouldn't be happy with lap only belts.
Sorry to seem unhelpful but although I've stripped, serviced and maintained every piece of the habitation equipment in my m/h I've never had any involvement with seat belts.
(I would've preferred an end lounge/side berths layout like yours rather than a dinette arrangement but couldn't find one )

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[Bazzer56]

I've had my 5 cylinder non turbo 2.4 litre automatic 1995 Compass Navigator on a T4 base for ten well travelled years. It has been totally mechanically reliable and is still free from rust apart from very light surface blemishes underneath which don't justify the word 'corrosion'. It has never failed an MOT nor even had an Advisory.
It's very well built internally with blissfully comfortable sprung seats/bed mattresses and cruises happily at 55 to 60. I don't keep fuel records but my guess is that it does around 20 - 25 mpg overall.
I have no desire nor need whatsoever to change it for anything else.

(You're very welcome to ask me for more info/opinion).

View attachment 584701

Do you know the height of your Navigator please. Barry