Go to any campsite in the UK and you’re virtually guaranteed to see massed ranks of Volkswagen T5 camper vans. Of course, VW vans have always been hugely popular camper vans but the T5 really hit the bullseye in offering big space and versatility with a genuinely car-like driving experience and performance. Now it’s one of the easiest routes into camper ownership, if not the cheapest.
There are so many T5 campers on the UK’s roads it may be easier to find one than an original van. Many of them were built as campers when brand new by factory-approved specialists such as Auto Sleeper and Westfalia, others by professional aftermarket outfits such as Bodans and Van Worx. There are DIY conversions, built from scratch or using one of the many kits available. By far the most desirable is the Volkswagen-built California.
There are innumerable other ways you can customise a VW T5, as many owners do. You can really let your creativity run riot – another reason it makes a great camper conversion. But there are many things to be aware of if you’re thinking about one in either basic van or camper form. In this guide, we’re going to explain everything you need to know.
What is the Volkswagen T5?
The Volkswagen T5 is the fourth generation (or fifth, depending on how you count them) of VW van. Commercial variants were sold under the Transporter name, the posh people carrier version was badged Caravelle. The T5 was launched in 2003 and a facelifted version – known as T5.1 – with new front-end styling came along in 2009. A more comprehensive update saw it morph into the T6 in 2016, production of which ended in 2023.
The T5 Transporter was massively popular in the UK, much more so than its predecessors. The basic panel van was the biggest seller in short- and long-wheelbase forms – the latter also available with a high roof. Rear window-equipped Kombi, nine-seater Shuttle and single-or double-cab pickup truck bodies were also available. Many T5s were built as camper vans when brand new; coachbuilt motorhomes were created from the pickup chassis.
Diesel was the only engine choice available in the UK, albeit with a broad range of power outputs spanning 83hp to 177hp. From 2003 to 2009, the T5 came with 1.9-litre four-cylinder, or 2.5-litre five-cylinder engines, both turbocharged. The 2009 facelift brought in a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel for all models. An automatic gearbox and 4Motion four-wheel-drive were available with certain engines – they’re rare and desirable.
The five-cylinder engines are particularly sought-after because they’re tough, respond well to tuning and – most importantly – sound great. The other engines are pretty tunable, as well, though any with over 100hp provides perfectly decent performance as-is.
Is the Volkswagen T5 any good?
The Volkswagen T5 Transporter leapt straight to the top of the mid-size van class at launch in 2003. It was among the last of a new generation of vans introduced around 2000 including the Ford Transit, Renault Trafic and Mercedes Vito, all of them a giant leap on from their predecessors.
The T5 wasn’t as engaging to drive as the Transit but was quieter and smoother to drive, with a more upmarket and comfortable cab. The dashboard looked and felt like it was lifted from a VW car. The hugely desirable 174hp Sportline model was properly fast.
The van’s front-end styling and interior were updated with the 2009 facelift, and a new range of 2.0-litre engines fitted under the bonnet. The styling changes amounted to a new bumper, grille and headlights; a fair few owners added them to older vehicles.
In any guise, the T5 was – and still is – a great commercial vehicle, providing loads of space and flexibility. It has also proved longer lasting than all its period rivals. That space and flexibility makes it a great camper. There’s a wide range of ready-built ones available, and plenty of vans are left if you want to do your own. There are legions of specialist garages for servicing and repairs, or just offering advice. There are endless options for tuning the T5’s engines and running gear and customising its styling.
The preceding T4 Transporter is the most affordable route into VW camper ownership but prices for a good T5 are on par with some of its classic era ancestors, such is its desirability. It’s not as charismatic as those air-cooled vehicles, but it’s just so usable, durable and customisable.
What should I look out for when buying a Volkswagen T5 camper van?
Vans tend to lead hard, short lives but the Volkswagen T5 Transporter has proven to be remarkably durable. Most of its rivals were rather alarmingly rot-prone but the T5 was fully galvanized so rust shouldn’t be a problem, even on examples over 20 years old.
The only parts of the vehicle that show any propensity to rust are the area around the side door handle and the side door runner. You may find surface rust underneath the vehicle, but it’s unlikely to be serious. Any rust that is eating through metal is probably caused by a bodged repair.
Many T5s have been modified with bodykits, repaints and vinyl wraps. Check that body mods are securely attached, and that paint and wraps are properly applied. Runs, ripples and bubbles are sure signs of a rushed job. Lowered suspension and big wheels are common and can ruin ride quality.
If you’re buying a T5 with a high roof or lift-up pop-top, make sure water isn’t leaking through the seals. Check external electrical/water/gas connections are securely attached.
What should I look out for mechanically?
The 1.9-, 2.0- and 2.5-litre diesel engines – badged TDI PD – fitted to UK-market T5 Transporters are generally very reliable. However, the high-pressure fuel injection system can cause issues. Any that occur are likely to manifest as rough running and difficulty starting, which can point to trouble with the:
- Fuel injection pump
- Fuel injectors
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve cooler
- Balance shafts
Earlier engines, particularly the 1.9-litre unit, are more likely to cause problems, but regular servicing reduces the risk considerably. These are quite complex engines, and servicing is more difficult and costly than for rival vans, so some owners may have scrimped on maintenance. But most neglected T5s have probably been weeded out. A sheaf of service history shows the vehicle has been well looked after and should allay any concerns about high mileage.
Service history may be incomplete, especially if the van was originally a working vehicle. If that’s the case, budget for a comprehensive service changing all of the consumables including but not limited to:
- Engine fluids and filters
- Belts and pulleys
- Glow plugs
- Water pump
Some T5 Transporters have a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox that also needs periodic servicing. If a manual ‘box doesn’t change gear easily, it points to issues with the synchromesh or clutch – or it may just need fresh oil.
Many T5s have tuned engines. Ask to see paperwork showing what was done by who, and what the effect is. If the engine has gained 10% extra horsepower or more, other items such as the air filter and exhaust may need upgrading to cope.
What should I be aware of inside the Volkswagen T5?
If you’re buying a van to convert into a camper, the issue you’re most likely to encounter in the cab is general tattiness. The plastics are strong, and everything is robustly put together, but pull and push everything you can lay your hands to make sure it’s solid. Check all the electrics work including the heater, lights and power steering.
If you do need to replace any broken trim pieces, VW Commercials dealers may have brand-new ones in stock – be prepared to call several –otherwise look on the internet for good, used replacements. Knackered seats are easily replaced – you may as well upgrade to a plusher aftermarket option. Stereos are easily and commonly replaced in older models. Post-facelift, the infotainment system is integrated into the vehicle’s electronics which makes upgrading more difficult, but adding a higher-spec VW system is possible.
Check out the condition of the load bay, especially if it’s not boarded out. You may be covering it up, but it’s sensible to fix any major dents or rust before doing so.
Professional camper van conversions are usually done to a high standard of quality, amateur ones can be a real bodge job. It’s easy to get sucked in by a lavish finish and high-tech gadgets, but it may be held together with spit and Kleenex. Here are some markers that the conversion is a quality product:
- Joinery feels solid
- Drawers open smoothly
- Cupboards close tightly
- No sharp or rough edges
- All screws are flush
- All electrics work
- Switches and sockets are securely fastened
- Water and gas connections work
- Windows, air vents and pop-tops are properly sealed
- No water leaks
- Carbon monoxide alarm is fitted
- Pop-tops lift smoothly and lock firmly
Volkswagen’s own California camper vans are thought to be the best made. Don’t worry too much about the décor – you can always change that. But do make sure the layout works for you, particularly that there’s enough storage.
What’s the story on maintenance?
We’ve already mentioned that the TDI PD diesel engines fitted to the T5 Transporter are quite complex and really benefit from regular, rigorous servicing. Though pretty much any garage will take one on, it’s advisable to use one of the army of Volkswagen specialists. Such garages know these vehicles and their quirks inside-out and may have developed their own fixes for common issues.
Parts supply is plentiful – the engines were used in a vast number of other VW Group vehicles – and prices are relatively low. Specialists have their preferred suppliers, but you can easily buy your own if you prefer.
There are many ways of modifying a T5 engine for more power and/or better fuel economy. Again, there are specialist VW tuners out there but do some research to make sure you use a reputable one.
How many miles to the gallon does a Volkswagen T5 do?
Official fuel economy figures for the Volkswagen T5 reach as high as 40mpg, which you might be able to achieve if you drive with fuel economy in mind. Otherwise, 30-35mpg is a more realistic expectation in models with over 100hp. Less powerful models might be less efficient, simply because they have to work quite hard dragging around a large, heavy vehicle.
Vehicle excise duty (road tax) costs are pretty low, likewise insurance. Don’t forget to declare any modifications – including a camper conversion – to your insurer. Also, make sure you update the vehicle’s registration to reflect that has it has been converted to a camper.
What else should I know?
There are many owners’ clubs, Facebook groups and events dedicated to VW camper vans generally, and the T5 specifically. It’s worth getting involved in the ‘scene’, at the very least to draw on the vast collective knowledge and expertise. Particularly if you’re embarking on a DIY camper conversion.
The possibilities for modifying a T5 – beyond a camper conversion – are virtually limitless. You can get everything from fancy gear knobs to extrovert bodykits, from better-looking engine covers to full air suspension kits. The clubs and groups can be very useful in advising which companies supply the best parts.
You can also add innumerable more practical accessories such as tow bars, bike racks, roof racks, and so on. Depending on model, the VW T5 has a towing capacity up to 2,500kg – look for the vehicle identification number plate that details the vehicle’s weight capacities and limits.
Turning a vehicle into a camper van adds several kilos to its base weight – not just the conversion itself but the equipment, supplies, fuel and people you take with you. So make sure you don’t exceed the vehicle’s weight limit. The VW T5 has a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2,600kg to 3,200kg depending on model, and itself weighs around 2,000kg. If you get a T5 with a GVW at the bottom end of that range, be very careful about how much weight you add.
There’s one version of VW T5 we suggest avoiding – the wheelchair accessible bus built by Bluebird. It has a T5 front end but, from the front wheels back, is entirely bespoke. The vast interior space makes it a tempting option for a camper conversion, indeed many people have done just that. However, one of Parkers’ writers, who worked as a bus driver when these vehicles were in service, notes they were notorious for shoddy build quality and poor reliability.
Pricing
Prices for the Volkswagen T5 in both commercial vehicle and camper van form cover a very broad range. You can get a commercial for less than £5,000, however most we’ve seen at that price are listed as ‘spares or repairs’ and therefore require quite a lot of money to make them serviceable.
At the other end of the scale, you can spend well over £20,000 on a late, high-spec Shuttle minibus or Caravelle MPV. But you don’t need to spend that much. £5,000 to £10,000 buys a prime candidate for a camper conversion in perfectly serviceable condition.
£5,000 buys a rough-and-ready T5 camper with lots of bare plywood. Another few thousand gets one that’s much more presentable. High quality aftermarket conversions and VW-approved builds start at about £15,000. VW’s own T5 California costs at least £20,000.
The market tops out at £30,000 to £35,000. However, we’ve seen some at that price that make us wonder if you’re paying for the quality of the camper conversion, or for the bodykit and big wheels.
Verdict
There are many reasons the Volkswagen T5 is such a popular camper van. There’s so much knowledge and so many options available for a conversion – whether self-build or professional – that getting one is pretty much a no-brainer. The process can be really easy, you can spend as little or as much as you want. And there are existing campers to suit a broad range of budgets and aesthetics.
The T5 is such a useable vehicle, as well. The oldest ones may be passing their 20th birthday, but don’t feel like it to drive or ride in. It survives in much greater numbers than any of its contemporaries, as well. Try finding a 20-year-old Renault Trafic or Ford Transit in good nick. Swallowing the comparatively hefty price is the only real downside to T5 ownership, but it’s always worth paying for quality.
