Because
of our previous experience with a traditional VW camper layout (kitchen
down one side and rear bench seat that converts quickly into a bed)
we decided to replace our second ‘van (the Original Temple) with
this style of 'van. We now live in Devon and so we thought that it would
also double up as 'day van' for local visits/walks. We chose a Bilbos
because I have always been impressed with the build quality.
The base vehicle, a special version of the Caravelle supplied by VW to approved converters, has a high spec with additional 'goodies' available. Browsing the brochure is fun, watching the pounds tot up is not!
So,
a short wheelbase low roof vehicle was one decision made. Next, engine
size. There were 4 engines available. Two 1.9s and two 2.5s. We choose
the 2.5 litre 130 engine as a good compromise with sufficient power
to tackle hills comfortably but not so much as to guzzle too much diesel.
It has proved a wise choice as it seems to have enough ‘grunt’
to climb up the side of a house and yet, hauling nearly three tons around,
still returns around 34mpg
'Our' 'van having its roof fitted
Air-conditioning was highly desirable as we usually tour some pretty warm parts of Europe, Cruise control too, for those long autobans/autoroutes. Colour? Well it has to reflect the heat and as the 'van is German then it should be silver, Yes? Privacy glass was chosen for the obvious reason - its a bit like living in a goldfish bowel otherwise. Finally reversing sensors completed the VW spec as on the previous 'van I had fitted a camera after several embarrassing moments!
On
the Bilbos side of things we ticked the winter pac (blown air heating,
rear carpet and cab thermo screens), rear speakers and a Fiamma awning.
I fitted a Fiamma to the previous 'van and we found it invaluable for
shade easily obtained - literally wind out in a few seconds. Very useful
for brief stops in service aires for example. The price, though, is
a rather eye watering £495! Also rejected was the small table
for the passenger seat on the grounds that it was something else to
be stored and we could both sit at the main table.
The driving position is excellent - with arm rests and
cruise control it is simply the most comfortable vehicle I have driven.
The engine (and bear in mind the mileage only read 1800 when we got
back to UK) pulls extremely well, bags of torque make for easy driving.
The Webasto diesel heating was used a couple of times and apart from
a short surge of cold air when switched on, it kept us as warm as toast.
It was very useful to be able to switch it on for a few minutes from
the bed before rising.
Gas
consumption was about one third of a 907 bottle for cooking only. We
also BBQ (using a small gas unit that sits on top of a second 907 cylinder)
to keep the heat out of the van too.
We were a bit worried about downsizing and whether we would find enough
space for everything, however we found lots of little nooks and crannies
to use. The space under the tambour door is quite large and there is
space in the boot by the jack for putting things not likely to be required
in a hurry. The cupboards under the rear seat are larger than their
door size would suggest. Suffice to say we came back from France with
over 130 bottles of wine...
It may be our age, but we were not too impressed with the bed mattress
fit. There seemed to be a gap between the rear seat squab and the mattress
over the boot. We purchased a foam ‘topper’ and this has
been very successful.
