Van or car version for camper?

[gman88667733]

I am looking at getting a Berlingo/Partner/Kangoo as a cheap mode of transport for a while. It'd be less than £3k as I don't fancy spending loads. It would be ideal for us if we could partially convert the back of one for the odd night away in relative comfort. Is the van version or the regular car version best for this? I have seen some ready made kits for converting the car version for about £500, which I would be willing to pay!

Also, I have seen that the diesel versions tend to be much more economical, but are they as reliable as the petrols? I am looking for economy and low running costs!

I have seen the newer 1.5L/1.6L diesels, but there also seems to be a 1.9L diesel, which i assume is older?

Cheers.

[ally el dee]

I am looking at getting a Berlingo/Partner/Kangoo as a cheap mode of transport for a while. It'd be less than £3k as I don't fancy spending loads. It would be ideal for us if we could partially convert the back of one for the odd night away in relative comfort. Is the van version or the regular car version best for this? I have seen some ready made kits for converting the car version for about £500, which I would be willing to pay!

Also, I have seen that the diesel versions tend to be much more economical, but are they as reliable as the petrols? I am looking for economy and low running costs!

I have seen the newer 1.5L/1.6L diesels, but there also seems to be a 1.9L diesel, which i assume is older?

Cheers.

For pretty much the same reasons we just bought a car version of the Berlingo and plan to come up with some kind of microcamper conversion that is easily removable. Car version also retains option to carry 5 people in seats with proper belts etc. Car version will be cheaper for things like ferry travel and road tolls where those things apply (particularly if you're traveling around Europe). A lot of cities are banning diesels from their core areas too which might be another consideration for you. I'm sure there are plenty of other pros and cons but those were our main ones.

[geoff]

The car version is probably your best option, it MAY also have led an easier working life to date.
Only real downside is the need to remove the rear seats and subsequent storage in order to get sufficient length bed area.

Your vehicle tax will be cheaper with the car and will mitigate the conversion costs.

Yes the 1.9D is an older design with less refinement and power but very reliable.
The 1.6 Hdi is a good engine with reliability and refinement coupled with good economy, the 70 hp engine will suffice but you will slow on hills, you'll stir the stick more often and overtaking shouldn't be a priority.
The 92 hp engine is a better bet.

I've owned all the versions.

[magoo]

I am looking at getting a Berlingo/Partner/Kangoo as a cheap mode of transport for a while. It'd be less than £3k as I don't fancy spending loads. It would be ideal for us if we could partially convert the back of one for the odd night away in relative comfort. Is the van version or the regular car version best for this? I have seen some ready made kits for converting the car version for about £500, which I would be willing to pay!

Also, I have seen that the diesel versions tend to be much more economical, but are they as reliable as the petrols? I am looking for economy and low running costs!

I have seen the newer 1.5L/1.6L diesels, but there also seems to be a 1.9L diesel, which i assume is older?

Cheers.

are you aware there is a long wheel base Kangoo.

[Tree]

and a long wheel base berlingo van, well not long wheel base but longer load space

[JOP3L]

i have the partner van version i dont use it as a micro camper, but i am 6'1 and i can only lie in the back diagonally, however the passanger seat folds flat and tilts forward but the car version will have more windows and a sliding back passanger doors which is more of a rarity on the van. personally i like the look of the van more than the car, mine is the 1.9D even empty it is slow but its a very reliable, only major thing ive had to change after 1 year of thrashing it around is a bad thermostat housing unit.

[Gadgetman]

Which generation are you looking at getting?
The M49/M59 (first gen and 'Facelifted') cars have about 1m60cm of floor space if you fold down the rear seats. If you remove the rear seats entirely(4 Torx bolts on each unit, 8 in total, done in a couple of minutes), you get about 1m80, and finally, if you move the front seats forward and fold the back forward, you'll get about 2meters if you build the bed about 8" off the floor.
On the Van, unless you can easily remove the wall, tough luck.

Sliding doors are pretty common on the later years of the vans.

[Matt Haigh]

Another angle on this is that you can get a van version with 3 (2 1/2 actually!) front seats which does mean you can carry 3 people, properly seat-belted while the back is "converted" instead of 2 in a multi-space based camper. There is also 1) the van bulkhead which depending upon how you convert could be a benefit or hindrance. and 2) the Multi-space up and over rear door which provides better options for shelter and access than the double door van.
Let us know which way you go.

[lakeside]

Car. I have a 13 reg Berlingo Multispace xtr 1.6 diesel and have built a solo bed set up for hiking days/nights away. There is already a modicum of soundproofing/upholstery finish in the car, plus all around window vision.

[manuelmoreno]

I built my camper from 2 years and I cant finish it. I donf have time for it. Maybe next summer I do it.