CVV - Camper Van Vera

Fed up with over priced package holidays during school holidays and the need to take my son (Harry) away I looked at other options. 

We’ve tried tents and cabins in Italy but flight and hire car costs soar during August,  a Gite in France or Casa in Spain is a great  option for adults  but lacking in other kids and activities, and we love camping however happier with a 2-3 night max break not a week

So after 12 months of deliberation the camper van idea came to a head but the prices of some of these converted vans is high. Very high

I noted vans of  W or X registration (1979 – 1981),  23 years old, commanding £10K and then noted a selection  Vauxhaul Vivaro or Renault Traffic derived vans with 77,000 miles at £28K - £31K.

This actual vehicle £31K

These vans, when just a van,  wouldn’t make more than a few hundred or a few  thousand respectively on the ‘block’ but a 23 year old camper holds it’s value. So, the idea (though not unique) was to use a 55 or 58 plate Vauxhaul Vivaro or Renault Traffic and convert it myself

Here I’ll publish a record of it’s conversion and progress! CVV? We decided to call it Vera even before it's finished, named after my mum!

According to Sky news 4^th May 2012

"Staycations, popularised by cash-strapped Brits holidaying at home, have driven growth, as well as the growing 'glamping' trend …figures show that 1.5 million people regularly take tourism caravan or motorhome holidays. It is estimated in the UK there are 142,000 motorhomes….”

Well, now it’s 142.001 !

Sky news goes on to say

“The number of British people deciding to holiday in the UK continues to surge and the caravan and camping industry is reaping the rewards. In January, the industry saw a 14% increase in the number of advanced bookings compared to the same time last year…”