Frontline VW T5 Transporter

Third Time Lucky – This is my third VW campervan. I fitted the first van out myself, the second was a 1974 factory fit out and my third is a Frontline conversion. This car is truly fantastic, as they say, "Third time lucky!!" Mechanically it is brilliant, turbo deisel averaging 8 litres per 100 klms, drives like a car with amazing power, rides so smoothly and handles like a dream. The 4motion, all wheel drive takes me most places I need to go with security.

I have been camping all my adult life, from cheap tents, camper trailers, caravans, you name it I've had it. As with any type of camping it all depends on your needs i.e. economics, family, long trips, weekends, storage etc. I call my T5, 4 motion my weekender/1 night stand unit, it does the lot, overnight stays, weekend away and extended trips. I took it across the ferry to Tasmania for 3 weeks last Xmas and it preformed brilliantly. Whoever the guys that design the frontline layout have obviously had a lot of camper-vanning experience, I always cook outside so elaborate stoves in the van are a waste of space and money. For a smaller van there is sufficient storage space, I love the solar battery charger and haven't flattened the battery yet, although I am cautious. I am so glad my T5 has the larger pop up roof as it makes the inside much more spacious that the angled roof.

My only gripe would be that the volt meter could be of better standard and the fold down mattress is not very comfortably, although I soon fixed the bedding problem by purchasing a memory foam mattress which makes the bed more comfortable that my bed at home.

All up I would highly recommend this vehicle for a couple, without children, as a great escape setup.

OK – Quality average, but reasonably robust. Basic layout functional ,other than swing out cooker, very disfunctional. Auxhilary battery volt meter useless. Our 4 motion was considerably cheaper than a Trakka or a Kea Great base vehicle Matress/seat foam far too thin. Wire baskets in cupboard, could be larger, off the shelf units fitted to save cost. Lighting not strong enough. Sink requires cover to increase bench space

Cutlery compartment could be a draw, for convenience sake.