Camper King Campervan Review

Camper King Campervan Review
In this video we look at all the features of our 2019 VW Transporter Camper King Campervan conversion.
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Needingworth Campers,
High Street,
Needingworth,
St Ives,
Cambridgeshire
PE27 4SA
Phone: [phone]
Website: www.needingwor...
Camper King LTD,
Sales & Hire
Stratford Road
Wootton Wawen
Warwickshire
B95 6AS
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.camperking...
#VWTransporter #Campervan #Camperlife #Camperadventure #Vanlife

[@johanfransson2953]

Our T3 1991 based camper with center pop top (not for making bed space, please note) was equally fuzzy about tucking fabric inside before clamping it down properly. But oh yes it was wonderful to have the pop top up being able stand there in the middle pulling your jeans on with all the space you need for such a stunt!

[@LiveforTravel]

They are just so much more flexible. Could be used as a daily transport then a place to stay camping. Great vans.

[@MrMattykuk]

I am getting my van from Steve on Friday! Looking forward to living the dream!

[@LiveforTravel]

Steve @ Needingworth in St. Ives? You are going to enjoy 😊

[@derekweir7692]

Although our camperkings van, was kitted out for someone else, as in the vans first owner. There is a lot about the cabinet that although looks good from the outside inside certain aspects have not been thought out at all. Let's go through them filling the water tank with a hose, created to much turbulence within the tank and dislodged the pump, when I finally got to the pump it wasn't even clamped to the hose, a simple cable tie would have prevented this, to get to the tank I had to move the leisure battery, but the post clamps were being obstructed by the cabinet, so I couldn't lift the lid to the tank, which all the electrics sat on. No alternative but to cut away the base of the vertical cupboard to extract the leisure battery and thus is where the battery sits now. So with freeing up the space I was able lift the lid of the water tank compartment and expose the tank. To get at the pump I had to remove the water level sensor, but I couldn't get to fit a cable tie around the pump connection as it was to far out of reach. Now if there is one thing I hate being a maintenance engineer is construction that doesn't legislate for maintenance or repair. I was soon to discover that the wiring was done haphazard, it was like a plate of spaghetti, nothing was neat or tidy, and excessive cables were just nauseating to see. Nearly all the lighting cables were shortened and I must have got rid off 5 metres of cable. Getting the fridge out was a nightmare, the screws were small and some odd positive shape. The gas hob had rigid connections, lift the sink and hob for maintenance needs flexible connections or leaks occur. The gas bottle cupboard is a joke to access getting a bottle out an in is a nightmare. Now because of all my upgrades I have twice the storage the joke wine rack is gone and in is a 150mm drawer I made. The sliding cupboards are much more deeper than they are now, and as for the tables with these ridiculous L shaped aluminium stands they have gone, to be replaced with a table that folds together and uses a stand from B&Q whilst there is a table above the fridge, which doesn't interfere with the fridge opening. To conclude Camperkings give them a wide berth, they ain't that good.

[@LiveforTravel]

I could definitely imagine the disappointment as a maintenance engineer. When we purchased our van it was “relatively” cheap at £37K although there is never an excuse for poor design and workmanship. The design of anything should always allow for maintenance without having to modify it. We didn’t own our CK van long enough to get a full understanding and feel for the quality of the product as sometimes they are only realised later in the ownership. I am aware prices are now over £50k so it would be of interest to see if a 2022 model has had some of the design issues and build quality improved. To have excess wiring is both unnecessary and an increase to production costs. Thanks for watching our video and giving your experience with a CK vehicle. It helps other viewers that read the comments.

[@jeffchristie1541]

good luck with your new van it looks very nice by the way and love the carbon effect of your cupboards never seen that before very nice indeed and loads of cupboard space too .

[@LiveforTravel]

Thank you for your comment and support. Yes we love the grey gloss carbon design. 👍

[@ralphbingham5921]

Very useful review. Many thanks!

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and your support.

[@celtic-audiophile]

Surprised you didn’t get the gas plumbed in for the bbq, it’s a brilliant addition for our Cadac, love our CK build been away 20 trips, have added upgraded Audio with speakers in the back and onboard wi-fi. We also have a solar panel and side bars all added by CK

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. Speakers and WiFi sounds interesting. I am soon having a “c” rail fitted so I shall ask them for information.

[@friedrichmintgen]

Very charming interior design. Many thanks for showing and very much fun with your camper. Best regards

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks again for your continued support 👍

[@davidgrover2665]

Hi I know this is a year ago & you now have a Motorhome but we get our CK at end August & wondered what size Thetford PP fits in the rear storage area as you have one stored at rear in this video? Great videos BTW Thx!

[@LiveforTravel]

The one we had was supplied by Needingworth Campers. Unfortunately we don’t have any information about it. Sorry. Thanks for watching and your feedback. We wish you many happy memories in your new camper.

[@larajayne3846]

Helpful! Thanks 😊🙌

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@MartinBradbury]

Do you have to sleep on the seatbelts on the rock and roll bed or can they be removed?

[@LiveforTravel]

The straps remain on the bed (or they did when we used it) and the buckles can be pulled along the belt to move them out of the way. We don’t own this particular van anymore so we are sorry but unable to check if there is a way to move the straps. We would always recommend a mattress topper.

[@AJ-qn6gd]

Very similar to our T5 camper which we have recently purchased had plenty of weekends away in it and have a week away planned in a few weeks time (October) just waiting to have our Eberspacher diesel heater fitted, it’s amazing how little space two and a small dog an live in ! How are you getting on with it after a couple of years of ownership ?

[@LiveforTravel]

They are great vans. We sold the T6 and now have a modest size Motorhome. We find the space works great when 4 of us are in it and the onboard facilities useful. We do miss the VW though and would consider having another when there are just the 2 of us. Thanks for watching and your comment. We wish you many happy travels with your van.

[@philgreenfield8704]

How do you drain the water tank?

[@LiveforTravel]

The grey waste water is emptied by lifting the little grey flap on the off side as in the video at 13m 50s. If you mean the freshwater I am unsure. It might require pumping out. We no longer own the van so am unable to check.

[@susankershaw2401]

Was the strap that you used to pull the bed up an added extra by choice or did it come as standard. Our Camper King is a 2018 and doesn't have one, or at least I don't think it does! I really struggle to lift the bed from the middle side manually.

[@LiveforTravel]

It was standard on our van but we purchased our Camper King van from Needingworth Campers and I think they fit them before selling the vehicle. Yes it was handy to have the additional strap and I don’t know why CK didn’t fit them.

[@Rosietheginger]

Why did you sell it

[@LiveforTravel]

Lack of onboard facilities became more of a challenge than we had believed.

[@felixashby9156]

What model is yours?

[@LiveforTravel]

It is the St Tropez model.

[@felixashby9156]

Nice, we're looking for one at the moment.

[@felixashby9156]

We've picked up our camper, it is brilliant! We are going on a trip next weekend.

[@LiveforTravel]

Felix Ashby wish you lots of memories in your campervan 😊

[@vanish6116]

Can you remind me why you decided to go for a motorhome AND what did you do with the camper van? Thank you love your videos.

[@LiveforTravel]

Yes the main reason, particularly because there are four of us, was to have a bathroom. Also it isn’t restricted in width by the size of the van so there is more space even with our 6m model. We traded our camper in (after lots of negotiation!) Thanks for your comments.

[@paulbowers7343]

Wow! Works very, very similar to my '73 with the Westfalia conversion, albeit far more palatial! Kind of like comparing a monk's cell to something that got 5' stars from Michelin! Can't wait for camping and the kids reactions to "living in the wilds." 😉

[@LiveforTravel]

Paul Bowers sometimes we think the kids are feral so a wild camping trip might be like home to them 😀

[@MartinBradbury]

Thank you, I think your video has confirmed to me that I should go for a proper California rather than a camper king conversation. I was really interested in the camper king, but it appears to have so many compromises! the lack of insulation, poor storage in comparison to a Cali, and the uncomfortable rear seats kills it’s for me. Oh and the front seat rotation via 4 bolts seems very poor and insurance options limit choice. I’m really glad I watched this an your other vids before making a decision. Thank you 👍👍👍👍

[@LiveforTravel]

Thank you for your support. It’s appreciated. When we purchased our new Camper King we paid £37k and at the price point we thought it was very good. The prices seem to have gone up, maybe due to Covid Tax, but I agree with you, particularly when the distance of the prices get closer to that of the VW product (which has a full VW warranty), it is more of a no-brainer. 👍

[@vanagon1966]

even if you never use a grill or oven. least they look the part in a camper..not sure about that sliding door below the cooker makes the interior look budget

[@LiveforTravel]

I would agree with you the sliding one would be nice if it was a drop down door same as the remainder of them 👍

[@vanagon1966]

you could get one made to match the unit.. your best move was the diesel heating you will be using that more often than you think.. early and late summer evenings can get very chilly.. from experience another great add on you could easy fit yourself is the swing out table by the sliding door.. i use it all the time..perfect if your kids are asleep in the roof and your bed is made up below..you can make a cup of tea and sit in the passenger seat and use the table.. you can buy them on ebay..take a look. you can buy one that matches your big table. plus love your green and white 2cv. i use to have the same dolly and color.

[@LiveforTravel]

Yes think the added diesel heater will be used a lot at night. You have me thinking now about getting a door made to replace that slider. You had a Citroen 2CV! That’s awesome. They are so unique and fantastic to drive, as you know 😊

[@vanagon1966]

i noted early in the summer that needingworth campers had changed from fitting the smev oven grill as standard. to that sliding door .and now the smev grill is an extra.. its crazy because the design and cut out means that the next owner no longer has the option of fitting the smev oven they should have made the unit so you had the option of the smev oven or if not wanted a cupboard with a door so at any time you could take the door off and have a perfect fit for the oven.. the most important thing you will need in a camper kitchen unit is the cutlery draw to keep all your utensils secure and rattle free yet they don't even make provisions for one.

[@filsgreen]

Thanks for posting, it's so informative for people like myself, who are going to buy one.👍😁

[@LiveforTravel]

We advise testing how comfortable the rear bench seat is. The RnR bed installed in our van had no comfort at all. We never tried the RIB ones so you may want to try both and in their seating and bed positions. Thanks for watching our video.

[@darrenmckay7005]

Hi , pick ours up on 9th October, where did you buy your cushions for the back from ? Cheers

[@LiveforTravel]

Darren McKay congrats. Our cushions came with the van when we bought it from Needingworth Campers. We wish you many happy travels 😊

[@darrenmckay7005]

@@LiveforTravel many thanks for the info

[@MartinCross56]

Was you happy with the build quality as I've seen quite a lot of bad reviews online. Also did you have any issues with damp or outside noise when camping as I understand Camper King don't insulate their vans.

[@LiveforTravel]

Good questions. We didn’t have any but we didn’t have the van all that long. I think they are a “good” manufacturer for the lower price bracket of under £40k. We have seen some now for sale for £50k and more. We believe they are not worth that amount of money. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@MartinCross56]

Thanks for your honesty. I know the prices have shot up in the last year because of their popularity but good to know what you think they are really worth.

[@LiveforTravel]

@@MartinCross56 no problem. Until they upgrade the design without “knock on” edge finishes and exposed metal and screws on the sides they are not worth £40k. We paid £37k for a brand new van and felt that was about right.

[@pl4819]

@@LiveforTravel I’m really tempted to buy a camper king van but can’t justify to spend £50k + since you paid £37k new. Alternatively I’ve seen a Randger 535 for £40k which include a shower unit but lot to comprise in storage side plus a Fiat shell.

[@LiveforTravel]

In 2019 of course the market was so very different from today. I haven’t looked at a 2022 model year Camper King van so cannot see if they have changed their style and way they are built. We didn’t have any problems with our conversion but it did look like what it was; a more budget version of a Campervan. Space is always a compromise whether you purchase a Campervan or a Motorhome. I would agree however that a smaller design camper is going to be even more of a compromise with space if you have items such as a toilet or shower. It depends on what the van will be used for. If you intend using it only at sites with amenities then the lack of onboard facilities (for some at least) isn’t such a problem. We hope you find the van that is best for you.

[@TheFamousRFC1872]

Isn’t it a hassle taking the pop-top straps off - I’m normally loosen then and let them hang

[@LiveforTravel]

Paul Morrish is your van a Camper King! I don’t think our straps are long enough

[@TheFamousRFC1872]

Live to Drive it’s not but looks like same roof from UK pop tops and same straps and clip. I simply loosen it as far as I can without undoing it and let the straps hang down in the front cab

[@LiveforTravel]

Paul Morrish ah yes but our straps don’t reach that far. Not an issue as long as we keep them where we can easily find

[@TheFamousRFC1872]

Live to Drive yeh don’t lose them or grab a spare for the glove box. Added you on insta.

[@LiveforTravel]

Paul Morrish thanks. Followed you too. Great van you have there. Rainbow Screens thermals 👍

[@markthorley9224]

Hi, is this a westdubs pop top?

[@LiveforTravel]

We do not know, sorry. Apparently Camper King have used more than one company for pop tops.

[@markthorley9224]

@@LiveforTravel Looks great! and looks like a Westbuds. We have purchased a LWB T6 in red similar to yours. Can’t wait to get it finished

[@LiveforTravel]

@@markthorley9224 fantastic. 400mm of extra space will be great too! We wish you many happy travels..... when we are all allowed 😊