VW T3/Vanagon custom Camper with an electrically operated bed!

Today we have a look at our most recent custom camper conversion in a VW T3. We have designed and built a modern version of a once tired camper interior and spiced it up with a bespoke feature, and electrically operated rock and roll bed!!
✔View and buy the products and tools for your campervan conversion here: www.combevalle...
✔ For online advise and support with your campervan visit our Patreon Page: / combevalleycampers
Feel free to ask any questions down below and don't forget to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel! 👍
To see more of our projects and services, please visit
WEB: www.combevalle...
FACEBOOK: / combevalleycampers
INSTAGRAM: / combe_valley_campers
@combe_valley_campers
🎥Filming and Editing: Ali Jassim / just_jassim

[@traceyparker-brookes333]

This is my Karmel, I gave leigh my thoughts on what I needed and gave him free hand. As it's only for my pleasure, I didn't need much apart from an easier mechanism for a bed as I have issues with my back and I was lucky to get the electric bed. I choose the colour as I wanted a tranquil space which the pink brings me. I'm extremely happy and I know it's not to everyone's taste but it is mine and gives me joy and happiness. I'm grateful to Leigh from the bottom of my heart giving me a space where I can be ME again.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

It was a pleasure Tracey. I'm so glad you are having such a good time with Karmel :)

[@grannieannie1371]

I was going to say the pink isn't for me but cool van. But it seems I don't need to say it. Hope you have a blast with it. I know I would.

[@johnvancamper9581]

It's fab 😎

[@beccabligh1358]

I think it looks gorgeous Tracey! good for you for going with what you wanted! you've encouraged me to do what I want with mine :) XXX

[@kimhorton6109]

I think that Pink would scream at me all nite but it’s not my van after all. Love the hitop

[@christinamacintyre9972]

Oh lovely pink and grey, you certainly made spinning that seat look easy

[@iangrimshaw1]

That's a really nice build. KZbin seems to be dominated by USA builds that are truly dreadful; they seem to be made by butt-joint screwed together of lengths of 2" x 4" timber then everything is clad in floor boards. You've made a well thought out, elegant and efficient interior. And yes, love the leccy bed!

[@jamesbishop9070]

quite a lot of character though in a self converted van, more personality to fall in love with

[@bridgerlambert1975]

To build a van that is as clean as well done as this one is not easy. It takes years of experience to build to this level of craftsmanship. Not to mention that building in a van or any vehicle is difficult due to how odd they are shaped and all the little quirks they have. Plus many of these people have little to no construction experience and limited funds so the work they are actually able to accomplish is actually impressive

[@NomaddUK]

Great build out for such a small van. Th electric bed is genius for those would struggle to pull it up over such a long distance. Well done.

[@beccabligh1358]

Wow I can't believe people have such strong opinions about this refurb! As long as it's to what the client wants isn't that what matters! I like the pink :) I'd love to make mine that girly but I don't think my partner would come anywhere with me! I've got a vw t25 I'm refurbishing but it looks just like this t3! I'm starting to question whether I have one of those instead! X

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Nice one guys, nice to see an owner who likes to keep it simple. R&R bed is great. Missing my T3...

[@linz_in_NZ]

I like the modernised retro look - and it sounds like it was exactly what the client wanted too.

[@thomasmarliere2505]

This electric bed gives me some ideas ! Great build guys 👍

[@johnfitzpatrick2083]

Fantastic build and loved the bed

[@johnvancamper9581]

Cracking job and video presentation. USB. ...needs to be on at night to charge phone etc . Lamp draws tiny current so could just place a cloth over it....that's what we used to do. Or snip the feed to the lamp only. Or replace with non-lit version. May not bother many people but used to bug me lol 100% with you and the owner that it's entirely her prerogative to choose every aspect of the look. Happy travels everyone. John

[@sudvag]

Interesting to see no slides for so many drawers. Once the drawers actually contain sth, it's gonna be a hassle to get them out. Other than that, a well thought out build!

[@TheHeadAngle]

sudvag was thinking the same

[@Goonit83]

Definitely needs runners huh.. decent build though 👍

[@grumpy23240]

Very nice conversion! Especially liked the electric bed!

[@yvettelopez5866]

Awesome camper. Its unique! Great job

[@davidhagan6571]

Great job guys love your work just waiting to find my conversion van

[@timdmx512]

lovely build

[@trishedwards7732]

How lovely to see an understated conversion, it exudes tranquility - I love the interior but am not sure about the bed. A job very well done .

[@alanmoley320]

👍 for electric bed. Well done. Tidy build.

[@thomasjohansen9009]

Cool bed 👍🏼😊

[@dusty1923]

Love it guys well done

[@marinaugustin3415]

Lovely job. Simple and easy to use. Nice.

[@rghounds]

I’ve watched a few of your videos and have been really impressed. This one had me scratching my head on the storage, although I didn’t have the sound on. The cool box cupboard has a lip at the bottom which must make its removal a pain. If the internal cupboard base is level with the bottom of the door opening,you might lose a couple of cm storage but it would be easier to slide the box out. Next, the drop down flap for the portapotty. Another lip. Taking it out will no doubt scratch the door and you need to lift it over the piano hinge. Side mount the hinge? The lids to the storage by the bed were sticking together as they were lifted up. The swivelling passenger seat seemed quite wobbly. The drawers at the rear, under the bed needed a wiggle to pull out. As I say, your ‘how to’ vids have been well presented, clear and informative and probably the best I’ve watched.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Perce5555, Thank you for your comments. The cool box cupboard has been made to fit a Waeco CRX 50 Fridge, which will include the ledge. The waeco fridge will be purchased in the future and the door will simply be removed. The customer is happy with the cupboard and its final design. The design of the bed frame has meant that the door for the porta potty is hinged at the bottom. Well observed on the storage lids. Before delivery to the customer, the hinges were tweaked so as not to stick. The passenger swivel base was chosen by the customer and they were happy with the result. The drawers on the rear section were Indeed a little sticky and were waxed before delivery. Thank you for your kind words on our videos. We are certainly enjoying making them.

[@rghounds]

Combe Valley Campers. Thank you for your reply. I look forward to your future presentations as I’m learning a lot, like your delivery and hope that I may use your services sometime in the future.

[@Mal_Outdoors]

Nice work. I like the way the interior is so in keeping with the age and styke of the van. Not many companies in the UK would be interested in taking this on. Too many seem only interested in fitting tge standard modern cupboards and fittings each time

[@husseinjemal3983]

Excellent conversion, especially the bed. Well done

[@thomaswoodall5732]

The whole build is awesome but that bed! Turbo cool!

[@paulyoung5073]

Project amber brought me here.... small world 🤙

[@dayneditiont5.163]

Awesome job guys 🤟

[@danielequihua9359]

Genius Simply Genius 👌

[@TheGazmondo]

Bloody brilliant !!

[@martybelfastsri]

looks quality great channel !

[@TheKingroth]

I've got 1997 t4 with a rock and roll bed, bit of a pain putting it up and down. Would love one of those!!!!

[@paulmooney1833]

Very nice !

[@MikeDeal]

Really nice looking build. Few ideas for ya. I would like the rear bed lights to have a red option or start low work their way up. ie being blasted by light which you have to get up in the night is no fun I dont like the space at the rear of seat. I now understand that as it is electric but you will have to make sure that is clear before you move the bed. Washing dishes, you will be dripping water on that switch panel. And like others have said the table has too much play in it. Other that that, a really nice rebuild.

[@sim6699]

Install mr16 (12v) based lights and fit colour changing and dimming remote controlled bulbs

[@immortalsofar5314]

Some US class A RVs have a pull down bed in the front so its permanently made up but raises up into the ceiling when you're driving. What do you think of the feasibility of having a similar arrangement in a smaller van? Maybe with the seats sliding back out of the way and a slot cut for the steering wheel? What would the metal folding brackets look like?

[@monty_sultana]

Im getting a t23 soon

[@richH1625]

The drawers beside the fridge are lovely. And the grey. Floor looked good too. I couldn't live with the wobbly table - is that as solid as they come or was it not finished yet? (I've only ever been in vans with the side rail + leg type)

[@tcniel]

Well done

[@veedubgeezer]

Bed is a nice touch. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be with just 12 litres of clean and waste water. Some of the storage space looked too small to be usable. Where's the gas? Is it a bottle or an LPG tank? As long as the owner's happy, that's all that really matters. It's the joy of VW ownership!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Aaron, thanks for your comments. The van was built to the customers specifications, not anyone else's. They use all spaces and are very happy with the build. The gas bottle is secured in a vented cabinet underneath one of the cupboards.

[@TheHeadAngle]

Nice neat build but having redesigned my T25 interior several times as I’ve ran into real word problems when camping there’s a few features on this build which aren’t best... leisure battery is much better, hidden in the bottom of one of the cupboards, you want the easy to access spaces left for the stuff you need regularly, the drawers all need runners cos once loaded up they’ll be a pain to slide in and out, narrow, long drawers are a pain to get stuff to fit best into and often end up jamming shut, and the electric bed seems to big of a compromise, you don’t get top loading access to the storage inside, what happens if the battery is flat or it breaks? How much weight does it add and you loose the reverse action reclining lounger mode you get on a normal RnR bed.

[@RebelsInc969]

That bed well makes a noise I couldn't have that, can ya do a xlwb Sprinter for less than £3000 I got most of the bits I need just want someone to out it all together for me oh & it has to be built around a 6000watt sound system & fit my motorbike & kayak & I wana fold out bed to save a bit of space 👍

[@JohnBrown-zh8ss]

Love this lay out , ! Have a Mazda bongo and would like to have some thing like this lay out ! Cheers jobro

[@c7uk]

Nice but I think the backrest on the rock’n’roll bed is far too high - i’d like to see it lower and therefore the boot space larger. It’d look less ‘shoe-horned’ in and rear visibility would be better

[@raychambers3646]

There seems a lot criticism about the table ,I had same one in my bay window and when pushed into floor firmly and table top the same no problems were found ,my table top was secured in a bracket,nice simple ? Conversion .Nice joinery.

[@peakyparttimers9362]

Bet that cost a lot more than the van cost.

[@nothere7198]

Nice use of space and love the electric Rock n Roll bed ! Curious what the projected life cycle for the motor is (mean up/down before failure) and current draw. Also, in the inevitable case of no power or dead motor is there a manual crank option ?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi, the bed is operated on a worm drive and if the motor were to fail the motor can be removed and the drive be connected to a power drill. This design is a one off and we have used a motor and drive package from an existing bed design. If this design were to be produced in numbers we would be sure to have a reliable motor and drive.

[@nothere7198]

@@CombeValleyCampers : Thanks for the answer !

[@rickythe2]

Does the bed have a manual override? It would be my luck I’d leave something on and drain the battery.

[@nothere7198]

Wondering the same myself.

[@richH1625]

It's 'cool' but I think I'd rather have a good manual r&r. Or a windlass (?) thing to wind it out, like you get on bits of sailing boats. ?

[@TheRudei92]

She’s gorgeous Tracey. Hope you make many happy memories together. ☺️

[@accentautomotive8635]

Would like to see a video or more information on the bed and how you did it! Also where did you get the suede/alcantara material from?! love what you're doing giving me too much inspiration during lockdown

[@brendancull8316]

An idea about the fridge. You no longer need to use a compressor type fridge. there is a newish device called a Peltier Device, there are plenty of instructional videos on utube, look up Peltier Cooling or Peltier Effect. They are much more efficient than the old compressor type, and don't seem to hard or expensive to build yourself. I'm thinking of converting an Knackered old compressor fridge into one myself.

[@carlosnunocardoso3386]

How much did that all cost. We have one and would like to do that. Thanks Carlos

[@ikepowell]

As the Rock & Roll bed is also a passenger carrying seat, does it have to be M1 tested? I'm not sure I'd like to be sat in that seat if a car bumps into the back of the van

[@Klekowksii]

Only 1 thing I don't like about this: The noise the electric bed makes.

[@beautifuldream108]

Good.

[@peem1244]

Super job on a super van, but how do i get to the engine?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Pedro, the rear shelf compartment lifts out very easily :)

[@VwRosstorations]

Thanks for sharing...

[@ivanbullen4284]

I have just bought an old T4 and the whole interior wants ripping out and starting over. How much would a similar interior cost? I'm a single person so my needs are purely for me. Thank you.

[@rus1058]

cool!

[@juusohuttu259]

Hey! I don't know if you are still answering these comments but I am going to test my luck. Do you remember or have the color codes of the outside paint written somewhere. I am going to paint my T3 in this exact color and I would just need the color codes. Thanks for your help!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi, I'm afraid not. This van was painted before we carried out the work. Leigh

[@juusohuttu259]

@@CombeValleyCampers Do you know the owner today? If I could reach for them.

[@michaelharrison8295]

Very nice I bet you have never done a ford connect van Combe valley 😂

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Actially we haven't! Weve done a caddy though

[@jillnmicshathaway5515]

Wicked....cost to convert?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi, thanks for your question. Typically you can expect to spend anywhere between £6000 and £12000 on a custom camper build depending on spec and utilities. Regards, CVC

[@DesertRat63]

Combe valley campers.....firstly great videos....I'm new to the campervan scene, and i would love to know which would be the best van to convert for two ppl and a small dog to use all weathers containing the usual facilities....heating, porta-potty, cooking/sink, pull-out bed e.t.c. Don't want a massive van, thanks

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Gar B, there are a lot of factors to consider, firstly budget and what type of camping you'll do?!

[@Klojum]

In essence I do like your conversion videos. And I'm sure that plenty of people are enjoying music while they watch people at work, but for those (foreign) people who find it difficult to follow your pronunciation (I know, there are automated subtitles), the background music can go from distracting to quite annoying. Do your conversion videos really need the overall monotonous elevator music?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thank you for your comments. We shall look into it

[@cheeze_toastietv8730]

Great work - what make are the Push Locks?

[@johnkempf1808]

I'd take an original westie design over this bare bone copy.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi John, we pride ourselves in original design, and this has absolutely has no similarity to a T3 Westfalia. The westfalia is an amazing design I agree

[@johnkempf1808]

@@CombeValleyCampers I appreciate your desire to create unique designs. However, you didnt reinvent the wheel. Bog,sink, and storage same target as a Westie but in my opinion less utalitarian. No diotec fridge or closet let alone a stable swing out table. The original westie design wated very little space not as much with your design. Dont get me wrong. You did a good job for your client but I still would have gone with the Westie design.

[@bridgerlambert1975]

john kempf this design was built to a customers specifications and needs. Just because it isn’t what would be best for you doesn’t mean it’s a bad design. It’s a different design.

[@ujack71]

Pep Guardiola has a side gig

[@siancollins6842]

Cool, well done! Lovely detail. Only question is, where is the gas bottle stored or did I miss that bit?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

The gas bottle is secured and stored in a vented box next to the bed frame. It can be accessed via a hatch in the bottom of the cupboard.

[@steveelkins52]

Umm.. too noisy.she will never use it if she stealth camps. But doubtless it can still be operated manually? Nice fit out otherwise.

[@stevebrookes6014]

You cant actually hear bed in a normal non acoustic environent and no microphone. 😉

[@nothere7198]

The exterior doesn't exactly scream "stealth camper" ;-) Any brief bed noise isn't going to be the giveaway :-)

[@nm-ge4tb]

👍👍🧔COOL AS F*** 👍👍🍺

[@mikejenkins4598]

Where is the fridge

[@derekt7606]

Table needs securing could be dangerous in an emergency stop. Otherwise very nice.

[@jackleripper3482]

Electric bed @ 10:36

[@ianseager9084]

I've been watching and enjoying your videos this afternoon and have been really impressed...until now. Gap and flush around the sink drawers. No sliders. Wobbly table. Porta potty slopping around under the bed. All the storage seems impractical. The noise of the bed?!!! Worst conversion I've seen. Sorry.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Ian, thanks for the feedback. The conversion is not for everyone, and we built this for the customers needs. As she has expressed, she is happy with the conversion and for the sake of 15 seconds of electric motor noise, a bed that retracts electronically is worth its weight in gold to her. CVC

[@jamesgoodwin2450]

Is the hidden secret an electric bed by any chance hahahahaha

[@AnnetteZang]

Pink? That ruined it for me

[@sim6699]

Look bland and uninteresting but I'm sure the woman likes it. Electric bed looks a good idea for elderly owners to still enjoy their camper vans. Guessing its linear actuators? Like the idea of under storage.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Sim, thanks for your comments. It was designed with the customer for the customer and she loves it. Now she has her curtains, trinkets and accessories in it, it looks very homely.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

The bed works using a system of rails and worm drives.

[@hdscuba6970]

Sorry but it look like a cheap build for some pro build.

[@andrewgutierrez3778]

That grey is ugly bro

[@johnwildwest1]

one ugly fkn bus

[@Klojum]

In essence I do like your conversion videos. And I'm sure that plenty of people are enjoying music while they watch people at work, but for those (foreign) people who find it difficult to follow your pronunciation (I know, there are automated subtitles), the background music can go from distracting to quite annoying. Do your conversion videos really need the overall monotonous elevator music?