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Otis and Us

Vanlife: Why we love our VW T5 camper for our family of five

Blog· Van life

6 Aug

In September 2013 we purchased our campervan. We had spent the weekend in Cornwall and decided we wanted to join the vanlife families and finally bought ourselves a camper – a VW T5. We’re a family of five (Our children are 11, 8 and 5) and we love nothing more than a road trip and spending time outdoors

Why a T5 camper?

  • Why a T5 camper?
  • All about our T5 camper van conversion
  • A VW T5 camper for a family of five
  • VW camper conversion insurance
  • What is our top tip if you are thinking about purchasing a T5 camper
  • Why do we love our T5 Camper?
  • So where have we been with our VW camper?
  • Road trip Itineraries suitable for families
  • Follow our vanlife on Instagram

We purchased our VW T5 camper back in 2013 (when our eldest was just 2), it was a panel van and we had a dream to convert it into a campervan. We did a lot of research at the time to find our perfect campervan. We had looked at numerous other makes and models but in all honesty we knew that we wanted to grow our family and we knew that we needed to buy a campervan that would be great for kids, would grow with our family and would hopefully hold its value.

We considered converting a RV and also buying a motorhome, but we had a very limited budget, and at the time a very small drive. I really wanted a VW split screen, – that was my absolute dream, but I knew that this would be pricey, hard to maintain (with zero knowledge on mechanics and maintenance). We knew that the only way to have our dream would be to sell our car, purchase a VW van to convert that was not too old, with relatively low miles and we could then use our T5 camper as our every day vehicle. So that was our decision made – a VW T5 camper was the one that just seemed to fit the bill.

VW T5 camper with kids and pop top roof

All about our T5 camper van conversion

Our VW camper van, in all honesty, has been a labour of love. Having used all of our budget on the van itself, we have had to save and patiently wait to turn our van into a camper. We have learned a lot along the way about converting a van into a campervan, and would we do things differently? There is definitely things I would opt for if we did another camper conversion. Ask my hubby and he would go for a full width rock n roll bed. Me? I would opt for tons more storage, and I would have a full kitchen with a campervan hob to cook indoors with ease.

Storage is tight in a camper, and as a result we have really had to think about what we can do to create space, and think about clever packing tips along the way. I also love a vanlife packing list. We are still learning, but we have lots of camper storage ideas to share that would also work for other live in vehicles to really maximise your space.

I have a huge love for home made decor ideas for our camper. I do love boho accessories – you can never have too many bunting flags, or crochet covers in a home on wheels.

inside a self build campervan conversion with bunting flags and boho decor

A VW T5 camper for a family of five

As I mentioned, we purchased our VW van to convert when our eldest was just two, and in all honesty a T5 camper sleeps one-two children easily. Therefore a T5 camper is perfect for a family of four.

We have had to really think about the sleeping options for our VW T5 camper to sleep five of us. Particularly when we had the varied ages of 6, 3 and 1. But we managed it, and managed it well, and we have truly had the most amazing camper van adventures as a family of 5. We also have to pack well, and only pack the essential items for our road trips

We had to really think about how we sleep 5 in our VW T5 camper. The best thing we did to create more space in our camper was to add a pop top roof. This provided a bed for all three of our children.

camper set up with a pop top roof, awning and bike rack for a family of five

VW camper conversion insurance

One thing I learned very quickly is you need to ensure that you have adequate insurance for your VW camper conversion including any work that you are intending to do. There is also a difference depending on if your van remains registered as a van or is registered as a campervan so really do your research here…we have always gone with a company who specialises in converted camper vans.

Another thing to consider is your trips. If you are intending on travelling overseas, not all policies include EU cover as standard so do your research, and make sure you are covered for your trips.

What is our top tip if you are thinking about purchasing a T5 camper

I asked this question very recently to my husband, and he agreed with me.

Do your research.

Visit other families, join Campervan forums, ask those who know and visit conversion companies to really get a feel and understand what you want and what you need.

I would recommend hiring a camper for a weekend, just to get a feel of what works for you as a family, layouts, what you need when planning your T5 camper interiors and what you may not use.

We have a Vanlife with kids Facebook group with plenty of camper and camping tips and hacks for you and lots of advice from other camper and motorhome families.

driving on a beach in Pembrokeshire South wales

Why do we love our T5 Camper?

It is our mobile home and has give us so many memories as a family. We love to explore, and we love the fact that we can pack up easily, move on and find a new base. Our camper gives us freedom. We have always enjoyed a road trip and we have the opportunity to travel and really explore an area.

We also love fresh air, time away from screens, spending time outdoors and enjoying the simple things in life.

Our camper is our second home… our home on wheels, and we love it.

So where have we been with our VW camper?

We have been lucky enough to have some wonderful adventures in our converted VW T5 camper van with kids. If you have followed us for some time you will know that we always look for the best campsites for paddleboarding in the UK

We have found some great campsites with river access, campsites around the Afan Valley, around the Peak District, and within easy access of London.

Along with our weekend adventures in the UK, we’ve had some fantastic vanlife road trips in Europe:

We have found some great campsites in France (in particular Brittany, Dordogne, and Vendee) and Spain.

Covid-19 put a stop to our adventures, but we have loved exploring closer to home with the Lake District, North Wales, and Guernsey in the Channel Islands was an absolute favourite.

Road trip Itineraries suitable for families

One of our early road trips along the West Coast of Scotland was one of our favourites. We also loved our France road trip last year and our Brittany road trip too.

The lake district in a VW camper conversion

Follow our vanlife on Instagram

If you love vanlife and in particular vanlife with kids, do pop over and join us on instagram! There are so many van life instagram accounts. We are based in the UK, and share our outdoor life, camper adventures, road trips and plenty of tips, hacks and campsite recommendations.

We love to hear from other vanlife families – Pop over and say hi!

Please do get in touch if you are thinking of a T5 camper and have any questions

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Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

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Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

The UK is incredible ……home is one of my favourite places to be ❤️

#vanlife #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervan #vanfamtribe #vanfamilies #vanlifefamily #dubbedoutcommunity #campervanadventures #ukhiddengems #ukexplore #roadtripuk -#campervanroadtrip #whatgetsyououtdoors -#outdoorsisbetter #walesadventure #scotlandexplore #devoncoast #cornwallcoast #peakdistrictnationalpark #anglesey #northwalestagram
Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse 🙂 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

#outsideisbetter  #7daysandal 
#whatmamaworemonday 
#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifeclothing #over40style #mamafashion #outdoorclothing #campinglife #vanlifefamily #outdoorfamilies #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #hikinggirl #outdoorswimming #seaair #campervanlife #campervandiaries #campervanlifestyle #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeideas
This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

⬇️
This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

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#livephotos #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefamilydiaries #campervanlife #campervanliving #campervanadventures #campervanfamily #campervanwithkids #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #outdoorfamily #outdoorfamilyphotography 
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Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

➡️ swipe for a few of my fave vanlife pics from our recent travels 

What do you love the most about vanlife? And how about the kids - what do they love?

#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifereality #vanlife #vwt5 #vanfamtribe #vanfamily #vanfamilies #5gocamping #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervanadventures #campervanlife #campervanculture #dubbedoutcommunity #vwdubs #t5camper #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifediaries #vanlifeglobal #vwadventures #campervanliving #roadtrippin #vanlifeeurope #outdoorfamilies #familieswhotravel #lovelifeoutdoors #freshairtherapy 
#vaninspo
Ad/ Slow living A campervan… a hammock and a g Ad/ Slow living 

A campervan… a hammock and a good book. Everyone needs a hammock in their life right?? ❤️ 

What a brilliant bit of kit, the @tickettothemoonhammock stores well in the campervan, is lightweight yet really strong, and is easy to set up, and put away. Furthermore a king size hammock can easily sleep two adults and a child. Although to be fair I’m quite happy here all by myself with a good book ….who said anything about sharing ? 😆

The @tickettothemoonhammock review will be live on the blog shortly once I can physically remove myself from my hammock and my little area of peace and tranquility 🙂 

This is absolutely what vanlife is all about. An opportunity to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. No more words needed . 

Who else loves a hammock? 

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#TicketToTheMoonHammock
#tttmtribe 

#hammocklife #hammockcamping #hammocktime #vanlife #vanlifeuk #campervanlife #vangirl #vanlifediaries #vwgirls #vanlifeideas #vanlifeinspiration #homeiswhereyouparkit #outdoorfamily #naturephotography #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefreedom #vwt5 #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #wildandfreemama #hammocklove #ukgreatshots #campinguk #herefordshire #hereford #hiddengems
The gram is such a funny thing. I have made some a The gram is such a funny thing. I have made some absolutely wonderful friendships over the years. Beautiful friends that are just my kind of people. Absolute sunshine.

On our recent girls van trip…. 

Me “girls just make sure I don’t lose my key - I always seem to misplace it.”

Time to say our goodbyes.. 
Girls “bye for now” - waving as they get in their vans.

Me. “Girls - I’ve lost my key”

One hour of searching and complete van emptying commences. 
 
I am that friend 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

Moral of the story. Find your tribe 😆

Anyone else that kind of friend? 
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.📸 photo credit @van_fam_andme 😆

#vanlifereality #therealitiesofvanlife #vangirl #vanfamtribe #vanlifeuk #vanfamilies #vwcamper #vwt5 #vangirls #vanfam #ukvanlife #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #vanlifeinspiration #vanconversion #campervanlife #campinguk #campingfashionably #vanconversionproject #dubbedoutcommunity #socksandsandalsfam
Solo campervan trip For the first time ever I’m Solo campervan trip

For the first time ever I’m off on a trip in the campervan without my kids. My little peace breakers. Without my hubby…. The chief driver. . The one who sets the van up. The one who cooks. The one who makes my cuppa in the morning and pours my wine🙈😆 (so basically Paul does everything) - Actually no - I do pack the van, and I am the one who does all the necessary research and books the trips (it’s a tough job) Oh and I set the beds up, and keep the camping chairs warm? 

Anyway. How will I cope???

Any tips for a solo campervan trip?  And where to go? 
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#vanliferealities #vanlife #vanlifeuk #vangirls #vangirl #vangirlsrule #vwvan #vanlifefamilydiaries #workhardplayhard #roadtrippin #campervanlife #solovanlife #campervanlifestyle #vanfamily #vanconversion #wheretonext #poptopcamper #ukcamping #tinyhousemovement #ukexplore #tinyhomeonwheels
Not insta perfect at all - I’m an absolute drown Not insta perfect at all - I’m an absolute drowned rat, spent most of the hour under the water, or trying to balance on the surf board on my knees or trying not to take the dog out who insisted on swimming in the path of all the novice surfers 😆

A brilliant weekend celebrating my beautiful friend’s surprise 40th in Scarborough with all the people who love her. What weekends are made for ! 🏄‍♀️ 🍹 

So hands up if you can surf because I think need a few more lessons 🤔 🤣

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#visitscarborough #surfshops #scarboroughspots #scarboroughbeach #scarboroughlife #visitengland #surfsup #surfinggirl #vancommunity #vanfamily #vanlifeuk #therealitiesofvanlife #surfinglessons #surfdaily #surfgirls #outdoorfamilies #getoutside #vanlifereality #surffamily #staystoked #seatherapy #seascape #surfuk #weekendparty #weekendstaycation
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Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

#northwales #wales #walesadventure #northwalestagram #northwalescoast #vanlifewales #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifewithkids #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifefamilies #vanqueens #sunsetphotography #sunsetglow #chasingadventures #chasingsunsets #ukhiddengems #vangirls #vwgirl #roadtripuk
Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

The UK is incredible ……home is one of my favourite places to be ❤️

#vanlife #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervan #vanfamtribe #vanfamilies #vanlifefamily #dubbedoutcommunity #campervanadventures #ukhiddengems #ukexplore #roadtripuk -#campervanroadtrip #whatgetsyououtdoors -#outdoorsisbetter #walesadventure #scotlandexplore #devoncoast #cornwallcoast #peakdistrictnationalpark #anglesey #northwalestagram
Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse :) 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

#outsideisbetter  #7daysandal 
#whatmamaworemonday 
#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifeclothing #over40style #mamafashion #outdoorclothing #campinglife #vanlifefamily #outdoorfamilies #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #hikinggirl #outdoorswimming #seaair #campervanlife #campervandiaries #campervanlifestyle #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeideas
This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

⬇️
This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

.
.
.
.
#livephotos #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefamilydiaries #campervanlife #campervanliving #campervanadventures #campervanfamily #campervanwithkids #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #outdoorfamily #outdoorfamilyphotography 
#lovelifeoutside
Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

➡️ swipe for a few of my fave vanlife pics from our recent travels 

What do you love the most about vanlife? And how about the kids - what do they love?

#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifereality #vanlife #vwt5 #vanfamtribe #vanfamily #vanfamilies #5gocamping #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervanadventures #campervanlife #campervanculture #dubbedoutcommunity #vwdubs #t5camper #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifediaries #vanlifeglobal #vwadventures #campervanliving #roadtrippin #vanlifeeurope #outdoorfamilies #familieswhotravel #lovelifeoutdoors #freshairtherapy 
#vaninspo

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