Campervan vs Motorhome?
We sell campervans, based on the VW Transporter and Ford Transit Custom. These are mid-sized vans not much different in length and width to a large estate car. Motorhomes are generally based on larger vehicles. The advantages of the Transporter are that it will fit in a normal parking spot (and on your driveway!), it’s easier to navigate country lanes, and you don’t have to store it anywhere special. Many campsites are also turning away larger motorhomes, so the Transporter and Transit are the perfect size.
Who or what is Moorlake?
Moorlake is an independent campervan sales company with showrooms in Watford and Hull. We buy brand new vans from VW directly, and we professionally convert them into fully fitted campervans.
Do I need solar panels?
If you are parked up without an electric hook up, your leisure battery will last approximately three days with normal use. A solar panel will extend this by a few days or more depending on usage, and will also keep your leisure battery topped up during winter.
How big is the water tank?
52 litres, and it’s filled from a filler cap outside the van.
Do bigger wheels affect the ride quality?
You may feel a small difference over bumpy roads, but very limited difference on motorways. With large wheels, your speedo may be inaccurate and read lower than your actual speed. We recommend using Sat Nav for speed.
Is there a spare wheel?
Yes, and it’s 16”. If your van wheels are a different size to this, then you need to be careful how and where you use the spare wheel. Ask us for information.
Does the leisure battery charge from the van?
The leisure battery will charge when you are running the engine and when you are plugged in to electric hook up.
Can I drain the van battery?
If you use the van stereo or the van’s 12v ‘cigarette lighter’ socket, this will drain the van battery. Otherwise, anything you use in the ‘rear’ of the van will be running off the separate leisure battery.
Can I use the three-pin 240v plugs from the leisure battery?
When you are not plugged into the electric hook-up in a campsite, you can’t use your three-pin 240v plugs or your microwave (if you have one). The fridge, lights, USBs, water pump, phone charger and diesel heater will all work off the leisure battery without being plugged in. Your cooker runs off gas.
What do you recommend for security?
We don’t have a recommended tracker, but some insurance companies will ask you to fit one. With regards to wheel locks, clamps etc, these are all great deterrents. If your vehicle is less desirable to a thief than the one next to it, that’s a good start.
Can I lock the van from inside without setting the alarm off?
Yes, there is a button to do this on the driver’s door.
How much is insurance?
We have two recommended insurers who many of our customers use. Most people we hear from get quotes between £300 and £900.
What ‘extras’ do I need?
The list of things you can buy is limitless. You will need a power cable to plug your van in overnight, and some window blinds for the front of the van. Other than that, our most popular additions are a wind-out sunshade, bike rack, and various styling accessories.
How much will my campervan be worth in 2 years?
Impossible to say with any accuracy. However, campervans hold their value much better than cars, and even 20 year-old vehicles with hundreds of thousands of miles on them can still be worth five figure sums. As a guide, look at what similar vehicles are advertised for on Autotrader. We are happy to buy back vehicles we’ve sold or to sell them on your behalf. Ask us for details.
What is the warranty on my campervan?
New vans have five years’ warranty and servicing from VW, including five years’ European breakdown cover. The interior of your van has a year’s warranty from the date of purchase and can be extended each year with a habitation check.
Can people sleep ‘upstairs’?
Yes – the vans are four berth, and the bed platform upstairs takes up to 150kg. The rear seat ‘downstairs’ folds out into a comfy bed.
Where is the toilet?
The campervans don’t have an integrated toilet, however there are small ‘porta potti’ cassette-style toilets which can be stowed away while driving and brought into the van when needed.
Is there a shower?
Yes, there is a small shower point at the rear of the van, ideal for muddy boots or muddy paws.
Will my campervan be a ‘Motor Caravan’ on the V5 logbook?
Your campervan will remain as a ‘Panel Van’ on the V5 logbook. The DVLA changed the rules a few years ago and converted vans like these can no longer be changed to a Motor Caravan or Campervan on the V5. Although a panel van is a commercial vehicle on paper, this doesn’t affect your speed limits. The actual use of the vehicle at the time of driving (i.e. campervan) is what dictates the speed limits applicable to your vehicle.
Do your prices include VAT?
Most screen prices will include VAT, and many people put the vehicle through their company as an office, van, meeting facility etc. This way, VAT can be claimed back and the vehicle can be put through as a business asset.
How high are the campervans?
Just about 2.05 metres including the pop top roof when closed.
How big are the engines and what is the power difference?
The engines in the T7 (2025 onwards) are all 2.0 litre. The manuals are generally 110bhp and the autos are 150bhp. 110bhp is absolutely fine for general driving and there’s plenty of power for overtaking, even at higher speeds. Come and test drive one and you’ll be surprised.
Why do similar vehicles differ in price by so many thousands?
The main price difference would be that an automatic van is normally £5-6k more than a manual. Other differences are colours, wheels, deluxe upholstery, van spec, body styling, extras such as diesel heater etc.
What can you change on a campervan?
If you like a campervan in our showroom but wanted to change the wheels, we can do this no problem. We can also change upholstery, change a single passenger seat to double and vice-versa.
Does it cost more to ‘design my own’ campervan?
Not necessarily. You can choose your own spec of interior from all the samples we have in the showroom, and have your van exactly how you want it. The only additional cost may be that the base van you choose might cost more than vans we already have in the showroom, as these may have been purchased at lower prices.
