If you’re in the market for a camper van conversion, one of the most popular base vehicles is the Volkswagen Transporter. The humble Transporter has been a popular choice for camper conversions for decades, thanks to its spacious interior and reliable mechanics.
But which model is the best option for your conversion? In this article, our experienced mechanics are going to take you through a closer look at the VW T5 and T6 Transporters and compare the two models to help you make an informed decision.
At Reborn Campers, we are VW Transporter conversion specialists. With years of experience turning plain vans into the campers of dreams, we know a thing or two about the VW Transporter platform, the available parts and what to look out for.
What makes the VW Transporter so good?
The VW Transporter is a great option for those looking to convert a van into a camper. Both the T5 and T6 models provide a solid platform that’s built to last, they have plenty of room inside to make all kinds of customisation, and they have that classic VW look that appeals to many.
Transporters are not only one of the most reliable vans you can buy, but they also hold their value really well. Even after piling the miles on, a good example will still fetch a favourable price.
Both the VW T5 and T6 models make for excellent van conversions, however, apart from a few minor design changes, the two look very similar, often leaving our customers unclear of the differences. So, let’s dive into some of the key differences you should know before taking the leap into owning one of these fantastic vans!
VW T5 vs T6 engines
In the VW T5 Transporter, there were 4 different engine options from the factory;
The two different diesel engines included; the 1.9 PD at either 85bhp or 105bhp, while the more powerful, but less-reliable five-cylinder 2.5-litre was available in 130bhp or 174bhp, with the more powerful output available with the option of 4Motion four-wheel drive.
There was also a 2.0-litre petrol available, outputting 114bhp, but it’s pretty rare.
In the VW T6 Transporter, engine options were changed due to the introduction of EU Emissions standards in 2015;
The 2.0 diesel offers a range of power output options from 83bhp to the highest twin-turbo option at 201bhp. While the 2.0 petrol options are at 148bhp, again, these are very rare to come across.
The entry-level diesels come with a 5-speed manual transmission, the 148bhp diesel and petrol with a 6-speed manual and the top power ratings of 201bhp come with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. All models come with front-wheel drive as standard, but there’s an option to upgrade to four-wheel drive (4Motion) on the higher-output diesel models.
What engines would we recommend?
Although you can’t really go wrong with any engine choice in either the T5 or Transporters, our recommended choices are;
For a T5, the 1.9 diesel.
For a T6, the 2.0 diesel.
This is because these engine offerings are best suited for our camper conversions. They offer great practicality, reliability and fuel economy.
If you plan on tackling a bit more than just muddy British fields, then you’d definitely want to look at upgrading to the 4Motion models, so you get some more traction when off-roading.
Typically we would not recommend the highest power output twin-turbo diesel on the T6 as these are far more expensive to repair, although they are quite difficult to come by anyway.
Comfort and safety
When compared to the T5, Volkswagen significantly reduced road noise with the T6. This makes long drives much more leisurely with the reduction of wind, road, and engine noise even at moderate speeds. On automatic models the T6’s gear transition was improved over the T5’s, giving you a smoother, more comfortable drive.
However, apart from these 2 improvements, there is very little to distinguish between the models, and if you were concerned about road noise in a T5, you could always add some more sound deadening when converting your van. Additionally, insulating and carpeting any van will have a significant improvement on road noise, making the cabin a much more enjoyable space for road trips.
However, when it comes to safety, Volkswagen did make some improvements to the T6 models. The T5 did already offer some great features such as the Ready Alert Brake, Hill Start Assist, Rain Brake Support and Anti-Roll Protection.
One of the improvements found in the T6 is Front Assist. This employs radar technology to track the proximity and relative speed of the cars in front of you and alert you when you approach too closely. And at speeds of up to 19mph, it interacts with the City Emergency Brake function to immediately apply the brakes if it senses a collision, preventing any low-speed bumps.
The T6 model also incorporates post-collision braking, which automatically slows down the car after a collision to 6 mph in an effort to limit the risk of another collision.
Interior
Continuing the theme, the interiors of both Transporter models are similar, but with the T6’s facelift, a few additional features were added.
In contrast to the T5, which has a more conventional dashboard and an older infotainment system, the T6 sports a more contemporary dashboard design and a new infotainment system.
The T6 also offers a little bit of additional room for storage, including a bigger glove box and a new shelf above the dashboard. The T6 also provides optional roof-mounted storage spaces.
The T6’s seating is more ergonomically designed and gives better lumbar support for the driver’s seat. Moreover, the T6 features a three-person bench seat option that the T5 does not, only having a two-person bench.
Our verdict
At Reborn Campers, we live and breathe VW Transporters, heck we specialise in converting them into campers! Both the T5 ad T6 models make excellent choices for anyone who fancies a home on wheels.
So which model makes a better camper – the Volkswagen T5 or T6? It’s tough to say because, despite modest tweaks and enhancements, the two are rather identical. Although the T6 is the more expensive variant, it does have a greener engine and more safety features. Even so, both vehicles make excellent campers from a conversion perspective, offering plenty of capacity and ability to fulfil your aspirations of living the van life!