Through the Lens takes a Look at VOLKSWAGON CAMPER VANS WITH A.W. LEISURE!

I have always had an interest in the growing industry of the Camper Van - the sense of freedom, along with a more established sense of comfort than a tent will give, the ability to access places for rest and recreation with all I may want to take with me, and so on - but a recent conversation with Mr Paul Brown of AW Leisure in Weston super Mare has brought it to a whole new level. For many of us the idea of a Motor-home or Camper Van may conjure images of a spare vehicle, perhaps with a make-shift bed and a gas cooker thrown in the back, parked in the road and annoying the neighbors for months on end. For others it may be the concept of the luxury at a level beyond the average home, all packed into a vehicle which in itself is larger than that average home and costing almost as much. But what about a vehicle that is compact overall, with the room of a van inside, perfectly adaptable to suit not just the occasional recreational needs but also the most stretching daily routine from dropping the kids to school to a full day of work around town or on the motorway?  That is the concept that Paul seemed to be describing to me and so when he casually mentioned that we were talking about a Van which not only drives the same but carries all the comforts of a quality car I knew I had to take a look!

So, with a continually updated list of vehicles for sale already at www.awcamperconversions.co.uk and even more to be found at www.autowholesale.co.uk  this little blog is designed to tell you more about how AW Leisure go about things.  It starts with the selection of the vehicle - with consideration to every requirement a client may have outlined for their intended use:

When a vehicle is brought into the workshops, perhaps "box standard" as the factory will have released it, with the usual wear and tear of any previous owner, complete inspection of every part of the van is the next obvious step.  Then, with incredible detail to the outside, full preparation and a complete paint scheme to bring it to a condition which easily equals that of a brand new van straight from the assembly line. Immediately that I began my little tour with Paul it became clear to me that I would be looking at a conversion which included a full refurbishment as exacting as the original build!

The interior is completely stripped out too, nothing is left hidden, with seats/trims removed to give access for a fully professional conversion.

Every recess is packed with insulation, providing protection from the harsher ends of our climate and also substantial noise reduction. But unlike many conversion businesses where the focus is only on fitting out an interior space for a specific purpose Paul has put together a team of specialists who devote themselves, each within his own field of experience, to every aspect of the vehicle.

Expert attention is given to every area to make sure the vehicle is in first class condition mechanically, Having bought vehicles which are perfectly suited to my use, only to be let down by worn out or even inferior quality replacement mechanical parts, perhaps even fitted by less than appropriately trained and experienced people, I think this was perhaps one of the most impressive parts of my time with Paul and his team.

No hidden surprises for the new owner, every area meticulously checked, every suspect part replaced, ready for the most rigorous use and a long, long future!   The Volkswagon name for quality is very clearly upheld with a passion throughout the processes.

And when you begin to see the workmanship to the interior fittings there can be no doubt that these beauties are built to last; bed frames, specially designed and built for AW Leisure to ensure they meet the same exacting standards, fitted and boarded with the highest quality engineered materials........

.......all finished to a wide range of designs provided for you.............

...........or completed to your own specifications. But having taken the tour of the workshops, listened to the experts and craftsmen, looked through the lens at pure and unsurpassed quality, I have to say I find it a challenging thought to believe that any novice lay-person would be likely to bring a design to the table which would beat those already employed by Paul and his team!  

Imagine for just a moment, understanding your own needs and requirements for a vehicle that drives just like a car, is not so big you cannot take it around town and country lanes (being the owner of one of those I know what it is to own the problems that come with it), desiring a high degree of comfort wherever you go, leaving such a specification in the hands of the experts, and discovering the result is unquestioningly superior to the dream!

All internal components crafted, from scratch, by hands as expert as those that overhaul and maintain the running gear, no expense spared in sourcing and providing the best of materials for your long enjoyment.

And when the vehicle is insulated throughout and fully boarded it all gets overlaid with high quality carpets and floor covering, fully fitted with the same expertise as the rest of the work.

Everything you need for an away from home stay all in one place........

Simply versatile, yet equipped with every technology you might want..........

With or without the pop up roof - which of course provides that extra bit of head room,

 along with advantages like more light, and even an extra overhead bunk if its needed.

A seemingly limitless range of accessories and equally comprehensive attention to detail for the inside,

Which is rivaled only by as diverse a range of accessories for the outside, giving even more flexibility. And all this diversity is carried right through to the passenger seats too, with the option to flip them forward for wider access to the rear...............

........or spin them around to use them as part of the rear!

And then, of course, there is also the fold flat option!

In my first conversation with Paul he mentioned something that engaged my attention in a way that it remained throughout my visit, when he told me that the finished products not only hold their value well but actually increase!  So, and although AW Leisure will source, convert, finish and supply any vehicle you may care to ask for, it remains that these Volkswagons are actually a solid investment, returning more for your money in a few years than their initial cost and conversion!

So whether your need is a Camper, a daily runaround, for personal or business use, and whether you are looking for a single vehicle or a fleet for a growing and demanding business,

AW Leisure has an unrivaled ability to match the vehicles to your needs.  After a day with the team there is no doubt the history and growth of AW Leisure itself is impressive, and I have no doubt the future will be even more so. With an unending array of designs and an unequaled service it is hard to believe anyone could have a requirement that cannot be fulfilled!

As an enthusiast for classic cars I have seen some very impressive restorations over the years, but I am convinced I have never seen a more professional service, a more dedicated team, or more impressive results!  And after the visit, as I thought through all that I had been shown, I was left with the sense of something that is so indescribably finished, from the brand new wheels, to the full paint system, through the manufacture of furniture from raw material to fitting of electrics. 

 So after my many questions put to Paul Brown on the day, now the question for the writer; I personally own a larger than usual van, in the region of 22 feet long, 7 feet wide, and around 11 feet high which I use for camping and various other things.  I own a four wheel drive for daily use which is not the most economical (although a very comfortable) option. I also have a 1976 British two seat Triumph for restoration (just for fun and something to turn heads). The serious option is to trade the lot for one of these beauties and solve the problem of three sets of Road Tax, MOT tests, to say nothing of insurance, parking, maintenance costs and so on!

And now the questions for the many readers with their many motoring arrangements; for a vehicle with all the versatility you could wish for, capable of being matched to far more than one single need, with the highest and most respected name for reliability, and all at a price which can be returned to you (with interest) at the time when you may choose to sell it on - all linked to AW Leisure's professional service that will literally know every inch of your vehicle, inside and out - where else can you go?

You can even hire one from their own very well maintained fleet - primarily for those who want to hire for holiday but don't need to own one but nevertheless an excellent way of testing out the concept! It's well worth taking a look at their website www.autowholesale.co.uk  for full details of their hire arrangements. There is more information about services there along with a list of vehicles available for sale and you can find more at www.awcamperconversions.co.uk

It is a natural development that my thoughts turn to the idea of hiring one myself for a week to try it out.  I am certain the in depth report on how it performs will be equally favorable!