Whether you’re packing your baggies and heading off to Newquay, or carving up the surf in Hawaii or Californ-i-a, get hip with the lingo dude, and blend in with the locals...

Aggro: Aggravation or annoyance, often caused by a breach of surfing etiquette

Air: A manoeuvre involving the surfer riding up the face of a wave and into the air above then landing back on top of the wave

Ankle Busters: Little waves

Avalanche: A huge breaking wave

ASP: Association of Professional Surfing 

Bail out: Pulling out of a decision to surf a wave at the last minute, sometimes abandoning your surfboard before falling off 

Baggies: Surfing shorts or trunks. 

Barney: A newby or inexperienced surfer.

Barrel: See entry for Hollow 

Bitchin': Awesome

Bogus: Disappointing

Blown Out: Surf rendered choppy and unrideable by onshore winds

Bodyboard: A soft foam board which is ridden lying face down 

Bodysurf: Surfing the waves without a board

Bombs: Big big waves

Brah: Slang for buddy, derived from the Hawaiian word Bruddah, meaning brother

Brainfreeze: The result of having had your head submerged in very cold sea water

Bruddah: See entry for Brah

Carving: The classic surfing move where the surfer turns sharply on a wave 

Choppy: Rough sea conditions 

Cannon ball: Assuming a foetal position when falling off during a surf

Clean: Good sea conditions, waves and board

Cord or Leash: The usually plastic lead which attaches a surfer to their board

Cross stepping: Walking  foot over foot up and down a longboard 

Cut-back: Reverse surfing direction in a single smooth movement towards the white water, so as to increase the amount of time a wave can be ridden

Dawn patrol: An early morning surfing session 

Deck: A surfboard's upper side 

Ding: Surfboard damage 

Drop in: A serious breach of surfing etiquette, this means coming in on a wave in front of someone already riding it, causing them to have to abandon the wave

Double up: Two waves combining

Face: The whole front of a wave as it approaches the shore

Fins: The control rudders found on the bottom of surfboards

Fubar: An acronym that commonly means "fucked up beyond all repair," "fucked up beyond all recognition," or similar. The phrase originated in the US armed forces

Get worked: To come off your board and get thrown around while being held under by the wave

Glassy: Very smooth sea conditions

Gnarly or Hairy: Describes an especially awesome wave 

Ground Swells: Waves created over long distances by a broad and deep undulation of the ocean rather than waves formed close to the shore by the wind

Hairy: See entry for Gnarly

Hammered: Being pummeled by a wave

Hollow, Barrel or Tube: The cylindrical shaped hollow tube formed by a wave when it is breaking, as the lip of a wave curves over . 

Inside: Surfing inside the hollow of a wave (see hollow above)

Kick-out: Pull out of a wave

Leash or Cord: The (usually) plastic lead which attaches a surfer to their board

Left and Right: A wave breaking from left to right as you look out to sea is called a left, while one that breaks from right to left is known as a right

Lip: The very top, curved over part of a wave

Long board: A board with a widened round end that is around three feet longer than the surfer's height 

Mushy: Crumbling, weak waves 

Nose: The front end of a board

Peak: A wave's highest part

Point break: Breaking waves off a rock formation that appears above the surface of the surrounding land

Pop-up: Get into a standing position after catching a wave

Rail: The surfboard's curved sides 

Ripping: Surfing well 

SAS: Surfers Against Sewage, an organisation dedicated to cleaning up the surfing environment. You can join online and buy stuff

Set: A succession of outside breaking waves

Shaka sign: This is a common greeting among surfers, and is one of the most well known and used gestures in Hawaii. It is formed by sticking out the thumb and pinky finger while keeping the other three fingers curled, with the back of the hand facing the person being greeted

Short board: A small surfboard 

Shoulder: A breaking wave's unbroken edge

Snaking: Obstructing another surfer who has the right of way on a wave

Soft board: A safety-conscious surfboard made from a soft material

Soup: The white froth created by a broken wave

Stall: A move that slows the forward momentum of the surfboard  so as to let a wave catch up

Stick: Nickname for a surfboard

Surf wax: Wax that is applied to the top side of  a fiberglass surfboard to help create traction,

Swell: Building waves 

Tail: The back end of a board

The Bomb: Fantastic, the best

Thruster: A surfboard with three fins

Tow-in: Being towed by a jet-ski or other machine into waves that are too big to be paddled into

Tube: See entry for Hollow

Walking the nose: Walking towards the nose or front of the surfboard 

Whitewater: Breaking waves creating white,  foamy water

Wind Swells: Waves formed close to the shore by the wind rather than those created over long distances by a deep sea conditions

Wipe out: Falling off the board in the middle of a surf ride

Zipper: A really fast breaking wave

Zone: When everything comes together perfectly - rhythm, timing. flow and breaking waves

1) Are the original VW campers still being made?

Indeed, Brazil still manufactures the T2c, a hybrid of the ‘Bay’ which is, to all intents and purposes, as near as damn it to the original iconic van. These are manufactured mainly for the American and European export market.  To deal with the Brazilian emission legislation of 2006, Brazil introduced a new water cooled engine in 2005. Specialists believe that the last T2c will leave its factory in 2012, when new laws insist upon ABS and airbag protection.

2) What are the best safety belts for the VW camper van?

This is a difficult question, because different VW vans have different fastening points, and it is important to identify where your fasten points are.  If a quarter rock ‘n roll bed is in position, then you will only be able to attach a 3 point seat belt to one seat.  Therefore, if you require two 3 point belts, you will have to have a full length rock ‘n roll bed.  Besides that, there are alternative safety belts for older children placed in booster seats, in the guise of harness belts.  However, before attempting to secure any safety belt in your van, it is always recommended that you seek professional advice on the purchase and installation, preferably directly from the manufacturer. 

3) Why is my stereo draining my battery?

Modern in-car media systems have a memory and this memory will constantly drain your battery.  A simple solution is to use a solar panel recharger; this gadget will drip feed your battery during the day, restoring its power.

4) Do I need special VW camper insurancecamper

Please see our article on camper insurance.

5) Tin top, pop-top or high-top?

Only you can answer that question.  The tin top is just that, no additional head room or storage room; it is just the van’s roof.  In its favour the tin top retains an attractive appearance and does not have height restrictions like the following two types of roofs.  The pop-top can offer additional space and storage, enabling you to sleep more people in the van.  Pop-tops also have their advantages. For example, mostly there is not a significant increase in height when the roof is down, thus you are not vulnerable to height restrictions.  Also, depending on the pop-top, you can have up to six sleeping in the van.  Disadvantages are that some pop-tops do not age well and will eventually rot, tear and let in water, if not maintained.  Furthermore, the mechanism used to push the roof up can cause problems; the roofs can also be drafty.  High-tops on the other hand offer you good head room, additional storage, and you do not have to pop them up or worry about rust or difficult mechanisms.  However, depending upon the height, they can be caught by crosswinds while driving; they are restricted by their height in car parks and, to be frank, some are just not that attractive.  So, in summary, the decision is yours: you just have to identify what is your priority, the required storage, sleeping space or attractiveness of the van.

6) What is the difference between an air cooled and water cooled camper?

A water cooled engine circulates water around the head and cylinders.  In water cooled VW campers the radiator is at the front of the vehicle; the water has to travel up and down the van to keep the engine cool.  Therefore it is very important to keep the water cooled VW topped up with anti-freeze.  Unlike the normal front positioned engine, the water cooled VW camper van has to transfer the water over a longer distance, making it more vulnerable to freezing.  An air cooled engine uses air to cool the cylinders and head; as can be expected, there is an  additional noise as the air is created and channelled to the engine. 

7) Should I put in a chemical toilet?

There is a lot to be said for having a toilet available in the van.  However, you must consider space and whether you are happy using a chemical toilet.  According to many, if the toilet is correctly used and cleaned, there is no smell. If, on the other hand, it is incorrectly used, it can really smell.  No only do you have to consider the smell but also the space. Are you content to cook, eat and sleep next to your toilet?  By the way, keep in mind that these toilets are rather big.

8) What is the average mileage of a VW camper van?

Between 18-20 mpg.

8)What are the available models?

Type 2 split screen 1950-1968

Type 2 bay window 1968-1979

Type 25 or Type 3 (Europe) 1979-1990

Type 4 1990-2004

Type 5 2004 – to present day.

9) What are the differences between the Type 2 conversions?

The Westfalia can be identified by a full length fibre glass roof with a hinge at the front or rear which pops up at an angle exposing canvas walls.  The Devon conversion has a fibre glass roof which can be popped up in the middle allowing for two bunks to be used.  For those wanting to sleep a crowd, the Viking was designed and constructed to sleep up to six people, with a roof opening sideways offering ample space for sleeping - designed to overhang the side of the van.  The Danbury conversion supplied a number of different roofs, including a central pop-up and side opening roof all with bunks.  Finally the Dormobile supplied a side hinged roof with roof air vents and windows with canvas bellows.  All the conversions mentioned apart from Westfalia were UK based, which would explain why there is such a diversity in the UK and not in America where the vans were and still are primary imported from Germany or Brazil.

10) What fire protection should I use?

You must always be extremely careful of fire in VW camper vans.  Therefore, it is always advisable to make sure the seats are made from fire retardant foam and upholstery.  Insulation must also carry the fire retardant symbol; fire extinguishers have to be up-to-date and fire blankets in easy reach.  It is also advisable to work out a suit plan of evacuation; go through it with all the passengers and make sure that it works.  Furthermore, make sure that all the fuses are correctly fitted and that, when using a hook up, all the wires are clean and show no signs of damage.

11 )Is it worth getting an awning?

Awnings are great for extra storage. They will keep your camping plot, if the campsite does not have an allocated plot policy.  They are easy to put up and really pleasant camping spaces.  Awnings are affordable: brand new ranging from £150 - £300. You could also opt for the used e-bay buy; just be sure you get all the poles.  But if you are the camper who just wants to pull up, hook up, put a bucket under the waste pipe, then don’t bother.  You must remember that, after a rain shower, you have to wait for it to dry, or pack it damp and dry it as soon as you get home.  You will also have to store it in transit.  Some VW campers have built in small awnings which pull out from the side. These however need to be fitted properly and can be expensive.

The first VW bus was a simple construction and at its unveiling behind closed doors in 1949 it was nicknamed the ‘Bulli” which in German reflected its beefy appearance.  It was a curved box, with a driver at the front and an engine in the rear.  The VW bus was constructed using a VW Beetle engine and axle with a ladder frame.  Its interior was basic with eight seats; it had the option to remove the last two rows for loading goods.  Its driver was positioned directly over the front wheels, unlike the vans of its time which were sat back due to the front engine.  To many this was a revolutionary concept and soon other major car manufacturers began to copy.  Soon Fiat, Citroën and Bedford were designing and producing their own versions. 

The first generation of  Type 2 transporters, with their split windscreen, was known as the T1 - what contemporary enthusiasts call the 'Splitty'. This model was first produced as the Kombi. It was furnished with uninviting vinyl seats attached to the floor, with bolts that could be undone enabling the seats to be removed quickly.  Soon followed the Samba bus supplying a more luxurious drive with better seats and rear window; it was presented as the flagship of the Transporters.  Eighteen months later the VW pick-up van was introduced and in 1954 they were preparing the ‘Splitty’ for right hand drive. But it was back in 1951, after Westfalia converted the VW split screen bus  into a camper, that the fun really began.  Although the concept of a camping style vehicle had been in existence since the first mass production of the car and its independent commercial production in 1930s America, it was the VW Splitty that really captured public imagination. It has retained its iconic image over 60 years.

Westfalia was a coach building company from the German town of the same name.  It worked exclusively with VW to produce the first camper van, with all the tiny attachments which made the bus a home from home.  It featured luxurious furnishings and additional features like a clock and radio on the dashboard, an extending roof, and a fully kitted out kitchen with a fridge. Like all the VWs, the other Splitty models like the Panel, Kombi, the Westfalia camper developed and evolved with new engines and features.  Engine sizes were increased and the electrical system had been increased from 6v to 12v just before the ‘Bay’ VW was introduced in 1968. The Bay replaced the Splitty as the new generation Type 2 van, and was the first of a series of models which continued to evolve from 1968 to now.

The many faces of the Type 2 van suggest that the infamous Splitty has more than just a Split personality - it seems to be more a case of multiple personality syndrome.

1) Inspecting the engine

•The first job is to check for oil leaks, but remember, always inspect a vehicle in dry weather.  Leaks of all kinds are hidden when the vehicle and road are wet.  VW campers are prone to leaks, but it is always wise to identify what their origin is and how serious they are.  Check the ground where the vehicle has been standing and look closely under the engine to see if areas have been suspiciously cleaned. 

•Check the timing/cam belt.  If this has not been changed recently, it can be extremely expensive to repair the damage if it breaks or requires renewing.  Always ask for proof of the renewal; some garages place a sticker on the engine with the time of changing; otherwise request the garage bill.

•When turning over the engine, listen to the sound and watch the exhaust.  If there are unidentified sounds, knocks or smoke coming from the exhaust this is generally a bad sign.

•Check the oil dipstick; if the level is low, it can be an indication of either a leak or the neglect of the owner.

•Always check the head gasket.  There are a number of ways to check this.  First of all, open the oil filler cap and check the dipstick; see if there is any white residue on them.  Check the level of the water in the expansion tank before and after you test drive the van.  If the water has dropped, then this could be an indication that you have a blown head gasket.

•Check all the hoses and pipes for any damage or erosion.

•Check the gear box for any leaks.

2) Inspecting the body 

•The main area of concern for the VW camper is the chassis.  If this requires welding, it can be extremely costly.  So it is advisable to get the cleanest van you possibly can get.

•The chassis has a number of key components: the two chassis rails which run from front to rear, the jacking points and the outriggers which run from the left to the right of the vehicle.  Rust should not be present on any of these, and if they have been patched up, then you have to check how good the welding is and to what the patch is welded to.  If the patch is welded to rusted metal then you have problems.

•Internally: if you have access to view the floor internal plates, check for rust on the floor.  VW campers with kitchens fitted have a habit of rotting out under the sink. It is also noteworthy that the van drain holes can become blocked and pool water; this can lead to serious rust issues. 

•The front beam is a key area for the MOT.  If this beam, which sits at the front of the vehicle, is rusty or repaired with spot welding then this is an MOT failure, and therefore not safe.  Any welding done on the front beam should have seam and not spot welding; the front beam is an important structural component.

•The panels all require careful inspection as does the windscreen in the corners. Check under the wheel arches, check the bottom of the doors, and check behind the bumpers.  It is also worthwhile looking under the passenger and driver’s mats to see whether any rust had crept in.

3) The roof

•Whether the van has a tin roof, a high-top or a pop-top, an inspection is always advisable.  Tin tops are prone to rust especially around the gutters; high-tops made from fibre glass can crack and let in water; and pop-tops could have problems with their mechanism, perished fabric and rusted arms.

4) Electrics

•Check that all the lights and indicators are working.

•Check that the wiring is not DIY.  If the original wiring has been tampered with, then the only person who knows how it works is the one that put it in.  No manual in the world is going to help you with an electrical problem.

•Check that all the dials work. 

•A common fault on the water cooled T25 is the temperature gauge. The light may flash continually, although there is plenty of water in the system.  This is sometimes down to the sensor not being cleaned; therefore, it can give the wrong reading.

Aftermarket 

This is the part of the automobile industry concerned with the manufacture, distribution, retail, and installation of all vehicle parts, chemicals, tools, equipment and accessories for vehicles, after the sale of the vehicle by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the consumer.

AFM 

Short for Air Flow Meter. This is the silver box next to the air cleaner box on vans with fuel injection. Its purpose is to measure the volume of air entering the intake system, allowing the computer to adjust the amount of fuel needed. 

Barndoor 

Nickname for the VW vans made prior to March 1955. The main characteristics were the oversized engine lid, that was around twice the height of a normal VW van's engine lid. There was also no rear cargo hatch and no ventilation eyebrow above the windscreen. Parts and accessories for this model are also named thus, for purposes of identification in the market place - for example "Barndoor middle seat".

Bay window 

Nickname for the VW vans with the large single-piece windscreen made from 1968 to 1979. So called for the 

Bulli or Bully 

The nickname the Germans gave to the original VW van, meaning "work horse" or beast for pulling heavy loads.

Camper 

A model of VW van which has been converted to include interior live-in features such as a bed, stove, cupboards, or refrigerator. 

Cat 

Short for Catalytic Converter. This is a section in the exhaust system which helps convert emissions into less toxic, less harmful fumes. 

Conversion

Various different internal layouts and specifications with a variety of purposes and levels of luxury were factory fitted into the basic VW van by several different independent companies, often named after their location, such as Westfalia or Wolfsburg. Van parts and accessories for specific conversion types are often named in a similar way in order to identify them. For example, a Wolfsburg middle seat has six legs, while a Hanover middle seat would have only four. 

Crew cab 

Another name for the double cab pickup truck.

CV joint 

Short for Constant Velocity Joint, a small circular device at an end of the van's axle. These allow the axle to move up and down while turning in order to drive the van, and need to be keep greased to function properly. Worn CV joints make an unnerving knocking sound.

Deluxe 

These were early passenger models of VW van and were top-of-the-line with the highest spec trim and interior features. They originally had either 13 or 15 side windows depending on the year of manufacture, and later came a Deluxe version of the microbus. They had a smarter interior, trim on the bumpers, and polished aluminum body mouldings. 

Devon 

A British maker of VW van camping conversions. 

Dormobile 

Another maker of VW van camping conversions. 

Double-cab (Doppelkabine in German)

A half ton VW pickup truck with three doors and seating for five or six. It is fundamentally the same as the single cab, bit with a single access door on the passenger side and an additional bench behind the front seat. 

Double door

Not to be confused with models having twin doors that open up on one side, this refers to a van with cargo doors on both sides of the vehicle.

ECU 

Short for Electronic Control Unit, the computer that controls the fuel injection system. 

EFI 

Short for Electronic Fuel Injection, the computerised metering and squirting of fuel which replaced the carburetor system. It was introduced into VW vans in the mid-1970's. 

Hightop 

A Transporter model with a raised roof, allowing for greater head room and space inside the van. 

IRS 

Short for Independent Rear Suspension, a type of rear suspension that allows the back wheels to move up and down independently of one another vertically in order to compensate for bumpy road surfaces. 

Kombi 

As the name suggests, the Kombi is a combination of  both passenger and commercial vehicle, where the rear seats can be easily removed to alternate between functions. A mid-range model of the VW Transporter which is neither a straightforward commercial van nor a deluxe model. It usually has seats, three windows down the sides, a rear window, and some side paneling. Kombis were often used as the basis for camper conversions.

Left hooker

A left-hand drive vehicle.

LPG 

Short for Liquified Petroleum Gas, the type of fuel used by camper stoves and refrigerators.

Microbus 

Also known as the T1 Transporter or Standard and was a typical mid-range passenger van. It had the same window configuration as the Kombi, but with a higher spec interior trim, including a headliner and full internal panels, and was available in seven, eight or nine seater versions. Microbus decribes any Transporter with a split windscreen, rounded body shape and standard two-tone paint design.

NOS 

Short for New Original Stock. This means an original unused vehicle part or accessory. In the strictest sense, it refers to parts that would have been available from the original manufacturer at the time the van was first on the market. . 

OE 

Short for Original Equipment.

OEM 

Short for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Owl 

A nickname for the Microbus. 

Panel van

A model of van with no side windows other than those on the front doors. There was an choice between having the standard rear window or opting for a solid rear hatch. Panels were an entry-level vehicle, usually commercial. They were also used as the basis for several camper conversions.

Pickup 

This VW van model has a flat load bed and no fixed roof over the rear part of the vehicle. Canvas tents to cover the rear flat bed area were available as an optional accessory. Available as either a single or double cab.

Rat look

A vehicle that has either aged naturally or has been deliberately made over to look battered, rusted and generally worn, torn and ratty.

Rear hatch

The opening found at the back end of many VW vans.

Rock & Roll 

This is the type of bed most often found in VW campers, which also functions as a seat with a back. It  can be pulled out and rocked into a horizontal position to form a bed.

Safari windows 

A type of factory fitted or replacement windscreen for the Microbus that hinged outwards for extra ventilation. It was a most popular accessory in very hot countries.

Samba 

The Deluxe version of tbe microbus. As well as having 21 or 23 windows, this model sported a large fabric sunroof and eight skylight windows set in the roof line.

Single-cab (Pritschen-wagen in German)

The two door version of the VW pickup truck with seating for three and fold-down side gates. 

Slammed

Lowered suspension on a VW van or camper.

Splitty

The VW van made from 1949 to 1968 who's front windscreen is split into two halves. Otherwise known as a Split-Window or Split-Screen. 

Standard 

The upper mid-range model of the VW van, who's interior components were smarter than the Kombi, but not as luxurious as the Deluxe model. Standards have headliners, while Kombis and Panels do not. 

T1 

These were the first generation of Type 2 Transporters, made between1949 and 1968. 

T2 

The second generation of Type 2 Transporters, manufactured from 1968 to 1979. 

T3 or T25

The angular-bodied third generation of Transporters, made from 1980 to 1990. In The US it is known as the Vanagon, elsewhere it is called a Caravelle or simply Transporter. It is known as T25 in the UK.

T4 

The forth generation of Transporters, from 1991 to 2004.

T5

The fifth generation of Transporters, from 2004 to the present.

Transporter 

Any of the smaller VW Type 2 trucks and vans. 

TRAKKA 

An Australian manufacturer of camper conversions. 

Tranny 

A nickname of the Transporter, or American slang for 'transmission'. 

Type 2 

Any VW Transporter van. The Beetle, which was the first vehicle produced by Volkswagen was known as the Type 1. As the VW van was the second type of vehicle produced, it became known as the Type 2. 

VIN 

Short for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique number that identifies each individual vehicle. This is usually found in multiple places on the vehicle, the most common place being under the windscreen just in front of the driver and intended to be seen from outside. The VIN can also be found on the frame rail underneath the van by the front edge of the sliding door. 

Vanagon 

The American name for the T3/T25 Transporter, distinguished by its angular shaped body and large windows and windscreen. Also known as the Caravelle. 

Walk-through

Not to be confused with the Double Door model, the Walk-through van has two separated  front seats, with a gap in the middle, in order that a person in the front seat can walk through to the back of the van.

Wasserboxer 

The engine used in the water-cooled T3 from the German for 'water'. 

Wedge 

A nickname for the square bodied T3/T25 models. 

Weekender 

Originally available on the T3/T25 Transporter, this term describes interior accessories that allowed the owner to easily transport seven people during the week, yet provide sleeping space for two at the weekend. It included a rear bench that folded into a double-bed, fold-out table, and privacy curtains. This package bridged the gap between the passenger van and the fully camping-oriented Westfalia interior. 

Westfalia 

The primary independent camper conversion company used by Volkswagen. Although it was the leading conversion company, it was only one of many interior converters who transformed the basic VW Transporter into a camping vehicle. Each company had its own distinctive style of conversion.

Westy 

Nickname for VW vans which have the distinctive and well-loved camper convertion kit installed by the Westfalia company.

Wolfsburg

This model edition has a higher spec trim, and was probably intended to enhance sales late in a model's year. Trim upgrades (usually without any extra charge) can include some options such as power mirrors, power door locks, and power windows, etc.

Adrian Flux specialise in a variety of niche motoring markets, including camper vans and motorhomes of all types and say they aim of providing the lowest cost camper insurance deals available. Cover is available for all makes and models of camper, including special classic policies for VW camper insurance or amateur conversions of any van or coach. In every case they offer a discount for a limited mileage. They can also provide full cover for camper conversions and self-conversion projects based on almost any vehicle, including cover for vans or coaches in the process of being converted, which sounds good.

Another potential sticky point with self build projects of course, can be contents cover. Again  we found that Adrian Flux seemed to provide the answer. Contents cover is available from them on selected policies for any items that are not considered standard fixtures and fittings, ICE systems and camping essentials like gas bottles, generators and awnings.

Adrian Flux has over 30 years experience and a reputation for designing camper insurance that matches people’s needs to their budget. On their website they say they understand that owning a camper is about a lifestyle, as much as it is about the vehicle, and that their cover takes this into account. All of their policies include a free green card for European travel, with some schemes allowing trips of up to 90 days at a time. They can also offer discounts of up to 15% if you belong to a recognised web forum or camper owners club, which seems a pretty attractive incentive.

Here’s what they offer:

•Agreed value cover –many insurers will only pay out the 'market value' of your precious Type 1 VW Camper if you suffer a total loss — absolutely gutting if you've spent thousands keeping it in mint condition. Adrian Flux can assess your campervan, of any type, and agree cover for its true value, so you won't get a nasty surprise if you need to make a claim.

•Left Hand Drive cover – is not a problem.

•Import Camper Insurance – whether you've bought a Californian, Mexican or Brazilian VW Camper, or imported a Japanese Campervan, they have a specialist policy for you.

•Specialist schemes – covering VW Camper Insurance, Self Conversion Camper Cover, classic camper policies, Japanese Import Camper Schemes (including Mazda Bongo) and more.

•Limited Mileage discounts – the fewer miles you drive, the more you can save, from as little as 1,500 miles.

•Contents cover – depending on the policy taken, including gas bottles, awnings and personal effects.

•Modified / Converted Camper cover – Adrian Flux can provide like-for-like cover for your modifications. Converted and Self-converted vans & buses can be covered too.

•Owner's Club Discounts – If you belong to a recognised owners club or enthusiasts' forum, you will receive a discount of up to 15%, depending on the policy taken.

The thing that seems the most impressive about Adrian Flux is that their sales staff are experienced underwriters not just 'computer monkeys' and along with their tailor made camper van insurance schemes, they seem to offer one of the best camper quotation services we’ve come across.

The split screen van or ‘Splitty’ became a success in the US after a whirlwind “Think Small” advertising campaign for the Volkswagen Beetle swept the states in 1959. Although the camper didn’t take off like the Beetle, its sales increased as the Volkswagen name was promoted across the USA. It was not long before this old van was identified as an extremely affordable and useful vehicle, and in the 1960s there was a surge in purchases.  One  of the reasons it became especially popular with the burgeoning counter-culture was that the VW camper van offered a space for combined living, playing and working.  It was identified with a carefree, no strings lifestyle.

Along with the ability to customise both the interior and paintwork, it became cool, and was gradually adopted by hippys and surfers as a flagship vehicle. The VW badge on the front of the Splitty was often changed to the anti-war symbol; others strapped surf boards to its roof. With its ability to carry numerous passengers and offer casual living accommodation, the VW camper van was propelled to the top of the vehicles must have list for anyone living outside the mainstream of 'straight' society. 

Surfers could pull up next to the beach, surf, get changed, have beach parties and then just open their camper doors and sleep. Hippies could travel, pull up at festivals and love-ins, get stoned and just crash. It was liberating for the younger generation who could now customise their vehicles to reflect their culture, their political thoughts and their personality. With its soft curves and inoffensive presence, the VW camper represented an image of life, vitality and peaceful interaction. 

The affection for this endearing van continues right up to today.  Its link with counter-culture has never been as strong as it is now. This is not the act of reminiscing for a by-gone era, but rather stems from the fact that being part of something free spirited and revolutionary (even if it's just for a weekend!) is still a powerful and crucial pull. The love and time that is spent on restoring these cute little vans clearly demonstrates the affection remaining and the appeal of stepping temporarily out of the rat race. There are few motorists who do not smile when passing a VW camper. They really do have a universal appeal!

To meet this market demand for the surfing lifestyle, there has been a growth in VW camper hire, especially in the West Country. There are specialists in all fields waiting to help restore your old bus or dub, to sell you one or just to hire it out.  There are also plenty of small businesses offering replacement pop-top bellows, VW lock repairs, replacement roofs, bespoke curtains and fully designed interiors. Why?  Because the VW camper van has a loyal and devoted following. There is something magical and carefree about driving a VW camper van down to the coast to catch a few waves.  Parking on a seafront will possibly capture more admiring gazes than your surf style!

As more and more surf wagons propagate the roads, this is a clear indication that this is a growing culture! The West Country welcomes the VW camper and the surfer, they go hand in hand.  Unlike larger campers, the saying ‘small is beautiful’ is absolutely spot on when it comes to the V-Dub bus.  Fellow motorists tend to forgive the VW camper as it slowly chugs up a 20% hill in Devon or Cornwall.  During the summer months the West Country is full of tourists, but it is mainly in the month of September that serious surfers and fans appear.  For in September the British National Surf Championships takes place at Fistral beach, Newquay.  They head down to the surf hunting for that special wave which will set their blood rushing and their heart thumping.  There is one particular wave known as the Cribbar or the ‘widow maker’; this wave is found just half a mile offshore from Newquay.  Once a year, the sea and weather conditions produce a wave which can reach over 30ft. As Britain’s only legitimate big wave surfing spot, this small Cornish town has taken its place in UK surfing folklore – it may not be Hawaii, but you really can feel that buzz!

1) Thermo Mats

Thermo mats are a very affordable way to keep your camper warm and cool.  They are silver mats which you stick on all your windows with suction pads.  There are different mats for the bay and the T25 and you can even get pop-top thermo mats which are wrapped around the canvas.  Over all, this is a good buy as it not only keeps the inside warm but also cool in the hot sun.  And if you want noise reduction for one reason or another, they even can give you that to.

2) Solar Panel as Battery Recharger 

There are a number of solar panel rechargers on the market.  The concept is really good.  When sitting for a while or having been used just for your stereo, your car battery loses power. The solar panel immediately drips charge back into it, while the sun costs nothing.  The gadget is perfect for the camper sitting on the drive.  Just be careful not to start the engine while it is attached, as this could damage the solar unit.

3) 12v Widscreen Demister

Anyone that has a VW camper van will know that at some point of the year the windscreen mists up and the heater just will not shift that determined smog.  The 12v windscreen demister solves this problem.  Just plug it into your cigarette lighter and voila.  It is one of those gadgets that is always handy to tuck away in the glove box.

4) Triple Multi Socket

This has become an essential piece of the kit.  Many VW campers do not have a cigarette lighter. Therefore you have to have either a cigarette lighter plug clipped directly onto the battery, or you have to fit one you into the dash.  Either way, this gadget is essential to all that use a sat nav and want to check the level of the battery.  This accessory plugs into your cigarette lighter adapter and gives you 1) a cigarette lighter that works for all the smokers out there, 2) a battery level indicator, 3) two spare cigarette light plugs so you can have your sat nav on and charge you phone at the same time.

Autumn, winter and spring adventures are absolutely wonderful.  There is nothing better than visiting forests during autumn. The morning mist combined with colourful falling leaves and the smell of ripe fruit, is a wonder to behold. Gazing out of your camper window into the crisp morning while wrapped in a warm sleeping bag is quite invigorating. 

For those who love the forest in autumn there is the New Forest, Thorpe Woodland, Postern Hill, and the Forest of Dean, to name but a few.  Some more adventurous VW owners use their campers for skiing in Scotland, some for brisk walks across the moors.  As the weather turns colder, we use our camper, however, for visiting historical sights of interest. Tourists no longer cram the streets, enabling us to visit and inspect these sites unhindered.  Providing you have a heater and the camper is well insulated, the road can be your home. 

But how can you keep warm in your little bus? 

Even Simple techniques like placing a rug on the floor, placing a well positioned curtain across the cab area can keep you warm. First of all, however, be very aware of the benefits of insulation. You can put the best heater in the world in your van only for the heat to just disappear out of the walls and roof! There are many ways to insulate your VW camper, but I personally prefer the new thermo insulation. This insulation is available from most DIY superstores. Placed in the trim, it not only insulates but also creates a padded panel, which is wonderful to rest or sleep against.  For years people put in fibreglass loft insulation, but this can retain moisture and cause serious problems with rust. 

Whatever method you choose, it must be effective in keeping the van cool in summer and warm in winter. Thermo mats (which are described among ourtop 10 camper gadgets) can be used to cover the windows, and are now available for the pop-top canvas as well. They are excellent for keeping the van warm, protecting against the sun, and also substantially reducing noise. 

Heating has always been a problem. Some owners tend to use fan heaters on the electric hook up, while others prefer to use gas. It's an individual choice that must be considered seriously, because heaters can produce fumes and condensation. This can be an issues affecting both your camper and yourself. When you have the right heater though, your little van can be very snug indeed. 

So - while others are storing away their campers, you can always be the more adventurous one and watch the chilly winter sunrise over a beautiful seascape.  Come on - where's your sense of adventure?