by Pugs » Thu Feb 18, 2016 2:17 pm
We opted for quite a lot of optional extras on top of the SE version. More importantly and hopefully the right decision, we didn't go for the woodwork options but instead went for a 'carbon' finish to the kitchen and black perforated leather with a blue insert for the seats and a stronger vinyl flooring which used to be available on other conversions, a bit different to the 'norm'. Base vehicle is in 'Techtonic Silver'
We opted for the 155PSI engine amongst other items, since we felt that would be better for the Highlands and had the winter pack added to
It's a lovely conversion generally, I think we chose well with the options and colour schemes.
Pros with conversion:
Generally well built and smart looking conversion with nice touches. Wellhouse will try and accommodate what you want but be prepared to argue a wee bit. SCA roof has loads of room and so does the ‘downstairs’ bed to. Plenty of storage for this type of conversion but be aware the newer models may have a different sliding seat arrangement with dual rails and smaller under seat drawer, which would be no good to us as this is where we store items not needed day to day. If you get the old style sliding seat with one rail, ask if you can get some more notches cut out for more seat position options – the new ones are ok for this. Great large (in camper terms!) wardrobe with fold up shelves. Great solar panel and fridge is functional. On a 13 day trip we charged the van up once for 12 hrs on mains supply, never did we think we would run out of power but we travel around a bit and never stay put ‘wilding’ in one place for more than 2 or 3 night before moving on. Gas has lasted ages with 6kg Gaslow. Interior lighting is brilliant. Very sturdy and well made furniture. Eberspacher heater is good.SLIDING SEAT amazing and makes van so functional
Pros with Base
Nice van to drive, good manners, generally well laid out, good engine when upgraded. Lights ok, looks nice and more sleek than a VW!
Cons with conversion:
There has been some slight quality control issues with this, such as Gaslow gauge having been incorrectly fitted\broken, loose locking push buttons for cupboards, quite a few rattles and more importantly a cracked fresh water tank and pipe. I think Wellhouse are now being pushed by Ford to 'mass' produce these and are in risk of losing site of workmanship. I've heard but not experienced it, roof issues (might be 2014 models) where they don’t close (this may be rectified with the SCA roofs which all new builds have, including our own) and problems with stiff passenger and drivers seats when trying to swivel the seat (to point that they seize).
We also had a battle to get our choice of colours and materials fitted including choice of leather colour and the biggest issue was the incorrect supply of said leather seats, we choose a perforated black leather and blue insert and got normal 'smooth' leather and blue insert. That is quite a difference and again shows the quality control checks aren't as good as they could have been
Cons with Base Vehicle :
Hmmm, 'it's a Ford' could be possibly classed as a con by VW walts but I know peeps who have had issues with the more modern day VW including electrics and return of cars. Paint work (thin) is a bit suspect, I fear it may be very thin and have chips across the bonnet already which goes straight threw to the paintwork! So far the MPG is around 35 to the gallon and I'd recommend going with the 155PS engine. I am highly suspicious (longevity) of the Euro 5 engines which IMHO will get worse with Euro 6 engines i.e. sooting up, filters, 20 litre urea tanks and so forth. Washer jets are useless. Where have all the airbags gone on the conversion, only counted two and no side impact ones) Wellhouse also stopped using the Tourneo, stating that the base was too expensive but other companies are well undercutting them for a Tourneo spec vehicle, which in my opinion appears to be a better spec. 1st gear too tall\useless, 6th gear only good over 60 (if you want your engine to regenerate). Standard tyres useless on wet grass. Low ground clearance but to be expected it's just our other car is a Jeep Wrangler and we were used to that on the west coast...ha ha. Overall it’s good
Nice to have:
Proper valet would have been nice on delivery, ok it was driven up here but you could tell it wasn't really detailed i.e. glazed and waxed. I paid 150 squid to get this pro valeted, and the difference is huge and will last now until winter. It is after all a very expensive 'investment'. SCA do a better roof 'deluxe' which amongst other things pulls in the sheeting for you, it costs 300 quid more but no option was given for this. HOT WATER - C'mon Wellhouse!
Lessons:
Get snow tyres! Got a set of 15" Ford steel rims from Wellhouse and bought some Nokian snow tyres WRC3s, these will probably stay on until worn out, saving my Alloys and hopefully not getting stuck as much on grass!
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Wellhouse Terrier Transit Custom