Mechanical
Keeping a high-mileage T5 mechanically healthy while the conversion progresses.
The starting point
The Van
A 2005 Volkswagen Transporter T5 with more than 175,000 miles behind it — and plenty more planned.
This is the starting point for Project T5: keeping an ageing Transporter on the road while gradually turning it into a practical campervan.
At a glance
2005 Volkswagen Transporter T5
- Year
- 2005
- Mileage
- 175K+
- Body
- Panel van
- Rear doors
- Barn doors
- Current role
- Daily + camper
- Project status
- In progress
Where it began
The starting point
Project T5 didn't start with a finished camper or a pristine, low-mileage Transporter. It started with a 2005 T5 that had already covered more than 175,000 miles.
The plan is to transform it into a camper without losing what makes the van useful in the first place. It still needs to work as a daily vehicle while the conversion takes place.
That also means this project isn't only about insulation, furniture and camper electrics. With a van of this age and mileage, maintenance and repairs are part of the build too.
Before the build
How it started
Before stripping, sound deadening, insulation or camper furniture — this was the T5 as I bought it.
175K & Counting
It's not just a conversion.
Turning the T5 into a camper is only half the project. Before worrying about where the bed goes, the van itself needs to be dependable.
At more than 175,000 miles, things are inevitably going to need attention. Repairs, preventative maintenance and fixing previous modifications all form part of Project T5.
Rather than hiding those jobs, they're being documented alongside the conversion. The aim isn't just to build a camper — it's to end up with a van I can actually trust to take me somewhere.
The reality of an older van
Jobs along the way
Some planned. Some definitely not.
Electrical
Tracking down existing wiring and preparing the van for its eventual camper electrical system.
Visibility
Solving the lack of rear visibility from the windowless barn doors with a digital rear-view setup.
Conversion
Sound deadening, insulation, flooring, furniture and everything required to turn a working van into a camper.
The destination
What I'm building towards
A proper camper that doesn't stop being a useful van.
- A comfortable and practical camper interior
- Reliable enough for longer journeys
- Proper insulation and sound deadening
- A sensible off-grid electrical system
- Useful storage without wasting space
- Still practical enough to use every day
Follow the transformation