New Kombi for modern hippies

Production of the iconic Volkswagen Kombi may have finally ceased in December 2013, but a NSW campervan specialist is keeping the hippy dream alive with a range of Kombi-style campers based on current model, short and long wheelbase VW T5 Transporter vans.

Located just south of Wollongong, Discoverer Campers has been converting small commercial vans such as the Toyota Hiace into campervans since 1973. However, a recent name change to Campervans Australia has seen it offering a number of new models including the new age Kombi vans, built using imported parts from British campervan conversion specialists.

Campervans Australia’s Justin Tejero said three different UK companies were chosen to supply the fibreglass pop-top roof, interior cabinetry and ‘tuck ‘n roll’ rear lounge/bed, with all the conversion work including fitment of appliances taking place in Australia.

“We’ve got the exclusive licence to the (UK) kits,” he said.

As standard, the Kombi campers come with everything you need for a quick getaway including three glass windows with curtains, battery system, LED lighting, water tank and pump,  rear shower, kitchen with two burner spirit stove, sink and fridge/freezer, and rear bench seat that converts to a double bed.

The company uses low mileage, second-hand base vehicles to keep prices down and a number of options are available including hot water, solar panels, diesel cooktop and rear annexe.

The all-important, retro paintjob is also optional, with the full body treatment in your choice of retina-scorching paint costing $5500. Also extra are the body kit, alloy wheels, and daytime driving lights.

Turn-key prices vary depending on the base vehicle and options fitted, but a Salsa Red Kombi with black alloy wheels and rear shower, based on a 2011 model, all-wheel-drive Transporter, is currently advertised for $69,990.

Since launching in late-2014 the Kombi kits have proved a minor hit, with the first batch of green, baby blue, orange and red vehicles, already sold.

“We’re just in the process of building a few more,” Tejaro said.

Taking the Kombi theme a step further, the company has also released a new Surf Bus variant based on the long-wheel base Transporter, priced from $40,000.

Described as “the ultimate multi-van”, the Surf Bus is pitched at tradies who like to go camping on the week-ends. 

All the camping 'essentials' are located at the rear, including ‘tuck n’ roll’ bed incorporating a slide-out fridge, cooker, sink and shower hose, leaving the rest of the van’s cargo space free for carrying tools and equipment during the week, and a couple of mountain bikes or surfboards on the week-end.

As well as the Discoverer and Kombi Camper sub-brands, Campervans Australia also has a new, cut-price Safari model based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, with an optional rear electric bed.