NISSAN ELGRAND

Prices for VW Transporters have just skyrocketed in recent years and Ford Customs are not far behind, so we researched an alternative and bought an imported Nissan Elgrand.

A luxury people-carrier popular in Japan, these vehicles have something of a cult following in the UK.

With a 3.5-litre V6 up front, it is a delight to drive, if a little thirsty. The rear conversion was done by

New Dawn Conversions, in Birmingham – they specialise in converting such vehicles and did an excellent job. We haven’t done a major trip as yet, but we have taken it to west Wales. On the plus side, the rock and roll bed is much more comfortable than the one we had in our first camper.

The Nissan is far more practical as a second vehicle than our previous, larger models, because it’s easier to park and fits beneath the height restriction bars at many car parks in holiday destinations around the UK. As I write, my wife and I have just returned from an overnight stay at Tucker’s Grave Inn & Campsite (tuckersgraveinn.co.uk), near Frome, in Somerset. This 200-year-old cider house is on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors and has hardly changed since World War I. It’s one of only six in the country with no bar. We had an enjoyable evening there, chatting to other campervan owners about their experiences of long-term ’van ownership. My conclusion? There is no single campervan that can cope with the ever-changing demands life throws at you. You know what? I do love the new ’van, but I’m missing that pocket-sprung mattress already!