Transporter Works Garage VW T6.1 rising roof campervan

Born from a hobby, TWG specialises in VWs

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Transporter Works Garage VW T6.1

It’s not unusual to find that a lifelong love of campervans has lead to a new business venture in this market and that’s exactly the case with Tim Haycock and Transporter Works Garage. After three decades in the motor industry, Tim founded this conversion company in Leicestershire specialising in VW Transporters.

Most of the T6.1s converted are supplied by TWG, with these being late used vans that are still under the Volkswagen warranty. 

The spec

The example shown here was spotted at the Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show in Harrogate – the company exhibits at most Warners shows – and was a 72-plate vehicle with a piffling 200 miles on the clock. 

It also had all the features you’d look for – the 148bhp engine for decent performance, DSG gearbox for easy driving and the T30 spec for a practical payload. In addition, it came with a rear view camera, factory-fitted cab seat swivels and a rear tailgate with wash/wipe, so the £68,590 price tag is no surprise.

The exterior

Externally, the 20in load-rated Navis alloy wheels and the gloss black grille and front splitter give this TWG camper a sporty vibe, while the Eibach springs may not be so instantly obvious. Even more concealed is the mains hook-up, hidden behind a hinged VW roundel. 

Up top, the company always uses a Skyline pop-top with the fully opening scenic canvas. A roof bed is  included, too, and this has the bifold base which increases headroom when the bed is stowed. The roof is also home to a 150W solar panel. 

Tim says that TWG only uses well-known branded components in its conversions and it endeavours to over-engineer its own work, with everything done in-house where possible. 

An example is that the 12mm floor is fixed to 9mm strips that are bonded in place, so nothing is screwed directly into the VW van floor Insulation is by recycled plastic bottles and sound deadening material is used throughout.

Finished conversions are then independently certified for the gas and electric installations. 

The kitchen

The side galley layout features a slightly deeper section of worktop behind the driver’s seat, under which is the  compressor fridge.

There’s a drawer above the cooler – the only pull-out storage here – and top cupboards over the kitchen, unusually, have long side-hinged doors. Alongside the fridge, a silver tambour door (contrasting with the black  gloss cabinets) rises to reveal the gas compartment for a 4.5kg Flogas cylinder and a 10-litre portable water carrier.

The optional wood worktops (in 18mm oak ply) look attractive and, unusually, the rearmost section lifts on gas struts to reveal a deep top-loading locker. Then, in the rear corner, the full-height furniture includes two further tambour doors, while a long recess at floor level here could allow for a couple of camping chairs.

The seat/beds

Internal seating uses the ever-popular RIB rear bench, which, as always, is well-shaped but too high off the floor for all but the longest legs. Here, it was trimmed in vegan-friendly faux leather with contrasting hexagonal stitching and featured the optional sliding squab (not a full sliding seat system). 

Bed make-up is easy and a chaise longue position is possible, while blackout is achieved with Vanshades blinds. On cooler nights, you can keep cosy with the gas-fired Propex blown-air heating. 

If you want to carry a portable toilet, it’ll need to be stored in the boot area which also has space for outdoor gear, bedding, etc.

All this is just an example of what a TWG camper could look like. As well as stock vehicles (just one at time of writing), the company will build your camper to your spec in terms of colour schemes and finishes.

Where to buy

This Leicestershire-based converter sells direct from its factory, where you can visit by appointment from Monday to Friday (weekends by arrangement). You can also see its vehicles at many of the Warners outdoor shows.

The company

Founded a couple of years ago by Tim Haycock, this is a family business that counts wife, Sally, and daughter, Belle, as well as Teddy the dog (Chief Security Officer!) in the team.

Tim says that the aim is to build one camper per month and he doesn’t want to get involved in employing lots of staff, so the company will stay small with the personal touch.

As you’d expect from the name, TWG specialises in conversions based on the VW Transporter.