Cool Camper

You rent one of the mythical VW Combi of the seventies on the Basque Coast at Campy Camper in Biarritz.
Whether you are a beginner or an old-fashioned adventurer, here are some useful recommendations to make the most of your road trip.

Our VW bay window T2b or T2a combis are generally between 40 and 50 years old. In spite of all the care that our team of enthusiasts gives to these old ladies through regular and careful maintenance, they are fragile and require a little attention.

1. Check the oil level when cold and on flat ground before turning on your engine and this about every 3 days.

2. Combi’s were designed to be driven, provided you put yourself in the context of the 60’s! The cruising speed is 80 km/h.

Speed ratio of the combi :

 V1->from 0 to 15km/h
 V2->from 15 to 30km/h
V3->from 30 to 45km/h
V4->from 45 to 90km/h

The charm of Aircooled air-cooled engines:
If you take the freeway, do not drive at more than 90km/h, especially in hot weather, because the engines heat up and you could damage or even break the engine.
Prefer national and departmental roads and preferably the green roads of the Basque Country, they are superb, colorful and full of surprises.

If you drive in the mountains, make frequent stops to rest the engine and enjoy the landscape, lakes, rivers, forests and villages. On very hot days (over 30°C), drive slower and take breaks more often.

We remind you that you can be held responsible in case of engine failure, especially in case of excessive speed or inappropriate use.

3. Traveling in time with a VW combi from the 70’s, requires an adaptation time.
A combi brakes less well than a modern car. It has no ABS, airbag, or back-up radar.
Power steering did not exist at the time, so be careful and anticipate your turns. You will quickly learn to modify your driving.

On the day of departure, a cold and hot start procedure will be explained to you. The engine may not start at the first key stroke as you are used to with modern cars. Don’t worry, we will provide assistance in getting started with a mini test drive on the day of departure to give you the tips and techniques that work miracles.

Here are some precious tips if you have never driven a VW combi type T2 fitted out by Westfalia

the gas bottle for the cooking plate and the fridge must be closed when you drive.
turn off the electric pump of the water tank, without water it will damage it.
 the Pop Top roof must remain closed when driving and be careful not to damage or jam the canvas with the roof compasses when folding the top. The same goes for the zippers of the canvas which are fragile!
the height of the combi is 2.00m, be careful with the access bars to the beach and the underfloor parking. If you are not sure to pass, stop in time and get a second person to help you.

5. The SP 98 gasoline.

The combis run on SP 98 gasoline only.
(No diesel or E10 (10% Ethanol))
Keep the fuel tickets. In case of an engine failure, the cause of using an inappropriate fuel can be ruled out.

6. You are traveling in a combi with children, they will love it! It’s a great experience for the whole family.

That’s why, when you’re on vacation, keep the same vigilance as at home.

Explain to them that they have to be careful with the dashboard controls, the brake, the gas, the handles of the furniture and the table leg.