VW Transporter Doubleback slides into production

Zach Bowman — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Etc., Technology, Volkswagen, UK, Specialty

Few automakers do camper vans quite so well as Volkswagen. From factory additions to aftermarket conversions, models like the Transporter seem perfect for on-the-go living. Now a company in the UK has taken the camper conversion one step further with the Doubleback. In addition to a large pop-up roof tent, the creation boasts an expandable aft section than can increase the vehicle's length by an additional 6.5 feet. The conversion is said to add just 286 pounds to the Transporter, and the mechanism expands in under 45 seconds to nearly double living space. Unfortunately, you'll be splitting all that extra room between you and only one other friend. The swap nixes all but the front two seats.

If this all sounds familiar, it certainly should. We first caught a glimpse of the Doubleback a month ago, but the company has released a few videos showing exactly how the conversion works here in the real world. With a load rating of 1,323 pounds with the legs extended, the structure is engineered to sleep even the biggest boned campers out there. Unfortunately, snagging one will cost you. Look to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $87,975 for the Doubleback if you like what you see. Scroll below to check out the videos for yourself.

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VW Transporter Doubleback slides into production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Doubleback fits a big RV into a small space

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen, UK, Specialty

We're big fans of the Volkswagen bus, from the original Type 2 and its descendants, to the Vanagon that replaced it, and even the front-drive Eurovan. While VW hasn't sold one of these in the U.S. since it discontinued the Eurovan in 2003, the rest of the world has enjoyed the Transporter T5 for the past decade. The VWs are immensely popular camper vans in Europe (especially those with pop-top roofs), and the novel Doubleback conversion shown above takes the formula to another level.

With an electric, slide-out rear pod similar to what you find on many modern RVs, the Doubleback can extend a Transporter by an additional six-and-a-half feet, offering an entire rear bedroom. The company says the extra room adds only 286 pounds to the vehicle's curb weight and extends in under 45 seconds. The conversion eliminates any rear seating, so your camper will be a two-seater, or you can get a front bench installed to fit an extra passenger in the middle.

At today's exchange rates, the Doubleback sells for about $87,975, including British taxes, or the company can convert your vehicle. Be sure to check out the photo gallery to see more of this cool bus.

The Doubleback fits a big RV into a small space originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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