Due to the arrival of a new addition to our family, we are selling our 1989 VW T3 camper “Dr. Love,” featuring a high roof and roof terrace. The engine was professionally overhauled about 80,000 km ago (invoice available) and runs great.
We’ve owned the van for 11 years, and it has been optimized for self-sufficient camping based on a professional carpentry conversion. It’s winter-ready, thoughtfully equipped, and has handled our trips lasting up to 8 months in temperatures as low as -22 °C. It’s also featured in our book “Road Trip on Ice.”

Technical Specs & Maintenance
VW T3, 1.6L turbo diesel (JX), 69 PS
H-license plate available
The vehicle passed its most recent technical inspection (HU) in 11/25 without any major issues: Only the tie rod ends needed to be replaced.
TÜV valid through 11/2027.

Major repairs are extensively documented; invoices are available.

-2020: Professional complete engine overhaul, including a new turbocharger
-2021: Major mechanical overhaul including a rebuilt transmission/shifting mechanism, stainless steel coolant lines, oil cooler, suspension/steering, and new drive shafts.
-2023: New cylinder heads, fuel injectors, cooling system components, brakes/brake lines, and control arm bushings.

Roof Structure & Outdoor
-Roof terrace: Full-scale terrace (bamboo decking, Zölzer high-roof beams, item square-profile beams; cost for this alone over €3,000). Extremely sturdy (tested with 6 people; we danced on it and enjoyed sunsets—our absolute highlight!). Height: 2.60 m.
-Flexible Solar: 155W OffgridTech solar panel on extendable arms (slides out for full use of the rooftop terrace).
-Telescopic ladder included, mounts for two surfboards/SUPs, channel rail for a sun sail, aerodynamic, foldable box at the front for outdoor gear.

Camping Equipment
-Insulation: Fully insulated with 9 mm Armaflex (winter-proof).
-Sleeping area: Rear bed above the engine compartment (two-part slatted frame + topper). Front half extendable (heavy-duty slides, fold-out feet).
-Planar 2D auxiliary heater
-NEW Engel MD-F050 compressor cooler
-Fold-out workstation attachment on the dashboard.
-High-quality, wipe-clean cork flooring, T4 seats (armrests, adjustable headrests), SportsCraft swivel console (passenger side), flexible table system, all-around curtain system (“Baymax”) including cab partition
-Pull-out compartment suitable for a dry-separating toilet (toilet not included)
-Flexible, portable cooking solution with the Origo 3000 alcohol stove: This allows you to cook outdoors as well

Note: Loose accessories (tables/chairs/tools) and the dry-separating toilet are not included in the sale.

Water Supply & Shower
-Water system: Pressure water pump with pressure-equalizing tank.
Drinking water: Two-way faucet with Alpfilter Duo system (nano/carbon) for filtered water (new cartridges included)
-Water Tanks: 90-liter underfloor tank (Armaflex-insulated, tank heater, Votronic level indicator) + 30-liter reserve tank in the rear (switchable)
-Shower: Outdoor shower on the tailgate with all-around privacy screen

Electrical & Technical Features
-Lighting: Dimmable LED strip on the ceiling and two dimmable LED spotlights in the overhead cabinet.
-Self-sufficiency: 120 Ah LiFePO4 battery (Deep Sea Power) with seat heating mat for winter.
-Victron system: SmartSolar MPPT 75/15, Orion-Tr 12/12-30A charge booster, and BMV-712 Smart battery monitor (all controllable via Bluetooth).
-Charging ports: High-power USB/USB-C outlets (front, center, bed).
-Lighting upgrade: H4 booster installed and two additional high-beam headlights.
-Shore power: Pre-wired (external outlet available).

Condition
-Overall condition is well-maintained for its age
-Typical T3 rust spots present, including on the fuel filler neck and some body seams. This wasn’t an issue for the H-license plate during the 11/25 vehicle inspection, but should probably be addressed before the next inspection
-Otherwise, the body could use a little TLC; unfortunately, I don’t have the expertise for that
-The interior is in very good technical condition, but visually could still use some loving attention.
-Fuel gauge not working
-Cruise control is currently not working.