Ford Wellhouse Terrier 2 (2016 – 2023) Review

Ford Wellhouse Terrier 2 (2016 – 2023) At A Glance

4/5

+Very well-finished, practical and comfortable, very easy to drive, capable of easily covering long distances.

-Cluttered centre stack, not as plush as Volkswagen California.

The Wellhouse Terrier 2 takes everything we liked about the original Terrier and improves it. It’s better to drive and has a nicer interior, with a really high quality finish, a user-friendly layout and plenty of comfortable space. The range is now bigger, too – with more variants and optional extras.

In the cab the Terrier 2 feels just like a normal Transit Custom, which is no bad thing. The driving position is comfortable and it’s as easy to drive as a car, with smooth and light controls and comfortable suspension. When parked up, the front seats swivel to face into the living area, plus there is a rear bench seat that provides plenty of space to relax, eat or travel.

That rear bench slides forward on runners to expand luggage space, plus it folds down to form the main double bed. You can also specify a second bed that is part of the elevating roof, but it’s really only suited to children, since access is a little tight.

Standard gear includes a two-ring gas hob and a sink, with 40 litre fresh and waste water tanks. There’s also a 42-litre fridge, plus 240v three-pin and 12v accessory sockets. The leisure battery is 100Ah, which is enough for a several days of camping without an electric hook up point.

There’s a 100W solar panel to help keep things topped up when the sun is shining, along with a 2.2Kw heater to keep things warm when the sun is hiding. Optional extras include a grill, awnings, a safe, tow bars and an external gas hook up for barbecues.

Wellhouse has changed the interior in the Terrier 2, with new fittings and furnishings versus the old Terrier. The result is really impressive, upmarket build quality and a sense of premium style. It isn’t quite as plush as the Volkswagen-built California, but it’s very close.

But the California and the beautifully finished Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo are both quite a lot more expensive to buy new than the Terrier 2. Which is why we think the Wellhouse is so easy to recommend – it’s practical, comfortable, well-made and easy to drive. 

Ask Honest John

What's a cheaper alternative to a Volkswagen California?

"I’ve been looking at Volkswagen camper vans, but can’t justify the cost. Are there any decent alternatives? I don’t need the sink etc, just a pop up top and bed. Petrol might not be a bad idea given the current concern about increased taxes/ restrictions on diesel?"
If you plan to use the camper van for long distance travels then diesel will still be your best bet. Petrol campers are relatively rare (and thirsty on fuel), while LPG vans are subject to a wide range of restrictions when it comes to travelling abroad - Euro Tunnel refuses to carry any LPG campers. If the Volkswagen California is proving too expensive, something like a Wellhouse conversion of the Hyundai i800 or Ford Transit Custom might be more affordable. There are lots on the used market, or you can buy them new from Wellhouse direct. For all of our camper van buying advice, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/mpvs-and-camper-vans/how-to-buy-a-used-camper-van/
Answered by Dan Powell

I'd like a small automatic campervan - does such a thing exist?

"I'd like a smallish automatic campervan. What would recommend? I'd prefer it to be quiet over performance."
How small do you want to go? You can get a car-based camper like the SsangYong Turismo Tourist with an automatic gearbox: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-news/new-vans/2017-10/driven-ssangyong-turismo-tourist-camper-car/ Step up from there and you go into medium size vans, with the Ford Wellhouse Terrier 2: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/wellhouse-terrier-2-2017/ and the Volkswagen California: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/volkswagen/california-t6-2015/
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions