What van would be good for every day use before converting into a camper?

We currently have a 61 plate Renault Trafic SWB 2.0 dCi SL27 115 van which is used for weekly shopping trips as well as filling it with stock and towing a caravan for weekend shows. We've had it for a couple of years on your recommendation and it has proved to be a reliable vehicle. We are looking for a van with more headroom that we would use as our only vehicle for a couple of years before converting it into a campervan. We've seen a Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro LWB high roof and a Ford Transit MWB med roof. Just wondered which of those two you would recommend, or is there another vehicle that would be better?

Asked on 16 June 2017 by sueandneal

Answered by Dan Powell

A mid-size Transit would give you plenty of space for a camper conversion and would be my recommendation, as it’s the best large van on the market: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/transit-201.../

If, however, you mean the smaller Transit (Custom) then a medium-size roof might restrict your options when it comes to the camper conversation. That is, unless, you plan to fit a pop-up roof: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/transit-cus.../

The Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro both good vans and are essentially the same, so picking between the two will come down to the price and condition of the vehicle. You might also want to add the Nissan NV300 to your list as this is also a clone of the Trafic: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/nissan/nv300/

When it comes to choosing a used commercial vehicle, I’d recommend buying the newest and best condition van you can afford as you’re going to be tied to it for the long haul once you’ve spent the money on the conversion. Also, don't be tempted to buy an older van with low mileage, as this will imply a life of short runs from cold starts where the engine has never got to full running temperature. This can result to all sorts of mechanical problems later on.

Tags: new vans vans camper vans van conversion buying advice

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Related models

Ford Transit (2014 on)

More refined and better to drive than many of its rivals, impressive interior quality, powered by excellent range of diesel engines.

Vauxhall Vivaro (2014 - 2019)

Impressive 1.6-litre diesel, very quiet and refined on the move, DAB as standard, similar cargo area (to old Vivaro and Trafic) means existing racking and conversions will still fit.