Best camper vans 2024
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Camper vans are more popular than ever, with the boom in UK staycations and the freedom to explore the open road appealing to more and more people.
Camper vans are also a brilliant multi-purpose vehicles, capable of playing the role of family car, tip run hero or even guest bedroom when required.
It’s no surprise, then, that van manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon, with many of them offering official in-house or approved external conversions through their main dealer networks.
The used camper van market, meanwhile, is always buoyant — but it pays to do your homework before you buy and to make sure you’re buying a quality van conversion.
Here are the best camper vans on sale today.
Best camper vans |
Volkswagen California 6.1
The original is often the best — and while the Volkswagen California 6.1 bears little resemblance to the original VW Type 2, it’s still arguably the best camper out there, certainly in terms of those offered by manufacturers. It features a rear double bed and a pop-up roof with two further berths, the fit and finish is exceptional and there’s a choice of strong TDI diesel engines. Remarkable, then, that it's now out of production and set to be replaced by two different Californias — one based on the Volkswagen Multivan people carrier, the other on the new T7 Transporter van.
Fiat Ducato
Fiat’s approach to motorhomes is a little different. It works with a number of convertors who build bodies onto the Fiat Ducato platform cab chassis, which has no rear bulkhead, meaning you can walk through from the front seats. The Ducato is Europe’s most popular van for motorhome conversions as a result and it has a massive following among the camping community.
Ford Transit Custom Nugget
The Ford Transit Custom Nugget is an official conversion, developed in partnership with Westfalia and sold via Ford’s dealer network. It can sleep up to four people, with a double bed in the pop-up roof compartment and a second one in the living area. It also features its own WiFi hub, to which 10 devices can connect.
Volkswagen Caddy California
It seems VW has a California for every occasion and the smallest of the line-up is the Volkswagen Caddy California. Based on the compact Volkswagen Caddy panel van, it’s one of the smallest (and by association, least expensive) factory-backed campers you can buy but is strictly a two-berth and is a bit cosy. Still, for one-night getaways it’s a convenient and car-like companion.
Volkswagen Grand California
Just as Ford has its Transit Big Nugget, so it is that VW has a camper based on its largest van range — the Volkswagen Grand California. Using the substantial body of the Volkswagen Crafter, the Grand Cali is a spacious and well-equipped full-size camper van with a family focus and room for four. The downside, though, is that it’s rather expensive.
Toyota Proace Matino
Manufactured by Wellhouse Leisure Conversions, the Toyota Proace Matino is a semi-official conversion that sleeps up to four. It’s based on the Toyota Proace and although converted, the manufacturer recognises it as approved and honours its 10-year mechanical parts and labour warranty as it would with the standard panel van. It’s a stylish piece of kit.
Vauxhall Vivaro Elite Campervan
The Vauxhall Vivaro Elite Campervan is manufactured entirely in the UK — the van itself in Luton, Beds, and the campervan parts in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, by Wellhouse Leisure Conversions., which also converts the near-identical Toyota Proace Matino. It’s an official, approved conversion offered through selected Vauxhall dealerships, with a full warranty, smart interior and accommodation for up to four adults.
Citroen Holidays
Move over Volkswagen, because Citroen is the latest manufacturer to offer a fully manufactured camper as part of its standard model range, based on its Dispatch range. The Citroen Holidays isn’t cheap but it’s a very smart vehicle, four-berth, with a pop-up roof and four individual seats for added safety. The conversion work is done by Bravia Mobil in Slovenia, so despite appearances, the internals of the Holidays aren't the same as those of the Toyota Proace Matino and Vauxhall Vivaro Elite Campervan.
Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo
Based on the plusher Mercedes V-Class car rather than the more utilitarian Mercedes Vito van, this is the most luxurios of the mid-sized camers. As its name suggests, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo is a little more adventurous than a standard panel van. It accommodates up to four people, with a pop-up central roof area and self-levelling suspension, which can be handy on undulating camping grounds. The quality and finish are excellent even if the vehicle on which it is based now feels a little long-in-the-tooth.
Do camper van conversions affect my warranty?
If you choose an official or approved conversion, then the manufacturer’s warranty is unlikely to be affected. Aftermarket conversions might affect your warranty though, so if you’re looking to get a van converted while still under manufacturer’s warranty cover, then check with the converter first.
Can I convert a van myself and save money?
Home-converted camper vans are quite common and there's no reason why you can't convert a van yourself but there are certain elements that need to be professionally installed, notably anything related to gas or electricity. Some camping grounds also don't allow home-converted vans on site for reasons of safety.
Do camper vans hold their value?
The simple answer here is yes — camper vans are expensive but they hold their money better than most other vehicles on the road. On average, they retained over 75% of their value after three years.
