Best vans for camper conversions 2024
Camper vans have a huge following in the UK and for very good reasons – after all, there’s lots of appeal to a home-from-home, not least the ability to take it where you want, whenever you want and to be fully set-up and ready to go.
While there are a number of manufacturer-approved camper vans on the market, these can be very expensive but the good news is that there are a number of independent converters who will be able to transform a standard panel van into a two or four-berth motor home at a much more affordable price level.
Alternatively, if you're feeling brave, you could do it yourself — all you need is a base van, a competent level of skill — and commitment. If you are planning a DIY conversion you need to ensure that any gas or electrical installation is both safe and inspected by a relevant expert, as well as making your insurance company aware of the fact that the vehicle is now a camper.
Here are 10 vans that are the best for camper conversions.
Best vans for camper conversions |
Volkswagen Transporter
No list of recommended camper van conversions would be complete without the time-served Volkswagen Transporter in prime position. It was the VW Transporter’s forebear, the famous Type 2 Bulli, that was the founding father of the camper van movement across the world. Every generation since has been extremely popular with converters — so much so that there's an entire industry that has built up around making premium VW camper vans, such as the example built by Van Worx shown in the photo above.
Fiat Ducato
The Italian maker has become well known for supplying the Fiat Ducato as a platform and chassis cabs to a number of companies who specifically build them with camper van bodies. Indeed, as a result of the Fiat Ducato’s popularity in this sector, it's often the go-to choice for converters looking to build and supply large motorhomes. It’s a good van for the job, with a long and low chassis and a 3.5-tonne GVW making it ideally suited.
Mercedes Sprinter
As well as the prestige and cachet of the famous three-pointed-star, the Mercedes Sprinter offers an impressive reputation for mechanical reliability. With a production run of over 30 years since the first-generation Mercedes Sprinter appeared, there are lots of long wheelbase models available at various price levels to suit those who wish to build their own — older models, in particular, are popular among the home conversion community. If you're after a newer van then there are multiple specialists building premium Sprinter-based motorhomes that are among some of the most desirable on the market.
Ford Transit Custom
Given that it's the best-selling van in the UK, it's not surprising in the slightest to learn that the Ford Transit Custom is also an extremely popular choice among those looking for a camper van. From home-finished conversions through to high-end bespoke examples such as the MS-RT performance-inspired campervan seen here, there's a Ford Transit Custom to suit any type of person or budget when pursuing the van life.
Citroen Berlingo
It was the first generation Citroen Berlingo that became kickstarted the UK's micro camper boom, gaining further momentum during 2020's lockdowns. The phenomenon involves buying a cheap van and then a conversion kit from an external supplier to make your very own micro camper, and with Mk1 Citroen Berlingos – and their Peugeot Partner sister vans – available at prices often below £1,000, it found itself an extremely popular choice among those looking to convert, with prices shooting up as a result.
Peugeot Boxer
Peugeot is second only to Fiat in terms of popularity with European camper van manufacturers and like the Italian company – as the Peugeot Boxer is essentially the same van as the Fiat Ducato, anyway – it’s offered in multiple different layouts and formats to suit converters’ needs. With a flat floor and a high roof, the Peugeot Boxer, whatever its age, is a very popular choice for those looking for a large motorhome.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Despite its visual similarity to the original VW Type 2, a factory-converted Volkswagen ID.Buzz camper van is still a long way off. That has opened the doors took converters to come forward and come up with their own ways of adding accommodation to the already iconic electric van. As the VW ID.Buzz becomes more prolific, expect to see a plethora of converters coming forward with their own ideas and iterations.
Vauxhall Movano
As a result of them being inexpensive to buy, yet fairly prolific, the first two generations of Vauxhall Movano have become popular with those who like to do home camper van conversions. Part of the appeal is that they are extremely simple to work on, while the high roof variants mean that even tall people can stand up comfortably in the back. If you are going to convert a van yourself then a Vauxhall Movano is a very good place to start.
Land Rover Defender
The original Land Rover Defender makes for a brilliant expedition vehicle so it's no surprise to find that there are multiple camper van conversions out there. Whether you're after a home finished DIY adventure wagon to massively expensive, bespoke and beautifully finished examples such as the one in our pictures here from our RIG Automotive, a Land Rover Defender camper van will help you embrace your adventurous side.
Fiat Fiorino
Back in the 1980s and 1990s there was a big trend for micro campers based on the likes of the Suzuki Carry and the Bedford Rascal. These days, there are very few tiny campers on the market but there are still a few conversion kits out there to suit the smallest and shortest vans on Britain's roads, such as this one for the Fiat Fiorino, which also fits the Citroen Nemo and Peugeot Bipper. As campers go, it's pretty cosy, but the use of space is clever.
What licence do I need to drive a camper van?
Providing they are below 3.5 tonnes GVW then all camper vans can be driven on the standard car driving licence. Of particular importance here is that if you do your own conversion it's absolutely crucial to stay within the official weight limits including the van's gross weight and its payload.
How do I know if a home-converted van is safe?
If you're looking to buy a second hand camper van conversion that hasn't been done by an authorised converter then you need to look not only for items such as gas and electrical safety certificates but also how the van has been constructed, where the seatbelts have been mounted and how secure the fixtures and fittings are. If you're not comfortable doing this then it makes sense to take a mechanic with you when checking out any potential purchase.
What are the speed limits for a motorhome?
As with minibuses the speed limits for minibuses are usually higher than for vans as they meet the criteria of passenger vehicles, despite being based on them. That means 60mph on single carriageway roads and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
