Campervans are a popular way to travel, giving you the freedom to explore the UK and beyond while having your own accommodation with you. Converting a van into a campervan can also be a great way to create a vehicle that is designed around your own needs.
However, choosing the right base vehicle is one of the most important decisions you will make. The best vans to convert into a campervan will depend on your budget, the number of people travelling, how much living space you need and whether you want a compact camper or a full-size motorhome-style conversion.
Researching the best vans to convert into a campervan before buying can help you avoid choosing a vehicle that is too small, too expensive or unsuitable for your planned conversion. You can browse the used vans available on MotorHype and compare different models before deciding which one is right for your project.
Before choosing from the best vans to convert into a campervan, think about how you intend to use the finished vehicle.
A compact van can be easier to drive, park and use as an everyday vehicle, while a larger panel van provides considerably more space for a fixed bed, kitchen, seating and storage.
You should also consider:
It is important not to choose a van based solely on its reputation. The exact generation, wheelbase, roof height and condition can make a significant difference to how suitable it is for your conversion.
The Ford Transit is one of the most popular choices among the best vans to convert into a campervan in the UK. It is available in a wide range of body lengths and roof heights, giving converters plenty of options when planning the layout.
A full-size Transit can provide enough room for a fixed bed, kitchen, seating and substantial storage, while its widespread availability means there are plenty of used examples to choose from.
Another advantage is the availability of parts and knowledge. The Transit has been a familiar sight on UK roads for decades, so finding replacement parts and mechanics familiar with the model is generally straightforward.
This combination of choice, availability and practicality helps make the Ford Transit one of the best vans to convert into a campervan.
The Ford Transit Custom is worth considering if a full-size Transit is larger than you need. It is also one of the best vans to convert into a campervan if everyday practicality is important.
It is smaller and easier to manoeuvre than the full-size Transit, making it better suited to people who want a campervan that can also be used as an everyday vehicle.
A Transit Custom works particularly well for compact conversions and pop-top campers. However, its smaller interior means that you will need to be more careful when planning the layout.
It can be a good choice for couples or solo travellers who want a balance between everyday practicality and campervan functionality.
For buyers who want everyday usability without sacrificing too much interior space, the Ford Transit Custom is one of the best vans to convert into a campervan.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is another popular choice when looking at the best vans to convert into a campervan, particularly for larger conversions.
Its range of body lengths and roof heights makes it possible to create everything from a relatively simple conversion to a spacious camper with a fixed bed, kitchen, storage and bathroom facilities.
The additional space does come with higher purchase and running costs compared with some smaller vans. Parts and repairs can also be more expensive, particularly if you choose a newer or more complex example.
For people planning a large campervan conversion or intending to spend extended periods travelling, however, the Sprinter can provide the space and flexibility required.
The Volkswagen Transporter has become one of the most recognisable base vehicles for campervan conversions and is another of the best vans to convert into a campervan for compact or medium-sized builds.
Its relatively compact dimensions make it easier to use as an everyday vehicle than a large panel van, while there is a substantial range of conversion equipment and accessories available.
A Transporter can work particularly well for a weekend camper, day van or pop-top conversion. It is also a popular choice for people who want their campervan to retain a relatively car-like driving experience.
The main disadvantage is purchase price. Good Transporters can command strong prices on the used market, so you may be able to get considerably more interior space for your money by choosing a larger or less expensive van.
Its compact dimensions and extensive conversion market help explain why it remains one of the best vans to convert into a campervan.
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a useful middle ground between compact and large vans. It can be one of the best vans to convert into a campervan for someone looking for a compromise between interior space and everyday usability.
It offers more interior space than smaller vans while remaining relatively easy to drive and park. This makes it suitable for couples and solo travellers who want a practical camper without moving up to the size of a Sprinter or full-size Transit.
There have been several generations of Vivaro, so it is important to check the exact model and specification when buying a used example.
The Vivaro can also be worth considering alongside equivalent vans from other manufacturers, depending on price, condition and availability.
The Renault Trafic is another popular medium-sized van and can make a good base for a compact campervan conversion.
It offers a useful balance between interior space and exterior dimensions, making it easier to live with than a large panel van while still providing enough room for a bed, storage and basic cooking facilities in a well-planned conversion.
A Trafic can be particularly appealing if you want a campervan that is practical for weekends away but does not feel excessively large on normal roads.
For many people looking at the best vans to convert into a campervan, the Trafic’s combination of size and practicality makes it worth considering.
As with the Vivaro, compare the exact generation, engine and condition rather than choosing purely on the model name.
The Peugeot Expert is another medium-sized van worth considering.
Its relatively compact dimensions make it easier to drive and park than a full-size panel van, which can be particularly useful if you plan to use the finished campervan for everyday driving.
An Expert is better suited to a compact conversion than a large motorhome-style build. However, if your priorities are a manageable size, reasonable interior space and everyday usability, it can make a practical base vehicle.
For solo travellers or couples, the Expert can be a sensible option when comparing the best vans to convert into a campervan without needing the interior space of a full-size panel van.
The Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay are closely related large panel vans and are particularly useful for larger campervan conversions.
Their boxy load areas can make it easier to plan an efficient interior layout, especially if you want a fixed bed, kitchen, bathroom or substantial storage.
The larger body styles can also provide considerably more living space than medium-sized vans such as the Expert or Trafic.
For anyone considering the best vans to convert into a campervan for extended trips, these large panel vans can provide the additional interior space required for a more comprehensive conversion.
The downside is that these vans are physically large, so they can be less convenient for everyday use and parking. You should also pay close attention to payload when planning a conversion, as the weight of furniture, appliances, water, batteries and passengers can add up quickly.
The Iveco Daily is a particularly robust option for people who need a large and capable base vehicle.
Unlike most conventional panel vans, the Daily is available with a separate chassis construction on many versions, which contributes to its ability to handle heavier applications.
This can make it attractive for specialist or particularly heavy campervan conversions. However, the Daily is also a substantial vehicle, and its size, weight and running costs need to be considered before buying one.
It is therefore more suited to people who genuinely need the additional capacity rather than someone looking for a small weekend camper.
The Daily can be worth considering among the best vans to convert into a campervan when a large, robust base vehicle is more important than compact dimensions.
There is no single best van to convert into a campervan because the right choice depends on how you intend to use it.
The best vans to convert into a campervan for a large, full-featured conversion include the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay.
For a medium-sized camper, the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro, Renault Trafic or Peugeot Expert can offer a good compromise between living space and everyday practicality.
If you want a compact camper with a strong aftermarket and plenty of conversion options, the Volkswagen Transporter is another popular choice.
Comparing several of the best vans to convert into a campervan before making a decision can help you choose a vehicle that suits your layout, budget and travelling plans.
Your priorities will ultimately determine which of the best vans to convert into a campervan is most suitable for your needs.
Before buying, draw up the interior layout you want and check whether it will actually fit inside your chosen van. Think about the position of the bed, kitchen, seating, storage, water tanks, batteries and other equipment before committing to a particular wheelbase or roof height.
You should also check the van’s payload. A conversion can add considerable weight, and you need to make sure the finished vehicle remains within its legal limits.
Buying the right model is only part of the process. The condition of the individual van is arguably even more important.
Check the bodywork carefully for rust, previous repairs and accident damage. Inspect the underside, suspension, tyres and brakes, and look for signs of water ingress.
You should also check the vehicle’s MOT history, service records and mileage before buying. A cheap van can quickly become expensive if it requires major mechanical repairs before you can even start the conversion.
If you are buying a used van, our guide on how to buy a used van safely can help you understand what to look for before handing over your money.
If you convert a van into a campervan, it is worth understanding the DVLA requirements before you start the build.
DVLA has specific requirements for vehicles being considered for a change of body type to motor caravan. These include certain permanent external features and internal features such as seats and a table, sleeping accommodation, cooking facilities and storage.
You should check the latest GOV.UK guidance on converting a vehicle into a motor caravan before beginning your conversion, as the requirements and evidence needed can affect how you plan the build.
You should also tell DVLA about relevant changes to the vehicle, including changes to body type where applicable. GOV.UK provides guidance on when you need to update your V5C.
There are plenty of vans that can make excellent campervan conversion projects, from compact models such as the Volkswagen Transporter and Peugeot Expert to large vans such as the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The best vans to convert into a campervan will ultimately depend on your budget, the amount of space you need and how you plan to use the finished vehicle.
The most important thing is to choose a van that suits your intended layout, budget and travelling requirements rather than simply choosing the most popular model.
Whether you choose a compact or full-size model, comparing the best vans to convert into a campervan before buying can help you avoid an expensive mistake.
Take your time, inspect the individual van carefully and work out your conversion plans before buying. Choosing the right base vehicle at the beginning can save you considerable time and money later.
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