Choosing the right base vehicle is the single most important decision in your campervan conversion. Get it right and everything else falls into place. Get it wrong and you will be fighting the van's limitations for years. We have converted hundreds of vans at AVS Bransgore, and here is our honest take on the most popular options.
Volkswagen Transporter T5 and T6
The VW Transporter is the most popular campervan base in the UK, and for good reason. It is compact enough to use as a daily driver, fits in a standard parking space, and drives like a car. The build quality is excellent, parts are readily available, and they hold their value better than any other van on the market.
The downside is the price. A decent T5 starts from around 10,000 pounds, and T6 models are significantly more. The interior space is also limited compared to larger vans — you can fit a bed, kitchen, and basic storage, but a fixed bathroom is out of the question. For couples who want a weekend and holiday van that doubles as everyday transport, the Transporter is hard to beat.
Mercedes Sprinter
The Sprinter is the go-to choice for full-time van lifers and anyone who wants a spacious, comfortable conversion. The long-wheelbase high-roof version gives you enough room for a fixed bed, full kitchen, bathroom with shower, and plenty of storage. Build quality is excellent, and the engines are reliable and economical for their size.
The downside is that a Sprinter is a big vehicle. It will not fit in a standard parking space, some car parks have height restrictions that will catch you out, and it is not something you want to use for the school run. Fuel economy is reasonable for a large van but obviously worse than a Transporter. Prices for a good used Sprinter start from around 8,000 pounds for older models.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is the workhorse of the UK van market, and it makes a solid campervan base. Parts are cheap and available everywhere, any mechanic can work on one, and there is a huge range of sizes from the compact Custom to the full-size high-roof version. The Transit Custom is a popular alternative to the VW Transporter at a lower price point.
The downsides are that build quality is not quite at the VW or Mercedes level, and they do not hold their value as well. However, the lower purchase price means you have more budget for the conversion itself, which is often a smarter approach.
Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer
The Ducato and Boxer are essentially the same van with different badges (along with the Citroen Relay). They offer excellent interior space for the money, and the Ducato in particular is the base vehicle for most professional motorhome manufacturers, which tells you something about its suitability.
These vans are typically cheaper to buy than equivalent Sprinters or Transporters, and the running costs are reasonable. The ride quality is not quite as refined as the Mercedes, but for a campervan that spends most of its time on A-roads and motorways, it is perfectly adequate.
Our Recommendation
There is no single best van — it depends entirely on how you plan to use it. For weekends and holidays with daily driving, choose a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom. For extended trips and full-time living, go for a Mercedes Sprinter or Fiat Ducato. For the best value, the Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato offer the most space and capability for your money.
Whatever van you choose, we can convert it. We work on all makes and models at AVS Bransgore, and we are happy to advise on the best base vehicle for your specific needs. Call us on 01425 200826 or pop in for a chat.
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