The campervan lifestyle has never been more popular. Whether you want a weekend escape vehicle, a surf wagon, or a full-time home on wheels, converting a panel van into a campervan is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. And if you are based in or near the New Forest, you are already in one of the best places in the country to enjoy van life.
At AVS Bransgore, we have been building and converting campervans for years through our sister company New Forest Custom Campers. Here is our honest guide to everything you need to know before starting a conversion.
Choosing Your Base Vehicle
The most popular base vehicles for campervan conversions in the UK are the Volkswagen Transporter (T5 and T6), the Ford Transit Custom, the Mercedes Vito, and the Peugeot Expert/Citroen Dispatch. Each has its pros and cons.
VW Transporter — The classic choice. Excellent build quality, huge aftermarket support, and strong resale values. The T6.1 is the latest model and is brilliant to drive. Downsides: they hold their value so well that even used examples are expensive.
Ford Transit Custom — Great value for money, widely available, and easy to work on. The interior dimensions are slightly different from the VW, which affects furniture layouts. A solid choice if budget is a factor.
Mercedes Vito — Premium feel, smooth to drive, and well-built. Less aftermarket support than the VW, but increasingly popular for conversions. The longer wheelbase versions offer more living space.
Planning Your Layout
Before you start buying furniture and fittings, spend time planning your layout. Think about how you will actually use the van. Do you need a fixed bed or is a rock and roll bed that converts from seating fine? Do you cook a lot and need a proper kitchen, or is a simple hob and sink enough? Do you need a toilet or will you use campsite facilities?
The most popular layouts for medium wheelbase vans are the rear kitchen with rock and roll bed, the side kitchen with rear bed, and the full-width rear bed with side kitchen. We can help you plan a layout that works for your specific needs and van dimensions.
Electrics — 12V and 240V
A proper electrical system is the backbone of any campervan. At minimum, you will want a leisure battery, a split charge relay (so the leisure battery charges while you drive), LED lighting, and USB charging points. Many people also add solar panels, which are brilliant for extending your off-grid time.
For mains hook-up capability, you will need a 240V consumer unit with RCD protection and mains sockets. This lets you plug into campsite hook-ups and run mains appliances. All 240V work should be done by a qualified electrician — it is not a DIY job.
Pop Top or Fixed Roof?
A pop top adds standing headroom, ventilation, and often an extra sleeping area in the roof. It transforms a panel van from a vehicle you can sleep in to a vehicle you can genuinely live in. The downside is cost (typically 2,500 pounds upwards for fitting) and a slight increase in wind noise at motorway speeds.
If you are tall or plan to spend extended time in the van, a pop top is well worth the investment. We fit pop tops regularly and can advise on the best options for your vehicle.
Insulation and Lining
Proper insulation makes a huge difference to comfort. We use a combination of closed-cell foam and thermal wadding to insulate the walls, floor, and ceiling. This keeps the van warm in winter and cool in summer, and also reduces road noise significantly.
For lining, the most popular options are carpet lining (warm, hides wiring, looks clean), ply lining (durable, easy to attach furniture to), and a combination of both. We also fit Altro non-slip flooring, which is hardwearing and easy to clean.
Heating
If you plan to use your campervan in autumn, winter, or early spring, a diesel heater is essential. These units run off the vehicle's diesel tank and use very little fuel — typically around 0.1 to 0.25 litres per hour. They are thermostat-controlled, quiet, and will keep your van warm and dry even in freezing conditions. Professional installation costs from around 500 to 800 pounds.
How Much Does a Full Conversion Cost?
This is the big question, and the honest answer is that it depends on your specification. A basic conversion with rock and roll bed, simple kitchen, 12V electrics, and carpet lining might start from around 8,000 to 10,000 pounds for the conversion work (not including the base vehicle). A full specification build with pop top, diesel heater, solar, 240V hook-up, custom kitchen, and premium upholstery could be 15,000 to 25,000 pounds or more.
At AVS Bransgore, we offer fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs. We will sit down with you, discuss exactly what you want, and give you a clear price before any work starts. Give us a ring on 01425 200826 or visit our campervan conversions page to see our recent builds.
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