Introduction to side kitchen campervans

This layout probably accounts for 90% of the campervan market. It's a design that's as old as the hills and you’ll find it in base vehicles like the VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito, Renault Trafic, Toyota Proace and Vauxhall Vivaro.

Why a side kitchen layout?

Campervans like these are designed to double as everyday vehicles; a role they fulfil effortlessly. You’ll probably be reliant on campsite facilites, although most side kitchen campervans do have a portable loo stored in a cupboard and some might have a basic activity shower. However, these vehicles have enduring appeal and are a big step up in the comfort stakes for former tent campers.

Travel seats and bed set-up

The cab seats often swivel (not always the driver’s seat) to face a bench seat in the rear. However, some models (especially those based on a pre-owned panel van) have a double passenger seat which, if it swivels, will be much more awkward to rotate and a lot less comfortable to relax or travel in. The rear bench seat can be fixed or on rails to slide back and forth, allowing it to be closer to the cab when driving (ideal with young kids) or dining, and also increasing boot space behind for larger loads. Check for crash-testing accreditations and approved installations of any seat system. If you’re tall, also check that the kitchen unit doesn’t restrict rearward movement and reclining of the driver’s seat.

A typical side kitchen campervan layout:

The rear seat will flatten to form the main bed – different seat systems work in different ways to do this and some are easier to use than others. The width of the bench depends partly on the width of the base vehicle (the Ford is slightly wider than the VW), and partly on the depth of the kitchen units alongside it. Narrow furniture units can result in a double bed that’s much closer to domestic dimensions and often three belted seats on the bench. A wider back seat is a much better solution than a double cab passenger seat if you need five seatbelts.

Wider side kitchens have more storage, usually a typical front-loading fridge/freezer, and a grill might now be available. The bed is likely to be narrower and the rear seat will be for just two people. Slimmer kitchens tend to adopt top-loading fridges, which can often hold more than you think, but lifting the lid disturbs the worktop, and there's no freezer compartment. 

Some converters also offer a ‘weekender’ type of conversion with a compact kitchen behind the driver’s seat, rather than down the side. Long-wheelbase versions (around 5.3m to 5.4m, instead of 5m or less) are routinely available, giving more floorspace and extra cupboards, but these are less easy to park in bays designed for saloon cars.

Storage considerations

Look carefully at storage space in the rear boot area (above and below the mattress); this is key to the camper’s practicality, especially for longer trips and for family use. If you’re camping with kids, you’ll want a pop-top in order to have a roof bed, making it a four-berth camper. For couples, consider a high-top, as the benefit is a lot more storage.

Why choose a VW-sized side kitchen campervan layout?

Side kitchen layouts account for about 90% of the campervan sector, so there's a wide choice of models available, including secondhand campervans. It's a very flexible floorplan that suits most campervanners. 

Choose because:

•   It's my only vehicle and I use it daily

•   I need four or five belted travel seats

•   We need two double beds for all the family

•   I want a good kitchen and lots of storage space

•   We don't need a separate toilet cubicle

Our top tips for buying a side kitchen layout campervan

Compare boot space dimensions, as this is where you’ll keep all your camping clobber when travelling, such as outdoor furniture, levellers, and everyone's bedding. Some campervans have much more storage room than others.

Our top picks of side kitchen campervans

Both Mercedes (Marco Polo) and Volkswagen (California) market their own OEM campers in this sector and these are top-quality models with strong residual values. Specialist converters offer more choice, though, and many offer their own innovative touches. If buying a VW, look out for conversion brands approved by Volkswagen, such as Hillside and Rolling Homes. To maximise bang for your buck, consider conversions based on the Ford Transit Custom, such as those from Auto Campers, and Renault Trafic, from manufacturers like CCCampers.

Side kitchen campervan videos

Here are some of our Campervan magazine videos featuring side kitchen layouts. We hope you enjoy watching them as much as we enjoyed making them. It you like them and want to support the making of more videos like these, then don't forget to 'Like' or 'Subscribe' as it really helps us - thank you!

Reviews of side kitchen campervans

Here are some of our Campervan magazine reviews of some popular side kitchen campervans.

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