Spotlight on... campervan converter Dirty Weekender

A versatile campervan converter specialising in bespoke conversions as well as Reimo campers, it is also the UK’s only Egoé Nest dealer.

We spoke to company owners, Johnny Luebke and Katie Monk, to find out more…

When did Dirty Weekender start out?

"The business dates back to 2010, initially as an extension of our Worcester-based mechanical garage, W.A.S Autocentre, which was established over 25 years ago. We have been lucky to be able to extend on the same site, which now comprises of our showroom with offices and extensive campervan workshops, as well as the original garage."

What sets you apart from the crowd?

"We like to do things a little differently. We have the ability to design and build exactly to the customer’s requirements – whether that’s a family needing to make clever use of space, or someone using the campervan for both work and leisure.

It might be the demands of a sport or hobby that requires a need for something a bit different, or perhaps it’s just a particular aesthetic that needs to be achieved.

Whatever is it, we believe there’s always a way."

How would you sum up the company’s ethos and values?

"It’s really important to us to get to know our customers and what makes them tick, so building relationships and having fun along the way is of the upmost importance to us. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all standard campervan approach and we aim to deliver a conversion that matches exactly what the customer has in their head. As a result, we give our customers heaps of time to go through every little detail and ask as many questions as needed in order to create the right campervan for them, also ensuring every product option meets our requirements of safety, usability and durability."

What do you think makes a great campervan conversion?

"Build quality and safety are obvious key factors, and a great campervan conversion will also be one that suits you and meets your needs. In order to make sure your van meets these criteria, check the converter has the necessary knowledge, skills and experience. Ours stems from personal use, as we’ve been campervanning for years. We’re passionate about getting out and about in our own ’vans and so our experiences help us constantly grow as a company."

What kinds of bespoke options do you offer?

"Anything you like! We specialise in bespoke conversions, so we can offer anything from a few simple adaptations that will turn your work van into a weekend camper, right through to something completely unique. We use many different materials to create our bespoke builds, from pallet wood and other reclaimed items to solid oak or granite. This gives the customer the opportunity to be involved with the build and choose colour schemes, etc. It also adds fluidity as ideas may change along the way. We love our bespoke graphics and wraps, too, which give such a personal edge to the campers. It’s actually very rare that we build two campervans the same!"

What’s your best seller?

"In addition to our bespoke conversions, we also offer the full range of Reimo campervan conversions, and the Trio Style has to be our overall bestseller. This features the ever-popular side kitchen layout with travel seats for five. It offers a clean and simple design with everything you need and it lends itself to customisation, too. Paired with the Reimo pop-top roof and Reimo Variotech 3000 sliding seat/bed, no wonder it’s a winner."

Have you got any exciting new developments in the pipeline?

"Always! We’ve just finished a revamp of our showroom and facilities, and have started working on a special edition campervan. We’ve also very recently partnered up with Egoé Nest in the Czech Republic and become its only UK distributor. We are really happy to represent the brand, as we both share the same values and ethos. It produces camping units that fit in the back of vehicles such as vans, MPVs and cars that are beautifully crafted and, to be honest, ingenious! They’re great for people who want to combine the elements of a campervan, such as cooking facilities, running water and a bed, with their everyday vehicle."

What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a campervan?

"Think about how the campervan is going to work for you and don’t be blinded by the aesthetics as looks can be deceptive. Ask how it has been built and check it is safe. When researching converters, make sure you go and visit its premises – have a good look around and ask lots of questions. Get a feel for the company and its standards. Is the coffee good? You will probably be drinking a lot of it!"

What’s the most unusual question you’ve ever been asked by a customer?

"Wow, there are absolutely too many to list, but the silliest questions are always to do with how much stuff we can fit into the space available. People forget that you’re essentially trying to cram all the facilities and home comforts of a house into the floorplan of a VW T6, for example, so there are limitations. We have had people ask if it is actually a TARDIS!"

What’s the best campervan trip you’ve personally undertaken?

"We’re lucky enough to have been on many trips, both in the UK and in Europe but, hands down, our favourite has to be Sardinia. We both fell in love with the island and how unspoilt it is. There are tonnes of wild camping spots and deserted beaches to explore, as well as the inland mountains and amazing roads to drive. The food and wine’s not bad, either."

The Dirty Weekender range

Bespoke conversions

"We offer everything from full Reimo conversions through to campervan repairs, servicing and MOTs. When it comes to bespoke conversions, the sky is the limit. Choose from VW and Reimo accessories, appliances from leading brands like Webasto, Smev, Dometic, Waeco and Vitrifrigo, and bench/beds from Reimo and RIB. Combined with unique blinds and curtain options, as well as wraps and exterior styling, means the only limitation is your imagination! Here’s some of the stuff we’ve created for our customers…"

Egoé Nest Nestbox

"The Nestbox fits into the boot or luggage loading area of your vehicle, transforming it into a comfortable camper. There are various models available to accommodate all sorts of vehicles, from cars to vans. The Camper is the smallest unit, suited to vehicles such as the Mini Countryman and BMW X3, while the Supertramp module is for off-road vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery. The Hiker fits into a VW Caddy-sized vehicle and comprises of a folding bed and kitchen, housing a cooker, fridge and sink with tap. The Roamer is the biggest unit, which fits into VW T6-sized vans and offers the same facilities as the Hiker, except with a wider bed."

Contacts

Dirty Weekender
268 Bath Road, Worcester WR5 3ES
01905 353880

dirty-weekender.com
Facebook: dirtyweekendervanconversions
Twitter @adventurevans