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When it comes to base vehicle choices, it’s no secret that VW dominates the campervan market in the UK. But there are some really good alternatives out there, and it’s nice to see a company offering just that.  

As Paul Brownrigg, owner of Cruize Campers, quite rightly points out, if you’re looking at secondhand VWs, for example, a consideration you’ll want to bear in mind is what kind of previous life it may have had – if it’s been a works van, mileage is likely to be high and specification is probably basic.

But that’s not the case with an imported Japanese vehicle, which will have started life as a comfortable people-carrier, so will come with the sort of specification you’d expect in such a vehicle, including cab and rear passenger air-conditioning, an electric sliding door and an automatic gearbox.

Strict emissions regulations in Japan mean vehicles won’t have clocked up more than 50k miles by the time they arrive in the UK, either. Japan is also famous for its good roads, free from potholes and salt, so it is a no-brainer that a Japanese import is more than worth considering if you are looking at secondhand vehicles, and not just an alternative to a Volkswagen.

The model shown here is a Highway Star conversion by Cruize Campers, based on a Nissan Elgrand E51, and is an example of what you could have on your drive for between £20,000 and £28,000.

That’s for a brand-new conversion on a used Nissan Elgrand and, for buyers seeking an alternative to diesel, note that the Elgrand comes with a petrol engine, which can be converted to run on LPG, if you wish.

Behind the electric sliding door, you’ll notice the classic side kitchen layout with a rock ‘n’ roll-style travel bench offering belted seats for two, meaning a family of four can comfortably travel.

Both cab seats swivel (using pull-tested swivel bases), so that four can lounge around the table, too, and the bench extends and retracts at the flick of a lever in order to easily convert to a bed come night-time.

Buyers also have the option of specifying an elevating roof with a bed in order to have a four-berth campervan. New for 2021, you can opt for a panoramic zip-out canvas – perfect in summer for enjoying the breeze, sunshine and views, of course.

The furniture is built in-house from lightweight premium laminated ply, and the company has drawn on its own campervanning experience to ensure that the cupboards and equipment are ideally sized and located so that it not only looks attractive but is practical, too.

Facilities wise, there’s everything you’d expect in a campervan, such as a 48-litre Dometic compressor fridge with a two-ring Can hob above and adjacent sink concealed under smoked glass lids, and a 12-litre inboard fresh water container.

On to the electrics, there’s mains hook-up and a 12V split charging system to the leisure battery. There’s also the option of a solar panel. Lighting is courtesy of LEDs throughout and there’s a 230V socket for charging gadgets.

The Cruize Campers lowdown

The company, which has its premises in Bolton, is owned and run by Paul Brownrigg, who has been involved in the campervan industry for more than 40 years. Back in 2016, Paul spotted a gap in the market for a VW campervan alternative, and so Cruize Campers was born. 

Besides building on Japanese imports, Cruize Campers has a wealth of experience converting other brands, such as Fiat, Vauxhall and VW, meaning you can bring your own van along for conversion, if you wish. Alternatively, the company will source a base vehicle for you.

Paul’s campervan conversions have proven so popular that he has recently had to double the size of his premises and increase the number of staff in order meet increasing demand.

Cruize Campers also offers other services to its customers, like repairs to components such as gas, electric and water systems, as well as furniture and upholstery, and habitation checks.

It also offers a range of accessories, including, bike racks, awnings, roof bars, solar panels, towbars and heaters. 

Contacts

Cruize Campers
Unit 12, Burnden Business Park, Burnden Road, Bolton BL3 2RB.
Tel: 01204 370725
Web: cruizecampers.co.uk
Email: [email protected]