Full review

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Jorvik Sandy

The Sandy is not your typical mainstream campervan conversion. It is the company’s signature model, designed for off-grid living, and is said to combine the best elements of Jorvik’s previous conversions. The firm can still do complete one-off builds, too, but these take longer and cost considerably more.

Usually based on the long-wheelbase (L3) version of the Mercedes Sprinter or the equivalent VW Crafter, the company says it can also build a Sandy on any LWB panel van. Conversions are carried out on vehicles supplied by the customer, although Jorvik can assist with sourcing a suitable van. The build time is then around 14 weeks.

This demo model is beyond discreet, with no graphics, just one minibus-style single-glazed tinted glass window each side, and steel wheels. You could park it anywhere and not be noticed – perhaps, that’s the point.

Inside, there’s a very different and much more luxurious vibe – more in keeping with the £32,000 plus VAT (and plus the base van) price tag.

However, this is nothing like regular production conversions. You won’t find typical campervan cupboards, catches or components here; mostly, it’s more like a mini house on wheels. Or some might see it as closer to a rather professionally finished self-build. Either way, it’s unusual.

The interior

The layout breaks away from the mainstream, too. For a start, the cab is just a cab – three seats, a place for driving and nothing at all to do with the living area. It is left as plain and utilitarian as your Amazon delivery driver’s wheels, the bulkhead behind remains and the only communication between the two zones is through a hatch, like the one you might have at home for serving food.

So, the Sandy conversion starts when you slide back the Merc’s big side door and facing you is an L-shaped sofa backing onto the cab bulkhead. There’s oak flooring here and bespoke cushions, as well as plenty of storage in under-seat drawers and an overcab cupboard. There’s no attempt to include rear travel seats because this is a living area (a home, even), not a place to travel, although it can also convert into the Sandy’s second bed.

Included in the lounge is an entertainment centre – wall-mounted 24in smart TV, Bluetooth radio and 12V and 230V sockets. The main bed is at the back, across the campervan with a memory foam mattress mounted at a comfortable height for easy access. The only limiting factor here will be the width of the Sprinter. Underneath is a rubber-lined garage area – not a tall space for bikes but plenty of room for all manner of sports or outdoor gear.

The kitchen and washroom

It’s, perhaps, the kitchen that differs most from the campervan norm. All the cabinets – handcrafted with seven drawers and three cupboards – have a homely look and feel to them (we just hope the catches are sufficiently secure for travel). There’s an oak worktop, too, and even a Belfast sink with a very domestic-looking tap. The surprisingly small compressor fridge is hidden underneath the bed.

The washroom, too, has its own style, thanks to Reco panelled tiles. Only the Thetford cassette toilet reminds you that this wet room is in a campervan, not an apartment.

Summary

Jorvik describes its Sandy conversion as an off-grid campervan and backs this up with 400W of solar panels, a Victron 1,200W inverter and 360Ah of AGM leisure batteries. It also comes with three double 230V sockets and three USB ports. It has 82-litre fresh and 62-litre waste water tanks, and a 30-litre refillable gas tank.

Although this is the standard model, there is also a bespoke element – the wood finish, tiles, flooring, upholstery, taps and light switches are all chosen by the customer.