Full review

There are many ways to get into campervan ownership and if your budget doesn’t stretch to a brand-new off-the-peg camper, then opting for a conversion only on a used van is a great option – especially if you already own a suitable base vehicle.

Scotland-based Vanguard Campervan Conversions can also help you with sourcing a base vehicle and can convert on all the popular medium-sized vans, including VW’s T4, T5, T6 and T6.1 as well as Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito, Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro.

The company occasionally sells the odd fully converted ready-to-go camper, too, so keep your eyes peeled at campervan shows and on its website.

When you go down the bespoke conversion route, it can be a bit of a minefield as there is a lot to think about. So, to make it easy and for peace of mind that you’re getting a tried-and-tested layout with design features and a specification that will work in the real world, Vanguard offers three campervan variants – Highline, Trendline and Comfortline.

The Highline (featured in this review) is a range-topping campervan conversion available for the VW T5, T6 and T6.1, and prices start at £9,712. It offers comfy camping with a side kitchen unit that features a Dometic combined hob and sink with electric tap, on-board fresh water tank, gas locker with isolation taps, a 40-litre Dometic top-loading fridge and a removable table.

The lightweight side unit also incorporates cupboard space and a wardrobe at the back, while a rounded tambour door at the front allows space for (optional) swivel cab seats. There’s also a 12V charging system and leisure battery, 12V and 230V power sockets, brushed-steel spotlights, reversible blackout curtains and carpet lining.

The sky is the limit when it comes to options, meaning it’s completely customisable to your own needs and likes.

Not only do you get a choice of colours and wood finishes but you can upgrade the M1 crashed-tested travel bench (with or without seatbelts) to an RIB seat/bed system and/or opt for a Reimo rising roof with a bed, for example.

Other options include blown-air heating, Fiamma awning and Fiamma portable toilet.

If you’ve got a different base vehicle but like the sound of a side kitchen layout, then check out the Trendline (conversion price from £8,795).

This consists of a modular side kitchen with a rock ‘n’ roll bench/bed system that’s customisable for a wide range of base vehicles, in addition to Volkswagens.

As standard, you get a 50-litre fridge/freezer, two-burner gas hob, sink with electric tap and a removable table.

Meanwhile, the Comfortline (conversion price from £7,320) offers something a little out of the ordinary as it features an L-shape lounge that converts to a double bed. You get a two-burner gas hob and removable table as standard, so it’s an ideal day ’ vehicle.

Vanguard Campervan Conversions lowdown

Mark and Nikki had been building campervans for 20 years before taking the plunge to set up business premises back in 2011. With a love for outdoor sports – including canoeing, mountain biking and hiking with their terrier, Milly – Fort William in the Scottish Highlands was the perfect location to establish a campervan conversion business. Visits are by appointment only.

Apart from offering a wide range of campervan conversion options, Vanguard also sells a variety of essential items and camping accessories – stocking everything from rock ‘n’ roll beds and leisure batteries to solar showers, cab screens and levelling blocks.

Contact
vanguard-conversions.co.uk