Full review

At first glance, VanTourer appears to just offer another range of European-style fixed bed van conversions but, while the layouts and base vehicles might look very familiar, there are sufficient features and innovations with this brand to make it worth a closer look.

Here, we’re focusing on the six-metre campervan with a transverse rear double bed, which is probably the most popular of all designs on the Continent. Like its rivals, though, VanTourer also offers a 5.4m model, and both six-metre and 6.36m versions with lengthways single beds.

Unusually, there’s a choice of Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer base vehicles to choose from. Crucially, the Peugeot versions are priced lower – from £45,600 for this 600 D on a Boxer with 2-litre 110PS (108bhp) engine versus £47,200 for the Ducato equivalent with the 115PS (113bhp) Fiat power unit.

However, there are fewer options and packs available on the Peugeot models compared with the Ducato. The Chassis Package Plus, for example, adds all the usual base vehicle stuff like cab air-con and cruise control while the Comfort Package provides everything from cab blinds to additional electric sockets. The Prime Package adds cosmetic stuff like alloy wheels. There are also further options available like engine upgrades, the Fiat Comfort-Matic gearbox, and more.

Options exist when it comes to sleeping arrangements, too. In standard fettle, there’s a double bed in the rear. However, if you need to transport things like bikes and kayaks, you can opt for a manually height-adjustable bed. The mattress here measures 1.71m by 1.30m at its widest (it’s slightly wider on the offside). In its lowest position the bed has very convenient access as it’s just 0.75m off the floor. In this setting, the under-bed locker is 0.57m tall but this can be increased right up to 1.26m.

If you want extra berths, it’s possible to have a second double bed at the rear, bunk style, or a roof bed in a pop-top. This costs £4,490 extra (plus another £690 if you want it colour-coded) and it comes with a telescopic folding ladder that can be stowed on the overcab shelf. The roof bed measures 2.00m by 1.24m.

The bedroom has dimmable mood lights and no side windows (better for sitting up in bed) while the boot/garage space below is unencumbered by lockers, gas compartments or water tanks, meaning it’s a very large and useful space. The 105-litre (heated and insulated as standard) fresh water and 85-litre waste water reservoirs are underslung, instead.

The kitchen (in the usual place, adjacent to the sliding door) includes a 90-litre compressor fridge at eye-level, a large worktop extension and three good-sized drawers. Opposite, there are two styles of washroom available – a standard enclosed bathroom cubicle, or an en suite. The latter expands into the corridor using rotating polycarbonate doors and is a £1,170 option, but makes for an exceptionally spacious bathroom for a van conversion.

Not only do the doors create a good-sized circular shower (with three drain holes), but they also screen off the rear bedroom. This washroom also features an opening window, fixed basin and the superior Dometic toilet.

Up the front, the half-dinette might be another aspect that looks conventional but, as part of the Comfort Package, it can be extended sideways (by 150mm) to give more comfortable passenger seating while you travel. It’s another feature that shows that a lot of thought has gone into these VanTourers – just watch that you only opt for the things you need and don’t get carried away and tick all the optional extras boxes!

The VanTourer lowdown

Developed by the dealer group, EuroCaravaning GmbH & Co KG of Koblenz in Germany, VanTourer 'vans are built at the Knaus factory in Hungary.

The brand was launched a few years ago back at the 2013 Düsseldorf Caravan Salon with a small range of Fiat Ducato-based panel van conversions.

VanTourer campervans and motorhomes are exclusively available in the UK from Harbour Creek Motorhomes of Hayling Island in Hampshire. The company is also a dealer for the Dreamer, Fleurette and Westfalia brands from the Rapido Group, and Lunar campervans.

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