Bodans Crantock campervan

A VW campervan with a rear kitchen and a fixed loo – in a great layout for two with single beds

Bodans Crantock campervan

Check out the multitude of VW camper converters in the UK and you’ll discover two basic layouts that are repeated again and again. The first – and by far the most popular – is known as the ‘classic VW layout’ as it’s similar to the very first Volkswagen camper that saw the light of day back in the 1950s. The living area sees all the furniture arranged down one side, next to a rear bench seat. The other layout – as here – is less common and majors on twin rear seats that form two single beds.

Bodens’ Crantock, based on the entry-level Startline-spec T6 with 102bhp motor and five-speed gearbox, comes in at a very competitive price. Although it’s VW’s base spec, you still get a touchscreen radio with Bluetooth, remote locking, electric mirrors and twin airbags. Needless to say, the latest Transporter is engineered to passenger car standards and great to drive. Rear windows are full-length and single-glazed in tinted glass for an automotive look.

Inside, the front end partners swivelled cab seats with top-notch RIB rears – both fully belted. In pale green, the cabinetry looks good – both in quality and as a change from more ‘woody’ interiors. However, ‘tree’ has not been forgotten as a smattering of solid oak forms surfaces and some trim panels. The result is bling-free and a bit retro, but it works to create a good impression. Another atmosphere-provider is the optional leather upholstery – expensive, but beautifully done.

Daytime living includes a great front lounge for up to four people and, with the table wall-mounted on the offside wall, a cosy dinette for two that doesn’t get in the way as you move through the vehicle. Each single bed is easily made as the pull of a couple of levers sees the rear seat base swing up and over to meet the foot-of-the-bed swivelled cab seat’s base. The rear seat back hinges forward and the bed is ready for your sleeping bag and pillow.

In the rear, cupboards, a drawer and microwave are partnered with a two-burner hob/sink combo on the nearside. Opposite, there’s a spacious tambour door locker above, and below, another cupboard. Between the two lives a 50-litre 12V compressor fridge.

The far rear offside is home to a fixed cassette loo concealed in a locker. The oak locker top provides working surface and, when the toilet is needed, hinges up out of the way. Locker door opened and bowl swivelled, the toilet is ready for use. It’s not a full-blown washroom by any means, but far better than the more usual, slide-out camping toilet and much more comfortable to use.

But remember, all of the above is merely an example. The beauty of using a small converter like Bodans is the fact that it’s possible to choose from a multitude of finishes for base vehicle and conversion. Living area spec can be customised, too, and if you have very deep pockets, the sky’s almost the limit for the T6, all the way up to all-wheel drive and a DSG automatic gearbox.

Berths: 4
Travel seats: 4
Base vehicle: VW Transporter
Gross weight: 2,800kg
Payload: 450kg