Custom Built Campervans Vauxhall Movano rising roof high-top campervan

Different badge, different layout

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Custom Built Campervans Vauxhall Movano

Vauxhall has never really been a name that’s been linked to campervans, nor has Opel (its German cousin), and, although those with very long memories might cite Bedford (Vauxhall’s former commercial vehicle arm) and its popular CF, that’s delving back into the history books. 

Not that, more recently, Vauxhall hasn’t had suitable vans – its Vivaro and larger Movano have always been badge-engineered versions of LCVs that we know better in the leisure sector under other brands. The Movano has long been a derivative of the Renault Master, but no more. 

This Movano is the latest sister to the Citroën Relay/Jumper, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer (the Sevel vans, all from Stellantis Group marques). It was launched in 2021 and is made in Poland.

The spec

Griffin on the grille aside, then, this is another familiar van, seen here in medium-wheelbase (L2) guise with factory high roof (H2). It comes with the 140PS engine as standard, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (no automatic option). 

This example is unusual (for a campervan) in being finished in metallic black – a colour scheme that merges with the tinted glass side windows. 

In fact, with steel wheels and sparse graphics, its leisure role would be discreet in the extreme were it not for the pop-top fitted here. Of course, that roof – from Denby Campervans  and adapted to fit the Movano – is not for standing room but simply to provide a roof bed, making this campervan a full four-berth.

Seen at the Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show, Harrogate, the conversion is by Custom Built Campervans of Rotherham – a company that does exactly as its name suggests, building bespoke conversions, usually on vans supplied by its customers. 

Custom Built Campervans says it can convert any van of any size and, as a general rule, every one of its campervans is different to the last. The one shown here is certainly different to what you might expect to see in a campervan of this size.

The layout

Initially, it might look like the sort of side kitchen layout that you’d find in a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom, just with more space, but glance towards the rear offside corner and you’ll see full-height furniture and a tall, silver tambour door. 

Inside, there’s a walk-in toilet compartment with a swivel cassette loo, giving this Vauxhall a real USP in comparison with smaller campers. A shower could be incorporated here, too, if the customer required.

The bed

Alongside this facility is an M1-tested rock ‘n’ roll seat system from Vulcan Beds. Its backrest incorporates taller sections to act as a pair of headrests, it has two three-point seatbelts, and it folds out flat to make a 1.83m by 1.12m double bed. 

In night mode, access to the toilet compartment is still possible, but more awkward, but what’s really noticeable is the huge amount of floorspace still available (great for dog owners).

The kitchen

The kitchen is closer to what you’d see in a VW T6.1, with a typical Dometic combination hob and sink unit, as well as a 50-litre compressor fridge from the same maker. 

A deeper section of counter just behind the driver’s seat ensures that there’s a modicum of worktop, while storage is generous and includes large top lockers. A small portable water carrier serves the sink but an underslung tank could be provided instead. 

Cabinets here are in a dark grey with simple flat doors that sit proud of the carcasses. There are no drawers in the galley.

Summary

Custom Built Campervans quotes a typical conversion cost of between £20k and £30k for larger panel vans of this ilk, with this 20-plate Movano with new conversion (including Propex heating) coming in at £55,995.

The company

This small, family-run business builds bespoke campervans, with each usually being a one-off to a customer’s spec on their own base vehicle.

Any van can be converted and the company builds around 15 conversions per year.

Where to buy

Custom Built  Campervans sells direct from its base in Rotherham, but we saw the company at the Yorkshire Motorhome & Campervan Show (only the second exhibition the company had displayed at in all of its 10 years of trading).