Globecamper VW T6.1 rising roof campervan

A dealer special campervan from SMC Motorhomes

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Globecamper VW T6.1

After a couple of years of dabbling in pop-top campervans alongside its selection of motorhome franchises, Newark-based SMC is taking this sector more seriously with its own Globecamper brand. 

For these vehicles it has enlisted Bespoke NI, a company based in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, which has Type Approval and National Caravan  Council (NCC) approval for its conversions. 

Clearly, then, these VWs have a head start over many of those in the market that lack such reassuring credentials – especially as it’s backed by a three-year warranty.

The spec

Basis for the standard Globecamper, priced competitively at just under £60k, is the short-wheelbase Transporter T6.1 in Startline spec but with the addition of the Business Pack, which adds an anti-theft alarm system, remote central locking, air-conditioning, a glovebox door and rear parking sensors. 

Under the bonnet is VW’s entry-level 2-litre 110PS TDI motor, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox (an automatic version with the 150PS engine is available to order).

The demo model, seen here, also sported 16in alloy wheels, bold Cherry Red paint and black side bars. It has a rear tailgate (which always gives more of a campervan vibe than barn doors) and an Austops pop-top roof. 

Externally, the design has been kept clean and simple, with minimal branding and even the fresh water filler neatly hidden in the D-pillar (and only revealed when you open the tailgate). 

There’s an external shower fitting in the boot area, too, where there is also a generous amount of storage, above and below the mattress (or lift the rear section for taller items to be stowed). The Globecamper even comes with a pair of outdoor chairs that slide away in the cupboard under the wardrobe. 

Unusually for this size of campervan, the Globecamper also has an underslung LPG tank (with the filler below the back bumper) but, disappointingly, all the windows aft of the cab are fixed, although plenty of ventilation is possible once you’ve raised the roof.

The kitchen

It’s no surprise to see a thoroughly conventional side kitchen layout here, but it has been nicely executed with a simple design featuring dark grey contemporary cabinets and a contrasting wood worktop.

Kitchen fittings include a Dometic hob and sink combination, while the 47-litre compressor fridge (also from Dometic) is concealed behind a cupboard door. 

A matching door to its right reveals a large shelved cupboard, while a soft-closing cutlery drawer pulls out adjacent to the back seat. 

The seating

The rear bench is the ubiquitous RIB unit, which, as ever, is rather high off the floor; here, it does have Isofix as standard, though. 

Under the seat are a very long drawer and room to store a portable toilet, while a free-standing table stows on the inside of the sliding door. Erected, it’s rather too bulky for use inside the camper. 

The beds

The RIB bed is easy to create from the seat and measures 1.86m by 1.12m, with a useful chaise longue position for breakfast in bed. The roof bed is slightly smaller, at 1.78m by 1.11m, but has the addition of Froli springs for extra comfort. 

At night, privacy is achieved with curtains (on rails top and bottom), while lighting includes downlights over the kitchen, door and rear bed, plus a reading light with built-in USB. 

Summary

As a well-priced entry into the VW market, the Globecamper has the advantage of quality and approvals, as well as the backing of a major dealer. 

Less carpet trim would make it look more modern and there are some details to address, but it’s worth a closer look.

Where to buy

Globecamper VWs are exclusive to Nottinghamshire motorhome dealer, SMC, which also holds franchises for Auto-Sleepers, Etrusco, Globecar, Knaus, Pilote and Weinsberg, as well as being the exclusive UK agent for Frankia and Yucon.