Jack's Shack Nebraska campervan

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: VW Transporter T6 Gross weight: 2,800kg Payload: 450kg (estimated)

Jack's Shack Nebraska campervan

Of all the campervans you might consider, VW-based conversions will give you the most choice. The main reason is, aside from being iconic with 50+ years history in the camping world, the Vee-dub is a superbly engineered vehicle that’s genuinely car-like. The options list is longer than any other light commercial in its class and, if you’ve got deep pockets, it can be spec’d up to luxury car levels. And since the VW diesel debacle, the current model, the T6, can be optioned with a smooth petrol engine. But beware, the Transporter is converted by many backstreet firms and not always to a respectable standard, so plenty of research is key to avoid buying a bad ’un.

Thankfully, the Nebraska is one conversion that’s built to high standards, including the all-important safety standards in relation to gas and mains electrical systems. VW’s T6 comes in several equipment levels – the Nebaska’s Highline base is at the top end, so includes the likes of alloys, DAB radio, heated windscreen and semi-automatic climate control. The standard engine is the 102bhp TDI, but 148 and 202bhp versions are available, which also replace the base motor’s five-speed ’box with one containing six forward gears.

The cab seats three, thanks to a double passenger seat. The big bench is too bulky to simply swivel, so locking bolts are released and it’s manoeuvred on a special sliding plate before being locked in place facing the rear. We’d prefer a single seat unless you absolutely must have the extra seating. All is smartly upholstered, though, in a material that’s extremely good at pretending to be leather. The rotated passenger double seat and rear bench make for a cosy four-seater lounge, while a rail-mounted table serves the rear pew well for both meal preparation and dining. The rear seat is by Rusty Lee – no, not the cuddly, effervescent TV personality, but a Hereford-based VW bed specialist. Two belted travel places are fitted.

Flattening the settee to make a bed is also easier than in some campers as merely a pull forwards sees the seat flatten to bed mode in around two seconds. No pulling and pushing is required to operate the pop-top as Jack’s Shack’s very own in-house system sees it rise and lower electrically. Here, it’s an optional Skyline Scenic roof that opens right up at the front to let the sun in. Furniture is all down the offside and fitted with a 50-litre compressor fridge and two-burner hob/sink combo.

There are two overhead lockers, two drawers and a cupboard that’s home to the 25-litre water container. The rear offers two tambour-doored cupboards and there’s stowage space under the bench – accessible from the front and through the rear barn doors. Boot space (above the mattress) is rather restricted, though, marring practicality in comparison with the likes of a California. Lighting is, unsurprisingly, all LED, and there is mains hook-up with battery charger, as well as 230V sockets and a 100Ah leisure battery. One option that’s surely a no-brainer, given our fickle climate, is a diesel-fired blown-air space heater.