Out And About Campers VW T6.1 rising roof campervan

A new name in campervans but one to watch…

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Out And About Campers VW T6.1

Dan Douglass’ story is a familiar one, having built campers for his own use before setting out to create a business doing the same. Ultimately, though, it was the Covid pandemic that kick-started this story as his previous sky-diving enterprise was suddenly forced to close.

Based in Sussex, the company name here might sound familiar but it is obviously purely coincidental that it sounds so like our own website! It only started converting customers’ vehicles in October 2020 but it is already building between four and eight campervans a month. 

There’s a sense, too, that this is not just another firm jumping on an already overcrowded bandwagon. Although the conversions are not yet type approved, Dan describes that as his “next big project” and National Caravan Council (NCC) approval is very much on his radar, too.

In the meantime, let’s have a close look at one of Out and About’s conversions. This one is based on a short-wheelbase T6.1 in Highline spec, with rear tailgate and upgraded Discover Media sat-nav. With the popular 150PS engine and the desirable DSG gearbox, a camper as shown is priced at £66,350. If that’s beyond your means then a lower-spec camper with the Classic Kitchen and 110PS motor starts at £54,985.

The exterior

Externally, there’s nothing out of the ordinary. Ravenna Blue metallic paint and 16in Clayton alloy wheels are typical Highline touches, as are the colour-coded bumpers. In common with many T6 campers, there are no opening windows on the nearside – just an inset (rather than flush) sliding pane on the offside. Then, in the rear offside corner, you’ll find flaps side by side for the water filler (tank is 40 litres) and mains hook-up.

Nor is there anything unusual about the choice of a Skyline roof, although Out And About offers the choice of a standard pop-top, or the Aurora, which is lower, has a latch locking system (in place of straps) and comes with a scenic fully opening canvas. All models get Skyline’s optional sliding cover that keeps things neat and tidy in the cab ceiling with the lid down.

The interior

Inside, it’s the Contemporary Kitchen version that gives the company a USP, not in terms of format or fittings but in aesthetics and details. There’s a desire to be environmentally friendly here, too, with the bamboo used for worktops and tambour doors – and even around the light fitting over the door – being carbon neutral.

The look of this galley was developed to bring the impression of a high-end domestic kitchen to the camper  market, says Dan. Visually it’s a total success but we were also taken by practicalities, such as the stack of three soft-closing drawers, as well as a pull-out pantry unit for packets and tins. There’s a huge choice of colour schemes, too – as many as 1,200 different laminates and up to 50 choices of flooring.

The seating

Possibly even more individual is the seat trim, which comes from sister company, L’Artisane Upholstery. Here, it’s vinyl with a distinctive duo-tone and striped design, but real leather and a multitude of styles are also available. Of course, the seat itself is from RIB and includes room for a portable loo underneath. It forms a 1.84m by 1.11m bed in the usual fashion.

This camper had a matching double passenger seat, something that usually rotates with the same grace as an elephant doing ballet; not here, as the MS Craft swivel base is easy to use and can then be slid rearwards to create a practical four-person dinette around the free-standing table.

All the rest

Other features of this very attractive conversion include a cold water shower fitted in the generous boot area, Vanshades blinds, rear speakers and optional MV Airo diesel heating.

Where to buy

Out And About Campers is based in Henfield, West Sussex, close to the South Downs and about 45 minutes from London.