We had the pleasure recently of working with a customer to build his dream van.

We managed to pack all of this into a VW T6:

• SCA 192 Comfort pop top roof

• Leisure battery

• Sargent kit

• Custom metallic blue wardrobe units with loads of extra storage

• Real oak worktop and table

• RIB 112 slider bed

• Water tank with shower kit and Whale pump

• Webasto heater with HD multi-control

• SMEV hob and sink

• CRX 65 fridge

• Solar panel kit

• Fiamma F45s cassette awning

There are many, many reasons why people might want to own a camper van but here are our top five.

Freedom

The freedom that a campervan can offer is unrivalled. Almost anywhere you can take your car, you can take your van, but you have the advantage of somewhere to sit, eat, sleep and relax. Also, you have more space to store your kit which means you can stay packed up so that you’re ready to go. Plans don’t have to be so fixed; if you spot a sign for something interesting you can divert your route and explore before carrying on with your journey.

Simplicity

Life in a campervan can offer a calm, serene sense of simplicity. You don’t have to know your plans, you can go at your own pace, you don’t even need a definitive destination. Obviously there is less space in a camper (but more than you might imagine) so you really have to think about what you want to take. Having less ‘stuff’ around can make you feel de-cluttered and calmer about life.

Make a brew anywhere

This links to both of the above two reasons but there really is nothing better than pulling up at the side of the road and being able to make a cup of tea whenever you fancy it. No more having to carry around a thermos flask with lukewarm, over-stewed tea, but now you can have freshly boiled water in minutes. It might not seem like a big thing, but once you’ve done it a few times you’ll know what we mean.

It’s so much easier than camping

Many people like the idea of camping but planning everything you need to take, packing up your car, and then putting up the tent when you get to your destination can be a real faff. Owning a campervan takes away so much of this stress - it’s just easy to jump in, arrive and put the kettle on.

Community

It can’t be denied that being part of the camping community is something special. Generally, people that own a campervan are like minded and are keen to help fellow campers. It’s amazing how many beers and stories are shared over a campfire. Owning a van makes you part of this exclusive community and it’s wonderful.

Mr R came to us wanting something special for his Fiat Ducato. He wanted something to suit his needs when he was travelling alone but also something that he and his fiancée could use together. He wanted to utilise every bit of space and have a van that really would be versatile enough to provide all the home comforts for when he got back from a day out.

When the vehicle was brought to us at SJ Campers we got to know Mr R and exactly what he wanted from the van and what he would be using it for. We then worked with him to design a space that was functional and yet adaptable. Once we understood Mr R’s vision we began designing a bespoke set-up that would work for him.

The kitchen area housed a CRX 65 fridge, and a Thetford Triplex cooker, finished off with a striking yellow splash back. Above the kitchen was an overhead storage locker that provided tonnes of extra storage space in the cab of the van. The Webasto heater was also on the kitchen unit so that it was easily accessible and could keep the van nicely heated.

A U-shaped seating area sat in front of the raised bed. These seating boxes not only provided even more storage but could be moved so that larger items could be slid in from the back and stored using the full length of the vehicle. A table in the middle of these seats enhances the seating with somewhere to work and eat. We also hid a portable toilet in the end of one of the boxes so it was discreetly packed away but easily accessible.

The bed was something special. When Mr R was using the van on his own he only needed a single bed but Mr R wanted the luxury of a king size bed when traveling with his fiancée. We designed a custom bed that was set up as a single but easily pulled out and with the addition of a cushion and a support leg a king size bed was erected over the seating area below. The space underneath the bed was left for storage, accessible from the tailgate, which gave Mr R loads of room for all his kit.

Three zones of lighting were created so that Mr R could create the ambience he needs. The lighting areas are for the kitchen, seating area and the bed. Each area was on a separate switch so that each area could be isolated, making each space feel like it’s own room.

Overall this was a van that is truly unique and suited to the customers requirements. We hope that Mr R enjoys the van for many years.