What Type Of Campervan Should I Buy? Micro vs Large Conversion

Are you thinking about hitting the open road and embarking on a campervan adventure?

If so, choosing the right type of campervan is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. There are many different types of vans available, ranging from micro campers to larger dedicated campervans that offer more space and amenities. Whether you’re a solo traveller or hitting the road with friends and family, there’s a vehicle out there that’s perfect for you. Let’s dive in!

MICRO CAMPERVANS

Micro campervans are small, compact vehicles that have been converted into mini living spaces on wheels. They are usually based on small vans or cars and are designed to provide basic sleeping and cooking accommodations for one or two people. The idea behind micro campervans is to offer a more affordable and convenient alternative to larger vans or motorhomes, while still providing the freedom and flexibility of travelling on the road.

Micro campervans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all share a few common characteristics. They are typically smaller than traditional campervans, often measuring less than 15 feet in length. They also tend to be more fuel-efficient, as they are built on smaller, more agile platforms that require less power to operate. This makes them a great option for budget-conscious travellers who want to explore the open road without breaking the bank.

Despite their compact size, micro campervans can offer surprisingly comfortable and functional living spaces. Many people tailor their micro camper to fit their needs to a tee. Some advanced DIYers even manage to cram in showers and toilets!

Here are some examples of vans that fit the micro camper profile.

Citroen Berlingo

The Berlingo is a versatile and affordable van that is perfect for solo travellers or couples. It offers plenty of headroom and can be outfitted with a basic sleeping area and storage compartments.

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Transit Connect

 The Transit Connect is a smaller and more affordable alternative to the popular Ford Transit. It offers a surprisingly spacious interior and can be customized to include a simple bed and kitchen setup.

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VW CADDY

The Caddy is a compact and versatile van that offers plenty of interior space for a basic campervan conversion. Popular upgrades include a pop-top roof for extra headroom, a bed platform and a small kitchenette.

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Overall, micro campervans offer a fun and affordable way to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing too much comfort or convenience. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a stealth camping road trip, a micro campervan can provide a comfortable and convenient home base as you explore new destinations.

DAILY DRIVER CAMPERVANS

Campervans that can also be used as daily drivers are becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts who want to have the flexibility to travel and explore on a whim. These campervans are typically the medium-sized vans you see regularly on the road (Transporter, Transit Custom, Vivaro). They offer more interior space than a micro camper but still have the advantages of being manoeuvrable and relatively fuel efficient.

The main difference between a micro camper and a daily driver van is the capacity and stealth aspect. You’ll easily fit 4 people in an efficiently converted daily driver van (pop top and rock-and-roll bed) compared to the 1 or 2 of a micro camper. The stealthiness of a micro camper is also thrown out of the window, you won’t get away with parking up a Transit Custom in a random lay-by for the night!

If you’re looking for a daily driver campervan, check out these options.

VW TRANSPORTER

The VW Transporter is a classic campervan that has been a popular choice for many years. It is known for its reliability, durability, and iconic design. The Transporter has a spacious and versatile interior that can be customized to suit a range of different campervan layouts. It also has a strong following in the campervan community, which means there are plenty of resources and aftermarket parts available for conversions.

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MERCEDES VITO

The Vito is a sleek and modern van that makes for a great campervan due to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and efficient engine. It has a solid reputation for reliability and safety, making it a popular choice for families and solo travellers alike. The van also has plenty of customization options available, including pop-top roofs, bed platforms, and kitchenettes.

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TRANSIT CUSTOM

 The Transit Custom is a versatile and practical van that is well-suited for campervan conversions. It has a spacious and functional interior that can be customized to include a range of different features, such as a bed platform, storage, and a kitchenette. 

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Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vivaro is a solid and dependable van that has been used for many campervan conversions over the years. It has a spacious and practical interior that can be customized to include a range of different features, such as a bed platform, storage, and a kitchenette.

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Dedicated Campervans

Finally, we have dedicated campervans, these can be a great option for those who want to travel long-term or need more space and amenities for their journey. An important point to consider is that they can be more difficult to manoeuvre and park than smaller campervans, and may not be suitable for those on a budget due to their higher price point and fuel costs.

If you’re looking to have a decent kitchen, shower and toilet all within your campervan then a dedicated and larger camper is the way to go. You will be carrying all the comforts of your home around with you including a double bed and plenty of space for relaxing!

Here are some vans that serve as a great platform for dedicated campervans.

Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay & Ducato Boxer

These vans are reliable and versatile campers that are often used as base vehicles for larger motorhomes. They have spacious interiors that can accommodate a range of different layouts and features, including a full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters.

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VW Crafter & Mercedes Sprinter

The Crafter/Sprinter is a durable and well-built campervan that is known for its high-quality construction and smooth ride. It has a spacious and flexible interior that can be customized to include a range of different features, including a bed platform, storage, and a kitchenette.

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As always, the van you choose comes down to your personal needs! We hope this blog post helped you to understand the vans best suited for Micro Campers, Daily Drivers & Dedicated Campervans.