Introducing ‘Camperhan’: The medium wheelbase VW Crafter campervan conversion that proves size isn’t everything, when it comes to designing the ultimate family van!
Despite being slightly shorter than its sibling, the LWB VW Crafter camper, Camperhan shows that you can still pack all the family into a more compact space.
With room to sleep and seat up to 4, efficient kitchen amenities, and clever storage solutions, this luxurious campervan build from Vanlife Conversions Ltd is the epitome of a pint-sized powerhouse. It is testament to the fact that you can still have all the creature comforts, without the need for a massive motorhome conversion!
TL;DR
Take a full video tour of this dream campervan. It’s gasless, and 4 berth – sleeping/seating up to 4:
Base Vehicle Specification
↠ Manufacturer: Volkswagen
↠ Model: Crafter (MWB)
↠ Body Style: High Roof Panel Van
↠ Size: 2,590(H), 2,040(W), 5,896(L) mm
↠ Built by: Vanlife Conversions Ltd
Luxury VW Crafter Interior
Now, let’s delve into Camperhan’s interior, where we discover that beauty goes beyond skin deep.
Sure, this van is a ’10’ in the looks department, but it’s the super functional design that really sets it apart…
VW Crafter Conversion Layout
Flexibility and adaptability is at the heart of this versatile and spacious build. Thanks to the pop top, swivel seats, and an Aguti folding seat, this VW Crafter camper sleeps and seats 4 comfortably.
Key features:
↠ Shower cubicle with Nature’s Head eco toilet
↠ Lagun table leg swivel system
↠ Swivel front passenger seats
↠ Aguti folding seat (removable)
↠ Kitchen
↠ Extendable dining table
↠ Bench seating
↠ Ample storage with overhead, drawer, and bench storage
↠ Fixed bed (sleeps 2)
↠ Pop-top (space to sleep 2)
↠ Rear garage storage area
Campervan Bed & Seating
Ready to hit the road on your next trip? Camperhan has drive away seating for 4 people so you can travel in style.
When you pull-up and park-up, this fully insulated camper conversion takes sleeping to new heights – quite literally!
Concealed within the slatted oak ceiling, a hidden hatch reveals a surprising feature – a second-floor! This lofty pop-top pod offers comfortable sleeping accommodations for an additional 2 people, maximising sleeping capacity without compromising on space or comfort.
Additionally, side pods have been cleverly integrated, extending the fixed master bed to an impressive 190cm in length.
Key features:
↠ Fixed rear platform bed (125cm x 190cm, sleeps 2)
↠ Sleeping area for 2 in pop-top
↠ Bench seating
↠ Double passenger seat on swivel base
↠ Aguti folding seat (removable)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Please note: The Aguti folding seat used in this build can only be supplied to van conversion companies and motorhome manufacturers. It is not available to fit at home.
Plumbing & Bathroom
If you’re planning off-grid adventures, a fully equipped bathroom with hot water facilities should definitely be a requirement in your camper specification.
This dream camper van conversion has a sleek white gloss shower cubicle, complete with full-length mirror and hooks for your towel. But not only that, it also doubles up as a drying room!
For guaranteed fuss-free hot water, this Crafter van has a Truma combi boiler – the diesel variant. Because this runs off the van’s main fuel tank, it’s easy to power without the faff of finding LPG points etc.
Key features:
↠ Truma Combi Boiler (diesel)
↠ Mixer tap with hose feature
↠ Domestic sized sink
↠ Nature’s Head composting toilet (removable)
↠ Insulated, underslung 76L fresh water tank and 35L wastewater tank
🔍 Click photos to expand
Kitchen
This is a gas-free Volkswagen Crafter campervan, but the powerful kitchen set-up with induction hob includes everything you need to cook up a feast.
Key features:
↠ Oak work surface
↠ Oak insert over sink to optimise prep area
↠ Twin induction hob
↠ Microwave
↠ Mixer tap with hose feature
↠ Domestic sized sink
↠ 50L Domestic compressor fridge
↠ Extendable dining table – extends out from ‘garage’ wall under bed
🔍 Click photos to expand
Storage
‘Camperhan’ has a wide range of creative storage space solutions – perfect for trips off the beaten track. And we love the attention to detail on this build, especially the cute leather handles!
Key features:
↠ Parcel shelf storage, with access from the wet room
↠ Hooks in wet room
↠ Drying rack in wet room
↠ 5 overhead cabinets
↠ Various open shelving with bespoke oak finish
↠ 4 kitchen drawers (all on soft-close hinges)
↠ 1 storage cupboard under sink
↠ 2 small drawers under bed
↠ Box seat storage
↠ Rear access garage lined with hard coined rubber flooring
🔍 Click photos to expand
Lighting
Good lighting can make all the difference in tiny homes. This VW Crafter conversion has a variety of energy-efficient lighting, at different heights, for added cosiness.
Key features:
↠ Spotlights (ceiling, bathroom, beneath cabinetry)
↠ LED lighting in pop-top
↠ Reading lights
🔍 Click photos to expand
Custom Design Features
This is where we like to take a look at what makes really makes a build unique!
As a starter for 10, Vanlife Conversions has created a super luxurious home-from-home feel, with oak furniture throughout – including the work surface, shelf trims, windowsills, and ceiling slats.
But going beneath the surface, the real beauty of this build is in the hidden features. This is the perfect vehicle for up to four people, thanks to all the ingenious space-saving hacks in this build, but it’s equally comfortable just for two!
Key features:
↠ Hidden ceiling hatch which leads up to the second floor, created by the pop-top
↠ Aguti collapsible folding seat (removable) to create 4 belted seats
↠ Extendable dining table – extends out from ‘garage’ wall under bed
↠ Drying rack in wet room
↠ Lagun swivel table – can be used inside the van, positioned outwards, or moved to a handy second mount when using the awning
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VW Crafter Campervan Exterior
The exterior of this gunmetal grey VW Crafter van has been adapted to feature:
Windows
Side sliding window in privacy tint.
Rear barn door windows with privacy glass (2).
Rooflights
Rooflights or skylights are perfect for ventilation in campervans, and they help to reduce condensation buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew growth.
Because this converted VW Crafter has a pop-top, this kind of vent isn’t possible, instead multiple side vents have been fitted.
Side Flares
Side flares have been fitted at the head and foot of the bed to extend the bed length to 190cm.
Awning
Unlike most Crafters where a roof-mounted awning can be fitted to existing mounts, this conversion has a pop-top, so that’s not an option.
Instead, the expert builders at Vanlife Conversions fitted a wall-mounted Thule awning, using kit from Vamoose.
Key features:
↠ Vamoose combi rail
↠ Vamoose universal brackets
↠ Thule Omnistor 5200 (3.15m long)Shower cubicle with Nature’s Head eco toilet
Thinking of installing an awning on your pop-top campervan? This video guide will help:
Pop-top
If you’re looking to increase bed space without losing living space, a pop-top can make your dream a reality. This bespoke VW Crafter camper conversion features a pop-top with hidden hatch access and LED lighting.
🔍 Click photos to expand
VW Crafter Conversion Power Set-up
This VW Crafter motorhome has been designed to run without gas. Instead, Camperhan’s power set-up incorporates solar panels, hook-up (EHU / shore power), and DC to DC charging.
It’s got a powerful ‘pocket rocket’ of a system, so powerful that it can even run high intensity electrical appliances – such as an induction hob and microwave. This is largely thanks to the 2 DC/DC chargers that allow maximum charge from the alternator when driving.
This is all supported by a giant 460AH lithium battery, and monitored through an easy access Victron Cerbo GX control panel.
Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System
Key features:
↠ 460AH Lithium battery from Roamer
↠ 360W flexible solar panel on the roof with solar charge controller
↠ 3000w Victron MultiPlus-II Inverter
↠ USB points
↠ Double socket for 240V electrics
↠ External hook-up cable point
↠ 2 DC/DC Victron chargers
↠ Victron Cerbo GX for easy electrical system monitoring and control
🔍 Click photos to expand
🌟 We absolutely love this small but powerful conversion from the team at Vanlife Conversions Ltd. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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FAQs About the VW Crafter Campervan Conversion
What’s the size difference between a MWB and LWB Crafter campervan?
Both the long wheelbase (LWB) VW Crafter and the medium wheelbase (MWB) VW Crafter are popular vans to convert, thanks to the size, quality, and reputation of the brand.
The precise dimensions vary, depending on the age of the model. Taking the 2017 – 2024 ‘high roof’ VW Crafter van, the unmodified LWB Crafter campervan is 850mm longer that the MWB (6,836mm vs 5,986mm). The height (2,590mm) and width (2,040mm) are the same on both vans.
The conversion in this van tour is a VW Crafter medium wheelbase (MWB) – the shortest available Crafter – with a high roof (a low roof option also available).
How much does it cost to convert a VW Crafter into a campervan?
The base van for a Crafter camper can cost between £5,000 (used Volkswagen Crafter, second hand) to £50,000 (brand new, high spec). Professionally, the cost to convert a van with a full off-grid set-up, is typically between £15,000 – £35,000.
When converting a van yourself, you can make different decisions about the quality of the materials and the speed at which you build – taking longer to work on your converted van project in evenings and weekends, thus avoiding extra cost. However, for a fully converted camper with power and home comforts, your budget for materials and insulation is still likely to be £5,000 – £10,000, minimum.
Can you put a pop top on a Volkswagen Crafter?
Yes, it is possible to install a pop top roof on a Volkswagen Crafter.
Pop top roofs are a popular addition to camper vans as they provide additional headroom and sleeping space when elevated, while still allowing for compactness and ease of driving when lowered.
Can you stand up in a Crafter?
Yes, you can stand up in a Crafter conversion – as long as you choose a high roof or super-high roof model.
The interior height of the high roof model is 1,961mm or 6′ 4″ (before conversion). Hence, as long as you are under 6ft tall, you should be comfortable. If you are taller than 6ft, the superhigh roof is the best option; the interior height of the super-high Crafter is 2,189mm 7′ 1″ (unconverted).
Please note: These dimensions are for the 2017 – 2024 Volkswagen Crafter CR35. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is launching a new design of the Crafter, in April 2024.
Is a Crafter van better than a Sprinter?
Crafters and Sprinters are very similar in size and stature. It’s subjective whether a Crafter van is better than a Sprinter; it depends on individual preferences and needs.
The new VW Crafter campervans offer modern features and reliability, while used Volkswagen Crafters may provide a cost-effective option for those on a budget…and typically, VW Crafters are a little cheaper than the popular Mercedes Sprinter campervan (to maintain and buy).
Ultimately, it’s essential to consider factors such as price, condition, features, and personal preferences when deciding between the two as a base van for conversion.
Is a VW Crafter camper conversion a good alternative to the VW Transporter?
Yes, a VW Crafter camper conversion can be a good alternative to the VW Transporter (such as the VW T6) as a base van for creating a camper van.
Essentially, the Transporter line is the mid-size van offered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, it sits between the larger Crafter and smaller Caddy.
The Crafter offers a larger and more spacious platform compared to the VW Transporter series, providing more room in the camper conversion. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on individual preferences, budget, and intended use of the camper van. The VW Transporter is great as a day van, a daily drive, or for a couple/young family travelling for pleasure. Due to its height, it is not considered well-suited to full-time vanlife.
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