Step inside, let’s take a tour of this beautiful Citroen Relay campervan conversion – VGFO MK11 – an individually crafted camper van converted by Vango Fitouts UK.
With its clean curved lines, elegant antique brass-style fittings, and a ‘Cardroom Green’ and gold colour palette, this van is giving us 1920s Art Deco vibes.
But beyond the stripped-back, understated elegance of this conversion, this Citroen campervan packs a very capable electric set-up, an adaptable layout, and chunky all-terrain tyres – perfect for vanlife adventures.
TL;DR
Take a full video tour of this modern art deco-style van conversion. Roadtrip-ready, it’s a three berth Citroen Relay L3 with luxury shower onboard:
Base Vehicle Specification
Key features:
↠ Manufacturer: Citroen
↠ Model: L3 (high roof)
↠ Year: 2020
↠ Converted by: Vango Fitouts UK
Citroen Campervan Interior
This 2-3 berth Citroen motorhome conversion has been designed with stylish travel in mind. It has all the home comforts you’d expect, plus a few lovely extras.
Van Conversion Layout
The Citroen Relay L3 stands out as a favoured base van among vanlife enthusiasts ‘in the know’.
Its slightly wider build and straighter sides, compared to other long wheelbase favourites like the Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter camper, offer a more spacious interior. In this conversion, every inch of that generous loadspace has been optimised to its potential!
This conversion features a large recessed double bed with garage beneath, and a cube-style working and dining set-up, which seamlessly transforms into a single bed.
Additionally there’s a beautiful shower which houses a removable PortaPotti comfortably.
Key features:
↠ Extra large master bed (1450W x 1950L mm)
↠ Spacious kitchen
↠ Shower with removable PortaPotti
↠ Cube-style dining set, converts into a single bed
↠ Rear garage with drying facilities
Bed & Seating
We are noticing a growing trend in van conversions where side flares, also known as bump-outs, are being incorporated to expand the width of the sleeping space (see ‘Camperhan’ – a VW Crafter with side flares). However, due to the already increased width of the Citroen Relay, such additions aren’t necessary.
In contrast, this conversion makes a feature of a recessed header and footer – curved in keeping with the modern art deco style, and enhanced by the soft illumination of LED lights, which create a candlelit effect. The recessed master bed offers a cosy slumber for anyone up to around 6’4″ tall.
Alongside the master bed, the cube-style dining set provides both underseat storage, and cleverly converts into a single bed!
Key features:
↠ Dining set for 2 with storage beneath seats, converts to single bed
↠ Removable table – stores away if not required
↠ Spacious master bed 1450W x 1950L (mm)
Plumbing & Bathroom
When it comes to the living experience, having all the essentials for staying clean and comfortable is essential, especially for extended off-grid adventures.
This campervan doesn’t disappoint…
Key features:
↠ Overhead shower with antique brass-style fittings
↠ Sage green mermaid scale tiles
↠ Roof vent
↠ Recessed shelf
↠ Retractable waterproof shower door
↠ Truma Combi 4E for hot water
↠ Underslung fresh water tank (80L)
↠ Underslung grey water tank (80L)
Additionally, this Citroen camper van has a high pressure spray tap mounted in the garage at the rear – perfect for rinsing off sandy toes and muddy paws.
🔍 Click photos to expand
Kitchen
Featuring ‘Cardroom Green’ (Farrow & Ball) cabinetry, the chic kitchen serves as the focal point of this conversion.
We admire the meticulous attention to detail, particularly the glass-look splashback accented with antique brass trim. This clever design subtly provides separation between the sleeping area and kitchen.
The oven, grill and hob in this motorhome conversion run on LPG (propane) – there is a refillable canister in the garage.
Key features:
↠ ‘Cardroom Green’ Farrow & Ball cabinetry
↠ Cup pull handles (antique brass,)
↠ Pale sage glass appearance splashback
↠ Thetford Triplex Oven and Grill with 3 burner hob
↠ Antique brass mixer tap
↠ Integrated sink
↠ 50L compressor fridge with freezer
🔍 Click photos to expand
Storage
Roadtrip-ready, this thoughtful design incorporates a wide range of campervan storage options:
Key features:
↠ Overhead storage (kitchen & bedroom)
↠ Kitchen drawers & cupboards
↠ Rear garage are with durable rubber matting
↠ Bench seat storage
🔍 Click photos to expand
Lighting
In small spaces, lighting plays a powerful role. The well-placed lighting in this van opens up the interior, creating a sense of spaciousness, and setting the mood, transforming this tiny space into an inviting retreat.
There’s a lot to love in this conversion. Our favourite part? It’s got to be the ambient accent lighting that gives the candlelit effect around the bed head and foot.
Key features:
↠ Antique brass switches
↠ LED lights beneath overhead cabinets
↠ 2 bedside reading lights, with USB sockets
↠ Natural slatted wood ceiling with LED light strip
↠ Mini spotlights above side door (4)
↠ Ambient accent lighting to master bed recesses
🔍 Click photos to expand
Heating
This Citroen campervan conversion keeps cold at bay thanks to a Truma Combi 4E – a gas hybrid heater designed for motor homes. This runs off a 12V power supply unit (e.g. leisure battery) and LPG (propane). It heats the van, and also warms water fast and efficiently.
Heat is dispersed through two vents – one to the main living area and one to the garage.
Having an extra vent through to the garage is not only a good way to keep air circulating and prevent damage from mould, it’s also an ingenious feature of this conversion.
Check out the video tour at the start of this article to see the drying area with its hidden hanging rail in the garage – perfect for wetsuits etc.
Key features:
↠ Heater with 2 vents – main living area & garage
↠ Truma Combi 4E (combination heater)
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Citroen Relay Campervan Exterior
The exterior of this long wheelbase van has been upgraded to feature side and rear windows.
However, the stars of the show have to be the matt black alloys and chunky all terrain tyres.
Windows
Key features:
↠ Windows fitted to rear doors with oak sills and privacy glass (2)
↠ Window with opening side, privacy glass (1)
Rooflights
For additional ventilation two skylights have been fitted.
Key features:
↠ Roof vent in the shower
↠ Skylight with fan over bed
Wheels
Whether navigating through mud, snow, gravel, or sand, the all-terrain tyres on this conversion will improve handling and traction, helping you to explore off-the-beaten-track destinations with peace of mind.
Key features:
↠ Comforser all-terrain tyres (CF1100)
↠ Matt black alloys (MSW 48 VAN 5H)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Citroen Camper with Off-grid Power Set-up
If you’re interested in off-grid adventures, this van’s 420W solar panel is a great size and it has a high quality 100Ah lithium Roamer battery for storage.
On cloudy days, you have the option to charge directly from the van’s engine with DC-DC charging.
A power set-up like this in the UK is great for weekend wanderlust, or perfect if you’re on the move.
Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System
Key features:
↠ LPG gas canister in the garage
↠ Victron Energy MultiPlus Inverter/Charger – 12V 800VA/35A
↠ Victron Orion-Tr Smart – Isolated DC-DC Charger
↠ Roamer battery 100Ah (Lithium)
↠ Solar panel (410W) with MPPT controller
↠ Handy control panel
🔍 Click photos to expand
Vanlife Verdict: Conclusion
“With its thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail, this conversion by Vango Fitouts UK effortlessly brings together the four essential elements of van living: seating, sleeping, eating, and showering.”
Vanlife Hub Team
One of its most remarkable attributes is how seamlessly it integrates these spaces. This can one of the hardest parts of designing a van for vanlife. If you think about houselife, spaces (rooms) are defined/divided, and each can have its own design style (if you please). In van life, your kitchen, bathroom, lounge, and bedroom are all visible in a single glance!
Achieving harmony between functionality and aesthetics is no small feat in a van. Yet, this Citroen Relay campervan conversion does just that.
From the serene colour palette to the elegant antique brass fixtures, every aspect of this conversion complements the modern art deco aesthetic.
Our final verdict?
The craftsmanship and creativity from Vango Fitouts UK truly shine, making this conversion standout in the busy world of van life.
We love the practicality of the layout too. With it’s hidden drying area, wide double bed, and adaptable bed/dining set-up, it definitely makes the most of the extra width afforded by the Citroen Relay van camper. This van is perfect for full-time travels or luxury roadtrips!
🌟 We absolutely love this unique conversion from the team at Vango Fitouts UK. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Please note: Vanlife Hub’s campervan reviews are unbiased and unpaid, offering genuine insights into the intricacies of vanlife conversions. Check out more reviews: Campervan Tours and get in touch if you’d like to be featured!
Camper Van Conversion Ideas
If you’re looking to build or commission a campervan conversion, check-out these van tours for more camper van conversion ideas:
FAQs About the Citroen Relay L3 Campervan Conversion
What is the most reliable campervan for sale?
To answer this question, it’s important to consider the ‘base van’ as opposed to looking specifically at ‘campervans’. After all, this is where the widest data lies to answer the question ‘what is the most reliable campervan?’
In 2023, according to the FN50 Reliability Index, the most reliable van/campervan manufacturer is Ford. This marks a significant achievement for Ford, as they have climbed to the top spot, overtaking 2022’s champion, Mercedes-Benz. Citroen is ranked the 8th ‘most reliable van manufacturer’ (2023).
However, when we look to specific models of van, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is still the most reliable model of van. This has been the case for the last 9 years. The Sprinter campervan is followed by the Volkswagen Transporter – the second most reliable van in 2023.
Of course everybody’s personal experience of different vans is unique, because factors such as service history, how they are driven, and where they are stored come into play.
We follow the FN50 Reliability Index because it is based on data collected by leasing companies. These companies consider the average number of days off the road with unplanned mechanical problems, excluding punctures, for the vans they have on fleet over the previous 12 months.
Do Citroen Relays make good campervans?
Yes, Citroen Relays can make good campervans. They offer a spacious interior and are slightly wider with straighter sides compared to other long wheelbase vans, providing generous load space, ease of conversion, and extra flexibility.
The base van is also more affordable than other popular vanlife vans, such as the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter.
However, every van can have its problems and choosing a reliable van largely comes down doing your research. Check out our Guide to Avoiding Campervan Scams to get top tips on what to look for when buying a campervan.
What vans are the same as the Citroen Relay?
The Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, and Fiat Ducato are essentially the same vehicle with different badges.
They are all part of a joint venture between PSA Group (now Stellantis) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis), where they share the same platform, engines, and many other components.
This collaboration allowed for economies of scale in production and development, resulting in similar vehicles sold under different brand names, with prices to suit lower budgets.
Can you stand up in a Citroen Relay?
Yes, you can typically stand up in a Citroen Relay van, especially in the long wheelbase (L3) model, which offers more headroom compared to shorter wheelbase options.
If you are below 6′ 5″, you should be comfortable standing in this van.
Can you sleep widthways in a Citroen Relay camper van?
Yes, you can sleep sideways in a Citroen Relay camper van.
‘VGFO MK11’ featured in this article has a spacious master bed, measuring 1450W x 1950L mm, thanks to cleverly crafted recesses at the head and foot of the bed. This allows plenty of space for comfortable widthways sleeping, making the most of the available space in the camper van.
How much does a Citroen Relay camper van cost to convert?
The cost to professionally convert a campervan – similar to the Citroen Relay featured here – would be at least £16,000, plus the cost of the base vehicle.
This is based on Vango Fitout’s pricing guidelines (February 2024).
Wow, this Citroen Relay Campervan conversion is amazing! The attention to detail and the clever use of space make it a perfect home on wheels. One thing that I think is essential for any campervan setup, especially when you’re parked in sunny spots, is a good windshield sunshade. It not only helps keep the interior cooler but also protects the dashboard and other elements from UV damage. A quality windshield sunshade can make a huge difference in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your campervan, which is crucial for those long summer trips. Great job on the conversion, and thanks for sharing all these useful tips and ideas!
Really true! We’ve featured quite a few conversions with Fiamma awnings. Perfect if you’re staying on campgrounds / campsites. This particular build is designed for camping wild, so the clients didn’t go down that route this time.