As we embark on this van tour, we can’t help but wonder whether “Maggie,” a Citroen Relay L3 H3 conversion, was once a secluded, artisan cabin who lived a hobbit-like existence in Middle-earth, before she packed her bags and left for life on the road.
Somehow it seems likely.
From the dark stained wood interiors to the hand-dyed curtains, it’s clear that the team at Handkrafted Campers hasn’t just designed any campervan; this sanctuary on wheels has so much rustic charm it rivals the comfort and allure of even the best hobbit-holes in The Shire.
Designed to be a family’s cosy escape, Maggie sleeps three comfortably – thanks to an ingeniously designed bunk bed to the rear, proving that space and style can indeed coexist beautifully.
Remarkable features:
↠ 3 berth with fixed beds (x2)
↠ Bespoke Miss Artisan copper shower
↠ Reclaimed Victorian pine and cedar fixtures
↠ Sustainably sourced bamboo worktop
↠ Cleverly concealed cab access
↠ Powerful off-grid power set-up
Base Vehicle Specification
↠ Manufacturer: Citroen
↠ Model: Relay L3 H3 (LWB, extra high-roof
↠ Fuel: Diesel engine
↠ Converted by: Handkrafted Campers
Citroen Relay L3H3 Conversion Interior
This 3 berth L3 H3 Citroen Relay has been exquisitely transformed into a wandering haven. Masterfully handcrafted, it offers all the essentials for a happy van life.
Family Van Conversion Layout (3 berth)
The Citroen Relay is a popular base van for conversion, and with good reason.
Compared to other long wheelbase vans, it has both size, weight, and price on its side. Take the popular LWB Mercedes Sprinter or LWB Volkswagen Crafter for example, Relays are typically cheaper, lighter, and ‘stockier’. And it’s this stockier ‘build’ that’s really makes a difference.
The Citroen Relay’s wider build and straighter sides, make for a more spacious interior – allowing for a side to side fixed bed configuration with ease. This conversion makes the most of that – incorporating not one, but two side to side beds.
Additionally there’s a capable kitchen, corner seating – perfect for dining and working, and a beautiful shower cubicle which houses a removable PortaPotti.
Seating & Sleeping
Making use of every inch of space, this family van ingeniously incorporates seating and sleeping for 3 people.
Of particular note in this van build is the luxury blend of tactile materials in the living space. From the reclaimed Victorian pine and cedar fixtures to the sustainably sourced bamboo worktop, copper accents, and MiaSylvia hand-dyed Curtains, every element has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a feeling of warmth and comfort.
Key features:
↠ Double east-west fixed bed (sleeps 2)
↠ Single east-west fixed bed (sleeps 1)
↠ Corner bench seating with removable covers
↠ Bamboo tabletop with Lagun swivelling table leg
↠ MiaSylvia hand-dyed Curtains with handmade leather tie backs
🔍 Click photos to expand
Plumbing & Bathroom
The full-height shower cubicle plays a key part in the layout of the van build – creating a nice division between the living and sleeping areas, and offering privacy.
A celebration of form and function, there’s a lot to love about the design and materials selected. The metro tiles and copper shower perfectly compliment the ‘rustic industrial’ aesthetic.
We’re also a fan of the sturdy wooden doors – they’re great for privacy – and the interior curtain (which you can see peeping over the top) scores practicality points, as does the super-efficient Propex hot water heater.
Key features:
↠ 80L underslung fresh water tank
↠ 60L underslung waste tank
↠ 10 litre 12v water pump
↠ Fiamma expansion tank
↠ Propex Malaga 5E water heater (gas & electric)
↠ Bespoke Miss Artisan Copper shower with flexi hose
↠ Thetford Porti loo
↠ Mixed metal mixer tap in the kitchen with concealed sink
🔍 Click photos to expand
Kitchen
Boasting cabinetry of reclaimed Victorian pine and cedar, a sustainably sourced bamboo worktop, and elegant brass accents, the seamless fusion of style and functionality is truly admirable.
For us, it’s the subtle details that truly set it apart – for instance, the floating box spice rack adorned with brass bar for stability on the road (chef’s kiss!)
For those who love to cook while exploring the open road, the essentials haven’t been overlooked: there’s a Thetford oven/hob/grill combi (fuelled by a 25 Litre underslung Propex LPG Tank) and the Dometic compressor fridge – both are indispensable features for life in a van.
Worktop space is optimised with a concealed sink and optional worktop extension.
Key features:
↠ Reclaimed Victorian pine and cedar cabinetry
↠ Bamboo worktop with extending section
↠ Brass accents
↠ Bespoke tile backsplash
↠ Thetford Triplex oven/hob/grill
↠ Dometic Compressor fridge CRX50
🔍 Click photos to expand
It’s important to note that Maggie has a Carbon Monoxide alarm installed, and no campers leave the Handkrafted Campers‘ workshop in Bristol without a gas and electric habitation check and sign-off.
Storage
This van build has plenty of storage, with a great mix of open overhead shelving and secure floor-level options – great for enhancing the sense of space in a van conversion.
To comfortably incorporate the bunk bed formation, some campers might need to forego garage space. Not the case here! Not only are vans such as the Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato wider than most panel vans, the super-high roof (H3) has an internal height of 2,172mm (7’1″) before insulation – plenty high enough for a full-depth garage.
For a similar family van layout in a shorter van, check out this van tour of – an L3 H2 Citroen Relay campervan conversion from Handkrafted Campers.
Key features:
↠ Shoe rack
↠ Rustic floating box shelves
↠ Rustic floating spicerack
↠ Rear garage
↠ Drawer storage beneath bed
↠ Bench storage
↠ Various overhead shelves
↠ Small bucket shelf to rear door
🔍 Click photos to expand
Lighting
In tiny homes, well-placed lighting can open up the interior, set the mood, and evoke warmth. This camper has a range of lighting at different levels, so that even the darkest nook can be cosily illuminated. Our personal favourites are the vintage brass industrial wall lights.
Key features:
↠ 6 spotlights (swivelling)
↠ Night lights for all beds
↠ Reading lights for seating
Heating
This build features a premium 2KW Planar Diesel Heater. In this instance it’s situated underneath the van (underslung), but its compact size makes it ideal for installation inside or outside campervans.
Despite its small footprint, this heater will supply powerful heating, with minimal fuel consumption and noise.
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LWB Citroen Relay Exterior
The exterior of this camper has had a few upgrades – mainly for lifestyle as opposed to appearance. With multiple side windows, this conversion my not score high on stealth factor, but it offers great ventilation which will help to avoid condensation and optimise airflow.
Windows
Key features:
↠ Hinged window to nearside rear
↠ Half-slider windows fitted to nearside and offside
Skylights
For additional ventilation and natural light two skylights have been fitted.
Key features:
↠ Dometic Fantastic Vent 2250
↠ Dometic Heki Rooflight
Awning
A Fiamma F45 awning has been fitted. Highly regarded for its ease of use and robust design, the user-friendly operation of Fiamma awnings make them perfect for mobile homes braving the unpredictable UK weather!
Other Upgrades
A reversing camera has been fitted.
Adventure Van with Off-grid Power Set-up
This Citroen campervan boasts an impressive off grid system capable of supporting extended adventures away from traditional power sources.
With this mixed Votronic/Victron setup, you can venture off-grid for several days without needing a recharge, even during periods of low sunlight. In which case, a short drive with the DC-DC charger on would ensure your power needs are met.
Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System
Key features:
↠ 200Ah Expedition Plus AGM leisure battery
↠ 250W rigid solar panel
↠ Victron 100/20 MPPT charger
↠ Votronic Triple Charger (mains & DC-DC)
↠ Votronic 300W Inverter with mains priority & remote control
↠ 2 x double inverted socket & shaver socket
↠ 12V USB and USB Type C
↠ Mains hook up (EHU)
↠ 25 litre underslung Propex LPG tank
While this Citroen Relay L3H3 camper is equipped with a 200Ah AGM leisure battery, providing great storage capacity, it’s worth mentioning that an optimal system might have featured a lithium or LiFePO4 battery. Just 100Ah of lithium offers double the usable capacity compared to the same amount of AGM.
This effectively means that for the same rated capacity, lithium batteries provide a significantly higher usable capacity, making them more efficient, as well as being smaller and lighter. However, they do come at a higher upfront cost, so it’s important to think about what’s most important to your vanlife lifestyle!
Vanlife Verdict: Conclusion
Maggie enchants with her dream like, cosy treehouse aesthetic, blending the warm embrace of reclaimed Victorian pine and cedar with the natural beauty of a bamboo worktop and vintage brass accents.
This haven on wheels embodies the essence of rustic sophistication, offering a cosy escape for a family of three with its ingenious bunk bed layout.
Vanlife Hub Team
Furthermore, the van’s off-grid system underscores a commitment to freedom and self-sufficiency, ensuring that the allure of the open road is matched by the comfort and warmth of the interior.
Handkrafted Campers‘ dedication to detail is evident in every inch of the build, from the hand-dyed curtains to the bespoke Miss Artisan Copper shower, creating a space that’s not only beautiful but deeply personal. This deep commitment to craftsmanship, coupled with a thoughtful layout and high-quality materials, is rarely seen.
Our final verdict?
With few external upgrades, this van might cruise under the radar, but for those with an eye for excellence and an appreciation for the art of van conversion, it’s a shining example of how a van can be transformed into a luxurious, inviting retreat that captures the heart of rustic living.
🌟 We absolutely love this bespoke campervan conversion from the team at Handkrafted Campers. 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 LWB campervan conversion, check-out these for more camper van conversion ideas:
FAQs About the Citroen Relay L3 Campervan Conversion
How much did Maggie cost to convert?
Check-out the Handkrafted Campers’ website to view their full portfolio and to get an idea of costs for a professional van conversion.
Read more: Revealing the True Cost of Van Conversions.
Are Citroen Relays good vans to convert?
Citroen Relay vans are ideal for campervan conversions because they are wide enough for a bed to be installed widthways, comfortably. Plus, they are lighter than many other panel vans.
They also come at a more affordable price point than the (perhaps more desirable) Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter campervans.
It’s important to do your research when considering buying a van to convert, so you can decide what’s right for you.
Is a Citroen Relay the same as a Fiat Ducato?
In terms of panel vans, the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroen Relay are all on the same chassis.
They are the widest vans with the best payload (interior area). The extra width in these vans makes a lot of difference when it comes to van conversion projects.
How long does it take to convert a van?
The time it takes to convert a van can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the level of customisation, the availability of materials, and whether the work is being done professionally or as a DIY project.
A basic DIY conversion could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, while more complex, custom builds might require several months to a year.
How long does a professional van build take?
Professional converters might have a set timeline for specific models based on their experience, usually ranging from 6 to 16 weeks for a standard conversion.
However, for a van with the level of detail and creativity as Maggie, you could expect the process to take closer to the longer end of this spectrum, given the intricate craftsmanship and bespoke features involved.
Is converting a van hard?
Converting a van can be challenging, as it requires a broad range of skills to insulate and renovate a van, and that’s before you consider highly specialised aspects such as electrics.
Whilst the description of the process might sound straightforward, in practice, tasks like this demand skills, tools, and careful attention to detail.
Comments from experienced converters often highlight the steep learning curve for beginners, suggesting that while it’s achievable, it does require dedication and patience to avoid costly errors. However, the best way to learn is to get started!
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