While bigger campers like the Mercedes Sprinter or the classic VW Transporter might be popular, there’s more charm and versatility per square inch in a VW Caddy Maxi. And this micro camper tour shows us why!
Love Campers are one of the few companies converting VW Caddys, and this micro camper – fresh out of their workshop in Sussex – is equipped with all the essential home comforts. It ingeniously fits seating and sleeping space for four people into a very small footprint.
Modelled on Love Campers‘ popular ‘Mandalay’ layout, this conversion would be at home on the winding lanes of the NC500 or exploring the scenic routes of Southern Europe.
Let’s hit the road and discover what makes this versatile micro camper van a great choice for van life enthusiasts. Join us as we delve into the details of this compact yet incredibly functional home on wheels!
TL;DR
Built to last, Love Campers’ conversions combine handcrafted finishes, smart layouts, and awesome functionality, with a great eye for design.
This microcamper design seats and sleeps 4 people, in a VW Caddy Maxi (the long wheelbase model of the VW Caddy). Here’s an example of this small camper ‘Mandalay’ format:
Base Vehicle Specification
↠ Manufacturer: Volkswagen
↠ Model: Caddy Maxi
↠ Converted by: Love Campers
Micro Campervan Interior – Van Tour
With a sleek wooden finish, vibrant plaid upholstery, and smart use of space, this VW Caddy micro camper exudes a cosy charm. The attention to detail in the handcrafted wooden furniture and well-thought-out design makes it an ideal choice when it comes to style and functionality.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, this micro camper is perfect for a couple or small family seeking adventure on the road. It is insulated with carpet lining throughout and has vinyl flooring.
Custom Micro Camper Conversion Layout
Moving from front to back, we’ve got two front seats, living space with a kitchen/dining area, and at the rear, there’s a rock and roll bed with two three three-point seat belts. The central living space is home to a removable table, storage space and a PortaPotti toilet.
Key features:
↠ Rock and roll bed (bed #1 – seats 2, sleeps 2).
↠ Additional sleeping space in pop-top roof (bed #2).
↠ Kitchen/dining area.
↠ Removable table.
↠ PortaPotti toilet.
Seating & Sleeping Design
For what this microcamper lacks in size, it makes up in versatility. Thanks to the pop-top, this VW Caddy Maxi is like the Swiss army knife of campervan conversions! You can seat/sleep up to 4 people in comfort – an impressive feat for a microcamper.
Key features:
↠ Elevating roof with roof bed (sleeps 2).
↠ Rock and roll bed with two three-point seat belts (sleeps 2).
Good to know: If you’d like a VW Caddy microcamper with a pop-top, you’ll need to get one of the Maxi models, as opposed to the standard model.
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Plumbing & Bathroom
The hand-built natural ply furniture is giving us cosy Scandi vibes, but behind the simple design, there are some advanced features.
The CAN Foldy Hob and sink is the star of the show here. This practical folding unit has a diameter of just 350mm, and within that tiny footprint there’s a hob and sink, hidden beneath a self-locking lid!
Plus, thanks to the PortaPotti toilet (stored in floor-level cabinet), this small van is fully self-contained.
Key features:
↠ PortaPotti toilet with 10L waste holding tank.
↠ CAN Foldy stove hob and sink.
↠ Fresh water tank (32L).
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Kitchen
Practicality is paramount in a micro camper conversion. The kitchen area is optimised and multi-functional thanks to an extending table with storage in cupboards and drawers beneath, and a compact CAN Foldy stove hob and sink.
Food is kept cool in a drawer-style compressor fridge, located beneath the rock and roll bed. This efficient appliance means you can fit refrigeration into even the smallest spaces!
Key features:
↠ Natural oak worktop.
↠ Natural ply cabinets.
↠ CAN Foldy stove hob and sink.
↠ Alpicool Adventurer AD30 12V drawer fridge.
↠ Removable solid wood table.
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Microcamper Storage
Maximising storage is crucial in any micro camper, and Love Campers‘ ‘Mandalay’ layout excels in this area. There’s a range of fixed storage in the kitchen/storage area, plus garage storage. Additionally, when the pop-top roof is raised, bedding etc can be easily stashed away in the zippable head-height compartments.
The interior in the Mandalay layout is customisable, and the Love Campers team offer a range of options for additional storage solutions as needed.
Key features:
↠ Hand-built wooden furniture with various compartments.
↠ Overhead zippable storage compartments.
↠ Drawers and cupboards integrated into the kitchen unit.
↠ Storage beneath the rear bench.
Lighting
Keeping it simple, this VW Caddy has energy-efficient spotlights.
Heating
This all-season campervan has the special upgrade to feature a gas airflow heater.
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Microcamper Exterior
When converting a VW Caddy, the team at Love Campers prefer to start out with a panel van, as opposed to a model with existing windows. It’s faster and more straightforward to add windows to a panel van, than it is to insulate and line around existing windows (meaning you’ll be able to get out on the road more quickly!)
With that in mind, a number of external changes have been made to this VW Caddy Maxi…
Windows & Ventilation
This VW Caddy Maxi has 360-degree visibility, and all windows have blackout curtains for overnight privacy (this is a customisable feature).
Pop-top Roof
This camper includes an elevating (pop-top) roof, which provides extra headroom and an additional sleeping area. A major enhancement, this feature increases the overall space and versatility of the micro camper, making it more comfortable for longer adventures on the road!
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Small Campervan with Off-grid Power Set-up
This VW Caddy micro camper is well-equipped for off-grid adventures with its comprehensive electric system.
It features a robust leisure battery paired with a battery-to-battery charger, ensuring you have a reliable power source while on the move. For added convenience, the camper also includes a 240V hookup, allowing you to connect to mains power when available.
Inside, you’ll find multiple USB and plug sockets, providing plenty of options to charge your devices and power your essential appliances, making off-grid living both comfortable and convenient – even for the most remote adventures!
Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System
Key features:
↠ 120Ah AGM Predator Deep Cycle Battery.
↠ Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger isolated 250 / 400 Watt.
↠ 240V hookup (EHU).
↠ USB and plug sockets.
Please note: Solar panels are available, as an additional upgrade.
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Vanlife Verdict
Every part of this microcamper is maximised for life on the open road. From the versatile rock and roll bed to the clever storage solutions and compact kitchen setup, this conversion epitomises versatility and practicality in a small footprint. You can embrace the campervan lifestyle with ease, thanks to its smart design and quality craftsmanship!
Vanlife Hub Team
The cosy yet highly functional aesthetic – with its sleek wooden finishes, vibrant plaid upholstery, and efficient use of space – creates a vibe of compact comfort and style. Beyond appearances, it’s the ingenious utilisation of every inch that truly shines here.
A cohesive conversion like this doesn’t come together by accident. It’s the result of Love Campers’ meticulous conversion process. They are one of the few companies converting VW Caddys, and their conversion journey even includes a ‘Members Area’ where you can personalise your van’s interior, choosing everything from wood finishes to upholstery colour and fabrics.
Our final verdict?
This VW Caddy micro camper conversion brings us joy! The snug, family-friendly design conjures up visions of packing up all the essentials and hitting the road for spontaneous weekends of adventure.
With vans like this, Love Campers have done what they do best: they have created a solid base for carefree vanlife-ing. The charm and versatility of this micro camper, combined with the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, make it a fantastic choice for van life enthusiasts looking for a compact yet fully functional home on wheels.
🌟 We have a lot of love for this little conversion, but 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!
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Campervan Conversion Ideas
This is the first true microcamper we’ve showcased here on Vanlife Hub. However, for other inspiration, you might like…
VW T6 LWB Campervan
VW Crafter MWB Camperan
FAQs About Micro Campervan Designs
What makes a VW Caddy a good camper?
The VW Caddy makes a good camper because of its compact size, making it easy to drive and park while still offering enough space for essential camping amenities.
Its versatility, efficiency, and the ability to seat and sleep up to four people in configurations like the ‘Mandalay’ layout make it an excellent choice for a micro camper conversion.
How much does a micro camper cost?
The high quality, fully equipped Mandalay conversion layout from Love Campers starts from £16,999+VAT, excluding the base van (as at July 2024). Additional features and customisations can increase the overall cost.
The cost of a micro camper can vary widely depending on the specifications and style. Prices can range from a few thousand pounds for a basic DIY conversion to tens of thousands for a professional, fully-equipped setup.
Check out this article if you’re wondering ‘how much do campervan conversions cost?’
What is the best small van to convert into a camper?
The best small van to convert into a camper depends on your needs, but popular choices include the VW Caddy, Ford Transit Connect, Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Fiat Doblo, Renault Kangoo, and Mercedes-Benz Metris.
These vans are all suitable for compact yet functional camper conversions.
Can you live in a micro camper?
Yes, you can live in a micro camper.
While it requires careful planning and efficient use of space, a well-designed micro camper like the VW Caddy can provide all the necessary amenities for comfortable living, including sleeping areas, a compact kitchen, and storage solutions.
Do small campervans have bathrooms?
Some small campervans do have bathrooms, often in the form of a portable toilet stored in a cabinet – like this one has. However, due to space constraints, not all small campervans include a full bathroom setup with shower – unless you opt for an outdoor shower option.
Additional bathroom facilities are typically found in larger campers – such as Citroen Relay conversions, VW Crafter campervans, and Mercedes Sprinter motorhome campers.
How long does it take to convert a micro camper?
The time it takes to convert a micro camper can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the availability of parts.
Typically, a professional conversion like the Mandalay layout from Love Campers can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect from a VW Caddy camper?
The VW Caddy camper offers good fuel economy, with many models averaging around 50 miles per gallon (mpg).
This makes it an economical choice for long road trips and regular use, helping to keep running costs low.
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