Meet Manny, the long wheelbase VW Crafter campervan where cosy cabin vibes blend seamlessly with an industrial edge.
His wood-clad walls are a classic vanlife favourite, but that’s kind of where the ‘typical’ ends.
With industrial metal finishes adorned with hints of copper, brass, and steel, a bespoke stylised map mural, and an attention-grabbing stable door shower, this build has ‘attention to detail’ written all over it.
Base Vehicle Specification
↠ Manufacturer: Volkswagen
↠ Model: Crafter CR35 ST-LN TDI BMT LWB
↠ Body Style: High Roof Panel Van
↠ Size: 2705(H), 1993(W), 6940(L) mm
↠ Year: 2014
↠ Transmission Type: Manual
↠ Fuel Type: Diesel
↠ Engine Size: 1968cc
↠ No. of Valves: 16V
↠ No of Cylinders: 4
↠ Brake Horse Power: 161 BHP
↠ Drive: RWD
↠ Price: Bought for £10,500 in 2020
↠ Built by: Van Conversion Guy
Manny was a labour of love built by Helen (Vanlife Hub’s Founder) and Ben (the Van Conversion Guy) in 2021. The cost of the conversion was close to £15,000 (plus the cost of the base van).
VW Crafter Camper Interior
Here’s the lowdown on this VW Crafter camper interior, at a glance:
Van Conversion Layout
A bespoke camper van conversion, Manny’s layout is designed with comfort and luxurious living space in mind.
There is sleeping space for up to three, but really this is a two-person van.
Key features:
↠ Shower cubicle with compost toilet
↠ Folding desk
↠ Large kitchen (2000mm)
↠ Daybed sofa (doubles up as a spare single bed)
↠ Floor to ceiling and overhead storage
↠ Fixed bed
↠ Rear garage storage area
Campervan Bed & Seating
From a sleeping perspective, this VW campervan is fairly standard with a fixed bed at the rear, but also with the added bonus of a small single, making it a three berth van.
Key features:
↠ Fixed rear platform bed (memory foam)
↠ Daybed sofa with bespoke tufted mattress
🔍 Click photos to expand
VW Crafters are not the widest LWB vans. A widthways bed like this would probably not be very comfortable for anybody close to or over six feet tall. In which case there are a couple of options, firstly bump-outs or side flares can be added to extend the width (like in this Mercedes Sprinter conversion), or you can opt for a longitudinal bed, as we see in this LWB Crafter van conversion.
Alternatively, the Peugeot Boxer, Fiat Ducato, and Citroen Relay campervans offer greater width, comfortably accommodating a bed up to 6’4″ in length.
Plumbing & Bathroom
When it comes to the living experience, it’s infinitely easier if your conversion includes everything you need to keep clean and feel comfortable; especially if you’re heading off the beaten track for a while.
Key features:
↠ Bespoke stable-door shower with copper tiles
↠ Copper kitchen sink (French preserving pan)
↠ Pull-out spray tap (hot and cold water)
↠ Drinking water tap
↠ Truma boiler for hot water facilities
↠ Self-built composting toilet
↠ 100L water tank (internally plumbed)
↠ 20L drinking water tank (internally plumbed)
↠ 80L grey water tank (underslung)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Office
Many cargo vans are fitted with a bulkhead – a dividing wall between the cab and the interior. This has been retained in this camper as it allows for increased privacy and improved insulation (stops hot and cold air passing from the cab to the interior). However, it also means that using front swivel seats to create an office wasn’t an option.
Instead, this conversion got a post-build upgrade, and a fold-out desk was added to the end of the daybed. Fitted on heavy-duty hinges, this creates the perfect work-from-van space for remote work.
Kitchen Features
The inspiration behind this VW Crafter camper conversion’s design was to make day-to-day tasks easy; this called for a spacious kitchen set-up.
Key features:
↠ 200mm aged copper effect worktop
↠ Gas hob (2 burners)
↠ Full-size oven
↠ Low energy wine fridge (240V)
The hob and cooker are fuelled by LPG, which is stored in an underslung tank (80L).
🔍 Click photos to expand
Storage
This VW Crafter van has a variety of creative storage solutions – perfect for easy drive-away adventures.
Key features:
↠ Overhead cabinets (3, 1 with drying/storage rack)
↠ Kitchen cupboards (3) with metal drawers that slide
↠ Pull-out kitchen pantry
↠ Floor to ceiling cupboards (2)
↠ Drawers under bed (2)
↠ Bespoke shelving
↠ Rear garage storage area (large enough for bike, paddleboard, spare wheel, and more!)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Heating
Cost effective heating comes from a 2KW ‘Chinese diesel heater’ with separate fuel tank.
Lighting
For added comfort and ambiance, this campervan has a variety of light sources, as well as a full wall of windows and two rooflights.
Key features:
↠ Verdigris aged copper adjustable spotlights (3)
↠ Under cabinet LED lighting (floor and overhead)
↠ Copper wire micro fairy lights (bedroom)
↠ Tarnished copper switches (Dowsing & Reynolds)
🔍 Click photos to expand
Custom Design Features
As demand grows for camper adventures there are a limited number of unique builds these days. Manny the VW is one of them. Some of the best VW Crafter ideas in this build include…
Key features:
↠ Chopping board surface with hidden compost bin
↠ Secret ‘Escape hatch’ from interior to cab
↠ Pull-out table beneath bed
↠ Easy to change kitchen map mural splashback
↠ Handmade canvas blinds with leather buckles
↠ Pallet wood accents
🔍 Click photos to expand
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VW Crafter Campervan Exterior
The exterior of this campervan conversion is pretty standard, with the exception of:
Windows
Side windows with privacy glass (3)
Rear barn door windows with privacy glass (2)
Rooflights
Standard rooflight (forced ventilation, over bed)
Small rooflight vent (over shower)
Other Additions
Hope ‘safe-T-bar’ to rear (fitted pre-conversion)
VW Crafter Conversion Power Set-up
In the world of van life, your power setup is your ticket to freedom, but there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Your system should be designed based on what you need to power, and for how long.
The kit in this Volkswagen Crafter camper conversion is designed for full-time living. It can cope with providing essential electricity for an on-the-road office, lighting, and cooking requirements. This is all while away from traditional power sources. In other words, it has everything you need for a true off-grid lifestyle.
Manny’s power set-up incorporates solar, hook-up (EHU / shore power), and DC to DC charging.
In spring, summer and autumn in the UK, the solar panels typically generate enough power. In late autumn and winter, a short drive can charge up the batteries using the DC to DC charger. The hook-up is rarely used, but can give a quick charge if that’s convenient.
Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System
Key features:
↠ 110amp leisure battery x 3 (AGM)
↠ Solar panels totalling 700w with MPPT controller
↠ 2000w Pure Sinewave inverter
↠ USB chargers (3)
↠ Double socket for 240V electrics (2)
↠ External hook-up cable point
↠ Victron Orion Smart 30A 12V DC to DC charger with Bluetooth
With safety in mind, this camper also has a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, and smoke alarm on board.
🌟 We absolutely love this bespoke van conversion from Van Conversion Guy. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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FAQs About the VW Crafter Campervan Conversion
Why choose a Volkswagen Crafter Camper Conversion for your next adventure?
It’s important to choose the right van for your journey. This could come down to size, drive style, price, and any number of other factors.
Measuring just under 7 meters in length and nearly 3 metres in height, the LWB (long wheelbase) Crafter model is the perfect vehicle for conversion enthusiasts if you’re looking for ample space and head height. Opting for a VW Crafter allows for the inclusion of a spacious bathroom, a complete kitchen and dining area, and a fixed bed at the rear of the van, leaving room for additional storage space beneath. Other VW campers – such as the VW Transporter (VW T3, VW T4, VW T5 and VW T6) – are limited in this respect.
All Crafter campervans come equipped with rear-wheel drive (RWD), offering various axle combinations depending on the specific model. While AWD (all-wheel drive) or 4WD might be considered the gold standard for campervans, RWD is a strong second thanks to its good traction and stability – especially when the van is heavily loaded. It’s no wonder Crafters have fondly become known as ‘Grafters’!
In terms of driving experience, the Crafter scores well. Its suspension varies depending on the model, but it consistently delivers a smooth ride with minimal body roll. That said, the TDI engine can be somewhat audible and the factory-fit safety features are pretty average.
Is vanlife cheaper than traditional living?
Vanlife can be cheaper than traditional living in some aspects, such as rent and utility bills. We found that it’s typically around £600 per month cheaper than renting a small house in a rural community (read more: How Much Does Van Life Cost?)
However, there are upfront costs associated with van purchase, conversion, and ongoing maintenance expenses that should be considered. It ultimately depends on individual lifestyle choices.
Are the VW Crafter and the Mercedes Sprinter the same van?
The Volkswagen Crafter closely resembles the popular Mercedes Sprinter camper in many aspects, but typically costs a little less (to buy and to fix). These vans share an almost identical exterior design from the sides, along with common suspension and underpinnings.
Hence, the Crafter van and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are not the same, but they do share a history of collaboration and some similarities due to their shared platform. In the past, the popular Volkswagen Crafter was developed in partnership with DaimlerChrysler (which later became Mercedes-Benz), and there were commonalities between the two models, particularly in terms of their chassis and some interior components. This collaboration led to similarities in their external appearances, suspension systems, and certain interior features.
However, it’s essential to note that despite these shared elements, the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are distinct vehicles with their own branding, design choices, and variations in terms of engines, configurations, and features. Over the years, both manufacturers have continued to evolve their respective models independently.
So, while there might be some similarities between the two due to their shared development history, they are a different campervan.
How much does it cost to convert a van into a campervan UK?
The cost of converting a van into a campervan can vary significantly. You could spend as little as £1,000 to insulate and heat a campervan, or spend as much as £35,000+ on a top spec professional conversion.
The cost depends on several factors:
DIY vs. Professional Conversion: The most significant cost factor is whether you select to convert the van yourself or hire professionals to do it. DIY conversions tend to be more budget-friendly but require significant time and effort. Flat pack conversion kits are a good option; they offer precision and standard layouts – perfect when you’re looking for a mid-price solution.
Style and Materials: High-end finishes and high-quality materials will naturally increase the overall cost of your conversion.
Electrical Setup: The electrical system is a vital aspect of any campervan conversion. Costs can vary based on the complexity of your electrical setup. Solar panels, batteries, inverters, and wiring can all add up. More advanced electrical systems with top spec brands (e.g. vanlife favourites like Victron and Renology) and lithium batteries will be pricier.
Van Size, Age, and Model: The size and model of your custom van also impact the cost. Larger second-hand panel vans are in high demand – for cargo and vehicle conversion! Older vans might come at a lower initial cost but could also require more maintenance investment. A new VW Crafter will set you back £35,000+.
Amenities and Features: The amenities and features you want in your motorhome conversion, such as a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping arrangements, and storage, will influence the final price. High-end appliances and custom-built furniture can drive up costs. It’s important to stay on top of this throughout the process of designing your campervan.
In summary, the cost of making your campervan dream a reality can vary widely, from a few thousand pounds for a basic DIY conversion to tens of thousands of pounds for a professionally crafted, fully equipped campervan with premium features. Your choices regarding style, materials, electrical setup, and whether you convert the van yourself or hire professionals will ultimately determine the total cost of your van conversion project.
But can you really put a price on the opportunity to drive away and experience the world through off-grid adventures?
Can you sleep sideways in a VW Crafter?
Yes, it is possible to sleep sideways in a VW Crafter, but it may not be too comfortable if you are taller than 6ft!
One way around this is to add side flares. Also known as “bumpouts”, these can add several extra inches to the sleeping area. This additional space can significantly enhance comfort and make sideways sleeping sideways in a VW Crafter camper more feasible.
It’s essential to consider the size of the bed and your overall interior configuration to ensure you can catch those “zzzzzzs” comfortably.
How much does it cost to live in a van in the UK?
On average, vanlife can cost anywhere from £500 to £1,500 per month, which is particularly dependent on how much you drive and where you park.
For more information, we’ve created a detailed breakdown all about the cost of living in a van in the UK.
Dream VW Crafter Camper Conversions on Pinterest
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