Sierra – LWB VW Crafter Campervan Conversion with Longitudinal Bed

Presenting Sierra, affectionately dubbed ‘the ultimate cabin-on-wheels’. Genuinely: we challenge you to find a Crafter campervan that offers more ‘cosy per square inch’ than this conversion!

Lovingly crafted by the Hampshire-based conversion company Camper Dreamin’, this conversion is the definition of comfort and functionality on the road. 

We love the dinky little woodburner, natural materials, and spacious kitchen…but more than that: we love the fully loaded electrical set-up in this gas-free conversion.

Logburner, bathroom and longitudinal bed in VW Crafter camper conversion

VW Crafter Base Vehicle Specification

VW Campervan Conversion Interior

Specifically designed as a roving home-office for a WFV (Work From Van) lifestyle, this 2-berth VW Crafter conversion includes everything you need to make your digital nomad dream a reality.

TL;DR

Here’s a video tour:

VW Crafter Conversion Layout

A luxe home for set-up for up to two people, this cosy conversion is based on the ‘Skye’ layout – a popular favourite from Camper Dreamin’.

There’s a corner kitchen, bench seating, and a removable desk/dining table.

But what really distinguishes this design is its departure from the conventional side-to-side bed arrangement often associated with vanlife. Instead, this innovative layout positions the bed alongside the bathroom. 

The effect? It keeps the main space nice and open, making a real focal point of the wood burner. Plus the three core spaces – cooking, lounging, and sleeping – are clearly defined.

Campervan Bed & Seating

In a unique twist, this Crafter van features a layout where the bed and washroom are positioned side by side, evoking a sense of luxurious ensuite living.

The longitudinal bed in this campervan not only enhances the length of the sleeping area but also maximises space.

Seating-wise, there’s ample space for two to lounge, or dine, fireside.

Fixed bed in VW Crafter Camper van conversion

Plumbing & Bathroom Set-up

Situated conveniently over the rear wheel arch, alongside the bed, there’s a slick shower room with removable toilet.

Decked out in high-shine gloss with sage green accents, it’s a while since we have seen a campervan bathroom quite so beautifully executed! 

Hot water facilities in this VW Crafter camper are courtesy of an energy efficient Truma Combi diesel heater.

Shower room in VW Crafter Camper van conversion

Kitchen

Enhanced with a blend of oak, pine, and beech woods, and featuring a striking ‘live edge’ upstand on the work surface, this space truly embodies the ‘cosy cabin aesthetic’.

But going beyond appearances, this is the perfect campervan if you like to cook. The large corner kitchen is fully equipped with all the gas-free appliances you’d expect from a high-end roving home, plus some tasty extras…

🔍 Click photos to expand

Office

When designed with WFV (work from van) in mind, long wheelbase Crafters are the perfect vehicle for an office! This Crafter camper has a cushioned bench with a removable swivel table.

Bench seating with swivel table and laptop in VW Crafter Camper van conversion

Storage

Drive away ready, this motorhome conversion has ample storage for full-time van life, including…

🔍 Click photos to expand

Heating

Quite possibly the cosiest cabin on wheels, this fully insulated VW Crafter van has a great set-up with a log burner and heater onboard.

Logburner in VW Crafter Camper van conversion

Lighting

In tiny homes and campervans, good lighting can make all the difference. Awesome illumination not only enhances functionality but also contributes to the overall ambiance.

In this build, choosing the right combination of uplighting and downlighting has played a crucial role in maximising the space and creating a cosy atmosphere.

This is the first time we’ve seen under counter lights in a van conversion, and we love it!

VW Crafter Camper van conversion in evening with lights on

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Volkswagen Crafter Campervan Exterior

This gunmetal grey campervan conversion has had a bit of an upgrade to the exterior, but the popular Volkswagen base van and wheels remain mainly untouched. 

Windows

Windows have been added to the side and rear, both with privacy glass.

Rooflights

Supplementing the beautiful lighting set-up in this campervan conversion, three skylights have been fitted – one over the bed, one over the kitchen, and a smaller vent to allow steam to escape from the bathroom.

VW Camper Conversion Power Set-up

This cosy cabin-esque camper was designed with digital nomadism in mind so it needs to be able to power laptop, WiFi and phone 24/7. Not only that, it’s also a gas-free campervan conversion. Hence, it needed a kick ass electrical set-up with a powerhouse of a battery!

100% – Camper Dreamin’ have delivered on all fronts with this fully off-grid campervan.

Not only will the solar panels make the most of the daylight, 2 powerful Victron DC-DC chargers will boost the lithium battery whilst driving. 

Fully Loaded Off-Grid Electrical System

Vanlife Verdict: Final Thoughts

“In the realm of vanlife conversions, Sierra truly stands out. From the sleek design to the functional layout, this VW Crafter has blown us away.”


Vanlife Hub Team

What strikes us most about Sierra is the meticulous attention to detail. From the meticulously selected natural materials to the space-saving layout, it’s evident that Camper Dreamin’ poured their heart and soul into this build.

The seamless integration of oak, pine, and beech woods creates a harmonious ambiance, in keeping with the cosy cabin aesthetic. And that cute little woodburner… 🔥🔥🔥 Need we say more?

Moreover, Sierra’s off-grid electrical system is engineering badassery at work! It’s commitment like this – to sustainability and self-sufficiency – that enables vanlifers to roam the open road with confidence and peace of mind.

Our final verdict?

The experts at Camper Dreamin’ are truly turning dreams into reality with this remarkable VW Crafter campervan conversion, they’ve crafted the ultimate dream campervan for digital nomads.

🌟 We absolutely love this conversion from the team at Camper Dreamin’. 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 VW Crafter campervan conversion, check-out these for more camper van conversion ideas:


FAQs about the VW Crafter Motorhome

How much does it cost to convert a van to a camper UK?

The cost to convert a van to a camper in the UK varies depending on whether you will complete the conversion yourself, or commission a professional conversion company. 

For a self-conversion, the cost could be less than £3000 (based on a self-sufficient set-up with electrics and full insulation). If you go ahead with a self-build, it’s important to keep an eye on budget throughout the process as it can run away with you!

At the time of writing (February 2024), the cost of a professional Crafter conversion – similar to ‘Sierra’ featured here – is between £23,000 to £29,000 (with optional upgrades available), plus the cost of the base van.

What is the difference between a Man van and VW Crafters?

Great question! According to the plain English guide from the experts at Parkers, ‘the MAN TGE really is a straight copy of the Crafter’ (2017). 

The MAN TGE is essentially a rebadged version of the VW Crafter, manufactured in the same factory with minor differences primarily limited to the front end design and badge variations.

What is the MPG on a VW Crafter campervan?

Un-converted, the a VW Crafter van (2.0-litre twin-turbo) can achieve fuel economy of 35mpg if driven economically, without cargo. 

However, the MPG on a fully-converted van can be much lower due to the weight. Helen – Vanlife Hub’s founder and Crafter driver – estimates she gets an average of around 23mpg on journeys in her campervan.

Do converted campervans hold their value?

Yes, converted campervans generally hold their value well, especially models based on popular platforms like the Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter and VW Transporter series (such as this VW T6 conversion).

To ensure your campervan is a good investment, it’s important to do your research. Check out our Guide to Avoiding Campervan Scams for top tips on what to look out for.

Can you have a toilet in a VW campervan?

Absolutely! Yes you can have a toilet in a Volkswagen campervan. There are many variations in fact!

In the campervan featured in this article, there’s a Thetford PortaPotti – a very effective budget-friendly option. Alternatively, in this MWB van conversion there’s a premium Nature’s Head compost loo (a vanlife favourite). Or, a simple ‘separator’ option is available too, as found in ‘Manny’ – a VW campervan.

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