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Vanflation

Posted on2026-08-10

Dave: I'm thinking about getting a panel van and doing a camper conversion.

Pete: Nice. What are you thinking?

Dave: Something compact. A little Berlingo. Nothing too ambitious to convert. Stick a Weekender kit in the back. Pull-out bed, little cabinet. Perfect for quick surf missions. Cheap to buy and run, fits in supermarket car parks. All you need, really. 

Pete: Nice, nice. Mind you... for barely any more, the Kangoo Maxi gives you a bit more length. You can sleep stretched out on a proper bed, plus it’ll have more storage space without feeling a lot bigger. 

Dave: Good point. Kangoo Maxi it is. 

Pete: Although – once you're looking at a Kangoo Maxi, you might as well get an L1 Peugeot Expert. Still compact enough to drive and park like a car, but now you've got enough headroom to spend a few days in it without growing a hunchback. 

Dave: True. Expert it is then. 

Pete: Having said that, if you're getting an Expert, a T6 would be a nice upgrade. Lovely to drive. There's a reason everyone builds campers out of them. Every camper accessory known to man, holds its value like gold. Plus, it’s a bit more spacious feeling. You could put one of those plywood kits in it. There’s one here called The Drifter – packs a lot of storage into a small space and the bed converts into a sofa. 

Dave: Fine. T6 it is.

Pete: But then – if you're already driving something T6-sized, why not get an L2 Trafic? Barely harder to drive, but the extra bit of length gets you a proper jump in usable space. This Legend kit looks mint. 

Dave: Makes sense. L2 Trafic. That’s a proper kitchen, there. 

Pete: Still. Once you're looking at an L2 Trafic, a Ducato's not exactly a stretch. Wider, taller, and you can look at installing a fixed double in the back. They’ve got this Partners Paradise kit – perfect for couples. 

Dave: I haven’t got a girlfriend though, have I? 

Pete: No, but a setup like this might help you get one. On second thoughts though – if you're getting a Ducato, just get a long wheelbase Sprinter. Proper expedition machine. You'll never regret the extra room. Nobody ever has. This Super Sleeper L3 kit has a massive bed that converts to a proper living area. Your future girlfriend will prefer that, I reckon. 

Dave: That’s decided then. Massive Sprinter it is.

Pete: On the other hand, if you're driving something that size anyway, have you thought about a motorhome? Comes with everything fitted. No more weekends with a jigsaw. 

Dave: ...well, I hadn’t… 

Pete: Although motorhomes depreciate like a stone off a bridge. For a bit more money you could just buy a holiday apartment in Portugal instead. That way, you can stick it on AirBnb when you’re not there. It’ll pay for itself in 15 years. 

Dave: Pete... 

Pete: What? 

Dave: I just wanted something to sleep in after a surf. 

Pete: ...Portugal's got great waves. 

Dave: I'm getting the Berlingo.

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€1,949.00 (tax incl.)

Built for extended trips in long-wheelbase Volkswagen Transporter T5/T6 builds, The Legend gives you a large slider bed that converts to a bench or L-shaped sofa, with serious storage below. The spacious side cabinet has a large pop-up table, while the XL front kitchen unit provides tons of cupboard space for cooking essentials, ventilated storage for a portable stove and fridge, and even a handy fold-out workstation.

Units: B130 + C6 + A3v2
Deluxe: +water kit, D6, D8, D1

See our Buyer's Guide

€4,199.00 (tax incl.)

The Partners Paradise Kit is the perfect camper van setup for couples, combining comfort, practicality, and smart storage solutions.

Featuring the B-Max bed, an L-shaped kitchen, and the Small Seating Combo, this kit maximizes space and creates a relaxing, well-organized home on wheels for two.

Table leg included

Mattress not included

€2,199.00 (tax incl.)

Big van? Meet big comfort. The Super Sleeper L3 Kit gives you a king-sized bed that doubles as a large lounge area, while our streamlined Side Kitchen provides plenty of room to cook and store, without stealing precious living space.

Built for larger vans, it's premium comfort without the premium price tag.

Mattress not included

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