Best Vans for Camper Conversions: Our Expert Guide
Thinking about converting a van into your dream camper? Whether you’re planning spontaneous weekend getaways or full-time off-grid adventures, the first step is deciding on the right van for your lifestyle.
At Albatross Conversions, we specialise in transforming everything from small vans like the Ford Transit Connect, medium-sized vans like the VW Transporter, and long-wheelbase platforms like the Ducato/Boxer/Relay. Helping you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
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What Makes a Great Van for a Custom Van Conversion?
Before you decide on the model of vehicle for your custom van conversion, it’s worth considering the different options you have to choose from.
Whether you require a full van conversion or need some additional support with the more technical parts of the build, thinking about how you’ll use the space in your van is very important. We recommend you consider whether you’ll be using your van for short trips, living in your van full-time, or if you’ll need extra storage space for bikes, surfboards, or even a bathroom, because this will help you identify the ideal vehicle base.
Still a little unsure about what van you need? At Albatross, we understand that this can be one of the most challenging parts of your camper conversion journey. So, to help visualise this a little better, here are some of the main factors we consider when choosing a van base to convert:
Interior height & wheelbase - more space means more flexibility for layouts
Fuel economy - important for long-distance travel
Reliability & parts availability - no one wants surprise breakdowns
Drive comfort - especially important if you’ll be on the road often
Budget - both for the van and your custom conversion
Want inspiration? Explore our innovative campervan conversion editions on the website.
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Our Top Picks for Van Conversions (2025)
Choosing the right van for a conversion depends on your lifestyle, travel plans, and budget. Yet some models consistently stand out. We work with a wide range of vans, and over time, several have proven themselves to be especially versatile, reliable, and well-suited to campervan conversions.
To help guide your decision, we’ve broken down our top recommendations by size, layout, and affordability.
Whether you’re after a compact weekend escape vehicle or a spacious long-wheelbase build, these are the vans we trust, and why.
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VW Transporter Conversions
The classic. The VW Transporter is a solid, stylish choice, and with so many generations and layouts, it offers something for everyone. It’s especially popular for small to mid-size camper conversions, thanks to its excellent handling, reliability, and iconic look.
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Great for: Solo travellers, couples, and stealth campers
Recommended layout: Pop-top roof, bed-seat combo, slide-out modular kitchen pods.
This world-renowned van has become the benchmark for compact custom van conversions, which is exactly why we chose the VW Transporter as the base for our signature Drift edition.
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VW Crafter Conversions
If you’re looking for more space or planning to travel for extended periods, the VW Crafter is an excellent choice. It offers the same proven reliability as the VW Transporter but on a larger scale, with the added bonus of full standing height throughout the interior.
Its generous dimensions allow for flexible layouts and increased storage space, with the ability to sleep up to six people, depending on the configuration.
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Great for: Travellers seeking spacious, high-spec builds, ideal for families, creative professionals, or those after a more home-from-home layout.
Recommended layout: Electrically operated or modular bed system, full kitchen, separate shower and toilet cubicle, solar panels, under-bed garage storage, optional roof terrace decking or pop-top roof.
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Mercedes Sprinter Conversions
If luxury is your style, the Mercedes Sprinter is a standout choice. Built to the high standards we’ve come to expect from Mercedes-Benz, its cockpit is both refined and highly functional, offering exceptional comfort for long hours on the road.
Long-wheelbase Sprinters are especially popular for off-grid builds, with enough space for a fixed bed, an indoor kitchen, and even a full bathroom. The high roof provides full standing height, making this model ideal for taller travellers or anyone planning to travel full-time.
Whether you’re cruising sun-kissed rivieras, exploring snowcapped alpine passes, or navigating rugged coastlines, a Sprinter conversion delivers the comfort, style, and reliability to thrive in any environment.
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Great for: Full-time vanlifers, remote workers, touring couples, or anyone planning extended off-grid adventures.
Recommended layout: Fixed bed, full kitchen, combined shower/toilet, solar system, overhead storage, dedicated garage space.
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Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer / Citroën Relay Conversions
The Ducato chassis, shared by the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, Vauxhall Movano and Toyota Proace Max, is popular for a reason. These vans offer excellent value, especially for full-size camper conversions, and their straight walls and boxy interiors make them easier to design and build van conversions into, maximising storage, space and functionality.
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Great for: Budget-friendly full-size conversions.
Recommended layout: Fixed bed, dining area, large kitchen, full bathroom, and overhead storage space.
Our signature Wander & Roam van conversions are both built on this very van base, chosen for its comfort, space, and flexibility, and ideal for long camping adventures around the world.
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Ford Transit & Transit Custom Conversions
Ford Transits have truly stood the test of time, and for good reason. These vans offer exceptional reliability, plenty of space, and a comfortable driving experience, which is why we’re seeing more and more van conversions based on these trusted models.
For larger van conversion builds, the Ford Transit (and Ford Transit Jumbo variant) is a strong contender. It provides generous interior space, full standing height, and is well-suited to layouts with a fixed bed, full kitchen, toilet, and shower, plus garage storage beneath.
Looking for something more compact? The Transit Custom is built to the same high standards and now shares a chassis with the VW Transporter. It’s a dependable, comfortable choice for weekend trips, solo travel, or even daily driving.
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Great for: Versatile conversions on a budget, ideal for those needing a balance between everyday drivability and camper comfort.
Recommended layout: Fold-out or fixed bed, modular kitchen, under-bed storage, optional toilet and shower setups (suitable for the Ford Transit & Ford Transit Jumbo).
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Custom Van Conversions: Built Around You
At Albatross Conversions, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your lifestyle, your goals, and even your hobbies shape the design of your camper - and that’s what makes custom van conversions so unique and rewarding.
We’ll sit down with you, sketch out ideas, and bring your vision to life, whether that’s space-saving electrically operated bed systems or a full dog-friendly setup with outdoor shower. Every detail is designed to suit the way you want to travel.
Learn more about our process.
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Local Expertise You Can Count On
Based on the South Coast, we’re proud to offer van conversions and modifications locally across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, and the wider Dorset area, as well as nationally across the UK. Our workshop is fully equipped for everything from electrics and plumbing to carpentry and flooring, and our team brings years of experience to each and every build.
Need inspiration? Drop by our showroom or browse our website to explore the range of materials, finishes, and custom modifications used in our bespoke campervan conversions.
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Not Sure Which Van to Choose?
We help clients at every stage of the journey, including choosing the right van to start with. If you haven’t purchased your base vehicle yet, we can help source and acquire the right van, recommend trusted dealers, or even help inspect potential buys with you.
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FAQs
Do you offer full or part conversions?
Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for a complete campervan conversion, specific van modifications, or help with insulation, electrics, or cabinetry, we offer flexible options.
More details are available on our Mods page.
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Can you convert my existing van?
Yes! You’re welcome to get in touch by phone, email, or by visiting our website or workshop. We’d be happy to chat through your ideas, and since we work with a wide range of van models, we can advise you on the best next steps to suit your needs.
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How long does a custom van conversion take?
Typically, a full van conversion takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the build. We’ll provide a realistic timeline during your consultation.
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Ready to Get Started?
Your dream van conversion starts with a conversation. Whether you’re still searching for the right vehicle or ready to book an appointment, our team at Albatross Conversions are here to help.
📍 Visit our showroom in Poole, Dorset
📞 Call or message us for a design consultation
🌐 Explore previous builds on our website or social media
