Which VW campervan is right for you?

02/05/2022
blog / advice / vw camper / summer / family


VW campervans continue to be a popular choice with singles, couples and small families looking to get away from it all! There are many models to choose from so be sure to explore all the options before making your choice.

VW campers are great as they offer the best of both worlds - they allow you to enjoy your creature comforts such as electric hook-up, kitchen facilities and real beds to sleep in, whilst remaining compact so that they’re easier to drive and park, and cheaper to run than larger motorhomes.

VW campervan

If you’re new to the world of campers, it may seem there are endless variables, but once you’re familiar with the basics - van types, wheel base size and camper ranges, it’ll be easier to see what will suit you and narrow down the options a little. 

At Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes, we work in partnership with Camper King, an established VW van conversion company based in Warwickshire and the biggest in the industry. They are a well-known, established business who have an impressive track record for high-quality VW conversions. 

Van type and models

There are three van models that Camper King currently convert -  the T5, T6, or T6.1. These relate to the age of the van; the T5 was in production between 2003 and 2010, the T6 between 2015 and present day and the T6.1 - the latest model and a facelift of the T6 - was launched in 2020. All three vans are great but keep in  mind that newer vans may have lower mileage, be in better condition and have more modern tech.

The Transporter vans come in three levels - the Startline, Trendline and Highline and the names say it all. The Startline has a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors and single front passenger seat. Trendline models have various added extras such as parking sensors, bluetooth phone connection, cruise control and body coloured bumpers. Highline also offers an upgraded alarm system, leather steering wheel and gear knob, upgraded air con system and front fog lights.

What different ranges are there?

Once converted, the campervans have model names of their own, some of the most popular ones being Portofino, Santorini, St Tropez, Monte Carlo and Le Mans. They each offer something different so research them all fully to see which will suit your needs best.

Key features

Portofino:

  • Seats 6, sleeps 4

  • Full size oven and large hob

  • Three-seat R&R bed

  • Adjustable tables

  • External BBQ point

Santorini:

  • Seats 6, sleeps 4

  • Two burner hob

  • Three-seat R&R bed

  • Adjustable tables 

  • 50l fridge freezer

St Tropez:

  • Seats 5, sleeps 4

  • Two-seat R&R bed

  • Integrated sink and gas hob

  • Additional storage

  • 50l fridge freezer

Monte Carlo:

  • Seats 5, sleeps 4

  • Grill and extra-wide hob

  • Two-seat R&R bed

  • Adjustable tables

  • 50l fridge freezer

Le Mans:

  • Seats 6, sleeps 4

  • Three-seat R&R bed

  • Integrated sink and gas hob

  • Additional storage

  • 50l fridge freezer

Short or long wheel base?

The VW Transporter short wheel base (SWB) vans measure 4.9m in length, while the long wheel base (LWB) are 5.3m in length. So if you want a little more space, the LWB can offer that, or if you’d like to be as compact as possible, the SWB would be better suited. Think about where you’re going to be parking / storing your van when it’s not in use as that extra 40cm might make all the difference!

Some models are only available in one size for the other - with Camper King conversions, the Portofino and Santorini are only available as LWB,  while the Le Mans conversion is only offered on SWB. The St Tropez and Monte Carlo models can be used on either.

Ready to go or made to order?

Are you looking for a campervan that is already converted or a van that you can have a say in the conversion of? At Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes, we hold a stock of campervans that are ready to go as well as offering vans converted to order, ensuring the finished product meets your exact needs. We hand-pick only the highest quality VW vans to be converted to ensure you get a superior product, whilst also keeping value for money in mind by opting for models that are 1-5 years old.

Why choose VW?

  • VW is known for its superior quality and the transporter vans are reliable and have well galvanised bodies, making them ideal for conversion.

  • Their size makes them ideal for use as a family car as well as a campervan - so it can double up rather than sit idle when not on weekends away.

  • They hold their value extremely well.

  • They’re cool! There is a VW community certainly and buying a VW campervan enables you to be part of that.

Why buy from us?

  • We work in partnership with Camper King, known for the best conversions in the business.

  • We supply a full warranty on all of our vehicles so you can rest assured that any issue will be sorted quickly and without fuss.

  • We were awarded the Gold Award as a Supplying Dealer of New Caravans at the 2021 Owner Satisfaction Awards. Our satisfaction score of 87.2% demonstrates the extremely high level of customer service we provide.

  • We’re a reputable, quality dealer and our customers agree - our rating is 4.7/5 on Google reviews.

  • We take a relaxed sales approach and don’t work on commission so you’ll never feel pressured to buy. Feel free to come in for a browse, ask us any questions you have and the rest is up to you!

Browse the range of VW campers we have in stock and pop into the showroom for a closer look! Or get in touch / give us a call on 01962 714844 to find out more about other model options, Camper King or the process of buying pre-converted. Whichever option you choose, we’ll be with you every step of the way!



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