When taking on a project of a converting a van to a camper, there is a compromise of size vs practicality. Our option a couple of years ago for our first camper was to used a medium, low roof van which is small enough to be able to park in normal car parks from both a length and height perspective. However, with the lack of space, we do have the benefit of a drive away awning. But that is a pain to re-connect after a day away from a campsite. If we are only on a campsite for a couple nights we may not bother putting it up!
So, we have been considered upgrading to a bigger, high-roof van with more on-board facilities. We would be interested in how others get on with parking these larger panel van conversions. We are thinking Ducato/Relay/Boxer based conversions, though these come in different lengths too!
It depends on what you need in the way of facilities.. My van (SWB Relay with high top) has a great layout that manages to get 2 berths/ 4 seats and a washroom into 5 mtrs.
Ideally I would have 5.5 mtrs to give a bigger wardrobe and kitchen space.
This would take it to nearer the 5.8 mtrs of my last van which I had no problem parking. I should however say that there is adequate free open air parking in this part of the world and we also have a small car.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Mine is a MWB VW Crafter with standard roof, just under 6m in length.
It is a bit too long for a normal parking space, so I tend to park as far away from everyone else, usually in a corner or at the end of a row of spaces closest to a wall/building to avoid blocking people in.
I have a drop down bed so that I don't have to keep making up the bed at night and putting it away in the morning. It also provides me with a decent living space when it is in the raised position.
However, I had to compromise on its length in order to allow sufficient space for a decent size kitchen and bathroom with a toilet and shower at the back of the van.
I am fine with a shorter bed as I go camping on my own with my dog. The van was designed with me in mind and not anyone else! Anyone over 5'2" would struggle to sleep in the drop down bed or the pull out bed below.
I don't have any hanging space for clothes and use the bathroom for hanging wet jacket etc. if required.
I have curtains instead of a solid cab panel, and the back of the seats in the cab are used for draping clothes on them like waterproof and fleece jacket.
When I was spec'ing my base van, I was encouraged to opt for a LWB that is about 6.84m and extra high roof to provide more space lengthwise and more headspace.
I decided against it as I worried about driving such a long van. Besides, at the time, a MWB van could just about fit into the drive in front of my garage. A LWB would stick out and risk being hit by another vehicle.
I am glad I chose a MWB and not a LWB base vehicle.
The issue with parking my van is the height restriction as I have an air con unit on the roof. I do need to remember to bring in the step though, not so much the one at the back but the one of the side, in case some numpty driver with a Chelsea Tractor would miss it when trying to squeeze in next to me.
DK
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Panel van size compromise
Anyone over 5'2" would struggle to sleep in the drop down bed or the pull out bed below.
