Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some honest advice from people who have actually camped in different sized vans.
My husband has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis, and we’re determined to make the most of the time we have together — getting away, having adventures and making some lovely memories. ??
I’m looking to buy a van and create a simple camper ourselves. I’m happy with a blank canvas and don’t need luxury, but our budget is limited, so I really don’t want to buy something and then discover it’s just too cramped.
I’m considering everything from a Berlingo/Partner/Kangoo-sized van, possibly with a boot jump bed, through to a Dispatch/Vivaro/Trafic and potentially a Transit. I don’t want to go too big. Parking is limited where I live.
We only need to sleep two, but my husband is 6ft, and I want us to be able to sleep comfortably and have enough space that we don’t feel completely squashed — particularly if we get stuck inside on a rainy evening!
For anyone who has actually used these vans, what’s the reality of sleeping two in a micro camper compared with a Dispatch-sized van? Is the extra size really noticeable, and is it worth going bigger? In the micro camper range with a boot jump how is head room?
I’m quite happy with compact and basic. I just want something that will let us get away and enjoy ourselves without discovering we’ve made the van too small.
I’d love to hear your experiences, especially if you’ve gone from one size to another. ??
Very sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis, and it’ll be good to make happy memories.
By the sounds of it, you’ll be “car camping”. DVLA has a list of requirements before a vehicle can be classed / taxed / insured as a “motor caravan”. Unless you’re taking a portapotti (and toilet tent?) you’ll need to stay on sites with a toilet. Some sites are sticky about car camping (licence? Insurance?) others are not, Aires, or stopovers or Forestry car parks that charge for overnight, generally don’t ask.
A friend did car camping with a transit van plus a mattress on the floor, putting a EHU cable through the window. Neighbours spent a year building in storage & a pull-out stove etc in a Nissan van, but they need an awning to sleep in. I’ve seen a German Land Rover on site with a full roof rack; they had to take everything out of the Landy & put it on the roof rack, to sleep inside. You might want to consider getting a suitable tent that you can stand up in, and put up on your own, & a bed that’s comfortable: then you can start making memories in a few weeks.
Many options re the van idea: more people will have ideas.
All the best.
Can't help as I designed my own van based on camping for just me and the dog.
Just wanted to wish you the best of luck for you and your hubby to find a van that suits your needs as soon as possible.
DK
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Having a vehicle you can brew up in/sit comfortably for some time will give you scope for days out as well as overnighters. You can do this and stay in Travelodges or whatever if necessary, even out of season.
Being inside a vehicle that doesn't have a pop top roof will become wearing after a while, especially for tall persons.
We are on our second VW campervan, the first had a small double bed which might be a bit of a crush for tall persons. Our latest van has single beds which are as long as you like.
I have been a tent camper my whole life , but I want us to be able to do spontaneous stops, so if we are out for the day and he gets tired we can stop for break.
I’ll probably get an awning for when we are away for more than a night or so. Happy to pitch on a site. But for unplanned stops the basic need is a bed that we can both comfortably sleep in.
It’s for overnight rather than sit in all day, I see the berlingos and the like with a boot jump which offers a bed and somewhere to brew up and have a bite to eat. But I dont know if we would be squashed with two and if he would have leg room to stretch out fully in bed.
When in dining mode are our knees going to have room?
We just want to savour every minute. We have had 31 awesome years, so we are so lucky and grateful, but not ready to give up the adventures together yet.
I’m 5' 10” and only just fit, sideways and lengthways, in our camper van bed space and it really does hinder a good sleep not being able to stretch out. I’d advise a few inches extra to accommodate his height. Lying on the bed and thinking 'oh I just fit' won’t be a good solution.
Had a 5m lwb Dispatch campervan. Got a 6m Ducato campervan & a swb Kangoo. Kangoo fine for rough solo trips & used with a tent or as a tent on wheels depending on weather or location. Ducato fully kitted out for off grid comfort. Think best option is Dispatch or similar. Even at its most basic there's plenty room for 2 to sleep & cook under cover. Used ours for 9 years very happily. You can do basic such as using it like a tent or basic bunks etc
Never fancied those Jump things. Very clever but as we go out all year round having to cook outside can be a PITA in bad weather. Some folk use driveaway awnings but I hate them with a passion. Mainly cos we tour more than staying static for long so they're taking up space & payload.
Have a great time. I have a friend & wife doing the same kind of thing at the moment.
We had a VW transporter but after a few years have gone for a 6m Fiat Ducato base van. The extra metre gives you a loo/shower etc. Longer beds and easier to cope in bad weather. They are easy to drive as high up but then parking a 6m van needs more space.
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: Camper van/ does size matter? ??
via mobile 14/8/2026 at 2:33pm
