VW Crafter Campervan
VW Crafter base vehicle - what are the options?
The VW Crafter is an excellent option for people seeking a more extensive campervan conversion. The Crafter is available in various engine sizes and roof heights, making it a good choice for different campervan layouts. Available in both long wheelbase and short wheelbase.
The Volkswagen Crafter Campervan base vehicle is available in three different roof heights - low, medium, and high.
Low-roof crafters are best suited for city streets. They have a maximum capacity of around ten cubic metres. However, you must ensure you can stand up inside the vehicle.
We often convert into 4Motion vehicles. Keep in mind that the 4Motion floor is raised slightly, which gives you less height inside the van.
Medium roof crafters are more versatile and can be used for city driving and longer trips on the open road. They have a maximum capacity of around 12 cubic metres.
High-roof crafters are the largest option, ideal for long-distance trips, and give you the most internal space. They have a maximum capacity of around 15 cubic metres. Remember you won’t be able to park in some places with a high roof. This the is base vehicle of choice for most of our conversions.
Regarding engine size, the Crafter is available with a 2.0-litre engine, offered in both petrol and diesel versions. You can choose between 108 bhp, 134 bhp, 141 bhp and 181 bhp. We recommend going with at least the 134bhp engine for a campervan conversion. The Crafter is available with either manual or automatic transmissions.
Because they’re under 3.5 tonnes, they can be driven on a standard UK driving licence - you don’t need to take an additional test.
All of the Wildworx conversions weigh less than 3.5 tonnes after the interior fit out. You must be mindful when thinking about the exterior options as things like roof racks and rear ladders can add significant weight.
The Crafter typically comes in 2 trim options; Trendline and Highline.
How to choose the right Volkswagen Crafter Camper Layout?
Designing your van layout can seem overwhelming. There are loads of things to take into account. There are a few tools online that can help you with this. However, we recommend heading to one of the many campervan shows throughout the year.
If you’re a total noob, consider hiring a van for an evening or holiday. You can’t beat using a camper (even for one night) to clarify what you want.
All our builds are designed using CAD. Which means you get to see how the interior of the vehicle is going to work before we start the build. We can make big design changes or just small tweaks.
Do you want a permanent bed?
If you plan on doing a lot of camping, consider a layout that includes a permanent bed, which means a bed that doesn't need making up each night. This way, you won't have to set up and take down your bed whenever you’re ready to sleep. Permanent beds also tend to be more comfortable than temporary beds. The RIB bed, made specifically for campervan conversions, is an option to consider.
We have also installed electric raising beds and split single beds. All of our designs are bespoke to you. Tell us your idea and we can let you know what's possible.
Do you need a full kitchen?
Ask yourself what kind of meals you want to cook. Are you just going to be making breakfast and then eating out? Or do you want to eat most of your meals in the campervan?
Appliances vary between conversions. Our standard conversions are now fully electric. However we can fit LPG gas cookers if you require. Keep in mind LPG is getting harder to find in UK fuel stations.
We've been creating lots of air-fryer storage in our recent builds. Ideal for camping as they take up less space and can be used for cooking lots of different meals. All our conversions come with lithium batteries and inverters as standard. So powering electrical appliances is no problem.
How many people will be using the camper?
Don’t just think about how many beds you’ll need. You might be planning on using your van for an extra vehicle. VW Crafter Camper 4 berth is probably the most common layout. It’s not unusual to have a four-berth camper with five seat belts for when you need the option to carry additional passengers.
Converting your VW Crafter
There are loads of decisions to make when converting your VW Crafter. Standing in the back of the empty van shows you just how much space you have to play with! Whether you're looking for a Swamper, Overlander or a VW Crafter luxury campervan. The main decisions you need to make are:
- Do you want a pop-top roof?
- Your layout
- Do you need a toilet or will a porta-potty be adequate?
- Do you need an internal shower - would an outside shower suffice?
- Underslung tank systems
- Are you looking for a Crafter Swamper
- What campervan table system will you use?
VW Crafter Camper Conversion Parts
If you're considering converting your VW Crafter into a camper, you must invest in the right parts to make your dream a reality. Fortunately, many conversion parts are available on the market specifically designed for the VW Crafter.
There's a wide range of options, from essential items like insulation and side flares to luxury features like solar panels and pop-top roofs. As well as a wide variety of VW Crafter off-road accessories for people looking for a 4x4 look.
Some popular VW Crafter custom campervan accessories include swivel seats, VW Crafter camper conversion kits, or convertible beds. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-time vanlifer, investing in the right parts is vital to creating a comfortable and functional space that meets your needs on the road.
Pay attention to the importance of VW Crafter alloy wheels and tyres when upgrading your van. They may seem like an afterthought, but choosing the suitable alloys can make all the difference in achieving your desired aesthetic.
Think about suspension upgrades. Do you want to consider Air Suspension, Coilovers or Lowering Springs? This can be a considerable extra cost on a build.
Consider this crucial aspect of your vehicle before the last minute. Take the time to select the perfect set of alloys that complement your van's style and enhance its performance on the road—one of the essential parts of Volkswagen Crafter styling.
Tips on driving and looking after your VW Crafter Camper
If you're the proud owner of a VW Crafter Camper, you'll know that it's not just a van; it's a home away from home. You’ll need to ensure you’re looking after it in the best way possible.
- Make sure you're familiar with the dimensions of your van. This will help you avoid any nasty bumps or scrapes when manoeuvring in tight spaces
- Invest in some good quality camping equipment
- Plan your journeys. This will help you avoid any stressful situations when you're driving. Specifically, where do you plan on parking
- Look into winterising your van - avoid frozen pipes at all cost
- Invest in a good car cleaning kit
Wildworx VW Crafter Conversions
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled life on the open road, a VW Crafter campervan could be your perfect vehicle. With all the comforts of home and plenty of space to stretch out, you’ll never want to return to life before your camper.
Wildworx has completed many Crafter conversions, and we’re pretty proud of them. Ready to take the plunge? Get in touch with us today. We would love to hear more about your VW Crafter Campervan Conversion project. Are you looking for something ready-made? Look at our Campers for Sale that are ready to drive away.