The wide selection of ‘vans on offer in the UK means it can be hard to know how to go about finding the best campervan for you and your needs. Choose the right one and you’ll have an excellent base for making some amazing memories, but if you purchase a camper van that doesn’t meet your requirements, it could prove to be an expensive mistake. So how do you find the ‘van for you? That’s where this guide comes in.
Coming on one of the best vans for converting to a camper, such as the Mercedes Sprinter, the VW Transporter or the Fiat Ducato, a camper van has been converted specifically for travelling, Owning a campervan gives you the freedom to explore, allowing you to pitch up at your chosen site, but before you can relax and enjoy the benefits of on tour life, you’ll need to find the right model.
We’ve been able to compile this guide in a couple of ways. Firstly, we run the Owner Satisfaction Awards, where our readers vote, telling us how they’ve got on when buying their ‘vans, in the process, allowing us to identify the best campervan converters and the best motorhome manufacturers. Our most recent set of Awards saw us receive 5,013 votes, giving us an in-depth insight into the industry.
Then there are the Practical Motorhome Awards, where our expert judging panel picks out the best campervans for the upcoming season across a number of categories. Combine this with the many reviews we’ve conducted, and we’re in a strong place to choose the great camper vans that will meet your needs.
Here, you’ll find models from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Malibu, Bilbo’s, Bailey and more, as we share our pick of the best camper vans.
What’s the best camper van to buy?
Malibu Genius 641 LE
Panama P57
Benimar Benivan 161
Bilbo’s Celex HL
Swift Trekker X
Auto-Sleeper M-Star
Swift Carrera 144
Benimar Benivan 144
Bailey Endeavour B63
The best campervans:
Malibu Genius 641 LE
- Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2946kg
- Payload: 192kg
- Length: 6.40m
- Width: 2.02m
Reason to buy:
- Provides great storage and comfort
Reason to avoid:
- No cooker as standard, shower only has a single drainage hole
Our winner of the most luxurious campervan at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025 is an innovative option which offers plenty of comfort and storage.
Malibu has added an extra 47cm to the original 5.93m length of the Mercedes Sprinter, as the manufacturer was unable to fit everything it wanted to include for its Comfort spec level. Despite this rear extension, it still matches the original base vehicle’s beading.
We found this extra space was especially felt in the side kitchen, where good work surface (including a pull-out extension), a two-burner hob and a large sink can be found, although there is no oven as standard.
By folding out the washroom doors twice, you can create a partition to seal off the rear section of the interior, essentially creating two rooms. Seal off the cubicle with a plastic screen and you then get a third. Slide the toilet away and fold up the basin to create a clear shower space too, although we noted it only has a single drainage hole.
The rear bedroom utilises this extra length too, with the two single beds 2m long. We also like how it makes a huge difference to the storage – lift the beds up to reveal a generous storage space, including a hanging wardrobe and two sets of drawers.
Full review: Malibu Genius 641 LE
Panama P57
- Base vehicle: Ford Tourneo Custom
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3225kg
- MIRO: 2875kg
- Payload: 350kg
- Length: 5.40m
- Width: 2.15m
Reason to buy:
- Excellent spec, great kitchen and full washroom
Reason to avoid:
- The washroom doesn’t provide the most privacy
We found the Panama P57 to be an impressive option when we reviewed it and also thought it was a tad unusual. This is because it manages to include a Thetford fitted swivel toilet, a handbasin and a shower, despite only being 5.4m, features that we reckon would make this ideal for those who want a comfortable ‘van for off-grid touring.
The washroom area is a good size and can be turned into a shower cubicle to utilise the shower head which pulls out from the tap. One thing we will highlight – the door and walls are only half-height, meaning this area isn’t going to provide huge amounts of privacy, so make sure you’re comfortable sharing the space with your touring companions. However, what these half-height walls do mean is that it’s easy to stand up in the shower, and get in and out easily enough, once the roof is raised. When you have the roof down, it will also offer a bit more privacy when using the toilet, albeit at the expense of headroom.
Elsewhere, the Ford Tourneo Custom-based ‘van has an easy-to-set-up lounge, with the cab seats swivelling around and a rear bench that can be moved backwards and forwards as required. It may be a slight squeeze to get the table in-between the seats but this is only because it’s a good size. A Webasto diesel heater will keep things warm if you’re a fan of winter touring too.
We were very impressed with the L-shaped kitchen, with our reviewer remarking “it was one of the best kitchens they had seen in a campervan of these compact dimensions”. Here, you’ll find a square sink, a two-burner hob, a 42-litre Mestic fridge, and a good amount of work surface, even if the latter is a little low.
The lounge bed is a little narrow for two adults, but the roof bed is a great size. There’s also plenty of storage throughout too.
If you were stuck between a campervan or motorhome and thought you had to go for the latter to get a good washroom, the Panama P57 could be the answer.
Full review: Panama P57
Benimar Benivan 161
- Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato
- Sleeps: 2
- Belts: 4
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2853kg
- Payload: 674kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.05m
Reason to buy:
- Provides an impressive washroom and two lengthways single beds in a 5.99m ‘van
Reason to avoid:
- Kitchen could be a bit too basic for cooks
We thought there was a lot to like about the stylish Fiat Ducato-based Benivan 161 when we put it to the test.
We were particularly impressed by how Spanish manufacturer Benimar has managed to fit two lengthways single beds at the rear, despite the ‘van having a length of only 5.99m, something which will always be an important feature when choosing the best camper vans. We found them to be comfortable and wide, plus there’s the option of creating a double by using wooden panels, although our tester did think this was a bit awkward to get into position.
We thought the washroom was a good space for a ‘van of this size, coming with a sizeable shower tray with two drainage holes, a large fold-up handbasin and a swivel toilet.
We didn’t notice the lack of a sunroof in the lounge either, as a Heki and large windows create a well-lit interior. One thing we should highlight is the kitchen is a bit basic for cooks, only coming with a one-burner hob – however, there is a lot of workspace, and the space-saving decision to put the fridge at the peninsula end means it can be easily reached if you’re sitting outside.
Full review: Benimar Benivan 161
Bilbo’s Celex HL
- Base vehicle: Volkswagen T6.1
- Sleeps: 2 (roof bed optional)
- Belts: 4
- Length: 4.89m
- Width: 2.10m
- MTPLM: 2800kg
- Payload: 400kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers a great drive, has great fixtures and fittings
Reason to avoid:
- The kitchen only offers limited work surface, doesn’t have a washroom
Providing a smart layout, good storage, and a comfortable bed, the Celex HL from well-known converter Bilbo’s really stood out when we put it to the test.
Coming on the VW T6, the SWB camper offers a nifty driving experience, while a length of less than 5m and height of under 2.1m makes it easy to park, something which could be a dealbreaker when choosing the best small campervan.
A classic couple’s ‘van, it offers good headspace, thanks to its straightforward-to-pop side-hinge elevating roof, which, after swivelling the cab seats around, creates a good lounge area. In the side kitchen, you’ll find a two-burner hob with a glass cover and Piezo ignition, a 65-litre Dometic compression fridge, and a large drawer, which we reckon could be used for a microwave. However, a limited work surface could hamper the cooking efforts of keen chefs.
While there isn’t a washroom, there would be space for one of the best campervan toilets beneath the bed, while the shower connection at the rear of the ‘van would be ideal for washing muddy boots.
The rear double bed is relatively simple to make up with the rear seating – once put together, you’ll have a bed that we thought was very comfortable.
Full review: Bilbo’s Celex HL
Swift Trekker X
- Base Vehicle: Ford Transit
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2890kg
- Payload: 610kg
- Berths: 4
- Belts: 4
- Length: 5.98m
- Width: 2.11m
Reason to buy:
- Offers a great spec, ideal for adventurous touring
Reason to avoid:
- Could be wasteful if you’re not into outdoor sport
Based on the Ford Transit, the Swift Trekker X is a rugged ‘van that makes a great choice for the more adventurous campervanner.
This is thanks to the ‘van’s rear area, which not only has a fold-away bed, but if you’re touring on your own or as a couple, offers a space that we reckon could be ideal for storing a variety of outdoor gear – and thanks to the storage in this area, including lockers and drawers, we think it would be great for carrying out maintenance on a bike, for instance, with room for the necessary tools.
Then there are the smart 16″ alloy wheels, the 110W solar panel, and a kitchen which includes a built-in oven with a grill, a two-burner stainless steel hob, and plenty of work surface.
We also liked the roof bed, which comes strip lighting and USB points. Something we will highlight is the central aisle could be a bit on the narrow side, but we thought the washroom was impressive, coming with a Thetford cassette toilet, and a foldaway washbasin, along with a shower mixed with an Ecocamel Jetstorm shower head.
Auto-Sleeper M-Star
- Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter
- Berths: 2
- MTPLM: 3880 (est) kg
- Payload: 480 (est) kg
- Shipping Length: 7.10 m
- Width: 2.02 m
Reason to buy:
- Excellent storage provided, kit level is superb
Reason to avoid:
- There’s no getting away from the price tag
The ‘van that we picked out as an award winner at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2024 is one that simply exudes class.
Comfortable heated, swivelling leather seats can be found in the cab, along with an easy-to-operate large touchscreen. The camper van comes with plenty of high-tech features, such as Lane-keeping Assist and Cruise Control, as you’d expect with a Mercedes base vehicle.
The M-Star has the popular rear-lounge layout, with two comfortable sofas coming in buttoned leather, or fabric furnishings if preferred. The backrests are thin but supportive, and four scatter cushions create a homely vibe. The campervan’s 2.02m width means it’s a narrow space though.
Kit levels throughout are fantastic, ranging from the Truma roof-mounted air conditioning and Alde wet heating system to six radiators and an Avtex Smart HD TV with a soundbar. In the kitchen, you’ll find a full oven and a separate grill, as well as a Thetford dual-fuel hob – impressive for a campervan. There’s also an excellent workspace, thanks to a pair of flaps, while loose-lay carpets are fitted throughout.
An estimated MTPLM of 3880kg means you’ll need a C1 licence to drive it but plenty of storage is provided to make the most of the estimated payload of 480kg, including six lockers in the rear lounge, a three-quarter height wardrobe, and numerous kitchen lockers.
If the best campervan for you is one that comes with everything you could desire as standard, we’d say you’d be hard-pressed to beat this.
Full review: Auto-Sleeper M-Star
Swift Carrera 144
- Berths: 3
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- Payload: 571kg
- Shipping length: 6m
- Width: 2.26m
Reason to buy:
- Kitchen impresses for a campervan, washroom is good
Reason to avoid:
- Rear lounge could feel cramped, beds perhaps not suited to taller people
The Carrera 144 offers a good spec level by campervan standards, including a Thule awning and fitted cab blinds.
Four can sit comfortably in the front dinette after swivelling the seats of the standard Ducato cab, with a Heki and sunroof allowing daylight to flood in.
The rear lounge may feel a bit cramped, a feeling enhanced by the narrow gangway. Despite this, four can sit fairly comfortably here too, and should all be able to watch TV (check out our best motorhome TV guide if you need one). Al fresco dining fans will appreciate the tabletop that slots into position outside too.
Kitchen workspace is excellent, thanks to a work surface extension – the spec also includes a fold-out bin, a two-burner hob and a 90-litre Dometic fridge. We’re impressed by the storage throughout too, which includes a half-height wardrobe, a large overhead locker in the kitchen and a big drawer underneath the nearside settee.
The washroom particularly stands out – there may be no separate shower cubicle but a foldaway basin maximises the space, while the wall’s marbling effect and the basin’s mint-green splashback look smart and inviting.
There’s no avoiding that the ‘van is not suited to very tall people, with the rear lounge settees only 1.70m long when the double bed is made up. However, we appreciate that you don’t need platforms to set the double up but instead rely on a clever set of slats that fold out from the nearside to clip onto the offside settee. It’s also handy to only need a single infill cushion to make up the third berth in the front dinette.
Full review: Swift Carrera 144
Benimar Benivan 144
- Berths: 2
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MiRO: 2853kg
- Payload: 647kg
- Length: 5.99m
- Width: 2.05kg
Reason to buy:
- Competitively priced, decent headroom in the washroom, comfy transverse bed
Reason to avoid:
- Limited space in the kitchen, clothes storage is limited
Coming with Fiat alloys, a Standard Ducato cab and a 140bhp Ducato engine, we were very impressed by this competitively priced campervan when we saw it.
There’s no getting away from the lack of a sunroof in the cab, but we didn’t think it had too much of an impact, with the beige and toffee upholstery adding a pop of colour. The front lounge also features a Heki, which keeps things bright. In this space, a clip-on table, which comes with an extension, can be used by the two rear bench travel seats and the cab seats when they’re swivelled around.
We like how this front lounge can still be used if you’re touring in the winter, thanks to the two Truma heating vents beneath the table – this is an area that is typically neglected in other ‘vans, so it’s good to see and the type of thoughtful addition we look for in the best campervans. We also appreciate the option of clipping the table onto the edge of the kitchen peninsula, ideal for lovers of outdoor dining during the warmer months.
The kitchen has a fairly small workspace if the extension isn’t used, but we found it fairly simple to set up. There is also a sink, which is in line with a two-burner hob, and a mains socket, but we found space quite limited here.
We think the headroom in the washroom is decent by campervan standards. Bright, with an opaque window, we would like to have seen more than one drainage hole for the shower, but the inclusion of a shelf for toiletries is welcome.
The rear transverse bed is also incredibly comfortable, and handily, can be folded up with a clasp to give you room for storing a bike. Storage is generally good, but our one complaint was the lack of room for clothes, with no wardrobe provided.
Full review: Benimar Benivan 144
Bailey Endeavour B63
- Base vehicle: Ford Transit
- Berths: 2
- Belts: 2
- MTPLM: 3500kg
- MIRO: 2919kg
- Payload: 581kg
- Length: 5.98m
- Width: 2.50m
Reason to buy:
- Has a good washroom for a ‘van of this size, works well for two
Reason to avoid:
- Larger tambour doors have a reputation for jamming, rear kitchen means it is not as handy for day-to-day carting of heavy goods around as other models might be
We were impressed by this sub-6m addition to the Endeavour range, joining the likes of the Endeavour B62. The B63 is a two-berth which could be the best campervan for those who prioritise having a shower and toilet.
The rear corner washroom manages to be a good size considering the dimensions of the ‘van, and thanks to the cleverness of the model’s design, the tambour door can be used to shut much of it away, giving you the space to enjoy the rest of camper van.
This, for instance, means the rear kitchen can be used more easily, and we like how the ‘van caters to those who enjoy al fresco dining, thanks to the inclusion of the fridge at the end, providing easy access when you’re eating outdoors.
For those who have pitched up at a picturesque campsite, the large settee will provide a good base for taking in the surroundings. Usefully, it can then be moved forward to create a double bed too.
We think the Ford Transit-based ‘van makes a comfortable base for a couple on tour, and helpfully, thanks to its length, should be relatively easy to park and drive.
How do I decide what the best campervan for me is?
Some of the key things to think about include how regularly you intend to use it, where you want to go in it, and how many of you will be staying in it, on both a regular and occasional basis. For instance, is it for solo travel, or will you be touring as a couple? Perhaps you’ll have grandchildren staying over occasionally?
The next step is to decide what are your must-haves, compared to those things that are more would-likes – what are the things that would make it the best camper van for you?
How we choose the best campervans
We’ve been able to compile this guide in a couple of ways. Firstly, we run the Owner Satisfaction Awards, where our readers vote, telling us how they’ve got on when buying their ‘vans, in the process, allowing us to identify the leading campervan converters and the best motorhome manufacturers. Our most recent set of Awards saw us receive 5,013 votes, giving us an in-depth insight into the industry.
We also run the Practical Motorhome Awards, where our expert panel pick out the standout motorhomes across a range of categories, judging the latest releases for the upcoming season.
Since Practical Motorhome launched in 2001, we’ve been putting the latest releases to the test, reviewing them in real-world conditions. We make sure every test is fair, pointing out the pros and the cons of each model. You can find out more about our testing process on our About Us page.
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