Enthusiastic travellers/explorers save hard to buy their first new motorcaravan, only to be disappointed by the poor quality of the conversion and (frequently) also by the attitude of the staff. As a result, they decide to design and build their own, because not only did they think they could do better – they could – and did!
This leads to a few more pre-production examples and finally the establishment of a company with highly skilled and dedicated operatives and a caring sales network. This is the back-story of quite a few campervan conversion companies, including highly regarded CamperKing.
Founders Spencer and Hannah Grey started CamperKing in 2010 and their company has grown to become one of the largest UK converters of VW Transporter-based campervans, a base vehicle which is one of the best vans for converting to a camper.
Many of its competitors have diversified into converting other base vehicles, or making coachbuilts and even static holiday homes. In contrast, CamperKing has stuck to its original mission: to design and build VW Transporter-based elevating-roof ’vans.
Although originally designed to accommodate the rear engine in earlier generations of the Transporter, the traditional campervan layout is still the most popular.
The reasons for this are that it feels relatively roomy on-site, plus it offers safe, easy access and egress for rear seat passengers, always an appealing trait in a VW campervan.
Some European conversions are right-hand drive but not handed for the UK. Thus, they have a UK-offside sliding door, with the potential of discharging passengers into the traffic, rather than on to the kerbside. Possibly largely irrelevant on a big coachbuilt, but an important consideration for those buying a campervan, which is likely to be an ‘only vehicle’ and utilised for (say) the school run. All CamperKing conversions have a (UK) nearside sliding door.
That traditional campervan interior (sometimes referred to as a side layout) places a full-length run of kitchen cabinets plus a wardrobe opposite the sliding door. Most of the remainder of the space behind the cab is taken up by a bench seat which converts into a longitudinal double bed (and don’t miss our tips on how to make a camper van bed more comfortable if you want to improve your sleeping experience).
Additional seating is usually available by swivelling the cab seats. Unless one can re-write the laws of physics, there is only so much width available. Thereby lies a dichotomy. The wider the seat/bed is, the narrower the kitchen has to be, and vice-versa.
This is where the various CamperKing models featured differ. Monte Carlo and St Tropez have a double rear seat and a deeper kitchen. Le Mans and Santorini have a wider rear seat/bed which accommodates three passengers, but as a result, a narrower (but still perfectly practical) galley.
The original purchaser will also have been able to choose a short wheelbase or long wheelbase model. Both are not available on all derivatives, but on most. All feature a rear hinged elevating-roof which allows full standing height when in residential mode.
The principal advantages of an elevating-roof over a fixed high-top are that when in travel mode the motorcaravan can shimmy under the majority of the constantly-proliferating height barriers, plus fuel economy is better.
Interestingly, CamperKing will convert your existing pre-owned T6 panel van, if it is suitable. The author has followed this route himself and acquired a motorcaravan that felt new (because the conversion was) for secondhand money. Finally, for peace of mind, all CamperKing models have WVTA (Whole Vehicle Type Approval).
What to look out for
Base vehicle
Volkswagen has a deserved reputation for reliability. However, anything that is mechanical will wear and there are some reported problems to look out for. Check carefully that all the warning lights that should extinguish after start up, do so.
Pay particular attention to any engine management lights still illuminated. Common reported faults on low mileage motorcaravans are a blocked EGR valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and/or a blocked DPF (Dual Particulate Filter). Infrequent use and a light right foot don’t allow these to regenerate. Not serious, but needs attending to.
Another reported fault is leaking rear door seals on barn door (hinged) examples. DSG (automatic transmission) examples must have the fluid changed at the correct time interval, regardless of mileage. Check age of the campervan tyres.
Conversion
These are thoughtfully designed and well put-together. However, make sure that everything operates as it should, because ham-fisted adults and over-enthusiastic children are not unknown. Include the deployment and storage of the elevating-roof (pop-top).
Easily overlooked, but crucial, is to make sure that there are sufficient designated travel seats (that is, with seatbelts) for all potential passengers. That said, if there are only three and you need four, a single-cab passenger seat can be changed for a double one.
Our pick
Really it depends whether you wish for a wider seat/bed or a deeper kitchen. My personal favourite is the short wheelbase Le Mans. Think carefully about choosing a variant with the bi-turbo engines (180bhp and 205bhp). Some of these have suffered turbocharger problems and/or damage to the crowns of the pistons, both at relatively low mileages.
What to pay
Buttons won’t buy one. The base vehicle will have cost a tidy sum and the conversions use quality components, thus they have high residuals.
Think in terms of at least £32,000 (private sale). One of the author’s favourites for sale at Webbs is a 2017 Monte Carlo with a white exterior and a stunning blue interior (pictured). It’s got 60,000 miles on the clock and the asking price is £34,995. Its nearest equivalent brand new is £73,950 (T7).
Essentials
CamperKing Monte-Carlo/St Tropez/Le Mans/Santorini on short- and long- wheelbase Volkswagen Transporter T6 and T6.1.
- Built: 2015–2025 in Warmington, Banbury, Oxfordshire.
- Overall length: SWB 4.9m (16’ 1.5”), LWB 5.3m (17’ 5”).
What we like
- Quality British conversion
- Whole Vehicle Type Approval
- Large dealer network
- Practical, well-proven layouts
- Everything a campervan should have, but without any fripperies
What we dislike
- No variants with single beds (currently)
Alternatives to consider
There are many alternatives. The last time I checked there were over 150 UK-based Volkswagen T6 converters. Some only convert a couple each year.
Here are a few that I’ve examined. They are in alphabetical order, not ranked! Bilbo’s, CMC Reimo, Denby, Hillside Leisure, Redline Campers, Rolling Homes and VanWorx.
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