Solid foundations: the top 5 best vans for campervan conversion 

Just like finding the perfect spot to pitch a tent, a solid foundation is key to any successful camping trip — and having the right campervan base is no different. With that in mind: here’s our best vans for converting into campervans.

Whether you’re buying from a campervan conversion specialist or taking matters into your own hands for a DIY build, selecting the right van base model for your camper is vital.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution: it all depends on your needs. From van-lifers to long-weekenders, cabin space to maneuverability, campervan beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Luckily, there are plenty of options out there waiting to be converted into your dream campervan. So here are our top picks to avoid a castle camper built on sand, and to provide the ideal camper base.

5. Vauxhall Vivaro

This first choice slots nicely into the gap between micro campers such as the VW Caddy and large LCV bases like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The Vauxhall Vivaro is a compact, versatile van for campervan conversion.

As the Vivaro is on the smaller side, with the latest model ranging from 4.98 m to 5.33 m,  you can easily sneak into smaller pitches and parking spots. But has this practical sizing hampered the room for camper gear inside? Well, offering up to 6.6m³ of room to play with there is still plenty of scope for conversion fun. Whether installing a simple sleeping setup or going all in with a bed and breakfast conversion complete with kitchenettes and fridges — anything is possible.

Car like handling is a nice side effect of the Vivaro’s diminutive dimensions. Easy to drive, this makes a great option for those not used to being behind the wheel of a large van, or those after a daily driver for when the camping gear is left at home. Even better, it represents a relatively economical option by steering clear of the brick-like aerodynamics often seen in larger LCVs.

4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Up at the other end of the scale, the Mercedes Sprinter represents one of the best large vans for campervan conversion.

Tried and tested by the community, Sprinters have raced to the forefront of the van life world. With over 1,700 new Sprinter variants out there, and a used market almost 30 years deep, the flexibility for converters is almost unmatched. Although maneuverability is sacrificed, the Sprinter’s frame (maxing out at 7.37 m long and 2.99 m tall) provides up to 15.5m³ of blank campervan canvas in the back. We’ve seen these filled with everything from tiled splashbacks, to cinema-eque setups over a camping bed — sprinkling yet more luxury onto the premium base.

As a fan favourite, there’s an abundance of specialist-built Sprinter campers out there, but also an almost infinite supply of DIY resources, build tutorials, discussion platforms, and ‘inspo’ posts for those looking to take matters into their own hands. In short, if you’ve seen a tempting feature in a campervan before, you’ll be able to replicate it in a Sprinter — one way or another.

3. Ford Transit Custom

The Ford Transit Custom is the UK’s most popular van for a reason. It’s an extremely solid all-rounder, and this translates into a prime base van for campervan conversion.

Flying off the shelves throughout the e-commerce and van life booms of the early 2020s, there are now more Customs registered on UK roads than ever before. With plenty of vans out there and many variants available, there’s an abundant second-hand market, so you shouldn’t have to break the bank to get hold of one to convert. Add on the safety net of the service centre and replacement part availability that goes hand-in-hand with this, and the temptation to apply a camper conversion tool kit to the Custom becomes very understandable.

Like the Vivaro, the Custom comes with car-like handling, and plenty of room for camper modifications in its boxy rear area, as shown by Ford’s in-house Nugget camper. The car-like features aren’t limited to the drive though, as the Custom has also gained a reputation for a comfortable interior up front — debunking any myths of the basic van dash across its various trim options.

 2. Fiat Ducato

It’s hard to argue against the Fiat Ducato as a van for campervan conversion, considering it’s been voted the best motorhome base vehicle for over 15 years. Tackle an iconic campervan route like the North Coast 500 or Snowdonia National Park and you’ll likely find yourself outnumbered by Ducato based campers.

Campervan DNA runs right through these big  Fiats. Their chassis’ are designed from the ground up with camping extensions in mind and they tout the most comprehensive range of base variants for conversion.

This purpose-built foundation makes the Ducato a doddle to work with when crafting the camper build of your dreams. Plus, it offers the same internal space benefits as the Sprinter, while often undercutting its rival on the pricing front. And, like the Sprinter, you can stand up inside — always a plus if you plan on spending longer periods of time as a van lifer.

1. Volkswagen Transporter

The Volkswagen Transporter. For many people this is the van for campervan conversion. Steeped in history from the iconic Type 2 Bulli and its 1950s era conversion kits, all the way up to today’s hyped (but controversial) 2025 Transporter, VW campervans have been out there since the phrase ‘van life’ was a distant blip on the horizon.

There are many to choose from, with older models showcasing classic silhouettes detailed with nostalgia-tinged two-tone paint jobs. Newer models add modern reliability, cabin comfort, and premium build characteristics onto these esteemed roots. Due to their compact size, you can also expect many of the same benefits provided by the Vivaro and Transit Custom.

With Volkswagen campervans being so iconic, there are countless dedicated conversions, as well as tried and tested camping module formulas available, in addition to a massive community to assist with DIY builds. Modern Transporters even hold the UK’s highest van MOT pass rate, and across the range they have a knack of holding their value — so there is more logic to picking one up than just, “it’s the campervan we all want”.

So, from versatile Vauxhalls, flexible Fiats, and the VW campervans of our dreams, we reckon there is a camper base model for everyone. But which would you choose? And are there any you think we’ve missed from our list?

No matter which van lies at the base of your dream camper, Michelin Agilis Camping tyres can help to keep those foundations stable  — offering peace of mind through their premium ride quality, sure footed stability, and minimal road noise. 

Hero image credit: Adobe Stock