Camperking’s first ever conversions on a VW Crafter are on display at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC this week.
The stand of the Banbury-based company could be worth a visit for fans of the best VW campervans, with Camperking hitherto been known for its VW T6 and, more recently T7 conversions. But it is moving up into producing larger vehicles to meet demand form customers either looking to downsize or wanting more space, and the Crafter is in the discussion for the best van for a camper conversion.
The two-berth Pioneer has a fixed relatively high transverse bed at the back with storage space underneath, and a side settee opposite the sliding door in front of the side kitchen and side washroom.
Joining it at the Motorhome and Caravan Show is the Frontier, which comes with rear bench seat that can be moved forward and back along rails. It can be made into a double bed, making the ‘van a two-berth. But there is also the option of having a Jackdaw Overland pop-top roof fitted to create an extra double.
Along with the seat, a moulded plastic table unit can be moved up and down rails, and comes with two table tops that can be folded out inwards and outwards. There is a narrow corner washroom next to the rear seat.
Camperking has been working with interior designers who previously worked with Jaguar Land Rover to create the finish, fixtures and trim for the vehicles. The Pioneer starts at £94,950 OTR, while the Frontier, including the Jackdaw Overland roof, starts at £104,950 OTR.
Both vehicles are for the moment concept vehicles, although Camperking has opened order books for both. The conpany hopes to have a market-ready version of both vehicles by next February’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.
Also on display on the Camperking stand are two new pop-top roofs it has designed.
The first of these is the Freescape SDZ. Capable of being fitted to all the company’s short wheel base T7 models, this opens sideways to reveal an inflating roof tent that when fully inflated can provide internal headroom of 2.4m plus an extra space on the side that can fit the 2m x 1.4m foam mattress provided. Because the three layer tent fabric extends all the way to the ground underneath this, it in effect creates an enclosure for an outdoor shower.
A pump and insulated bed board is included in the kit, and the roof is compatible with Camperking’s solar panel products.
Camperking has also created a more conventional front opening polycarbonate pop-up roof for its short wheel base T7 models. The roof is designed to be stronger, more heat resistant and durable than previous versions, and is also 30kg lighter than the company’s current pop-top.
The Tencate fabric for this has been made exclusively for Camperking by Vamgo. While it is 100% cotton for more breathability, it also has a hydrostatic head reading of 400m, making it very waterproof.
The roof tent has large mesh windows with covers at the sides, and a three-layer mesh and PVC window with a cover at the front. As with the company’s current pop-top roofs, the tent can be completely zipped off. Camperking can supply a Vango awning in a matching colour. It is working on a version of this roof for long wheel base T7 models.
Other campervans to be debuting at the NEC this week include the Bürstner Habiton 6.1, a four-wheel-drive Mercedes Sprinter-based ‘van. Coming with a front lounge and a washroom with a folding sink, it will require a C1 licence to drive due to an MTPLM of 4100kg.
Joining it in making its first appearance at the Motorhome and Caravan Show is the Malibu Relax 640 LE XR, the latest addition to the Relax range. It features a rear bed which can be electronically operated.
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