Best Campervans 2024
The popularity of campervans has exploded in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With international travel often uncertain, a holiday in the UK offers freedom from pre-departure tests and travel restrictions. This appeal continues, making the best campervans some of the best vehicles on the market.
These motorhomes are incredibly versatile. They’re handy as second vehicles, capable of load-lugging like an estate car, and some models even double as practical people-carriers with up to seven seats. Many owners use them for sports, and they can even serve as a spare bedroom or home office.
Whatever you use them for, the best campervans offer the freedom of thousands of campsites across the UK and Europe. All you need to do is fill the tanks with fuel and water, check the gas bottle, and pack some provisions. Though expensive to buy, they can last for years.
Now, you even have a choice of manufacturer-backed campervans. These vehicles are sold and warranted by major vehicle brands. We’ve put two of the best—the Volkswagen California and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget—head-to-head below.
Volkswagen California vs. Ford Transit Custom Nugget
Both vans are appealing if you’re looking for a mid-sized campervan. They’re based on two of the best panel vans: Volkswagen’s Transporter and Ford’s best-selling Transit Custom. Both sleep a family of four, have pop-up canvas roofs, and offer everything needed to make them your home away from home.
They both cost around £65,000, though extras can increase the price. However, there’s plenty to separate them, and in our view, a clear winner.
The Donor Vehicle: An Important Choice
Larger campervans are often based on Fiats, but in this mid-sized category, the Volkswagen Transporter reigns supreme. Nostalgia plays a role; the classic VW Camper is an icon. Transporters are great to drive with technology lifted from passenger cars, powerful diesel engines, and slick DSG automatic transmissions. They have a classy image and feel solidly built, and converters like their high payloads, unobstructed interiors, and strong reliability. The California name first appeared on a T3 Transporter-based motorhome in the 1980s, but VW began building its own Californias in a dedicated factory in Germany in 2003.
Range, Specs, and What to Look Out For
Westfalia is responsible for the Ford Transit Custom Nugget conversion. Ford doesn’t build these, but like the Volkswagen, you can buy, service, and maintain it at a Ford dealer and it benefits from a manufacturer warranty. The Transit Custom is the best-selling van due to its great drive, versatility, and ease of maintenance.
Both vehicles offer a pair of engine choices. The Ford has a 2.0-litre diesel with either 128bhp or 183bhp, paired with a six-speed automatic. The VW also has a 2.0-litre diesel, with 148bhp or 197bhp. All Ocean models have a seven-speed DSG automatic, and four-wheel drive is optional. The Transit is the better steer, though VW’s automatic gearbox is slicker. The California Ocean wins on in-cab comforts, including climate control, LED headlights, and a digital dashboard.
What Are These Campers Like Inside?
The California and Nugget use different layouts. The California is more traditional, with a side-mounted furniture unit, rear-hinged rising roof, and a rock ‘n’ roll bed downstairs. Two can sleep up top, and two below, with four belted travel seats. The kitchen has a sink, twin-burner gas hob, and a fridge. The Nugget’s kitchen is L-shaped and is situated at the rear, with a front-hinged roof providing standing room around the sink, twin gas burners and top-loading fridge.
Which layout you like best is personal preference. The California’s traditional layout feels more spacious. The Nugget’s more split personality can be beneficial – one parent can cook while another entertains the kids. The Nugget’s twin sliding doors and three-seat rear bench make it more useful as a people-mover. What really sets these two vans apart is the quality and usability of their interior conversions.
For example, the California’s interior is a model of clarity, quality, and ease-of-use, while the Nugget feels clunky in comparison. The California will have magnetic blinds that fasten instantly vs the Ford with insulated screens held on by suction cups.
For us, it’s the California all the way. The memories you could make in a decade of stress-free ownership would be priceless.
New Campervan Models
Both the VW California and Ford Transit Custom Nugget will be replaced by all-new models before the end of 2024, with interesting changes. The new Volkswagen California transfers to the Multivan MPV, which uses a car-technology platform, thus having twin sliding doors. The new Ford Nugget uses the second-generation Transit Custom platform. The next-generation VW Transporter is also a variant of the new Transit Custom.
Alternatives to Consider
Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo
The premium choice. Based on the V-Class people-carrier, it has a 233bhp diesel engine and a smooth nine-speed automatic. The Marco Polo is more luxurious but comes at a considerably higher price.
Volkswagen Grand California
If space is your concern, the Grand California is based on the Volkswagen Crafter. You get a permanent bed, standing room throughout, and a wetroom with a shower and toilet.
Volkswagen Caddy California
The Caddy California is the size of a family car with a large double bed and kitchen. It’s more aimed at day trips and quick overnight stays.
Vauxhall Vivaro Elite
Approved by Vauxhall and converted by Wellhouse Leisure, the Vivaro is solid and attractive. It’s a good van to drive and more compact than the Ford, Mercedes, or VW siblings.
Toyota Proace Matino
This is also a Wellhouse conversion, functionally identical to the Vivaro, the Proace benefits from up to 10 years of warranty cover on the base vehicle.
Third-Party Conversions
The UK has many motorhome dealers selling third-party conversions. If you have specialist needs, a third-party conversion is the way to go since you have more choice. Some even specialize in campervans built on used base vehicles to bring the price down.
