What is the best small campervan?

If you believe that all good things come in small packages then read our Lancaster guide to finding the best small campervan just right for you. Will the ever-popular Nissan NV200 make an appearance?

Whether big or small, you’ll want the best value to keep your cherished camper well protected for the season ahead. Contact the team of insurance specialists at Lancaster to discuss which policy would be perfect for you and your compact camper.

What are the benefits of a small campervan?

While we all dream of the freedom of the open road, not everyone wants to do that in a huge motorhome filled to bursting with all the mod cons. Yes, a large RV is a beautiful sight to behold but if you want great value and convenience then a small campervan could be the way to go, especially if you’re a solo traveller.

Although a smaller van won’t suit everyone’s needs, there are a range of advantages to choosing one. Let’s take a look.

Easy to drive

In many cases a small campervan won’t be much larger than a normal family car. This means you can drive them with ease compared to a bigger campervan. So, no need for a lengthy motorhome manoeuvring course!

More freedom to travel

If you’re planning on exploring more out-of-the-way places then being able to drive down smaller and tighter country roads will be a real help. Better still, you’ll be more likely to get to those places that bigger van owners would tend to stay away from. Say goodbye to parking and access issues.

Easy to store

When it comes to storage, these campers are small enough to be left in your garage, on your drive or even parked at the roadside, as long as it’s taxed and MOTed. Larger campervans often need an additional storage space, which can mean more hassle and extra costs.

Cheaper to run

If you’re touring in a large campervan for any length of time, you’ll soon notice that your fuel bill is taking a sizable chunk out of your holiday budget. On the other hand, filling up your small campervan will see you spend near enough what you would for a car!

Can be used as an everyday vehicle

While it’s possible to use a large campervan or motorhome as your everyday vehicle, it really isn’t recommended. But a small campervan is far more suited to use on a day-to-day basis as your second or even primary vehicle.

Dropping the kids off at school, popping to the shops or commuting for work are easy in a small campervan. Adventure is always close at hand when you’re behind the wheel of a small camper.

Reduced conversion costs

Buying a van and converting it into your own bespoke campervan is a lot of fun and can deliver some great cost savings when compared to buying ready-made. If you’ve got the skills and have a good eye for a deal then a DIY conversion of a small van can come in under the £1,000 mark (although most will cost between £3,000 and £5,000).

However, taking on the conversion of a larger vehicle with more high-end or complex features can soon run into big money. This is particularly the case if you bring in the professionals.

Perfect for overnight stays and weekends

Being so compact and easy to set up means a small campervan is perfect for those impromptu overnight stays. While planning is always important on any trip, it’s a lot easier with a small campervan.

So, you may find yourself hitting the road most weekends and using the van a lot more. Getting regular use out of your campervan is a great way to keep on top of any maintenance issues before they get serious.

Great for getting away on ferries

One of our favourite ways to travel abroad in a campervan is on a ferry. Ireland, France, Spain, the Netherlands or Belgium are all wonderful destinations that are only a ferry-ride away for the adventurous campervan explorer. Behind the wheel of a small campervan, manoeuvring on and off will be a breeze.

Ideal for couples or single travellers

A small campervan is an excellent choice for couples or single travellers. Or if it’s just you and your trusty canine companion, a small camper is a great way to explore the country.

What to look for in a small campervan

Convinced a small campervan could be the perfect solution for you? Then we’re pleased to tell you you’ve got a lot of options to choose from.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a swanky new model with high-class removable fittings or fancy trying your hand at converting an existing van, there’s a lot to think about. Here are some things you might want to keep an eye out for.

Suitability for a camper conversion

Obviously if you’re wanting to do a custom job and create your own dream campervan then you’ll need to choose a suitable base vehicle. By doing your own conversion you’ll be able to configure your van exactly how you want and it will give you more control over your budget.

You’ll want a vehicle that’s compact yet spacious inside, is economical to run, and can accommodate two people sleeping comfortably. If you think that a small van conversion could be the answer then popular base vehicles to choose from include:

• Volkswagen Caddy

  A WhatCar? Best Small Van Award winner for 2022 the VW Caddy is one of the most desirable small vans on the market. With top class handling, comfort and build quality it’s easy to see why.

• Nissan NV200

  Surprisingly spacious for such a compact van, it has a low base and high ceiling perfect for a top-of-the-range conversion. Petrol and diesel versions are available second hand but if you’re looking for brand new then you’ll need to go electric with the Nissan e-NV200.

• Ford Transit Connect

  With trademark versatility, toughness and durability this medium-sized van is a winner. Look for drive-assist technology and hands-free voice control options.

• Renault Kangoo

  Simple, functional, spacious and offering great driver visibility, the Renault Kangoo appeals to buyers who’re looking for straightforward practicality above anything else.

• Vauxhall Combo Cargo

  With great fuel economy, plenty of space and sleek good looks too, this multi-award-winning vehicle is a great candidate for conversion.

• Citroen Berlingo

  A firm favourite with small camper fans, the Berlingo is very similar in size and structure to the Kangoo.

When it comes to converting a campervan there’s no better time than the present to have a go. There’s a huge amount of guidance and resources out there to help you transform your van into the perfect little camper.

If you’re looking for a fully functioning, affordable and convenient method of conversion then be sure to take a look at micro camper conversion kits. You can buy kits to fit a whole range of small vans including the Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo, Citroen Berlingo and many others.

Removable fittings

Small campervans have a lot going for them. But, dare we say it, they can be on the smaller side.

So, when it comes to finding the right van for you, you’ll want to consider whether the current layout makes the most of the available space. A good idea is to consider choosing a model that comes with furnishings and fittings that are easy to take out and rearrange.

Flexibility is key when you have such little space to play with. The best kinds of small campervan will have removable fittings, so you can go from wetsuit storage to cosy dinner for two in double-quick time.

Twin doors

It doesn’t take a camping genius to work out that having twin doors (one on each side) will help your van seem bigger and more spacious. Whether you want to throw them open for some extra ventilation when you're cooking, or you want to create a relaxing inside/outside seating area during warmer weather, they’re a perfect way to avoid cabin fever on longer trips.

Toilet and bathroom

An increasing number of campervans now feature built-in toilets and bathrooms for the ultimate convenience. Of course, having space dedicated to a bathroom will inevitably mean less living space.

If you’re looking for a small camper with such modern conveniences then you’ll want one with enough space for a portable toilet and plumbing for an outdoor shower.

Not only will this help on long journeys but you'll also be able to choose quieter pitches further away from the toilet blocks at campsites.

Pop-up roof design

A common worry for those considering smaller campervans is that the roof will be too low, particularly if you’re a taller person. However, all is not lost as an easy way to create more room is to opt for a pop-up roof design.

A pop-up roof is both functional and versatile as well as improving comfort levels. Simply pop them up when you've reached your destination, and down when you need to travel.

There are a number of recommended makes of pop-up roof on the market suitable for a wide range of budgets. A high-quality pop-up roof from a German manufacturer like Reimo or SCA is the hallmark of a decent camper conversion.

Other features

Obviously, there’s an almost limitless array of features on offer. While these vary from model to model, you should expect the following as standard:

• Mains hook-up
• Gas burner hobs
• Sink
• Interior lighting
• Leisure battery
• Bench seats and tables which convert to provide single or double beds

Other features worth considering include:

• Grill and cooker
• Fridge
• Hot water and heating
• Cupboards and built-in storage
• Built-in water tank
• Portable toilet
• Solar panels
• Awning

Two of the best small campervans available in 2022

There are some excellent small campervan conversions available on the market today, but two of the best quality are the VW Caddy California and the Nissan NV200 CamperCar VX-E. We told you that the Nissan NV200 might make an appearance! Let’s take a closer look.

VW Caddy California

The all-new model of the popular VW California family, the Caddy California is a true wonder of design and engineering. About the size of a regular family car, it features a spacious fold-out bed and a versatile mini-kitchen.

You’ll want to add the optional drive-away awning if you want to make it more liveable over a longer holiday. Prices start from £32,000.

But you can try before you buy by renting the vehicle. Don’t forget to arrange campervan insurance in the UK before you leave the forecourt!

Nissan NV200 CamperCar VX-E

New from Sussex-based campervan specialist Sussex Campervans, this is a hybrid camper using the well-loved and highly reliable Nissan NV200 as the base vehicle. But adding a fully electric system to get the best of both worlds.

With twin sliding doors, pop-top roof, a smart interior, rock ‘n’ roll bed, 50L fridge, induction hob and sink, it’s the ultimate in camping self-sufficiency. Prices start from £48,995.

If you want to go all-electric then Sussex Campervans already produces perhaps the most eco-friendly campervan around, the Nissan e-NV200 All-Electric CamperCar. With a range of between 124 to 187 miles, a brand-new Nissan electric camper will set you back £67,995.

What is the best campervan insurance in the UK?

Just as with finding the best small campervan, when it comes to campervan insurance in the UK it really depends on your individual needs and budget. Here at Lancaster there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, our team will work hard to find the best policy to suit you.

Whether a big or small campervan, an insurance policy arranged through us can provide any make and model that extra layer of security and protection.

Additional benefits can include:

• Campervan club member discounts
• Gas bottle and awning cover
• Windscreen cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Personal effects cover up to £6,000

With optional breakdown cover from £49.95, a 24-hour claims helpline, and a UK-based call centre you can be sure we’re always ready to help.

Get a quote for campervan insurance in the UK from our friendly team today.