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Campervan

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671: 614: 365: 175: 129: 841: 660: 855: 297: 549: 529: 32: 473: 1263: 381: 211: 456:. Fully coachbuilt over a medium-to-large van chassis, from 7.5 tonnes and upwards. Highly appointed, sometimes with electrically operated slide-out (sideways) extensions to the living space, electricity-generating windmills and in very large models (of North American scale) sometimes even fitted with a 650:
This term is not commonly used except for imported North American models, which may vary greatly in size from semi-low profile coachbuilts to van conversions. Typically, a van chassis is provided without interior or some exterior features as an "incomplete vehicle" by an automobile manufacturer, and
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Often based on a relatively small van, typically 2 to 3 tonnes gross vehicle weight, including the classic Volkswagen Type 2, and with a roof which raises, usually with fabric sides, in a way not unlike a roof tent. Bed typically in the rising roof but also sometimes built by moving seats and tables.
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has also been used as a base for many campervan conversions, and is popular amongst Dutch and Belgian users in particular. Ex-factory, it had several height and length configurations, and in all versions it had a low floor and high ceiling, a legacy of one of its original uses as a mobile shop. It
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is sometimes used interchangeably with campervan, but the former can also be a larger vehicle than a campervan and intended to be more comfortable, whilst the latter is more concerned with ease of movement and lower cost. For example, some campervans lack built-in toilets and showers, or a divide
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The car camper is an estate car (UK) or a station wagon (USA) converted into a travel home. The rear cargo area is converted into a full double bed area usually with a fabricated aluminium framework. All equipment necessary to set up a well-appointed camp site is stored under the double bed with
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It is possible to do a hybrid conversion where large elements such as roof, windows and bed are installed by a professional company and the owner then completes the job themselves. Gas installation requires particular expertise and must either be completed or certified by a qualified engineer.
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The conversion process involves stripping out the existing interior of the van and installing the new components. This can include insulating and lining the van, cutting and fitting furniture, installing electrical systems, new windows, a pop-up top and plumbing in a sink and water supply.
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style area over the cab containing a bed. Other beds may be fixed in place, built by moving seats and tables, or lowered from the ceiling. Shower and toilet cubicles usually fitted. Sometimes including a garage for bikes, and may be large enough to support a mechanism for towing a small
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Smaller (sub 7.5 tonnes) A-class vehicles are also popular in Europe, similar in size to overcab coachbuilts, but without the base vehicle's cab. In its place, a (wider) cab is added, which allows for a drop-down bed to be fitted above. Recognisable by their large curved windscreens.
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Coachbuilt but without a raised bed over the cab. Other beds may be fixed in place, built by moving seats and tables, or lowered from the ceiling. Shower and toilet cubicles usually fitted. Garages and towing fittings may be carried as with the overcab designs.
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Based on a high-top van, typically of around 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, without major coachbuilding modifications to the body. Beds typically fixed in place or built by moving seats and tables. Shower and toilet cubicles sometimes fitted.
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In recent years, converting vans into self-contained motorhomes or campervans has become a popular trend among people who want to own a motorhome or campervan but don't have the budget for a purpose built motorhome or professional conversion.
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intended for expeditions rather than relaxed camping. A compromise between these two purposes is sometimes reached by basing the conversion on an off-road vehicle. Sometimes the conversion is demountable from the back of a
162:(recreational vehicle) in North America, is a self-propelled vehicle that provides both transport and sleeping accommodation. The term describes vans that have been fitted out, whereas a motorhome is one with a 579:
Also known as "surf vans" (or "surf buses") and "day vans". Typically similar in size to the rising roof designs. Beds usually built by moving seats and tables. Shower and toilet cubicles very rarely fitted.
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access through lidded areas under the bed. Unlike a standard station wagon where the camping equipment has to be removed before sleeping or a tent set up, the car camper is self-contained.
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Built-in or cassette toilet with removable disposal tank – a flushing toilet with access usually outside the campervan for easy emptying. Some models have a swivel system for extra space.
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Insurance for a DIY campervan requires a policy that is flexible enough to cover the vehicle while it is a van, during the conversion process and when it is a completed campervan.
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upfitted with RV amenities by a coachbuilder. It is then sold as a completed RV and usually has safety standards certification from the RV Industry Association.
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Typical base vehicles are the same as for the coachbuilt designs, above. Often, a Dodge, GMC or Ford van will be professionally converted into a high top.
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also manufactured a similar-sized light van and conversions were reasonably common in the 1960s and 1970s. Of a similar size and vintage is the British
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and an internal shower. Smaller models often carry a portable toilet, and sometimes an external shower that operates within the privacy of an awning.
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campers. Some models include expandable tents mounted on the roof while others have pop-up roofs for additional sleeping space and storage.
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are particularly common base vehicles. They have become the successors to the classic Volkswagen Type 2. Slightly smaller vans such as the
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A coachbuilt body sits on a (sometimes modified) pick-up load-bed, and generally removable at campsites to allow the vehicle to be used.
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Similar to North American A-class recreational vehicles (sometimes known generically as "Winnebagos") but generally still smaller in
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A rising roof is also sometimes used to allow for standing room in the vehicle. Shower and toilet cubicles rarely fitted.
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Typical base vehicles are lighter-duty or smaller-engined variants of the same vehicles used for overcab designs.
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that forms the basis of the vehicle (commonly a "high-top" model), or as part of a custom coach-built body.
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via a hook-up cable. Larger models may include a water heater, space heating and air conditioning, a
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are used to make casual light-duty campers with minimal facilities beyond sleeping space.
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there are many manufacturers of campervans. Since the 1970s, Japanese vans like the
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Bike rack – a bicycle carrying device, usually fixed to the rear of the campervan.
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Campervans may be equipped either with a "pop-up" roof which is raised during
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and other countries. The popularity of this type expanded in the 1950s after
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are sometimes converted to have the appearance of a classic Volkswagen.
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A modern campervan may contain some or all of the following features:
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due to a once highly popular conversion brand, and "Kombi" is used in
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Volkswagen Autosleeper Clubman GL, a typical European campervan
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Coachbuilt body, retaining the base van's cab, with a raised
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One or more beds, some of which double-up as daytime seating
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does not usually need a pop-top to accommodate its users.
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may be used; on occasion, even smaller vans such as the
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Pop-up roof variants share certain design elements with
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For mobile homes without a built-in motor vehicle, see
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operated garage capable of transporting a small car.
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There are several types of campervan manufactured by
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Solar panels – for additional electricity generation
56:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 1226: 1155: 1119:. The World Book Encyclopedia. 2000. p. 184. 822:Generator – powered by gasoline, diesel or propane 443:British and European size and type classifications 1187: 1109: 1107: 948:"The ultimate guide to converting your campervan" 654: 1280: 1202:The Camper Van Bible: Live, Eat, Sleep (Repeat) 1080:The Camper Van Bible: Live, Eat, Sleep (Repeat) 1046:The Camper Van Bible: Live, Eat, Sleep (Repeat) 978:The Camper Van Bible: Live, Eat, Sleep (Repeat) 476:Typical "overcab" camper on a relatively large 229:Campervans usually have a small kitchen with a 1104: 303:Off-road campervans are often referred to as 1162:. RAC Handbook. Veloce Publishing. pp.  195:between the living compartment and the cab. 1149: 1147: 1145: 1143: 426:Modern mid-sized Japanese vans such as the 169: 792:(at least the normal vehicle's cab system) 698:, as well as European models based on the 433: 116:Learn how and when to remove this message 1140: 669: 658: 612: 547: 532:Autosleeper Harmony "high top" Campervan 527: 471: 379: 363: 334:DIY and Self-Build Campervan Conversions 295: 209: 173: 127: 354:Classic Volkswagen and other campervans 264:" is sometimes used generically in the 1281: 1205:. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 104. 1158:Motorhomes: A First-Time Buyer's Guide 1083:. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 172. 1049:. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 182. 291: 1198: 1076: 1042: 1008: 981:. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 74. 974: 1015:. Amberley Publishing. p. 109. 602: 54:adding citations to reliable sources 25: 1153: 543: 511: 318:as sometimes fitted to more robust 13: 1012:Worcestershire's Motoring Heritage 574: 14: 1315: 1255: 751:Propane gas- or electric-powered 496:Common base vehicles include the 1261: 853: 839: 760:Electricity supplied by "house" 523: 30: 1294:Portable buildings and shelters 645: 555:(Bongo) "rising roof" campervan 467: 447: 368:Dutch-built version – with non- 41:needs additional citations for 1070: 1036: 1002: 968: 954: 940: 926: 908: 795:Room heater or central heating 655:North American van conversions 567:is a common base vehicle, and 400:(bay framed windscreen), or a 288:as the basis for a campervan. 1: 901: 713: 571:are also reasonably common. 360:Volkswagen Westfalia Campers 7: 920:Discovery Homes New Zealand 832: 642:vehicles are common bases. 205: 10: 1322: 679: 606: 357: 178:Two Class C campervans, a 18: 384:Classic Volkswagen Camper 736:Propane gas or electric 198:The United States term " 170:Ambiguity with motorhome 144:, also referred to as a 1116:World Book Encyclopedia 407:Although less popular, 677: 667: 621: 585:Volkswagen Transporter 565:Volkswagen Transporter 556: 533: 481: 434:New concept car camper 404:("brick" shaped van). 396:(split windscreen), a 385: 377: 300: 215: 187: 137: 1299:Recreational vehicles 870:Campervan hire agency 673: 662: 616: 551: 531: 475: 383: 367: 299: 213: 180:Freightliner Sprinter 177: 131: 1270:at Wikimedia Commons 1237:"Campervan Glossary" 1009:Watts, M.P. (2014). 890:Recreational vehicle 815:Extendable external 200:recreational vehicle 50:improve this article 936:. 20 December 2021. 808:" (wash) water and 764:or external hook-up 620:Dismountable camper 292:Off-road variations 280:company to use the 1199:Dorey, M. (2016). 1077:Dorey, M. (2016). 1043:Dorey, M. (2016). 975:Dorey, M. (2016). 798:Potable water tank 678: 668: 622: 589:Mercedes-Benz Vito 557: 534: 482: 386: 378: 301: 286:Type 2 transporter 216: 188: 138: 1266:Media related to 1212:978-1-4729-2655-5 1173:978-1-84584-449-3 1126:978-0-7166-0100-5 1090:978-1-4729-2655-5 1056:978-1-4729-2655-5 1022:978-1-4456-3714-3 988:978-1-4729-2655-5 603:Dismountable (DM) 323:off-road vehicles 284:version of their 276:commissioned the 126: 125: 118: 100: 1311: 1265: 1249: 1248: 1243:. Archived from 1233: 1224: 1223: 1221: 1219: 1196: 1185: 1184: 1182: 1180: 1161: 1154:Fry, T. (2012). 1151: 1138: 1137: 1135: 1133: 1111: 1102: 1101: 1099: 1097: 1074: 1068: 1067: 1065: 1063: 1040: 1034: 1033: 1031: 1029: 1006: 1000: 999: 997: 995: 972: 966: 965: 958: 952: 951: 944: 938: 937: 930: 924: 923: 912: 863: 861:Transport portal 858: 857: 849: 844: 843: 842: 790:Air conditioning 740:, grill, or both 544:Rising roof (RR) 512:Low profile (LP) 320:four wheel drive 249:, supplied at a 186:(right) chassis. 121: 114: 110: 107: 101: 99: 58: 34: 26: 1321: 1320: 1314: 1313: 1312: 1310: 1309: 1308: 1279: 1278: 1258: 1253: 1252: 1241:Motorhome Group 1235: 1234: 1227: 1217: 1215: 1213: 1197: 1188: 1178: 1176: 1174: 1152: 1141: 1131: 1129: 1127: 1113: 1112: 1105: 1095: 1093: 1091: 1075: 1071: 1061: 1059: 1057: 1041: 1037: 1027: 1025: 1023: 1007: 1003: 993: 991: 989: 973: 969: 960: 959: 955: 946: 945: 941: 932: 931: 927: 922:. 10 June 2020. 914: 913: 909: 904: 899: 859: 852: 845: 840: 838: 835: 716: 684: 657: 648: 611: 605: 577: 575:Fixed roof (FR) 546: 526: 514: 470: 450: 445: 436: 418:In Europe, the 413:Commer Spacevan 362: 356: 336: 294: 255:portable toilet 243:leisure battery 208: 172: 122: 111: 105: 102: 59: 57: 47: 35: 24: 17: 16:Type of vehicle 12: 11: 5: 1319: 1318: 1307: 1306: 1301: 1296: 1291: 1277: 1276: 1271: 1257: 1256:External links 1254: 1251: 1250: 1247:on 2011-03-05. 1225: 1211: 1186: 1172: 1139: 1125: 1103: 1089: 1069: 1055: 1035: 1021: 1001: 987: 967: 953: 939: 925: 906: 905: 903: 900: 898: 897: 895:Travel trailer 892: 887: 882: 880:Conversion van 877: 872: 866: 865: 864: 850: 834: 831: 830: 829: 826: 823: 820: 813: 799: 796: 793: 787: 784:satellite dish 773: 768: 765: 758: 755: 749: 746: 744:Microwave oven 741: 734: 715: 712: 682:Conversion van 680:Main article: 666:van conversion 664:Ford Econoline 656: 653: 647: 644: 604: 601: 576: 573: 545: 542: 525: 522: 513: 510: 502:Renault Master 469: 466: 449: 446: 444: 441: 435: 432: 358:Main article: 355: 352: 335: 332: 293: 290: 266:United Kingdom 207: 204: 171: 168: 124: 123: 38: 36: 29: 21:travel trailer 15: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 1317: 1316: 1305: 1302: 1300: 1297: 1295: 1292: 1290: 1287: 1286: 1284: 1275: 1272: 1269: 1264: 1260: 1259: 1246: 1242: 1238: 1232: 1230: 1214: 1208: 1204: 1203: 1195: 1193: 1191: 1175: 1169: 1165: 1160: 1159: 1150: 1148: 1146: 1144: 1128: 1122: 1118: 1117: 1110: 1108: 1092: 1086: 1082: 1081: 1073: 1058: 1052: 1048: 1047: 1039: 1024: 1018: 1014: 1013: 1005: 990: 984: 980: 979: 971: 963: 957: 949: 943: 935: 929: 921: 917: 911: 907: 896: 893: 891: 888: 886: 883: 881: 878: 876: 873: 871: 868: 867: 862: 856: 851: 848: 837: 827: 824: 821: 818: 814: 812:(sewer) water 811: 807: 803: 800: 797: 794: 791: 788: 785: 781: 777: 774: 772: 769: 766: 763: 759: 756: 754: 750: 747: 745: 742: 739: 735: 733: 729: 725: 721: 720: 719: 711: 709: 705: 701: 697: 693: 689: 688:North America 683: 676: 672: 665: 661: 652: 643: 641: 637: 633: 629: 625: 619: 618:Nissan Navara 615: 610: 600: 598: 594: 590: 586: 581: 572: 570: 569:Ford Transits 566: 561: 554: 550: 541: 538: 530: 524:High top (HT) 521: 518: 509: 507: 503: 499: 494: 492: 487: 479: 474: 465: 461: 459: 458:hydraulically 455: 440: 431: 429: 424: 421: 420:Citroën H-Van 416: 414: 410: 405: 403: 399: 395: 391: 382: 375: 374:Citroën H-Van 371: 370:suicide doors 366: 361: 351: 348: 344: 340: 331: 329: 324: 321: 317: 312: 310: 306: 298: 289: 287: 283: 279: 275: 271: 267: 263: 258: 256: 252: 248: 244: 240: 236: 232: 227: 225: 221: 212: 203: 201: 196: 193: 185: 184:Ford E-Series 181: 176: 167: 165: 161: 160: 155: 151: 147: 143: 135: 132:A coachbuilt 130: 120: 117: 109: 98: 95: 91: 88: 84: 81: 77: 74: 70: 67: –  66: 62: 61:Find sources: 55: 51: 45: 44: 39:This article 37: 33: 28: 27: 22: 1245:the original 1240: 1218:December 17, 1216:. 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Fiat Ducato
RV
coachbuilt

Freightliner Sprinter
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motorhome
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camping
van
refrigerator
hob
grill
AC power
campsite
portable toilet

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