Dormobile-Stuff.com

If you have ever fancied owning a Dormobile, and wonder what it may be like, one simple way to experience it is to hire a car from one of several UK based hire companies that will lease you one for anything from a weekend to a month. That way you can try out the benefits (and perils) of ownership without any of the risks as the realities of a classic Dormobile are very much like any classic car – there is a bit of a romantic image attached to it that can sometimes be at odds with real life.

Classic campers do need love and attention and you can’t expect levels of refinement or performance of a modern car, and a hire period would give any potential owner great experience of this, with the reassurance that if there are any problems, the hire company will be straight out to help you.

A quick search via google reveal several hire companies, for example South West Camper Hire on 01392 811631, they have this classic 1975 Volkswagen Camper dormobile conversion for hire:

Another candidate may be this dormobile, known as “Rooster” that is available from North Coast Campers, you can reach them on 01840 230232.

Here’s a fantastic video from a company called Verdier with a digitally rendered version of what a 21st century dormobile would look like, based on what looks like a futuristic VW Camper.

There are some great features in there such as the fold down shelves in the doors and the fold out cooker section – all in all a stunning piece of design that makes you wish for Volkswagen to make a true successor to the original Camper.

Here’s a few pictures for you:

There are plenty of current aftermarket companies offering to convert vans into campers, but very few car manufacturers offer a ready made solution.

Volkswagen however have recognised the huge following the initial VW campers built up, and happily offer their own official camper conversion based on their own transporter van, and very good it is too, if a little pricey – prices for the California start just below the £40,000 mark in the UK.

It’s called the Volkswagen California and is offered as one of the brands Lifestyle vehicles, which also include the Caravelle and the Transporter Combi, all based on the current Transporter van. The California has a full pop top roof, and pull out orning, and also includes a fold down bed, two ring gas hob for cooking and a kitchen sink.

You can take a look at the official VW Site here: VW California

There have been numerous other companies offering camper conversions over the years.

Some of the notable ones were Devon Conversions, (based as you would expect in Devon in England) who started back in 1956 and originally focused on VW Campers and had a big slice of the UK market. The company is still in existence and now focuses on full motor home conversions. They are the official manufacturer recognised converter in the UK for Toyota and Renault vans, and also have offerings for Volkswagen, Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes. you can reach their website here: Devon Conversions.

Another well known make in the UK still going strong are Danbury Motorcaravans, who still convert VW Type 2 and type 5 campers, and also convert Fiat Doblo, Fiat Scudo and Renault Master vans. Their website is here: Danbury Motor Caravans.

Other brands also included Holdsworth, Viking, Canterbury, Reimo, and Riviera .