Buying or converting a campervan: The pros & cons

A campervan is an investment in freedom and adventure, an ideal choice for those who love exploring the world on their own terms with the added benefit of bringing the comforts of home on the road with you.

With campervans growing in popularity, one common question for some new owners is whether to buy a purpose built manufactured campervan, use a specialist van conversion company or convert a van yourself. Each approach has its pros and cons, and it’s worth considering which option best suits your needs before making a decision.

Buying a manufactured campervan

Buying a new campervan is the simpler, more luxurious choice. Purpose-built and professionally crafted, these vehicles bring quality, speed and convenience in one package.

Pros:

Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of buying a professionally made campervan is convenience. You can walk into a dealership, pick a model, and in some cases begin your adventures immediately.

Quality assurance: Quality is a primary benefit of buying over converting. Established manufacturers like Swift are ISO 9001 certified, a globally recognised standard for quality management. It helps organisations to improve performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Swift are also National Caravan Council (NCC) approved. Having NCC certification is proof of a manufacturer’s commitment to the safety of its product and its customers. Inspections are conducted on-site at a manufacturers premises, with 500 to 600 individual points checked on any one unit, therefore you can be sure that your vehicle has been:

• Safety checked, including gas and electrical installations, furnishings, and cooking equipment
• Technically checked and regularly inspected by specialists
• Compliant with British and European Standards, note every Swift vehicle is European type approved

You will have ultimate peace of mind that your vehicle is safe to use on the road and the well-being of the occupants has been taken care of.

Swift’s Ford-based Monza and Trekker models also hold Ford Pro Converter status, which recognises premium converters across Europe, specialising in multiple and diverse conversions to suit all customer requirements. The market-leading network of Ford Pro™ Convertors offers expertise and high-quality output at every stage of production, providing convertors with the tools to deliver high-quality, reliable vehicle conversions customers can trust and rely on.

Warranty and support: New campervans come with warranties, providing peace of mind for mechanical issues and covering finishes, fixtures, and fittings. You’ll also have access to customer support for years to come.

Variety of options: There are many models to choose from, catering to different budgets, sizes, and specifications. Whether you want a compact camper or a spacious model for longer trips, there's an option to suit your needs.

Instant usability: A purchased campervan is ready to go as soon as you pick it up. No need to design layouts, source materials, or manage the conversion process; simply pack and set off.

Make new acquaintances: By joining a model specific campervan owner group, members can enjoy a range of benefits that enhance the campervan experience. Whether you're looking for practical advice, new friends, inspiration, or opportunities to save money, these groups provide a supportive and engaging community to help you get the most out of campervan ownership.

Depreciation: Like any vehicle, campervans depreciate over time, though they often retain their value better than cars. Manufactured Campervans also tend to depreciate less than a self-converted vehicle.

Cons:

Limited customisation: While some campervans allow for customisation, you may have to compromise on certain features or layouts if the options available don't fully match your vision.

Potential repairs: Outside of the warranty period, campervans may sometimes be more complex to repair than regular vans due to specialised parts and layouts.

Specialist campervan conversions

There are many companies out there who specialise in van conversions, an option for those who are lacking confidence/technical expertise but want an element of involvement and customisation within the build.

Pros:

Specific Needs: If you have unique requirements due to a disability or would just like a larger bed, extra storage, specific types of insulation, or a pet-friendly space, a specialist will know how to integrate these seamlessly.

Legal and Safety Standards: Versus DIY conversions, specialist converters are familiar with the laws and regulations regarding campervan conversions, including weight limits, electrical systems, gas fittings, and safety standards. They should ensure that your camper complies with local road laws, safety checks, and insurance requirements.

Less Stress: Knowing that you're leaving your camper conversion in the hands of professionals means you won't have to deal with setbacks, mistakes, or issues that often arise in DIY projects.

Cons:

Resale Value: Depending on how specialised or customised the conversion is, it might not have the same resale value as a manufactured van or a less customised conversion. Buyers might be wary of highly specialised features that are not to their taste.

Inconsistent Workmanship: While most reputable converters maintain high standards, there can be variation in the quality of workmanship. Some less-established companies may produce less-than-perfect results, or issues can arise in the first few years of use. Make sure you carry out your due diligence before any work commences.

Time for Completion: Popular conversion companies often have long waiting times, sometimes extending several months. If you need your van converted quickly, this could be a significant downside.

After-sales Service: If any issues arise post-conversion, make sure you’re covered, what is the warranty period on works carried out, some companies may not provide adequate support or may charge extra fees for repairs.

Premium Pricing: Specialist converter companies often charge a premium for their services, they don’t always benefit from economies of scale and custom designs can significantly increase the overall cost.

Self-converting a campervan

Converting a campervan has its own appeal and is a growing trend among UK travellers who enjoy hands-on projects and complete customisation.

Pros:

Complete customisation: The primary advantage of converting your own campervan is the freedom to design everything according to your preferences. From layout to appliances, it’s entirely up to you.

Cost-effective: Converting can be more affordable than buying new, especially if you source second-hand materials or budget-friendly options.

Satisfaction of DIY: Building a campervan offers a unique satisfaction. For many, it's a rewarding project that evolves over time and reflects personal style.

Personal touch: A converted campervan is often one-of-a-kind, tailored to suit your specific needs and style. Knowing the vehicle inside out also makes it easier to modify or upgrade.

Cons:

Time-consuming: Converting a campervan requires significant time for planning, sourcing, and building. Depending on complexity, this can take weeks or months.

Skill requirements: Successful conversions often require skills like woodworking, plumbing, and electrical work. Hiring professionals is an option, but it can add costs.

Initial outlay on tools and materials: If you’re starting from scratch, you'll need to invest in tools and materials, which can offset cost savings.

Potential for mistakes: DIY conversions come with risks. Mistakes in layout or installation can lead to costly repairs or compromise safety.

Disclaimer

If you decide to convert a van into a campervan, be aware that electrical and gas installations are complex and carry significant risks, both during installation and for the vehicle’s safety. We strongly recommend hiring a qualified professional to handle these aspects.

Additionally, your converted van must meet specific road safety requirements, pass its MOT, and be reported to your insurer to ensure it is adequately covered.

A campervan conversion is defined as a ‘motorhome’ that has been created from an ordinary van rather than one that was always intended to be one. The DVLA official classification is not a campervan but a ‘motor caravan’, so any van that has been converted and that meets the DVLA’s requirements can be reclassified as a motor caravan.

The speed limits for motor caravans in the UK are primarily influenced by the weight of the vehicle. There are two main weight categories:

• If the unladen weight remains below 3,050kg the vehicle is allowed to drive as fast as an ordinary car
• Should the unladen weight exceed 3,050kg the vehicle is restricted to the same speed limit as a van, which is classified as a light goods vehicle, which means they can do 70mph on a motorway, but only 60mph on dual carriageway and 50mph on national limit single carriageways.

Swift factory-built models face no such speed limit confusion as they were never registered as vans in the first place, hence they are able to travel as fast as cars.

Summary

In summary, both buying and converting have their own advantages and challenges. Buying a campervan via an approved dealer, built by an NCC approved manufacturer offers the simplicity of a turn-key solution with guaranteed quality and support, while converting allows for complete customisation and can be more budget-friendly if done right.