Best Vans to Convert into a Campervan: Insights from DVLA Data
So, you’ve caught the campervan bug and you’re ready to join the ranks of the van life adventurers. Congratulations! But before you start dreaming of Instagram-worthy sunsets and cozy nights under the stars, you’ve got a crucial decision to make: which van should you choose for your conversion? Fear not, intrepid traveler, because the trusty folks that we all love (cough cough) at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have provided some handy data to help you navigate this tricky terrain.
We got our hands on the DVLA data going back from March 2019 to March 2024 and here is what the data says:
Original Body type
Let’s start with the body type. The DVLA data reveals that Panel Vans are the undisputed champions of the conversion scene. With their roomy interiors and sturdy build, these versatile vehicles are practically begging to be transformed into your very own home on wheels. Just imagine the possibilities – a comfy bed, a mini kitchen, and maybe even a pop-up roof for those stargazing sessions. Panel Vans are like a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch.
Original Body Type
Body Type
Total
PANEL VAN
6,655
VAN/SIDE WINDOWS
2,527
MINIBUS
442
MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle)
418
AMBULANCE
166
BOX VAN
153
VAN
118
DROPSIDE LORRY
90
CAR DERIVED VAN
78
LUTON VAN
75
LIGHT VAN
47
SPECIALLY FITTED VAN
37
PICK-UP
29
GOODS
28
SPECIAL PURPOSE
27
FLAT LORRY
27
ESTATE
24
TIPPER
20
S/D BUS / COACH
18
INSULATED VAN
18
LIVESTOCK CARRIER
15
SPECIAL MOBILE UNIT
14
NOT RECORDED
11
CURTAIN SIDED
10
SALOON
9
NOT CODEABLE
9
MOTOR HOME/CARAVAN
9
LIGHT 4X4 UTILITY
8
5 DOOR HATCHBACK
6
TOWER WAGON
5
LIGHT GOODS
5
TRACTOR
4
LOW LOADER
3
4 DOOR SALOON
3
D/D BUS / COACH
2
TRUCK
2
TAXI
2
BREAKDOWN TRUCK
1
FORAGE HARVESTER
1
H/D BUS / COACH
1
SNOW PLOUGH
1
SKELETAL VEHICLE
1
AGRIC. MACHINE
1
PANTECHNICON
1
MOBILE PLANT
1
Most Popular Makes
Now, when it comes to the most popular makes, Volkswagen is the clear frontrunner. The iconic VW Transporter has been a beloved choice for campervan enthusiasts for decades, and it’s easy to see why. These reliable workhorses are known for their durability, versatility, and let’s be honest – they just look really cool. Plus, with a thriving aftermarket community, you’ll never run out of inspiration or support for your conversion project.
Make
Total
VOLKSWAGEN
3,778
FORD
1,423
PEUGEOT
1,141
CITROEN
1,040
FIAT
836
MERCEDES-BENZ
575
RENAULT
508
VAUXHALL
445
MERCEDES
367
IVECO
259
NISSAN
134
LDV
125
TOYOTA
112
MAZDA
94
MAN
59
RENAULT TRUCKS
37
DAF TRUCKS
27
IVECO-FORD
17
IRIS.BUS
16
HYUNDAI
16
DAIHATSU
12
TALBOT
9
HONDA
9
BEDFORD
8
SCANIA
8
LAND ROVER
6
LEYLAND DAF
6
VOLVO
4
SUZUKI
4
OPTARE
3
MITSUBISHI
3
MAZDA BONGO
3
MITSUBISHI FUSO
2
PIAGGIO
2
CHAUSSON
2
MELLOR
2
DFSK
2
IVECO 75E18
2
BAILEY 794T
1
GMC
1
SWIFT GROUP LTD
1
MELLOR COACHCRAFT
1
RENAULT MASTER 90 35
1
MERCEDES-BENZ 511CD1
1
KIA
1
ISUZU TRUCKS
1
BLUEBIRD
1
DEMM
1
IVECO FORD
1
DODGE (USA)
1
RENAULT MASTER DCI
1
NV200 VANETTE
1
RICKMAN RANCHER
1
OPEL
1
FIAT MELLOR
1
VOLKSWAGEN TPORTER
1
LANDCRUISER 78
1
MERCEDES 313 CDI LWB
1
FREIGHT ROVER
1
AVANTGARDE CV20
1
MERCEDES SPRINTER
1
MERCEDES 814 VARIO
1
IVECO DAILY 35S12LWB
1
PEUGEOT BOXER SPIRIT
1
Age
But what about the age of the van? Well, the DVLA data shows that most people opt for newer models. While a brand-new van might seem like an extravagant choice for a conversion, there are some compelling reasons to consider it (if you can afford it, that is). Newer vans often come with modern features, better fuel efficiency, and a lower risk of mechanical issues. After all, when you’re miles from civilization, the last thing you want is your van throwing a tantrum on the side of the road.
Age (years)
Count
0
936
1
979
2
629
3
695
4
834
5
823
6
748
7
680
8
591
9
438
10
443
11
522
12
470
13
401
14
366
15
299
16
228
17
199
18
153
19
122
20
74
21
73
22
79
23
42
24
33
25
33
26
21
27
16
28
18
29
24
30
26
31
20
32
19
33
14
34
12
35
7
36
8
37
6
38
2
39
7
40
4
41
11
42
4
43
1
44
1
45
2
46
4
47
2
50
1
51
1
54
1
And here is the visual:
Seating
And let’s not forget about seating capacity. The data reveals that vans with 2 seats (excluding the driver) are the most popular choice. Why? Because when you’re converting a van into your own personal haven, you want as much space as possible for all your creature comforts. Fewer seats mean more room for your bed, your storage, and maybe even a little lounge area for those rainy day board game sessions.
Seats (excluding driver)
Total
1
1,666
2
4,086
3
1,892
4
1,941
5
441
6
70
7
101
8
52
9
2
10
1
11
5
12
6
13
5
14
5
15
4
16
46
So, drumroll, please… The ultimate van to convert into a campervan, based on the DVLA data, is the Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van. It’s like the holy grail of campervans – the perfect combination of body type, make, age, and seating capacity. With its spacious interior, reliable performance, and endless customization options, the Transporter is the ideal platform to bring your campervan dreams to life.
Of course, every traveler is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Before you rush out to buy a Transporter, take a moment to consider your own specific needs and preferences. Think about your budget, your travel style, and how many people you plan to bring along on your adventures. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’ll be ready to hit the road and make some unforgettable memories in your very own campervan.
So there you have it, folks. The DVLA data has spoken, and the Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van is the king of the campervan conversion scene. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a sudden urge to start browsing VW Transporter listings online. Happy converting, and see you on the open road!
Best Vans to Convert into a Campervan: Insights from DVLA Data
So, you’ve caught the campervan bug and you’re ready to join the ranks of the van life adventurers. Congratulations! But before you start dreaming of Instagram-worthy sunsets and cozy nights under the stars, you’ve got a crucial decision to make: which van should you choose for your conversion? Fear not, intrepid traveler, because the trusty folks that we all love (cough cough) at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have provided some handy data to help you navigate this tricky terrain.
We got our hands on the DVLA data going back from March 2019 to March 2024 and here is what the data says:
Original Body type
Let’s start with the body type. The DVLA data reveals that Panel Vans are the undisputed champions of the conversion scene. With their roomy interiors and sturdy build, these versatile vehicles are practically begging to be transformed into your very own home on wheels. Just imagine the possibilities – a comfy bed, a mini kitchen, and maybe even a pop-up roof for those stargazing sessions. Panel Vans are like a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch.
Most Popular Makes
Now, when it comes to the most popular makes, Volkswagen is the clear frontrunner. The iconic VW Transporter has been a beloved choice for campervan enthusiasts for decades, and it’s easy to see why. These reliable workhorses are known for their durability, versatility, and let’s be honest – they just look really cool. Plus, with a thriving aftermarket community, you’ll never run out of inspiration or support for your conversion project.
Age
But what about the age of the van? Well, the DVLA data shows that most people opt for newer models. While a brand-new van might seem like an extravagant choice for a conversion, there are some compelling reasons to consider it (if you can afford it, that is). Newer vans often come with modern features, better fuel efficiency, and a lower risk of mechanical issues. After all, when you’re miles from civilization, the last thing you want is your van throwing a tantrum on the side of the road.
And here is the visual:
Seating
And let’s not forget about seating capacity. The data reveals that vans with 2 seats (excluding the driver) are the most popular choice. Why? Because when you’re converting a van into your own personal haven, you want as much space as possible for all your creature comforts. Fewer seats mean more room for your bed, your storage, and maybe even a little lounge area for those rainy day board game sessions.
So, drumroll, please… The ultimate van to convert into a campervan, based on the DVLA data, is the Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van. It’s like the holy grail of campervans – the perfect combination of body type, make, age, and seating capacity. With its spacious interior, reliable performance, and endless customization options, the Transporter is the ideal platform to bring your campervan dreams to life.
Of course, every traveler is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Before you rush out to buy a Transporter, take a moment to consider your own specific needs and preferences. Think about your budget, your travel style, and how many people you plan to bring along on your adventures. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’ll be ready to hit the road and make some unforgettable memories in your very own campervan.
So there you have it, folks. The DVLA data has spoken, and the Volkswagen Transporter Panel Van is the king of the campervan conversion scene. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a sudden urge to start browsing VW Transporter listings online. Happy converting, and see you on the open road!
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