Van Conversion vs Motorhome vs Camper Van

A camper van is a travel solution that lets you take the comforts of home on the road with you. It brings all the fun of camping without the stress of struggling with a piece of tarpaulin in a water-logged field; it also means that you can move from place to place with ease.

If you're researching into this for the first time, you've probably seen several terms such as 'camper van' 'motorhome' and van conversion' and are wondering what the difference is.

In this article we're going to dive right into what you need to know about conversions and why they offer so much more scope for personalisation than other maybe more traditional options. We'll also be talking about what they are and what the difference is between the three options.

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What's the difference?

Motorhome |

• purpose-built vehicle

• usually come with fitted beds, bathroom, kitchen and dining area

• tend to be a lot larger than camper vans or van conversion options meaning you can find yourself restricted as to where you can drive or park, they also often cost more money to have on camp sites as they take up more room

• often more expensive to buy and to run

Camper Van |

• less bulky than a motorhome

• less time-consuming than a conversion

• cost a lot of money and that's only for basic models. Adding elements will push the prices up and up

• impersonal

Van Conversion |

• a van converted, there are bespoke commission van conversion or the stock conversion options

• choice on the size and style of van you use

• interior personalisation

• bespoke handcrafted finishes

• speciality conversions by industry professionals

• longer lead times and potential for being put on a waitlist

• more environmentally friendly

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What is a van conversion?

A van conversion is where a van, usually one built for trade businesses, is bought second hand or new and converted into a camper van by either a specialist converter (like us here at Pine Campers) or as a project by an individual.

Going down this route allows a lot more creativity and personalisation. Depending on the van you decide to convert you may even have more room than traditional camper vans which means you can make what feel like a small space very livable and comfortable.

Van conversions can also often be cheaper than buying a ready-made model. Even working with specialist converters, you'll also get bespoke handcrafted finishes and be able to talk to the person who is making your van; building a memorable and personal experience from the beginning of the process.

For example, at Pine Campers Chris' experience as a carpenter is used to it's full not only with his incredible designs, but also the fit and finish of each element that is added.

In 'Atlas' - the stock conversion to come out of the workshop in April - Chris worked with local light company Future Lit LED to get LED strip lighting around the van and dimmable options which created a really luxurious feel. There was also a hot water tank and full electrics fitted allowing for an induction hob, oven and hot water on-tap.

Want to learn more about our conversions? Click this link to see all our projects so far