Choosing the right van is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning a campervan conversion. Get it right, and you'll have a vehicle that suits your lifestyle, makes travelling a pleasure and gives you the freedom to head off on your next adventure.
Get it wrong, and you could find yourself compromising on sleeping space, storage, the places you can go or the facilities you really wanted. However, Twin Coast Campers can help you with that decision. Having converted 37 and counting vans (15th Oct 2026) we know how to match the right van to the right person.
Two of the most popular options for compact campervan conversions are the Volkswagen Transporter and the Ford Transit Custom. Both offer an excellent starting point for a campervan, but there are some important differences to consider before you buy.
In this blog we will be discussing the pre 2024 Transporter (T5/T6/T6.1) and the pre 2023 Transit (Mk1). The lastest Transporter T7 and Transit Custom Mk2 are quite different from their predecessors and the T7 now shares the same chassis, body and engine as the Transit. The T7 is essentially now a Transit Custom which is another whole topic in itself!
At Twin Coast Campers, we believe a great conversion starts with understanding how you want to use your van. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of each vehicle, what you can realistically fit inside and how to choose the right base van for your adventures.
1. The VW Transporter: A compact campervan favourite
The Volkswagen Transporter has earned its place as one of the UK's most recognisable campervan base vehicles. From the T4 through to the T6.1, its combination of compact dimensions, familiar driving experience and extensive aftermarket support makes it an appealing choice.
VW T6.1 SWB Harlyn+2 Conversion
Why choose a VW Transporter?
One of the biggest advantages of the Transporter is its versatility. It works well as an everyday vehicle while offering enough room for a thoughtfully designed campervan interior.
For people who want a van that can handle the school run, commute or weekly shopping as comfortably as a weekend away, the Transporter is a strong contender.
Other advantages include:
Compact dimensions: Easier to manoeuvre and park than many larger vans.
Extensive accessory market: A wide range of exterior accesories, seat and bed systems, and other conversion accessories are available.
Flexible layouts: Clever design can incorporate a kitchen, seating, sleeping space and practical storage.
Brand power: These vans hold their value extermely well.
What are the limitations?
The Transporter's biggest compromise is space. Although a well-designed interior can be surprisingly capable, every centimetre matters.
A kitchen, bed, wardrobe, fridge and toilet all compete for the same limited floor area. Adding more facilities can mean reducing seating space, storage or room to move around.
If you're planning extended trips, travelling with children or wanting a more comprehensive set of facilities, it's important to think carefully about the layout before choosing your van.
A pop-top roof can provide additional sleeping accommodation and extra headroom. However, it doesn't increase the available floor space, so the interior layout still needs to work hard.
Best suited to: Couples, solo travellers and small families looking for a compact, versatile campervan that can double as an everyday vehicle.
2. The Ford Transit Custom: Practicality and value
The pre-2023 Ford Transit Custom is another popular choice for campervan conversions. For the same reasons as the Transporter, it can easily handle the weekday commute, school run or city driving and by the weekend become your best exploring companion.
For buyers who want a capable base vehicle without necessarily paying a premium for the Volkswagen badge, the Transit Custom is well worth considering.
Ford Transit Custom SWB Hi Top
Why choose a Ford Transit Custom?
The Transit Custom offers a useful balance between manageable external dimensions and practical interior space. It is slightly wider that the Transporter which gives a squarer interior for conversion
Depending on the exact model, wheelbase and specification, its load area can provide useful flexibility when planning a kitchen, bed and storage.
Its key advantages include:
Value for money: Depending on age, mileage and condition, a used Transit Custom may offer more scope to allocate your budget to the conversion itself.
Practical interior: A good starting point for a well-planned compact campervan layout.
Drive: This is a personal opionon but the Transit is known to have a slightly better drive.
Everyday versatility: It remains a practical option for people who want a vehicle for both daily use and touring.
Ford Transit Custom LWB Harlyn Conversion
What should you consider?
As with the Transporter, the Transit Custom isn’t a large van. Interior space is limited but our Harlyn conversions make the most of all the space available to get the maximum functionality possible.
The Transit Custom’s drive belt is what is know as a ‘wet belt’ as it runs in the gearbox oil. This has raised quite a few eyebrows in terms of reliability. The belt should be changed every 60k mileage max but ideally sooner. So the servicing is more regular on these vans but is slightly cheaper than servicing a VW T6.
Best suited to: Same core groups as the Transporter and buyers looking for a practical compact campervan, particularly those who want to balance the cost of the base vehicle against their conversion budget.
3. What can you fit inside a compact campervan?
Our conversion models
Our Harlyn and Harlyn +2 conversion range has these size vehicles covered. This is where the conversion design becomes just as important as the base vehicle.
The Harlyn model is based around a U-Shaped seating area that converts into a bed, whilst also having the option to use the bed in the pop top roof.
The Harlyn +2 is based around having 2 extra crash tested seat belts in the rear that convert into a bed. As well as the pop top bed.
If you will only need 2 or 3 seat belts then the Harlyn U-Shape might be the best option for you as this layout offers more interior space to spread out and relax.
If you need 4 or 5 seatbelts then the only option is our Harlyn +2. Whilst still offering a comfortable place to relax the rear belted seats take up more room.
So the layout really does follow your needs first.
VW T6.1 SWB Harlyn Conversion - U-Shape
VW T6.1 SWB Harlyn+2 - Rear belted seats
Sleeping arrangements
Think about who will use the van and how often you'll be sleeping in it.
A convertible lower bed can work well for couples, while a pop-top can provide additional sleeping accommodation. The pop top bed is rated to 200kgs so it can sleep 2 adults if needed.
If you regularly travel as a family, make sure you consider both sleeping capacity and suitable travelling seats. Additional sleeping space does not automatically mean additional legal or approved travelling seats.
If you are travelling just as a couple you will find it warmer to sleep on the lower bed with the pop top roof down. The pop top bed will be a bit cooler as it is essentially a single skin tent and just the pop top roof part is insulated.
Ford Transit Custom LWB Harlyn Conversion - U- Shape Bed
VW T6.1 SWB Harlyn+2 Conversion - Rock n Roll bed
Kitchen facilities
A compact kitchen can still be highly practical. A sink with a chopping-board cover, a hob, a fridge and carefully planned storage can make preparing meals straightforward without taking over the entire interior.
We can use underslung water tanks which means more room for storage on the inside and a larger water carrying capacity. Underslung tanks are fitted underneath the van to the chassis.
We can also incorporate external gas and electrical points on the van so that you can cook alfresco whether on gas or induction.
VW T6.1 SWB Harlyn Conversion
Storage and everyday practicality
Storage is often overlooked until it's too late.
You'll need space for clothes, food, cooking equipment, bedding, outdoor gear and all the other things that come with travelling.
Our carefully designed cabinetry makes the best use of the awkward spaces, while hidden storage and carefully positioned cupboards help keep the interior tidy.
Another feature worth considering is an awning to create additional sheltered living space outside the van.
The key is to prioritise features that genuinely improve your trips rather than trying to fit everything into a limited footprint.
4. Should you choose a short-wheelbase or long-wheelbase van?
Both the Transporter and Transit Custom are offered in different body configurations, so it's worth considering wheelbase before committing to a purchase.
We have dedicated pages for each van model which give detailed dimensions for each variant.
A short-wheelbase van offers a more compact footprint, which can be attractive if you regularly park in town centres, use car parks or drive your campervan every day.
A long-wheelbase version can provide more room for furniture, storage and a more spacious layout. However, it may be less convenient in tight parking spaces and manoeuvring situations.
If you need help figuring out which variant is best for you please get in touch with us and after a few practical questions we can advise what would be the best route.
5. Pop Top or High Top?
The advantages of having a pop top is that the van will still fit under most height restriction barriers. With high top variant the roof is permanently high meaning it won’t go under height restriction barriers.
The pop top also incorporates a raising bed platform to provide additional berths. A high top is just extra headroom and not designed for raising bed platforms.
The advantage with a high top is that you don’t have to pop open a roof the stand in the back. The Transit Custom has approx 170cm and the VW T6.1 has approx 186cm of standing height space. These measures also include our insulation. The VW T6.1 hight top is only avaible on the LWB variants.
6. VW Transporter vs Ford Transit Custom: Which is better?
Neither van is automatically the better choice. The right option depends on your budget and priorities.
These are general comparisons rather than guarantees. The age, condition, specification and history of an individual van can matter more than the badge.
One thing to bare in mind is the VW Transporter will hold it’s value better than the Ford Transit Custom and when (if) it comes to resale the market for a VW Campervan is much stronger.
In a nutshell…
Choose a VW Transporter if you want a compact campervan with a huge established accessory market and strong everyday usability, and you've found a vehicle that fits your budget and layout requirements.
Choose a Ford Transit Custom if you're looking for a practical alternative and want to explore whether your budget can stretch further towards the conversion itself or save money overall.
Consider a larger van if you want more extensive facilities, greater internal space or a layout designed for longer trips with more people. A larger base vehicle may give you more freedom, although it comes with different driving, parking and ownership considerations.
Above all, don't buy a van simply because it's popular or because you've seen a conversion you like online. The best base vehicle is the one that supports the way you want to use it.
VW T6 SWB Harlyn Conversion
7. Planning your campervan conversion with Twin Coast Campers
At Twin Coast Campers, we design and build campervan conversions around the people who use them.
Our Harlyn range is designed for compact base vehicles such as the VW Transporter and Ford Transit Custom. We focus on making the most of the available space, combining practical layouts with thoughtful details and quality craftsmanship.
From kitchen design and storage to sleeping arrangements, electrical systems and finishes, every decision should contribute to a campervan that works for your adventures.
We believe the best conversions start with a conversation. Understanding how you travel, what you want to carry and which facilities matter most helps us develop a design that makes sense for you.
If you're still deciding which van to buy, getting advice before committing can help you avoid costly compromises later.
Whether you're drawn to the VW Transporter or the Ford Transit Custom, we're happy to discuss your ideas and help you explore the possibilities.
Ready to start planning your campervan?
Get in touch with Twin Coast Campers to discuss your ideas and discover how a Harlyn or Harly+2 conversion could turn the right base vehicle into your next adventure.
Thank you for reading our blog and we hope you have found it useful. Please see below our frequently asked questions for some quick answers.
Happy Travels
Article by Jack – Design Director - Twin Coast Campers
Frequently asked questions
Is a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom better for a campervan conversion?
Both are excellent options for compact campervan conversions. The Transporter has a well-established campervan accessory market, while the Transit Custom can offer good value depending on the vehicle. Your budget, intended layout and the condition of the van should guide your decision.
Is a Ford Transit Custom cheaper than a VW Transporter?
In like for like situations the Ford Transit Custom is cheaper. Prices vary according to age, mileage, engine, specification and condition.
Can you stand up inside a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom?
Unless it is a high top variant then no, not without a pop top. Standard-height panel vans generally don't provide full standing height for adults. A suitable pop-top can provide additional headroom when raised. We can offer what’s called a bi-fold bed which gives you overall more headroom as the bed platform has a second hinge. As shown in the photo below…
Can you convert a van you already own?
Of Course. If you’ve owned the van for a number of years you’ll know the van pretty well and also how well it’s been looked after!
Should I buy the van before speaking to a converter?
We don’t advise it but if you feel confident you’ve made the right choice for you then that’s fine. However, a brief discussion with us could potentially save you money and a significant headache.
How much does a Harlyn or Harlyn+2 campervan conversion cost?
The cost depends on the base vehicle, layout, materials, appliances and specification. A conversion can be tailored to your requirements, so it's worth discussing your priorities and budget early in the planning process.
Our Harlyn range starts from £29,950 which will give you a very comprehensive, high-quality conversion.
Please see our Harlyn Conversion pages for full specifications.
Can a compact campervan work for family adventures?
Yes, provided the layout, sleeping arrangements and travelling seats are appropriate for your family. Consider how you'll use the van in different weather conditions, where everyone will sleep and how much storage you'll need.
A great way to expand your living space while have the versatility of a small van is a drive-away awning.