The best campervans: Action Packed

I own a campervan and it has become my personal mobile office and home from home. I use it often when I need to travel long distances, allowing me to travel across Europe without incurring the cost of hotels or campsites. I have always enjoyed the basic but fully adaptable nature of my van, so when I was asked to test a few campervans, I was keen to see how professional rental agencies would deliver against my own standards. The two providers who supplied me with the campervans, O’Connors Campers of Okehampton and South West Camper Hire, provided great service and ensured I was comfortable with each vehicle before I left their offices. A precise, direct comparison between the campervans is difficult as each one meets different needs.

But the ratings scored below indicate how each one worked for my personal needs. The majority of rental companies provide campervans on a VW or Fiat chassis with different ‘back ends’. It’s important to consider what your holiday will require before you choose either a modern or classic model. Some of these differences become apparent quickly once you start driving the vehicles, which can make all the difference to your holiday experience.

Campervan reviews

VW California Campervan

Details: oconnorscampers.co.uk

^{VW California Campervan}

The VW California represents everything that is available in modern luxury campervans. Its multiple media connections allow you to link up your electronic devices to the music and BlueTooth systems. It has a built-in refrigerator and cooker, both of which worked flawlessly for me.

^{VW California Campervan}

VW seems to have thought if everything a camper might possibly need. Chairs pop out of the tailgate, a table slides out of the side door and a further internal table allows a rear passenger to use their computer while on the move.

The roof pops up to form a really comfortable second bed and you can even fit a roof rack, although it has limited weight capacity. The front seats rotate to face the rear seats, so you can have a family meal or just sit around enjoying a drink and a chat.

The rear seats fold down to make a bed and there are full curtains all the way around so you can have privacy. This vehicle is ideal if you like to go wild camping and off the beaten track. It would suit a couple with young children who will love the experience of sleeping in its ‘pop-top’ roof. Its limitations include the lack of a toilet and washing facility. I was getting more than 35mpg and the VW California an absolute pleasure to drive.

^{VW California Campervan interior}

The verdict

Ease to drive 5
Fixtures & fittings 5
Comfort 4
Adaptability 5
Overall 5

A hugely practical option for the adventurous traveller.

VW 1965 Barbarossa

Details: oconnorscampers.co.uk

^{VW 1965 Barbarossa}

Given its very rudimentary nature, I was amazed to find out that this vehicle is the most popular campervan on O’Connors books, particularly when its direct competition from the same firm is the state-of-the-art VW California campervan. However, after only a short period driving the vehicle I realised why so many people choose to hire this vintage above the modern VW California. The Barbarossa, the original English RHD deluxe Samba model, I tested proved to be a totally unique driving experience. From its 21 small windows (some of which are featured in the roof), to its double opening side doors and vast sun roof, this vehicle seemed to epitomise the idea of summer holidays. I struggled to get this vehicle to do more than 55mph, but the slow pace while driving around the lanes of Devon and Cornwall allowed me to really enjoy the whole driving experience. But four drum brakes and mechanical steering mean that you have to really anticipate the road ahead and use plenty of leg strength to slow down. The van turns heads and generates smiles wherever it goes, though some of that was no doubt due to my inability to find the elusive second gear.

^{VW 1965 Barbarossa exterior}

The interior doesn’t compete in any way with what is available in modern vehicles, but that isn’t why you’d choose to take this vehicle away for a holiday. I loved the quirkiness of the interior and how it seemed to represent a time when enjoying the journey was just as important as the destination. For two people who want a bit of an adventure and to de-stress from the modern pace of life this vehicle is the one for you because it simply refuses to operate at anything other than a relaxed pace.

^{The interior of VW 1965 Barbarossa}

The verdict (out of 5)

Ease to drive 2
Fixtures & fittings 3
Comfort 3
Adaptability 3
Overall 3

You don’t hire this vehicle for its comfort, but if you want a truly memorable holiday experience, this camper will provide it. It provides the same calming holiday experience, but only if you can learn to find the second gear.

Fiat Trigano Tribute 650

Details: swcamperhire.com

^{Fiat Trigano Tribute 650}

The Tribute 650 is part way to a motorhome, as it comes equipped with a toilet and shower, but its size makes it more campervan than motorhome. I was really impressed with this van as it seemed to come with everything you could possibly need for a long trip. It is a two-berth van with the sleeping area being the lounge seats just to the rear of the driver’s seat. The beds can be made up as two singles or a double. The vehicle comes with three seat belts despite it being a two-berth van, so the option for a third person in the bed exists. The vehicle is big enough for someone to make the meal while the other person relaxes in the lounge area. The van has a large hanging wardrobe, a large fridge and a separate freezer, as well as plenty of storage space. It has heating and the fridge/freezer operate on gas or electric so aren’t dependent on the battery. One unique feature was the rooftop solar panels, which kept the leisure battery charged even with the fridge on. Fuel consumption was about 30mpg with a range of about 500 miles to the tank. Ease of driving was excellent thanks to a six-speed gearbox, cruise control and a reversing camera. I found the suspension to be slightly harsher than the VW campervans. But once the road surfaces improved the vehicle offered a comfortable and smooth drive.

The verdict

Ease to drive 4
Fixtures & fittings 5
Comfort 4
Adaptability 4
Overall 4

A great two to three person campervan with some superb features. I was a bit confused by the seatbelt-sleeping arrangement and, for me, this was the one negative point of the vehicle as it didn’t make sense. The van is bigger than the VW California but cannot accommodate four people.

^{Fiat Trigano Tribute interior}

Accessories

Vango Air Beam Airaway Kela Awning

Price: £450
Details: vango.co.uk

I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention this product, which allows you to increase the capacity of any campervan you own. Vango make a range of awnings that attach to the side of your van and I trialled their Airaway Kela Standard on the side of my own VW T30 panel van. The awning is self-supporting and allows you to drive away from it. I managed to get it up with little difficulty, despite being in blustery conditions with strong winds on an exposed moorland height. Once up I was impressed at how much the awning cut down the wind and how calm it was inside. Inside threre is a sleeping area for two as well as a separate seating area. The space between the van and the sleeping area was well protected. It significantly enhanced the versatility of my van and is a brilliant addition to any campervan to increase space and functionality.

^{Paul Hart next to the Vango Airway Kela attachment}