VW Camper vans

This page is specifically about VW camper vans. There is a dedicated page to VW Transporter vans (i.e. VW vans that are not campers).

VW popularized the camper van concept when in the 1950s they asked Westfalia to convert their Type 2 Transporter vans into compact vehicles that allowed transport, sleeping and cooking. Westfalia did this, and continued producing camper van conversions until 2003.

Type 2 T1

VW Type 2 T1 Camper Van (Split Screen)There were many variations of different models produced over the years, but the most popular remains the Split Screen Type 2 T1, produced between 1950 and 1967. These are highly sought after vehicles are the remaining examples are worth a lot of money, especially in the USA and UK.

Type 2 T2

VW Type 2 T2 Camper Van (Bay Window)Westfalia continued converting the later Type 2 T2 model, knows as the Bay Window model.  These conversions are also very desirable.

T25 and T3

VW T25 Devon camper vanThere are many examples of the T25 or T3 models, but the popularity of these vehicles declined as VW were still using old air cooled engines in these models, whilst other manufacturers were using more modern liquid cooled engines.

T4 and T5

WV T4 camper vanIn the 1990s VW introduced the modern T4 Transporter van, which caused a resurgence in VW camper popularity. VW T4 and the newer T5 Transport vans are also very popular camper vans.

Builders of VW camper vans

Westfalia the best known converters of VW camper vans, but there are many others:

• Westfalia
• Winnebago
• Devon
• Dormobile
• ASI / Riviera
• Danbury Motorcaravans
• VW Sun-Dial

VW Camper standard equipment

There are a number of things you'll find as standard in VW camper conversions

• Foldout seating doubling as a bed
• Birch plywood interior panels
• Laminated cabinetry for storage
• Ice box or cold-box
• Sink (some models)
• Water storage and pump
• Electrical hookups
• Curtains
• Screened Windows
• Laminated folding table

VW Camper optional equipment

A lot of options were available over the years by the different converters

• Attached "pop up" tops with tent
• Attachable stand alone tent
• Attachable side awnings
• A portable chemical toilet
• A camping stove
• Various camping equipment
• Child sleeping cot in driver cab
• Storage box which matches interior. Can be placed between front seats by sliding door.
• Air conditioning
• Rear swing table
• Small map table mounted on dash

VW campers in popular culture

VW campers have become popular culture icons throughout the world, but particularly in the USA (especially in California), the UK, Australia and South Africa. The VW camper particularly became associate with hippies and surf culture, where it remains a firm favorite.

Here are some other pages that should be useful.

A guide to buying a VW Camper Van

Differences between Split Screen and Bay Window Campers

The post-67 Bay Window camper vans have many improvements including...

• Larger and higher bay window
• 12 volt electrics
• Improved suspension and handling
• From 1972 the type 4 1700-2000cc engines provide more power
• Some models had servo brakes

If you're set on a pre-67 Split Screen camper go for it but...

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A guide to VW Split Screen Camper Van (Type 2 T1)

When buying any camper look out for...

• Rust, particularly on the bottom 6 inches all around...
• Rust on chassis box sections
• On front and rear outriggers
• On roof guttering, sills, wheel arches
• On floors in front of the rear wheels
• Behind front seats
• Under cover plates which can hide a horror story of trapped moisture and rust

Be careful of campers with suspension lowered to make them look cool...

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VW Camper Vans For Sale

Looking for a classic VW camper? Or a new T4 or T5?  Find the best places to find and buy a VW camper van.

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VW Bay Window Camper Van (Type 2 T2) buyers guide

Bay window camper vans age really well, and there are lots of great examples around.  But could you tell the difference between a solid example ready for the road and a rusty heap ready for the breakers?

This VW Bay Window camper van buyers guide should help you find a great example.

When buying any camper look out for...

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