A campervan is a self propelled vehicle that provides accommodation as well as transport. Campervans are smaller than motorhomes, and are normally for occasional use, such as weekends, rather than long term use like a motorhome or recreatioval vehicle.
Campervans are traditinally designed to be compact and easy to drive. Most are built from traditional popular vans, such as VW Transporters, Ford Transits of Mercedes Sprinters. Many VW vehicles are low in height, to allow easier driving and parking, but have a pop-up roof, which is raised when parked to allow standing in the vehicle. Most other types of campervan have a fixed high roof.
Most campervans have a 2 burner gas hob and a small gas fridge. Campervans usually consists of a dual-voltage electric system. A 12v lesuire battery normally provides power when the vehicle is parked away from a campsite. This lesuire battery is normally charged from the engine. Many campervans also have a AC power connection for use at a campsite.
Campervans normally have seating in the front for transportation, which may rotate around into the living area. The living area traditionally has seating and the kitchen area. The seating normally converts into a bed.
Campervans are often known as campers, dormobiles, caravanettes or kombis.
When talking of campervans many people think of a VW campervan, of which the Westfalia conversion is the most popular.
