At Juice Van Designs, we recently had the pleasure of working with Jon, who came to us with a clear vision of the campervan he and his wife had always dreamed of. The brief was simple yet ambitious: a spacious, off-grid-ready VW Crafter that could comfortably accommodate two people for extended periods in the wild, with ample storage and the capability for off-grid adventures.
The Build
To bring Jon and his wife’s dream to life, we started by maximising the living space within their VW Crafter, ensuring it felt roomy and comfortable for two people without any sense of being cramped. One of the key features was a side pod extension, allowing for a widthways sleeping arrangement that provides plenty of room for a good night’s sleep. To enhance comfort further, we added adjustable reading lights with USB charging ports, perfect for cosy evenings or a late-night read.
Intelligent Space Utilisation
To make the most of the space, we installed swivelling front captain's chairs, transforming the driving area into an extension of the living space when parked up. The bespoke units and a sliding table design were tailored to fit the couple's needs, providing both functionality and a touch of elegance to the interior.
For storage, we created a large ‘garage’ at the rear of the van, capable of housing bikes, sports equipment, and all the essentials needed for long off-grid adventures. We maximised the interior space further by fitting large underslung water tanks beneath the van, keeping the interior free for other uses.
Off-Grid Capability
For true off-grid living, the van is equipped with 300-watt solar panels to keep the electrical and auxiliary batteries charged up, ensuring a steady supply of power even when far from civilisation. The van also features a 240-volt mains hook-up, ideal for campsites or when a quick recharge is needed. A Webasto diesel heater was installed to keep Jon and his wife warm during those colder nights, making the van suitable for year-round use.
To keep food and drinks fresh, we installed a Dometic CRX 50 fridge, perfect for storing essentials and refreshments. The kitchen area also includes a sleek black Thetford hob and sink with glass lids, offering a stylish yet practical cooking solution.
Adventure-Ready Exterior
The exterior of the van is just as ready for adventure as the interior. With rugged all-terrain wheels and tyres, the van is prepared for all sorts of terrains, from smooth tarmac roads to rugged countryside trails. A Fiamma F80s wind-out awning adds an extra dimension of outdoor living space, providing shelter from the sun or rain, and creating the perfect space for dining or relaxing outside the van.
Conclusion
Jon and his wife now have the campervan of their dreams – a spacious, well-equipped VW Crafter that’s ready for weeks of off-grid living, wherever their adventures may take them. At Juice Van Designs, we’re proud to have been part of their journey and to have created a van that truly meets their needs, blending functionality, comfort, and style.
Thinking of converting your own van into the camper of your dreams? Get in touch with us at Juice Van Designs, Huddersfield, and let’s start planning your adventure.