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Campervan Roof Racks
Campervan Roof Racks Explained: Benefits, Installation & What You Need to Know A roof rack is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a campervan. Whether you're building an off-grid adventure van, carrying sports equipment or simply running out of storage space inside the vehicle, a properly designed roof rack can significantly increase the capability of your campervan. Popular on vehicles such as the VW Crafter, MAN TGE, Mercedes Sprinter and VW Transporter, roof racks provide a secure platform for carrying equipment while also creating a mounting point for accessories such as campervan solar panels, roof lights, recovery equipment, roof boxes and roof tents. For many overland builds, a roof rack becomes the foundation of the entire vehicle setup. What Is a Campervan Roof Rack? A campervan roof rack is a structural framework that mounts to the roof of the vehicle, creating a strong and secure platform for carrying equipment and accessories. Unlike basic roof bars, a full-length roof rack distributes weight across multiple mounting points and provides a much larger usable area. This makes it ideal for larger adventure vehicles where storage capacity and equipment mounting options are important. Modern roof racks are typically manufactured from aluminium to provide an excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance and weight. High-quality systems are designed specifically for each vehicle, ensuring correct fitment and load distribution. They are commonly fitted to: VW Crafter roof racks MAN TGE roof racks Mercedes Sprinter roof racks VW Transporter roof racks Off-road campervans Overland campers 4x4 campervan builds How Does a Roof Rack Work? A roof rack uses the vehicle's existing mounting points or roof fixing locations to safely transfer loads into the body structure of the van. The rack creates a flat platform above the roofline which can be used to carry or mount equipment. Depending on the design, it may include side rails, cross members, accessory mounting slots and dedicated fixing points for additional equipment. Many adventure van owners use roof racks for: Campervan solar panel installations Roof boxes Recovery tracks LED light bars Camping equipment Kayaks and paddleboards Surfboards Spare wheels Roof access walkways By moving bulky equipment onto the roof, valuable storage space inside the campervan can be retained for living and sleeping areas. The Benefits of a Roof Rack 1. Increase Storage Capacity One of the biggest advantages of a roof rack is additional storage space. Many campervans quickly reach their internal storage limits, particularly on longer trips. A roof rack allows larger items to be carried externally, freeing up room inside the vehicle. 2. Create a Platform for Accessories A roof rack is often the starting point for other upgrades. Many campervan solar panel kits, campervan roof lights, recovery tracks and awning systems require a secure mounting structure. A well-designed roof rack provides a versatile platform that can evolve as your build develops. 3. Improve Off-Grid Capability For overland campers and off-grid adventure vans, roof racks make it easier to carry equipment needed for extended travel. Additional solar panels, fuel storage, recovery gear and expedition equipment can all be mounted without impacting interior living space. 4. Safe Roof Access Many modern racks incorporate side rails and walkable sections, making it easier to access solar panels, roof vents and maintenance areas safely. How Are Roof Racks Installed? Installation varies depending on the vehicle and rack design, but most quality systems utilise existing factory mounting points wherever possible. A typical installation process includes: Inspecting the roof and mounting locations. Installing mounting brackets or feet. Securing side rails and framework. Fitting crossbars and support sections. Torquing all fixings to specification. Installing accessories and load securing points. Final inspection and load checks. Unlike side pods, fitting a roof rack generally does not require cutting the vehicle bodywork, making installation significantly less invasive. What To Consider Before Buying a Roof Rack Before purchasing a roof rack, consider: Vehicle compatibility. SWB, MWB or LWB wheelbase. Roof load limits. Future accessory requirements. Solar panel installation plans. Awning compatibility. Weight of equipment being carried. Overall vehicle height restrictions. One of the most common mistakes is buying a rack based solely on appearance. The best roof rack is one that supports your intended use, whether that's carrying sports equipment, mounting solar panels or building a fully equipped overland camper. Maintenance Requirements Roof racks require relatively little maintenance, but regular inspections are recommended. Check: Mounting bolts and fixings. Corrosion on steel components. Accessory mounting hardware. Load securing points. Electrical wiring for roof-mounted lights. Regular cleaning is particularly important if the vehicle is used off-road or in coastal environments. Frequently Asked Questions About Campervan Roof Racks How much weight can a campervan roof rack carry? This depends on both the rack and the vehicle roof load rating. Always follow the manufacturer's stated load limits. Can I fit solar panels to a roof rack? Yes. Many campervan solar panel systems are mounted directly to roof racks using dedicated brackets or rails. Do I need a full roof rack or just roof bars? If you're only carrying occasional lightweight loads, roof bars may be sufficient. For solar panels, recovery gear, roof boxes and expedition equipment, a full roof rack is usually the better solution. Will a roof rack increase fuel consumption? Additional weight and wind resistance can have a small impact on fuel economy, particularly when carrying bulky equipment. Are roof racks worth fitting to a campervan? For many campervan owners, a roof rack is one of the most useful upgrades available, providing additional storage, accessory mounting options and improved off-grid capability without sacrificing valuable interior space.
Learn moreCampervan Side Pods
Side Pods Benefits, Installation & What You Need to Know If you're planning a VW Crafter, MAN TGE or Mercedes Sprinter campervan conversion, you've probably come across campervan side pods. Also known as side flares, sleeping pods or van side pods, they are one of the most effective ways to create additional living space without moving to a larger vehicle. For many campervan builders, the biggest challenge is fitting a comfortable bed into a limited space. Side pods solve this problem by extending the bodywork at the rear of the van, allowing most adults to sleep across the width of the vehicle rather than lengthways. The result is a more spacious layout, increased storage opportunities and a more practical campervan overall. Ready to add up to 6'6" of sleeping width? Shop our made-to-order side pods for the VW Crafter, MAN TGE and Mercedes Sprinter. Shop Side Pods Not sure they'll fit your van? Send us your reg and we'll confirm before you order. What Are Campervan Side Pods? Campervan side pods are moulded GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) extensions that are permanently bonded into the side panels of a van. They protrude beyond the original bodywork and create additional internal width in the sleeping area. They are most commonly fitted to: VW Crafter side pods VW Crafter LWB side pods MAN TGE side pods Mercedes Sprinter side pods Sprinter campervan conversions Overland and off-grid campervan builds Most modern side pods are supplied as a left and right-hand pair and are designed specifically for either MWB or LWB vehicles. How Do Side Pods Work? The primary purpose of side pods is to increase the internal width of the van where the bed is located. A standard van body can often be too narrow for many adults to sleep comfortably across the vehicle. By extending the bodywork on both sides, side pods create enough additional width to allow a transverse bed layout. On the Wildworx VW Crafter and MAN TGE design, the finished sleeping width can reach approximately 6ft 6in (1980mm), allowing most people to sleep sideways comfortably. This seemingly small increase in width creates significant design benefits because it frees up floor space throughout the rest of the campervan. The Benefits of Campervan Side Pods 1. Sleep Sideways Instead of Lengthways This is the biggest reason most people install side pods. By sleeping across the van, you no longer need a bed running front-to-back. This can save over a metre of valuable interior floor space and completely transform the layout of your campervan. 2. Create More Living Space The space saved by a transverse bed can be used for: Larger kitchens Additional seating Bigger garage storage Internal showers Composting toilets Extra worktop space Many converters find side pods allow them to achieve layouts that would otherwise only be possible in a much longer vehicle. 3. More Storage Opportunities Because the bed runs across the van, the area underneath can often be used more efficiently for storage. This is particularly useful for outdoor adventure equipment, bikes, recovery gear and camping equipment. 4. Factory-Style Appearance Modern side pods are designed to integrate with the vehicle bodywork rather than look like an afterthought. The Wildworx design uses a hidden fixing flange located behind the pod rather than around the outer edge, creating a cleaner OEM-style finish with no visible external flange. How Are Side Pods Installed? Installing side pods is a permanent body modification and requires cutting into the van. A professional installation typically follows these stages: 1. Vehicle Inspection & Layout The vehicle is inspected and measured before templates are applied to the bodywork. Positioning should always be checked by a second technician before cutting begins. 2. Cutting the Aperture The surrounding paintwork is protected before pilot holes are drilled and the body aperture is carefully cut. Any internal obstructions must be identified before cutting. 3. Edge Preparation All exposed metal edges are deburred, primed and treated with corrosion protection to prevent future rust. 4. Trial Fitting The side pods are temporarily fitted to verify alignment, clearances and symmetry on both sides of the van. 5. Bonding The pods are bonded using high-strength automotive polyurethane adhesive. This creates a strong, weatherproof connection between the pod and the vehicle body. 6. Structural Support Many side pod systems require support beams or replacement framework where structural sections of the original bodywork have been removed. This is a critical part of the installation and should never be overlooked. 7. Quality Control Once cured, the installation is checked for: Water tightness Adhesive coverage Corrosion protection Symmetry Finish quality What Do You Need To Fit Side Pods? Depending on the design, installation may require: Side pod kit Vehicle-specific templates Automotive polyurethane adhesive Corrosion protection products Cutting tools Clamps and support equipment Structural support beams or reinforcement framework Optional opening windows and blinds Many side pods are supplied in a black or grey gel coat finish and require preparation before painting to match the vehicle. Are Side Pods Worth It? For most VW Crafter, MAN TGE and Mercedes Sprinter conversions, side pods are one of the highest-impact upgrades available. Unlike many campervan modifications that provide marginal improvements, side pods fundamentally change how the interior can be designed. The ability to sleep sideways, create additional living space and maximise storage can make a medium wheelbase van feel significantly larger without increasing the vehicle's overall length. For anyone planning a serious off-grid, overland or adventure campervan build, side pods are often the difference between a layout that works and one that feels compromised. Add 6'6" of Width to Your Build Our side pods are hand-built to order in the UK, supplied as a pair and backed by a 1-year warranty. Free UK shipping over £100. Shop Side Pods Want it done for you? Book professional fitting with Wildworx, or send us your reg and we'll confirm fitment first.
Learn moreThe Ultimate Guide to Campervan Accessories: Which upgrades Are Actually Worth It?
If you've spent any time looking at adventure vans on Instagram or YouTube, you've probably seen them. Big all-terrain tyres. Roof racks loaded with gear. Snorkels. Light bars. Recovery tracks. Winches. They all look impressive. But here's the question most people never ask: Which campervan accessories genuinely improve your adventures, and which ones simply improve the way your van looks? The truth is that not every upgrade is right for every van owner. Some accessories can completely transform how you travel. Others may add weight, cost and complexity without ever being used. In this guide, we'll walk through the most popular adventure campervan upgrades, explain what they actually do, who they're for, and help you decide whether they're worth adding to your build. Watch: Are These Campervan Upgrades Actually Worth It? We've put together a full video breaking down each of these upgrades, showing what they do in the real world and helping you decide which are right for your van. 👉 Watch the full video and decide for yourself: Which campervan upgrades are genuinely worth it? Before You Start: What Kind of Adventure Do You Actually Want? The biggest mistake people make is buying accessories before defining how they'll use their van. A campervan built for weekends in Cornwall looks very different to one designed for a six-month overland trip through Morocco. Ask yourself: Do you mostly stay on campsites? Do you regularly drive on muddy fields? Do you enjoy remote wild camping? Do you carry bikes, kayaks or paddleboards? Are you planning long overland expeditions? Your answers should determine your upgrades. Not Instagram. 1. Off-Road Wheels and All-Terrain Tyres Best for: Campsites Gravel tracks Muddy fields Light off-road driving If there's one upgrade that offers both visual impact and practical benefits, it's a good set of off-road wheels paired with all-terrain tyres. Unlike standard road tyres, all-terrain tyres are designed to provide extra grip on loose surfaces such as gravel, mud, sand and wet grass. This doesn't turn your campervan into a Land Rover. But it can mean the difference between driving out of a muddy field and waiting three hours for a tow truck. Pros ✔ Improved grip on loose surfaces ✔ Better durability ✔ More aggressive adventure styling ✔ Increased confidence when conditions deteriorate Cons ✘ Slightly more road noise ✘ Reduced fuel economy Worth it? For most campervan owners: Yes. This is often the best first upgrade to make. 2. Roof Racks Best for: Active travellers Long trips Carrying sports equipment A roof rack effectively gives you an extra storage room. For many people, it's the difference between travelling comfortably and feeling like you're living in a cluttered cupboard. Roof racks can carry: Paddleboards Kayaks Surfboards Recovery gear Storage boxes Solar panels Starlink systems Awnings They also help protect roof-mounted equipment such as skylights and solar panels from overhanging branches. Pros ✔ Massive increase in storage capacity ✔ Flexible mounting options ✔ Protects roof equipment ✔ Makes longer trips easier Cons ✘ Can affect fuel economy ✘ May increase wind noise Worth it? Absolutely, if you regularly carry outdoor gear. 3. Lift Kits and Upgraded Suspension Best for: Off-road travel Rough tracks Heavy campervan builds Lift kits increase ground clearance, helping your van clear obstacles that would otherwise scrape the underside. They also improve approach and departure angles when driving over uneven ground. Combined with quality suspension upgrades, they can dramatically improve both comfort and capability. Pros ✔ More ground clearance ✔ Better off-road performance ✔ Improved ride quality with premium suspension ✔ Increased confidence on rough terrain Cons ✘ Expensive ✘ Can affect handling if poorly designed Worth it? Only if you genuinely leave the tarmac behind. For campsite users, the money may be better spent elsewhere. 4. Snorkels Best for: Dusty environments Overland travel Desert expeditions The snorkel is one of the most misunderstood campervan accessories. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't primarily designed to help you drive through rivers. Its main purpose is to raise the vehicle's air intake higher away from dust, spray and debris. This becomes especially important when travelling in convoy or driving on dusty tracks. Pros ✔ Cleaner air intake ✔ Better protection from dust ✔ Reduced risk of water ingestion ✔ Adventure styling Cons ✘ Limited benefit for most UK users Worth it? Essential for serious overland travel. Probably unnecessary for weekend camping. 5. Light Bars Best for: Off-road driving Remote locations Night-time exploration A quality light bar can completely transform visibility once you're off public roads. When you're navigating unknown terrain after dark, spotting obstacles early can prevent damage and make driving significantly safer. Important Light bars are generally not legal for use on UK public roads unless used appropriately. Always check local regulations. Worth it? Excellent for genuine adventure travel. Mostly cosmetic if your van rarely leaves campsites. 6. Underbody Protection Best for: Rough tracks Overland travel Expensive campervan builds Most campervan owners spend thousands protecting the inside of their van. Very few think about protecting the underside. A sump guard protects critical components such as: Engine sump Transmission Front axle components One unexpected rock strike can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. Worth it? One of the smartest upgrades available if you travel off-road. 7. Recovery Tracks Best for: Mud Sand Wet grass Solo travellers Recovery tracks are one of the cheapest adventure upgrades available. When you lose traction, they provide a surface for your tyres to grip and climb out. They're lightweight, easy to store and often solve problems before they become serious. Worth it? Yes. Every adventure van should carry a set. 8. Winches Best for: Serious expeditions Remote travel Heavy off-road use A winch can recover a stuck vehicle without needing help from another driver. However, they are heavy, expensive and rarely used by most campervan owners. Worth it? If you're planning expeditions through remote terrain: Absolutely. For everyone else: Probably not. The Most Important Upgrade Isn't a Product After years of building and using adventure vans, we've learned something important. The best campervan upgrade isn't a snorkel. It isn't a roof rack. It isn't even a lift kit. It's confidence. The confidence to take that dirt track. The confidence to stay an extra night. The confidence to explore somewhere new. The right upgrades don't just change how your campervan looks. They change where you're willing to go. And that's where the real adventure begins.
Learn moreWhere to Spend vs Save on a Campervan Conversion
This guide is for you if: You’re planning a VW Transporter, Crafter, or Sprinter build You want a proper off-road or off-grid setup You care about long-term usability, not just looks You’re working with a £30k–£100k+ total budget This approach is ideal if you: Travel off-grid regularly Want reliability over gimmicks Plan to keep or resell the van at strong value Prefer phased upgrades over cutting corners What Most People Get Wrong Spending too much on the conversion, not enough on the base van Cheap electrical systems that limit real-world use Overbuilding soundproofing Buying “campervan-specific” products unnecessarily Ignoring long-term durability (flooring, fixtures) Recommended Campervan Setup (Balanced Build) If you want to get it right first time: Base: High-spec VW Crafter / MAN TGE / Sprinter Core priorities: Strong electrical system (lithium + inverter) Proper insulation 12V fridge Smart savings: Domestic taps & hardware Household induction hob Minimal sound deadening Optional upgrades: Auto levelling system Traction boards instead of winch Roof rack + storage system for gear Where Products Fit Into Your Build To make this setup work in real life, you’ll typically need: Electrical components → battery systems, inverters Off-grid accessories → solar panels, lighting kits Storage solutions → roof racks, internal storage Recovery gear → traction boards, recovery points These aren’t “extras” they define how usable your van is. Most people assume a campervan conversion costs a fortune. In reality, the problem isn’t the budget, it’s where the money gets spent. We see it all the time. People overspend on the wrong parts, then cut corners on the things that actually matter. The result? A van that looks good on paper but doesn’t perform in the real world. This guide breaks down exactly where to spend and where to save on a campervan conversion. All of this is based on our decades of experience, Not theory. The Biggest Mistake: Blowing Your Budget on the Wrong Base Vehicle If you're working with around £100k, you need to be realistic. VW Crafter / MAN TGE (high spec): ~£65k–£70k Mercedes Sprinter: up to ~£75k That leaves £25k–£30k for the conversion — which is not enough for a full luxury build. Your Two Options: 1. Buy a premium base vehicle + phase the build over time → Best long-term decision 2. Buy a cheaper van + max out the conversion → Usually not the right call. Why This Matters People don’t regret their kitchen units.They regret: Poor driving experience Lack of comfort Lower resale value If you're spending serious money, buyers expect a premium base vehicle. Where You Can Save Money (Without Compromising Quality) Taps & Hardware (Skip “Campervan-Specific”) The campervan industry inflates prices massively. Most “campervan taps” are: Plastic Weak at mounting points Prone to loosening and leaking Better option: Use high-quality domestic brass fittings ✔ Stronger✔ Better finish✔ Longer lifespan You’ll often spend less and get more. 2. Cooking Setup (Skip the Oven) Most people don’t use an oven in a campervan. Instead: Go gasless Use an induction hob + air fryer You can use standard household induction hobs. They perform exactly the same as “campervan” versions at a fraction of the price. Soundproofing (Don’t Overdo It) You don’t need to cover every panel. Factory vans already: Reduce vibration with structural shapes Only require minimal deadening on flat panels What actually works: Small targeted sections on large flat areas Anything more: Adds weight Adds cost Adds labour With very little real benefit. Winch vs Real-World Use A winch looks great, but most people will never use it. Cost: ~£2,000 fitted Heavy Only useful in serious off-road recovery Better alternative for most: Traction boards Much cheaper Lightweight Perfect for mud, sand, campsites Where You SHOULD Spend Money Electrical System (Non-Negotiable) This is where most DIY builds fall apart. If you want a proper off-grid campervan setup, you need: Large lithium battery bank High-quality inverter (e.g. 3000VA) Proper system design Why? Because you're powering: Induction cooking Charging Lighting Possibly heating Cheap systems = ❌ Limited runtime ❌ Constant charging ❌ Frustrating trips This is the difference between: A weekend van vs A true off-grid setup 2. Insulation (More Important Than Soundproofing) Good insulation solves: Heat loss Condensation Comfort in all seasons A proper setup includes: Thermal liner (heat reflection) Cavity fill (air gaps for efficiency) Full metal coverage to prevent condensation What most people get wrong: They overspend on sound deadening and underinvest in insulation. Flooring (Small Cost, Big Impact) Cheap vinyl flooring: Wears quickly Scratches easily Looks tired fast Better option: LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) ✔ Extremely hard-wearing ✔ Waterproof ✔ Replace individual sections if damaged ✔ Looks significantly better Cost difference across a van: ~£30–£50 → This is an easy upgrade. 4. Fridge (Spend Properly) Do NOT use a household fridge. Problems: High power consumption Requires inverter constantly Noisy Hard to secure Proper 12V campervan fridge: Efficient Quiet Built for movement This is a daily-use item so don’t cheap out. Auto Levelling System (Underrated Upgrade) Not essential but massively improves usability. Instead of: Driving back and forward Using levelling blocks You get: One-button levelling Done in seconds Cost: ~£5k–£6kBut you’ll use it every trip. FAQ: Campervan Conversion Costs & Setup How much does a campervan conversion cost in the UK? Anywhere from £10k DIY to £100k+ for high-end builds. Most premium builds exceed £80k total including the base vehicle. Should I buy a cheaper van and spend more on the conversion? Usually no. You’ll compromise driving experience and resale value. Can I install an electrical system myself? You can — but for high-capacity lithium systems and inverters, professional installation is strongly recommended. Is a gasless campervan setup worth it? Yes. It simplifies the system and works well with a proper electrical setup. What’s the best flooring for a campervan? LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). It’s durable, waterproof, and repairable. Do I need a winch for off-road campervanning? Only if you’re doing serious remote off-roading. Most people are better off with traction boards. Will these upgrades work in a VW Transporter? Yes — but space and power requirements are tighter than in a Crafter or Sprinter. What’s the most important upgrade for off-grid use? Your electrical system. Everything else depends on it.
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