Guides
Campervan 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.
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The 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.
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Where 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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Top 10 Campervan Upgrades That’ll Transform Your Van Life Adventure!
Well, today we’re diving into the Top 10 Campervan Upgrades that can take your van from basic to brilliant, from everyday to adventure-ready. You ever looked at your van and thought, “Yeah, it’s nice… but it could be amazing”? Time to do some shopping and get your campervan playing dirty. We’ve all been there — that moment when your van feels more like a mattress on wheels than the dream adventure rig you’ve been scrolling past on Instagram. 1. Pop-Top Roof: Your Ticket to Standing Room (and Great Sleep) If you’re serious about van life, this is a game-changer. A pop-top roof instantly transforms your van from cramped to comfortable. You can stand up to cook, change clothes, or just stretch your legs, no more bumping your head on the ceiling! Plus, it adds another sleeping platform, turning your van into a proper four-berth camper. Our favourite feature? The scenic canvas option, you can unzip the sides, roll them away, and turn the space into a chill-out balcony. Perfect for warm summer mornings when you pop the roof, let the heat escape, and feel that cool breeze drift in. Depending on the make and model, prices range from £3,500 to £12,000 fitted. The high-end roofs give you a factory finish with sleek fiberglass fronts. The cheaper ones often use simple bolt-through fittings, but be careful of those, as they can lead to water leaks later on. 2. Rear Ladder and Spare Wheel Carrier It might not sound exciting at first, but trust us, this one’s a lifesaver. A rear ladder gives you easy access to your roof rack or solar panels, so you can clean them or pack gear without juggling step stools. The setup we’ve got here from Colehill Customs combines a ladder and spare wheel carrier into one tough, powder-coated aluminium unit. It’s lightweight, strong, and practical, everything you want in a van accessory. Just make sure you fit 180° hinges, so your door doesn’t swing too far and dent your van. A full setup like this costs around £1,400, and it’s worth every penny for the added utility. 3. Air Conditioning: Stay Cool on the Road If you’re heading south to Spain or Italy, an air conditioning unit is a serious upgrade. Sleeping inside a van on a summer night can feel like living in a tin can under the sun, not fun. Air con makes the difference between a restless night and a cool, comfortable sleep. They start around £1,200 and can go up to £3,000+, depending on the brand and power. In Scotland, you might not need it often, but if you’re planning any long European trips, totally worth it. 4. Power Up: Fitting an Inverter A common question we hear is, “Why can’t I use my normal three-pin plug when I’m camping off-grid?” That’s because your van runs on 12V power, not 240V like your home. The fix? Fit an inverter. An inverter turns 12V battery power into 240V household power, so you can charge your laptop, power tools, or even an induction hob. Small inverters start cheap and handle light tasks, but if you’re running a full gasless setup, you’ll want something around 3,000W or higher. 5. Wheels and Tyres: The Instant Facelift Want an instant style upgrade? Change the wheels. You’ve got two main routes: Swamper or Sports Alloy. Swamper style = smaller wheels (16–18 inch) and chunkier tyres for that rugged, off-road look. Sports alloys = bigger wheels, thinner tyres, and a sleek, road-ready vibe. If you’re going off-road, check out the BFG All-Terrain tyres, they’re super tough and look fantastic with the white sidewall lettering. 6. Solar Power: Freedom from the Plug Solar panels are one of the smartest upgrades you can add. They keep your batteries topped up and give you more freedom to camp off-grid. There are two main types: Semi-flexible panels thin, low-profile, and lightweight. Great for pop-top roofs. Rigid frame panels stronger, with slightly better performance and lifespan. If you’ve got roof space, go big! A 300W panel is perfect for a VW Transporter setup. Smaller 100W panels won’t make much difference on a van this size. 7. Snorkel: Built for Adventure Love them or hate them, snorkels are brilliant for anyone who likes real adventure. They raise your air intake, so your engine stays safe from water or dust when tackling tricky trails or flooded roads. We fit them on VW Transporters, and they’re great for peace of mind. The last thing you want is to ruin your engine on a deep water crossing. You can check out our full snorkel fitting guide on our site or YouTube channel if you fancy giving it a go yourself. 8. Wind-Out Awning: Double Your Living Space If we buy a new van, this is the first upgrade we add. A wind-out awning instantly doubles your living space. You can sit outside in the shade, dry your gear after a walk, or relax with the doors open even if it’s raining. It turns your camping setup from cramped to comfortable and once you have one, you’ll never want to go without. 9. Side Pods: Sleep Across the Van If you’ve got a bigger camper like a VW Crafter or MAN TGE, side pods (also called side flares or sleep pods) make a massive difference. They let you sleep sideways across the van, adding up to 6'1" or 6'2" of width. You can insulate and line them for warmth and comfort, giving you more space inside without extending the van itself. Perfect for taller campers or anyone wanting that extra bit of breathing room. 10. Air Suspension: Comfort Meets Clever Tech We’ve saved the best for last... Air suspension. It’s not just about ride comfort (though that’s amazing); it’s about smart functionality. With VB Air Suspension, you can adjust your height for different driving modes, self-level when camping, or raise the back to clear ramps. No more faffing with wheel chocks or uneven ground just press a button, and your van balances itself. There’s even a sports mode for a lower, smoother drive. It’s one of those upgrades that once you try, you’ll never go back. Final Thoughts: Build the Van You Love Upgrading your van isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about creating something that fits your adventures, your lifestyle, and your personality. Whether you start with a pop-top roof or just swap out your wheels, every upgrade brings you closer to that dream setup. So, what will you start with?
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How to Build a Reliable Off-Grid Campervan: Lessons from the Workshop
Ever wondered how professional converters create reliable, off-grid campervans that can handle real adventure? In this week’s Worx in Progress, our team worked on three very different vehicles. A MAN TGE, a Mercedes Sprinter, and a Ford Transit AWD — showing the key upgrades that transform a standard van into a capable, long-term home on wheels. If you’re planning your own conversion or trying to decide which base vehicle is right for you, here’s what you can learn from these builds. 1. Start with the Foundation: Insulation, Carpeting and Wiring A comfortable, quiet campervan starts from the inside out. Before you think about furniture or finishes, you need to get the structure right. Professional converters spend days on: Insulation: Multi-layer insulation keeps heat in during winter and out during summer. Soundproofing: Acoustic deadening on panels reduces road noise dramatically. Pre-wiring: Running 12 V and 230 V cables early makes later installation cleaner and safer. Pro tip: Always draw up your full electrical plan before lining the van. Once your panels are on, adding extra circuits or lights can become a nightmare. If you’re tackling a self-build, look for high-quality materials like closed-cell foam insulation, Dodo sound-deadening mats, and fire-retardant carpet lining. These are small investments that make a huge difference to comfort. 2. Why Suspension Upgrades Matter for Campervans Most factory vans are designed for tradespeople, not off-grid travel. When you load them up with water tanks, cabinets, and camping gear, the ride quality and clearance can quickly suffer. That’s why upgrading the suspension is one of the best investments for anyone planning an adventure van. In our workshop, the Ford Transit AWD received a Van Compass 2.0 suspension lift kit — complete with new coils, leaf springs, and adjustable rear shocks. The result is better ground clearance, improved ride comfort, and far more confidence on rough tracks. Why you might want a suspension lift: Avoid bottoming out on uneven terrain Improve stability in crosswinds or on motorways Make space for all-terrain tyres Increase approach and departure angles for off-road driving For most medium vans, a 2-inch lift strikes the perfect balance between capability and handling. 3. Choosing the Right Base Van: MAN TGE vs Mercedes Sprinter If you’re in the research phase of a conversion, these two vans come up time and again — and for good reason. MAN TGE: Shares its chassis and dimensions with the VW Crafter, offering precise German engineering and great value for money. Mercedes Sprinter 417 CDI: With a 4.1-tonne gross vehicle weight, the Sprinter can carry a heavier build — ideal if you plan on lithium batteries, large water tanks or multiple passengers. The Sprinter’s extra 33 cm of rear overhang adds valuable interior space but slightly reduces off-road clearance. It also offers a stylish all-black cab option and excellent drivetrain reliability. Meanwhile, the MAN’s boxier rear end makes layout design easier for furniture and bed flares — giving you a little more usable wall space. 4. Electrical Integration: Getting Modern Vans Right As vans have become more advanced, electrical upgrades have become trickier. Many new vehicles no longer have a traditional switched live feed, meaning you can’t just splice into the headlights for auxiliary lighting. That’s where CAN-bus integration comes in. In our builds, we use CAN-bus readers to connect grille lights, winches, and roof lights safely to the existing system. This avoids ECU errors and keeps your wiring warranty-safe. If you’re adding LED lights or a winch, always check whether your van requires a CAN-bus reader or smart relay. Plug-and-play wiring isn’t always possible anymore. 5. Solar Power and Roof Systems Fitting a solar panel is one of the most valuable upgrades for any off-grid camper. It allows you to recharge leisure batteries without relying on campsite hook-ups or long drives. In this build, we fitted a rigid-frame solar panel directly onto a pop-top roof before installation — creating a neater and stronger fit. Flexible panels are lighter and easier to install on curved roofs, but rigid panels are generally more efficient and last longer. To size your system: 100 W = phone charging, LED lights 175–200 W = fridge, lights, devices 300 W+ = full off-grid setup with inverter and laptop use Pair your panel with an MPPT solar controller and lithium or AGM leisure battery for the most reliable setup. 6. Interior Details that Make a Difference A professional finish isn’t just about how a van looks — it’s about how easy it is to live with. We design custom door cards and wall panels that can be removed for servicing, with built-in storage pockets to make use of every inch of space. Choosing materials that are lightweight, durable and easy to clean is key for longevity. Look for: Marine-grade plywood or lightweight composite panels Hardwearing carpet lining Flush-fit fixings and removable access panels These are small details that make ownership simpler — and increase the resale value of your conversion. Key Takeaways Building a dependable, off-grid campervan isn’t just about fancy interiors. It’s about combining smart design with the right mechanical and electrical upgrades. If you’re planning your own build, here are the essentials worth investing in early: Quality insulation and lining Properly mapped electrical wiring Suspension upgrades for heavy loads Reliable solar power system Practical, removable interior panels You can find many of the parts and systems we use in our own builds on our store — from solar kits to grille lights, roof racks, and off-road suspension components. Watch the Episode For a closer look at how these principles come together in real builds, watch Worx in Progress Episode 7 on our YouTube channel. You’ll see the MAN TGE, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit AWD each take shape — three different paths to one goal: the perfect off-grid adventure van.
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