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.
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Swamper style = smaller wheels (16–18 inch) and chunkier tyres for that rugged, off-road look.
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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:
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Semi-flexible panels thin, low-profile, and lightweight. Great for pop-top roofs.
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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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