People are more interested in the camper van lifestyle. This leisure vehicle is synonymous with holidays and freedom. But, where does the camper van come from? This article also informs about the current craze for traveling with this type of vehicle.
The fitted van was born from the VW Combi in the 1950s
More specifically, the adventure of the converted Volkswagen combi began in 1951.
Historically, an English officer of the time would have requested the fitting out of a Volkswagen with a working and sleeping area. It was then that the camping box first appeared. Its layout includes a folding table, sofa bed, storage and checkered fabrics. The layout of its interior evolves with the needs of the times and new technologies relating to the chassis transported.
The transformation of the motorhome and the van is the origin of the term camper van
Right now, van and RV upfitters are getting into new types of upfits. They aim to turn them into recreational vehicles. And this transformation is the origin of the term “fitted van”.
The size of the panel van model is larger than that of a van. Its length is approximately six meters. This type of utility vehicle is designed so that it has the qualities necessary for a home. As a result, the place in its interior, where we usually store the objects we need in the exercise of life, is more important than that of a van. Its height exceeds 2 meters. Thus, its occupants can stand there. It has a large water storage capacity (approximately 110 litres) and that of its refrigerator is around 70 litres. His ride is smooth. Depending on its model, a campervan is suitable for four people (two adults and two children).
The construction of the motorhome is carried out from a chassis of a utility vehicle to which a cell dedicated to housing has been put together. The fitters fit out the interior of this leisure vehicle model so that it retains its utilitarian bodywork. The motorhome is one of the converted vehicles that have a large size and therefore many storage spaces. Its length can reach seven meters. In addition, it is more comfortable and is equipped with an indoor shower, a toilet, many objects for sitting and sleeping. The dimension of its living space is more important. Its refrigerator has a larger capacity than that of a fitted van.
The main reasons that motivate people to travel in a campervan
For some time now, and especially since the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have noticed that the French prefer to travel in fitted vans. Indeed, this new way of experiencing travel differently has conquered the minds of individuals who would like to escape far from cities and their noise. Here are the few examples of criteria that many people take into consideration.
The size of the camper van
The camper van is small and compact. Its length is five meters and its height does not exceed two meters. Accordingly, it belongs to the class 1 vehicle as an ordinary car. Its height is suitable for passages at a limited height and for certain car parks.
The fitted van ensures driving comfort and well-being
It provides driving comfort and well-being during your holidays or stays. Its driving is easy. Depending on the model, the camper van is ideal for a trip of two to four people.
Camping equipment is available on the fitted out vans
Nowadays, converted vans are equipped with camping equipment. You cook quietly like at home with a sink, an electric water pump and the two gas cooking rings. Additionally, the following options are available in Campervans:
● A refrigerator,
● camping chairs and tables;
● an electric cooler;
● stationary night heating;
● a solar shower and a chemical toilet.
Traveling in a van fitted out freely and without constraints
Traveling to a fairly remote location in a converted van is comfortable and synonymous with freedom. You are far from the fear of missing the flight or the train… You are free to carry whatever you want: bicycles, parachutes, surfboards… You can freely choose between eating out and cooking yourself. You can change country or city on your own. You can sleep in the middle of the mountains, on the edge of a pretty cliff or on a beach, without worries. Parking is easy because the campervan is space-saving.
The fitted van adapts to your profession and your activity
The fitted van offers a solution for your business trips: medical consultation, customer visit, trip to a construction site. It has proper storage space in the back where you store the tools. In addition, this type of campervan is almost like a work and living space, with a shower and a toilet.
In reality, you are traveling while working on the edge of a converted van, in front of a sumptuous landscape, in a corner of the countryside. However, outside of your days, also plan some great weekend outings.
Camper Van Travel: An Economical Choice
Vehicle rental is the only expense. You can travel between 800 and 1000 km on a full tank of gas. You are completely autonomous once the vehicle is in hand. You cook right in the van, and you no longer need to spend money on dining out and accommodation.
Do you want to spend a wonderful family vacation? So, trust VAN-IT, the first converted van rental company in France. Since 2008, we have been offering you many very comfortable vehicles. They are fully equipped to accommodate and transport two to five people. They are equipped with all the necessary elements for your comfort. A regularly updated list of campervans for sale is available on our website. Discover here all our vans for rent. If you want more information, discover our tutorials and travel experiences already made on our YouTube channel.