Choosing Your Volkswagen Van: Converted Van, Camper Van, Motorhome

You understood it, transforming your utility van, Multivan, or Caravelle into a Volkswagen van with the Combeing solution will take you 5-10 minutes.

So, you can:

• Use your Volkswagen utility van as your main vehicle during the week and convert it into a Volkswagen van for the weekend.
• If you're a tradesperson, it's perfect for quickly removing the kit at the end of the weekend and getting your work van back.
• Even for moving or transporting equipment, it's convenient not to have to rent another vehicle when you already own a van.
• You can set up furniture in your home or stack it on the designated storage platform and store everything in your garage.

What is the best Volkswagen utility van model?

The best utility van size is the one that fits your lifestyle.

That's why we invented a solution that adapts to all Volkswagen utility van models.

The Caddy transformed into a Volkswagen van

For small utility vans, here are some Volkswagen Caddy van conversions from our clients:

The Transporter transformed into a Volkswagen van

For medium-sized utility vans like the Volkswagen Transporter, Caravelle, or Multivan, you get a more versatile Volkswagen van conversion:

When switching to night mode, you can move the modules in 30 seconds to sleep across the full width and length of the vehicle.

The Crafter transformed into a Volkswagen van

Finally, even for large vans, our solution works, here are results from Crafter van conversions:

For the bed, in these large Volkswagen vans like the Crafter, you can create a large bed, a double bed, or three beds (for children, for example):

The history of the different Volkswagen California models

Volkswagen launched its first Combi in 1947, revolutionizing the way we travel. Yes, we’re talking about a revolution, because back then, it was a groundbreaking idea of vanlife.

It confirmed this revolutionary spirit by supporting major social and cultural movements of the 20th century. It simply embodied change and the passion for travel.

The first California appeared in 1988, based on the Transporter T3. Volkswagen worked with the German manufacturer "Westfalia" to design and produce the first versions of the Volkswagen California. It wasn’t until 2004, with the release of the California on the Transporter T5 base, that the brand regained control of its camper vans.

The T1 from Westfalia, also known as the Splitty (1955-1964)

This was the first model marketed by Volkswagen.

Everyone recognizes this vintage design, which represents the dream of every vanlifer.

For the engine, it featured a rear-mounted 4-cylinder air-cooled engine, delivering 24 horsepower.

This Volkswagen T1 underwent several engine upgrades, the most powerful of which reached 1584 cm3 with 50 horsepower.

This Splitty is highly sought after worldwide. It already featured a removable table, a convertible bench into a bed, and storage compartments.

Several versions were available, like the SO and the Samba Bus, with either an accordion or mushroom-style roof.

The T2 from Westfalia, also known as the Bay-window (1965-1979)

Compared to the first model, this Transporter T2 features a panoramic windshield, which is its main feature.

Compared to the T1, this new model has a sliding side door and a more modern look for the time.

It also features a pop-up roof in polyester, called Pop Top, which opens at the rear and takes up a large part of the roof.

In addition to allowing you to cook standing, this pop-up roof allowed for additional sleeping space with a retractable hammock. This idea was revolutionary at the time, and it was this feature that helped Westfalia achieve record vehicle exports to the United States.

The T3 from Westfalia (1979-1991)

This new vehicle is even bigger than the previous ones, offering more interior storage space.

It wasn’t immediately popular with Kombi fans due to its more angular and pronounced shapes, which were less appreciated.

Its rear-mounted, water-cooled diesel engine provided greater range with longer distances possible.

The two beds measure 120 cm wide. Like its predecessors, it came with a kitchen block, fridge, two gas burners, and a small sink. A pivoting base allows you to enjoy the integrated table inside the converted van.

Tapping into the growing interest for the Volkswagen camper van, this model saw several versions: From Joker 1 to 6, the Sport range, the Mozaïc kit to build yourself, the Jubiläum Joker following the explosion of Volkswagen van sales, the Club Joker, Syncro, California, Atlantic, and Club Van.

The Westfalia California (1992-2005)

Based on the T4, this was the first model available in two lengths and wheelbases (2920mm and 3320mm).

It introduced a new front-mounted transverse engine, allowing more space in the rear of the vehicle.

Options included 88 hp, 102 hp, and 150 hp engines.

The lower roof profile allowed it to pass under 2-meter barriers, complying with new regulations.

This Volkswagen T4 was a big success, with 40,000 units sold. Other manufacturers like Reimo, Karmann, Winnebago, Wingmann, and Carthago capitalized on its success.

Its less unique, more modern look prevented it from being considered a collectible van like its predecessors.

The California T5 (2005-2010)

The California T5.1 (2010-2015)

The California T6 (2016-2019)

The California Origins, an affordable Volkswagen van especially for France

The Volkswagen California T6.1 (Since 2019)

The small Caddy California

The large California, an imposing model

How much does a Volkswagen van cost?

There are various manufacturers with multiple finishes, but you should expect to pay between €60,000 and €100,000 for a converted Volkswagen van.

With our Combeing solution, for just €3,000-€4,000, you can transform your Volkswagen utility van into a van.

The savings made on purchasing the van will allow you to enjoy your travels, taking hot showers at campsites, trying local food at nearby restaurants, participating in new activities, etc.

How much does a Volkswagen California cost?

The price of a Volkswagen California ranges from €80,000 to €100,000 when you start adding basic options for autonomy in your converted van.

That’s why we decided to develop an affordable solution (€3,000-€4,000) for a Volkswagen van that will meet 90% of users' needs and allow for significant savings.

Having a secondary vehicle costing €100,000 to go on weekends and holidays 1 or 2 months per year, including insurance and maintenance, seems a bit too luxurious, doesn't it?

With our Volkswagen van kit, you install it in 5 minutes and go on your trips whenever you want!

What is the alternative to the VW California?

Since the growing demand for camper vans, competitors to the famous VW California are multiplying. Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference as these solutions all look so similar (if we talk about concept innovation).

The high price of the Volkswagen camper van easily puts it in competition with:

• Hanroad Trek 4
• Reimo Triostyle
• Westfalia Kepler Five
• Stylevan Boréal IV

For the cheapest camper vans on the market:

• Evasion 24 with its Goëland van
• The Panama by Trigano
• The Bürstner Copa C 500 from the Hymer group
• The Dreamer Cap Life by Rapido

Which Volkswagen van to buy in 2022?

Without a doubt, the Volkswagen Combeing van, it’s affordable and fits your utility van model, what more could you ask for?

We don't impose a vehicle size on you, choose the one that best fits your lifestyle (Caddy, Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan, Crafter, ...) and convert it into a Volkswagen camper van in 10 minutes whenever you wish.