The Best VW Transporter Full Conversions We Saw in 2025
If there’s one van that continues to dominate the campervan conversion scene, it’s the VW Transporter. It’s the perfect balance of size, reliability, and customisation potential, which is why they are one of the best vans to convert to a camper.Â
And in 2024, I saw some of the most creative and functional VW Transporter conversions yet – from retro-inspired builds to high-tech, gadget-filled setups.
But what exactly makes a full campervan conversion stand out? It’s not just about looks (although a stunning finish certainly helps!). The best conversions bring together top-quality craftsmanship, smart storage solutions, innovative layouts, and the latest tech to create a van that’s not only beautiful but also practical for life on the road.
In this roundup, I’m taking you through some of the best VW Transporter conversions of 2024, including some of our own personal favourite builds at Cosmic Campervans. Get ready for some serious van envy!
The Standout VW Transporter Conversions of 2024
The retro inspired conversion with all the creature comforts
This was one of our favourite conversions that we completed at Cosmic Campervans last year and the customer was absolutely ecstatic when they saw it for the first time. Every van I work on is a passion project for me, but the awesome aesthetic the client chose for this van made me even prouder of the final result.
This conversion has all the style of a vintage VW Kombi with all the comforts of 2025. With its retro blue and white exterior, this VW Transporter instantly turns heads. I absolutely love the interior aesthetics of this conversion too – the oak worktop and sea grass laminate inside tie everything together beautifully, giving it a warm, coastal charm.
The kitchen is functional and space efficient
This van is built for adventure, but it doesn’t skimp on kitchen space. The kitchen unit is positioned along the far wall, making great use of the van’s width while keeping the living area open and functional. It’s equipped with a Dometic fridge and a double burner hob, so you won’t have to leave the comfort of the van to whip up a meal.
For those of you who don’t like the idea of braving the elements to cook outside, this kitchen layout is the best option. In my experience, this is one of the most common kitchen set ups for VW transporter campervans because it just works so well!
Smart storage and space-saving design
One of the standout features of this build is the under-slung water tank, which frees up even more storage inside the cabin – always a smart move in a SWB campervan like this. Self-locking drawers and cabinets keep everything secure when driving, so no annoying rattles or spills on those winding country roads.Â
And if you need extra space for gear, the under-bed storage is accessible from the front, back, and side, so it’s super easy to access those bulkier items like extra towels or blankets.
Want to Make Van Camping Easier?
Upgrade your VW Transporter with plumbing, carpeting and heating.
All the creature comforts of home
The Storm pop top roof not only adds extra headroom but also enhances ventilation, so the van feels much more spacious. Paired with a diesel heater, this build is suited for year-round travel, keeping you warm on cold nights.Â
A central panel for controlling the electrics puts everything at your fingertips, from lighting to power management.
In my opinion, van curtains really date the interior, never block out enough light and do nothing for insulation. That’s why I loved that this customer opted for the van shades. They are much more sleek, work great in winter for extra insulation and actually give you the complete black-out experience that curtains never can!
Ultra-cosy living area
The double swivel base passenger seat allows you to spin around and be part of the living space, making the van feel more open and social when parked.
Who I recommend it for
This campervan conversion is traditional as it comes. I really think this design and layout works for all sorts of vanlifers, whether you use the van as a family weekender or to travel full-time with your partner. Although I will admit it’s not the cheapest way to do a conversion, because you’re definitely investing in some luxuries here.
That’s why I recommend this conversion for anyone with a mid-high price range.
The VW camper van with every gadget you can think of
I was stoked to come across this video from Life of Mike taking us through every nook and cranny of his suped-up VW T6.1. What makes this van stand out isn’t just the high-end finish, it’s the thoughtful extras that truly make it work for Mike and his family. And that’s the key when planning a conversion: what’s ‘essential’ is totally personal!
By the way, if you’re wondering what the difference is between a T6 and T5 VW Transporter, you can read my blog post.
Clever dining setups
Okay, so inside Mike has the standard kitchen unit set-up against the side wall along with double swivel seats and a pop top roof. On top of that, he’s added a few unique table set-ups that work really well with this layout.Â
First, he’s added a flip-up side table attached to the swivel seat. This is the perfect work-from-the-van setup or a handy space for kids to sit and eat.Â
There is also a foldable table that attaches to the kitchen unit, creating a dedicated dining area for a family of four without taking up permanent space. Having an inside table is perfect for passing the time playing boardgames during rainy camp days!
Luxurious extras
Storage lighting is often overlooked, but not in this build. The lights inside the storage cupboards make it easy to grab gear in the dark. And if you’re all about home comforts, you’ll love the grill oven. That’s right, proper oven-baked meals on the road!
One of our favourite little extras? The oscillating USB charger fan. This simple addition prevents window fogging and can be clipped anywhere inside the van for airflow on warm nights.
Awesome external upgrades
I love that Mike has opted for a tailgate rear door, which I always prefer over barn doors. Why? It acts as a built-in shelter for cooking or loading gear when it’s raining.Â
The detachable tow hitch is perfect for mounting a bike rack that can hold up to four bikes or for hauling a small trailer with extra gear (you may just need it with a family of four!)
For off-grid living, the 60W flexi solar panel is a brilliant touch. It keeps the leisure battery charged, meaning you can stay parked up in a scenic spot for a week or more without needing to plug in.
Honestly, Mike has done an excellent job and in my experience, a high-end van conversion like this will serve him and his family for many years to come.
Who I recommend it for
Mike’s conversion is all about usability and luxury upgrades that he’ll get a lot of use out of. Sometimes, I find that customers get excited about all the optional extras they can add, and don’t really ask themselves if they should. The worst thing you can do is waste money and space on extra features that don’t suit your lifestyle.
That’s why I recommend this conversion for vanlifers who have already had a few trips in their campervan, and are ready to add these handy extras. That way, you’ll have some time in the van to work out what you need and what you really don’t.
Giving an old VW Transporter a complete makeover
This conversion gave us a bit of a unique challenge. The customer originally had a conversion done several years ago by a different installer, but over time, they found it just wasn’t working for them anymore.Â
The kitchen unit looked tired, the electrics panel was outdated and the Rock n Roll bed was super hard to use. So, they came to us for a complete refresh.
A fresh, modern interior
For this transformation, the customer wanted:
- A brand-new kitchen unit for better storage and a sleeker look.
- A user-friendly Rib bed, making it much easier to switch between seating and sleeping.
- A completely new wiring system to bring the electrics up to date.
Fantastic! Who doesn’t love a good before and after, right?
So, I ripped out the old cabinets and bed, but I noticed we had bigger problems. The insulation was really dodgy (makes sense that the van wouldn’t hold heat properly) and didn’t even have sound deadening, plus the old Rock N Roll bed had completely destroyed the flooring.Â
This goes back to my favourite saying: buy cheap, buy twice! I had another chat with the customer, and she agreed it made sense to replace everything properly.
The difference a refresh can make
With the help of my team, I laid down a beautiful slate oak floor, added brand-new insulation, and the difference was unreal. The van instantly felt lighter, brighter, and way more inviting. Getting rid of those cheap, outdated cabinets made such a massive improvement, not just in looks but in overall practicality.
One of the small features that I love about this conversion is the duo van shades. From the bottom, you can pull up a mosquito net which is great for ventilation on summer nights without letting in any unexpected visitors! Then, like normal, the black-out van shade pulls down from the top.
This conversion is a great example of how much the industry has improved in such a short time. The cheaper-style cabinets I removed used to be the standard, but they just weren’t practical or built to last. Now, with high-quality materials and smarter layouts, modern conversions are miles ahead.
Me and my team were so happy to give this customer her dream camper van, and know that the new conversion will last for many more years of adventures!
Who I recommend it for
In my opinion, a renovation like this can make a campervan feel brand new. Trust me, investing in quality pieces (like a bed that you find easy to operate) and finishes that suit your aesthetic will make you want to use the van way more.
I recommend an upgrade like this one if you’re feeling reluctant to use the van because of small issues with the original conversion. Maybe the sink is too small, or the cupboards tend to fly open when you drive, or you’ve realised the cabinet colour is hideous. Whatever it is, my team and I are happy to help so we can get you excited about van adventures again!
Designing a campervan without a pop top
Kye and Alex are currently vanlifing around Australia in their VW T5 Transporter, which they’ve mostly DIY’d themselves. Unlike many VW van conversions, theirs doesn’t include a pop top, so they’ve come up with some clever design solutions to maximise space, like an awning and a pull-out kitchen that expand their living area outside the van.
A smart exterior kitchen set-up
One of the standout features of their build is the rear-facing bench seat, which doubles as the kitchen. Because they don’t have enough headroom or ventilation inside the van without a pop top, they’ve opted for a pull-out kitchen that slides out from the side door.Â
It’s really well-designed, with plenty of custom storage spots for essentials like the gas bottle, double burner stove and pantry items.Â
Inside the van, they’ve also added a compact sink area, complete with an overhead toiletries cabinet and a tiled splashback. Not just functional, but seriously aesthetic!
Storage solutions for their lifestyle
Kye and Alex have tailored their van layout to suit their lifestyle really well, including:
- Hanging clothes storage for easy access
- Two huge rollout drawers at the back—one for camping gear, one for surf & dive equipment
- A fixed bed, which means no need to set up and pack away bedding every night
Of course, with the fixed bed taking up space and the extra storage areas, there are some trade-offs. They’ve had to sacrifice additional seating, as a RIB bed would have allowed for two extra driving seats. Their 30L fridge is also smaller than most conversions (my team usually installs a 65L Dometic fridge), so it will only fit a few days’ worth of food.Â
They also don’t have much bench space inside, although their slide-out table between the pantry drawers is a clever, user-friendly solution.
If you’re debating whether a pop top roof is worth it, I’ve covered that in-depth in another blog, so definitely check that out. Having owned several vans with and without pop tops, I can confidently say it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you’re planning on full-time van life or extended trips.Â
You can make it work without one, just like Kye and Alex have, but expect to be on your knees a lot. Alex even keeps a dedicated under-knee pillow for this exact reason!
Awesome off-grid set-up
Kye and Alex have also gone for a strong off-grid electrical system, including:
- 120AH lithium battery
- 300W inverter
- 200W solar blanket
Their water setup is also smart. They carry 75L of water in total, with an extra tank mounted on the roof that connects to an external hose, making it perfect for rinsing off after a beach swim.
Kye and Alex’s set-up is a great alternative for those who can’t afford a pop top. But, in my experience, there is just no match for the ability to stand up in your van and move freely. So, if your budget allows, make sure you consider a pop top roof.Â
Upgrade Your Camper with a Pop-Top Roof
Transform your van into a multi-level living space. Pop-Top Roofs add a second sleeping area and more space.
Who I recommend it for
Kye and Alex’s conversion design is great for anyone who is really against a pop top for whatever reason. You might be wanting to DIY the whole van and a pop top is just too complex for you. Or, maybe you’re on a really tight budget and just want a simple, no frills conversion.Â
Overall, I recommend this design for young vanlifers, especially solo travelers, that need a quick conversion and don’t mind compromising on space and ventilation to keep costs low.
Key Takeaways
Looking back at these incredible VW Transporter conversions, one thing is clear: there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to van life. Whether you prefer a retro aesthetic with all the home comforts, a high-tech gadget-packed van, or a more stripped-back, DIY-friendly setup, every conversion is a reflection of its owner’s lifestyle and priorities.
So, if you’re considering your own VW Transporter conversion, take inspiration from these builds but most importantly, think about what will work best for you. And if you need expert advice or want a completely custom VW Transporter build, you know where to find us! 😉
Which of these conversions is your favourite? Drop us a comment and let’s chat campervans!
