VannyCampers Unveils Newt Camper Van With Three Private Zones
VannyCampers has completed its first in-house camper van, called Newt, using a VW Crafter and building it in Bristol. The layout provides four berths, with a central sofa that becomes a double bed, an upper sleeping area, a split kitchen, and a rear bathroom. Off-grid equipment includes lithium batteries, solar panels, an inverter, a water tank, and a diesel heater.
VannyCampers began as founder Ryan B’s idea of a van-based home and later became a camper competition business. For six years it raffled vehicles built by partner firms, but Newt is its first model assembled by its own Bristol team, led by Barney, on a VW Crafter base.
The build carries four berths: a central sofa for four that converts to a double, plus an upper sleeping zone. Its split kitchen spans both sides and includes a hand-finished wood counter, induction hobs, an 85-litre fridge-freezer and a Dometic oven. A rear washroom holds a shower, toilet and full-size wardrobe.
This launch may appeal to van-life travelers, remote workers, and weekend campers seeking privacy and longer off-grid stays. Its raffle format could make a high-spec conversion feel more accessible, though entrants may spend without guaranteed return. Small converters might respond by prioritizing distinct sleeping, cooking, and washroom zones, while campsites and rural destinations could see demand from more self-sufficient vehicles. Overall, the Newt may nudge lifestyle-travel consumers toward compact, energy-independent road trips rather than conventional hotel-based breaks.