Choosing the right leisure battery is key to your off-grid freedom. The two main technologies are AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate).

• AGM Batteries are a proven, reliable lead-acid technology. They are a good budget-friendly option, but you can only safely use about 50% of their advertised capacity. For example, a 100Ah AGM battery gives you about 50Ah of usable power.
• LiFePO4 (Lithium) Batteries are the modern standard for serious off-grid use. While they have a higher upfront cost, they offer huge advantages:
  • More Usable Power: You can safely use 90-100% of their capacity. A 100Ah Lithium battery provides nearly double the usable power of a 100Ah AGM battery.
  • Longer Lifespan: They can last up to 10 years or more, handling thousands of charge cycles compared to the 3-5 year lifespan of an AGM battery.
  • Lighter Weight: They are up to 70% lighter than an AGM battery of the same capacity, which is great for fuel efficiency.

Our Recommendation: For clients planning to work remotely, spend extended time off-grid, or run power-hungry appliances like a fridge and heater, we strongly recommend a Lithium system. The long-term performance and reliability are well worth the investment. For more casual weekend use with access to campsites, an AGM system can be a suitable choice.

To make your campervan a true year-round adventure vehicle, a high-quality blown-air heater is essential. The most popular and reliable option is diesel:

Diesel Heaters  like Webasto, Truma, or Eberspächer are incredibly convenient as they tap directly into your van’s main fuel tank. This means you only have one fuel source to manage, and you can easily see your fuel level. They are extremely efficient and provide a powerful, dry heat.

Proper insulation is the foundation of a comfortable and durable campervan. We use a multi-layered approach to ensure your van stays warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and protected from condensation. Our primary insulation material is a high-performance quilt made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s not only a sustainable choice but is also non-irritant and does not absorb moisture, which is critical in a van environment.

Crucially, we install a complete vapour barrier on the walls, ceiling, and floor. This sealed layer prevents warm, moist air from the living space from reaching the cold metal skin of the van, which is the primary cause of condensation, mould, and rust. It’s a vital step that ensures the long-term health and longevity of your van.

This is a great question that comes down to a trade-off between interior space and all-weather capability.

• Underslung Tanks are fitted underneath the chassis of the van. Their main advantage is that they don’t take up any valuable cupboard space inside your living area.
• Internal Tanks are located inside the van, typically within a kitchen unit or bench seat. Their key benefit is that they are protected from the elements.

Our Recommendation: For the UK climate, we almost always recommend an internal water tank. An underslung tank, even when insulated, is at risk of freezing in cold winter weather, which could leave you without running water and potentially damage your plumbing system. An internal tank completely eliminates this risk, ensuring your van is ready for adventures in all four seasons.

However, the crucial point is for insurance. We work with specialist campervan insurance providers who have confirmed that to insure your vehicle as a campervan, you need to have met the internal requirements, but the body type on the V5C does not necessarily need to be changed.  

We build all our conversions to meet the internal DVLA requirements as a minimum standard. We also offer a DVLA Compliance Assistance service where we can guide you through the full reclassification application process if you wish to have it officially changed on your V5C for peace of mind.

A key question we get asked is what happens during the build process. You can rest assured that from the moment you leave your van with us until the day you collect it, it is fully covered by our comprehensive motor trade insurance policy. This policy covers your vehicle against damage or theft while it is in our custody at our workshop.

We are always available for any future upgrades or modifications you might dream up. Whether you decide you want to add a bike rack, upgrade your solar power, or install an awning, we’re here to help you continue evolving your van as your adventures change.