Can you convert your vehicle into a campervan?
Ever looked at the price of a campervan or motorhome, you’ll know they quickly climb into the tens of thousands of pounds, even for a second-hand model. For many of us, that’s not practical. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to invest in a big van to enjoy the freedom of the open road. With just a few smart upgrades, you can transform your everyday car into a capable, comfortable micro camper.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to do this? Add a roof tent and a vehicle awning.
Why choose a roof tent?
Roof tents have experienced a growing surge over the last few years and it’s easy to see why. A roof top tent can give you the freedom to camp almost anywhere you can park. Plus, keeping you off the ground, away from mud, and safe from creepy-crawlies. Setup takes only a few minutes, and with many models, you can even store your bedding inside when the tent is closed. That means every stop comes with the promise of a flat, comfy bed ready to go.
One of the biggest wins is the cost, compared to the tens of thousands you might spend on a VW camper. A roof tent delivers much of the same flexibility and always-ready convenience at just a fraction of the price. Even against a pop-top conversion for a van or 4×4, which typically costs £5,000–£7,000, the price of a roof tent looks very modest. For many, it’s the most affordable way to enjoy the freedom of camping without the huge cost.
And if you’ve ever dreamed of van life or long-term overlanding but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, a roof tent is the perfect way to try it out. You’ll get a taste of the open-road lifestyle with the comfort and practicality you need, while keeping your setup simple and your costs low.
Add an awning for living space
Sleeping is only part of the story. Why not add an awning to your vehicle? Whether it’s a 270° wraparound awning or a simple pull-out side awning, it’s an instant outdoor shelter right next to your vehicle. That means shade on hot days, cover from the rain, and a cosy spot to cook, relax, or stash your gear. Most good awnings have optional walls or rooms, giving you a full ground-level living area when you want extra space or privacy.
And it’s not only roof tent campers who benefit. Even if you plan to sleep inside your car, van, or truck, an awning is one of the most useful pieces of kit you can add. Free up valuable space inside your vehicle by giving you somewhere else to cook, store your belongings, or let the kids and pets spread out. That extra sheltered room outside often makes the difference between a cramped night and a comfortable camp.
When paired with a roof tent, this setup really comes into its own: a comfortable bed up top and a practical living space down below. Together, they turn your everyday car into a mini camper, ready for adventures big or small.
Our awnings...
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270 Side Awning
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Large Side Awning (2.5m x 2.5m)
Price range: £269.00 through £289.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Medium Side Awning (2.0m x 2.5m)
Price range: £239.00 through £259.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Small Side Awning (1.5m x 2.0m)
Price range: £189.00 through £209.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Take It Further: Add camping gear to your vehicle
Once you’ve got your core setup sorted, you can start adding equipment to make your trips even more comfortable and self-sufficient:
Pull-out storage drawers – Keep your gear organised and easy to reach. For example, companies like Mobile Storage Systems offer rugged drawer slides and kits specifically designed for overland and vehicle use.
Fridge/freezer – Forget melting cool boxes. A 12V camping fridge keeps food fresh and drinks cold even on longer trips. Popular options include:
ARB ZERO portable fridge/freezer series Campervan Culture
Engel SB30 drawer-style fridge Engel Coolers
Dometic CoolMatic CD drawer fridges (e.g. 30 L model) Dometic CoolMatic CD 30 Drawer Fridge
Alpicool AD30 20-L drawer fridge Alpicool Adventurer AD30
Portable power – Charge your devices, run lights, or power your fridge with a portable battery pack or power station. Solar panels can be added for off-grid recharging. Many brands like Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti and Goal Zero are popular in the camping, overlanding and campervan community.
Cooking setups – From compact stoves to slide-out kitchens, there are many options to make mealtimes easier on the road. Brands like BioLite, Jetboil, Ooni pizza ovens, and slide-out kitchen modules from Overland Outfitters are all great places to start.
These add-ons make life more convenient and they transform your car into a functional micro-camper. You’ll be ready for long road trips, quick weekend getaways, or off-grid adventures without sacrificing comfort.
The benefits of the Car-to-Camper setup
Affordable – Far cheaper than buying or running a campervan.
Practical – Use your car as normal when you’re not away.
Flexible – Set up camp in places campervans can’t get to.
Compact – No need for storage space at home for a big van.
Fast Setup – Modern roof tents and awnings pitch in minutes.
Who is it for?
This kind of setup is perfect if you:
Love spontaneous weekend getaways.
Want to explore wild camping spots (legally and responsibly).
Need something practical that doesn’t take over your driveway.
Are curious about van life but want to try it without the huge cost.
Final thoughts...
Turning your car into a camper doesn’t mean breaking the bank. A roof tent and awning open up a world of adventure without the hefty price tag of a campervan or motorhome. Add a few smart extras, such as pull-out drawers, a fridge, and portable power. And you’ve got all the comfort and practicality of a much bigger setup, without the cost or hassle.
So, before you take out that big loan for a camper that costs more than your car. Ask yourself: could a roof tent, awning, and a few clever upgrades give you the freedom you’re looking for? Chances are, the answer is yes.
