Campervan Converter in Padstow PL28 8PN, Cornwall
Base Campers is a Cornwall-based specialist in high-end VW campervan conversions, sales, accessories, and servicing, known for luxurious, custom-built adventure machines.
Base Campers is a specialist UK company based in Porthcothan, Cornwall, dedicated to designing and building functional, luxurious campervan conversions. The company was founded by two friends, a product designer from Cornwall and an engineer and flooring specialist from London, who collectively possess over 20 years of personal experience traveling and living in converted vans. This deep personal understanding of van life informs their meticulous approach, ensuring that every conversion is built with practical usability and high-end quality in mind. They emphasize a custom-made, in-house approach, banning sub-standard pre-fab packs and MDF in favor of premium materials like Superva lightweight furniture board and VW Rusty Lee Rock and Roll beds.
The company offers a comprehensive range of services, from full turnkey campervan conversions to specialized partial services. Their conversion packages cater to various needs, from the entry-level "Solid Base" to the fully-equipped, high-spec "Explorer" models. Beyond full builds, Base Campers provides individual services such as interior installations, power management systems, and pop-top roofs, making them suitable for empty shells, part-converted vans, or those simply in need of upgrades. They also engage in the sale of complete campervans, carry out repairs, and offer camper accessories.
Base Campers prides itself on an "unbeatable attention to detail," with all work executed by a small team of passionate, experienced builders and campervan connoisseurs. Their expertise primarily focuses on Volkswagen Transporter models (T5 and T6), reflecting their "virtuosos of VW" status. The company's reputation and conversions have reached customers far and wide, from the Shetland Isles to Europe, demonstrating their broad appeal and the quality of their craftsmanship. They invite potential clients to visit their HQ in Cornwall to discuss their needs and view their vans, underscoring their commitment to personalized service.
Reviewed by Joe Tannorella · updated June 2026 · Listing on camperbrain.com
Delighted with the work that Nick did on our T5 SWB two weeks ago - we took the van to him to install a leisure battery, battery-to-battery management system, LED lighting, shore power connection under the bonnet, and to fit a Planar diesel heater. The work was first-class, very neat wiring installation and all done on time at competitive rates. He even volunteered to remove the nuts for the seat mountings for the rear seats in the van that we wanted to have removed while the fuel tank was lowered to fit the heater - a job a local garage quoted four hours' labour for. I can see why Basecampers get consistently good reviews, they go the extra mile and make the whole process painless. Strongly recommend the team to you. ** Update 2025 ** Still all working perfectly three years on thanks to good design and installation expertise on Nick's part. We use the van every weekend and there have been no problems to report with the heating, smart charging/leisure battery, or lighting. Thanks Nick!
We are absolutely thrilled with the work that the team at Base Campers did converting our Toyota Proace City Electric Van. They are true professionals and their vision, practical design solutions and attention to detail are amazing, we couldn’t be happier with the result. If you are looking for a complete van conversion or even just want a few smaller things done, we can wholeheartedly recommend Base Campers, and are looking forward to enjoying the result of their hard work on our behalf for many years to come.
Huge thanks to Nick and his team for taking on our T5 SportLine van conversion after we were badly let down by another company. We turned up with a van full of furniture boards, boxes of electrical bits, gas fittings, blinds, sink, fridge etc and BaseCampers put it all together and retrimmed the front seats in less than a month. We'd been planning the interior for a year so we were absolutely delighted when we got the van back and a couple of weeks later we took off for Spain and spent 7 weeks following the sun. Everything worked like a dream, the quality of the finish was excellent so we have no hesitation in highly recommending these guys. Thanks again, Dave & Chrissy Wallis.
Base Campers® are renowned specialists in high-end Volkswagen Transporter conversions. They focus on turning these specific vans into luxurious, custom-built adventure machines. This specialization means the team possesses deep, model-specific knowledge, allowing them to execute every build with precision and expertise. While they offer services for various campers, their core reputation is built on being virtuosos of VW, a platform the founders have used for over 20 years.
Every build from Base Campers® is highly customized to the owner's specific needs. The company's design process starts by asking what the van will be used for, ensuring the layout and features perfectly suit the customer's lifestyle. Everything is designed and built in-house by master craftsmen, not from pre-fabricated packs. This approach allows for complete personalization of interiors, power systems, and finishes, resulting in a truly bespoke vehicle.
No, the company offers a wide range of services beyond full conversions. Customers can select individual specialist services to suit their needs, a process they call "cherry-picking." This is ideal for vans that are partly converted or just need specific upgrades. These services include installing pop-top roofs, [fitting complex electrical systems](/services/electrical-systems), building custom cabinetry, and providing general repairs and servicing for campervans.
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Great job guys. Thank you so much. You have transformed my VW T5 into a fabulous campervan. Really happy with your work. It is lovely to work with people who care so much and have such passion and enthusiasm about their work. Thank you.
Sprinter conversion. Base Campers did an amazing job on my 2011 LWB High Roof Mercedes Sprinter. Custom furniture, LPG tank, gas oven, twin gas hob, gas BBQ point, gas heating, gas water heater, galley sink, 100w solar panel, 2 leisure batteries, electric flush toilet and sink with shower in wet room, rear shower point for wetsuits / dog, 240v hookup, RIB crash tested folding seat / double bed, forward L shape seating / double bed, 65 litre fridge, great insulation and soundproofing and a great finish all round. A really classy camper with amazing attention to detail and faultless customer support. I cannot rate them highly enough, 6 stars !
Base Campers® exclusively uses premium materials and has a strict policy against sub-standard options like MDF or generic pre-fab packs. In practice, this means they use high-end products such as Superva, a durable and lightweight furniture board, for their custom cabinetry. They also fit well-regarded components like [VW Rusty Lee Rock and Roll beds](/services/rock-and-roll-beds). This commitment to quality ensures every conversion is both luxurious and built to last.
Yes, Base Campers® sells complete, [ready-made campervans](/services/van-sales) in addition to performing custom conversions. This is a great option for people who want to start their adventures right away without commissioning a full build. The company sometimes has ex-demo vehicles available as well. These vans are built to the same exacting standards as their bespoke projects, featuring premium materials and functional, high-end designs.
The team's expertise is rooted in genuine, hands-on experience. The founders have spent two decades living and travelling in converted vans themselves, so they understand what truly works on the road. This practical knowledge is combined with professional skill. The team consists of master craftsmen, designers, and mechanics who apply an almost obsessive attention to detail to every project, ensuring both quality and real-world functionality.
Yes, the company provides a range of campervan conversion packages designed for different types of adventurers. Their offerings start with the entry-level 'Solid Base' package, which is perfect for those new to van life. For a more comprehensive build with all the features, they have the high-specification 'Explorer' package. These packages serve as a foundation, which is then customized to meet each client's unique requirements.
The Base Campers® workshop is located in Padstow, Cornwall. The full address is Padstow PL28 8PN. Situated in a popular UK adventure destination, the company serves a wide range of local and visiting campervan enthusiasts. Despite their Cornwall base, their reputation for quality has attracted customers from across the UK, including the Shetland Isles, and even from mainland Europe.