“Mupe”: lovingly custom built VW T4 LWB camper

Mupe started out life as a long wheel base VW T4 Kombi (a rare find!) in a good used condition. The build started with removing everything inside – linings, mats etc. Then it was fully insulated top to toe to make it nice and cosy – and quieter too. The wall and floors were lined with hardwood ply; the roof was lined with redwood pine cladding. The floor is varnished to protect it and make it cleanable but elsewhere the finish is raw, unfinished wood.

The long cupboard unit was built using mostly reclaimed timber, with many many hours’ spent crafting cupboard doors and the worktop from carefully selected old hardwood pallets and bed slats. The largest cupboard behind the driver’s seat houses the split charge system, 110Ah leisure battery (practically brand new) and electrical paraphernalia. The 12V fridge sits on a shelf above all the electrics to keep it all tidy – it can be accessed from the top and front. The 25l water tank sits in a small space beneath the sink with the automatic pump. And then there’s LOTS of storage in the cupboards and drawers

The slide-out bed was made to provide a space for the pull-out cooking area, the gas canister and still provide a whole load more storage – the top lifts up in the closed bench position with storage space underneath great for a duvet, pillows and more. The bed is extended to a small double size by sliding out the bench front.

Curtains for windows were hand made from 100% unbleached cotton and some upcycled curtains for the cabin curtain. There’s also custom-made thermal linings for the three rear windows that snap-on with magnets – these are great for keeping heat in or out (they’re reversible) and for keeping the light in – for surreptitious wild camping.

There’s dimmable LED strip lights powered off the leisure battery, and separate LED spots powered off the original light circuit so you can have them come on when the door opens. And a reading / task light at the end of the bed / next to the pull out cooking unit.