Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6 CDTi Cozy Campervan Conversion

2015 Vauxhall Vivaro L1H1 Campervan Conversion – 2 Berth

Very reluctant sale of my 2015 Vauxhall Vivaro L1H1 campervan, which I’ve converted with climbing, skiing and off-grid trips in mind.

Countless hours have gone into building the van into a comfortable, practical and genuinely usable camper. After a number of smaller trips, I’ve used it for two weeks continuously in the French Alps, where it kept me warm, comfortable and with ample power throughout.

⚡ Off-grid electrical system

The van has a comprehensive Renogy-based electrical setup, including a 110Ah lithium leisure battery, 100W solar panel and Renogy DC-DC MPPT controller, allowing the leisure battery to charge from both the alternator while driving and the solar panel when parked.

The system is fused throughout, with dedicated master isolation switches for the battery, solar and fuse box.

Power usage and charging can also be monitored through the Renogy app.

The leisure system powers the remote-controlled/timer diesel heater, six dimmable LED downlights and USB charging sockets.

🔥 Insulated & heated

The van has a three-layer Dodo Mat insulation system, including sound deadening, making a considerable difference to both temperature and road noise.

The interior is then finished throughout in pine panelling and carpet, giving it a warm, cabin-like feel.

Combined with the diesel heater, it has proven itself in proper winter conditions. I’ve used it as a base for climbing and skiing in the French Alps, Scotland, Swiss Alps etc and stayed warm throughout.

🛏 Full-size double bed

The pull-out bed has been built around a substantial 2×4 timber frame with 12mm plywood.

When extended, the sleeping area measures approximately:

190cm × 140cm

That’s essentially a full double-bed-sized sleeping area, sleeping two adults.

When packed away, it converts back into a practical seating/living area.

There’s also a large amount of under-bed storage, which I’ve found particularly useful for climbing equipment, ski gear, boots and general kit.

🍳 Kitchen & storage

The kitchen has been constructed from 12mm and 18mm plywood and provides plenty of usable storage.

It incorporates a Campingaz twin-burner stove with a Campingaz cylinder, which will be supplied full with the van.

The layout leaves a good amount of worktop space while keeping everything compact enough to retain a comfortable living area.

🚐 A camper that’s actually been used as a camper

This hasn’t just been converted to look good in photographs. I’ve used it extensively as a base for climbing, skiing and travelling, including living out of it continuously over various trips. Notably I stayed in her for 4 weeks in Chamonix, loved it.

It has provided loads of storage, a comfortable double bed, heating and enough off-grid electricity that power has never been a concern.

Mechanically, she’s never missed a beat during my ownership.

I’m genuinely gutted to see her go, particularly after the countless hours that have gone into the conversion, but a change of job means I simply don’t have enough time to get out and use her anymore.

I’d much rather see her re-homed with someone who’ll put her to good use, whether that’s for climbing, skiing, mountain biking, weekends away or longer European trips