Custom MTB van modifications are an enticing prospect for a bike tester - the one that I'd genuinely prefer to own and drive.

New School Camper Vans for the Adrenaline Junkie

So you think camper and caravan shows are just for your grandparents? Well, my friend, that perception is about to change! These badass, state-of-the-art van conversions will make even the most hardcore mountain biker's heart race!

Headline: What does a two-time world downhill champion like Danny Hart drive to the trails? A jaw-dropping £150k custom van conversion with a slide-out bike rack, kitchenette, cozy sleep space, and power to charge his e-bikes! Yeah, you read that right! Danny's tricked-out Volkswagen Crafter conversion was one of three epic MTB-specific builds displayed at the 2025 Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show, held at the NEC Birmingham.

It's no secret that van conversions have taken off in the last few years, especially due to the pandemic years, and mountain bikers make up a significant market for the clever manufacturers who've entered the scene. With a thirst for adventure, a love for self-sufficiency in remote locations, and a need to accommodate bikes and gear, it's no wonder that many mountain bikers are trying to design and build the ultimate bike-friendly setup!

Danny Hart's Custom Dirty Weekender Van

The first van that caught my eye was two-time UCI Mountain Bike DH World Champion Danny Hart's new van! This sleek ride is built on a medium wheelbase Volkswagen Crafter, and it was so fresh off the production line that Danny still hadn't even picked it up yet! In fact, he was set to grab the keys from the NEC once the show was over.

As a professional downhill mountain bike racer, it's no surprise that a lot of time and thought went into creating the perfect garage and bike space for Danny. So, it packs a sweet pull-out rack with room for three bikes, plus extras and accessories, as well as onboard charging for an e-bike.

But with the bikes on the floor, there's still plenty of room for a comfy double bed arrangement up front of the bulkhead. One cool feature? The flared panels that give a bit more girth to the bed. That means it's big enough to accommodate the whole family during a weekend race! In the front, there's also a fridge – for all the Monster cans – a sink, and loads of storage.

CJL Leisure MAN van conversion

But if you ask me, the star of the show was CJL Leisure's stealth-luxury conversion. It has everything I could ever want as a pro bike tester, including a system that can carry up to six bikes thanks to a nifty rail system, and a fold-out wetroom design for cleaning up post-muddy ride. And, when sealed, you'll never smell like a wet dog on your way home!

CJL went with a low-roof MAN TGE 3.18 for the conversion, and Cye Hayes from CJL Leisure told me that there's more than enough power to charge several e-bikes and brew up some coffee thanks to the 12v 460Ah battery and 3000 watt inverter.

Ok, so it only sleeps two people – your mates will have to pitch tents – but the modular seating system can accommodate six people for comfortable travel. There's also an induction hob, sink, and fridge in the front.

Other awesome features include a removable workstand clamp that mounts to the rear door, custom shelving for bike cleaning products, and detachable cleats to neatly hang all your shoes and helmets in the back. Better start saving, though, because this particular model carries a cool £110k price tag (excluding VAT).

Van Haven VW Transporter T6 with roof tent

To scale things down a bit, the Van Haven VW T6.1 is more like the kind of vehicle you could use as a daily all-rounder. It isn't so big that you can't do your grocery shopping or ride to work, but it still provides enough space for a weekend adventure.

There's a cozy double bed inside, as well as a nifty slide-out kitchen area at the back with a must-have coffee machine and loads of storage. Up top, there's an optional roof tent from Latitude that pops up in seconds, and can also support up to 80kg of bikes when closed. No need to hack a hole in the roof of your new camping home!

And, for those campsite set-ups at the races or bike parks, there's also a cool cantilever awning with integrated lighting, so you can work on your bike in the evening or just chill with friends and adult beverages.

That wraps up my visit to the 2025 Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show. I saw three distinct van styles, all geared towards mountain biking, and each one was a total show-stopper! It's even got me thinking about a few tweaks to my trusty Vito!

Trends in Custom Van Conversions for Mountain Bikers

Modular Interior Designs: Modern van builds emphasize adaptable interiors that smoothly transition between daily use and adventure mode, featuring removable bike racks, storage solutions for gear, and convertible living spaces.
Custom Bike Storage Solutions: Custom slide-outs and bike stands are gaining popularity, offering easy loading and unloading of bikes for mountain bike adventures.
Turnkey Solutions: As the market grows, there's a rising interest in turnkey vans – pre-designed and ready to purchase – for simplicity and convenience.
Integration of Technology: Advanced technology like solar panels, lighting systems, and smart storage solutions are being incorporated to enhance the overall experience.
Elevated Sleeping Arrangements: Higher sleeping platforms are becoming more prevalent, providing a comfortable and secure spot to rest during trips.

[1] Quint, M. (2021, March 17). Custom van conversions: a luxurious, eco-friendly trend on the rise in mobility-focused lifestyles. Retrieved from https://www.psfk.com/2021/03/custom-van-conversions-luxurious-ecofriendly-lifestyle-trend.html[2] Bailey, B. (2022, May 12). Van conversions: overcoming the challenges. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/may/12/van-conversions-overcoming-the-challenges[3] Raposo, A. (2021, August 5). Top 10 epic van conversions for outdoor adventures. Retrieved from https://adventurejournal.com/2021/08/top-10-epic-van-conversions-for-outdoor-adventures/

The new school camper vans are not just for grandparents; they are perfect for adrenaline junkies, including mountain bikers, as seen in the custom van conversions at the 2025 Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show.
These vans are designed with a lifestyle in mind, featuring modular interior designs, custom bike storage solutions, and elevated sleeping arrangements, catering to the needs of self-sufficient adventure-seekers.
The home-and-garden market has expanded to include high-end van conversions, offering luxurious amenities such as slide-out bike racks, kitchenettes, and cozy sleep spaces for travelers and sports enthusiasts.