MINI Campers (What Are the Best?) Models and Much More

On this occasion, we are going to talk about the smaller siblings of camper vans, the small camper vans, or mini campers.

There is no doubt that this camper version is also in high demand and may have some significant advantages over its larger counterparts. However, as we want to expand features, we will realize that mini camper versions cannot (in any way) have the equipment of the larger ones.

In my early days in the world of camper vans, almost any car or van would do. It was important to consider that when folding the rear seats forward, there should not be a very large step with respect to the trunk.

If the step was small or nonexistent, there would be no problem inflating an inflatable mattress without major discomfort during sleep.

But enough of anecdotes; let’s move on from the least to the most with our proposals for small camper vans or mini campers.

Here’s a brief summary of what you’ll find in this article:

• Small camper with a roof tent
• Small camper vans
• Best mini camper vans
• Modules for campers
• Roof tent

Small camper with roof tent
But what is this about a roof tent? Well, it’s actually a fantastic invention that unfortunately is not seen much in our country. Without a doubt, regulations prevent roof tents from being seen frequently. If one pays attention on the road, they may see one, but as I said, it is not very common.

Roof tent – Also called rooftop tents
Although the car in the image is a Patrol (or similar), I must say that such a car is not necessary for the roof tent. We have seen roof tents on cars like the Opel Corsa. The important thing is to prepare the interior to access everything you need comfortably.

For this, you can prepare boxes with compartments that allow you to access everything comfortably from the trunk.

In addition to the mentioned roof tent, other things that improve the camper life in a small camper van would be: the inflatable mattress for the bed (or similar), the portable potty, gas stove, and a water canister with a tap at the bottom.

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With this, you can already go far. Of course, many things can be improved from here, buying other accessories to enhance the experience, but all this can come with time. The basics are these.

Limitations of roof tents
Unfortunately, in our country, there is not a very extensive culture about the camper and motorhome world.

We are barely getting there, and we are still far from neighboring countries like France. Needless to say, we are light-years away from countries like New Zealand or Australia, where motorhomes take on greater prominence than a second home. There, it is common to see tents on top of all kinds of cars, whether small or large.

Our beginnings: Inflatable mattress and a few more things
Sometimes we have even seen two roof tents on the same vehicle, where up to four people could sleep quite comfortably.

For this, it will be necessary for the roof of the car we choose to have a large surface. It will be normal to see them on pick-ups with the trunk prepared. But let’s focus, in our country, roof tents can only be used in areas where camping is allowed.

This is in campsites and designated areas. One of the indispensable conditions (just to mention one) of Instruction 08/V-74 of the DGT is that for it not to be considered camping, no element of the vehicle must protrude from the perimeter. Therefore, not much more to say around here.

Before even finding the camper car formula
Experiments aside, let’s go next with the small camper vans that we can acquire today and that we consider a good alternative.

Small camper vans
Now, let’s get to it. The first thing we must do is define the measurements of what we consider small or mini campers. As a general rule, their starting length will be 4.30-4.40m, reaching 4.80-4.90m according to different versions and models.

Regarding the width, we will find ranges from approximately 1.75-1.85m.

Why choose a small one?
The reasons for choosing a mini camper can be very varied.

It is worth noting that these types of vehicles can serve perfectly as a single vehicle for conventional use during the week and as a camper on weekends or short getaways.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of choosing a small camper van.

Advantages

• They move very well in urban areas.
• Their consumption is quite low compared to larger models.
• They can serve as a single vehicle.
• They can park in covered parking lots.
• They go unnoticed.
• The price would be the lowest in the camper family.
• Having fewer accessories, maintenance is lower.

Disadvantages

• Space for equipment is smaller, therefore, it may be insufficient.
• We cannot stand inside unless a pop-up roof is installed (and opened).
• Due to their smaller size, the tanks are quite limited.
• Interior shower must be omitted.
• The toilet has to be portable (potty).
• With little space, spaces must be set up and dismantled according to use.

How many people travel and sleep?
It will always depend on the type of van and the interior configuration.

Some models do without approved rear seats, so only two can travel. In other models, up to five people can travel without a problem. When it comes to sleeping, things change.

Generally, inside the vehicle, a maximum of two people can sleep. For example, in a camperized Volkswagen Caddy, a bed width of 120cm could easily be achieved.

If in this type of vehicle, we want to get more sleeping spaces, we must install a pop-up roof that allows us to expand two more bed spaces. For this reason, it is important to inquire about the possibility of installing a pop-up roof on the model we are interested in.

Not all models have the possibility of installing a pop-up roof, although it is true that more and more brands are interested in this size and are opting for the manufacture of more accessories.

So, are small camper vans for long trips?
From my personal point of view, I would say no; these types of vehicles are comfortable for a maximum of two people and short trips. We would be talking about weekend getaways or a few more days. We cannot lose sight that we will have to locate campsites or places designated for showering.

In any case, this is a personal opinion, as mentioned earlier. In our early days, we traveled for months in the trunk of a car, so it is not impossible.

Also, there are many other people on the web who show us that the small camper van or mini campers are vehicles for everything. For example, a few months ago