vw multivan - VW Multivan Camper
vw multivan - VW Multivan Camper

VW Multivan Camper

The Multivan is for you if size, versatility & looking cool are your main criteria (and you can afford it – it costs 3x as much as an MPV like a Sharan, but it isn’t 3 times better for camping – it is a cult car that offers a lot of space in a relatively small package, with the added bonus of being able to move and turn the seats and table around as you please + fold them down into a bed. But they can also get in a way and sometimes it’s necessary to remove them to take full advantage of the boot’s size. And you’ll have to get some kind of camping box or a bed to sleep comfortably and make the most of the sheer space. The Multivan is a bit of a cult car and keeps its value even with very high mileage (300K+) and 10+ years of age, so be prepared to pay the price. There aren’t as many DIY Multivan camping conversions – precisely for the reasons outlined on this page, in short – it’s almost the most expensive car of the range where you are paying for flexible seats that you would take out anyway for a DIY conversion. But there are plenty of manufactured camping boxes that you can carry in the boot (behind all the rear seats) and extend when camping (see image gallery for some examples, with and without the rear seats). But then, you can do that in the cheaper Caravelle too, so make sure you know why you’re paying up for a Multivan. Overall, a Multivan can be a great camper – but not out of the box. If you just want to try car camping out, you’ll be better off with a much cheaper MPV that you convert to an occasional camper. And if you like it and decide to commit to car camping, you can try out a Multivan with a camping extension.

This car’s boot is 225 cm long ⤢, 132 cm tall ↕, and 150 cm wide ↔.


NimbleCamper rating: 3.3/5

Categories: , Tags: , , ,
Body type

Make

Boot length (cm)

225
Boot length (inches)

88.5
Boot height (cm)

132
Boot height (inches)

52
Boot width [wheel arches] (cm)

150
Average used price, GBP (2015)

31141
Available in

, , ,

Engine type

,

Boot door type

Comfort rating

2
Consumption l/100km

10.6
Consumption MPG (UK)

27
Consumption MPG (US)

22
Made in

DE
NimbleCamper rating (out of max 5)

  • very large interior in a small body (not too different from an MPV / Minivan)
  • three rows of seats (2+2+3) and all seats fold flat, move and turn about and are removable (see here) – but don’t leave much headroom with a mattress on (or storage beneath). See this video (at the start and around 13:00 min mark) for a real-life test.
  • you won’t be able to use a lot of the space as the seats and the middle console/table (in some models) take up a lot of the storage area beneath
  • you might need to remove the seats for a proper camping conversion or cash out for a camping box to make the most out of the space
  • if you want to remove the seats and the middle console/foldable table, there’s not much sense in buying a Multivan – go for the cheaper Caravelle or Transporter
  • the second row of “armchair” seats that swivel is a very good thing!

How to sleep in a VW Multivan, DIY camping conversions

All Multivan posts All DIY conversion posts All posts

How does the Multivan compare to a smaller MPV?

See our detailed Multivan vs Sharan comparison

VW Multivan ratings and reviews

Average rating: 4/5 = great!

Multivan interior/exterior dimensions & boot size

  • volkswagen t61 multivan 2020 - VW Multivan Camper
  • Multivan boot dimensions 3 1 - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan boot dimensions - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan dimensions - VW Multivan Camper
  • sharan vs multivan size - VW Multivan Camper

Possible Multivan camping configuration

(images used are mostly from Ququq)

1. Just fold down the seats & throw a mattress on top

This is the simplest way of sleeping in the Multivan – the folded seats in the back (3rd row) create a flat surface of about 1×1.5m, not enough for most adults to sleep on, so you’ll have to fold the 2nd row “armchair” seats too or add an extension. These can be purchased or you can create your own simple one. This forum post has a great visual guide. In the shorter version of the Multivan, this might not be as easy or will leave less storage room.

  • multivan rear seats folded flat - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan folded seats config - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan rear seats bed extension - VW Multivan Camper

2. A manufactured camping box over the seats

There are many manufacturers who have a camping box that sits in the boot, behind the 3rd row of seats and extends into a bed + kitchen, drawers and storage compartments (depends on the model you get). The disadvantage here is that the seats serve no other purpose than being legs for the mattress. But they take away a lot of storage space, which you could otherwise use for most of your camping gear. Suitable for occasional camping over the weekend (or for people with not much gear). The advantage is that you can keep using the comfy armchair 2nd row seats with the foldable table (like so). Or take these out and have room for something else between your bed and the drivers & passengers seats. See the bed over seats option in action here. A demonstration of what the 3rd row of seats can do here and an overall overview of all the seats config here. Note that the Multivan comes in two body lengths – the shorter one doesn’t have as much room in the boot – behind the 3rd row of seats.

  • multivan busbox camping box5 - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan busbox camping box2 - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan busbox camping box3 - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan busbox camping box - VW Multivan Camper

3. A manufactured camping box with the seats removed

Same as the second option, but now you can store a lot of things below your bed. Much more suitable for longer camping trips. But why would you pay more for a Multivan with it’s flexible seats if you are going to remove them. Better get a Caravelle – or any other similar size van, or perhaps a big MPV.

  • multivan busbox camping box4 seats removed - VW Multivan Camper
  • multivan camping conversion advanced - VW Multivan Camper

Frequently asked questions:

Yep, definitely! It’s 225cm long which means plenty of space to stretch your legs + storage. The seats fold down flat and you can put a mattress on top of them. But they take up a lot of space you could use for storage. It’s better to remove them and build your own camping conversion – but if you’re going to remove the seats and the foldable table anyway, then there’s no point in paying for them in the first place – you can get the cheaper Caravelle (a 7 seater) or Transporter (tends to be a 3+3 seater or 3+cargo at the back)

Yes – completely flat. You can also move them back and forth on their rails or turn them around

You can find 2WD and 4WD models of the Multivan.

It’s probably one of the most time-tested – and proven – reliable cars out there. No wonder Multivan keeps its price so well (see here). You’ll find 20 years old models that still sell for a high price (40-50% of their original price). The Multivan also boasts a good breakdown score and a 5/5 safety rating by EURO NCAP (2022 model).

Generally, the Multivan is the second top of the range (the top model is the VW California) with most bells and whistles (like the foldable table in the back), the Caravelle is the mid-range and the Transporter is the most basic model (more often used for work/commercial purposes than for private use). For camping purposes, if you can afford it, the VW California is the best. Then, it depends on your preference – if you want a DIY camping conversion, the Transporter will give you the best blank canvas and price. If you want a comfy car for long trips and occasionally fold the seats down and throw a mattress on them for sleeping, choose the Multivan.

Busbox images from Ququq

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