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VAN WITH A PLAN

Man transforms builder’s van into $51k campervan over 3-month lockdown – with tiled hot shower and smart kitchen

THIS is the incredible lockdown transformation of a carpenter’s white van into a high-end luxury camper - and it’s a similar size to some apartments.

Furniture-maker Daryl Lloyd Witt, of Frome in Somerset, England, spent three months stuck at home turning his Volkswagen Crafter into a campervan.

 Furniture-maker Daryl Lloyd Witt spent three months turning his Volkswagen Crafter into a campervan
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Furniture-maker Daryl Lloyd Witt spent three months turning his Volkswagen Crafter into a campervanCredit: Triangle News
 The exterior is your typical work van, but inside is a perfectly-fitted living area
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The exterior is your typical work van, but inside is a perfectly-fitted living areaCredit: Triangle News

From the outside it appears as if it’s a bog-standard builder’s van, but inside is a perfectly-fitted living area, with a boiler that powers the shower and sink, a stylish dining table and double bed.

Daryl has shunned the traditional VW Camper-style, instead giving his van a modern twist.

He said using a builder’s white van was perfect for his high-spec interior.

He said: “The white vans are a great size - you can fit everything you need in them and the fact they are essentially builders’ vans means they are quite stealthy.

“On the inside it is beautiful, it is a home on wheels.”

 Daryl said using a builder’s white van was perfect for his high-spec interior
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Daryl said using a builder’s white van was perfect for his high-spec interiorCredit: Triangle News
 When lockdown was announced, Daryl purchased the white-van style Crafter, and started the project in April
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When lockdown was announced, Daryl purchased the white-van style Crafter, and started the project in AprilCredit: Triangle News
 Daryl has installed a boiler that heats up the water for the shower
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Daryl has installed a boiler that heats up the water for the showerCredit: Triangle News
 There is a sleek kitchen that wouldn't look out of place in a modern studio apartment
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There is a sleek kitchen that wouldn't look out of place in a modern studio apartmentCredit: Triangle News
 Daryl's shower is also more typical to a proper house than a camper van
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Daryl's shower is also more typical to a proper house than a camper vanCredit: Triangle News

The 36-year-old has worked as a bespoke furniture maker ever since leaving school, but as a surfer Daryl always found the campervan culture appealing.

So he decided to step outside his comfort zone and design his dream camper.

Daryl’s latest creation is the second van he has adapted - when lockdown was announced he purchased the white-van style Crafter, and started the project in April.

It took him three months to complete.

 There is a double bed at the back of the van, and considerable storage underneath
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There is a double bed at the back of the van, and considerable storage underneathCredit: Triangle News
 He also made space for a kitchen table and chairs
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He also made space for a kitchen table and chairsCredit: Triangle News
 Daryl he hopes he can dedicate his career to building bespoke camper vans from now on
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Daryl he hopes he can dedicate his career to building bespoke camper vans from now onCredit: Triangle News

He said: “When I look at photos of the original van, with nothing inside, it really hits home what a transformation it has been."

As soon as it was finished, competition company Dream Car Giveaways bought it for $51,000, and are now offering tickets to enter a draw to win the camper.

Daryl he hopes he can dedicate his career to building bespoke camper vans from now on.

He said: “It’s much more rewarding work, and I can build it how I want, I feel confident that people like my designs and they will sell.

“I’ve got some unique ideas for the next builds, which I haven’t seen anywhere else.”