Fern Campervans: Off-Grid Campervan Conversions Born in New Zealand, Built in Somerset

The UK campervan conversion scene is full of talented builders creating beautiful homes on wheels. But every now and then a converter comes along with a particularly clear philosophy. One that shapes everything from their layouts to the systems they install. Fern Campervans, based in Somerset, are one of those builders. Born from months spent travelling and exploring in vans across New Zealand and beyond, Fern Campervans focuses on building robust, thoughtfully designed campervans that enable true off-grid travel. Their approach blends engineering-led design, natural materials and innovative fully electric systems. The aim is simple: helping people roam further for longer. In this edition of our Meet the Converters series, we take a closer look at Fern Campervans, their design ethos and what makes their builds stand out.

Who Are Fern Campervans?

Fern Campervans is a professional campervan conversion company based in Somerset, creating bespoke off-grid campervans designed for adventure. The company was shaped by the founders’ own experiences travelling and living on the road. Months of exploring remote places and relying on self-sufficient van setups helped inform what really matters in a campervan: reliability, comfort and clever use of space. That spirit of exploration still drives the business today. Fern Campervans describes their builds as a welcoming basecamp that’s ready whenever you are, designed to support everything from weekend escapes to extended adventures. Their workshop location in Somerset is perfectly suited to that mindset. With Exmoor, Dartmoor, the Welsh mountains and the coastline all within easy reach, the surrounding landscape provides both inspiration and a real-world testing ground for their vans.

A Design Philosophy Shaped by Real Van Life

What stands out about Fern Campervans is how strongly their designs are influenced by real travel experience. Rather than building vans purely around aesthetics or trends, their layouts are shaped by the practical needs of life on the road. This includes loading gear after a muddy hike, cooking after a long day outdoors, or waking early to chase the sunrise. Their founders bring backgrounds spanning engineering, product development and project management, including experience from companies like Dyson. That technical perspective shows up in the thoughtful details throughout their conversions. The result is a design style that focuses on: - Clean, uncluttered interiors - Efficient storage solutions - Durable materials - Reliable off-grid electrical systems - Intuitive layouts that feel natural to use In short, Fern Campervans are designed to function as a true adventure basecamp rather than simply a stylish interior.

Gas-Free Campervan Conversions

One of the defining features of Fern Campervans is their commitment to fully electric, gas-free campervan systems. Traditional campervan conversions often rely on LPG gas for cooking, heating or hot water. Fern takes a different approach. Every van they build is designed around a purpose-built electric system, meaning there is no gas required onboard. Instead, their setups combine: - High-capacity lithium batteries - Solar charging - Charging while driving - Shore power capability This approach simplifies the system while also making it safer and easier to use. The result is a campervan capable of at least four days of off-grid living without charging, even in poor weather conditions. For many van owners, that level of autonomy opens up the possibility of exploring remote locations without needing campsites or hookups.

Built for Real Off-Grid Adventures

Fern Campervans focuses heavily on true off-grid capability. Their builds are designed so owners can comfortably spend extended periods away from campsites. This is becoming increasingly important for people who want to explore the UK’s wilder places. Typical off-grid features in their vans include: - Large lithium battery systems - High-output solar panels - Diesel heating for all-season use - Induction cooking - Fresh and grey water tanks sized for longer trips - Intelligent power management systems Some of their builds also include features like heated shower rooms and generous rear garages for outdoor gear, making them particularly appealing for cyclists, surfers, climbers and outdoor adventurers. The goal is simple. A campervan that allows you to travel further and stay out longer.

Natural Materials and Sustainable Design

Sustainability is another important part of Fern Campervans’ design philosophy. Where possible, they use natural and responsibly sourced materials, striking a balance between durability and environmental responsibility. Some of the materials used in their builds include: - FSC-certified birch plywood cabinetry - Natural cork flooring - Durable laminates designed for longevity - Carefully selected components from trusted suppliers Their philosophy also follows a leave no trace mindset, ensuring that vans are designed to store waste responsibly so travellers can enjoy wild places without leaving an impact.

Mercedes Sprinter Campervan Conversions

Fern Campervans specialises in conversions built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform, typically using modern MWB models. The Sprinter is a popular base vehicle in the campervan world for several reasons: - Excellent reliability - Spacious interior dimensions - Good payload capacity - Strong aftermarket support - Using this platform allows Fern to create spacious layouts with features like fixed beds, indoor showers and generous storage areas, while still keeping the van within the 3.5-tonne category that most drivers can operate. - Their builds typically offer two-berth layouts with large garages, making them ideal for couples or solo travellers who carry outdoor equipment.

Designed for Adventure, Built for Comfort

While off-grid capability is central to Fern Campervans’ philosophy, comfort is just as important. Their interiors aim to create a calm and welcoming living space. It is somewhere that feels like a home on wheels rather than a cramped vehicle. Common interior features include: - Fixed double beds with quality mattresses - Clever storage solutions - Spacious kitchens with induction hobs - Large fridges - Warm natural materials - Comfortable seating with swivel cab seats The result is a van that feels equally suited to a quick overnight stop or a multi-week road trip.

Thinking About Your Own Campervan Conversion?

If the idea of a fully electric off-grid campervan appeals, Fern Campervans is definitely one to keep on your radar. Their approach combines: - Real van-life experience - Engineering-led design - Natural materials - Advanced off-grid electrical systems - All built around the simple goal of helping people explore more freely. Click below to learn more about their work, discover the campervans they have for sale or get in touch to start your next build: