Joe had wanted a campervan for years. He and his girlfriend already loved camping, regularly heading away with their tent, and he could picture how having their own van would fit into that lifestyle. When the opportunity finally came to buy one, he had a clear idea of what mattered: space for two, a pop-top roof and a vehicle he could use every day. His search eventually led him to a Mercedes camper van at Free Spirit Campervans.
Summary
Joe chose a long-wheelbase Mercedes Viano after exploring different campervan models and visiting Free Spirit near Chichester. With a sliding bed and seat system, solar panel and awning rail among his requested additions, the conversion was planned around how he and his girlfriend wanted to travel. Since collecting it, his Mercedes camper van has replaced his car and become part of their regular camping routine.
Turning a Campervan Dream into a Plan
For Joe, owning a campervan was something he had been looking forward to for a long time.
“I’ve always wanted one.”
He already enjoyed practical outdoor living, having previously lived on a narrowboat as well as spending weekends camping. The idea of travelling with a compact living space of his own felt like a natural extension of those interests.
As his 60th birthday approached and a pension became available, he decided to put some of that money towards the campervan he had imagined owning. By then, he had spent considerable time researching vehicles and thinking about his budget.
That preparation gave him a useful starting point. He knew who would be travelling, how often he hoped to use the vehicle and which features mattered most. The next step was finding a campervan that brought those requirements together.
A Mercedes Camper Van for Everyday Use
One requirement shaped Joe’s search from the beginning:
“I wanted one that I could use like my car.”
He wanted enough room for himself and his girlfriend to go camping comfortably, while keeping the vehicle manageable for everyday journeys. A pop-top roof was also firmly on his list.
Although he looked at larger vans, he kept returning to the question of how the vehicle would fit into ordinary life. It needed to be something he was happy to drive throughout the week, as well as somewhere to sleep at weekends.
That plan became a reality after buying his Mercedes camper van. Joe sold his car and now uses the van daily, giving it a role well beyond holidays.
His experience highlights something worth considering when choosing your own vehicle: how you intend to use it between trips can be just as important as what you want from it on a campsite.
Discovering Free Spirit Close to Home
Joe found Free Spirit while searching online for campervans for sale in Chichester. Living around two miles away, he was pleased to discover a company nearby where he could view vehicles and discuss his plans.
Initially, he was interested in the size and appearance of the Mazda Bongo. When he visited and met Ian, however, he had the opportunity to look at other options too.
Ian showed him a Mercedes in the workshop, and it immediately caught his attention. Joe liked the additional interior room while still feeling that the vehicle was a manageable size.
Seeing the models in person helped him refine his choice. Photographs had given him ideas, but walking around the vehicles allowed him to compare the space and picture how he and his girlfriend would use it.
Our Mercedes Viano campervans are available in short- and long-wheelbase versions, providing different options to explore when considering your layout. Free Spirit Campervans
Why the Longer Layout Suited Them
Joe chose the long-wheelbase version because the extra room made a practical difference to the layout he wanted.
In particular, he liked being able to access the fridge while the bed was down in the longer configuration he viewed. It was a small detail, but one that helped him imagine using the campervan comfortably once they were away.
Choosing a layout involves these everyday considerations.
- Where will your belongings go?
- What can you reach when the bed is out?
- How will the space work when you are getting ready for the evening?
For Joe, comparing the arrangements helped him identify which version suited their needs. The additional length offered useful living space while keeping the overall vehicle within the size he was looking for.
A Sliding Bed and Seat System That Added Flexibility
One of Joe’s specific requests was to have the bed and seat unit fitted on rails. This would allow him to change its position and make more room behind it for luggage and camping equipment.
Moving the unit forward creates a larger boot area in his conversion, giving him flexibility over how the available space is used.
“It just makes the van even more practical.”
Joe was particularly enthusiastic about this addition because it helped accommodate belongings at the rear of the vehicle. For a campervan that also serves as his everyday car, being able to adapt the interior was an appealing feature.
His experience shows the value of talking through practical requirements before the conversion begins. Explaining what you want to carry and how you expect to use the vehicle gives the team a clearer understanding of what would make the layout work for you.
Choosing the Details for Their Mercedes Camper Van
When Joe first saw his chosen vehicle, it was still fitted out as a seven-seater. He could therefore discuss the conversion and the additions he wanted before the work began.
Alongside the sliding bed system, he requested a solar panel and an awning rail. The solar panel was important because he and his girlfriend enjoy quieter campsites and wanted the option of staying without an electric hook-up.
These choices came from their existing camping habits. They already knew what they enjoyed about getting away, which helped them decide how to equip their Mercedes camper van.
You can read more about our conversion process and discuss your own priorities with the team when visiting.
Joe first visited in October 2025 and collected his completed campervan in May 2026, having arranged the purchase around his own timing. His response to the finished work was clear:
“The guys have done an amazing job.”
A Long-Held Dream Put to Regular Use
Since collecting their campervan, Joe and his girlfriend have been making the most of it, camping regularly and taking it on longer journeys. The everyday practicality that mattered during his search has remained central to how he uses it.
His story shows how a clear set of priorities can help turn years of looking into a choice that suits your life. For Joe, that meant room for two, a layout with useful flexibility and a vehicle he enjoys using as his car.
If you are considering a Mercedes camper van, contact Free Spirit Campervans to arrange a visit near Chichester. Call 01243 649087 or email info@fscltd.co.uk to talk through your plans.
Call us
Tel: (01243) 649087
Email us
info@fscltd.co.uk
Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: CLOSED
FAQs
Which Mercedes camper van did Joe choose?
Joe chose a long-wheelbase Mercedes Viano, which Free Spirit converted around his requirements. He wanted room for himself and his girlfriend while keeping the vehicle suitable for everyday use.
Why did Joe want a campervan?
He had wanted one for years and already enjoyed camping with his girlfriend. Buying a campervan gave them another way to enjoy their outdoor lifestyle and travel together.
Does Joe use his campervan as his everyday car?
Yes. This was one of his main requirements before buying. He sold his previous car and now uses the campervan daily, as well as for camping trips.
Why did he choose the long-wheelbase version?
Joe appreciated the additional interior space. In the configuration he viewed, the longer version also allowed access to the fridge while the bed was down.
What was the benefit of Joe’s sliding bed and seat system?
The rail-mounted arrangement lets him reposition the unit to create more space behind it for luggage and equipment. It was an addition he specifically requested for his conversion.
Was the vehicle already converted when Joe chose it?
No. His selected vehicle was still fitted out as a seven-seater. He discussed the conversion and requested extras with Free Spirit before the work was carried out.
Which extras did Joe request?
His requests included the sliding bed and seat arrangement, a solar panel and an awning rail. He also chose an upgraded radio.
Why was a solar panel important to him?
Joe and his girlfriend enjoy quieter campsites and wanted to support stays without electric hook-up. Solar charging formed part of the setup they chose for that style of camping.
How did Joe find Free Spirit Campervans?
He discovered Free Spirit through an online search for campervans for sale in Chichester. As he lived nearby, he arranged a visit to see the vehicles and meet Ian.
What can other buyers learn from Joe’s experience?
Start with how you expect to use the vehicle, both at home and while travelling. Comparing layouts in person and discussing storage, sleeping arrangements and preferred extras can help you find a suitable conversion.
