VW campers: books - purchase, furnishing and maintenance

VW Camper - The Inside Story - A Guide to VW Camping Conversions and Interiors 1951-2012 (Third Edition)

This book documents the specifications, layouts, features, and optional equipment of over forty VW Camper conversion companies, from well-known names like Devon and Westfalia to rare or unusual models such as Slumberwagen and Arcomobil. It uses archive and period brochure images, as well as photographs of surviving original-condition models.

Since its first edition in 2005 and the revised edition in 2012, "VW Camper - The Inside Story" has been praised by enthusiasts and collectors, becoming a definitive guide to the many camper conversions built on the VW Transporter and Microbus.

The third edition, revised and expanded, covers six generations of the VW Bus and includes additional information and photographs, with more conversions, details about the earliest years, and the latest models.

Product details

Author:	David Eccles
Details:	208 pages, 29.5 x 21 x 1.5 cm / 11.6 x 8.25 x 0.59 in, paperback
Illustrations:	500 colour photos
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2020)
ISBN:	9781785007613

The VW Camper Story

After the British developed a reliable way to raise the roof, the Volkswagen Camper became a global phenomenon, serving everyone from adventurous students to enthusiastic grandparents.

For over 20 years, Volkswagen vans have been front-engined and water-cooled, replacing the original rear-engined, air-cooled design, yet the Camper's spirit remains strong.

In this book, award-winning writer Giles Chapman tells the complete story of the Volkswagen Camper, covering its history, evolution, and cultural impact. It captures the appeal of this iconic vehicle and its enduring place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

Product details

Author:	Giles Chapman
Details:	128 pages, 13 x 19 x 1.4 cm / 5.1 x 7.5 x 0.55 in, hardback
Illustrations:	profusely illustrated
Publisher:	The History Press Ltd (GB, 2011)
ISBN:	9780752462813

Volkswagen Camper : 40 Years of Freedom - An A-Z of Popular Camper Conversions

This illustrated book presents a clear overview of the many camper conversions based on Volkswagen's Panelvan, Kombi and Microbus models, known collectively as VW Campers. It follows the author's earlier volume on the first three generations of the Transporter and focuses here on the specialised versions created by well-known companies.
These include the early Westfalia Camping Box, the innovative Pitt Moto-Caravan and the widely used Devon and Danbury models from Britain, as well as variants produced only for the United States.

The book uses a wide selection of original advertising material, from professional photographs to simple homemade images. It offers a full record of both early and later vehicles, with interior layouts useful to restorers and to readers interested in the comfort features of the third-generation Wedge models.

The text provides an informative and engaging account of the history and development of VW Campers. With its extensive collection of period marketing images, including rare and discontinued versions, this volume serves as a reliable reference work and an attractive visual survey for all enthusiasts.

Product details

Author:	Richard Copping
Details:	176 pages, 22.5 x 22.5 x 2.4 cm / 8.9 x 8.9 x 0.94 in, paperback
Illustrations:	182 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017)
Series:	Veloce Classic Reprint
ISBN:	9781787111226

VW Camper Inspirational Interiors - Bespoke and Custom Interior Designs

This illustrated book explores the strong bond between VW Bus owners and their vehicles, shown especially in the many personalised interior and exterior designs. It presents a wide range of interior layouts created to meet different needs, offering practical ideas and visual inspiration.

The examples include simple, low-cost interiors built by owners, updated and improved conversions, and unique custom designs made to individual plans. Some recreate period styles with modern details, while others use new materials and shapes to achieve a contemporary look.

The collection reflects many approaches to comfort, practicality and style, helping readers understand what is possible when designing or commissioning their own interior. Whatever the preferred style, the book provides numerous ideas to inform and inspire future projects.

Product details

Author:	David Eccles
Details:	224 pages, 30.5 x 22 x 1.7 cm / 12 x 8.7 x 0.67 in, hardback
Illustrations:	400 colour photos
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2008)
ISBN:	9781847970701

VW-Campingbus selbstgebaut - Typ 2 (ab Juli 1979) | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

"Do it yourself" inspiration for building a camper van, using the example of the VW Type 2. The book introduces the basic vehicle, helps with interior planning, gives tips for installing the furniture and all units from the refrigerator to the gas system, advises on the TÜV and clarifies insurance issues.

Contents of the book:
- The base vehicle
- Type development
- Buying a used van
- Tools and resources
- Preparing the used van
- Modifications to the bodywork
- What is allowed?
- Special roofs
- Windows for the camping bus
- Insulation and wall coverings
- A small analysis of use
- Planning the furnishing
- Construction of the furnishing
- The furnishing suggestion
- Ready-made furniture
- Curtains and seat covers
- The 12-volt on-board network
- The 220-volt system
- The gas system
- The water system
- The refrigerator
- The heating
- Theft protection
- TÜV-testing and approval
- Taxes and insurance
- Special constructions
- Awnings
- Traveling with children
- Traveling and difficult circumstances
- Historical overview
- Address list
- Index.

Product details

Author:	Thomas Lautenschlager, Gerhard Axmann
Details:	258 pages, 26.5 x 20 cm / 10.4 x 7.9 in, paperback
Illustrations:	350 photos and drawings
Publisher:	Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2012)
Series:	Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst (122)
ISBN:	9783613011403

More information about series Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

Vom Transporter zum Campervan: Der Guide für jeden Selbstausbauer

This book shows how a van can be converted into a campervan easily and cost-effectively. It is aimed at self-builders, hobby mechanics, and tinkerers, providing inspiration and practical guidance.

Across 15 chapters, conversions are explained in detail. Illustrations and tables simplify planning and execution. The author draws on 10 years of experience as a VW service technician and explains each step clearly, so even beginners can carry out the work.

Contents:
- Basics of camper conversion: insulation, window retrofits, battery isolators, solar panels, parking heaters.
- Tables with work steps, materials, costs, and ideas for useful gadgets: roof racks, solar shower, armrest box, bed with pull-out outdoor kitchen.
- Clear, bullet-point descriptions of tasks in each chapter.

Revised version 2020.

Product details

Author:	Lukas Schmid
Details:	119 pages, 23 x 15.5 x 0.7 cm / 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.28 in, paperback
Illustrations:	profusely illustrated
Publisher:	Independently Published (USA, 2020)
ISBN:	9781070677682

Vom T2 zum Camper VW - Bus-Umbau leicht gemacht

VW-based campers, especially classic models like the T2, are legendary. However, not everyone can afford a ready-built vintage VW camper. Converting a standard Transporter yourself can be an affordable and practical alternative, while maintaining full road legality and preserving its historic vehicle status (H-plate).

VW specialist and author Ralf Wenzlau demonstrates, using a former official-service Transporter as an example, how simple conversion projects can be carried out by anyone, including hobby mechanics with limited experience, without requiring many specialized parts.

The book provides clear, step-by-step instructions supported by numerous photographs. Key topics include:

- Installing a reliable electrical system and understanding wiring diagrams
- Building lightweight, sturdy furniture
- Preserving the vehicle's original condition
- Ensuring compliance with road inspections (main inspection)
- And other essential conversion tips

This practical guide is completed with useful tricks and advice for working on a 40-year-old VW Transporter. The methods and techniques shown are easily adaptable to similar camper conversion projects, making this book an indispensable resource for anyone planning a DIY VW camper build.

Product details

Author:	Ralf Wenzlau
Details:	152 pages, 30 x 21.5 cm / 11.8 x 8.5 in, hardback
Illustrations:	300 colour photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
ISBN:	9783958430419