Anyone could – or should want to – have a converted van, we're constantly being told, because downsizing by means of hopping on the vanlife bandwagon is IN right now. But there's a way of getting that with less effort and a smaller expense.
The unexpected global events of 2020 brought many changes, but it also brought a shift in perspective, which, in turn, allowed for wanderlust to become a way of life. Today, we have what feels like a gazillion content creators from all over the world capitalizing on this new lifestyle, creating content based on their traveling, their vehicles, whether DIY conversions or bought units – inspiring and fueling the desire to just pack up and go.
It might feel like there's no middle ground for us normies who still have 9-to-5s or no desire to uproot our life. There is, though, and not just because no one's forcing us to do it. Companies like Berlin-based PlugVan cater specifically to this segment of the market, offering modules that can turn a work van into a mobile home almost instantly – and, more importantly, back again when the vacation is over.
Living in a van might be great because you get to travel (and work) all the time, cut down your monthly expenses and your carbon footprint, and live the kind of life that's tailored for a carefully curated IG, but it's not the only available option. What we're saying is that #vanlife doesn't have to be an all-in option, even if it's often presented as such by those who have already made the switch.
Photo: PlugVan
VanPlug is determined to prove the contrary, and it's been doing so since 2019, when it introduced the first module at the 2019 CMT show in Stuttgart. These modules are plug-and-play, self-contained units that you can simply slide into the van to convert the space into an adventure-ready mobile home, and then back out when you return.
This allows you to make the most of the base vehicle by using it both for work and leisure, with zero modifications necessary to use in either mode. It's the best of both worlds if you're half a foot in about vanlife or simply don't want to convert your work van.
The latest addition to the VanPlug lineup is the Small model. As its name clearly indicates, it's the smallest of the bunch, and, as such, it's designed for use in small and mid-size vans, converting them into mobile homes in as little as 5 minutes. Models listed as compatible include the Volkswagen T6.1, T4, T5 and Caddy, Ford Transit Custom and Transit Connect, Mercedes Vito and Citan, Toyota Proace and Proace City, Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar, and Renault Kangoo/Nissan Townstar.
Photo: PlugVan
The module sits on a fixed base with four removable and adjustable castor wheels and measures 6.6 feet (2 meters) in length, with an adjustable width of 48-65 inches (122-164 cm). You simply roll it in the back of your van, strap it down to the van's tie-downs, and you've got a mobile home with sleeping for two, a small kitchenette, and the promise of a portable restroom.
The module is a sofa-facing-kitchenette setup, with the sofa extending into a bed and integrating a table that also folds out for use outside. Storage is available under both blocks, which also include pull-out drawers that can later be used to expand the kitchen outside.
As is, the kitchen features only a sink with built-in plumbing and under-the-counter tanks for fresh and waste water, an optional fridge box, and storage. The water system includes a connection for an outdoor shower, and VanPlug can also offer a portable dry toilet as an option, which gets you the promised restroom mentioned above. However, there's no mention of the size of the water tanks.
Photo: PlugVan
The Small module comes with 12V light strips, USB sockets, and a respectable amount of storage. As shown in one of the photos in the gallery, though compact, it's spacious enough to double as a bicycle garage in road mode, with the bed folded up. Optionally, you can spec it with solar panels and a battery, a cooking stove with gas cartridges, and a cooling box, so you can extend your stay beyond a weekend.
The PlugVan Small lives up to the name and offers the basics for a comfortable outing that doesn't require you to rough it up on a tent or to rely on the facilities of a camping site too much.
Make no mistake about it, it's not as cozy or well-equipped as the van conversions we've been talking about a lot recently. But it is a solid halfway solution for van owners who might want to unlock the full potential of their everyday work vehicle and temporarily turn it into an adventure-ready home on wheels.
Photo: PlugVan
Pricing for the PlugVan Small starts at €5,880, not including taxes, so about $6,300 at the current exchange rate.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News