Bilbo's is the UK's largest and longest-running VW campervan conversion specialist, building exclusively on Volkswagen Transporter platforms since 1977. Family-owned for nearly five decades, Bilbo's combines deep VW expertise with award-winning customer service.
The current range is built on the VW T6.1 Transporter (or customer-supplied T5/T6) across five conversion styles:
The Celex — the traditional VW campervan layout with twin swivelling cab seats, offside furniture run and double rock-and-roll seat/bed to the rear. Evolution of the classic T4 Celeste.
The Nexa — two forward-facing rear travel seats forming a lounge-diner with swivelled cab seats, converting to two single beds at night. Includes a Porta Potti in a rear cupboard. Evolution of the T4 Nektar.
The Nexa+ — enhanced version of the Nexa with additional features and specification.
The Komba — seating for up to six people with the widest bed in its class.
The Space — innovative removable facilities pods allow the van to work as a weekday vehicle and quickly convert to a camper at weekends.
Roof options include Bilbo's award-winning side-lifting low-lie roof, an encapsulating SWB high-top, or a Continental front-aspect elevating roof.
Bilbo's was established in 1977 and has remained family-owned to this day — a remarkable achievement spanning nearly five decades. Based in South Godstone, Surrey, Bilbo's has grown to become the largest VW conversion company in the UK.
The company has been dedicated almost exclusively to Volkswagen Transporter conversions throughout its history, evolving through each generation of VW van from the T3 through T4, T5, T6 and now T6.1. This singular focus on one vehicle platform has allowed Bilbo's to develop unrivalled expertise in VW campervan conversion.
Bilbo's has won Gold for Best Dealership and Best Manufacturer in Customer Satisfaction awards for six consecutive years, reflecting exceptional and sustained owner satisfaction. The company sources base vans directly from VW, enabling special-order specifications.
UK's largest VW conversion specialist — Bilbo's is the biggest dedicated VW campervan converter in Britain, with nearly five decades of exclusive VW expertise.
Six consecutive Customer Satisfaction Gold awards — winning both Best Dealership and Best Manufacturer for six years running demonstrates exceptional, sustained customer care.
Award-winning side-lifting low-lie roof — Bilbo's proprietary roof design offers low height when down and generous headroom along the full vehicle length when raised. A genuine innovation in the VW campervan market.
VW-registered converter status — as an official VW-registered converter, all new Bilbo's campervans come with both VW's 3-year base vehicle warranty and Bilbo's own 3-year conversion warranty.
Family ownership since 1977 — continuity of ownership over nearly five decades ensures consistent quality, philosophy and customer relationships.
If you want a VW campervan from the UK's largest specialist — Bilbo's exclusive focus on VW Transporter conversions means unrivalled expertise in maximising everything the platform offers.
If the low-lie roof design appeals — Bilbo's side-lifting roof is genuinely innovative, offering practical advantages over conventional pop-tops and high-tops.
If customer service matters — six consecutive Gold awards for customer satisfaction tell a compelling story about the ownership experience.
If you want a weekday van and weekend camper — the Space model with removable pods offers a genuinely practical dual-use solution.
VW T6.1 base vehicle cost — the Transporter is an expensive base vehicle, making new Bilbo's conversions a significant investment.
Single platform dependency — building exclusively on VW means no alternative if you prefer a different base vehicle.
Single location in Surrey — the South Godstone factory is the sole point of sale and primary service. Buyers in the North face longer travel.
Compact van dimensions — T6.1-based conversions are smaller than Ducato-based alternatives, limiting extended touring comfort for some.
Waiting times — popularity and bespoke nature of builds may mean waiting times for new conversions.
Check the VW base vehicle — T6.1: check full VW service history, DSG gearbox if fitted, turbo condition. T5: check cam belt, clutch, fifth gear issue. T4: full classic vehicle assessment required.
Check the roof type and condition — identify whether low-lie pop-top, high-top or Continental elevating roof. Operate mechanism, check canvas/seals, verify locking.
Conduct damp check around roof — the roof perimeter is the critical checkpoint on any VW campervan conversion.
Verify Bilbo's provenance — confirm the conversion is genuine Bilbo's work. The company can verify their builds.
Test all habitation systems — heating, cooking, electrical, water systems.
New Bilbo's campervans come with both a 3-year VW base vehicle warranty (up to 100,000 miles) and Bilbo's 3-year conversion warranty (subject to a habitation check by Bilbo's after two years). This dual warranty is a significant advantage of VW-registered converter status.
For used purchases outside the warranty period, an independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended.
OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing peace of mind on a premium VW campervan conversion.
When buying a used Bilbo's, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.