Devon Conversions is one of the oldest and most storied names in British motorhoming, with heritage stretching back to the dawn of VW campervan culture in the 1950s. Today, operating from County Durham, Devon is a thoroughly modern van conversion specialist building on multiple base vehicle platforms.

As one of very few wholly independent British manufacturers remaining, Devon offers a wider choice of base vehicle than most competitors:

The Aztec MWB — Devon's award-winning model on Fiat Ducato (also available on Peugeot Boxer or Citroën Relay), with automatic transmission option. Features a generous rear lounge that appeals to former caravan owners.

The Firefly — based on the Ford Transit, this has proved so popular it runs on its own dedicated assembly line. Features two single rear seats with a central aisle leading to rear kitchen and washroom.

Additional models span Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Peugeot Boxer platforms, with nine different models in the current range. Devon is a recognised converter for both Fiat and Ford.

By selling direct from the factory, Devon offers competitive pricing across its range, with all new campervans including a 3-year warranty and free UK mainland delivery.

Devon Conversions is probably the longest established motorhome and camper manufacturer in the UK, founded in 1956 in Sidmouth, Devon by Jack White, a carpenter and builder with a passion for Volkswagens. Working from a garden shed, he converted a VW Type 2 for his family and called it the Caravette.

By 1960, Jack had moved into a former gasworks site with its own railway sidings, building a factory over a single weekend. At its peak, J P White (Devon Campers) employed 75 local tradesmen and produced 1,000 Caravettes a year.

The company was sold to the Renwick, Wilton & Dobson Group, who continued trading under the J P White name until June 1971, when it was renamed Devon Conversions Ltd. By 1972, Devon was the official VW converter for the UK, selling 3,500 campervans per year. During the 1960s, only Devon, Dormobile, Danbury and Westfalia were officially sanctioned converters by VW.

The company moved to Exeter in 1981 and went into voluntary liquidation in 1985. The name was subsequently sold, and Devon Conversions was reborn much further north in Ferryhill, County Durham, where it has been under the same family ownership for over 25 years. Today it operates from a modern, spacious factory complex as one of the few remaining wholly independent British motorhome manufacturers.

UK's longest-established motorhome manufacturer — founded in 1956, Devon's heritage predates virtually every other British converter. The brand name carries decades of campervan culture and history.

Multi-platform expertise — Devon builds on Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Peugeot Boxer platforms, offering buyers genuine choice of base vehicle from a single manufacturer.

Classic VW Caravette heritage — the original Devon Caravettes and Moonraker conversions on VW Type 2 are now highly collectible vehicles, and Devon's name is synonymous with the golden age of VW camping.

Factory-direct sales model — by selling directly to customers from the County Durham factory, Devon cuts out dealer margins and offers competitive pricing with a personal service.

Independent British manufacturer — in an industry increasingly dominated by large European groups, Devon remains wholly independent and family-owned, giving it flexibility and character.

If you want choice of base vehicle from one manufacturer — Devon's range across Fiat, Mercedes, Ford and Peugeot platforms means you can choose your preferred base vehicle without changing converter.

If you value direct factory relationship — buying direct from the manufacturer means personal service, factory visits, and no dealer intermediary.

If heritage and history matter — owning a Devon connects you to the longest continuous motorhome manufacturing heritage in Britain.

If you want competitive pricing — the factory-direct model means Devon can offer genuine value compared to brands sold through dealer networks.

Discontinuity in company history — the original Sidmouth operation closed in 1985. The current County Durham company, while long-established itself, is a different entity from the 1956 original. This may matter to some heritage purists.

Single factory location in County Durham — servicing and support centres on the factory in Ferryhill. Southern buyers face longer travel for factory visits or warranty work.

Lower profile than some competitors — Devon has less marketing presence than larger brands, meaning some buyers may not discover the range without specific research.

Van conversion space limitations — as with all panel van conversions, interior space is constrained compared to coachbuilt motorhomes.

Classic VW Devon conversions need specialist care — original Caravettes, Moonrakers and Sundowners from the 1960s-80s are now classic vehicles requiring specialist maintenance and parts.

Identify the era and base vehicle — Devon has built on many platforms over the decades. Understand which base vehicle and specification your vehicle uses.

Check the base vehicle — Fiat Ducato: cam belt, clutch, gearbox. Ford Transit: service history, turbo. Mercedes Sprinter: full dealer service history. Peugeot Boxer: service history, turbo condition.

Inspect the conversion quality — check furniture fixings, panel joints, electrical connections and plumbing throughout.

Check the roof — if elevating roof fitted, check canvas, seals, locking mechanism and operate multiple times.

Conduct damp check — check around all windows, doors, roof fittings and any body modifications.

Test all habitation systems — heating, water, fridge, 12V and 240V electrical circuits.

Devon Conversions provides a 3-year warranty on all new conversions, with the base vehicle covered by the respective manufacturer's warranty. For used purchases, verify both conversion and base vehicle warranty status.

An independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended for used Devon purchases, particularly for older models or those outside the manufacturer warranty period.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing peace of mind on Britain's oldest motorhome brand.

When buying a used Devon, 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.