Off-Grid VW Crafter Campervan - Self-Built with Engineer’s Precision (2015 LWB 2.0 TDI)

Description

This is not your average campervan. Over the course of three years, I planned and built this van from the ground up with the goal of creating something capable, self-sufficient, and genuinely comfortable for long-term off-grid living and remote working. I’m a mechanical engineer, and the build started with a full year of CAD planning before a single hole was drilled. Everything was done with care, intent, and high standards; no compromises.

It’s based on a 2015 VW Crafter LWB 2.0 TDI, with 190,000 miles and a solid service history. Mechanically, it’s in excellent shape - with a fully refurbished gearbox, new clutch, and recent timing belt among other upgrades. It’s also been subtly but meaningfully modified to handle life off the beaten track: lifted suspension, grippy tyres, and an uprated front spring make it far more capable than standard.

The electrical system was designed for independence: 780W of solar, a 560Ah heated LiFePO₄ battery bank, and a smart power monitoring system. It’s capable of living off-grid indefinitely, even in winter. Combine that with a robust 4G internet setup and plenty of space to work, and this van is truly a mobile home and office in one.

🚐 Vehicle Overview
2015 VW Crafter LWB 2.0 TDI
6-speed manual gearbox (recently refurbished)
190,000 miles (will increase slightly)
Recent full service including timing belt
Drives beautifully - ready for the next chapter

🛠️ Mechanical & Exterior Upgrades
Fully refurbished gearbox (Ace Gearboxes)
Brand new clutch
40mm body lift (all corners)
Uprated 4.6/5T composite front spring
Comforser CF1100 all-terrain tyres (3PMSF rated)
6 Front and 4 rear parking sensors
Cruise control + speed limiter
LED spotlights with amber sidelights
75L diesel tank (~400 mile range)
Air horn

🔊 Audio & Media
Pioneer digital DAB Bluetooth head unit + external antenna
Focal speakers (cab)
Custom under-seat subwoofer
400W sound system in the living space with subwoofer

🌐 Connectivity & Smart Systems
Zyxel LTE5398-M904 CAT18 router (4x4 MIMO, up to 250Mbps observed, >100Mbps typical)
Hardwired omnidirectional Poynting MIMO-3-V2-12 LTE antenna
Cab & interior IP cameras (remote monitoring, no subscription needed)
Wireless light switch box
Remote hardwired GPS tracker (remote tracking, no subscription needed)
Home Assistant smart home integration for:
Power and battery monitoring
Lighting control and automation
Alerts and schedules to your phone from anywhere

⚡ Off-Grid Electrical System
780W solar array with 40A MPPT charge controller
60A B2B charger
560Ah 12V LiFePO₄ battery bank (8064Wh usable) with thermostat controlled heating
250A BMS & 250A capable wiring
375VA inverter (upgradeable to 3kW continuous)
12x fused 230V UK sockets
12x QC/PD USB sockets
Bluetooth BMS + inline smart shunt
Full system monitoring via app and Home Assistant

💧 Water & Gas Systems
70L main fresh water tank
25L internal filtered drinking water tank
52L grey water tank
23L underslung refillable LPG tank (EU adapters, lasts 6+ months)
Remote water level monitoring
Deep residential-style sink
Two-burner glass-top gas hob
2kW Lavaner diesel heater (runs from main diesel tank)

🛏️ Interior Layout & Storage
Euro double bed (1400 x 2000 - fits standard EU double or UK mattress)
Gas strut-assisted tilt-up bed
Long kitchen worktop + large desk (ideal for remote work)
65l compressor fridge modified for minimal noise
Comfortable L seating bench (seats 3) with additional working space
Large under-bed garage (bike fork mount - fits XL 29er MTB)
2+1 overhead cupboards
5 large kitchen drawers
2 kitchen cupboards
3 under-bench storage compartments
4 desk drawers
2+2 long wall shelves
Garage shelving
Fold-up inside and outside tables
Bedside cabinets with USB ports

❄️ Comfort & Insulation
Leather heated lumbar-adjustable electric seats (cab)
Rain-sensing fans x2 (push/pull, 4-speed)
Remote dimmable LED strip lighting
Insulation:
40mm PIR & expanding foam
Foil bubble wrap vapour barrier
20mm high density foam
Butyl rubber sound deadening
Rust treated and sealed before insulation
Lightweight 9mm poplar ply cabinetry with strong latches (~50% lighter than residential cabinets)
Laminate, hard wearing, wood-effect floor
Carpeted, insulated cab floor
Insulated cab-to-hab wall with passthrough

This van has been my workshop, office, and home for the last two years. It’s built for people who want to go further, stay longer, and work or live comfortably wherever they are. If you’re looking for a van that’s truly ready for adventure, one that you don’t need to upgrade or “finish”, this is it. It’s all done - just pack your bag and drive.

Asking price: £60,000

Located in Warshash - viewings welcome by arrangement.

Happy to answer questions, send over more details, or do a video tour.

Ad ID: 1501775128

Exact specification may vary from the details on this page. Please contact the seller to reconfirm any details before purchasing. See Terms & Conditions for further information.