Camping in a VW Crafter – big van, great freedom

Camping im VW Crafter – großer Van, große Freiheit

Table of contents

The VW Crafter is a true space miracle: large enough for a bed, kitchen, storage, and even standing room – yet still comfortable to drive. However, it doesn't come with any camping equipment as standard. This is where BOXIO comes in: with modular, removable solutions, you can retrofit a bathroom, kitchen, and "outdoor living room" without drilling. In this guide, we'll show you which Crafter variants are suitable for camping, how to quickly create a cohesive setup, and what you should generally consider when camping with an (electric) vehicle.

Variants & Suitability: Which Crafter suits you?

The Crafter is available as a panel van , a passenger van/combi , and as a chassis cab – each in several lengths and roof heights . Depending on the combination, you get plenty of cargo space, flat surfaces, and good basic conditions for a bed, storage, and technical equipment. In short: all variants are suitable for camping – you decide based on your space requirements, headroom, and everyday usability. 


Quick orientation

  • Panel van : maximum freedom for conversion, clean lines, easy to insulate.

  • Estate car : more factory-glazed interior and with rows of seats – good for families, but plan the seats/rails first.

  • Chassis : Base for box bodies, special superstructures or DIY camper boxes.

What's missing from the factory – and why that's great

In its standard configuration, there's no bed, no kitchen, no bathroom . That's precisely what gives you freedom: you only build what you really need – modular, removable, and leasing-friendly . This way, the Crafter remains usable for everyday life and transforms into a camper on weekends.

Sleeping in the Crafter: quick, comfortable, convertible

Getting started is easy: a flat surface + a good mattress .

Convenient: A bed module with storage space underneath – pull it out in the evening, fold it away in the morning. For large vans like the Crafter, a system with a slatted frame and pull-out mechanism is worthwhile, so that the living space remains clear during the day.

Cooking & Cooling: clean at the rear, everything within easy reach

The large sliding door or tailgate is ideal for outdoor cooking . Odors stay out, and access to water and cooling is quick and easy. With a modular kitchen, you can have a fully equipped cooking station in minutes.


Mobile outdoor kitchen with standing height I BOXIO KITCHEN PLUS

With the BOXIO KITCHEN PLUS, you get a fully-fledged, mobile kitchen that comes with everything you need for outdoor use – from a gas stove to a cooler and sink to a sturdy table. All in a stackable Eurobox format. Modular. Robust. Ready for immediate use.
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Mobile Outdoorküche Camping

Your outdoor kitchen with BOXIO

Sanitary & Hygiene: private bathroom on board

Regardless of the available space – a compact bathroom makes traveling more relaxed.

  • BOXIO SANITARY / SANITARY PLUS : Composting toilet + mobile washbasin in two Euroboxes, including a tent for privacy. Works independently, without a fixed water or electricity connection. 

Sitting, eating, relaxing: lightweight and space-saving

  • BOXIO CHAIR : ultra-lightweight camping chair, disassembled into the Eurobox. 

  • BOXIO TABLE : from kitchen base to dining table in minutes. 

New: BOXIO RACK - Bed & storage space as a camping box

Now available and perfectly suited for large vans: the BOXIO RACK . It combines shelving for Euroboxes with a pull-out slatted bed base. Tool-free assembly, removal in minutes – perfect if you use your Crafter differently in everyday life or want to remain leasing-friendly.

Here's how to use it in the Crafter

Place the rack in the rear, slide in the Euroboxes (bathroom, kitchen, supplies), pull out the bed, and sleep. In the morning, put the bed back in place; the boxes remain organized. The cargo space remains fully usable during the day.

BOXIO RACK BUNDLE L I Modular camping box

The BOXIO RACK Bundle is the ideal modular extension for your van or minivan - flexible, well thought-out and space-saving. You can fold the BOXIO BED onto the RACK BOX in no time at all to save space. There is space for up to three BOXIOs in the RACK BOX. When folded out, the flap serves as a practical work surface - perfect for your mobile outdoor kitchen.
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BOXIO RACK BUNDLE L I Modular camping box

Order & safety: Van remains quiet and well-organized

Pack in stackable Euroboxes , label them, and secure the load with tie-down straps and anti-slip mats . Put heavy items at the bottom and frequently used items at the back near the doors. This way, everything stays secure and rattle-free during transport.

General: Electric car camping – what you should consider

Even if your Crafter is a combustion engine vehicle: Perhaps you have an electric second car in your fleet – or you're planning to travel electrically in the future. Then these basic rules will help:

  • Plan charging breaks and combine them with activities (shopping, eating, walking). Apps/charging networks help with planning and show available charging points. 

  • Charge gently : moderate charging windows, do not constantly charge to 100%, and keep an eye on the temperature. 

  • Charging at the campsite : Possible, but observe power limits/rules; it's better to arrive with sufficient remaining charge and, if necessary, charge slowly overnight. 

  • Manage your own consumption : Don't drain the vehicle battery with power-hungry devices – use gas for cooking, passive cooling, and energy-efficient LED lighting. 

BOXIO SANITARY PLUS | Mobile bathroom with TENT

The BOXIO SANITARY PLUS is your mobile bathroom in just two compact and robust Euroboxes. The practical TENT ensures your privacy wherever you are. The SOLO UPs offer additional storage space for all your bathroom utensils. And after use? Simply stack them and store them away to save space!
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BOXIO Sanitary Plus bundle featuring portable bathroom components in two Euroboxes, including tent and accessories.

Example packing list (2 people, ready to go quickly)

Conclusion

The VW Crafter is an excellent base for camping – regardless of whether it has a short or long wheelbase, low or high roof. It lacks a bed, kitchen, and bathroom as standard, but that's precisely what makes modular retrofitting so attractive: BOXIO provides a bathroom, kitchen, furniture, and now, with BOXIO RACK , even a pull-out bed with Eurobox storage – no drilling required, quick to install, and quick to remove . This way, your Crafter remains suitable for everyday use while still being ready for a weekend getaway in nature.

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