Full review

Volkswagen camper interiors are much the same, whichever conversion brand you look at. The classic rear transverse bench with side-located furniture and the front lounge with rear kitchen are the two most popular layouts, whether in short or long wheelbase versions of the iconic VW Transporter.

These days, the latest T5’s car-like character and superb build quality are very attractive, but interior dimensions continue to limit layout design.

Enter Craig McCormack, a south Wales-based engineer, with an enthusiasm for Volkswagen campers, who decided to tackle the problem after realising that there was, indeed, little around that was new.

SLIDING SUCCESS

Based on the long wheelbase version of VW’s T5, the DoubleBack is fitted with a front-hinged rising roof that provides an ‘upstairs’ double bed. The pod, too provides a double bed, and once slid out, the living area is unhindered at all times, even when folks are sleeping.

Press a button (mounted just inside the side sliding door) and the pod moves out – two rear legs descend to support its outward position. Both pod and legs are controlled by torque switches so stop automatically at the correct place, and the legs self-level on uneven ground.

In the living area there’s seating for six around a large table and a compact kitchen with two-burner hob/sink combo and compressor-type fridge. The table is removed and the seating folded to allow the pod to slide in, and the kitchen and a wardrobe comes with it resting just behind the cab.

KIT

The base model DoubleBacks come on the 140 horsepower version of the T5, with metallic paint, alloys, air-conditioning and a host of detail enhancements, such as colour-coded bumpers and electric folding mirrors. Base vehicle extras available are from the whole Volkswagen list – 180bhp engine, DSG auto gearbox, climate control and leather seats among them.

Optional extras in the habitation area include a remote key fob for extending/closing the pod and lowering/raising legs, a glass roof in the pod for sleeping under the stars and slide-out storage under the pod bed.

A clever concept, seemingly well engineered, the DoubleBack really does offer something different to the world of VW campers. Importantly, this camper appears to work very well as a practical camping proposition.

On-the-road price: £54,995
Length: 5.29m (17ft 4.5in)
Gross vehicle weight: 3,000kg
Payload: 600kg

This is an edited version of a longer article which appeared in the April 2012 issue of MMM. To download a digital edition click here.