A Micro Camper Classic, Redefined
The VW Caddy Maxi conversion has been our iconic micro campervan since the very beginning. Long before “Vanlife” was a global trend, our team was perfecting the art of converting these compact, reliable vans into beautiful homes-on-wheels.
While the world moves toward hybrid technology, the 1.5-litre TSI Petrol engine remains the gold standard for many of our customers. It offers a smooth, car-like driving experience, lower initial purchase costs, and the simplicity of traditional internal combustion—perfect for those who want to jump in and go without thinking about charging cables.
Model Highlights: Why the Petrol Caddy Maxi?
Incredible Value
With a lower entry price for both new and used vehicles compared to hybrids, your budget goes much further toward your adventures.
Golf-Like Handling
Built on the same platform as the VW Golf, it’s agile, easy to park, and handles narrow country lanes with ease.
Effortless Range
No range anxiety or planning around chargers. Just the reliability of VW’s award-winning TSI engine technology and a massive network of filling stations.
Prefer a Hybrid?
Looking for the latest eHybrid technology with up to 74 miles of electric range? We offer that too. Check out the Caddy Maxi eHybrid here.
As Featured In
- Channel 5’s Million Pound Motorhomes
- The Telegraph
- Vanlife Adventure — “Sunbox Campers are currently dominating the UK conversion market for VW Caddy Maxi conversions”
- Auto Evolution
- Out & About Live
Our VW Caddy Maxi Conversion Designs
Mandalay
Price: From £20,399 (inc VAT) Description: Our most versatile layout. Featuring a rock and roll bed that allows for up to 4 belted seats and genuine 4-berth capability with a pop-top.
- Elevating pop-top roof with choice of canvas colour
- 2-berth rock and roll bed with two three-point seatbelts (up to 4 belted seats total)
- Hand-built wooden furniture in your choice of finish
- Solid wood worktops and removable table
- Thermafleece natural insulation and carpet lining
- Luxury upholstery in your choice of fabric
- Blackout curtains in your choice of colour
- Vinyl flooring in your choice of style
- Leisure battery and battery-to-battery charging system
- USB/USB-C and 240V sockets
- LED lighting throughout
- Water tank and stainless steel sink
- Fridge
- Gas hob
Optional extras: Propex gas heating, solar panels, extra windows, pop-top roof bed (2-berth)
View our Mandalay Gallery >
Chamonix
Price: From £20,399 (inc VAT)
Perfect for couples or solo adventurers. Add a roof bed to increase to 4 berths. A luxury double slat bed offers maximum sleeping comfort and a spacious interior feel for those who don’t need rear passenger seats.
- Elevating pop-top roof with choice of canvas colour
- Double slat bed (single or 2-berth)
- 2 belted seats (front only)
- Hand-built wooden furniture in your choice of finish
- Solid wood worktops and removable table
- Thermafleece natural insulation and carpet lining
- Luxury upholstery in your choice of fabric
- Blackout curtains in your choice of colour
- Vinyl flooring in your choice of style
- Leisure battery and battery-to-battery charging system
- USB/USB-C and 240V sockets
- LED lighting throughout
- Water tank and stainless steel sink
- Fridge
- Gas hob
- Optional extras: Propex gas heating, solar panels, extra windows, pop-top roof bed (2-berth)
View our Chamonix Gallery >
Note: These prices are for the conversion only and does not include the base vehicle cost, which is explained below.
Why the Caddy Over the Ford Transit Connect?
While the Ford Transit Connect is a capable small van, the VW Caddy Maxi conversion by Sunbox Campers sits in a different league:
- Resale Value: Historically, the VW Caddy holds its value significantly better than the Ford, making it a better long-term investment.
- Refinement: The Caddy’s interior cabin feels like a premium car, not a commercial vehicle. The sound insulation and seat comfort are vastly superior for long European road trips.
- The MQB Platform: The Caddy 5 shares its “bones” with the VW Golf 8, meaning you get the latest safety tech and a much smoother ride than the more industrial Ford.
- Community: When you buy a VW, you aren’t just buying a van; you’re joining a global community of enthusiasts with a massive support network.
Already Own a Caddy Maxi?
If you already have a Caddy Maxi petrol, diesel, or eHybrid we’re happy to convert it. The conversion process is identical across all variants.
Sourcing Your Vehicle
Whether you want a brand new Caddy from the showroom or a high-quality used van, we can help source the perfect base vehicle for your conversion.
Estimated Used Vehicle Prices (Petrol)
| Vehicle Age | Approx. Price (Ex VAT) | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 (Nearly New) | £25,000 — £31,000 | < 5,000 miles |
| 2021-2023 (Caddy 5) | £16,000 — £22,000 | 15,000 — 40,000 miles |
| 2017-2020 (Caddy 4) | £9,000 — £14,000 | 40,000 — 70,000 miles |
*Prices are estimates based on current market trends and vary by condition and trim level.
Technical Specifications (VW Caddy Maxi 1.5 TSI)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre TSI 4-cylinder Turbocharged Petrol |
| Power / Torque | 116 PS (114 HP) / 220 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual or 7-speed DSG Automatic |
| Combined MPG (WLTP) | 40.4 – 44.1 MPG |
| Overall Length | 4,853mm (Maxi Wheelbase) |
| Wheelbase | 2,970mm |
| Width (inc. mirrors) | 2,100mm |
| Turning Circle | 12.1m |
| Max Payload | Up to 747 kg |
The Sunbox Quality: Built to Last
At Sunbox Campers, we build beautiful campervans by hand more atelier than factory. Every Caddy Maxi conversion is crafted by skilled joiners at our East Sussex workshop using sustainable materials.
Handcrafted Interiors
Our vans feature hand-built wooden furniture throughout. No flat-pack, no shortcuts. Skilled carpenters create solid wood worktops, cabinets, and tables that are built to last and lovely to live with.
Sustainable Materials
We use FSC-certified wood, Thermafleece natural insulation (sheep’s wool for superior thermal and acoustic performance), and quality fabrics including Chieftain Earthly (100% recycled) for customers who want them. Sustainability matters to us we believe you can build beautiful campervans without compromising on environmental responsibility.
Your Personal Touch
Every conversion includes choices that make it yours:
- Flooring: Style and colour from our Polyflor range
- Upholstery: Fabric from our curated selection
- Wood finish: Multiple stain and treatment options
- Interior lining: Carpet or wood in various colours
- Curtains: Blackout curtains in your choice of colour
- Interior lining: Carpet or wood in various colours
When you join our build queue, you’ll receive access to our full range of options so you can make informed decisions about your campervan’s interior.
The Conversion Process
- Consultation: We sit down (or hop on a Zoom) to discuss your needs, finishes, and optional extras like solar panels or diesel heaters.
- Vehicle Sourcing: We can help you find a perfect new or used Caddy, or you can bring your own to our workshop.
- The Build: Your van enters our East Sussex workshop. Over 4–6 weeks, our craftsmen transform it from a work van to a Sunbox camper.
- Quality Check: Every system—gas, electric, and joinery—is rigorously tested.
- Handover: The best part! We give you a full tour of your new home and show you how everything works before you drive off into the sunset.
Warranty & Aftercare
We stand by our work. Every Sunbox conversion comes with:
- 12-Month Conversion Warranty: Covering all aspects of our craftsmanship and fitted appliances.
- Manufacturer Warranty: On new vehicles, you retain the full VW 3-year warranty.
- Lifetime Support: We are a small, family-run business. If you have a question or need a tweak three years down the line, we’re only a phone call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Petrol Caddy ULEZ compliant? Yes. All 1.5 TSI Petrol Caddy models are Euro 6 compliant, meaning you can drive into London’s ULEZ and other Clean Air Zones across the UK without paying a daily charge.
Can I use it as my daily car? Absolutely. One of the biggest draws of the Caddy Maxi is that it fits into standard parking spaces and multi-story car parks (with the pop-top down). Its fuel economy makes it a very viable daily driver.
Do you offer heating? Yes! While the Petrol engine heats the cabin quickly while driving, we can install a high-altitude diesel heater (drawing from a small auxiliary tank) or an electric heater for use when you are hooked up at a campsite.
Can I choose the wood finish? Yes. We have a range of sustainable wood finishes and upholstery options. During your consultation, we’ll show you samples so you can truly make it your own.
How many people can it sleep? Both designs sleep 2 adults comfortably in the main cabin. If you opt for the pop-top bed, the van becomes a genuine 4-berth camper.
Interested in a VW Caddy Maxi Conversion?
Ready to Start Your Adventure? We’d love to discuss your vision. Visit our Newhaven workshop or book a video call to see our current builds in progress.
Email: hello@sunboxcampers.co.uk
Phone: 07973 687950