The handcrafted foundation for a camper that grows with you.
A different path to owning a campervan
You do not have to choose between a £50,000 bespoke build and a plywood campervan unit from the internet. There is a middle path.
This approach is modular. You start with a handcrafted foundation: a Sunbox Pod or a rock ‘n’ roll bed, fitted in our Newhaven workshop. You add things over time: a pop-top next summer, windows the year after, or a proper electrical system when you are ready to camp off-grid.
What stays consistent is the craft. We use the same FSC-certified birch ply, sheep’s wool insulation, and recycled upholstery in our pods that we fit in our £70,000 full conversions.
What is the Sunbox Pod?
The pod is a handcrafted wooden furniture campervan unit that converts your van into a camper after one visit to the workshop.
The details
- A lounge area with hidden storage.
- A removable table that converts into a double bed.
- A pull-out worktop for cooking.
- Storage compartments that pull out for easy access.
- Worktop surfaces in your choice of natural oak or caramel bamboo.
Unit Prices
- Birch Ply Unvarnished Campervan Unit: from £1,919.99
- Birch Ply Varnished Campervan Unit: from £2,279.99
- Custom Colour Campervan Unit: from £2,399.99
- Full Upholstery Set: £800 (Cushions and mattress in 100% recycled fabric)
Total price expectations
What this means is that a pod that is ready to sleep in starts from £2,719.99. All prices include VAT and installation at our workshop.
Need more belted seats? Opt for a Rock ‘n’ Roll installation
If your van is a family vehicle, choose our rock ‘n’ roll bed installation. This gives you rear belted seats for passengers and provides the foundation for a traditional VW-style layout. It is built by the same team with the same choice of premium finishes.
Vehicles we fit
We specialise in lightweight engineering for electric and diesel vans.
- VW ID Buzz, Transporter, and Caddy Maxi.
- Citroën ë-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert, and Fiat e-Scudo.
- Vauxhall Vivaro Electric and Toyota Proace Electric.
- Ford Transit Custom and Kia PV5.
Upgrading your build
A Sunbox Pod is just the beginning. Whether you need more power or more light, your pod is designed to accept these upgrades cleanly.
- Electrical system (from £1,199.99): LED lighting, USB ports, leisure battery, and B2B charging.
- Insulation & lining (£1,200): Sheep’s wool insulation and recycled plastic bottle lining.
- Flooring (£500): Recyclable vinyl in slate or oak.
- Extra windows (£300 to £320): Fixed or sliding glass.
- Pop-top roof: Available on consultation for extra standing room and sleeping space.
Why choose the modular path?
A full conversion is a big commitment. The modular path is about flexibility, allowing you to build at your own pace and spend your budget where it matters most to you.
Your lifestyle, your van
- Keep the van you love: If you already have a van that fits your daily life, a pod is often all you need to turn it into a sanctuary for a cup of tea and a view.
- Start sooner: You don’t need to save for years to get on the road. Start with the foundation now and add the “extras” when you’re ready.
- Campsite ready: Most three-season camping works best with portable kit. Our pods are designed for a tactile, high-end experience without the over-engineering of a full build.
- The pride of the build: If you’re a creative self-builder, we handle the high-stakes structural work so you can focus on the finishing touches that make the van truly yours.
Budget flexibility
- Build at your own pace: Spend your budget in stages. A pod this year, windows next year, and a pop-top when you need the extra space.
- Permanent value: Unlike temporary slide-in kits, this is a permanent furniture installation that increases the value and utility of your vehicle.
- Real materials: We use FSC-certified birch plywood and natural sheep’s wool. It costs more than synthetic alternatives, but it lasts longer, breathes better, and feels like home.
- The circular economy: If your needs change, we offer a part-exchange. Trade your pod back to us for a 3% discount on a full conversion price, keeping your investment working for you.
Clear the fog: Download the Modular Guide
Choosing the right setup is a big decision. We wrote this guide to help you feel completely confident before you commit. It takes you inside our Newhaven workshop and explains exactly how we turn the van you already love into a sanctuary of real wood and clever design.
What you will find inside:
- The Price List: Exact costs for base units, upholstery, and every available upgrade.
- Vehicle Compatibility: A full list of the electric and diesel vans we fit.
- The Gear List: Our honest recommendations for the portable hobs, water containers, and coolboxes that work best with a pod.
- A Look Inside: Gallery pages showing the craftsmanship and finish options in detail.
- The “Build as you Go” Roadmap: Three examples of how to build a full camper over time on a budget.
Next steps
1. Get in touch
Email hello@sunboxcampers.co.uk or call 07973 687950. Tell us about your van and how you plan to use it.
2. Visit the workshop
Come to Newhaven and sit in the vans. See the craftsmanship up close and meet the team.
3. Choose your spec
Select your finishes, fabrics, and flooring from our curated range in the members’ area.
4. Book and build
Once your spec is locked, we will give you a fixed price and a build date.