A unique layout for this long-wheelbase Crafter
THE Volkswagen Crafter (and its sister van, the MAN TGE) is becoming increasingly popular as the basis for larger, more upmarket campervans – well, we did tip it as a class-leading base vehicle right from the off. Here, though, is something quite unlike the mostly fixed bed layouts we’ve seen so far and it comes from highly respected converter, Rolling Homes, which is best known for its Transporter T6.1 campervans. It is one of the select few brands approved under VW’s Motorhome Qualification Scheme, as well as having NCC (National Caravan Council) approval.
There’s no permanent bed in the Darwin but, rather than going for a classic rear lounge, Rolling Homes is trying something different. No, it’s not a front lounge, either, with a sofa facing the sliding door as in IH’s Crafter-based 680 CRL. Here, there’s a mid-lounge layout, with the sofas sandwiched between the kitchen (up front) and the washroom (across the rear). The last time we remember seeing anything resembling this was about a decade ago with the Phoenix 2ML from Shire Conversions (a company that’s no longer trading), so it really is a break from the norm in campervan design.
Using the long-wheelbase (6.84m overall) Volkswagen van, however, has given Rolling Homes plenty of space to experiment and create a unique two-berth floorplan for the model. As you’d expect from this converter, it’s also a premium product. Prices start at £99,995 on a 102hp Crafter but this example with the 140hp engine and numerous options (including cab air-conditioning and alloy wheels) totalled a substantial £118,929. A three-year warranty on the conversion is included.
Open the sliding door and you’ll see the back of one of the kitchen units, which extends partway across the entrance. There’s still easy access here, though, with a slide-out electric step fitted (unlike some Crafter/MAN conversions). But the galley isn’t just along the nearside; here, it’s a split arrangement with the sink near the door and the cooker opposite. Furniture comes in a lightweight board (with a choice of colours) as standard but the show model featured Rolling Homes’ fabulous trademark handmade European oak cabinets, which are a near-nine-grand extra cost option! Corian worktops are standard, whichever furniture style you choose.
On the nearside, the counter incorporates a solid cover for the under-mounted stainless-steel sink and there’s plenty of storage here, too. On the offside, the hob is a combined indu
