Winner of the Campervan of the Year title for 2024
INthe past, we’ve been hugely impressed by CJL Leisure’s conversions of the T6.1 Transporter, especially the newest addition to the line-up, the long-wheelbase Adventure Coast, but this Grande Adventure moves the company into a new league, not just as it’s a larger (Crafter-based) camper but because of its sheer sophistication. Making its debut at last October’s NEC show, the 600-4 model walked off not only with the title of Coolest Campervan, but it also grabbed the overall Campervan of the Year award from under the noses of more established competition.
If any panel van conversion has an immediate wow factor, this is it. The show model looked very special, with eye-catching, lime-green contour line decals contrasting with the dark grey body. Inside, it’s even more impressive but it’s only when you look closer and discover the myriad practical details that you realise how much innovation and clever design has gone into this vehicle. Here is a ’van where everything has been done for a reason and all to the highest standard, from the slide-out storage trays in the garage to the Bluetooth sound system.
The layout is nothing new – half-dinette up front, kitchen along the nearside and partway across the sliding door, washroom on the offside, plus a transverse bed at the back – but the quality and attention to detail are exceptional. That starts, perhaps, with the rear garage for up to four bikes, or two bikes and room for a large portable fridge, or dog cages, or CJL will configure the space for whatever you need to carry. You can even charge e-bikes here, while a pull-out hot and cold shower is a marine industry fitting; there’s even a mat to stand on while you hose off the sand or mud. The back doors are fully trimmed but also fitted with storage pockets for oddments and outdoor chairs. No space is wasted.
The striking exterior of this Crafter also features OZ alloy wheels and a neatly integrated ladder on the offside. Here, there’s also the optional pop-top, adding two extra berths in a large double bed with USB, reading light and fully opening panoramic canvas.
In the Grande Adventure’s main living space, all the top lockers feature custom-made removable bags, so you can take them into your house for packing and never be tempted to overpack. Each bag is even colour-coded, ensuring that they all return to exactly the right place. Then, alongside the 1.95m by 1.43m rear bed with spring system and dual-core mattress, the b
