8 Ball Camper Conversions
A four-berth vee-dub pop-top with the option of five seats
The chaps at 8 Ball Camper Conversions have been converting VW Transporters into campervans for over 15 years, so it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about what works in a vee-dub conversion. Company owners, Mike Hearst and Colin Almond, are both keen campervanners, too, and that’s how the 8 Ball range developed.
Featured here is the 8 Ball2 SWB, which is the company’s best seller.
The conversion shown is based on a new VW T6.1 T30 in Highline specification and with a 110PS engine.
Prices for this start at £49,000. However, the company also offers a conversion-only service for the T5 or T6 in long-wheelbase or short-wheelbase forms, which is an ideal option for anyone that already owns a van they’d like to have converted to a campervan. Prices for a conversion-only start from £14,350.
The 8 Ball2 is a four-berth model with a typical side kitchen layout with an RIB crash-tested rock ‘n’ roll-style bench/bed system with Isofix fixings and an Austops pop-top with a roof bed.
Features of the conversion include a 50-litre compressor fridge/freezer, Dometic integrated gas hob and stainless-steel sink under black glass lids, and an inboard fresh water tank.
Mealtimes are catered for with a table that clips onto a rail on the kitchen unit. Both cab seats swivel, so there's seating for four in this campervan, although those sitting in the cab won't be able to reach the table, so you'll need lap trays.
At night, there's LED lighting throughout, while curtains on the side windows provide privacy, too.
Storage for all your camping clobber is plentiful, with a range of shelved cupboards in the kitchen unit, plus more storage space above the kitchen and a wardrobe behind.
The model shown here also features an optional (£650) Thule Omnistor wind-out cassette awning.
This particular camper was sold to a customer before it was even finished, but it gives an idea of what could be yours.
Volkswagen offers a wide choice of metallic and solid colours besides the grey shown here, while 8 Ball Camper Conversions provides a range of interior options, too, including upholstery and furniture. Opt for a long-wheelbase version and you’ll benefit from having that extra little bit of room inside, including extra cupboard storage, of course.
The company also offers an 8 Ball3 model, which accommodates five passengers by featuring a three-seater RIB bench, which is ideal if your camper is your sole vehicle.
The 8 Ball Camper Conversions lowdown
Mike and Colin both trained and worked as mechanics at Station Garage, Yorkshire, before 8 Ball Camper Conversions was born. Initially, the camper conversion side of the business started as a sideline that quickly grew. The pair saw the quality (and lack of it!) of many campervans that came through the garage for repairs and figured they could do a better job. As time went on, Mike and Colin decided to specialise in VWS, and that’s how 8 Ball grew into the business it is today, over 15 years later. It now occupies purpose-built premises across the road from Station Garage.