The best Renault Trafic campervan conversions start with the right van and add a tested seat bed, a proper heater, a lithium electrical system and a warranty that covers the conversion. The Trafic is a strong base for all of that: it is compact enough to use every day, it offers a 9 speed automatic, and it carries plenty of payload before any conversion work starts.
We build the Escape Crusader on the Trafic, and in 2025 we became the first UK converter to have our vehicles approved by Renault UK. This guide covers the current range, what that approval means, and what to check on any Trafic conversion.
The Renault Trafic range in the UK
Renault currently sells the Trafic van in the UK in two lengths, both with the standard H1 roof height. There is no high roof H2 van in the current UK line up, so a campervan Trafic gets its headroom from a pop top.
| L1H1 | L2H1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,102mm | 5,502mm |
| Height (unconverted) | 1,971mm | 1,967mm |
| Load length | 2,537mm | 2,937mm |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,010kg | 3,070kg |
| Payload before conversion (Extra Sport 170 auto) | 1,043kg | 1,070kg |
Source: Renault Trafic van technical specification. Renault’s payload figure includes a 75kg driver.
Engines and gearboxes
The Trafic comes with Blue dCi 130 and 150 engines with a 6 speed manual gearbox, or 150 and 170 engines with Renault’s 9 speed EDC dual clutch automatic. The 170 is the engine we use in the Crusader. Renault quotes 125kW, 380Nm and 0 to 62mph in 10.6 seconds.
If you plan to tow, check the figure for your exact version. Renault quotes a braked towing limit of 2,500kg for the range, but 1,900kg for the L1H1 Extra Sport 170 automatic.
What Renault approval means
Renault UK describes Escape Campers as a fully approved Renault van converter. In its press release on the Crusader, Renault says the Trafic’s warranty of 3 years or 100,000 miles carries over to the conversion. For a buyer, that means the base van keeps its manufacturer warranty after we have converted it, and the conversion itself is covered by our own 3 year conversion warranty.
Practical Motorhome reported in February 2025 that we were the first UK van converter to get vehicle approval from Renault UK. Renault works with a number of certified converters on different kinds of conversion, so if you are comparing Trafic campervans, ask each converter what approval they hold and what it covers.
What separates a good Trafic conversion
Whoever builds it, these are the things we would check on any Trafic campervan.
- A tested seat bed. Ask for the approval paperwork and check it covers the Trafic. Our guide to M1 tested rock and roll beds explains what to look for.
- Heating that works off grid. A diesel heater running from the van’s own tank is the most practical option. Read our diesel heater guide for running costs.
- A proper electrical system. Look for a named inverter charger, a lithium leisure battery, solar charging and battery to battery charging from the engine.
- Gas safety, if there is gas on board. Ask for the gas test certificate.
- Payload. Ask for a weighbridge figure for the finished van and compare it with the plated weight.
- A written warranty on the conversion, and a clear answer on how the base van’s warranty is affected.
The Escape Crusader
The Crusader is our Trafic build. It uses the Extra Sport 170 with the 9 speed automatic, in short or long wheelbase, and the standard specification includes:
- A Victron inverter charger, MPPT solar controller and Orion DC to DC charger
- A 175Ah lithium leisure battery
- A Webasto diesel heater
- A Dometic 50 litre fridge freezer, a double gas hob and an air fryer
- A Skyline pop top roof with an insulated canvas and a bi folding roof bed
- A RIB seat bed and M1 tested front swivel seats
- A gas system that is tested and certified
A gasless version is also available, with a larger inverter, a bigger lithium battery and an induction hob. The full list is on each van’s page. Builds are ready in around 4 to 6 weeks.
See the current Crusaders on our ranges page, read more about the van in our spotlight on Renault, or call the workshop on 01733 639 206.
Questions we get asked
Is the Renault Trafic a good campervan base?
Yes. It is available with a 9 speed automatic, carries over a tonne of payload before conversion in Extra Sport 170 automatic form, and takes a pop top roof for standing room.
Is there a high roof Renault Trafic?
Not in the current UK van range, which is L1H1 and L2H1 only. A pop top roof gives standing room when parked.
Does converting a Trafic affect the Renault warranty?
For our Crusader, Renault says the Trafic’s 3 year or 100,000 mile warranty carries over to the conversion. For other conversions, ask the converter and check with Renault.
Do I need to update the V5C after a Trafic conversion?
The DVLA only changes a van’s body type to motor caravan if it meets its criteria, including how it looks from outside. A pop top does not count as a high top roof. Our road tax guide explains what that means for you.
