Van transformation with Yugen: legendary campervans

Go where you can have views for days in one of the legendary Yugen Campervans', Olivia, Kirra or Byron. Whether you're planning a road trip for two or eager to include the whole family, Lucy has got just the van for you.

The launch point for any Yugen experience begins and ends in Miami QLD, where she attracts people from all over Australia thanks to two things: epic vans and her passion for van life and the outdoors. Read on to learn all about her van transformation philosophy...

Who we are:

I’m Lucy and I started Yugen Campervans back in November 2019 when I purchased an MWB Crafter. I bought this van as an interim project whilst waiting for our 4WD Mercedes Sprinter van to arrive in Australia.

I joined Camplify in January 2020 with the first van I converted Olivia, a medium wheelbase VW Crafter.

The idea was that I would travel in Olivia Van whilst Byron van was getting fitted out but Olivia got so booked out on Camplify that I didn’t get much chance to getaway! Camplify has been the best platform for Yugen Campervans.

Why did you decide to convert a van and when did you start?

The vans all started after a couple of tent misadventures and it took off really well so I have been adding to my little fleet over the last year.

We added Kirra Van, our Long Wheel Base Crafter so that we could give families and groups the chance to get away on a campervan adventure. This was an exciting project which included an automated bed to create the option of a bunk bed system and dinette seats for during the day. We also added a fold-away double seat in the rear and this van has 3 registered child seat anchors.

How long did your van conversion take?

They take a lot longer than I first expected and each van is usually around 3 months minimum to fit out. It all depends on what you’re adding to the van, the availability of products and also whether any trades can fit you into their schedule. It does require a lot of planning.

Would you rather have more storage space or an in-van shower/toilet?

I’d rather have more storage space. I did a lot of research on showers in vans and have found that most people who have one, rarely use it. If you are planning off-grid adventures you need to keep water use to a minimum and can’t use a shower as you would at home when relying on the water in your van tank.

I also find that a lot of hirers go to campgrounds anyway so use the showers there. All Yugen vans have a hot water shower outage out the back of each van, to hose off when needed, so you can keep yourself clean and fresh when off-grid or travelling.

All the vans also have a cassette toilet which is ideal for urgent or nighttime needs and the toilets are all housed in drawers or cabinets so they don’t make the van smell. We find they are a really useful addition and also allow you to go off-grid by being fully self-contained.

What's one feature you would not compromise on?

Our mattresses are all pocket-sprung and are custom made. They are more expensive than foam but the comfort level is worth it and we get so many comments on how comfortable they are.

Where did you go to find inspiration?

I’ve been looking at vans and fit-outs for years on the internet. A lot of the vans I liked were all overseas in America or Europe so I wanted to bring some of these ideas over here to Australia.

What is one thing you wished you'd known before you started?

How long it took to complete each van and also all the rules and regulations about seating and gas installation.

What is one piece of advice you'd offer a first-time van renovator?

When in doubt, definitely engage professionals. My vans have been built by well-known and qualified van fit out companies.

What's something you wish you could change about your van?

I would install diesel hot water and cooking systems and may try this for the next van fit-out.

What is your funniest/best hirer story?

We have had so many great stories from hirers in all our vans. People have proposed, taken the van away and have gotten married on their travels, and have also taken the vans away for honeymoons. Others have enjoyed the van so much that they sold their house, packed in their jobs and decided to live the van life full-time.

The automated bed in Kirra Van also gave one small family a good giggle as Mum was 8.5 months pregnant and so she would get into the top bunk in its lowest position and then Dad would start the bed lift till it got to the bunk bed height. The kids found it really amusing and Dad had to give them a chance to be lifted into bed too.

What's next for Yugen Campervans?

We have been looking at adding to our fleet and may have some surprises coming up next year. We’ve also got some exciting promotion projects coming up.

Which Camplify van owner would you like to see on our next van tour?

Nirvana Campers.

Looking to start a road trip in Southeast Queensland? Check out Yugen Campervans here.