The Ultimate Westphalia Camper: How Long Is It Really?

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper, a conversion of the Volkswagen Type 2, was sold from the early 1950s to 2003. The camper's length varies depending on the model and year. For example, the 1987 2WD Westfalia is around 81 inches high, while the 1985 pop-up tent Joker is 2.1 metres high. The length of a Westfalia camper can also be influenced by factors such as wheel/tire size and suspension. Westfalia's latest Volkswagen camper van, the Sven Hedin, is built on the Volkswagen Crafter and offers a pop-out sidewall that adds 6.6 feet of bed length.

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper was sold from the early 1950s to 2003

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper, a conversion of the Volkswagen Type 2, was sold from the early 1950s to 2003. It was first introduced in 1951 and was named after the contractor, Westfalia-Werke, who built the vans in the Westphalia region of Germany.

The Westfalia Camper was Volkswagen's first campervan model, and it became extremely popular. The camper was a modification of the Volkswagen Type 2, and later, the Volkswagen Type 2 (T3). Volkswagen subcontracted the modifications to the company Westfalia-Werke.

The early Volkswagen Westfalia Campers, known as "splitties", were built between 1950 and 1967. They featured a split-screen windscreen and a rear air-cooled engine. The basic design remained the same for the next four decades, and during this time, Volkswagen produced around 5 million buses.

In 1958, the SO (Sonderausführung, meaning "special model" in German) models were introduced, including the SO-23, -33, -34, -35, -42, -44, and -45. These special models offered various features, such as fold-out seat arrangements for sleeping, birch plywood interior panels, laminated plywood cabinetry for storage, water storage, screened jalousie windows, and portable chemical toilets.

The Volkswagen Westfalia Camper's production continued to evolve over the years, with different models introduced to meet the demands of the market. In 1968, the split-screen was replaced by the 'Early Bay', which featured major suspension changes, improved brakes, a one-piece windscreen, and wind-down windows. This was followed by the introduction of the 'Late Bay' in 1973, which offered a range of safety features, including a crumple zone and a reinforced passenger cell.

The final evolution of the Volkswagen Westfalia Camper, the T4, was introduced in 1990 and featured a front-engine, front-wheel-drive drivetrain layout, improving the driving experience and establishing new conventions for everyday drivers. However, in 2003, Westfalia ceased production on VW campervans after a competitor purchased a controlling stake in the company, ending their long-standing relationship with VW.

The camper's height varies depending on wheel/tyre and suspension

The height of a Westfalia camper varies depending on the wheel/tyre and suspension setup. For example, the height of a 1987 2WD Westfalia camper with factory 14" wheels and 70-series tyres is around 81" . Another example is the 1985 pop-up tent Joker, which is 2.1m high with 15" wheels. The height can also be affected by the skylight, if one is installed.

The Westfalia Sven Hedin, based on the Volkswagen Crafter, is another example of a Westfalia camper with variable height. This model has a pop-out sidewall that adds extra foot room for the rear bed. When the pop-out is extended, the van's height increases, providing a more spacious interior.

The height of a Westfalia camper is an important consideration, especially when planning to store it in a garage. It is recommended to measure the height of the garage door opening and to check for any obstructions, such as the garage door motor, that may require additional clearance. In some cases, it may be necessary to deflate the tyres slightly to fit the camper inside a garage.

The Westfalia Wave, based on the Ram ProMaster van, is another recent addition to the Westfalia lineup. While the exact height is not specified, it is noted for its spacious interior and ability to sleep up to six people with the pop-top option.

The Sven Hedin model has a transverse rear double bed

The bed measures 79 x 51 inches (200 x 130 cm) and includes an optional electrically extendable foot box. This extension is made of fibreglass and insulated, so it doesn't affect the warmth of the bed. When the bed is not in use, the pop-out extension retracts, maintaining the standard van width and aerodynamics for driving.

The Sven Hedin model offers a comfortable sleeping experience without compromising interior space. The foot box extension provides the full 6.6 feet (2 metres) of length desired for sleepers. The transverse bed design also allows for a full floor plan, including a bathroom, in a van that is almost 6 metres long.

The rear double bed in the Sven Hedin model is a well-designed feature that maximises space and comfort. With the bed extension, the Sven Hedin offers a spacious sleeping area, and with the extension retracted, the van maintains its standard dimensions and aerodynamics for driving. This innovative design showcases Westfalia's expertise in creating functional and efficient camper vans.

The Westfalia WAVE can sleep up to six people

The Westfalia WAVE is a modern camper van that can sleep up to six people. It's the company's first new camper van model in the US in over 20 years and is based on the Ram Promaster. The WAVE is packed with amenities and features a European-style layout.

The WAVE's sleeping capacity is its biggest selling point. The van is equipped with a roof-mounted pop-up tent that can sleep two people. The dinette in the cabin can be converted into a double bed, and the rear seating can be turned into a queen-size bed, allowing for a total of six sleeping spaces. The pop-top and dinette bed are not full-size, making them more suitable for children and young adults.

The WAVE also offers a functional and flexible floor plan, providing ample space for both gear and people. The main bed is located at the rear, and Westfalia teases that it can adapt between twin and queen sizes. The front dinette features a dual-leaf expandable table that can serve four people. Moving towards the back, the wet bathroom compartment separates the dinette and bed.

The kitchen area is located across the aisle and includes a sink/propane stove combo, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a concealed slide-out countertop extension. A Truma Combi water heater/furnace unit supplies hot water to the kitchen tap and bathroom shower. The rear bed can also be partially slid away to create space for storing taller gear, such as bicycles.

The WAVE provides a unique combination of modern features and ample sleeping capacity, making it a versatile and comfortable option for families and groups looking to hit the road.

The Westfalia camper vans returned to North America in 2024

Westfalia camper vans, known for their VW camper conversions, are returning to North America in 2024 after a 20-year hiatus. The new van will be based on a Ram ProMaster, rather than a Volkswagen, but it will retain the classic pop-top roof design with sleeping space for up to six people. The company will be based in Ontario, Canada, and will sell its vans through an exclusive dealership network.

The Westfalia camper van has become an iconic symbol of the counterculture and surf movements of the 1960s. The original Volkswagen Westfalia Camper was a conversion of the Volkswagen Type 2, sold from the early 1950s to 2003. Westfalia, the official builder of Volkswagen camper conversions, made approximately 1,000 Camper Box conversions between 1951 and August 1958. In August 1958, they introduced the SO (Sonderausführung, or "special model") models, which included special features such as birch plywood interior panels, water storage, screened windows, awnings, and various foldout seat arrangements for sleeping.

While the new North American Westfalia van will not be based on a Volkswagen, it will still offer the classic pop-top roof design that the brand is known for. The van will be able to sleep up to six people in three fold-away berths, including a pop-up roof section. It will also offer plenty of cargo storage space, making it a flexible option for those seeking the van life experience.

The return of Westfalia to North America is highly anticipated, as the brand is still fondly remembered for its freedom-of-the-road appeal. The new company, Westfalia-Americas, is a subsidiary of the French Groupe Rapido, which also owns the Canadian camper van brand Roadtrek. With their expertise and experience in the camper van market, Westfalia is poised to make a successful comeback in North America, offering a modern take on their iconic camper vans.

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