Can you remember the show Pimp my Ride? It’s been over a decade since the it ceased production, but we have a lot to thank it for, the show took great responsibility for some of the most daring decorative and mechanical designs the world has ever seen.

Despite that the show had ceased in 2007, the world is still littered with body shops willing to spray any possible colour and mechanics ready to fit massively oversized Eibach Springs as well as population taking pleasure in customising their vehicles no matter the type. We have mechanical enthusiasts all over the globe and it’s no different here in the UK. With the rise of staycation currently underway, we’ve decided to look at the lengths some adventurous campers have gone to pimp out their travel home, whilst staying within legal boundaries.

Road Racing

Northern Irishman, David Gilpin had spent years on the road committing to his passion of road racing. At one point though, he had become sick of sleeping in the back of van because unlike other motorbike riders, supported by major sponsors and teams, Darren was self-funded, which meant he didn’t get a race truck, or a double bed. With a few thousand pounds in the bank going into the 2013 season, he bought a dilapidated MAN horse box. Transporting the bikes to and from the race track was the priority, so he built a partition wall in the rear of the truck. In the back he built a full work shop with a tail-lift and ramp that could negotiate four full-size bikes. In the front half, he built one double bed on the ground, two-fold singles which fell from the ceiling, a full kitchen, and the piece de resistance — a fully stocked bar, complete with various optics. Remembering a BBQ gas bottle for the stove was an essential however, if the baked beans were going to be consumed warm.

Rustic

For many of us living in the UK, we’re used to being amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy city, which sees us neglecting opportunities to sit back and indulge everything the world offers us, especially at night. In most instances, due to light pollution, we simply cannot do this. Bill and Beck Goddard are here to provide you with that opportunity. The couple, who reside in Herefordshire, have combined their love for textiles and woodwork, developing numerous campers, and they will do the same for you, if you want to get away from it all and travel the country. One of their stand-out projects of late is a Mercedes Sprinter which has been completely renovated. Taking a shell, they have fitted a various storage spaces, a full-oven, space for four sleepers, and an awning. And the awning, or even the back doors is what allows you to pick your spot in the country, kick back, and simply enjoy your surroundings — star gazing the night away.

Vera

Designed to be nothing like you’ve ever seen, the Peugeot Boxer promoted is just one van designed by Quirky Campers that exist as a simply breathtaking piece of art. The designers have described the 2013 van as ‘having just stepped out of a fairytale’. Complete with a full-sized wood burner, you do not have to be concerned of a chilly night. Originally renting out their van Bella, when they volunteered in Africa, husband and wife team of David and Lindsay have managed to create a collective of ‘staycation’ delights right through the UK, including options available for Glastonbury festival.

Going it Alone

The example we’ve explored above are just a pick of some interesting ideas created throughout the UK, some of which will assist your journey, whether it being designed for you or by renting you one. However, the journey can start with you. Take inspiration from the travel enthusiasts Katie and Ben who built their dream camper in a week. The couple, despite being on a budget, still managed to add all the necessities required. Katie notes how ‘luxury wasn’t present, but we had everything we needed — it was cute, functional and comfortable’.

The stay-cay can be done today, you just need to decide on which way you are going to sway.