When purchasing a campervan, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for a long wheel base or short wheel base model. The LWB vs SWB debate might sound like it comes down to a small difference in vehicle length, but your choice can have a big impact on everything from interior space and storage, to parking, manoeuvrability, and how you use your campervan day to day.
Both options have their advantages, so there isn’t necessarily one that’s better than the other. However, understanding the pros and cons of each can help you determine which model is right for your needs.
That’s why in this blog, we’ll compare SWB vs LWB campervans to help you decide which is best suited to your lifestyle and adventures.
What is a LWB campervan?
A LWB campervan, or long wheel base campervan, has a greater distance between its front and rear wheels than the short wheel base version of the same vehicle. This usually means the van itself is longer too, providing additional space inside for your campervan conversion.
That extra room can be particularly useful if you’re travelling as a family, planning longer trips, or simply want more space for storage and living. Depending on the conversion, the additional length could be used for larger kitchen units, extra cupboards, more floor space, or other features that might be difficult to accommodate in a smaller campervan.
A long wheel base campervan can therefore provide more flexibility when designing the interior. However, the additional length is also something you’ll notice when driving, parking, and manoeuvring in tighter spaces.
What is a SWB campervan?
A SWB campervan, or short wheel base campervan, has a shorter distance between its front and rear wheels. The overall vehicle is more compact, while still providing enough room for a well-designed campervan conversion.
This makes SWB models particularly popular with people who want their campervan to double up as an everyday vehicle. A short wheel base campervan can be easier to drive around towns and cities, fit into parking spaces, and manoeuvre along narrower roads.
Being smaller doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the features you want either. With the right layout, a SWB campervan can still incorporate sleeping space, a kitchen, storage, and seating, making it a practical choice for couples, solo travellers, and smaller families.
What is the size difference between a LWB and a SWB campervan?
The exact size difference between a LWB and SWB campervan will depend on the make and model you choose. For a VW Transporter, however, the difference in overall length is roughly 40cm between comparable short and long wheel base versions.
While 40cm might not sound like a huge amount, it can make a noticeable difference inside a campervan. In a LWB model, that additional space gives your camper more flexibility when positioning furniture, storage, appliances, and living areas.
It can also affect how the vehicle feels on the road. A SWB model has a tighter turning circle and shorter overall footprint, which can make parking and manoeuvring easier. A LWB campervan requires a little more consideration in tight spaces but rewards you with additional room inside.
Before making your decision, think beyond the dimensions on paper. Consider where you’ll park the campervan at home, the types of roads you regularly travel on, and, most importantly, how much interior space you’ll realistically need.
What are the pros and cons of a LWB campervan?
A long wheel base campervan can be a great option if interior space is high on your list of priorities. However, the larger dimensions won’t necessarily suit everyone.
Here are some pros and cons of a LWB model option:
Pros of a LWB campervan
- More interior space – with those extra centimetres, it can provide more freedom when designing your campervan and help create a more spacious living environment.
- Greater storage potential – a LWB camperan offers additional opportunities for cupboards, drawers, and other storage solutions, which can be useful for longer trips when you need to carry clothing, food, outdoor equipment, and camping essentials.
- More flexibility with layout – having a larger area to work with can give you more options when choosing your campervan layout, allowing you to potentially add more furniture and equipment without it feeling too cramped.
- Well suited to longer trips – if you plan to spend extended periods of travelling, the extra room can make a noticeable difference, keeping your van more organised and making longer stays more comfortable.
- A good option for families – because families often travel with more equipment, the extra space available in a long wheel base campervan can make storing everything much easier.
Cons of a LWB campervan
- More difficult to park – the extra length can make some standard parking more challenging, especially in busy towns or smaller car parks.
- Less manoeuvrable – a longer wheelbase generally means a larger turning circle, which means narrow country lanes, tight campsites, and city streets may require a little more care.
- Less convenient as an everyday vehicle – if your campervan will also be used for commuting, shopping, and school runs, you might find the additional size less convenient than a SWB model.
- Potentially higher costs – depending on the vehicle and conversion, choosing a LWB campervan may result in higher purchase and conversion costs, as well as a small difference in running costs due to the larger vehicle.
What are the pros and cons of a SWB campervan?
For many owners, the appeal of a short wheel base campervan is its ability to combine the practicality of a camper with the convenience of an everyday vehicle.
Here are some pros and cons to a SWB option:
Pros of a SWB campervan
- Easier to drive and manoeuvre – the shorter dimensions make SWB campervans particularly easy to handle, which can be reassuring if you’re moving to a campervan from a smaller car or haven’t driven a van before.
- Better suited to everyday driving – a SWB model is a practical choice for commuting, shopping, and other everyday journeys while still being ready for weekends away.
- Easier to park – the compact dimensions make it easier to fit into conventional parking spaces, which is useful when visiting towns, tourist attractions, or busy coastal destinations.
- Great for exploring smaller roads – from narrow country lanes to winding roads through rural areas, the more compact dimensions of a SWB campervan can make exploring easier.
- Plenty of space with the right conversion – a well-designed SWB campervan can still offer everything you need for comfortable trips, including sleeping areas, seating, kitchen facilities, and storage.
Cons of a SWB campervan
- Less interior space – you’ll need to carefully consider the layout of your campervan as naturally, you have a smaller area to work with, so making the most of every centimetre is essential.
- Less storage – if you travel with lots of outdoor equipment, luggage, or family essentials, storage can become more challenging, but clever storage solutions can help with this.
- Can feel more compact on longer trips – for occasional weekends away, this isn’t usually an issue. However, if several people are spending weeks at a time in a SWB campervan, it may be more noticeable.
SWB vs LWB: Which is right for you?
When comparing SWB and LWB campervans, the right choice ultimately depends on how you intend to use your vehicle. Rather than simply choosing the biggest campervan your budget allows, think about which size will make your day-to-day experience more enjoyable.
A SWB campervan could be right for you if:
- You want to use your campervan as an everyday vehicle
- You mainly travel as a couple or on your own
- Easy parking and manoeuvrability are important
- You regularly explore towns, cities, or narrow country roads
- You’re happy with a more compact living area
A LWB campervan, on the other hand, could be right for you if:
- Interior space is one of your biggest priorities
- You regularly travel as a family
- You want additional storage for bikes, outdoor equipment, or luggage
- You’re planning longer trips
- You want more flexibility when choosing your conversion layout
It’s also worth considering where your campervan will spend most of its time. If it needs to fit on a particular driveway or you frequently use height- or length- restricted car parks, check the dimensions before making a decision.
Equally, think about your plans for the future. A compact SWB campervan might be perfect for two people now, but if you expect to travel with children or need more equipment later, the additional space of a long wheel base model could prove worthwhile.
Ultimately, there’s no universal winner in the LWB vs SWB comparison. The best campervan is the one that gives you the right balance between living space and everyday practicality for the way you actually intend to use it.
Take a look at our campervans for sale
Whether you prefer the additional room of a long wheel base campervan or the everyday practicality of a short wheel base campervan, choosing the right base vehicle is an important part of creating a campervan that works for you.
At camper_versions, we offer a range of professionally converted VW campervans, with different layouts, specifications, and conversion options available. Our team can help you compare LWB and SWB models and decide which gives you the right amount of space for your travels without compromising on the features that matter to you.
Take a look at our latest campervans for sale today, or get in touch with our expert team to discuss your requirements and start planning your next adventure.
LWB vs SWB campervan FAQs
Is a LWB or SWB campervan better?
Neither option is necessarily better, as it depends on how you plan to use your campervan. A LWB campervan provides additional interior and storage space, making it useful for families and longer trips. A SWB campervan is more compact and can be easier to park and manoeuvre, making it a good choice for everyday driving and shorter adventures.
Is a long wheel base campervan harder to drive?
A long wheel base campervan may take a little more getting used to because of its additional length and larger turning circle. However, once you’re familiar with the dimensions, it should be comfortable to drive. Parking sensors and reversing cameras can also make manoeuvring a LWB campervan much easier.
Can you fit everything you need in a SWB campervan?
Yes, a well-designed short wheel base campervan can include sleeping space, seating, a kitchen, and plenty of practical storage. The key is choosing a clever conversion layout that makes good use of the available space. If you regularly travel with several people or lots of equipment, however, you may benefit from the additional room of a LWB model.
Is a LWB campervan better for families?
A LWB campervan can be particularly suitable for families because the additional length provides more living and storage space. This can make it easier to accommodate luggage, camping equipment, and everyday essentials, especially when you’re planning longer trips.
Is a SWB campervan better for everyday use?
A SWB campervan is often a good option if you intend to use your campervan as your everyday vehicle. Its more compact dimensions make it easier to navigate towns, park in conventional spaces, and use for commuting or shopping, while still providing the benefits of a fully converted campervan.
Does a LWB campervan have more storage than a SWB?
Generally, yes. The additional length of a long wheel base campervan gives you more space to incorporate cupboards, drawers, and other storage solutions into the conversion. However, the amount of usable storage will also depend on the individual campervan layout and how efficiently the available space has been designed.