How To Prepare Your Volkswagen T5 For Adventures
In Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, interest in van life is booming, with an increasing number of people craving freedom, spontaneity, and self-sufficient travel.
Campervans have experienced a significant surge in the UK, with over 74,000 new registrations. This shift of lifestyle has changed how we view a vehicle — not just as a means to get somewhere, but as a mobile dwelling space designed for the endless pursuit of experience.
At its core, the VW T5 – part of the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Transporter – is the ideal commercial vehicle because it has been built to last and has developed a dedicated following; there’s no shortage of customization options. Celebrated for its perfect balance of size and drivability, the T5 is your blank canvas for more memorable road trips. But while the base model is good, it’s the accessories and thoughtful upgrades that turn it into an adventure-ready machine.
This article will guide you through preparing your Volkswagen T5 for the road.
1. Start at the Top: Maximize Storage and Load Capacity
Adventure prep begins at the top. A properly fitted roof rack adds significant utility for anyone who carries items such as surfboards, rooftop tents, additional luggage, or recovery hardware. Without it, your internal storage becomes a chaotic mess.
Mounting a high-quality roof rack engineered by Volkswagen T5 manufacturers is the right way to secure your cargo in place. Many manufacturers have modular racks that allow for add-on items such as:
- Anchor rings for the tie-down of larger items
- Lockable storage boxes for valuables
- Awning brackets for effortless shelter setup
It’s not just a capacity issue—it’s also about keeping your cabin tidy, organized, and trip-ready.
2. Prioritize Interior Configuration and Utility
Smart storage options and adaptable furniture make a significant difference in convenience and functionality.
Some essential upgrades include:
- Foldable or slide-out beds, converting into seating in the daytime
- Custom cabinetry or drawer kits for kitchen gear, clothing, and tools
- Overhead shelving systems to accommodate lightweight but bulky objects like jackets and sleeping bags
- Storage compartments for obstructed travel on bumpy roads
And don’t forget simple add-ons, such as hanging nets, magnetic mounts, or crate collapses. These add functions without being intrusive. When organized right, even the smaller vans can feel cavernous.
3. Spice Up Your Cooking and Kitchen Skills
A fully stocked kitchen means you can cook fresh meals no matter where you park. Dependence on petrol stations or extortionate roadside diners is consigned to history.
This is how you can turn your T5 into a traveling kitchen:
- Slide-out kitchen pods that pop under the bed or in the rear boot
- Portable induction cooktops or butane burners for a quick bite to eat
- 12V refrigerators/freezers to store your fresh food and beverages
- Built-in or folding sinks with grey water catchment
- Tailgate kitchen setups for open-air cooking
4. Power Supply and Charging Infrastructure
In the tech age, a reliable power source is essential, not a luxury. From power-running fridges to charging up laptops and phones, you need setups that don’t let you down.
To power up your T5 setup:
- Fit a second battery system (for engine and electronics)
- Roof-mounted solar panels with smart controllers
- Add a 1000W–1500W inverter and power AC devices such as coffee makers and laptops
- Power with USB/12V charging available throughout the van
- Keep an eye on everything with a digital battery management system
The dependable power keeps you connected and worry-free even when off-grid.
5. Put up a Robust Awning and Enjoy the Outdoors
A wind-out awning transforms your T5 from a van to a base. It provides instant shade in the summer and can double as a shelter when the weather is as unpredictable as the British enthusiasm for a barbecue.
Why add an awning?
- Adds living space for cooking or lounging
- Protects outdoor gear from the elements
- Boots in less than a minute (for quick-deploy tech models)
- Can be used with sidewalls to form a tent
Opt for side-mounted or rear-door styles depending on your camping preference. A few others have built-in lights and counter-winds.
6. Sleeping Systems That Let You Sleep
Big adventures begin with a good night’s sleep. The standard backseat is not going to suffice when you’re driving long distances and need a good rest, so it’s essential to create a sleeping setup that closely resembles home comfort.
Recommended upgrades:
- Pop-top roof with bed to create dual sleeping zones
- Memory foam mattresses
- Blackout curtains for privacy and insulation (used only in winter)
- Reading lights and USB ports near the bed
You might also want to consider insulated floor and wall panelling if you plan to use the vehicle in the colder months.
7. Get the Vehicle Ready for Rough Terrain
The Volkswagen T5 doesn’t come standard as a 4×4, but it can be modified to tackle various terrains with a few modifications. For people who want to venture off pavement, there are a few other musts:
- Mud guard and all-terrain or mud-resistant tires for the best grip and puncture resistance
- Race-inspired, heavy-duty suspension packs for extra lift and bump absorption
- Underbody plates to protect from rock hits or sharp drop-offs
- Remote area lighting
Final Thoughts
Getting your Volkswagen T5 ready for an adventure is not just about kit — it’s about attitude. Every modification has a reason to exist: to make your adventure travel more comfortable, deliberate, and self-reliant. Be it a weekend trek around Snowdonia or a month-long retreat in the French Alps, with the proper setup, the T5 can rise to the challenge.
Don’t rush the process.
Build your adventure van over time, piece by piece.
Start with the essentials: roof racks, a sleeping area, a power source, and a designated space for food preparation. Then build from there, according to your travel desires and preferences. With thoughtful planning, you can turn your T5 into more than just a mode of transport but a sanctuary on wheels, wherever you may roam.
