The Renault Trafic Campervan has become a popular choice for adventurers seeking the freedom of the open road combined with the comforts of home. This versatile vehicle offers a unique blend of practicality and comfort, making it an ideal option for those who want to explore without sacrificing the conveniences of modern living. With its compact size and clever design, the Renault Trafic Campervan provides a cozy living space while maintaining excellent drivability. This article delves into the key aspects of the Renault Trafic Campervan, Renault Master Campervan ,or a Fiat Ducato Campervan, exploring its features, customization options, and how it stacks up against competitors. We’ll take a closer look at the living space and comfort provided by various layouts, examine the driving experience, and discuss maintenance considerations. Whether you’re considering a Renault Trafic camper conversion or looking at ready-made options for sale, this guide aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of what makes this vehicle a popular choice for camping enthusiasts and road trip lovers alike. Autotrader Link 

Overview of the Renault Trafic Campervan

The Renault Trafic Campervan has become a popular choice for those seeking adventure and comfort on the road. This versatile vehicle offers a unique blend of practicality and home-like amenities, making it an ideal option for travelers who want to explore without sacrificing modern conveniences.

Key Features

The Renault Trafic Campervan comes equipped with several features that enhance the camping experience. It includes a pop-top roof, which provides additional sleeping space for up to four people. This extra living area makes a significant difference when parked, yet has minimal impact on the vehicle’s road performance due to its slim design when folded down. The campervan also boasts a solar panel, which comes standard in the top-range models. This feature meets the growing demand from customers who wish to spend more time off-grid and travel more responsibly. The solar panel provides extra autonomy, allowing users to power various devices and appliances without relying on external power sources.

Design and Layout Renault Trafic Campervan

The interior of the Renault Trafic Campervan has been thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality. It features two swiveling front seats, a rear seat that folds down into a bed, and a foldable table that can be set up both inside and outside the vehicle. The campervan also includes a 49-liter fridge, a two-burner cooktop with piezo ignition, and a sink with a built-in tap. For added convenience, the Trafic Campervan has both drinking water and wastewater tanks, ensuring a steady supply of fresh water and proper waste management. A shower head at the rear allows for outdoor washing, while a large 4-square-meter-plus awning provides shade and additional outdoor living space. With over 250 liters of storage space, there’s ample room for all camping essentials.

Engine and Performance

The Renault Trafic Campervan has undergone significant improvements in its engine and performance capabilities. The 2019 update introduced a new range of 2.0-liter dCi Euro 6d-temp engines, replacing the older 1.6-liter diesel units. These new engines are available in different power outputs, badged as 120, 145, and 170, corresponding to their horsepower figures of 118, 143, and 168 bhp respectively. All models feature front-wheel drive, with the 145 and 170 versions offering the option of a six-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) in addition to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. The top-spec 170 model, when equipped with the automatic transmission, can accelerate from 0-62 mph in under 10 seconds, showcasing impressive performance for a campervan. The new 2.0-liter diesel engines have proven to be efficient and powerful. Even the entry-level 120 model, with its 118 bhp, produces 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm, ensuring strong pulling power. The range-topping 170 model boasts an impressive 280 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for various driving conditions.

Living Space and Comfort

The Renault Trafic Campervan offers a versatile and comfortable living space, designed to cater to the needs of solo adventurers and families alike. The interior has been meticulously crafted to provide a home-like feel, with plush seating and modern furnishings that create a cozy atmosphere for travelers.

Sleeping Arrangements

The campervan features versatile sleeping arrangements to ensure a good night’s rest after a day of exploration. The pop-top roof, which comes standard in many models, provides additional sleeping space for up to four people. This clever design allows for extra living area when parked, while maintaining minimal impact on the vehicle’s road performance when folded down. For those who prefer a more traditional setup, the rear seat folds down into a comfortable bed. This flexibility allows travelers to adapt the sleeping space to their specific needs, whether they’re traveling solo or with companions.

Kitchen and Dining Area

The kitchen area in the Renault Trafic Campervan has been thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality in a compact space. It typically includes:

• A two-burner cooktop with piezo ignition
• A 49-liter fridge for storing perishables
• A sink with a built-in tap

These features allow travelers to prepare meals with ease, even in remote locations. The campervan also comes equipped with both drinking water and wastewater tanks, ensuring a steady supply of fresh water and proper waste management. To enhance the dining experience, a foldable table can be set up both inside and outside the vehicle. This versatility allows occupants to enjoy meals in the comfort of the campervan’s interior or al fresco, depending on their preferences and weather conditions.

Storage Solutions

One of the key challenges in any campervan is maximizing storage space, and the Renault Trafic Campervan excels in this area. The interior boasts over 250 liters of storage space, providing ample room for all camping essentials. The campervan features well-thought-out cabinetry that offers organized spaces for luggage and equipment. The fold-away dining table not only serves its primary purpose but also contributes to the efficient use of space when not in use. Additional storage options include:

1. Space beneath the reclining rear seats
2. Storage areas under the swivel passenger seats
3. Overhead storage nets for lightweight items
4. Customizable shelving options

For those seeking even more storage solutions, there are various aftermarket products available, such as door storage pockets and panel stores, which can be easily installed to maximize every inch of available space. The Renault Trafic Campervan’s interior design prioritizes both comfort and practicality, ensuring that travelers have everything they need for an enjoyable journey. With its clever use of space and versatile features, this campervan provides a true home on wheels for adventurers of all kinds.

Driving Experience

The Renault Trafic Campervan offers an impressive driving experience, combining comfort, efficiency, and safety features that make it an excellent choice for both short trips and long journeys.

Handling and Maneuverability

The Trafic Campervan provides a commanding view of the road, thanks to its high driving position. This elevated perspective, coupled with wide-angle mirrors and an additional wide-view mirror in the passenger-side sun visor, enhances visibility and aids in maneuvering, especially in urban environments. The vehicle’s handling and maneuverability are noteworthy, with responsive steering and a well-balanced chassis that make navigating tight turns and winding roads a breeze. The suspension, while geared towards load-carrying, offers a smooth ride even when the van is unladen. This balance ensures comfort on longer trips without compromising the vehicle’s primary function as a campervan. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine provides ample power, with different outputs available (118, 143, and 168 bhp). The engine’s quiet operation contributes to a refined driving experience, while the six-speed gearbox offers smooth shifts. For those preferring an automatic transmission, the EDC six-speed auto is available, making city driving less stressful, though it may be a bit slow to react during acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency has improved with the introduction of the new 2.0-liter diesel engines. The dCi 110, dCi 130, and dCi 150 models boast impressive WLTP figures of up to 40.9 mpg, surpassing the previous generation’s 39.8 mpg. Even the more powerful dCi 170 maintains excellent efficiency at 40.4 mpg. The Trafic Campervan comes equipped with an eco button, which slightly reduces torque but improves fuel consumption by approximately 7%. Remarkably, even with this feature activated, the vehicle maintains ample response when accelerating. The standard 80-liter fuel tank theoretically allows for over 600 miles between refills, making it ideal for long-distance travel. Real-world fuel economy data from 60 Renault Trafics, covering 384,000 miles, shows varying average MPG figures across different model years. For instance, 2019 models averaged 30.9 MPG, while 2008 models achieved 28.8 MPG on average.

Safety Features

The Renault Trafic Campervan comes with a solid safety specification as standard, which can be further enhanced with optional packages or by choosing higher trim levels. All models include:

1. Full steel bulkhead between the cab and cargo area
2. Driver’s airbag
3. ABS with EBD
4. ESC stability control with hill start assist
5. Grip Xtend for improved traction on slippery surfaces

Higher spec models or optional packages add advanced safety features such as:

• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear camera
• City braking system

The ‘Wide View Mirror’ is a notable feature in higher trim levels, helping to eliminate the nearside blind spot by increasing the driver’s field of vision. While adaptive cruise control and a full lane-keeping assist system are not available, the lane departure warning provides audible and visual alerts when the vehicle strays from its lane. These safety features, combined with the Trafic Campervan’s comfortable driving position and good visibility, contribute to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the open road.

Customization Options

The Renault Trafic Campervan offers a wide range of customization options, allowing owners to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences. These options cover various aspects of the campervan, from interior upgrades to exterior modifications and tech add-ons.

Interior Upgrades

Renault provides several interior upgrades to enhance comfort and functionality. One notable option is the illuminated Door Sills, a premium accessory designed to add a touch of elegance to the vehicle’s interior. Made of high-quality materials and featuring the Renault logo, these door sills create a sophisticated ambiance. For floor protection, Renault offers tailor-made floor mats specifically designed for the Trafic. These mats provide complete protection for the passenger compartment floor and are available for all rows of seating. They attach securely to two points and feature the Renault logo, offering both style and practicality. Seat covers are another customization option, providing exceptional comfort and durability while protecting the original upholstery. These covers are available for various seating configurations, including:

1. Front driver seat and 1/1 passenger bench seat
2. Two individual front seats

The seat covers are easy and quick to install, making them a convenient upgrade for Trafic owners.

Exterior Modifications

Exterior modifications allow Trafic Campervan owners to enhance both the appearance and functionality of their vehicle. One popular option is the Triple-R 750 LED Grille Integration Kit, available for 2019 and newer models. This kit adds powerful LED lighting to the front grille, improving visibility and giving the campervan a more distinctive look. For those seeking additional protection and style, Renault offers various front A-Bar options:

1. Black Front A-Bar with Axle Bars
2. Black Front A-Bar with Axle Plate
3. Polished Front A-Bar with Axle Bars
4. Polished Front A-Bar with Axle Plate

These A-Bars, available for Trafic models from 2014 onwards, not only enhance the vehicle’s appearance but also provide additional protection to the front end.

Tech Add-ons

While specific tech add-ons are not detailed in the provided information, it’s worth noting that many Renault Trafic Campervans come equipped with features that enhance the overall camping experience. These may include:

1. Solar panels for off-grid power generation
2. Advanced infotainment systems
3. GPS navigation
4. Rear-view cameras for easier parking and maneuvering

It’s important to note that the availability of certain customization options may vary depending on the specific model year and trim level of the Renault Trafic Campervan. Prospective buyers and current owners should consult with authorized Renault dealers or conversion specialists to explore the full range of customization options available for their particular vehicle. By offering these diverse customization options, Renault ensures that Trafic Campervan owners can create a vehicle that perfectly suits their lifestyle and preferences, whether they’re weekend adventurers or full-time nomads.

Comparison with Competitors

The Renault Trafic Campervan faces stiff competition in the market, with several alternatives vying for the attention of potential buyers. When comparing the Trafic to its rivals, three key factors stand out: price point, feature set, and customer reviews.

Price Point

The Renault Trafic Campervan offers a competitive edge in terms of purchase and running costs. It tends to be priced lower than key rivals like the Ford Transit Custom, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals looking to save more upfront. The efficient diesel engines of the Trafic contribute to lower running costs over the vehicle’s lifetime. For example, at the time of launch, the SL model of the Renault Trafic E-Tech starts at £39,500 (excluding VAT). However, with the plug-in-van grant, this price could potentially drop to £34,500. Upgrading to longer models with different roof configurations adds £750 to £1,000 to the base price. In comparison, the Ford Transit, while still a value-packed option, may have slightly higher upfront costs. However, the Transit’s advanced tech and reasonable servicing costs can offset the initial investment in the long run.

Feature Set

The Renault Trafic holds its own against competitors in terms of features and specifications. It offers a range of trim levels, including Business, Business+, and Sport models. The highest spec Sport model includes features such as:

1. Renault MediaNav 7″ touch screen and navigation system
2. Automatic headlights and wipers
3. Higher specification as standard compared to some competitors

In terms of payload capacity, the Renault Trafic L1H1 version offers 1077kg, which is higher than the Toyota Proace’s 1000kg in the same configuration. The Trafic also boasts a higher load width between wheel arches at 1662mm compared to the Proace’s 1628mm. However, competitors like the Toyota Proace offer advantages in certain areas. For instance, the Proace provides a longer load length of 3324mm in its smallest version, compared to the Trafic’s 2537mm. The Proace also edges out the Trafic in fuel economy, with its most efficient engine achieving 54.3mpg compared to the Trafic’s 47.9mpg.

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback provides valuable insights into the real-world performance of the Renault Trafic Campervan. Many users praise the vehicle for its comfortable cabin, good seating position, and sprightly performance despite its 1.6L twin-turbo diesel engine. The fuel efficiency is frequently highlighted, with one user reporting an average of 6.3L/100km on a 5000km trip. Owners appreciate the Trafic’s practicality, noting its square shape provides more usable space compared to some competitors with rounded interiors. The ease of driving and well-thought-out layout are also commonly mentioned positives. However, some users have reported minor issues. These include:

1. Rough rear suspension when the van is empty
2. Fixed wide-angle lenses in wing mirrors that may not suit taller drivers
3. Slightly rough gear shifts in the robotized gearbox, particularly into second gear

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment among Renault Trafic Campervan owners appears to be positive, with many recommending the vehicle for its comfort, mileage, and practicality.

Maintenance and After-Sales Support

Renault offers comprehensive maintenance and after-sales support for the Trafic Campervan, ensuring owners have peace of mind throughout their ownership experience.

Warranty Coverage

Renault provides a robust warranty package for the Trafic Campervan. Owners benefit from a three-year or 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first, along with roadside assistance. This coverage demonstrates Renault’s confidence in the vehicle’s reliability and their commitment to customer satisfaction. In March 2021, Renault introduced the ‘5-year Pro+ Promise’ for buyers opting for five years of HP finance. This enhanced package extends the standard warranty to five years or 100,000 miles and includes five years of servicing and breakdown cover. This offer provides added value and long-term peace of mind for Trafic Campervan owners.

Service Network

Renault has established a comprehensive nationwide dealer network, including dedicated van centers called Pro+. These centers are equipped with:

1. Specially trained technicians for vehicle maintenance and servicing
2. Advanced diagnostic equipment for fault finding and repairs
3. Accident repair specialists approved by respected insurance companies

The extensive network ensures that Trafic Campervan owners can easily access professional support throughout the UK and Europe. Renault also offers EasyLife service plans, allowing owners to spread the cost of maintenance over time, making budgeting for vehicle upkeep more manageable. To maintain warranty coverage, owners must adhere to Renault’s servicing requirements as outlined in the Driver’s Handbook. Regular servicing at authorized Renault Network workshops helps prevent potential issues and ensures the vehicle remains in optimal condition. For added convenience, Renault has introduced an online service booking system. Owners can schedule appointments from the comfort of their homes by visiting www.service.renault.co.uk and following a simple booking process.

Spare Parts Availability

Renault ensures the availability of original equipment spare parts, guaranteeing quality and reliability for Trafic Campervan owners. As most mechanical components are shared with other models in the Renault range, sourcing replacement parts is generally straightforward. For those seeking more affordable options, Renault Spare Parts offers a network of suppliers specializing in used and reconditioned parts for the Trafic. This service allows owners to:

1. Search for specific parts using their vehicle’s registration number or manual details
2. Access a large inventory of parts from verified sellers across the UK
3. Benefit from reliable and affordable delivery options nationwide

While original parts are recommended for optimal performance, this alternative source provides flexibility for owners looking to reduce maintenance costs without compromising on quality. In addition to parts availability, Renault offers a one-year parts and labor repair warranty for all work carried out within the Renault network. This further demonstrates the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction in their after-sales support.

Conclusion

The Renault Trafic Campervan stands out as a versatile and practical choice for adventurers seeking a home on wheels. Its blend of comfort, efficiency, and customization options makes it a strong contender in the campervan market. The vehicle’s thoughtful design, from its clever storage solutions to its fuel-efficient engines, shows Renault’s commitment to meeting the needs of modern travelers. While the Trafic faces tough competition, its competitive pricing and comprehensive after-sales support give it an edge. The extended warranty options and wide service network provide peace of mind for owners. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time nomad, the Renault Trafic Campervan offers a balanced mix of features and value, making it worth considering for your next adventure on the road.

FAQs

1. Is the Renault Trafic suitable for conversion into a campervan? Yes, the Renault Trafic is an excellent choice for a campervan due to its lightweight design, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. Its ease of driving makes it ideal for those not accustomed to handling large vehicles, and its boxy rear provides ample opportunity for customized storage solutions and additional space. 2. What are the driving characteristics of the Renault Trafic van? The Renault Trafic offers a commanding view of the road, a comfortable driving position, and good rearward visibility. It features a quiet 2.0 dCi engine and a six-speed gearbox with a smooth shifting action, maintaining its performance largely similar to previous models. 3. What common issues should one be aware of with the Renault Trafic? Owners of the Renault Trafic may experience several mechanical issues, including problems with the transmission, suspension, and brakes. 4. What is the fuel efficiency of the Renault Trafic campervan? The latest 2.0-liter Renault Trafic engines have an official fuel economy ranging from 39.2 miles per gallon to 40.4 miles per gallon, as per the most recent Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standards.