Making Memories
VWt Magazine|Issue 88
Naming your Camper conversion business after a part of the brain might not sound very sexy, but when it’s the part that deals with motivation and memory, it starts to make more sense
Gordie Woollacott
Making Memories

Paul Merritt from Hippo Campers wants to help you make memories by creating your dream Camper. With a solid background in engineering, having gained a degree and devoting 35 earth years to it, you can be sure you’re in safe hands.

Whenever you use a keyboard in places such as Argos, chances are Paul had some involvement in its development. Prior to that, he spent his summer holidays helping his dad build coachbuilt vehicles for military and police use in Wiltshire. An engineer who builds cars – what more do you need?

When the engineering company he worked for downsized around 10 years ago, Paul opted for a change of pace by moving into the kitchen and bathroom installation game. Paul: “Creating bespoke keyboards involved a lot of back and forth with clients to achieve a particular brief. The same goes for a bathroom, or kitchen, and now, as it happens, with Camper conversions.”

Alternative future

Rolling into his half century got Paul considering an alternative to a future of clambering around in other people’s attic spaces, or lying on his back under people’s kitchen sinks. And the answer was parked right outside on his driveway.

“It was a T5 that we bought a few years ago from Revampavan,” explains Paul. “We thought it would be great for family holidays around the UK and Europe, and a bit greener than flying.

“Although we bought that one, I always wanted to do my own conversion and, having been lured into the Campervan world, I figured I could return the favour to others contemplating similar by building Vans that are just a little bit different.”

Starting with a base model 2012 T5.1, and dressing it with some wild graphics and white wheels, it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t smashed his own brief.

This story is from the Issue 88 edition of VWt Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Issue 88 edition of VWt Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM VWT MAGAZINEView All
Cinema paradiso
VWt Magazine

Cinema paradiso

VisionTech Automotive is well known for its high-end Camper conversions, but a mobile cinema is a new one from the Essex boys

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 89
High Impact
VWt Magazine

High Impact

When the wonderfully named Kevin Snuggs wanted a Van to double up as a work promo vehicle and family Camper, only a T5 would do

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 89
Altitude adjustment
VWt Magazine

Altitude adjustment

Hi VWt, I wanted to share my pride and joy with you.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 89
The big 3-0-0
VWt Magazine

The big 3-0-0

Not too many people start with a horsepower figure when they begin a Van conversion, but James Sharp wanted something different out of his Transporter

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 89
3-day itch
VWt Magazine

3-day itch

Building promo Vans is a joy. You get to create what you want to showcase your vision. For a short while…

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 89
On the road again
VWt Magazine

On the road again

A couple of months ago we were involved in an unfortunate incident. This month we’re happy to say it’s all fixed and looking good

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 88
Making Memories
VWt Magazine

Making Memories

Naming your Camper conversion business after a part of the brain might not sound very sexy, but when it’s the part that deals with motivation and memory, it starts to make more sense

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 88
Pete's meat
VWt Magazine

Pete's meat

This isn’t our first rib rodeo, but here’s an alternative method of pre-BBQ prep for equally delicious baby back ribs`

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 88
Letting off steam
VWt Magazine

Letting off steam

When the missus announced she was heading for a university visit with our eldest, Oscar and I decided to put the two-berth T5 through its paces in north Norfolk

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 88
System PORSCHE
VWt Magazine

System PORSCHE

If VW and Porsche worked together on a T6 we suspect it would have a little more power but, looks-wise, we reckon Jamie Colley has nailed it

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 88