11 Amazing Renault Trafic Conversions for Van Life
Key takeaways
Considering a Renault Trafic Conversion for Van Life?
With good fuel economy, reliability, & more interior room than most small vans, the Renault Trafic van is a good option.
But how does it stack up against other popular models like the ProMaster City, Transit Connect, VW California, Mercedes Metris, & Nissan NV200?
In this post, we’ll find out.
11 Amazing Renault Trafic Campervan Conversions
With a several wheelbase options, lots of interior room, & a boxy shape, the Renault Trafic provides a good platform for designing a layout… but which is the best?
Here are 11 of the coolest Renault Trafic’s ever:
Build #11: Super High Roof Trafic with a Shower
- Highlights: This ultra hightop Trafic has enough head room to stand up inside while cooking at the kitchenette, or taking a shower. The rear has a convertible bed that serves as a dinette during the day with a swing-out table.
- Van: 2013 High Roof Renault Trafic
- Owner: @_cactuscampers
Build #10: Trafic with a Small Bed and Indoor Kitchen
- Highlights: This cozy DIY build has a small sideways facing bed. In the front is a kitchen with a fold-out table with room for a stove out of the side door. The unique sink set up is a large mason jar faucet and a DIY bowl sink.
- Van: Renault Trafic
- Owner: @en_route_avec_rene
Build #9: Small Trafic with Large Bed and Outdoor Kitchen
- Highlights: This Renault Trafic has a fixed bed that takes up the whole back side of the van. The owner has installed two large under-bed slide-outs for storage and cookspace.
- Van: Renault Trafic
- Owner: @man_and_his_campervan
Build #8: High Roof Trafic with L-Shaped Convertible Couch and Lots of Storage
- Highlights: This gorgeous Trafic build has a cozy L-shaped couch that converts into a bed. The front and one side of the van have tons of cabinetry that form a large counter space for working, food prep, and cooking.
- Van: Renault Trafic L1H2
- Owner: @vandamn.official
Build #7: Renault Trafic with Convertible Bed and Pull-Down Table
- Highlights: This simple but functional Trafic build has a slide out bed system with storage compartments underneath. The bench faces a pull-down table for food prep, or to use as a desk space. The front of the build has a small kitchen unit with two gas burners and a small sink.
- Van: Renault Trafic
- Owner: @geraldenethecamper
Build #6: Trafic Build with Slide-Out Bed and Huge Tent Awning
- Highlights: This Trafic conversion has a slide out bed with tons of storage underneath. Across from the bed is a small shelf for cooking or making coffee. This van owner has installed a huge Sheltapod awning which makes for a cozy outdoor living space.
- Van: Renault Trafic L1H1
- Owner: @renaulttraficcamperconversion
Build #5: Simple DIY Trafic with Convertible Bed and Porthole Window
- Highlights: This DIY Trafic build has a bench seat that pulls out into a comfortable bed. In the front is a small kitchen area with a sink, and on the side wall is storage for a fridge.
- Van: Renault Trafic L1H1
- Owner: @la_socia_van
Build #4: Trafic with Convertible Bench and Front Kitchenette
- Highlights: This beautiful all-wood Trafic build has a convertible bench seat that slides out to a bed at night. The side wall of the van is built out with plenty of cabinets and drawers for storage. In the front of the van is a small kitchen with a sink and room for a campervan stovetop.
- Van: Renault Trafic L1H1
- Owner: @kktee
Build #3: Professional Trafic Conversion that Seats Four
- Highlights: This Renault Trafic by Roaming Homes Ltd. has a gorgeous interior with a one-wall kitchenette that includes a two burner induction stove and refrigerator. The “rock ‘n’ roll” bed system allows this van to seat four people.
- Van: Renault Trafic
- Owner: @roaminghomesltd
Build #2: Low Roof Trafic with Slide-Out Bed and Pop-Up Table
- Highlights: This beautiful DIY build has a sliding bed that retracts during the day to a small couch area. In the front are booth seats for a pop-up table. Under the bed, these van owners have installed a slide-out kitchen for outdoor cooking.
- Van: 2016 Renault Trafic H1L1
- Owner: @cap.au.nord
Build #1: Simple Interior Trafic with Awning and Privacy Scree
- Highlights: This simple but stylish Trafic build has just a large bed with some storage underneath, plus a refrigerator. These van-lifers have made room for lots of outdoor living space with an awning and large wrap-around screen.
- Van: 2022 Renault Trafic Sport
- Owner: @project.van_life
11 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like Renault Trafic Campers
The Renault Trafic is quiet, safe, & comfortable – but is it the best option for vanlife?
Here are 11 reasons why vanlifers like the Renault Trafic:
- Reliable: Owners of the Renault Trafic say that it’s very reliable overall and is easy to maintenance.
- Comes in Many Different Wheelbase and Height Options: Renault offers different height and wheelbase options for the Trafic depending on how much room you need to convert your van.
- Diesel Engines Last a Long Time: The Renault Trafic is made with a diesel engine. Diesel cars are known to be more reliable and longer-lasting than those that run on gasoline. Having a diesel engine also makes heating easy because you can use a 12 volt Webasto or Espar diesel heater.
- Good Fuel Economy: The Renault Trafic gets a combined gas mileage of 29 MPG, which is excellent fuel economy for a campervan considering the size of the vehicle.
- More Interior Room Than Most Small Vans: The Trafic is slightly larger than the Promaster City and the Transit Connect, so it offers more room for a build-out.
- Comfortable to Drive: Owners say the Renault Trafic is comfortable to drive, making it perfect for long road trips.
- Boxy Shape Makes Build-Outs Easier: The Renault Trafic has a fairly boxy shape, which means more right angles and easier DIY conversions.
- Quiet When Running: Compared to most diesel cars, the Trafic is pretty quiet while running, and at speed on the highway.
- Good Stereo System: Owners say the Trafic has an impressive-sounding stereo system.
- Newer Models Have Great Safety Features: The newer models have excellent safety and security features that can help you feel safer when driving, and when you’re parked for the night.
- Fits in a Standard Parking Space: The Renault Trafic will fit in a regular parking spot, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking for your van everywhere you go.
6 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike Converted Renault Trafic Vans
As with every vehicle, there are downsides to the Renault Trafic.
Here are 6 reasons why vanlifers dislike the Trafic:
- Fewer Conversion Companies Will Work on Them: The Trafic is not a very common van, so fewer conversion companies are familiar with them.
- Not Tall Enough to Stand up in: The tallest Renault Trafic is still not tall enough to stand up in. You’ll have to extend the roof or install a pop-up to be able to stand up in one.
- Sliding Door Issues: Trafics are known to have issues with the rear sliding door falling off.
- Turbo Failure is Common: Some long-term Trafic owners mention that the Turbo on their vehicles has failed.
- Not Sold in the U.S.: The Renault Trafic is not sold in the U.S.. It’s only an option for European vanlifers similar to the Vauxhall Movano people convert.
- Fewer Online Resources for DIY Conversion: Because the Trafic is not a very popular van, there are fewer online resources for DIY conversion compared to a more common van like the Ford Transit Connect.
Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy
Now that you know a little more about the Renault Trafic, let’s see how it stacks up against the ProMaster City, Transit Connect, VW California, Mercedes Metris, & NV200.
Renault Trafic Cost
Cost: Renault Trafic vs Ram ProMaster City vs Ford Transit Connect vs Nissan NV200 vs Mercedes Metris vs VW California
Model | New | Used | Price |
Renault Trafic | $51,952 | $28,594 | Check Price |
Ram ProMaster City | $30,475 | $27,950 | Check Price |
Ford Transit Connect | $29,365 | $17,995 | Check Price |
Nissan NV200 | $23,500 | $13,985 | Check Price |
Mercedes Metris | $34,900 | $27,954 | Check Price |
VW California | $73,385 | N/A | Check Price |
Renault Trafic Dimensions
Dimensions: Renault Trafic vs Ram ProMaster City vs Ford Transit Connect vs Nissan NV200 vs Mercedes Metris vs VW California
Model |
Interior Height | Interior Length (cargo) | Interior Width |
Ext Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
Renault Trafic |
54.6 inches | 99.9 inches | 65.4 inches |
196.8 inches |
Ram ProMaster City |
51.8 inches | 87.2 inches | 60.4 inches |
187.5 inches |
Ford Transit Connect |
49.5 inches | 117.5 inches | 48.7 inches |
190 inches |
Nissan NV200 | 53.5 inches | 80.3 inches | 59.1 inches | 173.2 inches |
Mercedes Metris | 55 inches | 105.4 inches | 66.3 inches | 202.4 inches |
VW California | 55.5 inches | 101.3 inches | 66.9 inches | 193.1 inches |
Renault Trafic Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy: Renault Trafic vs Ram ProMaster City vs Ford Transit Connect vs Nissan NV200 vs Mercedes Metris vs VW California
Model | City | Highway | Combined |
Renault Trafic | 24 MPG | 34 MPG | 29 MPG |
Ram ProMaster City | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24.5 MPG |
Ford Transit Connect | 24 MPG | 27 MPG | 25.5 MPG |
Nissan NV200 | 24 MPG | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
Mercedes Metris | 19 MPG | 23 MPG | 21 MPG |
VW California | 36.2 MPG | 42.2 MPG | 39.2 MPG |
Conclusion: Is a Renault Trafic Conversion Right for you?
There are a lot of reasons to like the Renault Trafic: It’s reliable, spacious, & easy to drive – but it may not be for you.
Biggest factors:
- Reliability
- Good fuel economy
- Multiple wheelbase and height options
- More interior room than other small vans
- Not as many builders/resources available
So should you get one?
Maybe! We’d recommend the Renault Trafic over the Mercedes Metris for Europeans who prefer the Renault brand over Mercedes or Ford and have a higher budget.