The Lion motorhome combines a rugged exterior with a warm, ski-chalet-inspired interior

Just one look at the exterior of this van is enough to tell you that this is a worry-free build, ready for any adventure. To enhance the functionality of this van conversion, the builder added a long list of exterior upgrades, including 17-inch Black Rhino Warlord DDT alloy wheels wrapped in black BF Goodrich off-road tires, vinyl sill cladding, a SEIKEL snorkel, exterior lighting, and two-way passive roll cage speakers with colored lights.

There are also two ladders, one on the side and one on the back, leading to the rooftop terrace with built-in loungers. Other exterior additions designed to facilitate outdoor exploration and enjoyment of nature include the roof-mounted Thule bike rack, a spare tire and an awning that extends the living space to the outdoors.

Moving on to the interior of the Lion camper, which is beautifully executed and provides a sense of comfort, warmth and functionality. As mentioned earlier, beneath its rather muted black exterior, this build hides a chic ski lodge with a contemporary twist. It stands out for its extensive use of natural materials and a unique layout that maximizes space. Emphasizing the ski lodge aesthetic, nearly every surface inside this van is adorned with smooth, thick, live-edge oak, complemented by a wood-clad ceiling, natural wood flooring and custom silver-grey cabinetry with fine gold hardware.

Photo: Harper’s Vans & Recreation

While the layout has been cleverly designed to make efficient use of the available space and increase the seating and sleeping capacity, the floor plan may not be to everyone’s taste, as it lacks an internal bathroom. Four people can travel safely inside this van, with two swivel seats in the cab and another pair of Aguti folding seats equipped with seat belts in the centre of the van.

The living space includes a compact but well-equipped kitchen, a convertible lounge that converts into a sleeping area and a fixed rear bed, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the outdoors. There is also a spacious garage at the rear with a sliding storage tray so you can transport camping and outdoor sports equipment and gear.

Opening the side door, you first see the kitchen, which impresses with its carefully edged oak worktop and round, hand-hammered copper sink, which give the space a rustic look. However, the cooking area inside this van offers modern functionality. It is equipped with a Dometic Coolmatic CRX50 fridge, a single-burner gas hob with a tempered glass lid and a compact microwave stored in a cupboard.

Photo: Harper’s Vans & Recreation

In travel mode, next to the kitchen, there is the additional pair of seats with seat belts. But in camping mode, these seats can lie flat in the bench seat and make way for a U-shaped lounge with a swivel table in the middle. At night, the flexible lounge can be transformed into two twin beds or into a large double bed for two or three people when combined with the central table.

At the rear of the van, the Harper’s Vans & Recreation team installed a fixed width-wise main bed, which is accompanied by an extension above the lounge to create a lengthwise king-size bed. Finally, the Lion also comes equipped with a Tentbox roof tent that can sleep two additional adults, making this model a six-berth campervan.

As mentioned earlier, there is no indoor bathroom, but a removable Thetford PortaPotti is neatly tucked away in the kitchen cupboard. This is not an ideal solution as you don’t have much privacy when using the toilet, but it is a compromise the organiser has made in order to increase the accommodation and sleeping capacity. However, campers can always invest in a solar-powered shower bag and shower tent awning to compensate for the lack of a dedicated toilet inside the van.

Photo: Harper’s Vans & Recreation

As usual, the most important things that help you create incredible memories are the ones you can’t see. The Lion features high-quality insulation and climate control systems to ensure comfort in all weather conditions. Plus, it has advanced off-grid capabilities, including a smart electrical system with Victron components and flexible solar panels attached to the Tentbox.

Other notable features include a huge skylight in the center of the van, a secondary skylight with fan, and an incredible rooftop deck with built-in lounge chairs that provide a vantage point to enjoy the surrounding views, whether you’re parked by a lake, on a serene beach, in the middle of a forest, or overlooking a towering mountain.

With its rugged capabilities, eye-catching interior aesthetics and generous sleeping capacity, the Lion campervan offers a unique way to explore the outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature, all from the comfort of a well-equipped home on wheels.