Thinking about an automatic campervan? Here's what you need to know

Wondering whether you can get an automatic campervan – and whether it's worth it?

Here's the good news: you don't have to choose between the 'van you love and the gearbox you want. At Orange Campers, almost every one of our campervans can be built as an automatic.

Whether you've got your heart set on a 'van from our Trouvaille Classique MWB range – like the MWB High Roof or the MWB High Roof with Atek Pop Top – or you're just starting out with a Micro Camper, an auto is on the table.

There's just one exception: our original low-roof Pop Top is manual only. But if you love the idea of a pop top and you want an automatic, there's an easy answer – you can have the Atek Pop Top fitted to a High Roof 'van as an auto. That way you get full standing height inside, the extra sleeping space up top, and the automatic gearbox all in one.

More and more of our customers are choosing it, too. Right now, around 80% of the 'vans leaving our workshop are automatics. So if you've been wondering whether it's worth it, you're in good company – and this guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Before we get into the detail, here's a proper look at one of our automatic 'vans, with Richard talking you through the gearbox, the modes and the drive.

What is an automatic campervan?

An automatic campervan does exactly what it says – it changes gear automatically for you. There's no clutch pedal and no gearstick to worry about. You simply move a small column selector down into drive and away you go. It's the same easy, car-like experience you'd get in a modern automatic car, just in a campervan you can sleep in.

Our automatics are built on the Fiat Ducato with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and they're lovely and smooth with it. You really can't hear the changes – it just glides from gear to gear – and there's plenty of power there when you need it.

All our 'vans come with a full digital display in the centre and full European maps built in as standard, so you're not relying on your phone when you're driving abroad.

The benefits of an automatic campervan

There's a reason automatics have gone from a nice-to-have to the choice most of our customers make. Here's what they're getting.

It's easier and more relaxing to drive. No clutch, no gear changes, no stressing in stop-start traffic – you just point it where you want to go! For a big vehicle, that takes a lot of the effort out of a long day behind the wheel – and makes those first few drives far less daunting if you're stepping up from a car.

It future-proofs your 'van. This is a big one. A dodgy knee, a sore shoulder, a bit of stiffness creeping in over the years – any of these can make a manual harder work. An automatic takes that worry away, so the 'van you buy today still suits you years down the line. For a lot of our upgraders buying their forever 'van, that peace of mind is a huge relief.

You still get control when you want it. Our automatics come with Tiptronic, so you're never fully hands-off if you'd rather not be. Nudge the selector to the left and you can shift up or down yourself – ideal going down a steep hill, where the engine helps slow you, or on grass and softer ground where you want a touch more control. When you're ready, just knock it back into drive and you're on full automatic again, no need to stop.

Choose your driving mode. There's a mode button that switches between power, normal and eco. Pop it in eco on a long motorway run or when you're heading abroad and it'll help you save on fuel – we've comfortably seen it into the 40s for miles per gallon in eco. Want a bit more get-up-and-go? Switch to power.

Modern touches throughout. All our 'vans now come with an electric handbrake, so there's no bulky lever taking up space where the old Fiat handbrake used to sit – it's cleaner, and easier to live with. Add the digital dash, Android Auto, full air con, wireless and USB charging, and reversing and driving cameras, and it's a really easy, comfortable place to spend time behind the wheel.

Who is an automatic campervan for?

It suits a huge range of people – but it's especially worth considering if any of these sound like you:

• You're upgrading to your forever 'van and want it to stay comfortable for years to come.

• You do a lot of motorway miles or drive abroad, where an auto makes long stints far less tiring.

• You've got a bad knee, shoulder or hip and a clutch is hard work.

• Or you're newer to bigger vehicles and want the most straightforward drive possible.

If that's you, an automatic is well worth having a look!

Can you get an automatic Micro Camper?

You can – our Micro Camper – the perfect starter 'van for first-time buyers – comes as an automatic too. We usually pair the auto with a 150bhp two-litre engine, and it couldn't be simpler to drive: a little selector you flick down into drive and up for reverse.

So whether you'd like your Micro Camper gas free, automatic, or both, it's yours to spec. (We're also looking into an electric Micro Camper for the future – watch this space.)

How much more is an automatic?

Let's talk money... On the MWB, an automatic is £3,000 more than the equivalent manual. On the Micro Camper it varies, and it tends to be quite a bit more (on average around £8,000) so it's best to ask us for a price on the exact spec you're after. Either way it's a luxury, but for a lot of people a very worthwhile one, given how much it adds to the ease of driving and how well it future-proofs the 'van.

If you'd love a manual, we still build those too. You'll save the automatic premium, you get a six-speed gearbox, and you'll squeeze a touch more to the gallon, as an automatic does nudge the fuel economy down very slightly. Manual or automatic, the choice is entirely yours – and we're always happy to talk it through.

Try before you buy

The best way to decide is to feel the difference for yourself.

We keep an automatic demonstrator at the workshop, so if you've ever wondered what an automatic Fiat Ducato is like to drive, come and try it. There's no substitute for getting behind the wheel and putting it through its paces.

Book a workshop tour – and get a free mug set

The easiest next step is to come and see us. Book a free workshop tour and you'll get personal time with the team, see our 'vans being built, take a proper look at the automatic option, and ask us anything at all. Book a tour and we'll give you a free mug set as a little welcome from us.

Book a workshop tour

Free awning offer this Summer

Book a build slot for any Trouvaille Classique MWB or Micro Camper by 31st August 2026, and we'll fit you a free Fiamma F45S awning – worth £1,045 on the MWB and £999 on the Micro Camper.

It's fitted in the workshop as part of your build: lovely shade when the sun's out, cover when it's not, and a touch of luxury on your 'van. A free upgrade, just for getting your build booked in over the summer.

Please note: Information in this blog was correct at the time of publishing. Links, offers, specifications and product availability may change over time.