William & Tom, Fern Campervans Ltd
The beginning of Fern Campervans
Fern Campervans (@ferncampervans on instagram) specialises in Mercedes Sprinter conversions. With full off-grid capability and clever, high-capacity storage, built for true independence, no matter how long you’re on the road. Rooted in a ‘leave no trace’ ethos, the design of every van allows it to carry waste for several days and dispose of it responsibly, protecting the wild places their customers love to explore.
Founded by William and Tom, a team with backgrounds in Dyson, multinational finance, and real world van life. Fern is built around thoughtful, engineering led design. The team tests every layout, material, and storage solution on real trips. As a result, each van feels intuitive whether you’re loading up gear, cooking after dark, or hitting the road before sunrise.
With clean, uncluttered interiors and smart use of space, Fern focuses on dependable, user friendly off-grid systems. The result? A solid, practical basecamp that lets adventurers roam further and stay out longer, whether it’s a weekend escape or a month long expedition.
What inspired the design of your campervans?
The inspiration came from a slow build of notes and sketches formed over years of using and living in campervans.
There were a few non-negotiables, primarily the need for a welcoming and warm space at any time of year. Another requirement for the build was adaptable storage so different types of gear could be secured and swapped around quickly. In addition, the van needed to carry enough food, water, and gear to remain fully self-sufficient for several days at a time.
The best part about working with Nohma is the expertise, approachability and ultra up-to-date knowledge on the latest technologies.
William & Tom, Fern Campervans
What would you describe as your perfect day in the van?
There are two answers to this question, and I love both options! The first is the need for refuge after a long day in terrible conditions. A memory that sticks in my mind is an ascent of Mt Adams on the West Coast of NZ. It offered up abysmal conditions on the walk out along the boulder filled river bed and it was the thought of a warm shower and a cozy space to recover in that kept us going!
The second perfect day is the opposite end of the spectrum. Cruising sight to sight, swimming, walking, and maybe ending up at a vineyard, preferably amongst mountains of Central Otago.
Fern Campervans was actually born in New Zealand (now based in Somerset) and that’s where some of our favourite spots in the world are. Overlooking Aoraki with the glacial blue of Lake Pukaki in the foreground was the first overnight stop on many wild adventures for us.
Fern Campervans' neat Nohma electrical system.
