2022 Murvi Morello campervan

The Morello, such a long-term favourite from independent van conversion specialist manufacturer/retailer Murvi, has new clothes. Or rather, a new choice of base vehicle.

Ford switch for a new lease of life

Previously exclusively Fiat Ducato-based, it’s now also being offered with Ford’s Transit providing its underpinnings.

And a very sophisticated vehicle it is, too, although the starting price quoting the Transit basic Leader trim level – where even cab air conditioning is an £800 extra – can be misleading. There’s no doubt you’ll be seriously tempted by the option to upgrade to Trend or even Limited specification, and that’s before you start on the tempting extras offered by Murvi.

In this video, we take a look inside the Murvi Morello campervan…

The Murvi Morello campervan here uses the latter, hence everything from alloy wheels to automatic transmission is standard. It adds a hefty premium to the price, but it’s arguably more in keeping with Murvi’s premium approach to van conversions.

Ostensibly a two-berth, Murvi does offer the opportunity to fit a couple of lap restraints for rear seat passengers.

But it’s the front lounge arrangement that has always been one of the Morello’s key selling points. Throw back the sliding door (noting also the larger than average slide-out step) and you’re greeted by a sizeable, L-shaped settee with a high backrest, all extending along the offside. Its location gives you plenty of floor space as well as the opportunity to just sit back and look out on the views around you, wherever you pitch up.

Two tables are also provided – one free-standing, one for between the swivelled cab seats.

At night, the settee converts to a double bed, where you sleep with your heads towards the front end. Large scatter cushions are designed to act as pillows, one of several classy touches from Murvi.

At the back of the Murvi Morello campervan, space is divided between a fully-kitted washroom in the offside corner and a kitchen that also extends along the nearside.

There’s some choice for the latter, depending on your cooking and chilling preferences – typically, starting with a three-ring hob plus various oven/grill/microwave arrangements as well as compressor fridges of varying capacities up to 115 litres.

Along the side, the facilities include a combined stainless steel sink and drainer as well as plentiful storage – upper and lower-level lockers, kitchen roll holder etc – and ventilation thanks to opening windows as well as an electric roof vent/extractor. Worktop space is very generous, too.

Access to the washroom is via a bi-folding door. Here, you’ll find a Dometic ceramic swivel-bowl toilet and a fixed basin with a tap outlet that extends for showering.

An opening window and a rooflight take care of ventilation, while opening the rear offside door gives access to the toilet’s holding tank.

There’s plenty on offer to make your Murvi Morello bespoke to you, but it also starts off with a very generous standard specification that includes the likes of a mains/gas-fired Webasto heating and hot water system, a large wardrobe, a safe for valuables, right down to details such as sets of crockery and glasses, USB sockets and LED lights with a blue night-time setting.

Murvi keeps the Morello campervan bang on trend with fittings such as a 150Ah lithium leisure battery and underfloor 25-litre gas tank.  Ford’s Transit also offers a huge list of potential upgrades.

Murvi fully expects you to make at least one visit to its Devon premises, take a proper test drive and then decide whether to go ahead with your purchase. You’ll also be able to discuss furniture, fabrics and flooring choices. Do factor all this in as part of what should be a great purchasing and using experience.

Verdict: Masterful Murvi hits the Transit sweet spot

Plus: Refined Ford base, conversion build quality, fantastic front lounge

Minus: Choices rack up the £s

In-a-nutshell: Morello is pick of the crop for van conversions

There’s more information on the Morello range on the Murvi website. Find out more about insuring this or your current motorhome on our motorhome insurance page.

Alternatives: IH Motorhomes 630 FL, Vantage Ora, (all Fiat-based)