How about a compact camper van?

Campervans and Canada are a natural fit. Whether you're exploring the country's many campgrounds, road-tripping from city to city, or just want a private space to change after a cold plunge. A camper van gives you plenty of options.

In North America, the market has traditionally been dominated by large RVs, truck campers and full-size vans. Compact campervans have been largely overlooked. In Europe, it's a different story. This segment has a large and loyal following. It's easy to see why.
A compact campervan is one of the most versatile vehicles you can own, practical enough for everyday driving and fully equipped for your camping trip.

Fabian German Import is specialized in importing Campervans from Germany that meet the Canadian importing regulations. We have many years of experience particularly with the Volkswagen California.

What makes it so special?

Compact Campervans are about 2m height and 4.9m long with a boxy shape. These dimensions make it the perfect in-between size for urban driving and plenty of space for all sort of recreational use.

These are just some of the many advantages

Fit in most garages and in underground parking
Use up only a standard size parking space
Qualify for parking permits and undersize ferry crossing
Carry 4 passengers comfortably
Sleep up to 4 people
Lots of space for luggage, child seats, equipment, roof racks and bikes racks
Include a fully equipped kitchen (model dependent)
Set up camp in minutes with the mounted awning

What we do

Connecting Germany and Canada

For many North American camper fans, the Volkswagen EuroVan was the last compact campervan Volkswagen sold here. It was discontinued in North America in the early 2000s. In Europe, however, Volkswagen kept building its compact camper under the name California, and it has a large following there to this day.

Canadian regulations allow vehicles built for other markets to be imported once they are 15 years or older. That means more and more model years of the California are now eligible to come to Canada.

Five years ago, we started importing these from Germany. Since then, we have built up detailed knowledge of these vans: their technology, their common weak points, and what to look for when choosing the right one. We keep spare parts on hand, and we can answer the questions that come up once you own a California in Canada.

Along the way, a community of California owners has grown around our work, where we share experience and advice.

When you buy a California through us, you get more than a van. You get the knowledge and support of people who work with these vehicles every day.

How does it work?

Two ways to get your campervan

From our stock

We source individual campervans that are worth doing so. These can be either already in Canada or still in Germany. As they have been pre-chosen by us there are limitations regarding design and individual specs.

Sourced for you

Not the right one available for you? We can source, prepare and ship an individual van for you. Just get in touch with us and let us know what you have in mind.

Original or conversion?

Original VW California

Converted from factory, born as a true camper.

Conversion campervan

We take suitable donor VW T5 models and have them professionally converted to am campervan

From Germany to your driveway

Finding the right ones

We search the German market for cars that are worth importing. Especially the Volkswagen T5 that the California is based on, is a minefield. You have to know what model year, engine and gearbox combination is reliable. We check the history, condition and equipment before a van is chosen.

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Software and Infotainment

We update and improve the software, the infotainment systems an so your van is safe, modern and ready for use in Canada.

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Mechanical preparation

Every van is brought into good working order. Brakes, suspension, drivetrain and engine are checked and repaired or replaced if necessary. We deal with the known weak points of these models before they become your problem. Every car gets a brand new service.

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Import to Canada

We handle the logistics and customs from Germany to Canada in line with Canadian regulations.

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Vans for sale

2010 Facelift model CONVERSION

150.000km / 5-speed manual / ready to be imported into Canada

This camperized conversion is based on the VW T5.2 which is the most recent VW van eligible for importation into Canada. (The facelift model) It has been converted last year and it is in great shape, hardly any signs of wear and tear. It is equipped with the very desirable 2.0l TDI Diesel engine in the most reliable configuration. Beside the ordinary service it underwent a substantial mechanical overhaul and upgrades (see list below).