The Hillside Leisure Birchover: Your Ultimate Adventure Companion

The Hillside Leisure Birchover is a top-of-the-line 4-berth camper van that offers families and adventurous groups luxurious comfort, clever design, and excellent driving performance.

Whether you’re a family looking for unforgettable road trips or a group of friends seeking the ultimate adventure vehicle, read on to see if the Birchover ticks all your boxes.

Exterior Design and Construction

The Birchover is built on the reliable Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 long wheelbase chassis, providing ample interior space while maintaining VW’s renowned driving dynamics. The sleek, aerodynamic profile is enhanced by the pop-top roof which expands headroom and sleeping capacity.

Hillside Leisure crafts the body with durable GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) for a lightweight yet robust construction. Notable exterior features include:

• Stylish 17″ alloy wheels
• LED daytime running lights and headlamps
• Electric sliding side door
• Rear tailgate with integrated window and spoiler
• Colour-coded bumpers, mirrors and door handles

The Birchover measures 5.29m long, 2.90m high (with pop-top raised), and 1.90m wide – offering generous interior dimensions while remaining maneuverable in towns and cities. Customers can choose from a range of striking metallic and pearlescent paint colours to personalise their van.

Versatile Interior Layout

Step inside the Birchover and you’ll find a bright, contemporary interior with high-quality finishes and intelligent use of space. The front cabin features:

• Comfortable, supportive driver and passenger seats with armrests and lumbar adjustment
• VW’s Composition Media DAB+ radio system with 8″ colour touchscreen
• App-Connect allowing smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink
• Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• Climatic air conditioning

The main living area showcases Hillside’s design expertise with a well-planned layout that maximises space and functionality:

• Two-tone furniture in Light Karelia/Pearl Grey with chrome detailing
• Luxury vinyl flooring in Timber Anthracite
• Rear RIB seat/bed system with integral 3-point seatbelts, converting to a spacious double bed (6′ x 4′)
• Porta Potti portable toilet stored beneath rear seat
• Pop-top roof bed (6′ x 4′) with privacy curtain and child safety net
• Generous storage via overhead lockers with positive locking push-button handles

The kitchen is positioned mid-vehicle on the driver’s side and comes well-equipped for family meals:

• Dometic 9222 2-burner gas hob and stainless steel sink with glass lid
• Dometic CRX50 50L compressor fridge with freezer compartment
• Stainless steel microwaves as standard
• Granite-effect laminate worktop
• Pull-out storage baskets and soft-close drawers

Premium Comfort and Conveniences

Hillside Leisure has equipped the Birchover with upscale amenities and advanced technology to ensure a comfortable, stress-free experience:

• Webasto diesel-fired blown air heating system
• Whale Expanse dual-fuel underslung 8L water heater
• 100L fresh and 70L waste water tanks
• 100W solar panel and 110Ah AGM leisure battery
• Electric hook-up point
• LED touch-activated dimmable ambient lighting
• Remis cab blinds and Remis Remibase bed system

For entertainment, the Birchover features a 19″ LED TV with Freeview and a Pioneer stereo system with speakers in the cab and living area. Numerous mains sockets, 12V and USB points are conveniently located to keep devices charged.

Smooth, Confident Driving

The Birchover is powered by VW’s 2.0L TDI 150PS turbo-diesel engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox, delivering effortless performance and smooth acceleration. The T6.1 chassis offers car-like handling with advanced features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• ESP (Electronic Stability Programme)
• Traction control
• Hill hold assist
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Electric windows/mirrors and central locking

With an MTPLM of 3200kg and a generous payload allowance, the Birchover is ideal for carrying outdoor gear, bikes or water sports equipment. The 70L fuel tank provides a driving range of approximately 600 miles.

Perfect For Families and Adventure Seekers

The Hillside Leisure Birchover is the ultimate choice for:

• Families needing a versatile, comfortable camper for holidays and weekends away
• Groups of friends looking for a stylish, feature-packed adventure vehicle
• Outdoor enthusiasts requiring a practical, go-anywhere base for activities like surfing, mountain biking or rock climbing
• Buyers seeking the space and amenities of a coachbuilt motorhome in a more maneuverable, car-like package

While the Birchover commands a premium price point, its superb build quality, high-end specification and ingenious design justify the cost for discerning buyers.

Compared to rivals such as the Rolling Homes Shackleton, Danbury Avenir 63 LWB or NU Venture Surf, the Birchover boasts a more modern VW base vehicle, additional belted travelling seats, and a higher standard spec. However, some models offer more kitchen worktop space or a fixed cassette toilet.

Technical Specifications

	Birchover
Base Vehicle	VW Transporter T6.1 LWB
Engine	2.0L TDI 150PS Euro 6d
Transmission	7-speed DSG automatic
Exterior Length	5.29m
Exterior Width	1.90m
Exterior Height	2.90m (pop-top up)
MTPLM	3200kg
Payload	500kg
Fuel Capacity	70L
Fresh/Waste Water	100L/70L

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Birchover be used for wild camping?
Yes, with its large fresh and waste water tanks, leisure battery, and diesel heating system, the Birchover is well-suited for off-grid adventures. The pop-top roof provides ample headroom when parked, while the portable toilet offers flexibility.

Is the Birchover suitable for winter use?
Absolutely. The Webasto diesel-fired blown air heating keeps the interior warm and cosy in sub-zero temperatures. The VW T6.1 base vehicle is also equipped with a Cold Weather Pack, including heated washer jets, a heated windscreen, and an upgraded battery.

Can the Birchover be fitted with a drive-away awning?
Yes, Hillside Leisure offers a range of Outdoor Revolution awnings specifically designed for the Birchover. These quickly attach to the van’s awning rail and provide useful extra living/storage space.

What is the delivery time for a new Birchover?
Current lead times are approximately 6-8 months from order to delivery, as each Birchover is hand-built to the customer’s specification. It’s recommended to place an order well in advance, especially if you have a specific base vehicle or delivery date in mind.

The Hillside Leisure Birchover is an exceptional 4-berth camper van that delivers uncompromising quality, comfort, and performance. Its intelligent design, premium furnishings and host of luxuries make it a top choice for discerning families and adventure seekers. If you’re looking for a van conversion that truly has it all, the Birchover is tough to beat.

For more van conversion inspiration and advice, check out these trusted resources:

• Camper Van Magazine
• Camper Van Life
• Camplify UK