This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy.

The Campervan Challenge On BBC’s “Top Gear” [Video]

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Top Gear has to be one of the funniest shows on BBC.

It’s based in the UK, but there is an American version too. A favorite among auto enthusiasts, the show’s basically about testing cars and other motor vehicles. It’s a re-launched version of the original show from 1977, and is widely known for the host’s quirky, often-politically-incorrect humor.

In Series 15, Episode 4, three of the main guys – Richard, Jeremy, and James – were challenged to build the coolest motor home they could dream of, as long as it could still be driven on British roads, and it had to be equipped with a kitchen and working toilet. They then set off in their motor homes on a 215-mile trip to Cornwall, to see how the vehicles would hold up in the real world on a weekend vacation.

Sign up for the newsletter today!

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

× logo

Thank you for subscribing to the Do It Yourself RV newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

campervan
Top Gear

Jeremy, pictured above, shows up in this unbelievable Citroen CX, built with a 3-story building on the back inspired by Grand Designs. Inside, it’s designed with a Japanese contemplation area, hammock that fits two, and a camping oven with a gas cook-top. When he’s arriving in the beginning of the video, you can really see the size comparison when a semi passes him by.

Richard designed an old Land Rover as a charming mobile cottage, with fake wood-paneling across the back. For most of the trip, the motor home was fighting weatherproofing issues, and kept letting all of the wind in – though, it wasn’t as bad as Jeremy’s towering vehicle, which was dangerous swaying side-to-side because of air turbulence. James eventually arrived in his Lotus Eclat, with a roof box on the top, sleeping bag inside and a pop up roof section.

To see all three of their custom-built motor homes, check out this segment from the episode!

The next morning, the wind had died down, and Richard’s house had not held up very well at all. It had partially demolished, while Jeremy’s car had blown over on its side, and James’ Lotus was completely fine.

Later in the episode, they challenge the guys to go surfing. They had to not only drive down to the beach, but change into their wet suits inside of them as well. Afterwards, they’re also challenged to cook a three-course meal using the equipment in their motor homes, and ingredients only purchased from a small local shop. To see the full hour-long episode, you can find it on Amazon here (Episode 4) and Youtube here for just a couple bucks.

If you loved this clip from Top Gear, check out this video of their Caravan Train.