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If you plan on hitting the road for a while, these camper vans are perfect for the job.

For those that love the great outdoors and the freedom that comings that with heading off the beaten track, the idea of a night beneath the open sky staring at the stars is a dream come true. But for those who like wilder landscapes or simply don't want to do without creature comforts, then a fully equipped modern camper van is the obvious, and usually default, choice.

No longer badly converted, rust ridden, unloved vans with drafty interiors and cot beds, modern campers come in all shapes and sizes and tend to offer the type of comfort associated with a decent hotel room whilst boasting many additional features that aren't.

So whether you're looking to simply spend a few days at the beach, take the family out into the mountains or plan a full on alpine excursion to where the roads are merely goat tracks, these camper vans are just what you're looking for.

Based on what's widely considered to be the best 4X4, by far, Matzker takes a last generation Landrover Defender and by adding a rear cabin equips the rugged off-roader with a toilet, mini-kitchen with two burner stove, sitting/sleeping area and pop-up roof.

Powered by a 2.2-liter 170 hp diesel engine, the MDX also comes with recovery boards for sand or mud, a snorkel and winch for when things get extreme, an awning for outside dining, a suspension lift kit and exterior LED lighting.

A tempting option for the more adventurous tourist, the Fiat Ducato is available with the choice of 3 wheelbases, 4 differing lengths, 3 heights and 4 engine options, thus allowing for the consumer a great deal of choice when putting their dream camper together.

When equipped with the 2.3 liter 180 hp diesel engines the camper is capable of returning a respectable 40 mpg on the highway, whilst the fully customizable interior can be equipped with your choice of accessories, beds, kitchen and entertainment systems.

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Created by Geocar, Hurter Offroad and Arctic Trucks Iceland as a one-off project for adventure photographer Stefan Forster, the Hilux is powered by a 225 hp engine and features Hella lights, TJM snorkel and underbelly protection for serious off-roading.

Inside, guests are treated to a working sink, pop-top roof, dining table with a double bed that folds out over the top as well as a shower unit. A bespoke dream project, the Hilux combines go-anywhere attitude with some basic creature comforts.

Bursting with rugged individualism, the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode camper is a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 pimped to the max. Utilizing a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 connected to a 7 speed transmission with additional low range gear the Beast is a capable machine.

Luxuriously appointed with a Dreamweaver bed, swiveling front seats, dimmable ceiling lights, air conditioning, sheep's wool insulation, heating system and a 2 seater convertible sofa-bed, there is no reason to 'rough it' ever again.

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Those looking for ultimate luxury on their wilderness excursions will be well catered for with the Global Vehicles UKX-MAX. From the granite work surfaces to the king-size bed, you won't need to skimp on 5-star facilities.

With a base price of $770,000, the Max comes further fitted with an LED TV, Kenwood audio system, full HVAC system, bath with shower, fully equipped kitchen and is pulled along by 6.7 liter Ford F-750 diesel V8 with 270 hp and 700 lb ft of torque.

By taking a Ford Cutaway body and combining it with a reinforced fiberglass shell, the Sports Mobile Classic retains a streamlined yet muscular look. Powered by a 7.3 liter V8 combined with an off-road transmission, the SMC will turn mountains into mole hills.

Fitted with front and rear ARB performance differentials, full float rear axle, towing axle, 16.5" ground clearance and coming with a choice of seats, beds, kitchen equipment and a choice of bathing facilities, buyers are spoiled for choice.

Available in two sizes, 600 or 680, the Grand California is a factory supplied unit that builds on Volkswagen's history of camper vans. Hugely customizable with options like satellite television, wet room, full awning, LED lights and cross wind assist.

Available with either front-wheel-drive or the 4Motion AWD system, the Grand California comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel putting out 175 hp and is connected to an 8 speed automatic transmission.

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Classified as a luxury all-wheel-drive motorhome, the XRS 7400 'Leopard' is an 18 tonne monster that boasts a 630 hp engine, air suspension, triple axles, fully automated internal temperature controls and ventilated heated leather seating.

Customizable and with an almost endless number of interior options, the XRS 7400 proves to be a true home-away-from-home with equipped kitchen, washroom/bathroom, seating area, bedrooms and also a rear bike storage.

On the budget end of the camper van spectrum, with prices starting at $23,000, the Dacia Dokker Camper may not have granite worktop surfaces or shower room but does come with a usable kitchenette with stove, sink, and clean water storage.

Available with either a 95 hp 1.5 diesel or 1.3 turbo gasoline engine with 130 hp, the Dacia offers superb value for those looking to experience the thrills and excitement of outdoor life without breaking the bank.

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With selectable four-wheel drive giving respectable off-road credentials the ML-T 570 Crossover, thanks to solar panels that provide 90 watts of storable energy, can remain self-sufficient for up to 10 days.

Comfortably appointed with sprung twin beds, the spacious interior provides plenty of storage along with mini-kitchen, table and seating area plus an economical diesel heating system for when the temperatures drop.

Having cut his teeth on the UK street racing scene in the late 90's and early 00's RJ faded from the limelight only to return 20 years later. An avid motoring enthusiast RJ especially enjoys JDM and Italian cars, and is an experienced multi-industry writer.