The Moorlane Compact was built around a single thought: most short trips don’t need a large vehicle, only a smartly arranged one. Designed for two travellers, it offers a steady, comfortable base that feels natural on both town roads and country lanes. It isn’t about luxury, but about flow — how quickly you can settle, cook, sleep, and be ready for another small adventure.
From the outside, the Compact looks unassuming — a clean short-wheelbase van with discreet graphics and a low profile that fits regular car parks. But step inside, and the clever layout shows itself: rotating front seats, a fold-flat bed, slim storage lockers, and a worktop that folds out with a single hand. Each element was chosen for ease, not show. The lighting uses warm low-draw LEDs, placed carefully so you can read, cook, or unwind without glare.
The kitchenette is built along the left wall: twin gas hob, sink with foot-pump tap, and a narrow fridge tucked beside the drawers. Everything has its own place — a cup rack, utensil roll, small chopping board. We learned through experience that clutter spoils calm, so nothing rattles when you drive. The worktop is solid beech, sanded smooth and sealed by hand at our Preston base.
Sleeping inside the Compact is quieter than most expect. The bed folds out lengthways, with two thick cushions meeting neatly in the centre. We use a breathable foam core that stays firm after years of folding, and washable covers that can be refreshed between hires. The blackout curtains clip tight against the frame, giving you the sense of a private cabin even in a busy car park.
Behind the bed sits a slim wardrobe and power panel. The van runs on a 12-volt leisure battery, with sockets for charging phones and cameras. You can add solar trickle charge if you plan to stay off-grid longer than two nights. The ceiling vent and side windows provide gentle airflow, helped by a quiet fan you can switch on for humid evenings.
For mornings, there’s a fold-away table that clips onto a runner. It’s small, but large enough for breakfast or notes before you head out. Many hirers tell us they eat more mindfully in the Compact — fewer distractions, a slower rhythm. We like that. The van invites a sense of pacing yourself rather than rushing to the next attraction.
Driving the Compact is straightforward. Power steering and a clean manual gearbox make it feel close to a car, and the short wheelbase means turning in villages or ferry queues feels manageable. Visibility is good, and every unit has reversing sensors. We keep tyres balanced and brakes checked before each hire, so the drive feels smooth from the start.
Each Compact carries the same safety gear: fire extinguisher, first-aid pouch, high-visibility vest, warning triangle, and spare bulbs. There’s also a small printed map of local garages that handle campervan repairs. It’s rarely used, but it’s there.
The handover process for this model is simple. During collection at 28 Winckley Street, Preston PR1 2AA, you’ll meet one of our team members — usually Colin or Mara. They’ll show you how to fold the bed, operate the gas isolation valve, and connect the electric hook-up. You’ll also receive a one-page checklist and a brief reminder on safe loading and water use.
The Compact suits travellers who prefer lightness: couples, solo writers, weekend photographers, or cyclists with folding bikes. It’s ideal for routes around the Ribble estuary, Silverdale, or the Forest of Bowland. The van’s height allows easy passage under most bridges, and parking near viewpoints is rarely an issue.
We keep a rotation of two identical Compact units to ensure steady availability. Both are maintained on alternating schedules so that while one is on hire, the other can rest, recharge, and undergo inspection. We replace seals, gas hoses, and brake pads at shorter intervals than the legal minimum — not as a promise, just as quiet practice.
Inside every Compact is a small “route notes” envelope. It contains a few local campsite addresses, a guide to responsible overnight parking, and two hand-drawn loops you can follow from Preston. The idea isn’t to prescribe a trip, but to encourage exploration at your own pace.
A weekend in the Compact reminds you that travel doesn’t have to be complex. Two mugs, a stove, and a warm space to rest — that’s enough. We like to think this van helps people rediscover the ordinary pleasure of waking up somewhere new with the simplest of plans.
We use a few cookies to keep forms working and to see basic visit counts. Visit Cookie Preferences any time to review or change your choice.