Go SMART Budget Camper Review (Dacia Dokker): Is It Worth Renting in Iceland?
If you're looking at budget campers for Iceland, you've probably come across the Dacia Dokker. It's marketed as a self-contained mini-camper, but that term needs some explanation before you book. Here's what this camper actually includes, what it doesn't, and who it suits.
Quick Verdict
The Go SMART Budget Camper is a manual Dacia Dokke, front-wheel-drive compact van from 2016 to 2018, converted into a two-person camper. It has a proper double bed and basic cooking equipment, but not much beyond that.
- Best for: solo travelers or couples on a budget
- Ideal trip length: 5 to 10 days, though it can work for two weeks
- Main strengths: low fuel use, easy to drive and park, a comfortable bed
- Main weaknesses: no standing room, no confirmed heater, no toilet or shower, 2WD only
- Overall rating: 4.2/5 as a summer Ring Road camper
Camper Overview
Before getting into daily use, here's what you're actually renting. The Dokker isn't a purpose-built motorhome. It's a compact van converted into a two-person camper.
- Camper type: mini camper (converted compact van)
- Seats while driving: 2
- Sleeping capacity: 2
- Transmission: manual, 5-speed
- Drive: front-wheel drive (2WD)
- Fuel: diesel, 1.5 dCi, 90 PS
- Dimensions: about 435 cm long, with 120 cm of headroom inside
- Typical rental category: budget mini camper, sometimes listed as "Dacia Dokker or similar"
Sleeping Setup
The bed is the strongest part of this camper, so it's worth a closer look.
Bed Size and Comfort
The bed measures 190 x 130 cm, closer to a compact double than a single. For one person, it's roomy. For two average adults, it works well. Two larger adults will find it snug but usable.
- 1 adult: plenty of room
- 2 average adults: comfortable
- 2 larger adults: snug but workable
- 2 adults plus a child: too tight
- 3 adults: not realistic
If you're 190 cm or taller, you'll likely end up sleeping at a slight angle. Check with the rental company ahead of time if height is a concern for anyone in your group.
Bedding and Setup
The camper includes an extra-thick mattress, a real improvement over sleeping on folded seats. You also get a small cushion and a thin fleece blanket, though that blanket isn't meant for sleeping under.
- Sleeping bags: not included
- Pillows: not confirmed
- Duvets or sheets: not confirmed
I'd recommend bringing or renting proper sleeping bags rather than relying on the fleece blanket to stay warm overnight.
Living Space & Comfort
Here's what daily life inside the Dokker looks like once you're parked for the night.
There's no standing room. The interior height is only 120 cm, so you'll be sitting, kneeling, or crouching the entire time you're inside. Curtains are included for privacy and to block early summer light.
There's no built-in ventilation, so a few stormy days spent mostly indoors can start to feel cramped. On bad-weather afternoons, I'd plan a visit to a nearby café, pool, or campsite common room rather than staying inside the van.
Heating & Winter Camping
This is the biggest open question with this camper, so it's worth addressing directly.
There's no confirmed independent heater for overnight use. The regular vehicle heater works while driving, but that's different from a heater you can safely leave running overnight while parked. What's included is a set of studded winter tyres for the colder months, which help with grip on the road but do nothing for sleeping temperature.
Seasonal Suitability
Without a confirmed overnight heater, here's how it holds up by season:
- June to August: a strong fit
- May and September: still good, pack warmer layers
- April and October: workable with good bedding
- November to March: only for well-prepared travellers, and many campsites close for winter anyway
Kitchen & Cooking
The kitchen setup is basic but covers what you need for simple meals.
- Gas stove
- Pot and pan
- Ladle, spatula, tongs
- Plates, bowls, and cups, based on how many people are booked
- Cutlery for each traveller
There's no fridge, sink, or running water, so plan meals that don't need refrigeration and bring your own water in bottles or a container. Simple one-pan meals like pasta, rice, or eggs work well. Cook outside or use a campsite kitchen rather than cooking inside the van. Running a gas stove in a space this small isn't something I'd do without the provider's clear approval.
Storage & Luggage
There's dedicated storage, mostly under the bed platform, and the van's boxy shape makes reasonable use of the space it has.
Soft duffel bags and backpacks work best here. Large rigid suitcases don't fit the under-bed storage well and will need to be moved every night. There's also no separate space for wet gear, so damp jackets and boots end up sharing the same space where you sleep and eat.
Power & Connectivity
Charging options are limited, so plan around that rather than expecting much onboard power.
- 1 USB port
- Bluetooth connectivity
- No confirmed leisure battery, inverter, or 230V outlet
- No shore-power hookup confirmed
If you're travelling with a laptop or multiple devices, bring a power bank. One USB port isn't enough to keep two people's phones and cameras charged.
Water, Toilet & Shower
This camper has none of the three.
- Fresh water tank: no
- Running water: no
- Toilet: no
- Shower: no
That's normal for a camper in this class, but it makes campsite facilities essential rather than a backup. Plan your route around campsites with proper bathroom and shower blocks, since the van won't provide an alternative.
Driving Experience in Iceland
This is where the Dokker performs best.
Around Towns and on the Ring Road
At about 4.35 metres long, it drives and parks much like a regular car. That makes Reykjavík traffic and busy parking lots easier to manage than in a full-size camper. On the Ring Road, the 90 PS engine is modest but sufficient for Iceland's speed limits and road network.
Gravel, Wind, and Hills
- Ordinary maintained gravel roads: fine at reduced speed
- Crosswinds: noticeable due to the boxy shape, more than a regular car but less than a large motorhome
- Hills: manageable, though expect to shift gears more with a headwind or a full load
Road & F-Road Capability
This matters for safety, not just comfort. It's a 2WD van, which limits where it can go, both legally and sensibly.
- Normal paved and maintained gravel roads: yes
- F-roads: no
- Highland routes like Landmannalaugar: no
- River crossings: no
If your itinerary includes Highland driving, this isn't the right vehicle. Look at an approved 4x4 camper instead.
Campsite Practicality
Since there's no built-in bathroom, water, or power hookup, campsites play a large role in how comfortable the trip feels.
Setup is quick: park, arrange the bed, close the curtains. There's no awning, table, or chairs included, so I'd pack folding chairs if you plan to spend evenings outside. Keep in mind that having a bed inside the van doesn't mean you can park anywhere overnight. Icelandic rules require campervans to stay at organised campsites, or somewhere the landowner has given permission, so plan your route around campsite stops.
What's Included with the Rental
Here's what actually comes with the booking, and what you'll need to add yourself.
Confirmed Included
- Gas stove and basic cookware
- Cutlery, plates, bowls, and cups
- Extra-thick mattress
- Small cushion and fleece blanket
- Curtains
- Bluetooth and one USB port
- Broom and dustpan
- Studded winter tyres in season
Not Confirmed, Check Before Booking
- Sleeping bags, pillows, and bed linen
- Towels
- Camping chairs and table
- Wi-Fi
- Fridge or cooler
- Auxiliary heater
Fuel & Trip Costs
Budgeting for fuel is straightforward once you know your distance.
Using the supplied 6.5 L per 100km figure, a 1,500km trip needs roughly 97 litres of fuel, and a 2,500km trip needs about 162 litres. Most full Iceland loops fall somewhere in that range, depending on detours.
Campsite fees are the other recurring cost. They vary by location and season, so check individual campsite pricing rather than budgeting one flat number for the whole trip.
Who Should Rent This Camper?
Here's how it fits different types of trips.
- Solo traveller: excellent fit
- Couple: excellent fit
- Two friends sharing a bed: good fit
- Group of 3 or more: not suitable
- Summer Ring Road trip: excellent fit
- Winter Ring Road trip: only for well-prepared travellers
- First-time camper renter: excellent fit, since there's little to set up
- Highland or F-road itinerary: not suitable
Pros & Cons
Here's a summary of where this camper does well and where it falls short.
Pros
- Comfortable 190 x 130 cm bed
- Low fuel use
- Easy to drive and park
- Simple setup with almost nothing to assemble
- Good value for one or two travellers
Cons
- No standing room inside
- No confirmed heater, which matters outside summer
- No fridge, sink, toilet, or shower
- Only one USB port
- 2WD only, so no Highland or F-road access
Camper vs Alternatives
If the Dokker isn't quite right for you, here's how to think about the alternatives.
Smaller or Cheaper Camper
Makes sense if you're traveling solo, only need a few nights, or care more about price than interior space.
Larger Campervan
Worth the extra cost if you're traveling for 10 to 14 days outside summer, or if you want standing room, a fridge, and an indoor kitchen for bad-weather days.
4x4 Camper
Only necessary if your itinerary includes Highland roads. I wouldn't pay extra for 4x4 capability just because you're visiting Iceland, not if you're sticking to the Ring Road, Golden Circle, and South Coast.
Final Recommendation
Choose this camper if: you're one or two travelers doing a summer Ring Road, Golden Circle, or South Coast trip and want an affordable, easy-to-drive way to combine transport and sleeping space.
Consider another camper if: you need standing room, a heater, a fridge, or indoor plumbing, or if your route includes the Highlands.
Best for: a couple on a 5- to 10-day summer road trip who want a comfortable bed without the cost or complexity of a bigger camper.
