Tips for converting a van into a camper

Camper vans have become very fashionable, so if you’re thinking of converting one yourself, don’t miss our tips on how to convert a van into a camper

Travelling is one of the most popular ways for everyone to unwind and forget about daily stress. However, we often don’t realise it, and we plan every trip so organised that, without noticing, we again end up with a few of the most stressful days, where we have to rush to see everything we set out to see.

If we really want to switch off, there’s nothing better than taking a trip with no fixed route or planning, focusing only on resting. To do that, what better way than in a camper van. It’s important to know the differences between a caravan, a motorhome and a camper in order to choose what we really need.

The conversion of vans into campers has become very fashionable, so manufacturers have already come out with their own versions to enjoy the outdoors and forget about hotels. One example is the Citroën Berlingo by Tinkervan or, for the more discerning, the brutal Volkswagen Grand California.

However, these vans fitted out for spending a few days in them usually come with a considerable extra cost compared with their conventional versions. That’s why there is an alternative to buying a new camper van: making our own.

If we choose this last option, our wallet will undoubtedly be the biggest beneficiary, and we also have the advantage that we can make it completely to our own taste. The drawback is that it takes time and certain skills to turn a commercial van into a camper, but if we have both, it is undoubtedly the most recommended option.

Seven tips for converting a van into a camper

Once we have decided to convert a van into a camper, the most important thing is to make sure we buy the right model, install only what we really need and, above all, that the modifications comply with regulations. So, we are going to explain all the steps you must follow so that the building of your new home on wheels turns out just as you expected.

Buy the right vehicle

When it comes to buying a vehicle to convert into a camper, the first step is to choose the one that best suits our needs. For this, one of the most important points to consider is its size, since we must take into account the number of people who are going to travel and, above all, sleep in it.

The saying “the bigger the horse, the more it eats” doesn’t apply here, because if we buy a van of exaggerated dimensions, it will be a real nightmare to get through the centres of the villages or cities we visit. Therefore, we have to look for the ideal balance between the space we need and manoeuvrability.

If you are going to buy a second-hand van, you should look at aspects such as its mileage, its age and, above all, whether it has been well maintained. Don’t hesitate to check out our report on the 10 possible scams you can fall victim to when buying a second-hand car.

Design its interior

Once we have the vehicle we are going to work on, we must think about how we are going to organise the available space. Therefore, we need to think very carefully about where we are going to place all the furniture, the bathroom, the kitchen or the lights, since space is limited and we cannot make decisions lightly. To do this properly, there are programs on the Internet that allow you to create these designs in 3 dimensions.

Next step, insulate the cabin

The body of a van is normally designed for transporting goods, so in most cases the temperature doesn’t matter. As a result, in winter it can get very cold and in summer the heat can be unbearable. That is why it is essential to thermally insulate the cabin to maintain a constant temperature regardless of the outside temperature.

One of the most widely used materials for insulating a camper is so-called “rock wool“, which can be wrapped in plastic to prevent damp. Before fitting these panels, you should leave the pipes for the cables needed for the electrical installation and the plumbing exposed.

The next step is to panel the interior to cover the insulating material. You can choose whichever you like best, although it is advisable to look for a balance between strength and lightness. If you choose weak panels, they may break under the weight, while if they are too heavy, they can increase engine consumption.

L-shaped kitchen

Roll up your sleeves: time to do the electrical and plumbing installation

Using the pipes we have left for installing the wiring and pipework, we can now start installing all the systems. As far as electricity is concerned, it is highly recommended to install a second battery, since this way we can have electrical power without needing the vehicle to be switched on.

When carrying out the plumbing installation, you must be clear about whether you want a full bathroom or just a toilet. In the first case, you should install a water heater so that showers don’t become a punishment.

Get the furniture

The furniture you are going to install can be custom-made or, if you’re lucky and it fits, bought from a shop. It is advisable for the furniture to make the most of every last nook and, if possible, for it to be fold-away, so that it doesn’t take up space when we’re not using it.

Don’t forget to homologate

Once you have finished all the work on your new camper van, it is essential to homologate it. Converted vehicles must pass the MOT every six months and for this we must present the following documents: a certificate of conformity from the vehicle’s official manufacturer, a project drawn up by an engineer and the assembly certificate from the workshop where the whole conversion was carried out.

Take out insurance

A converted camper van is a home on wheels, so it can be quite a headache to work out which insurance to choose. Our recommendation is to look for one that covers the value of the work you have done and also takes care of the contents and the luggage you carry.

If you have followed all these steps, we assume you now have your brand-new camper van, so all that’s left is to choose your ideal travelling companions, fill the fridge and enjoy a holiday in the open air.