The Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up Your Motorhome

Furnishing a camper van or a converted van is an exciting but sometimes complex project. Between time, budget, and the many decisions to make, it's easy to overlook certain details. No panic! Here are some furnishing tips and layout advice to successfully complete your project without a headache, even if you want to furnish on a budget. 🛠️✨

First of all, a little word about Vanlife Store

At Vanlife Store, we are above all passionate about vanlife and adventure! After years on the road living our dream, we love to share our tips, ideas, and good deals to help you transform your van into a true home on wheels.

We are also experts in furnishing, which allows us to offer you relevant advice and products for your projects or repairs of converted vehicles, always at the best prices.

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1️⃣ Forgetting to insulate the floor of your van ❄️

👉 Why is it important? In a camper van layout or a converted van, insulation is one of the first essential steps for a comfortable living space, whether in winter or summer. If you only insulate the walls and roof while neglecting the floor, you create a thermal bridge 🧊. This means that the floor will become a pathway for outside temperatures, making your van much colder in winter and limiting the effectiveness of your entire insulation.

👉 The consequences of an uninsulated floor:

1. Significant heat loss: Warm air rises, but if the floor remains icy, overall thermal comfort will be considerably reduced.
2. Condensation: An uninsulated floor promotes condensation formation, which can lead to mold growth and damage your equipment or structures.
3. Permanent discomfort: Your feet will be directly exposed to the cold, making your winter evenings unpleasant, even with heating on board.

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2️⃣ Not planning for heating from the start 🌡️

👉 Why is it a mistake?

In a camper van or a converted van, the common misconception that heating is unnecessary in mild climates is prevalent. However, even in the southern regions of France or Europe, nights can be surprisingly cool 🌙, especially off-season. A well-installed heating system from the start makes all the difference for comfortable living in vanlife. Additionally, it saves you administrative and technical hassles if you need to add it after VASP approval 🚐✔️.

👉 The complications of a late installation:

• Reapplying for VASP approval: If your vehicle is already registered as VASP (motorhome), adding heating later will require you to go through the inspection again to be compliant. This can lead to additional costs and delays.
• Complexity of installation: Once your camper van layout is complete, adding a heating system may require disassembling certain parts, such as furniture or the floor, making the operation costly and labor-intensive.

Discover the AUTOTERM AIR 2D, a certified autonomous diesel heater, ideal for warming your converted van or camper and enjoying your adventures in any season!

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3️⃣ Poorly distributing weight in the van 🚛⚖️

A van or a camper van that is poorly balanced leads to rapid wear of suspensions and tires 😱. For a well-thought-out layout:

✅ Distribute heavy loads (batteries, water tanks, fridge) evenly between the front and back, and also between the sides.

📦 To monitor in your camper van or van layout:

• Freshwater tank: 1L of water = 1 kg, so an 80L tank weighs... 80 kg 💧.
• Batteries: Up to 50 kg depending on the type ⚡.
• Fridge: Even empty, it can weigh up to 20 kg 🥶.
• Furniture: The choice of materials (light wood) is crucial to avoid unnecessarily weighing down your space! 🚪

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4️⃣ Lacking functional storage 📦

👉 Why is it a mistake?

Living in a camper van or a converted van is synonymous with simplicity and minimalism. But if your storage is not practical or accessible, it may become useless, turning your adventures into a real headache 🌀. Whether you are a fan of vanlife or a nomadic traveler, carefully planning your storage spaces is essential to maximize comfort and efficiency in your camper van layout.

🔑 Key principles for effective storage

1️⃣ Accessibility above all:

• Your storage should be designed for easy and quick access to your belongings.
• Prefer sliding drawers, hinged doors, or rail storage systems that allow you to reach every corner without hassle.

2️⃣ Organize by categories:

• Divide your spaces into dedicated zones: clothing, kitchen, tools, toiletries, etc. This makes daily life easier and avoids disturbing everything to find an item.
• Add bins or storage pouches to compartmentalize.

3️⃣ Optimize lost spaces:

• Utilize every nook of your van: under benches, above doors, or even behind walls.
• Hidden spaces can become valuable storage, as long as they remain accessible.

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5️⃣ Neglecting the budget for exterior improvements 💸

When you want to furnish on a budget, you often focus on the interior. However, exterior elements are just as essential for a camper van trip that is safe and comfortable.

✅ To plan in your camper van or converted van furnishing budget:

• Reinforced suspensions and suitable tires: If your GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) approaches 3.5 tons, reinforce your suspension to improve driving and safety 🚙.
• Recovery equipment: Straps and shovels are essential for getting out of tricky situations (mud, sand, snow) 🌍.
• Security system: Alarm or GPS tracker to protect your rolling home 🕵️.

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6️⃣ Underestimating the importance of windows and openings

👉 Why is it a mistake?

Choosing poorly, installing incorrectly, or forgetting to secure the windows and windows of your camper van or converted van can quickly become a headache. Poor sealing can lead to water infiltration 🌧️, drafts ❄️, or insufficient thermal insulation. Additionally, poorly secured windows can make your vehicle more vulnerable to break-ins 🚨.

🔧 Best practices to avoid this mistake:

1️⃣ Choose suitable windows:

• Opt for windows specifically designed for campers or converted vans, built to withstand vibrations and outdoor conditions.
• Prefer models with double glazing for better thermal and acoustic insulation.

2️⃣ Ensure a perfect installation:

• Use suitable sealants (butyl or polyurethane) to ensure impeccable sealing.
• Check the alignment and securely fasten the windows to prevent them from loosening over time.

3️⃣ Secure your openings:

• Install reinforced locks or anti-burglary grilles to protect your windows.
• Consider blackout blinds and integrated mosquito nets for more comfort and security.

👉 Furnishing tip: Poor management of windows and openings can turn your vanlife into a hassle. Investing in quality windows and installing them correctly ensures a comfortable, secure, and hassle-free camper van or converted van journey! 🚐✨

🎉 Good news: Discover our selection of windows and openings for campers at unbeatable prices, always on promotion on our site. Treat yourself to the peace of mind and comfort you deserve, without breaking your budget! 🌞🔧

7️⃣ Neglecting the installation or choice of roof lights 🌬️

👉 Why is it a mistake?

The roof lights are essential for ensuring good ventilation and brightness in your camper van or converted van, but they are often poorly chosen or poorly installed. Incorrect installation can lead to water infiltration 🌧️, excessive noise while driving 🚐💨, or poor ventilation, making the interior uncomfortable and poorly ventilated.

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🔧 Best practices to avoid this mistake:

1️⃣ Choose the right roof light:

• Prefer a model suited to your use, with options like permanent ventilation or an integrated blackout blind/mosquito net.
• If you often travel in summer, a roof light with an integrated fan can be a real asset to cool the interior.

2️⃣ Ensure flawless installation:

• Clean and prepare the surface before installation to ensure good adhesion.
• Use a suitable sealant and apply it evenly to avoid leaks.

3️⃣ Regularly maintain your roof lights:

• Check the seals and tighten the screws regularly to prevent wear.
• Clean the surfaces to prevent dust or debris from damaging the mechanisms or obstructing ventilation.

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👉 Furnishing tip: A well-chosen and well-installed roof light transforms your vanlife by ensuring better brightness, permanent ventilation, and top interior comfort, no matter the season! 🌞🌬️

🎉 Good news: Discover our roof lights for campers and converted vans on our site, always at unbeatable prices and with exclusive promotions. Take advantage of it to improve your layout on a budget! 🚐✨

🚀 Summary of the 7 key steps to furnish a van, camper, or motorhome

1️⃣ Planning and design 📝: Before furnishing your converted van, define your needs: usage (occasional travel or nomadic life?), number of people, essential equipment (bed, kitchen, bathroom...), and budget. A good layout plan optimizes space and avoids costly mistakes.

2️⃣ Vehicle preparation 🛠️: Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle (engine, tires, brakes...), treat rust, clean thoroughly, and remove unnecessary elements (seats, old coverings) to start with a healthy base before furnishing.

3️⃣ Insulation and coverings 🔥: Good thermal and acoustic insulation is essential for year-round comfort. Use materials like sheep wool, cork, or polyurethane foam. Dress the interior with plywood, paneling, or a vinyl covering for an easy-to-maintain floor.

4️⃣ Electrical installation ⚡: An autonomous electrical system is essential to power your van equipment (fridge, lighting, USB sockets…). Install an auxiliary battery, a DC/DC charger, solar panels, a 12V/220V inverter, and prioritize LED lighting with low consumption.

5️⃣ Water and plumbing 🚿: For more comfort, add a freshwater tank (20 to 50L), a wastewater tank, a water pump, a sink, an indoor or outdoor shower, and, if needed, dry or chemical toilets for total autonomy.

6️⃣ Interior layout 🏡: Optimize space with a fixed or convertible bed, a compact kitchen with a stove and fridge, smart storage (drawers, shelves), and a modular living area. If you have the space, integrate a waterproof bathroom for more comfort.

7️⃣ Personalization and decoration 🎨: Give character to your converted van with colors, textiles, curtains, and accessories that suit your lifestyle. Securely fasten elements to prevent them from moving on the road and enjoy a space that reflects you! 🚐✨

📌 Want even more tips and advice for furnishing your van or camper? Discover all our detailed guides on our site!