Plan my campervan conversion

A step-by-step guide to plan your van conversion 🚐🛠️

Several elements to consider when planning your van conversion. What tools will I use? What materials do I need to buy? It can be difficult to know where to start! If you're wondering how to get started, you can use this step-by-step guide as your ultimate checklist for building your van. Building a van is a big (and fun 🎉) project that requires a lot of time and dedication. Preparation and planning are essential, which is why we have compiled a list of everything you need to consider before you begin.

Where to start when converting a van? 🤔

Choose a van 🚚

Before buying anything for the interior of your converted van, you will need to decide which base van you will use. Think carefully about the size, shape, and type of van that suits you best. If you have never bought a van, choosing from the available vehicles can be overwhelming.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How many people does my van need to transport? 👨👩👧👦
• Is it important that I can stand inside? 🏠
• What is my budget? 💰
• What age of van and what mileage would I be willing to accept? 🛠️
• Do I want to take my van off-road? 🌄

Check out our guide to the best vans for a van conversion here.

Define your budget 💸

Before starting your van conversion, it is important to be realistic about what you can afford. You will likely want to spend about two-thirds of your overall budget on the base van and the rest on the conversion. For example, with a budget of 10,000 euros, that would mean spending 6,600 euros on the van and 3,300 euros on the conversion. Keep in mind that a cheaper van will likely not last as long, so you may not want to invest too much in the van conversion.
Decide upfront on the big purchases and create a summary table of everything you plan to buy. For example, if you know you want to spend a lot on an expensive refrigerator, include it right away in your budget, then determine how much you can spend on the rest of the conversion.
When buying materials and appliances for your van conversion, be sure to compare prices to get the best deals. Check out our Bestsellers / Promotions section, where we select the best deals on van equipment! 💡

Plan the layout 🛋️

Planning the layout of your van is an important step, and you will need to spend time thinking about it. Make sure your van is both functional and comfortable, utilizing every inch of space for storage and leaving room for a cozy sleeping area 🛏️. It is helpful to look at other van layouts for inspiration and to determine what your priorities are.

Acquire the right tools 🧰

There are a few basic tools you will want to invest in to make your conversion easier. A good drill, screwdrivers, wrenches, and a jigsaw are a good starting point. Of course, the more power tools you have, the easier it will be to build quickly and accurately. Try to source used tools or borrow those you will only use rarely.

Find a workspace 🏠

Depending on the season, try to find a dry and warm place to convert your van. All van builders dream of a secure and covered shelter to carry out their conversion, but you can build your van on the street if necessary. Remember that working in winter, under snow ❄️ and rain 🌧️, can make the task even more difficult! Also, make sure that the space you are working in is large enough to move material panels around.

How to plan a van conversion? 📋

Step 1 – Research 🔍

If you are already following vanlifers on Instagram or YouTube, you have probably already started researching your dream van. Get in the habit of saving images you like – or even create a Pinterest board with all your favorite ideas. Once you have established which interiors, layouts, and styles you like, you are ready to start the rest of the planning! 📸

Step 2 – Plan the layout of your van 🛠️

The layout of your van is a visual process. It is helpful to experiment with different layouts before deciding on a final design. Start by taking tape in your van and marking where you think the bed, kitchen 🍳, and seating areas should be. This will give you a good indication of the feel of your layout and allow you to move elements around until you are satisfied.
Once you are set on your layout, it is important to take plenty of measurements 📏 to ensure everything fits. Measure the space and draw your design, either by hand or using 3D modeling software like SketchUp.

Step 3 – Windows and ventilation

Before continuing with the rest of the build, it is time to cut openings in your van! This moment is always intimidating, but once the light ☀️ and fresh air come in, your van will already start to look like a home.

Step 4 – Insulation and soundproofing ❄️

Next, you will need to prepare your van by adding soundproofing and insulation. We offer excellent solutions in the Rooftop vents and openings section to make your van more soundproof inside and out. Be sure to add a vapor barrier on the insulation to prevent condensation.

Step 5 – Gas and heating 🔥

When planning the installation of gas and heating, you will need to decide which appliances you will use. Gas can be used to power your stove 🍳, space heater, and water heater. It is important to note that you must use a "room-safe" gas water heater if you plan to use it inside your van. These are more expensive than traditional gas water heaters used for outdoor showers.

Rechargeable LPG gas tanks can be installed under the van (below) or inside in a sealed gas compartment. You must install a filling point outside the van, in a safe location, away from the exhaust and open windows. If you are doing the installation yourself, it is important to have everything checked by a gas safety engineer.

Step 6 – Electricity ⚡

Before laying the walls and floor, you will need to run cables through the van for lighting and appliances. If you are using solar energy ☀️ to power your van, you will need a solar charge controller to convert the energy into a usable voltage to charge your batteries. Many van appliances operate on 12V, such as lights and refrigerators. However, if you want to power a standard household appliance that uses 230V, like a blender 🍹, you will need to run additional cables and install an inverter to convert 12V to 230V.

Step 7 – Floors and walls 🛠️

Choose a durable material for your van's floor. Once the insulation is laid, you will want to cover it with plywood or OSB panels to create a solid base, before covering it with an easy-to-clean surface like vinyl, linoleum, or laminate. For the walls, cover the insulation with something lightweight, like plywood or cladding. You may need to cut openings in the walls or cladding for electrical cables or outlets.

Step 8 – Kitchen 🍳

Setting up your kitchen can be very simple or super equipped, depending on how much you enjoy cooking. Some vanlifers are satisfied with a portable stove and a jerrycan of water, while others prefer to have a sink with fixed plumbing and a permanent gas stove.

Step 9 – Bed design 🛏️

The biggest decision to make when planning your bed is whether you want a permanent fixed bed. You can also opt for a convertible seating area that turns into a bed, allowing you to save space during the day, but you will have to fold the bed every morning.

Step 10 – Shower and toilet 🚿🚽

Toilet or no toilet? It’s a controversial debate that often divides vanlifers! While some dislike the idea of having a toilet in their tiny home, if you plan to live full-time in your van, you will probably want to install one.

Is converting a van difficult? 🤷♂️

There is no doubt that converting a van into a camper takes time and commitment. Depending on your DIY experience, you may need to learn a few new skills, but you can definitely convert a van, even without prior experience. 💪