How to Convert a Van to a Camper
Converting a van to a camper is a great way to bring a more permanent home on the road. Whether you run a home business, need a space to live while traveling, or you just like to camp and take road trips, converting a van to a camper is an interesting and affordable way to go. Not only is a converted van better on fuel than most RV's, but you can make it fit your exact needs and style.
Before getting started with the project, it’s important to assess your van and make sure it’s suitable. If your van is older or damaged, it may be unlikely to withstand the project. Look for rust or other signs of damage that might result in more problems later on. All vans are different and come in a variety of sizes, so while you might be limited on space, you still have plenty of options for what you can do.
Step 1: Establish the Groundwork
When it comes to selecting a van for your camper conversion project, your main priority should be finding one that’s in good shape and fits your needs. You might have to do some research online to determine the size of the van you should get, as vans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
When considering whether or not to get a used van, keep in mind that they might have more wear and tear on the exterior. However, they may also come with certain features or benefits that you wouldn’t find with a new van. Make sure you do some research on the different types of vans available before you decide if a used one is the best option.
Once you’ve got the van of your dreams, it’s time to prepare it for the conversion. Plan out your electrical system, interior design, and any other features you might want. It might be helpful to draw up your design in advance, or if you don’t have the skills or desire to do this yourself, you can always find an experienced designer to do it for you.
Step 2: Prepare the Interior and Install the Essentials
Once you’ve got the design planned out, you can begin preparing the interior of the van. Start by removing any fabric or seating that was in the van and clean the surfaces. You’ll want to get rid of any dust and debris to get a better view of the vehicle before you start the conversion. Also inspect the areas where you plan to install electrical wiring and other components, as you could encounter problems down the line.
After you’ve cleaned the interior, you can begin installing the essentials such as your electrical components. Most important items to install first are electrical wiring and batteries as you’ll need them to power all of your other features. You can purchase an electrical kit with all the necessary components for a DIY installation or hire an electrician to do it for you.
Once you’ve got your electrical system in place, you can begin adding the other components such as shelving, cabinets, and counters. You can find a variety of options for these online or make your own with custom wood working. Make sure everything is securely installed so you don’t have to worry about it coming apart while you’re on the road.
Step 3: Install the Finishing Touches
With the framework of the van conversion complete, you’ll want to start adding the finishing touches that make the van feel like home. This is where you can really get creative and make your van your own. When you’re outfitting the interior of the van, make sure to consider your needs. Will you be spending a lot of time there? Are you looking for a dining area or dining nook? Think of all these details and plan accordingly.
You might want to start by looking for pieces of furniture that are specifically made for van conversions, as these are often designed to fit in the space of a van. There are also furniture pieces designed to fit around the walls of a van, or that can be collapsed for storage when not in use. Consider your budget and what pieces you really need and select them accordingly.