Converting a van into a camper: What you need to know

While campervans have always had a reasonable amount of popularity, in recent years they have practically boomed. With more people choosing to take a ‘staycation’ in the UK following the pandemic, the humble campervan has been transformed into a much sought-after way of heading out for an adventure under your own steam.

The only issue is the cost. Camper vans - particularly those which come from mainstream manufacturers - can be expensive and that’s before you’ve factored in all of the add-ons such as site fees and fuel. One way to reduce the campervan cost can be to make one of your own from scratch, using a standard van as a blank canvas. Here, we take a look at how you can go about converting a campervan.

Put a budget in place

While it’s certainly not going to be cheap, converting a campervan can bring some significant savings over buying one off-the-peg - though you have to be careful with your budgeting.

To stop yourself from overspending, put a limit in place and remember that even the cheapest of camper conversions can still run close to £10,000. Larger camper vans - and more complex conversions which require extensive metal work or welding - can quickly ramp up in price so make sure you’re always aware of how much money you’ve got to spend in the first place.

However, remember that if you’re able to convert a van to a high standard it’s unlikely to lose money - campers still command big prices in the used market.

Think about what you need from a campervan

Since you’re starting with a blank slate, you’re free to design a campervan exactly to your own requirements. It’s worth considering, for instance, how many beds you’re going to need or what type of cooking facilities you’d like to have. If you’re mainly going to be staying at campsites, then you might not need a shower and a toilet in the van itself but if you’re heading off-grid then these will be essential.

Likewise, if you’re going to be heading out into the countryside and away from electric hook-ups, you might want to think about having solar panels attached to the roof of the van so that you’ve always got a source of power wherever you go.

Pick a size

One of the best things about vans is that they’re available in a variety of sizes so you can pick one which perfectly fits your intended use. The more people you’re looking to transport then the larger van you’ll need, with each occupant requiring a proper seat and a M1-tested seat belt. Although it isn’t illegal to have side-facing seats, it’s more comfortable - and safer - to have forward-facing seats instead.

You may want to consider the other uses for your van. For instance, if you’re looking to drive it day-to-day when you’re not camping, you might want to think about a smaller van - like a Volkswagen Transporter - which can easily be parked and live with on a more frequent basis. They’ll also fit more easily in a conventional parking space or driveway, too, so you shouldn’t have to pay to store them as you would with a larger van.

Check out ventilation

Similar to a house, the layout of a van is all-important. You can do this from scratch or by finding a pre-made layout online which has been created specifically for your model of van - there are plenty available. If you’re looking at starting with a panel van as a base then you’ll most likely want to install some windows, locating them in the right place for the layout you’ve chosen. You may also want to think about installing some skylights to help make the interior of the van feel a little brighter and more spacious.

It’ll also need a proper ventilation system to help keep airflow moving through the interior of the van. Not only that, but it’ll help to remove water vapour and heat, making the whole cabin far more comfortable. If you’re considering the fitment of a proper shower and bathroom, then the ventilation system will need to be even more comprehensive in order to make sure that moisture can escape properly.

Power and gas

While some aspects of a van conversion can be done easily at home, there are some aspects where it may be better to call in a professional. Both electricity and gas installation are high-risk processes and unless you’re truly clued-up on how to do it, we’d recommend getting it fitted by a trained technician.

If you’re adamant about fitting it yourself, then make sure it’s checked over afterwards by a professional to make sure everything is as safe as can be.

Don’t scrimp on insulation

As we’re all aware, the weather in the UK can often get quite chilly, which is where proper insulation comes into play. There are many different types of insulation that you could use, but we’d recommend adding in some sound deadening at the same time. It’ll make the whole van more comfortable and also ensure that any night-time noises don’t spoil your beauty sleep.

At the point of installation, it’s a good idea to add rubber matting for sound deadening followed by proper insulation. Then, finish with a vapour barrier - to stop moisture from penetrating the whole panel - and wood.

Fresh and waste water storage

If you’re planning on installing running water in your camper then you’ll need to think about how you’re going to store both fresh and waste water. How many appliances you consider installing will affect how much water storage you’ll need. For instance, if you’ve only got a single tap then smaller tanks will do, but they’ll have to be much larger if you’re thinking about having a shower put in.

You’re able to use either external portable containers or fixed internal tanks. The latter is the most popular option, with most campervans having tanks fitted underneath the van itself and powered using 12-volt pumps. Again, most owners go with an external tank for the wastewater so that it’s easily accessible if there’s a blockage.

Will the furniture fit?

After all this, you’ll need somewhere comfy to relax, right? Well, you’ll need to consider beds, storage and anything else that can help to make your van a home away from home.

Naturally, if you’re able to do it yourself then you can create furniture that will perfectly fit your van but if you’re not accomplished with the tools then there are many pre-built units that can be easily installed at home.

Think about re-registering the van

Following the conversion, you’ll need to look into re-registering it. When going through the DVLA your vehicle’s classification will change from ‘van’ to ‘motor caravan’; you’ll need to send pictures to the DVLA in order for it to approve the classification but once you’re done there are some real benefits to enjoy.

For starters, camper vans often enjoy lower insurance costs alongside cheaper MOTs. Plus, most campers will be able to travel at higher speeds than the ‘regular’ vans on which they are based with campervans allowed to travel up to 70mph on dual carriageways compared with 60mph for most normal vans.

Have a timescale in mind

As with most projects, campervan conversions tend to run over. It’s always worth having a realistic timescale in place so you don’t put undue pressure on yourself to get it finished. We’d recommend avoiding buying tickets to that must-see festival until you’re absolutely sure that you can get your van finished in the required time, for instance.

Hiring a professional to help you can certainly help to shorten the overall time, but remember that a lot of conversion specialists are in demand - so you may end up waiting for longer than you think.

Should you just go for a ready-made camper?

It’s the question you may ask yourself when you’re part-way through a build! But if you want to use your camper right away and are happy to pay a little extra in order to do so, then getting a ready-made camper van could be for you.

However, doing your own camper van conversion allows you to tailor it exactly to your needs while ensuring that the quality remains consistent across the board. You’ll also be able to pick all of your own materials and appliances, which is often out of your hands when you’re choosing a ready-built camper.

Volkswagen Transporter

The Transporter is the undoubted champion of the camper conversion scene. At its heart lies a very easy-to-drive setup which is far more car-like than others in the segment, making it easy to drive and live with on a daily basis, too. Volkswagen does, of course, offer its own Transporter-based camper in the California, but these command steep prices and aren’t much cheaper on the used market, too.

The regular Transporter isn’t a cheap option, either. However, if you’re after a van that feels well-made inside and great to drive, then it should be firmly on your list.

Mercedes Sprinter

If you want your camper conversion to have loads of interior space, then the Mercedes Sprinter is a great option. It’s got a premium feel to it overall while its turbodiesel engines are punchy enough to deal with all of the additional weight that comes with a camper conversion.

Thanks to the Sprinter’s popularity it’s readily available on the used market while high-roof, long-wheelbase versions bring acres of space. In fact, the high-roof versions are tall enough so that you’re able to stand up inside, making them great for drivers after a really spacious option. Plus, the Sprinter’s narrow design means that it’s far easier to drive down narrow lanes than you might expect.

Fiat Ducato

You may have noticed that a lot of campervan conversion companies utilise the Fiat Ducato as their base vehicle, so it’s definitely a tried-and-tested option in this segment. Though it’s not as commonplace on the used market as others on this list it remains one to go for if you can find it.

It’s another van which offers loads of interior space, too, thanks to a high roof version. Plus, light steering makes the Ducato a doddle to drive around town or through the country - though be wary that it’s slightly wider than others here, such as the Sprinter.

Ford Transit Custom

Ford’s Transit Custom is well known as one of the most popular vans in the UK, so it’ll come as no surprise that it’s also a hit among camper converters too. It’s great to drive, with efficient diesel engines providing reliable power without high running costs.

If you’re able to, look out for an updated 2018 version as this brings more modern touches and a sharper exterior design. However, regardless of age, the Transit provides an excellent starting point for a camper conversion.

Renault Trafic

Finally, we have the Renault Trafic. It sits between the smaller Kangoo and the larger Master in the range, which means it’s a ‘best of both worlds’ option for drivers who want a van with a decent amount of interior roominess without being overly large outside.

We’d recommend opting for the second- or third-generation Trafic - built from 2001 and 2014 respectively - with both getting the same interior dimensions despite quite different exterior designs. Having such a longstanding presence on the market also means that interior features and fixings are plentiful. The Vauxhall Vivaro, produced until 2019, are practically identical to the Trafic, so if there’s not a Renault for you then we’d look at this as an alternative.

Prices correct at time of publication [06/2024].