Building A Cozy Camper Van: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make a camper sh

How to Make a Camper Van

Converting a van into a camper is a challenging but rewarding task. This guide will take you through the steps, from planning to decoration, and offer tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Planning and Preparation

Before you begin, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want your camper to include. Consider how many people will be using the space, whether you need a bathroom or kitchen area, and what your storage requirements are. It's also crucial to set a budget and choose an appropriate van – popular options include the Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, and Mercedes Sprinter.

2. Stripping and Mechanical Work

Once you've acquired your van, strip it of any unnecessary fixtures and carry out any mechanical repairs. This is also the time to cut holes for windows, solar panels, and other additions.

3. Insulation

Insulating your van is essential for keeping the interior comfortable. Use insulation boards and foil, and consider soundproofing options like Kilmat or Lizard Skin.

4. Flooring and Walls

Cover your insulation with plywood or another suitable material. For the floor, you may want to add a sound-deadening mat and a decorative layer like laminate or vinyl. For the walls, consider plywood, tongue and groove cladding, or finished hardboard sheets.

5. Power and Plumbing

Now it's time to add electricity and plumbing. Consult a professional for electrical work, and be sure to plan your power and water requirements carefully. You may also want to install gas at this stage.

6. Interior Construction

Build the framework for your furniture, including beds, storage, and kitchen counters. Use timber battens and plywood, ensuring everything is securely attached to the van's structure.

7. Finishing Touches

Finally, add the decorations and personal touches that will make your camper feel like home. Fairy lights, artwork, and colourful fabrics can all add character to your space. Just be sure that everything is securely fastened for when you hit the road!

shunauto

Planning: Think about your layout, budget, and what you want to include in your campervan

Planning is a crucial step in building a campervan. Here are some key considerations to help you plan your layout, manage your budget, and decide on what to include in your campervan:

Layout Planning:

  • Number of Residents: Consider how many people (and/or pets) will be staying in your campervan and ensure there's enough space for everyone to sleep and travel comfortably.
  • Rooms and Spaces: Determine if you need a bathroom, kitchen area, or workspace, and figure out how to optimise the available space.
  • Bed Length: Ensure the bed is long enough, especially if you're tall. You may also need to adjust the layout to allow for standing, sitting, and sleeping comfortably.
  • Storage Space: Plan where you'll store large items like bikes or surfboards. Make use of roof racks and wall space if needed.
  • Weight Distribution: All vehicles have a maximum weight limit, so distribute weight evenly across the van.
  • Measurements: Measure everything at least twice before committing to any purchases or cuts. Being careless with measurements can add expense and time to your project.

Budgeting:

  • The van itself will be your biggest investment. Prices vary depending on brand, mileage, age, colour, and demand. Iconic vans like Volkswagens tend to be more expensive.
  • Expect to budget £10,000-£15,000 for a quality van with reasonable mileage if you avoid Volkswagen brand vehicles.
  • The interior build will cost an additional £1,000-£5,000, depending on your desired level of comfort and luxury.

Features and Inclusions:

  • Insulation: Insulation is not essential, but it's highly recommended to regulate temperature. Use cost-effective, mould-resistant, and non-toxic materials like Reflectix, foam board, or sheep's wool.
  • Wall and Floor Panelling: Cover insulation with plywood or thin timber. If desired, add a sound-deadening mat and decorative flooring like laminate or vinyl.
  • Power and Plumbing: Consult a qualified electrician to install plug sockets and electrical wiring safely. Consider adding solar panels and batteries for extended trips. For plumbing, you can install a sink, toilet, and shower, or opt for refillable water tanks and rely on public facilities.
  • Interior Build: Create a wooden frame for your bed, storage, counters, and workspace. Paint the wood before installation for a neater finish.
  • Essentials: Invest in a comfortable mattress, blackout curtains, pillows, a portable heater, and storage boxes.
  • Finishing Touches: Add fairy lights, photos, plants, and cushions to make your camper feel like home. Remember to secure all decorations to prevent damage during transit.

shunauto

Stripping: Remove everything unnecessary from the van

Stripping the van is the first step in the conversion process. You'll want to remove everything that doesn't need to be in the van. This includes dividers, seats, panels, and covers. You'll also want to remove any carpeting, light fixtures, and seatbelts. This step will leave you with a blank canvas to work on.

It's important to note that this step may vary depending on the type of van you have purchased. Some vans may come partially stripped, while others may have more components that need to be removed. It's crucial to assess your van and determine what needs to be removed to create a functional and comfortable space.

Once the van is stripped, you'll have a better idea of the space you have to work with and can start planning the layout and design of your campervan. Remember to take measurements and consider the placement of windows, ventilation, and other essential components before making any permanent changes or cuts to the van.

Additionally, it's a good idea to clean the van thoroughly before proceeding with the next steps. This will ensure that you have a clean and safe working environment as you begin the conversion process.

shunauto

Repairs: Ensure your vehicle is fully functional

Before you start converting your van, you'll want to make sure it's in good working order. You'll want to do all the necessary mechanical repairs to ensure you have a fully functional, trustworthy vehicle. Depending on the state of your van, you might just need an oil change, or you may have to change the timing belt, cam belt, or tyres.

If you're not a mechanic, it's worth getting a professional inspection to learn about any hidden problems. This will give you peace of mind, especially if you plan to live in the van full-time. A professional inspection will provide a full report on the van's mechanical parts, bodywork, and any accident damage.

Once you've addressed any issues, you can start thinking about the layout of your van. This is a crucial step, so don't skip it! You'll want to consider how many people will be travelling in the van, whether you need a bathroom or kitchen area, and how much storage space you'll need.

After planning your layout, it's time to start building. You'll want to insulate your van to keep the heat in during cold weather and out during hot weather. Then, you can start building the framework and furniture, such as countertops, kitchen cabinets, and beds.

Finally, you'll want to add the electrical, plumbing, and gas systems. These systems will make your van self-sufficient and allow you to power appliances, have running water, and heat your van.

shunauto

Insulation: Insulate the walls, doors, and roof

Insulation is critical to building a cosy camper van. It slows the rate of heat transfer into and out of your van, helping to keep it at a comfortable temperature.

There are three types of heat transfer: radiation, conduction, and convection. Insulation materials block radiant heat, so your van will retain more heat in winter, and heat will be slower to penetrate into your van in summer.

When insulating the walls, doors, and roof of your camper van, you should consider the following:

  • The type of insulation you use: There are several options available, including foam board, spray foam, fibreglass, rock wool, denim batts, and sheep's wool. Choose an option that suits your budget, space constraints, and environmental preferences.
  • Proper installation: Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to avoid creating accessible air pockets behind your insulation, which can lead to moisture issues.
  • Thermal bridges: These are areas with greater thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials, providing a path for heat to escape. Try to minimise thermal bridges by covering your van's ribs with insulation or using a thermal break material.
  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to control moisture and condensation. Install a roof vent fan and ensure your van has good airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
  • R-value: This is a measure of the material's resistance to heat transfer. Choose insulation with a higher R-value to improve the insulating properties.
  • Vapour barrier: Consider whether you need a vapour barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the metal walls of your van. This can be achieved by using impermeable insulation or breathable materials that allow moisture to evaporate.

shunauto

Windows: Decide on the placement of windows and ventilation

Windows are an important part of your camper van conversion. They provide much-needed ventilation, light, and a feeling of openness in your living space. Most vans do not come with back windows, so installing them can be a great upgrade when living on the road.

When deciding on the placement of your windows, there are a few things to consider:

Budget and Security

The main reasons for not installing windows are usually cost and security. Windows can be expensive, especially if you plan to install multiple ones. Additionally, a big piece of glass in the side of your van can be a weak point in terms of security.

Ventilation and Light

If you don't have windows, you'll need another way to let in fresh air and provide ventilation. A roof vent or fan can help with this, but in tandem with windows, you can create a great cross breeze and better control the temperature in your van, which is essential if you plan to travel with babies or pets.

Privacy and Views

Consider tinted windows if you want to maintain privacy while still letting in light. This will allow you to see out, but people won't be able to see in unless it's dark outside and there's a light on inside.

Think about the views you want to enjoy from your van. Placing windows near your bed can let in the light and a beautiful breeze, and you can wake up to a stunning landscape.

Window Types and Installation

There are two main types of retrofit van windows: bonded van windows and framed acrylic campervan windows. Bonded windows are glued onto a hole cut out of the side of the van and sit flush against the outside. Framed acrylic windows are lightweight and come with built-in blinds and mosquito nets, but they can be more complicated to install as you may need to modify the thickness of the van wall.

When installing windows, you'll need to create a template to trace the window placement and cut out the holes with an angle grinder or jigsaw. It's important to take precise measurements and consider the placement of structural supports, wires, and sensors. You'll also need to smooth out the cut edges and treat them with rust-proof paint to ensure a secure fit for the window.

Overall, taking the time to plan and install windows in your camper van can greatly improve your living space and enhance your van life experience.

Frequently asked questions

The first step is to decide on your budget and choose your van.

Some important factors to consider are: whether you can work on the van yourself, if you need to be able to stand up in the van, how many people will be travelling in the van, and whether you will be stealth camping.

Some popular layouts include: a raised platform bed in the back, a table bed in the back, and a bed against the cab.

You will need materials for insulation, flooring, walls, electrical wiring, plumbing, gas installation, and decorations.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment