
Converting a cargo van into a camper is a great way to save money or travel the world. It is a rewarding project that allows you to design an RV that suits your unique travel needs and purposes. The conversion process can be done by following a few simple steps. First, you must choose the right van for your needs, such as a van with decent gas mileage, flexible fuel options, and enough space to stand up in. Next, you must insulate the van by covering the floor with reflectix insulation and wood paneling. After that, you can start building the bed frame, storage spaces, and kitchen. Finally, you can install the roof, solar panels, and any other desired amenities such as curtains, blackout shades, and a fantastic fan. The entire process can take about 2-3 months and cost around $3500, depending on the materials and appliances used.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Vehicle | Ford Transit, Dodge Ram ProMaster, Chevrolet Express, Mercedes Sprinter |
Fuel Type | Flex-fuel, gasoline, propane, diesel |
Interior | Reflectix insulation, plywood, vinyl flooring, faux wood paneling, foam tape, curtains, blackout shades, solar panels, LED lights, swivel base, DC compressor refrigerator, mattress, etc. |
Exterior | Maxxfan, rooftop air conditioner, solar panels, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Insulating the van
Step 1: Floor Insulation
Start by insulating the floor of your van. Measure and cut pieces of reflective insulation, such as Reflectix, to fit the floor. You can tape the pieces together with reflective foil tape. This will help keep the heat in and reduce noise.
Step 2: Subfloor Installation
Next, you'll want to install a subfloor over the insulation. Measure and cut plywood to fit the floor of your van, making sure to allow for any wheel wells or other obstructions. Screw the plywood into the van's metal floor, being careful not to damage anything underneath.
Step 3: Wall and Roof Insulation
For the walls and roof, you can use a combination of reflective insulation and foam insulation, such as Thinsulate or fanfold styrofoam. Cut the insulation to fit the contours of your van and secure it in place with adhesive or tape. This will help keep your van warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Step 4: Wall Panelling
To finish the walls, you can install wood panelling over the insulation. Measure and cut the panelling to fit your van, allowing for any windows or other features. Screw the panelling into the van's metal ribs or use adhesive to secure it in place.
Step 5: Ceiling Panels
For the ceiling, you can use thin plywood or luan panels, which can be painted to match the colour of your van's interior. Cut the panels to fit, allowing for any features such as lights or fans. Secure the panels with screws and use foam tape between the metal ribs and wood to prevent squeaks and rattles.
Step 6: Window and Ventilation
Don't forget to insulate around any windows, vents, or other openings in your van. You can use reflective insulation or foam to fill in gaps and help keep the heat or air conditioning in.
Insulating your cargo van is a crucial step in ensuring your comfort and safety while living and travelling in your van. It will help keep the temperature regulated and reduce noise from the outside. By following these steps, you can create a comfortable and functional living space in your cargo van conversion.
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Installing the bed frame and storage spaces
Planning the Layout
Before starting the installation, it is essential to plan the layout of the bed frame and storage spaces. Consider how much space you need for sleeping and storing your belongings. Decide on the size and position of the bed, as well as the number and placement of storage compartments. Keep in mind that you want to maximise storage while still having enough space to move around comfortably.
Gathering Materials and Tools
The materials you will need include wood for the frame and storage units, plywood for the bed platform, hinges for doors or lids, screws, and other fasteners. You may also want to add foam or cushions for the bed and fabric for upholstery. Basic tools such as a drill, screwdriver, saw, and measuring tape are required.
Building the Bed Frame
Measure and cut the wood to the desired size and shape for the bed frame. If you are creating a permanent bed, you can attach the frame directly to the van's floor or walls. For a more flexible design, consider building a free-standing frame that can be secured in place with brackets or bolts. Ensure the frame is sturdy and can support the weight of the mattress and sleepers.
Creating Storage Spaces
Storage spaces can be built underneath the bed, along the walls, or in other available areas. Measure the available space and cut the wood to create compartments of various sizes. You can add doors or lids to the storage spaces for easy access. Install hinges and handles, ensuring they are secure and function smoothly.
Finishing Touches
Once the basic structure is in place, you can add finishing touches such as upholstery for the bed, cushions, or fabric lining for the storage compartments. You may also want to add lights or other accessories to make the space more comfortable and functional.
Tips and Tricks
- Consider using lightweight materials to reduce the overall weight of the van.
- Measure twice, cut once! Always double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes.
- Use a combination of permanent and removable fixtures to allow for flexibility in your layout.
- Leave enough clearance around the bed and storage spaces to move around comfortably.
- Add soft padding or fabric lining to corners and edges to prevent injuries and create a cosy atmosphere.
Converting a cargo van into a camper with a functional bed and storage spaces is a rewarding project. With careful planning, the right materials, and some handy work, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your new mobile home.
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Installing the walls
Step 1: Insulating the Walls
Before installing the walls, it is essential to insulate the van to regulate the temperature inside. One option is to use Reflectix insulation, which can be cut and taped together to cover the walls. Another option is to use Owens Corning Pure Safety Insulation, which is rated R15. This insulation can be installed directly over the Reflectix for added protection.
Step 2: Choosing the Wall Material
For the walls themselves, there are a few options to consider. One affordable and straightforward option is to use faux wood wall paneling, which can be screwed directly into the van's horizontal wood beams. Real wood can also be used for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing option.
Step 3: Installing the Wall Panels
When installing the wall panels, it is important to ensure they are secure and fit well within the van. Measure the panels to fit the unique shape of the van, including any curves or contours. Cut the panels to size and screw them into place. If necessary, trim the panels around any fixtures, such as vents or fans.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To complete the wall installation, consider adding a layer of paint or stain to the panels for a more polished look. Seal any gaps or seams with caulk to prevent drafts and improve the overall appearance. This step will also help reduce any squeaks or rattles while driving.
Converting a cargo van into a camper involves a lot of planning and hard work, but with careful execution, the end result will be a comfortable and functional living space.
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Building the kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important parts of a camper van. It is where you will be preparing your meals and storing your food, so it needs to be functional and efficient. Here are some tips on how to build a kitchen in your cargo van:
Decide on the layout:
Before you start building, it is important to plan out the layout of your kitchen. Consider what appliances and features you want to include, such as a sink, stove, refrigerator, and storage cabinets. Measure the space you have available and sketch out a few different layouts to see what will work best.
Install the appliances:
Once you have decided on the layout, it is time to install the appliances. If you are including a sink, you will need to cut a hole in the countertop and install the sink and faucet. For a stove, you can either use a portable camp stove or install a fixed stove that runs on propane or electricity. If you are including a refrigerator, make sure to choose one that is designed for RVs or camper vans, as they are more compact and energy-efficient.
Build the cabinets and countertops:
The cabinets and countertops will provide storage space and a work surface for food preparation. You can build them from scratch using plywood or purchase pre-made cabinets and countertops. If you are building them yourself, be sure to measure carefully and cut the wood to size. You can finish the cabinets and countertops by painting or staining them to match the rest of your van's interior.
Add storage:
Storage is crucial in a small space like a camper van. Make use of vertical space by installing shelves or hanging pots and pans from hooks. You can also utilize the space under the sink or stove for storage.
Plumbing and electrical:
If your kitchen includes a sink, you will need to install plumbing. This may involve adding a water pump, water tank, and grey water tank. For electrical appliances, you will need to ensure you have a sufficient power source, such as a solar panel system or a generator.
Ventilation:
Proper ventilation is important to prevent moisture buildup and reduce cooking odors. Install a vent fan near the kitchen area to help circulate air and keep the space fresh.
Final touches:
Once the major components of your kitchen are in place, you can add the finishing touches. This may include installing a backsplash, adding lighting, or putting up curtains or blinds on the windows.
Building a kitchen in a cargo van requires careful planning and attention to detail, but the end result will be a functional and efficient space for preparing meals on the road.
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Installing the roof
Step 1: Insulating the Roof
Start by insulating the roof of your cargo van. This will help regulate the temperature inside the camper and reduce noise from the outside. You can use materials such as Reflectix insulation and pure safety insulation rated at R15. Spray glue the insulation pieces together and then attach them to the roof using glue and Reflectix foil tape. Make sure to cover the entire roof area for maximum effectiveness.
Step 2: Installing the Roof Panels
Once the insulation is in place, it's time to install the roof panels. For this step, you can use wood paneling or a similar material. Cut the panels to size, making sure they fit snugly against the insulation. Screw the panels directly into the roof, being careful not to overtighten the screws as this can cause damage.
Step 3: Trimming and Customization
If you need to trim the panels around any vents or fans, use a jigsaw to carefully cut out the necessary holes. This step may require some trial and error to get the perfect fit. You can also cut out a hole for a solar panel installation if you plan to include one in your camper van.
Step 4: Securing the Panels
To ensure the roof panels are securely attached, consider adding multiple points of attachment. This will help prevent the panels from sagging over time. You can use screws, bolts, or other suitable fasteners for this step.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Finally, you can add some finishing touches to the roof, such as painting or sealing the panels to protect them from the elements. You may also want to install roof racks or crossbars, which can be useful for carrying additional gear or mounting accessories like solar panels.
Converting a cargo van into a camper is a rewarding project, and the roof installation is a crucial aspect of it. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a comfortable and functional living space in your van.
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Frequently asked questions
The first steps are to insulate the floor, walls, and roof, and then build a subfloor.
Design the layout of the van around a chuck box, which can act as a support system for the bed and can be used for extra storage and a countertop for cooking.
Use faux wood wall paneling, which is simple to screw into the horizontal wood beams on the side of the van.