Renovating A Camper Van: A Step-By-Step Guide

Renovating a camper van is an exciting project, but it can be daunting if you're a first-time buyer. The first step is to assess your budget, needs, and skills. You should also decide how often you'll be using the van and what for. This will help you determine your deal breakers and must-haves.

When it comes to finding a van, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local neighbourhoods are good places to start. Autotrader is also useful as it allows you to narrow your search by vehicle mileage and highway/city miles per gallon.

Before buying, it's important to do a full sweep of the van and be on the lookout for red flags like rust and extremely high mileage. It's also a good idea to have a mechanic meet you and give their opinion.

Once you've found your dream van, it's time to start the renovation process. This usually involves gutting and cleaning the van, taking measurements, planning the layout, building components, and making any necessary repairs.

Some common tasks include updating or removing wallpaper, painting, adding a kitchen backsplash, replacing flooring, updating countertops, installing window treatments, and updating furniture.

It's also important to plan your electrical setup and get professional help if needed. Other key considerations are insulation, sound deadening, and creating a water system.

Finally, don't forget to add your personal touches to make the van feel like home!

Budgeting

• Determine your budget: Before starting your project, decide on a realistic budget that you are comfortable with. This will help you make informed decisions about the scope of the work and the materials you can afford.
• Prioritize your needs: Make a list of must-have items and features for your camper van. Focus on functionality and comfort rather than luxurious additions. Separate your "wants" from your "needs" to stay within your budget.
• Research and compare prices: Take time to research the cost of materials, appliances, and any other necessary purchases. Compare prices from different suppliers and look for deals or discounts to stretch your budget further.
• Consider second-hand options: Buying used materials or appliances can help you save money. Look for online marketplaces, thrift stores, or Facebook groups where you can find pre-owned items in good condition.
• Plan for unexpected costs: Set aside a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Renovation projects often involve unforeseen costs, such as repairs or replacements, so having a buffer in your budget can help you manage these surprises.
• DIY where possible: If you have the skills and time, consider doing some of the work yourself. Simple tasks like painting, reupholstering, or installing basic fixtures can be done without professional help, reducing labour costs.
• Create a timeline: Develop a renovation timeline and try to stick to it. This will help you manage your budget effectively and avoid overspending due to delays.
• Be flexible: Remain flexible and open to alternative options. If a specific material or appliance is out of your budget, look for similar but more affordable choices. You can also consider phasing your renovation, completing the essential work first and adding extra features later when your budget allows.
• Keep track of expenses: Maintain a detailed record of your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget. Use spreadsheets or budgeting apps to track your spending and make adjustments as needed.
• Shop around for labour: If you require professional help, get quotes from multiple contractors or specialists. Compare their rates and services to find the best fit for your budget.
• Focus on high-impact areas: Identify the areas of your camper van that will have the most significant impact with renovations. Prioritize these areas to get the most bang for your buck. For example, updating the interior with paint, new upholstery, and improved storage solutions can make a noticeable difference.

By following these tips and carefully planning your budget, you can successfully renovate your camper van without breaking the bank. Remember to stay organized, be flexible, and keep a close eye on your finances throughout the renovation process.

Buying a van

The first step in your camper van renovation journey is to buy a van. This can be a daunting task, especially if you are on a tight budget. Here are some tips to help you through the process:

• Assess your budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on the van itself and the renovations. This will help you narrow down your options and set a realistic budget for your project.
• Research and compare: Use websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Autotrader to find potential vans within your budget. Compare prices, mileage, year, and overall maintenance conditions to get the best deal.
• Consider your needs: Think about how you will use the van. If you plan to live in it full-time or take long hauls, you may need additional features like higher ceilings, a separate working area, or a toilet. For shorter trips, you might prioritise a more minimalist setup.
• Inspect and test: When you find a potential van, inspect it thoroughly for any red flags like rust or extremely high mileage. It is also a good idea to have a mechanic meet you and give their opinion before you make the purchase.
• Be patient and flexible: Finding the right van may take time, so don't settle for something that doesn't meet your requirements. Be prepared to walk away if the van doesn't feel right or needs significant repairs. Remember, your dream van is out there!

Once you've found the perfect van and sealed the deal, it's time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the renovation process. Stay tuned for the next steps in your camper van renovation journey!

Planning the layout

Define Your Needs and Priorities

Start by making a list of must-have features for your camper van. Consider what is important to you and your travel companions. For example, do you need a fixed bed, or would a convertible bed/bench system be more suitable? Do you require a kitchen inside the van, or will an outdoor kitchen suffice? Think about storage for adventure gear, pets, work areas, and toilet facilities. Prioritize your needs to optimize the limited space in the van.

Measure and Sketch

Take precise measurements of your van's interior, including length, width, and height. Don't forget to account for wheel wells, windows, and any variations in width due to the vehicle's shape. Use these measurements to sketch out a basic plan for your layout. Consider the placement of each element and how they will fit together like puzzle pieces. It may take a few tries to get it just right, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't work perfectly.

Bed Placement

The bed is typically one of the largest pieces of furniture in a camper van, so its placement is crucial. Consider the size and type of bed you want and ensure there is enough space to move around it comfortably. If you opt for a fixed bed, think about adding storage compartments underneath to maximize space.

Kitchen and Storage Considerations

Decide on the location of your kitchen area, considering factors such as proximity to the bed and storage needs. Determine whether you will have a sink, stove, and refrigerator, or if a cooler and portable stove will suffice. Plan for adequate storage for kitchen supplies, food, and other essentials.

Additional Features

Depending on your needs, you may want to include additional features such as a dedicated work area, pet area, or entertainment system. Think about how these features will fit into your layout and how they can be integrated efficiently.

Electrical and Ventilation Systems

If you plan to install electrical systems or ventilation fans, consider their placement in your layout. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your electrical needs and any necessary modifications to accommodate these systems.

Flexibility and Adjustments

Remember that your layout may evolve as you work on the renovation. Be flexible and open to adjustments as you go. It's normal to make changes along the way, and you may discover creative solutions or alternative arrangements that work better for your specific van.

Insulation

The insulation we went for was recycled plastic loft insulation from B&Q. We used about 7 rolls. This is one of the few products I recommend you buy from B&Q, as they are normally much more expensive than elsewhere. However, in this case, they work out much cheaper, and it turns out that loads of people use the same stuff for their van.

In terms of holding it in place, this is where the stud work from the previous steps comes in really useful. For most of the walls, you can simply tear the insulation to size and use the wooden battens to hold the insulation in place. For parts where it falls or comes loose, use a spray-on contact adhesive to glue it down.

We did exactly this for the roof, and it holds it well; especially once you add on the next part of the insulation: Thermo Van Liner. We used 20 metres worth. This stuff is really cool and acts not only as additional insulation but also as a vapour barrier, which allows everything to stay nice and dry despite condensation. It also creates a nice flat finish across all parts of the van and helps to hold in any wayward plastic insulation.

For any awkward-to-insulate parts of your van, you can use spray foam insulation. We used this for a few runners and had an absolute nightmare, but it is good stuff once you get the hang of it.

Before moving on, it's worth mentioning sound deadening, which is something we fitted below the insulation and against the panels of the van. The idea behind this stuff is that it sticks straight onto larger pieces of sheet metal, which would otherwise rattle and make noise when you drive along. We ordered a pack of this stuff from Dodo Matt and stuck it against the panels, and it definitely made a difference when driving.

Flooring

The flooring is one of the most important parts of your camper van conversion. It will be the foundation for the rest of your build, so it's important to get it right. Here are some tips and steps to help you renovate the flooring in your camper van:

Step 1: Remove Old Flooring

If your van already has flooring, you'll need to remove it. This may involve prying up old carpet or vinyl flooring, or unscrewing and lifting out old tiles. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, during this process to avoid injury.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Subfloor

Once the old flooring is removed, clean the subfloor thoroughly. Use a vacuum to remove any dirt, debris, and old adhesive residue. If there are any holes or cracks in the subfloor, fill them with an appropriate filler or leveller and sand down any uneven areas to create a smooth, level surface.

Step 3: Choose Your New Flooring

There are a few different options for new flooring in a camper van:

• Carpet: Carpet is a good option if you want something soft and comfortable underfoot. It's also relatively easy to install, as you can simply lay it out and cut it to size. However, carpet can be more difficult to clean and may not be as durable as other options.
• Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for camper vans because it's affordable, durable, and easy to clean. It usually comes in sheets or tiles and can be installed by peeling and sticking, or clicking and locking the pieces together.
• Peel and Stick Floor Tile: This is another easy-to-install option that can be found at most home improvement stores. Just clean the subfloor, lay down the tiles, and work your way back.
• Click and Lock Flooring: This type of flooring creates a tight seal between the pieces, making it a good option for a waterproof floor. However, it can be more time-consuming to install and may require careful cutting to fit the edges of your van.

Step 4: Install Your Chosen Flooring

When installing your new flooring, work from the front of the van to the back. If you're using carpet, simply roll it out, cut it to size, and secure it in place with an appropriate adhesive. For vinyl flooring or tiles, start by placing all the pieces down to make sure they fit properly, then begin installing from the front, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 5: Finish and Seal the Edges

Once your new flooring is installed, finish and seal the edges to create a neat, waterproof seal. You can use a clear silicone sealant or an appropriate flooring adhesive to fill any gaps and create a tight seal between the flooring and the walls of the van.

Frequently asked questions