15 Top DIY Tips to Get Your Campervan Converted
Do you dream about living in a VW campervan but need help transforming it into a home on wheels? Looking for campervan conversion ideas?
If you have a campervan converted, it will be more than just a means of transportation. It will be your “home on the road.”
If you are a DIY enthusiast, there are so many ways to make your VW campervan your own. You can personally design the inside and learn how to make DIY campervan furniture.
Want to know how to get started in your camper van DIY hack? Keep reading to learn how to turn your campervan into a one-of-a-kind vehicle that’s easy to drive and live in.
Table of Contents
1. Getting the Van Ready
Getting the van ready is the first step in your DIY Campervan conversion. Start by giving it a thorough clean and pressure wash, ensuring all surfaces are as clean as possible.
Remove any clutter, old items, and accessories you won’t be needing.
2. Consider the Cost
For those looking to convert their own campervan, the cost is sure to be an important factor to consider. Before embarking on the conversion, make a budget for all the materials needed and factor in potential labor costs.
Start by searching for items you can find second-hand, as this is a great way to save money. When shopping for new materials, seek the best deals online or in discount stores. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like tools or specialty items you may need, such as wiring kits or adapters.
By following these DIY tips and considering the cost, you can have a successful conversion and enjoy your campervan for years to come.
3. Crafting a Functional Layout
DIY tips to get your campervan converted can get complicated. However, one of the best ways to go about the project is to focus on crafting a functional layout.
Considering the size of the van is key; you’ll only have so much space, so deciding how to use it is essential. Map out a floor plan and have a few ideas of the items you’d like to incorporate.
You’ll likely need to include sleeping space, storage, and a cooking area, so plan accordingly. Investing in multi-functional furniture can create more space.
4. Planning the Interior Upgrades
Planning interior upgrades is key to the success of the DIY project. Start by brainstorming how you want to use the space and determine which features are necessary and which ones can be skipped.
Take your time measuring, planning, and sketching out the interior upgrades to ensure everything fits and works perfectly. With some creativity and diligence, DIY campervan conversion projects can be simple and enjoyable.
5. Consider Electrical Installation
It is also important to consider the electrical installation. First, make sure to calculate the power demand of your campervan accurately – how much current do its appliances and circuits use?
Electrical calculations are necessary to avoid overloading the camper van’s wiring and fuse system. Secondly, decide whether or not you would like to use a 12V system or a 24V system.
Both of these require different types of wiring and components, which differ in cost. Thirdly, plan out the location of switches, sockets, and lights, keeping safety in mind.
Finally, make sure that if you are going to be doing any wiring yourself, to research the correct methods and regulations and abide by them.
With these tips in mind, you can have a safe and reliable electrical installation in your campervan conversion project.
6. Give It a Personal Touch
Give your campervan a personal touch – experiment with features, colors, and finishes to make your dream campervan come to life.
Remember that any conversions you do should be done safely and correctly in order to make your campervan a real home away from home.
7. Measure Twice, Cut Once
If you are a campervan owner, it is important to follow the measure twice, cut once mentality to ensure that your conversion goes smoothly. When taking measurements, make sure to measure twice and to write things down.
Once you have those figures, make a blueprint of what you’re looking to build before you move forward. Before you make any cuts, perform a dry fit to make sure the pieces fit together correctly.
Additionally, make sure to test configurations to make sure that you can access every area of your van. If possible, make measurements in multiple places to ensure accuracy.
Finally, when cutting material, make sure to double-check your measurements and take your time to make cutting mistakes. Following these tips will help make sure that your campervan conversion goes smoothly and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
8. Maximize the Space
To maximize space when converting a campervan, make sure to use every available nook and cranny. Add shelves and hanging storage wherever possible to make use of the space, and look for furniture with storage compartments.
Keep the doorway clear with easy-to-remove items, lightweight curtains, and inflatable furniture to give you more options. Consider installing a bed lift system which will free up space on the floor.
Add hooks and pegs to the walls to hang light items and clothing, and use dividers and racks to separate the space and create privacy.
Lighting is also important for a comfortable space, and you can use LED lights that use minimal power and have adjustable brightness levels.
Finally, put a plan in place for utensils and other everyday items— make use of storage bins, and look for dual-purpose items that save space.
9. Going Off Grid
Converting your campervan to go off the grid is a great way to explore a new kind of freedom. To get started, you’ll need to figure out what type of vehicular platform you want to work off of—vans, buses, trailers, etc.
After you have your vehicle platform, you’ll need to figure out the logistics of the actual conversion—what types of living spaces and amenities you’ll need, what kind of appliances and systems you may need, and what type of electrical and plumbing systems you’ll need to have in place.
You may also want to consider what type of insulation and ventilation systems you need to have in place in order to live off the grid.
Finally, depending on the length of your trip, you may want to invest in some solar panels or other renewable energy sources in order to power your vehicle and its amenities. With a bit of research and planning, you’ll be ready for your off-grid adventure.
10. Gaining the Necessary Permits
Before you attempt a campervan conversion, it is important to take the necessary steps and get the correct permits. First, research local laws and regulations and find out what type of permits you need.
Permits may vary by location, and you may need a special license to travel on local roads. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules, regulations, and zoning laws pertaining to campervans and conversion work.
Familiarize yourself with any applicable rules and regulations, so you can be sure your campervan conversion is up to code and you are ready to hit the road!
11. Street-Proof Your Camper
This recommends seeking out advice and learning from experienced professionals as well as consulting with a qualified tradesperson to verify that all components of your campervan conversion meet any and all standards.
With these steps, you will ensure your campervan conversion is a successful and safe one.
12. Selecting Upcycled Materials
When attempting to convert a campervan, upcycling is a great way to save money and reduce your material waste. An example is kit-bashing, which uses different parts to create a larger model.
You can go to salvage yards and thrift stores to find materials that are easily incorporated into your model. Some of the items you could find are old cabinets, countertops, ductwork, and plumbing supplies.
This is a great way to find unique pieces to upcycle and add character to your campervan conversion. Research and read through some DIY tutorials to find more tips and tricks to help guide you throughout the process.
13. Installing the Right Appliances
Doing a Sprinter camper van conversion can be exhilarating, albeit daunting, and undertaking. But it doesn’t need to be a source of major stress. One key to success is to make sure you’re installing the right appliances.
Start by choosing the features that best suit your needs. Things like a kitchenette, sleeping quarters, and extra living space are all must-haves. Start by sketching out a design for your conversion, and work from there.
Installing a good ventilation system is also essential. It will help regulate temperatures inside the van and make it much more comfortable to stay in during summer and winter alike.
Make sure to research the different systems available, and think about how many airflow options will be needed to suit your camping pathways.
Investing in a water heater and a wider shower option will also make your campervan conversion much more comfortable and convenient.
Both of these tasks are relatively straightforward to tackle if you have some basic DIY skills. They will make your campervan more luxurious and enjoyable and are sure to help you get the most out of your trip.
Don’t forget essential items like air filters, shower heads and taps, and any other plumbing items you may need too.
Don’t forget to include all the essential appliances, such as a fridge, microwave, oven, and sink. Finally, be sure to install the correct sized solar panel for your usage needs.
When you’ve ticked off all your checklist, you’ll be ready to hit the open road and enjoy your freshly converted campervan!
14. Make Use of Creativity
DIY campervan conversion can be rewarding and a great way to save money. Start by making use of your creativity to envision how you want your campervan to look.
Once you’ve got your vision in place, you need to plan what the interior of your campervan will have. Determine items you need to buy and the pieces that can be upcycled or repurposed.
You may need to check online stores to look for items like curtains or cushions. Then decide if you need to hire an electrician to install additional solar panels, lights, and wires.
Make sure to inspect the vehicle thoroughly, as well as its parts, to ensure everything is safe and functioning properly.
15. Finishing Touches
The finishing touches to your campervan conversion are an important part of the journey and should not be overlooked. To give your campervan a unique and personalized touch, consider adding a few custom features.
If you have an artistic flair or carpentry experience, why not add some furniture, storage, and interior touches that reflect your personality?
You could also personalize the exterior with a mural, a logo, or additional decorations. If you have the resources, add a modern entertainment system, wifi router, and/or power inverter.
Finally, for a serious campervan makeover, why not put in a satellite dish, extra bedding, and external lights? With a bit of creativity, you can create your own home away from home.
Get Your Campervan Converted Today
The possibilities with a campervan restoration are limitless. Whether you’re traveling the country or just want the convenience of having a bed in the back of your vehicle ready for any weekend getaway, conversion is the way to go.
Get your campervan converted today and increase the possibilities of your next great adventure! Don’t wait. Get started as soon as possible!
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Last Updated on January 17, 2023
