If you’re wondering how to build a campervan, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people are curious about how to kick off this fun project, and our step-by-step guide is here to help.
Based on our own experience and everything we’ve learned along the way, we’ve put together all the key steps to turn a regular van into a fully-equipped camper.
From planning your design to picking the best van and putting everything together, our guide has you covered.
Whether you’re a DIY pro or just getting started, this guide will help you figure out how to build a campervan. Dive in and start turning your van into the perfect home on wheels!
Table of Contents
1. How to Build a Campervan: Getting Started on Your Project
Choosing Your Project and Layout
Choosing your project and layout is a key part of building a campervan. During this stage, you’ll focus on the overall idea, sketch out your design, and maybe even build a prototype. It’s important to take your time here since these decisions will have a big impact on the rest of the build.
When choosing the layout for your campervan, it’s important to keep space limitations in mind—unless you’re converting a bus, not everything will fit. Here’s what to consider when picking the right layout for you:
- Bed Size and Orientation: Decide how big you want your bed and whether you’d like it positioned across or along the van. This affects the rest of the van’s layout and should be one of the first decisions you make.
- Bathroom and Shower: Think about whether you want a bathroom and shower. While convenient, they take up a lot of space and can be tricky to install.
- Number of Passengers: Plan how many people will be traveling with you and if you need extra seating. More seats mean less room for other amenities.
- Kitchen Space: Figure out how much space you’ll need for cooking. Most layouts include a kitchen area with a sink and hob, often near the sliding door.
- Seating and Workspaces: If you plan to work or spend lots of time inside, you’ll need comfy seating and table space. Many layouts use a single table for dining and work, and rotating the front seats toward the living area is a popular option.
- Garage Space: If you need to carry large items like bikes or sports gear, think about how much garage space you’ll need. This will influence your overall design.
- Weight Limits: Besides fitting everything inside, you also need to consider your van’s weight. In Europe, campervans are limited to 3.5 tons, while in the U.S., the limit is a bit higher.
Our Build
In our van build, we designed a sliding bed that’s 180 cm x 200 cm (70.9 inches x 78.7 inches), giving us plenty of space to sleep across the van. Building it took some work, but the end result was totally worth it.
We also included a compact bathroom with a shower and toilet, fitting neatly into a 100 cm x 60 cm (39.4 inches x 23.6 inches) space, so you can freshen up on the go.
For cooking and dining, we have a kitchen cabinet that’s 120 cm x 65 cm (47.2 inches x 25.6 inches) paired with a folding table measuring 60 cm x 45 cm (23.6 inches x 17.7 inches), providing just the right amount of room for meal prep and eating.
There are two seats, each 80 cm wide (31.5 inches), and a movable table sized 50 cm x 70 cm (19.7 inches x 27.6 inches) for working or relaxing. We also have one driving position and a swivel passenger seat for extra flexibility on the road.
What Tools to Use to Design a Campervan
Pinterest: A great platform for gathering inspiration, ideas, and creating mood boards for your campervan project.
SketchUp: A free online design tool perfect for designing furniture or even the entire van layout. While it might take some practice, there are plenty of tutorials online to help you get started.
Pen and Paper: Perfect for simple sketches and writing down exact measurements (which you’ll want to double-check several times!).
Cardboard, Plywood Templates, etc.: Ideal for making mock-ups of your campervan’s structure or when you need to cut identical parts.
Excel or Google Spreadsheets: Super handy for estimating costs and tracking your budget as you go through the build process.
2. Choosing a Van: What is the Best Van to Convert to a Campervan?
Key Considerations
Choosing the right van is key to creating your dream campervan. There are lots of models out there, but the dimensions and engine are the most important things to think about. Here are the top 3 types of vans to consider:
The Triplets: Ducato, Boxer, Jumper (US: Ram Promaster)
When it comes to choosing the right van for your build, the Triplets (Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroen Jumper) are the top choices for many reasons.
First off, these vans are built on the same platform, so they have identical dimensions. This makes it easy to find accessories and parts that fit all of them.
They also offer various engine options to suit your needs. Just keep in mind that the Ram Promaster is the US equivalent of the Ducato, but not all sizes are available.
The wider box of the Triplets allows for a comfortable bed placement across the van. For taller people (over 195 cm or 76.8 inches), you’ll need the highest version to fit comfortably. These factors make the Triplets the go-to choice for most campervan builders.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit is a versatile option with several base variants, like the jumbo model and 4×4 model. It’s great if you want a bed inside the van, prefer a 4×4, or are looking for a newer model with an engine below 2.0 liters.
Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter
For a really big build, the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter are perfect. They’re long but narrower, giving you more space for customization.
Why Did We Choose Peugeot Boxer
The spacious interior is perfect for taller people, and the 2.0L engine helps avoid high excise duties. Plus, the Boxer has the largest range of dedicated accessories, making it a top pick for any campervan builder.
3. How to Build a Campervan: Transforming Cargo Space
Cutting Holes for Windows
Starting the van build process by cutting holes for windows is a great way to boost the comfort and functionality of your cargo space.
Common Window Options
Common options include large windows along the sliding side door, roof windows, and ventilation systems like the MaxxAir MaxxFan.
Our Choices
For our campervan, we chose a campervan side window, a MaxxAir MaxxFan, and two small windows (80 cm x 20 cm or 31.5 inches x 7.9 inches) at the rear of the bed to improve airflow.
Adding Comfort and Self-Sufficiency
To make your campervan comfortable and self-sufficient, consider adding features like a water inlet and external charging sockets. Installing a small vent in the bathroom and a 4G + WiFi antenna on the roof can also enhance your mobile living experience.
Renewable Energy
Many modern campervans come with solar panels for renewable energy. If you go this route, make sure to install a grommet for cables between the panels and the solar charger. Plan ahead and pick the right accessories to make your campervan feel like home.
4. Insulating Your Camper Van: Best Materials for Floors, Walls, and Ceilings
Year-Round vs. Seasonal Use
If you’re planning to insulate your campervan, it’s important to decide if you’ll use it year-round or just in warmer months. Good insulation keeps the interior warm in winter and prevents overheating in summer.
Reducing Condensation
It also helps reduce condensation from temperature differences between inside and outside the van. For year-round use, thicker insulation, especially for the floors, is recommended.
Importance of Insulation
Insulation is key for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and stopping water vapor from building up on walls. Without proper insulation, the temperature difference can cause steam to form on bare metal surfaces.
Materials Used
For our campervan, we used polyethylene foam, XPS board, plywood, vinyl panels, sheep wool, PIR, and Alufox boards. The walls and ceiling were covered with 9 mm (0.35 inches) thick wooden paneling, which we painted white. Framing is essential to connect the van’s metal structure with the interior elements.
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Soundproofing
Besides thermal insulation, butyl mats can help soundproof the campervan. However, since they’re heavy, it’s important to balance soundproofing with weight.
How Do You Insulate a Van
If you’re wondering what materials to use for your campervan insulation, it’s best to choose those that provide excellent thermal insulation and are also non-flammable and non-toxic.
While not all materials meet all of these criteria, it’s important to find a balance that suits your needs.
The most commonly used materials for campervan insulation include PUR foam, XPS and PIR boards, polyurethane foam, and mineral and sheep wool.
By selecting the right insulation materials, you can ensure that your campervan will be comfortable and energy-efficientall year round.
5. How to Build a Campervan: Powering Up Your Camper Van
Essential Power Needs
Having electricity in your campervan is essential, not just for lighting, but also for running other systems like heating and the water pump. Without electricity, creating a functional system in your van would be impossible.
Power System Components
A campervan’s power system has two main parts: things that charge the battery (like solar panels) and things that use electricity (like the fridge or charging sockets).
Hotel Battery
The hotel battery is the middleman between these two parts. It’s separate from the car’s factory battery. When the hotel battery is charged, the things that use electricity can draw from it. But since the battery has a limited capacity, it needs to be recharged regularly.
Our Setup
For our campervan, we used a 200 Ah battery, 350 W solar panels, and a converter that charges from an external 230 V source and from the alternator while driving. This setup lets us travel comfortably, even with power-hungry items like computers and a fridge.
Power Options
In a campervan, you can power things with either 12 V direct current from the battery or 230 V alternating current from the converter. Connecting devices directly to the battery is straightforward and safe, while using 230 V lets you plug in devices that need a regular home socket.
6. How to Build a Campervan: Water, Gas, and Heating
Installing a clean water tank and a water pump is essential for having running water in a campervan. The water pump pulls water from the tank and sends it through pipes to the tap or shower.
If you want hot water, you can add a boiler or flow heater to the system. These usually run on gas or fuel from the car’s tank and can heat the entire living area.
It’s also important to discharge all used water, or gray water, into the gray water tank, which is typically mounted under the car.
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Van into a Campervan
The total cost of converting a van into a campervan varies based on factors like the type of materials used, the size of the campervan, and the extent of modifications.
In our case, the estimated cost was around 16,000 Euro, not including the price of the vehicle itself.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Water, gas, and heating system: about 4,500 Euro
2. Electrical systems, panels, and electronics: around 3,000 Euro
3. Insulation, window installation, and ventilation: approximately 2,500 Euro
4. Furniture and interior fittings: an additional 2,500 Euro
5. Bathroom and kitchen: about 3,000 Euro
7. How to Build a Campervan: Choosing the Right Bed Configuration
Fixed Bed
If you’re under 180 cm (6 ft) tall, a fixed bed is probably the most comfortable choice. It’s permanently mounted to the van’s structure and usually 75-100 cm (2.5-3.3 ft) above the floor. This setup offers ample space for water modules, electrics, and garage storage, and is simpler to build.
Sliding Bed
For taller individuals, a sliding bed might be a better option. It requires parts to slide and unfold, making it more complex but saving space during the day.
Dinette Setup
A dinette setup provides the most living space but sacrifices some of the garage storage.
Other Bed Options
Consider a Murphy bed or a bed that lowers from the ceiling as alternative configurations.
Our Design
Our van features a bed that extends above the seats and table on a Lagun leg. While these seats aren’t for driving, they offer good storage and can be used for meals and work when parked. The table is movable, providing flexible eating and working spaces.
Additional Seating
If you want extra seats with seat belts for driving, an authorized company will need to install them.
8. How to Build a Campervan: Building a Functional Kitchen
Kitchen Requirements in Poland
In Poland, it’s a legal requirement for campers to have a designated space for preparing meals.
A typical kitchen module includes a sink, a worktop, a gas plate, as well as cabinets and drawers for storing kitchen utensils and food. Our cabinet walls are made of plywood, and we chose a 2 cm (0.78 inches) oak top.
Refrigerator
In addition to cabinets, it’s important to plan for a refrigerator. Portable and camper refrigerators are available, but for longer trips, a 12 V camper fridge is recommended.
Our Kitchen Setup
For our kitchen setup, we used non-camper solutions, including a spacious steel sink, a large pull-out faucet, and a gas plate without an open flame.
What Are the Best Materials for Building a Campervan
When building campervan furniture, selecting the right materials is crucial. One popular choice is birch plywood, which comes in various thicknesses based on its use:
1. 3 mm (0.12 inches) plywood is often used for decorative elements.
2. 6.5 mm (0.26 inches) is suitable for lightweight cabinets and walls.
3. 12 mm (0.47 inches) plywood is ideal for most cabinets.
4. 18 mm (0.71 inches) is recommended for high-stress areas like seats.
Another option is to use wooden or aluminum profiles as a base and mount camper plywood on top. This technique is commonly used for cargo cabinets and shower walls.
When choosing materials, consider factors like weight, durability, and aesthetics. By using high-quality materials and carefully planning your design, you can create a functional and stylish interior for your campervan.
9. How to Build a Campervan: Building a Camper Van Bathroom
Why Include a Bathroom?
While a bathroom in a campervan is optional, many people choose to include one for added comfort and independence.
Installing Shower and Toilet
You can install a shower and toilet in your camper to avoid relying on public facilities at rest stops and campsites. Our camper’s bathroom measures 100 cm x 60 cm (39.4 inches x 23.6 inches), with a 60 cm x 60 cm (23.6 inches x 23.6 inches) shower tray and a waterproof toilet. The toilet can double as a shower by sliding the door closed.
Construction Materials and Design
We built our shower from plywood and coated it with yacht paint for full waterproofing. We used standard doors for entry, but alternatives include camper-specific doors or plexiglass walls. Pay close attention to corners and connection points to ensure a watertight seal.
Choosing the Right Toilet
While chemical toilets are common in motorhomes, we chose the Nature’s Head composting toilet for its eco-friendliness and ease of use. Though it may be more expensive, it is a practical and effective choice.
10. Camper Van Decor: Choosing the Perfect Details
One of the main reasons we decided to build our own campervan was to steer clear of the generic look of factory-built motorhomes.
Our goal was to create a space that felt cozy and looked great, using natural materials, harmonious colors, and unique details. We went with a coastal boho style, blending natural elements with beach-inspired decor.
For example, we added white pillows that look like beach baskets, and included hat hangers and other small accessories. While we used standard solutions for things like electrics and water systems, we chose classic interior accessories to give the campervan the style we wanted.
11. Must-Have Camper Van Accessories
When building our campervan, we made sure to include various accessories that are useful while traveling but not necessarily mounted inside the vehicle.
These accessories include camping chairs, a fold-out table, a yoga mat, thermal window mats, and pillows and blankets that match the interior style. We also packed kitchen and bathroom accessories that come in handy on the road.
For water refilling, we use a hose with different tap tips, and we carry a 230 V power cable for electricity. At campsites, we use leveling driveways, and we keep a basic set of tools for any potential technical issues with the van.
12. Registering Your Converted Van as a Campervan
When rebuilding a campervan, the final stage is to formally re-register it as an RV.
To do this in Poland, you must meet the basic requirements of an RV, which include having a sleeping place, a place to prepare meals, a sitting area, and table that can be dismantled for driving.
Additionally, you must pass a technical examination, weigh the car, pay excise duty, and visit the appropriate office. While this process may seem daunting, it can be done efficiently with proper preparation.
It’s important to note that regulations may vary by country, so it’s essential to check the requirements for your specific location before beginning this process.
With the right knowledge and resources, you can successfully register your rebuilt campervan as an RV and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
How Long Does it Take to Convert a Van to a Camper
The duration of converting a van to a camper depends on several factors, such as the size of the campervan, the chosen layout, the workforce, and the available time.
In our case, the conversion took approximately 8 months.
It’s important to note that we dedicated our time to the project outside of regular working hours, primarily on weekends.
Bonus: Essential Skills for Van to Camper Conversion
Constructing a campervan is not an easy task, but with the right resources and patience, you can learn everything you need to know during the construction process.
Safety First
Safety is crucial in every area of construction, so be sure to read up on basic work techniques and use personal protective equipment.
Woodworking
Woodworking is essential since almost everything in a campervan is custom-made. To get started, consider reading a book on the topic or watching YouTube channels on woodworking.
With a few basic tools and knowledge of wood joints and assembly methods, you can build your own cabinets with ease and satisfaction.
Electricity and Electronics
Electricity and electronics can be challenging, but you can often find someone to help with the design or installation.
If you want to tackle it yourself, start by learning about fixed and alternating current, selecting wires, installing fuses, and connecting components. Always read the device instructions for installation guidance.
Plumbing
Plumbing is relatively simple if you ensure that high-pressure parts (like fresh water) don’t leak and that outflow parts are properly connected.
Begin by learning how the components connect and test your system outside the van. A water tank connected to a pump and hoses makes for a good test system. Perform leakage tests before installing the final system in the van.
Gas Assembly
Gas assembly is best handled by specialists due to the serious consequences of gas leaks. If you choose to do it yourself, learn to connect gas elements and acquire the right tools to test the installation’s tightness.
Metalworking
Metalworking involves cutting holes in the van’s body, so quality tools are crucial. Using poor-quality blades or jigsaws can damage the van’s sheets, so invest in high-quality tools to make the job easier and reduce the risk of mistakes.
Car Mechanics
If you want to tackle it yourself, start by learning about fixed and alternating current, selecting wires, installing fuses, and connecting components. Always read the device instructions for installation guidance.
How to Build a Campervan: Summary
If you’re considering embarking on a van build to create your own campervan, it might seem a bit daunting at first. But with some patience and a bit of knowledge, it’s actually quite doable.
First, start by planning and finding the right van. Once you’ve got your van, you can jump into the build process. This involves installing electricity, water, and heating systems. After that, you’ll move on to building cabinets and selecting accessories. And then, you’ll be all set to plan your first trip!
We’ve covered the basics of each stage in building a campervan, but each one could easily be expanded into its own detailed guide.
If you have specific questions or want more info on any of these steps, just let us know in the comments. Go ahead and chase your dream of building your own campervan—you’ve got this!
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