Dreaming of your own camper van? Converting a van takes time, dedication, and determination. We’ve built our own camper van and tackled van conversion, so we know firsthand it’s no easy task.
In this guide, you’ll find 12 essential tips for your camper van build, all based on our personal experience. We’ll cover planning, preparation, and choosing the right materials and equipment.
With these insights, you’ll avoid common mistakes and set yourself up for success. Get ready for a read that guides you through every step, helping you build a camper van that fits your needs perfectly.
Ready to discover our top 12 tips? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Choose the Right Battery Capacity for Your Van Conversion
To keep the power flowing smoothly during your campervan adventures, it’s crucial to pick the right battery capacity. For a worry-free journey, start with a 100 AH battery as your baseline.
If you plan to power extra devices like a refrigerator or laptop, consider upgrading to a 200 AH battery for more energy reserve. For air conditioning, add another 100 AH, making it a total of 300 AH.
Assess your electrical needs carefully to avoid battery drain and power outages. Before you start your camper van conversion, think about what devices you’ll use, how long they’ll run, and your daily energy consumption.
Choosing the right battery capacity helps ensure you stay powered up and avoids the hassle of unexpected shortages.
Your camper van is your mobile home, so make sure you’ve got a reliable power supply for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
2. Maintain an Optimal Camper Van Weight
Keeping your camper van weight in check is key for a smooth and safe trip. In Europe, the total weight—including passengers—shouldn’t exceed 3.5 tons.
Going over this limit can lead to higher fuel consumption and longer braking distances. So, choosing lightweight materials is crucial.
When building and outfitting your camper van, aim for accessories and materials designed specifically for camper vans. They’re often lighter yet durable.
For instance, using 12 mm (1/2”) plywood instead of 16 mm (2/3”) and 9 mm (3/8”) paneling can cut down the weight without sacrificing strength.
Use butyl mats sparingly to keep weight down, and remember that full water tanks add weight too.
By focusing on maintaining an optimal weight, you’ll save on fuel and improve safety. Lightweight materials and accessories help make your travels more cost–effective and enjoyable.
3. Choose the Perfect Van for Your Needs
When it comes to camper van conversions, picking the right vehicle is key to fitting your needs. Popular options like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster offer great comfort, space, and versatility.
If you’re planning to tackle rugged terrains, consider a 4×4 vehicle. It provides excellent traction and lets you reach those hard-to-get-to spots with ease.
For shorter weekend trips, compact vans under 2 meters (6.6 feet) in height are a great choice. They fit in regular parking spaces, including underground lots, and are perfect for exploring tourist spots without parking hassles.
By thinking about your travel needs and preferences, you can find the perfect van for your adventures. Choose wisely and get ready for unforgettable trips tailored just for you.
4. Figure Out the Best Solar Panel Capacity
Determining the right solar panel capacity is key for charging your campervan’s batteries efficiently. For basic needs, panels with 100-200 W should do the trick.
If you’ll be using appliances like a fridge or multiple devices, aim for panels in the 300-400 W range. For more power-hungry setups, consider panels over 400 W.
Assess your power needs and consider your travel locations. In sunny areas, lower-power panels can be enough, while in less sunny regions, you might need higher-power ones.
Choosing the right solar panel capacity ensures you stay powered up and independent, making your travels more enjoyable and sustainable.
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5. Estimating Time for Your Van Conversion
Starting a van conversion is super exciting, but it’s also a pretty big project. To keep things on track, it’s smart to create a timeline that reflects all the different stages of the build.
And a good rule of thumb is to double your initial time estimate—this way, you’ll have a buffer for any unexpected hiccups.
Make sure you set aside enough time for each step of the conversion. It’s better to work carefully and avoid rushing, as this will help you avoid mistakes and do a better job overall.
Don’t forget to schedule breaks for yourself. The conversion process can be tough, both physically and mentally, so taking time to relax will keep you motivated and feeling good throughout the project.
6. Don’t Stress Over Camper Van Insulation
When it comes to camper van insulation, don’t sweat it.
While good insulation and reducing condensation are important, getting it perfect is nearly impossible. Instead, focus on cutting down condensation and keeping your van well-ventilated.
Certain spots, like windows and door gaps, just can’t be insulated perfectly. But don’t think insulation is only for winter—it’s also key in summer to keep your van cool on hot days.
Every camper van is different, so you’ll need a personalized approach. Prioritize insulation and ventilation, and you’ll have a comfy van and great travels. Think of insulation as your friend, not something to stress about!
7. Maximize Ventilation in Your Camper Van
Good ventilation in your camper van is key to a comfortable and healthy space.
It helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps temperatures pleasant, especially on hot days. To get this right, focus on good air circulation and consider some smart ventilation solutions.
A great idea is to install a fan and add tilt windows. Place a fan above the kitchen to handle steam and odors, and put windows at the back to let air flow through easily.
With these steps, you’ll keep your camper van’s humidity in check and create a comfy environment, even in the heat.
Just remember, the best setup for your fan and windows depends on your camper van’s layout and your personal preferences. A bit of thoughtfulness here will make your travels a lot more enjoyable.
8. Optimize Your Camper Van’s Bed for Comfort Sleep
When converting your van, don’t forget about the bed. A common mistake is making it too short, which can lead to an uncomfortable sleep.
If your bed is across the van (usually about 180 cm or 5.9 feet long), it’s fine for people under 170-175 cm (5.6-5.7 feet) tall.
But if you’re taller than 180 cm (5.9 feet), aim for a bed length of at least 190 cm (6.2 feet). You might need to install it lengthwise or extend the sides to give yourself enough room.
A well-designed bed means better sleep and a more enjoyable travel experience.
A longer bed lets you stretch out and relax after a day of adventures. It helps you sleep better without having to twist or bend awkwardly.
Take the time to get the bed length right for your needs. The goal is to enjoy every moment of your travels, and a good bed is key to that.
9. Optimize Your Camper Van’s Seating Configuration
When setting up your camper van, think about your seating needs for a comfortable trip. The number of seats should match the number of people traveling with you.
If you’re traveling as a couple, swap the bench for a comfy passenger seat. For larger groups, add extra certified seats to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Avoid adding unnecessary seats. Extra seats can lead to extra costs and waste space.
Carefully assess your needs and plan your seating layout based on how many travelers there will be. A well-thought-out seating arrangement will make your journey more enjoyable and make the most of your camper van.
10. Invest in Essential Tools for Van Conversion
Getting the right tools is key for a smooth camper van conversion. You’ll need a few basics like a hole digger, jigsaw, drill, cable crimper, screws, and wrenches. These will be handy throughout the build.
For tools you’ll use only now and then, don’t overspend. Consider renting or borrowing them. But for tools you’ll use a lot, invest in good-quality ones—they last longer and work better.
Choose tools based on your specific project and skill level. Not every tool might be necessary for your build. Tailor your tool list to fit your needs for an easier conversion process.
11. Customize the Water Tank Size to Suit Your Needs
When choosing a water tank for your camper van, think about what you really need. While a larger tank might seem better, remember that each liter of water adds about 1 kg (2.2 lbs), which can affect fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Also, keep your setup balanced by matching the size of your greywater tank to your freshwater tank to avoid too much waste.
For a camper van with two people, a tank size of about 80-100 liters (21-26 gallons) is common, paired with a 93-liter (25-gallon) greywater tank. This setup gives you enough water for several days, covering things like dishwashing and showers.
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Get your free Travel Budget Calculator now and plan your trip without the stress of overspending!
12. Consider Your Abilities When Building a Camper Van
When building a camper van, assess your skills and goals carefully. While learning and doing things yourself can be fulfilling, it’s wise to get advice or hire experts for tricky tasks. This can save you time, stress, and avoid costly mistakes.
Figure out what you can handle on your own and where you might need professional help. Some jobs require specialized tools that can be pricey, so it might be more cost-effective to outsource.
For example, we hired experts to handle complex tasks like gas cylinder and pneumatic suspension installations with precision and safety.
Building a camper van is a big investment, so it’s important to do it right. Balance DIY efforts with expert help to ensure the best results and a smoother process.
Van Conversion: Summary
Starting a camper van conversion is an exciting project that needs some careful planning. To make it a success, gather tips and info to steer clear of common mistakes.
There’s no one-size-fits-all for building a camper van—let your personal preferences and lifestyle guide you.
Building a camper van is a personal journey. Enjoy the adventure, get creative, and have fun making your dream van a reality.
With good planning and a clear vision, your camper van project will be a rewarding experience!
Make sure to share this article with your friends who are tackling their own van conversions! And feel free to leave a comment below with your own experiences to inspire others.
More articles you might be interested in:
- Complete A-Z Guide for Campervan Conversion: Your Roadmap to Success
- How to Build a Campervan? Step-by-Step Guide (+Bonus)
- Your Ultimate Guide to Van Build: Answering Top 20 Questions
- 12 Things to Know Before Starting Your Campervan Conversion
- 20 Genius Vanlife Hacks to Make Your Traveling Life Easier