How to convert a van into a camper van? That’s a question many travellers have asked themselves. The majority usually do after having gone on many aimless adventures during which they have had to sleep in the back of their vehicles. So if you don’t want to be uncomfortable sleeping every time you leave home, why not convert your van so you can sleep in it overnight?

If you don’t want to spend much money and you’re good with tools and crafts, this is the best option. Below are the steps you need to follow to convert your van into a camper van.

Six steps to create a camper van

Before diving right in to creating a camper van, you need to know what materials you’ll be using and the steps to follow to ensure everything turns out perfect. Let’s begin!

Insulation, so the cold won’t get to you!

Insulation is a step many people skip when creating a camper van. Before undertaking your journey, you need to consider the time of year during which you wish to travel, as well as your destination. For example, if you decide to travel in summer and will be heading to a warm destination, insulation won’t be necessary in your van.

However, if you opt to travel to a colder destination or to travel during winter, you had best protect your van to make sure you stay warm. The best materials are rockwool for the widest parts, such as the frame, and self-adhesive foam for the rest, which can be easily fitted. This way, your vehicle will be prepared to take on low temperatures.

Floors

The second step is fitting the floor, specifically a type that is resistant to humidity. Furthermore, it should be quite thin so it doesn’t detract from the height allowance inside the van. Is there a better way to ensure a perfect finish than a synthetic, wood-effect vinyl? If it comes in one piece it will be easier to fit using its adhesive system.

Furnishings

One aspect that can be a bit of a challenge when working out how to create a camper van is the furnishings. To avoid the van weighing more than necessary, use fine panels that are resistant and light. As such, you can make the most of the space with greater functionality and comfort for travelling in your van.

Space to sleep: the perfect mattress!

One of your priorities when creating a camper van should be your mattress. Given that you will be sleeping for a large portion of time, the best solution would be to construct a customised foam mattress. This is the cheapest, best quality, most comfortable material, and it is also the easiest to move.

Shower and bathroom

If you’re considering installing a shower tray, the best thing to do is build a wooden surface that will support it. Then you need to line it with pieces of plastic so the water won’t damage the wood.

You can also add a mini WC similar to those used in caravans but smaller in size. This convenient apparatus will mean you won’t have to leave your van during the night.

Procedure to standardise your van

Like any other vehicle, camper vans must follow regulations, which are linked to MOTs. For this reason, once you’ve created your camper van you will need to take it to pass a new, extraordinary MOT.

The first thing you should do is request an appointment at the MOT service point where your van will undergo the test. Secondly, you must present all necessary MOT documentation. This includes the compliance report from the vehicle’s official brand, the camper van project developed by an engineer, and the workshop assembly certificate where the renovation took place.

Alternatively, if you have used anchoring systems that don’t modify your van’s elements when you create your camper van, passing an ordinary MOT will be sufficient.

Have you learned how to create a camper van?

With these simple steps your camper van will be ready to travel. Have you started any of them? If you can think of another essential step, let us know! That way, we can create the best guide to transforming vans into camper vans together.