Turn Your Van Into A Campervan

Do you think your unused van parked on the driveway is a waste of space?

How about converting it into a campervan!

It’s possible to convert your van into a hotel on wheel even on a low budget. The benefits include cheaper insurance and a more adventurous and enjoyable way to travel.

So what do you need to consider? What are the costs? The insurance requirements? And what makes a suitable campervan?

Below we cover some of the main questions and offer a few tips but it’s always worth contacting campervan societies and joining social media groups to access as much knowledge and advice as possible. Speak to the relevant authorities when it comes to legal issues like licenses.

How much does it cost to convert a van into a campervan?

The cost is limited by your imagination so it really could be anything from a little to a lot. It can range from £500 for a simple build all the way up to £40,000 if you would like a more professional and luxurious finish. When it comes to costs, it is important to understand where the money goes. Some of the things that take up your budget when converting a van include:

·       Windows/vents

·       Insulation

·       Flooring/Cladding

·       Electrics

·       Gas and heating installation

·       Amenities (kitchen and bathroom)

·       Registration

·       Security

·       Furnishings

So, there are many factors to bear in mind when converting a van into a campervan.

A good place to start is to decide whether you have an appropriate van to convert into a campervan.

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Have I got a suitable van?

It all depends on the size of the current van you own. You’ll probably need enough space for it to be comfortable, easy to manoeuvre and park and for it to be appropriate and reliable when on the roads. If you have a family, you’ll need a larger van than solo travellers, but it will be more expensive to run, maintain and more difficult to drive and park.

Smaller vans are perfect for solo trips or couple holidays, but they tend to offer less comfort and home luxury than a larger van. Fuel consumption will be less and getting around will be easier too.

So finding a happy medium is often a good compromise. There is enough room for moving around with a decent sized bathroom and kitchen as well as it being cheaper to run than larger vans. Like larger vans though, parking may still be complicated.

Next, you’ll need to think about the interior of the van and whether to add any extras such as furniture, insulation etc.

How to build campervan furniture, insulation and prevent condensation

When it comes to adding features to your campervan to give it that homely feeling, it is important you have a clear flooring plan and an idea of what you want the inside to look like. By having a vision, it then makes it easier to take the measurements of where you want certain things to go.

Some of the furniture you can build by hand includes:

·       A bed

·       A table

·       Cupboards

·       Units (kitchen)

In terms of insulation, you need to make sure your campervan is warm for the winter but also cool for the summer as well as reducing condensation. It is crucial to be aware of what type of insulation you use, where you’re going to put it and how you’re going to put it in.

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One of the best insulations for campervans is Havelock Sheep’s Wool which is claimed to be sound dampening, has moisture control, breathable and easy to install.

What about condensation?

In a campervan, condensation can be a problem. A few tips to consider in order to reduce its impact are:

·       Keep the van warm

·       Keep it ventilated and consider an extractor fan and vent

·       Buy a handheld window cleaner vacuum

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Do I need to register it as a campervan?

It is always best to check the latest guidelines from the DVLA. Currently, in the UK you have the option of re-registering your van as a ‘motor caravan’ with the DVLA, but it is not a requirement to re-register the vehicle.  You can continue to use the vehicle as a campervan, even if it is still registered as a van, as long as you have the right insurance.

Will I need a different insurance once I have converted?

Yes you do. The good news is that converted campervan insurance is generally cheaper than van insurance. You’ll need to speak to a specialist to make sure you have the right cover at the best price.

Once your campervan has been successfully converted, you don’t need to keep it all to yourself. More people are renting out their campervans these days.

Should I hire it out once is has been converted?

There may be times where your campervan is sitting out on the drive and you may begin to feel guilty about its lack of use, so hiring it out will bring in extra cash and keep it running.

 Campervan day rates vary from £40 up to £170 depending on the quality of your campervan.

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For any more tips on campervans, caravans, motorhomes and more, then check out our main blog page!

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