Pocket Guide: 10 Tips For Starting A Campervan Conversion

A dialled camper ready at the drop of a hat to head somewhere, anywhere, is a kind of solace in this busy world. To wander, roam, and set home in space removed from the ordinary. To live simply, to hold court over a tiny pocket of the world, to live with far less than we’ve all become accustomed to. If escapism is our individual capacity to find freedom, feet up out the back of a camper is one of the finest settings to live that mindset.

That much-needed escape can be found, if just for a day or a night. That if you let it, the road will lead you to places you would never have found on a map. Let’s lighten the whimsy for a second and put on our practical hats; where do you start? It’s all well and good talking the talk, but first you’ve got to build the… build.

Charlie Low and Dale Comley have been parked up in the vanlife space for a while now, and when the word went out at HQ that we’d started to stock their book The Van Conversion Bible, the team got excited. These two have spent many years living and working remotely from their self-built campervan, Ringo (that’s right, the cover star). Here, they share their top 10 tips to help you start your own campervan conversion journey.

We wish you well on the road.

Written by Charlie Low & Dale Comley

Authors of The Van Conversion Bible & Co-founders of Nohma 

In need of the gear to get you out there? We’re stoked to partner with Dometic, an industry leader in outdoor furniture, storage and cookout essentials. Everything you need for your next camping adventure, it’s gear designed to pack, stack and go.

Dreaming of life on the open road in your own campervan? Converting a van into a fully functional home is an exciting yet challenging process. With the right approach, even beginners can create a comfortable, self-sufficient campervan perfect for road trips, off-grid escapes, and long-term travel. Here’s how:

• Rent a van to test out van life: Firsthand experience of what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s truly for you.

• Define your needs & lifestyle: Will you head off-grid, stick to campsites, or do a mix of both?

• Choose the right van: Your van is the foundation of your build, so choose wisely.

• Plan your layout carefully: Where will you enter and exit? How easy is it to reach storage areas? Fixed or foldable bed? 

• Decide on your water, gas and electrical systems early on: Solar panels, vents, and electrical inlets need to be positioned early to avoid issues down the line.

• Ensure you include sufficient ventilation: Proper airflow is essential for reducing condensation and keeping your space fresh.

• Invest in tools and a workbench: If you don’t have all the tools, borrow from fellow van builders or rent specialist equipment when needed.

• Plan for security & safety: Van theft is a risk, installing security measures like slam locks, a GPS tracker, and a steering wheel lock is a wise precaution.

• Take your time & enjoy the process: Break the build into manageable stages and celebrate small milestones along the way.

• Do your research: For everything there is to know about van conversions, read The Van Conversion Bible.

   

Before investing time and money into a van conversion, try renting a campervan first. This will help you experience van life firsthand and get a feel for what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s truly for you. You’ll learn what kind of layout suits your needs and whether you prefer a compact or spacious build.

Renting also helps you understand how you’ll use key systems like water, electrics, and cooking facilities. You might realise a fixed shower cubicle isn’t a must-have, freeing up valuable space, or that a fixed bed works better than a convertible one because of the extra storage underneath. It’s much easier to adjust a design before you start building than to make expensive changes later.

A trial run in a rental van also lets you experience real-world challenges, like parking, storage, and weather conditions. This can shape your design decisions and prevent costly mistakes. And if you decide van life isn’t for you? That’s okay too. Renting first can save you from committing to something that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.

Before buying your van, think about how you’ll use it. Will you be travelling full-time or just taking shorter trips? Will you mostly stay off-grid, stick to campsites, or do a mix of both? Will you shower inside or outside? Defining your must-haves early will shape your entire conversion.

Consider the climate you’ll be travelling in and whether you need extra insulation, heating, or cooling. If you plan to work remotely, prioritise a workspace and a suitable electrical system. Storage is also crucial, so think about where you’ll keep essentials like clothes, food, surfboards, and climbing gear.

A well-thought-out plan is key to a successful van conversion. Rushing into the build often leads to costly mistakes and compromises in comfort and practicality. The clearer your vision from the start, the smoother the process and the more enjoyable life on the road.

Your van is the foundation of your build, so choose wisely. A good rule of thumb is to allocate around 60% of your total budget to the vehicle itself. You could spend tens of thousands on a high-end conversion, but if the van is unreliable, you’re setting yourself up for problems. On the flip side, a basic conversion in a brand-new, expensive van could reduce its resale value. Finding the right balance will save you trouble in the long run.

We highly recommend ex-fleet vehicles, as they’re typically well-maintained and regularly serviced. For reputable courier fleets, reliability is essential, with every minute counting toward meeting delivery targets and service agreements. As a result, these vehicles are often kept in excellent condition to minimise downtime.

Buying second-hand is a greener choice and helps you avoid steep depreciation, VAT costs, and early mechanical issues. When viewing a van, be sure to check for rust, service history, and mileage. Popular options include the Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, and VW Crafter.

Another crucial consideration is weight. The larger the van, the harder it is to stay within the 3,500kg limit, especially once you factor in a full fuel tank, water, passengers, and all your gear. Exceeding this weight not only requires an additional driving license but may also mean upgrading suspension, brakes, and tyres to keep the vehicle safe and prevent it from struggling up even the smallest hills.

Your van’s layout will determine how comfortable and functional your space feels. Once you’ve explored different layout ideas and settled on a design, use masking tape and empty boxes to create a simple mock-up inside your van. This will help you visualise the space and ensure everything fits as planned. Don’t forget to allocate room for storage, electrics, and essentials like a water tank or gas locker.

Think about accessibility. Where will you enter and exit? How easy is it to reach storage areas? If you’re including a bed, decide whether a fixed or foldable setup suits your lifestyle. Multi-functional furniture can help you make the most of limited space, but avoid overcomplicating things.

Simple layouts are often the most practical and comfortable in the long run. Constantly rearranging elements to switch between sleeping, working, and cooking can quickly become exhausting. Taking the time to refine your design now will make van life far more enjoyable later.

Your van’s core systems - water, gas, and electrics - should be planned from the outset, as they directly impact the structure of your build. Poor planning can lead to major headaches, from tricky retrofits to costly redesigns. Key components like solar panels, vents, and electrical inlets need to be positioned early to avoid conflicts with other elements.

For example, placing a vent in the middle of your roof without considering solar panel placement could leave you without enough space for a decent solar setup. That could mean you can’t power all your essentials, like your coffee machine! Similarly, installing insulation and cladding before planning your wiring and inlets can turn a simple job into a frustrating, time-consuming challenge.

Beyond placement, think about practicality. Where will you fill up your water tank? How easy will it be to access gas bottles for refilling? Will your electrical system support all your appliances without overloading? These considerations will make daily life in your van much smoother.

If designing your own electrical system feels overwhelming, Nohma offers a free electrical design service to help you create a safe and reliable system for your campervan.

Proper airflow is essential for reducing condensation and keeping your space fresh. Roof vents, skylights, and side windows improve circulation and make the van feel more open.

Condensation is one of the biggest challenges in a campervan. Without adequate ventilation, moisture can lead to mould, damp bedding, and a generally uncomfortable environment. A roof vent combined with strategically placed windows can create cross-ventilation and improve air movement.

Additionally, consider ventilation for specific areas like the kitchen and sleeping space. A small extractor fan near the cooking area can help remove steam and odours, making the van a more comfortable place to live.

Having the right tools will make your conversion far easier and more efficient. Good quality power tools like a router, drill, and circular saw make tasks quicker and more precise.

A sturdy workbench is also invaluable, providing a stable surface for cutting and assembling materials. While many van builders make do with makeshift setups, a proper workspace can save you a huge amount of time and frustration, especially when tackling tricky builds.

If you don’t have all the tools, borrow from fellow van builders or rent specialist equipment when needed. Some tools, like a wood router or a hydraulic crimping tool for the electrics, might only be used for a single day, making renting a cost-effective and practical option.

Van theft is a real risk, so installing security measures like slam locks, a GPS tracker, and a steering wheel lock is a wise precaution. Inside, make sure you have a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher for safety.

Think about how you’ll protect valuables like laptops and cameras. Lockable storage or hidden compartments add security, but the best deterrent is keeping valuables out of sight. Be mindful of what’s visible through your windows - if a thief doesn’t see anything worth stealing, they’re far less likely to take the risk of breaking in.

Finally, ensure your gas and electrical systems are installed safely. Faulty wiring or gas leaks can be dangerous, so double-check everything or seek professional help where needed.

Rushing your van conversion will only lead to mistakes. Researching, planning, and learning new skills will result in a better build. If a task feels overwhelming, hiring a professional for electrics, gas, or carpentry can save time and stress.

Break the build into manageable stages and celebrate small milestones along the way. Things won’t always go to plan, but staying flexible will make the process much more enjoyable.

Your van doesn’t need to be finished before you start enjoying it. Compared to a rainy UK camping trip, even a mattress in an empty van can feel like luxury.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a campervan that suits your lifestyle. Taking your time means you’ll get the details right and end up with a van you truly love.

To ensure you’ve considered every option, we’ve covered everything there is to know about van conversions in our definitive guide, The Van Conversion Bible. It’s now available to purchase on Passenger’s website:

Thanks for reading, if you’ve got a van build in progress or a dream rig in the works… We know the team would love to hear about ‘em. Instagram is the place, we’ll meet you there for a nosey.

#MyEscapism