How to Convert Your Van to a Camper

While camper vans are a popular way to camp, they can be costly to purchase. Converting an existing passenger van to a camper van allows you to determine the features and layout of the camper, while possibly cutting the cost by thousands. The degree of difficulty involved in converting a van to a camper is ultimately determined by the level of conversion involved. For example, adding carpet and a bed to an empty cargo van will be a simple project, while removing seats and installing plumbing in a passenger van will be a bit more difficult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Cargo or passenger van Basic hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammer and wrenches Power tools such as a drill and saw Voltage tester Razor knife Paint Sandpaper
Cargo or passenger van
Basic hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammer and wrenches
Power tools such as a drill and saw
Voltage tester
Razor knife
Paint
Sandpaper

Step 1

Evaluate your van to determine how it can be converted. Examine how seats are connected to the frame and how the interior fabric is fastened. Determine what can be easily removed or refitted to be used as a camper. Also evaluate the wiring to establish if you will need to install additional circuits or wiring harnesses. Measure the interior dimensions during this phase.

Step 2

Using the information you gathered, sketch out a design for your conversion. Plan for the sleeping area and any other features such as kitchen facilities, refrigeration or entertainment you plan to include. Be sure to allow for ease of movement and functionality of the new design.

Step 3

Remove existing interior components not included in your final camper design. Be careful to only remove the parts necessary, leaving other interior parts intact and in good condition. Keep any removed sections to be uses for patching final design.

Step 4

Prepare areas exposed during the removal of non-essential parts. Plug or patch any holes left after removal of seating or other components. Paint or sand any exposed metal.

Step 5

Install wiring and plumbing to support your new camper van design. Stub out plumbing to match the location of any sink or toilet facility to be installed. Install wiring or reroute existing wiring harnesses to meet the needs of new fixtures to be installed. Ensure that all wiring is secure and protected from damage by moving parts.

Step 6

Install new interior components and fixtures as shown in your design. Items such as beds and seating should be securely fastened to prevent movement during vehicle operation. Consider locking cabinets and doors to prevent items from falling out during movement.

Step 7

Test new features for functionality and ease of use. Make sure to test all electrical items under a full load, with the vehicle running and with it off. Test all plumbing for leaks and water pressure. Drive the camper to test how the new interior reacts to movement and re-evaluate anything that shifts or moves.

Tips & Warnings

Be sure you don't remove or disable any required safety equipment during your conversion. Measure carefully and double-check your measurements before making any cuts or drilling any holes. Items such as televisions, DVD players or refrigeration may require the installation of a heavy-duty battery or voltage converters.

Be sure you don't remove or disable any required safety equipment during your conversion.

Measure carefully and double-check your measurements before making any cuts or drilling any holes.

Items such as televisions, DVD players or refrigeration may require the installation of a heavy-duty battery or voltage converters.

Never compress insulation, as this reduces the effectiveness of the product. Newly installed seating should not be used during vehicle operation, as it may not provide adequate protection in a wreck.

Never compress insulation, as this reduces the effectiveness of the product.

Newly installed seating should not be used during vehicle operation, as it may not provide adequate protection in a wreck.

Article Written By Jeff O'Kelley

Jeff O'Kelley has been a freelance writer and photographer for more than 10 years. His work, which is primarily focused on food, travel and entertainment, has graced websites and publications such as CNN, Creative Loafing and TBT.com. O'Kelley holds associate degrees in telecommunications and website design from St. Petersburg College.

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