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How to Convert a Van to a Camper Van

How to Convert a Van to a Camper Van

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Camping is a popular type of family vacation, especially in the summer months and for families that are on a budget. According to the U.S. National Park Service, more than 275 million people a year visit the nation's parks. For those of us who cannot afford an expensive RV or camper, there is a simple solution---convert your family van into a camper. This can be done very easily and interchangeably so that you can have a travel van by day and a sleeping camper by night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Sleeping bag Foam cushions Folding table Jugs of water Basin Deep-cycle batteries Power inverters
  • Sleeping bag
  • Foam cushions
  • Folding table
  • Jugs of water
  • Basin
  • Deep-cycle batteries
  • Power inverters
Step 1
Locate the latches located on the bottom sides of the seats of your van and press them while pushing on the seats to cause the seats to fold down flat.
Step 2
Remove the seats completely by sliding them off of the tracks and pulling them from the van. Place them in the front of the back area of the van, directly against the backs of the driver and passenger seats.
Step 3
Place your sleeping bag into your newly converted camper first, as it will likely consume the most space. Consider stacking the sleeping bag on top of foam cushions and placing it directly against one wall of the van to allow for the most space.
Step 4
Place either a small folding table or breakfast tray inside the camper next (for eating off of). Store several jugs of water along with a basin within your camper for washing your hands and face.
Step 5
Purchase deep-cycle batteries and plug power inverters into them so that you may plug up any electrical devices you may need.
Step 6
Line the back windows of the van with dark curtains for privacy.

Tips & Warnings

 
Replace or refold your seats when you wish to convert your camper back into a van again. Consider investing in a portable DVD player or laptop so that you may watch movies and surf the Net in your camper.
 
Replace or refold your seats when you wish to convert your camper back into a van again.
 
Consider investing in a portable DVD player or laptop so that you may watch movies and surf the Net in your camper.
 
Beware of damaging the seats of your van; never force them to lay back or force them off of the track. Note that in some vans, the seats cannot be removed, in which case you must simply fold the seats down.
 
Beware of damaging the seats of your van; never force them to lay back or force them off of the track.
 
Note that in some vans, the seats cannot be removed, in which case you must simply fold the seats down.

Article Written By Kayla Lowe

Kayla Lowe has been a freelance writer since 2008. She writes for various online publications and is also the author of the book "Maiden's Blush," a Christian-fiction romance novel. Lowe is pursuing a degree in elementary education.

Write for Trails.com

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