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How to convert a van into a camper van: tips for a VW camper conversion

Blog· Van life

21 Jun

Wondering about how to convert a van into a camper? We talked about owning a camper van for so long. I will be honest, my dream was to own a VW split screen, bumbling along the motorway with a garland of flowers hanging from the mirror. Putting my heart to one side, I knew that for us we would want to cover some miles in our campervan, and we needed space for our growing family. We get asked a lot about converting a van into a camper van. So I decided to put our vanlife conversion tips down in one epic post. We opted for a VW T5 camper and we purchased a panel van with a dream. Here is a little more on our VW camper conversion.

*post contains affiliate links

Let’s get things straight. We have absolutely no DIY skills. We had no idea where to start with a campervan conversion. We knew we wouldn’t be able to covert a van to a camper by ourselves and we were under no illusions that we would need to bring in the experts to help us. But we had a dream, and the determination to save, plan, and to turn our dream into reality.

We followed our vanlife dream and purchased a van to convert into a campervan…and so can you!

So where do you start with a DIY camper van conversion? How do you turn a van into a camper van? This post gives you our VW campervan conversion tips, and VW camper conversion hacks, including a few things that we have learned during our DIY campervan conversion journey.

campervan conversion, converting a campervan on a budgethow to convert a van into a camper van

Tips for a VW camper van conversion? first step – Find a van

  • Tips for a VW camper van conversion? first step – Find a van
  • converting a campervan? Plan out what you need (and stick to your budget)
  • VW Campervan interior
  • Storage for a small campervan conversion
  • Camper van conversion insurance
  • Campervan rental
  • So the big question – HOW MUCH DOES A CAMPER VAN CONVERSION COST?

Things we considered essential when looking for a van. The van had to be in good condition, with low mileage and air-conditioning. For us we knew that sitting in traffic in the heat without air-conditioning wouldn’t make for a pleasant journey, so this was an essential for us, and unfortunately it took us a while to find the best van at a fairly decent price with aircon.

We considered a long wheel base but parking was an issue at our little cottage (and our first home) – plus we would be using the van to commute so we knew that this wasn’t an option sadly.

We found a VW T5 short wheel base van that was about 18 months old, with low mileage.

A top tip from Gary over at Camping HQ – If you are planning to sell on at a later date, make sure the model you have chosen doesn’t depreciate in value too much. Also try not to go too bespoke with your conversion if you want to sell the van later on…pink with green spots narrows down potential buyers. 

So shop around, and do your research (take along a second opinion too – AKA my wonderful dad!). Finding the van is the hardest part. I will also add, finding a van that ticked all our boxes – well it was extremely time consuming.

It also wasn’t cheap (is there ever a way to convert a campervan on a budget?) – with all our ££££ spent on the van we had to make plans for a simple camper van conversion that didn’t cost the earth.

how to convert a van into a camper van  including top tips for a DIY campervan conversion

converting a campervan? Plan out what you need (and stick to your budget)

The next bit is tricky, especially if you (like us) spent all of your budget on purchasing a vehicle to covert to a live in vehicle such as an RV or campervan. Yes all of our budget. And we are not DIY minded to do the conversion ourselves so we needed to save and really think about what we needed. So yep… next tip….know your budget and stick to it.

So let me start by telling you our VW conversion is not luxurious. We don’t have a hob or sink, skylights, shower or a toilet. Might save these for our next vanlife dream.

We made two lists. A ‘wish list’ and an ‘essential list’ for camper conversion. We really thought about what we wanted the van for, what activities we would be doing in the van (ie watersports or work commuting). We had a very small budget, so our van is practical and comfortable … and we love it.

The first thing we did initially was our windows and insulation. Then we chucked a mattress in the back, some sleeping bags, some bunting flags, and headed off with our youngest on an adventure. For our first trip we headed to the Llyn Peninsula and I remember it like it was yesterday.

We then took some time to think about our VW campervan interior. so next step …. Take your time to think about what you really need when building a camper? How many do you need the camper to sleep? Do you require a kitchen? How much storage do you need? If you are thinking of a campervan for a family…. you need to be clever with your storage.

VW Campervan interior

There are so many campervan interior ideas and camper conversion layouts to choose from. No two DIY camper conversions are the same and this is the great thing about a DIY van conversion – you can choose exactly what you want and need.

how to convert a van to a campervan including choosing your VW campervan interiors.

When converting a camper van – we chose individually custom built cupboards down the side of the van with a 3/4 rock n roll bed. We added a swivel passenger seat, underbed storage and a fridge. We also added lighting, electric hook up, a diesel heater and a TV. We later added a pop top roof as our family grew and a Fiamma wind-out awning which we absolutely love!

Gary from Camping HQ has some more great tips for converting a camper. He advises to look at other conversions & get some inspiration, really get an idea of the layout. Talk to other people with camper-vans, find out what works for them and what doesn’t and what they would do differently, if they decided to convert a camper again. 

What would I do differently if we converted a van again? I would add a kitchen area for sure, with a microwave maybe and more storage….way more storage. Oh, and maybe a shower, and a toilet. Okay maybe we need a motorhome!

There are so many choices and ideas for your campervan interior. We opted for RIB Seat bed and certified RIB seat installation system, but there are so many options to choose from. Gary from CampingHQ highlights to make sure you conversion is safe – things like Rock’n’Roll beds and gas appliances have regulations that need to be followed – if unsure seek advice!

A campervan holiday in our camper van conversion or self build VW camper

A top tip from Wirral campervan hire – “Look at the lighting in your van. Our pop up roof has no inbuilt lights so we did adapt by adding a remote control LED to provide more light. If you are starting from scratch, think about building in some LEDS, they look amazing, like a starry sky at night.”

choose you interior when converting a camper van on a budget; top tips for a camper van conversion
Photo Credit – Wirral Campervan hire

Storage for a small campervan conversion

How to convert a van into a camper? It is one question that is asked a lot. Another thing I get asked a lot? How do five of you sleep in a T5 camper. Here’s how…..

Campervanning with kids? You may find our post ‘How to sleep 5 in a converted camper van‘ useful with kids sleeping hacks for campervans.

The next question we get asked a lot – where do you put all you stuff? Custom storage for campers for one, and clever packing.

Good storage is key – Wirral Campervan Hire and Camping HQ both agree that storage is key and add their top tip…if you are looking to convert a campervan, make sure you have enough storage space. You can never have too much. 

Think of the spacesaving camper van ideas such as;

  • Packing pods
  • Baskets, boxes, storage nets and car organisers
  • Clever packing – plan the outfits, we also love our hamman towels (these are wonderful and take up no space)
  • We also use a small pop up tent for the really bulky items that come with babies… pushchairs… car seats…. and kids toys/scooters.

You may find my post on storage ideas for a small camper useful

top tips for a camper van conversion including how to convert a van into a camper with a small budget

Camper van conversion insurance

Consider camper van insurance and make sure you get a few quotes. It is really important to ensure you are insured for the work that you are intending to do.

You may find my post on camper van insurance for a self build helpful  

Campervan rental

If you don’t have the time or the inclination to DIY a camper – then why not hire a camper, or motorhome? You can then really find out if van life is for you. Before you spend ££££ on your DIY campervan conversion, hit the open road, explore and enjoy life in a campervan or motorhome with no hassle! There are so many places to hire a small camper in the UK, and if a small camper is not for you, you can look out for small RV rental or motorhome hire. Check out local rental companies.

Camper King agree and advise to “try before you buy.” They add- “If you are not sure whether your family need a long wheel base camper; whether you’d like an off grid focused kit, whether you would like a different style of bed etc. rent a camper van first! The best way to truly work out what is important to you in a campervan is to try it out before investing”.

how to convert a van into a camper van: tips for a camper conversion
Interior – Camper King
T5 campervan converison and how to  convert a van into a camper
image – Camper king

So the big question – HOW MUCH DOES A CAMPER VAN CONVERSION COST?

Honestly? How long is a piece of string? We have spent ££££ but this is because of the cost of products and accessories that we decided to add, pop top roof, bed, and fridge, TV, heater etc not to mention the alloys and additional extras. We also paid for our camper to be converted, but you can certainly convert a camper on a budget especially if you are doing the work yourself. One last tip from Camping HQ – “if you are not doing the work yourself – get some quotes and speak to some conversion companies to get an idea of cost, they will also tell you if you have missed something or if your ideas or conversion plans may not work”.

So still thinking about buying a camper or converting a van into a camper van?

Please do get in touch with you van conversions – we love to hear from you!

How to convert a van into a camper – pin for later

how to turn a van in to a camper van

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, this is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission. 

5 Comments

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Comments

  1. Plutonium Sox says

    June 22, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Some brilliant ideas, thank you! I think we will do this in the future. We are happy with our van for now but we’ll definitely need a bigger one at some point and I want to get a reliable, quite new basic van to convert just as we want it. Love your storage ideas too, I think we need to get some packing pods!
    Nat.x

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      June 22, 2020 at 7:22 pm

      Nat packing pods are the answer to everything 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sam - Travels With My Boys says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:11 am

    Such a great post! Cant beat handy storage tips! x

    Reply
  3. Helen Copson says

    January 23, 2021 at 9:05 pm

    We’ve just ordered a brand new Transporter. Eek! It’s not a camper van, but I would put money on my husband starting to talk about it within the next year.! I’ll have to show him this 🙂

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      January 24, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      I am so excited for you!!! I give you a year and I bet you a bed in it 🙂

      Reply

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otisandus_

Vanlife • Camper Family • VWT5


Ad/ Oh the places we will go .......

I’m reall
Ad/ Oh the places we will go .......
 
I’m really hoping better days are coming for us all 🌈
 
Tonight I wanted to tell you about a wonderful campaign by @whsmithofficial and I’m honoured to have been asked to be a part of it. 

Their aim is to encourage people to try something new throughout 2021. @whsmithofficial have some wonderful products to help you plan your trips (products linked in stories).
 
I would really love you to join me on Friday at 6pm over on the @whsmithofficial account, chatting about why we love vanlife, our favourite road trips, and what vanlife means for us. Believe it or not before we purchased our camper, we had never camped before! 
 
If you have any questions for me, I would love you to send them my way via my stories and I will do my best to answer them on Friday. 
 
Look forward to seeing you over on the @whsmithofficial Instagram on Friday at 6pm! 

#bringiton2021 #vanlife #vanlifewithkids #vwt5


Just popping on to check in on everyone, how are y
Just popping on to check in on everyone, how are you all doing? How are you feeling about the announcements tomorrow?

I know so many are finding it all a bit ‘meh’ at the moment.

So this is a little Sunday reminder to keep doing what makes your soul a
smile, check in on each other often and look after yourselves..... and know that better days are coming 🌈🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 

(My usual Sunday campsite share will be a little late - I’ll post it tomorrow I promise - I’ve been painting the girls bedroom all weekend😆 )

🌈 💕

Last week I chatted to the lovely Jenny @travelynn
Last week I chatted to the lovely Jenny @travelynnfamily as part of her bongo convo series.

Did you catch it?

I think it is the first time I’ve ever chatted on a live, or chatted in front of a camera even 😆

Anyway I just wanted to say thank you  so much for all the messages and lovely comments after the live. I’ve had a few vanlife questions too so I will pop them in my stories for you.

Thank you  Jenny for inviting me to take part in your new live travel chat. Chatting about Van life and road trips .... It definitely made my soul smile :)

🏕Sunday share is back 🏕

My next campsite to
🏕Sunday share is back 🏕

My next campsite to share is a really lovely campsite in Llangollen. We were introduced to this lovely site by my beautiful friend @a_girl_on_the_crescent 

Abbey Farm Campsite

@abbeyfarmllangollen is a working farm set just outside the beautiful town of Llangollen in North Wales.

Suitable  for camping, touring caravans and motor homes and camping pods available.  There are three self-catering cottages to rent and also a static caravan site.

The camping fields are set next to the ruins of Valle Crusis Abbey, and what we loved the most - there is a small brook that runs across the bottom of the field that the kids absolutely loved.

Facilities

Hot showers/ toilets
Laundry room
Bistro/bar
Shop
Electric Hook Up
Dogs Welcome 

What we loved 💕

⭐️Family campsite 
⭐️The brook provided hours of fun
⭐️Picturesque Llangollen a walk away 
⭐️Beautiful location with lots of space and walks
⭐️An ideal base to explore North Wales 

Definitely one to bookmark 

🏡For now the message is to stay at home, but my Sunday share is to inspire and introduce you to new campsites for when the time is right xx


Camping with kids 🏕

I was going to share my ne
Camping with kids 🏕

I was going to share my next favourite campsite but thought I would mix it up a bit with a new topic. Campervan storage. So tell me... What is your favourite storage hack? 

As our Campervan conversion  isn’t quite fully finished we have had to be clever with storage. As a family of five in a T5 space is super tight! 

Our favourite hacks so far....

➡️ Using cushion covers / pillow cases to store items 

➡️ storage hooks on the back of the seats (I think I learned about this one from @daisy_thefamilycamper ) 

➡️ Using a pop up tent to store the large bulky items such as car seats and strollers etc 

➡️ Packing pods to organise the clothes!!! My absolutely favourite thing ever we have used them for years.

➡️ plastic storage bucket for the outside toys that we take to the beach (and can even double up as a baby/toddler bath 

 
 ➡️ Foldable items, folding table, folding scooters, folding chairs, the list goes on but helps with space 

➡️hamman towels. Absolutely wonderful. We were sent some towels to review a few years back and they are incredible. We haven’t looked back and we are fully converted. They don’t take up much space, dry really quickly, have multiple uses  and basically we just love them! 

🌈 I have linked my post in my stories - but would love to hear if you have any campervan storage ideas to share or add? 

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend whatever you have been up to ?


Vanlife with kids - sharing our fave campsites for
Vanlife with kids - sharing our fave campsites for the time when it is safe to travel again 😍🚐

 Sunnyside Croft Touring Site 

This is my next campsite to share... the beautiful Sunnyside Croft Touring Site - an award winning site located between the villages of Arisaig and Mallaig on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands 

⭐️What we loved 🌈

Direct access to the most beautiful beach 
Family friendly, clean  and quiet 
Dogs allowed 
Eco friendly
Lovely touches - outside shower for wetsuits, infant and toddler washroom with a bath 
Pets allowed 

We loved staying here for two nights as part of our Scotland road trip with our beautiful friends. Mallaig is the nearest village  and we loved visiting Skye and Glenfinnan too. The campsite has direct access to the most spectacular beach - just a walk away along a dedicated path.  Definitely one to bookmark and a campsite we would definitely return to.

📸 Our first view of the beach from the campsite 
 
➡️ swipe for more photos of Arisaig and Mallaig

🌈 #stayathome and keep hoping for sunnier days☀️

#dreamingofvanlife #keepondreaming #arisaigbeach #scotlandphotography


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Ad/ Oh the places we will go ....... I’m reall Ad/ Oh the places we will go .......
 
I’m really hoping better days are coming for us all 🌈
 
Tonight I wanted to tell you about a wonderful campaign by @whsmithofficial and I’m honoured to have been asked to be a part of it. 

Their aim is to encourage people to try something new throughout 2021. @whsmithofficial have some wonderful products to help you plan your trips (products linked in stories).
 
I would really love you to join me on Friday at 6pm over on the @whsmithofficial account, chatting about why we love vanlife, our favourite road trips, and what vanlife means for us. Believe it or not before we purchased our camper, we had never camped before! 
 
If you have any questions for me, I would love you to send them my way via my stories and I will do my best to answer them on Friday. 
 
Look forward to seeing you over on the @whsmithofficial Instagram on Friday at 6pm! 

#bringiton2021 #vanlife #vanlifewithkids #vwt5
Just popping on to check in on everyone, how are y Just popping on to check in on everyone, how are you all doing? How are you feeling about the announcements tomorrow?

I know so many are finding it all a bit ‘meh’ at the moment.

So this is a little Sunday reminder to keep doing what makes your soul a
smile, check in on each other often and look after yourselves..... and know that better days are coming 🌈🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 

(My usual Sunday campsite share will be a little late - I’ll post it tomorrow I promise - I’ve been painting the girls bedroom all weekend😆 )

🌈 💕
Last week I chatted to the lovely Jenny @travelynn Last week I chatted to the lovely Jenny @travelynnfamily as part of her bongo convo series.

Did you catch it?

I think it is the first time I’ve ever chatted on a live, or chatted in front of a camera even 😆

Anyway I just wanted to say thank you  so much for all the messages and lovely comments after the live. I’ve had a few vanlife questions too so I will pop them in my stories for you.

Thank you  Jenny for inviting me to take part in your new live travel chat. Chatting about Van life and road trips .... It definitely made my soul smile :)
🏕Sunday share is back 🏕 My next campsite to 🏕Sunday share is back 🏕

My next campsite to share is a really lovely campsite in Llangollen. We were introduced to this lovely site by my beautiful friend @a_girl_on_the_crescent 

Abbey Farm Campsite

@abbeyfarmllangollen is a working farm set just outside the beautiful town of Llangollen in North Wales.

Suitable  for camping, touring caravans and motor homes and camping pods available.  There are three self-catering cottages to rent and also a static caravan site.

The camping fields are set next to the ruins of Valle Crusis Abbey, and what we loved the most - there is a small brook that runs across the bottom of the field that the kids absolutely loved.

Facilities

Hot showers/ toilets
Laundry room
Bistro/bar
Shop
Electric Hook Up
Dogs Welcome 

What we loved 💕

⭐️Family campsite 
⭐️The brook provided hours of fun
⭐️Picturesque Llangollen a walk away 
⭐️Beautiful location with lots of space and walks
⭐️An ideal base to explore North Wales 

Definitely one to bookmark 

🏡For now the message is to stay at home, but my Sunday share is to inspire and introduce you to new campsites for when the time is right xx
Camping with kids 🏕 I was going to share my ne Camping with kids 🏕

I was going to share my next favourite campsite but thought I would mix it up a bit with a new topic. Campervan storage. So tell me... What is your favourite storage hack? 

As our Campervan conversion  isn’t quite fully finished we have had to be clever with storage. As a family of five in a T5 space is super tight! 

Our favourite hacks so far....

➡️ Using cushion covers / pillow cases to store items 

➡️ storage hooks on the back of the seats (I think I learned about this one from @daisy_thefamilycamper ) 

➡️ Using a pop up tent to store the large bulky items such as car seats and strollers etc 

➡️ Packing pods to organise the clothes!!! My absolutely favourite thing ever we have used them for years.

➡️ plastic storage bucket for the outside toys that we take to the beach (and can even double up as a baby/toddler bath 

 
 ➡️ Foldable items, folding table, folding scooters, folding chairs, the list goes on but helps with space 

➡️hamman towels. Absolutely wonderful. We were sent some towels to review a few years back and they are incredible. We haven’t looked back and we are fully converted. They don’t take up much space, dry really quickly, have multiple uses  and basically we just love them! 

🌈 I have linked my post in my stories - but would love to hear if you have any campervan storage ideas to share or add? 

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend whatever you have been up to ?
Vanlife with kids - sharing our fave campsites for Vanlife with kids - sharing our fave campsites for the time when it is safe to travel again 😍🚐

 Sunnyside Croft Touring Site 

This is my next campsite to share... the beautiful Sunnyside Croft Touring Site - an award winning site located between the villages of Arisaig and Mallaig on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands 

⭐️What we loved 🌈

Direct access to the most beautiful beach 
Family friendly, clean  and quiet 
Dogs allowed 
Eco friendly
Lovely touches - outside shower for wetsuits, infant and toddler washroom with a bath 
Pets allowed 

We loved staying here for two nights as part of our Scotland road trip with our beautiful friends. Mallaig is the nearest village  and we loved visiting Skye and Glenfinnan too. The campsite has direct access to the most spectacular beach - just a walk away along a dedicated path.  Definitely one to bookmark and a campsite we would definitely return to.

📸 Our first view of the beach from the campsite 
 
➡️ swipe for more photos of Arisaig and Mallaig

🌈 #stayathome and keep hoping for sunnier days☀️

#dreamingofvanlife #keepondreaming #arisaigbeach #scotlandphotography
Happy Sunday!!! So I have decided on a Sunday fo Happy Sunday!!! 

So I have decided on a Sunday for the next few weeks I am going to do a little campsite share. Sharing our favourite campsites that we have stayed in our #t5camper over the last two or three years. I wanted to (hopefully) give you some inspiration for all those dreaming and planning for when we are able to hit the road in the future. 

My first campsite is @love2stay in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK. Set in 22 acres of grounds with touring and Glamping on-site. 

Love2stay is a beautiful resort and an absolute gem of a site. We have booked again for this year and have stayed more than once over the last two years.

Facilities

Love 2 Stay  has serviced pitches and a  glamping village. The toilet block is modern and clean.  There is so much to do on site you won’t want to venture far. 

➡️ swipe for pictures 

There is a natural swimming pool, restaurant and pizzeria, fitness suite and thermal bath, assault course, children’s adventure play zone, barefoot trails, mini and junior craft activities, cinedrome for movie nights, yoga and Pilates classes, paddle boarding and kayaking....... the list goes on 

What we loved 

⭐️So many activities on site for everyone 
⭐️restaurant/pizzeria on site 
⭐️Swimming pool 
⭐️Spa/gym on site 
⭐️Dogs allowed (with separate dog walking area and dog agility course )
⭐️Brilliant size serviced pitches
⭐️Glamping available 
⭐️Usually Open all year round (covid restriction dependent) 

Things to consider 
 
⭐️it gets booked up so book in advance 
⭐️No tents allowed 
⭐️No on-site grocery shop
⭐️it is the most expensive campsite we have ever stayed when you factor in all the additional activities that do -but it’s a wonderful experience and we absolutely love it here and it is a place that we will keep on returning to. 

Please do ask if you have any questions or if you have stayed here too? 

I’ll be back next Sunday with another gem !
Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟 Fairy lights dotted around a Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights  dotted around a climbing frame
 
= A few more extra hours outside over the winter months 

Add in a flurry of snow ....

#1000hoursoutside 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #lockdown3

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