Commission has taken part in devising the plan as well.
Diving into a custom camper build? You've got endless options when it comes to the design! A quick web search for "camper conversion ideas" will bombard you with inspiration.
Ponder over your time commitment and budget, and decide on that dream layout. Although self-building might be time-consuming and stressful, the end result will be priceless, as you'll take great pride in your creation.
Preparing for Your Camper Conversion
Running short on time and cash? No worries! This guide will help you manage a DIY conversion in about 10 days, though you won't achieve a complex layout in such a short timeframe. But the charm of self-construction is that you can always make improvements and changes.
1. Sketch Your Ideas
Your journey starts with a concept. Once you envision how you want your camper to look and what layout you prefer, put it onto paper.
Using your sketch, calculate the available space for each feature and where everything should go. Remember, consider your travel destinations, the length of your trips, and the number of people your camper should accommodate.
2. Plan Wisely
Allocate sufficient time for your project. Not everything will go perfectly, and you may need to buy more materials or wait for deliveries. Keep in mind if you're working full-time or in your spare time.
3. Gather Tools
No project is possible without the appropriate tools! Ensure you have a suitable workspace with room to store materials and shield your camper from the elements.
Don't fret if you don't have all the essential tools. You can rent specialized tools from a hardware store. Consider getting a guide with tips on utilizing specialized tools, as they can be tricky for the novice.
4. Choose Materials
Base your material choices on your sketch. You'll require panels, boards, and insulation materials, along with suitable electrical components and fixtures like kitchen taps and possibly bathroom fixtures.
Not all materials will be readily available, so be prepared for delivery periods. Calculate the material costs ahead of time to avoid any hidden costs.
5. Shop Intelligently
Before you start shopping, estimate the amount of each material you'll need and order a little extra. Running out of supplies can cost you time and aggravation, leading to rushed purchases and inflated overall costs.
6. Start Converting
Once everything is in place, you can finally begin your camper conversion. Search for online resources for guidance and suggestions during the process.
On many sites, guides are offered for expansion, detailing examples, tips, and errors others have already made. This way, you can not only gather ideas but also learn from others' mistakes.
Guide: Project "Camper Expansion"
For beginners, the ideal car for expansion is a box van. These can be found online, for example from Renault, VW, or Mercedes, for relatively little money.
Box vans are cheaper than a true motorhome and easier to convert internally. The following guide will walk you through the expansion, bringing your dream van to life.
1. Sketch and Basic Idea
Before you can start with the camper expansion, create a floor plan sketch so you know exactly what goes where.
Consider the following factors:
- What are the maximum costs you are willing to bear?
- How much time do you have for the expansion?
- Do you want to insulate your camper?
- Do you want to cook in the camper?
- How many batteries will you need?
- Should a wet room be included in your design?
- Should the camper be registered as a motorhome?
- What tools do you have and where are you building?
- How many sleeping and seating places do you need?
One common tip among camper expansion ideas is prioritizing space-saving designs, such as building the bed on a drawer frame or the kitchen in the sliding door so the stove can be pulled out onto a heavy-duty drawer.
Remember, space can vary between vehicle models, so adjust your design according to the specific make and model of your van.
2. Materials
Wood is the optimal material for any expansion due to its lightweight, cozy nature, and ease of workability. There are several types of wood and plate thicknesses, each with its advantages and drawbacks.
Consider the following options:
- 3-ply plates for stable furniture
- Packaging plywood
- 5mm plywood for wall cladding
- Heavy-duty drawers
- Euro boxes
- Trim from a hardware store
- Decent Torx wood screws
If you have a tight budget, you can get by with plywood panels. A square meter costs less than 10 euros. However, the 20mm version is quite heavy.
If you want to create your dream bus, keep the maximum weight in mind.
3. Shopping
To avoid delays during the expansion, consider your material needs ahead of time and decide where you'll get the items from. Some things will need to be ordered.
For example, different drawer models might be too short for a Sprinter, so measure your van or Sprinter precisely.
To ensure a smooth conversion project completion, consider the following aspects:
- How much wood do you need?
- Do you need to have your plates cut, or do you have a good circular saw at home?
- With which screws do you want to construct?
- How many Euro boxes do you require and in what sizes?
- Saw trim yourself or buy?
- Do you require sanding materials?
- Do you need additional tools?
4. Insulation and Cladding
If you're uncertain if the effort of insulating your camper is worth it, you'll find a clear answer in almost all reports from other campers: Yes, it is definitely worth it!
Insulation can noticeably improve the warmth and quietness of your camper. Additionally, less condensation and mold will form.
Many use Armaflex for camper insulation. On extended trips, good insulation and cladding are essential for a comfortable adventure!
5. Bed and Storage
Examine camper conversion ideas for self-builders, and you'll quickly notice a trend: the bed should run lengthwise so you can stretch your legs better.
Plan this into your camper conversion! To maximize space, build drawers underneath the bed. To do this, create two thin wooden frames that hug the sides of the cladding, then add the drawers made from packaging plywood and strips.
Depending on the size of your Euro boxes, there are various options:
- 60 x 40 x 22
- 60 x 40 x 32
- 60 x 40 x 42
6. The Kitchen in the Campervan
Having your own cooking option in the motorhome is practical, especially in poor weather. Those who have their own kitchen in the camper are not dependent on location or the weather and can quickly prepare meals.
Plan space in your Sprinter for canned foods, spices, and other reserve foods. Additionally, provide a fixed location for pots, pans, cutlery, etc., to prevent clutter.
The kitchen block should be built from sturdy wood and include integrated storage compartments at the front. Use wooden strips for the drawers and attach locks to the cabinet doors. Ensure the wood for the shelving and drawers is of sufficient thickness.
7. The Seating Area in the Campervan
Based on camper reports, you should plan one seating option per person.
Build a bench attached to the kitchen block, located directly behind the driver's seat. In the bench, provide several storage options, with the lid fitting tightly but easily removable.
A folding table saves space and time, but still offers enough room for a comfortable meal.
8. The Toilet
Although real motorhomes may have extra space planned for a wet room with a toilet, DIY campers rely on a compact toilet. In recent times, there are more compact separating toilets available, like the BOXIO - TOILET, which is perfect for use in a campervan. Due to the use of Euro boxes, the format is quite small, and the toilet is even stackable.
Though public toilets or portable toilets can be used, the conditions may not always be optimal, especially when urgent. On secluded lands, few would like to find remnants of previous campers.
Seasoned campers agree that the camping toilet is essential for every motorhome or camper.
Different types of toilets exist, such as chemical toilets that require harmful chemicals and require disposal at designated locations. Dry toilets, on the other hand, are budget-friendly, easy to clean, and eco-friendly.
Dry toilets work without chemicals or other liquids. They are durable and comfortable. Proper use ensures minimal odors. Since the solid and liquid are separated, fewer odors are produced. The remaining moisture is absorbed by the use of hemp litter. If this is placed in a compostable bag, it can be composted. The liquid can be poured into the garden in a 1:10 ratio or directly into the sewer.
Due to their compact size and easy handling, separating toilets are the ultimate idea for camper conversion.
More Camper Conversion Ideas
Roof racks - ready for every adventure
Even with larger campers, such as a Sprinter or Renault Master, storage space might be limited, especially if you travel with children, a dog, or bulky sports equipment. However, the roof can serve as additional storage space.
Roof racks are suitable for extra storage but inevitably bring additional weight.
Hanging chair for more coziness
For many campers, a true camper experience only begins when they can truly relax. And what could be better than your own hanging chair in the camper?!
The topic of comfort is highly personal, but the concept of watching the sunset from the camper in the evening with a book in your hanging chair sounds ideal for everyone.
For the rest of your life in a camper - the idea of independence
You'll find numerous videos nowadays where bloggers share their life in a camper. The idea of living freely and independently while still earning a living sounds appealing.
Many bloggers, writers, and freelancers can work from anywhere, requiring only an internet connection. With a portable router, you can install a stable internet connection in your camper.
Of course, the quality may not always be optimal, but you can still work while on vacation and avoid commuting to the office.
Camper Conversion Ideas: Decor and Privacy Screen
Anyone installing windows in their camper will have more light during the day but less privacy. To protect yourself from prying eyes, consider options like:
- Curtains: Inexpensive fabric options for privacy; customizable to fit your camper.
- Roller Blinds: A more modern privacy solution with blackout capacities.
- Blackout Film: Applied directly to windows, it helps reduce heat gain and glare while offering privacy.
Decorative ideas are abundant online. Whether it's a rug on the floor, cushions in the seating area, a tablecloth, or fairy lights, there's something for every camper under the decorative options.
The Floating Wardrobe
Anyone struggling with storage might appreciate a small wardrobe made from carabiners. Simply attach hooks to the ceiling of the motorhome, and you've got a versatile storage solution.
How the outdoor lighting becomes a success
To avoid sitting outside in the dark in the evening, choose practical outdoor lighting for your camper.
For example, LED lamps that can be attached to the camper via the sliding door are suitable. The lamp should meet the following requirements:
- It should be bright enough to illuminate the entire area in front of the camper
- It should not be blinding
- It should be waterproof
- It should be robust enough to withstand driving
- It should be energy-efficient
- Ideally, it should also serve as a rain gutter over the door
- Explore other camper van ideas by transitioning your campervan into a personalized home-and-garden sanctuary on wheels. From cozy cushions and colorful rugs to indoor plants and fairy lights, let your creativity flourish.
- To create a secluded retreat in your traveling home, consider adding a privacy screen or roller blinds to your camper windows. This can only enhance your lifestyle, ensuring tranquility and privacy during your travel adventures.
