Top Tips on Converting a Campervan

A campervan provides you with unlimited adventure opportunities, the option to hit the road and wake up overlooking a stunning coastal view or take an unforgettable road trip to explore as many places as possible.

If you are considering getting your own campervan, then there are a few different routes you can go down. You can buy a ready-to-go campervan, or you can convert a van to include the exact specifications that you want in your campervan. There are so many different ways to fit out a campervan, so your first step is to choose whether you want to build your own campervan, if you have the time and money.

Tips for converting a campervan

Decide on your budget and vehicle

You should decide on your budget before you choose the type of vehicle you are converting and the features that you want, to avoid costs escalating to more than you are prepared to pay.  You should also consider how much you will be using your campervan, to ensure that you get value for your money over the years you own it.

Buying an older vehicle can save you money but if you are going to spend a considerable amount on kitting it out, you don’t want a vehicle that may need replacing in the near future. A modern campervan with all the standard fittings should keep a good sell-on-value.

The budget for a campervan conversion varies massively, from around £5,000 for the most basic conversions to over £20,000 for the more complicated conversions with modern features.

Decide which features you need

Before you get started with any work, you should decide which features are essential and create a plan for where they will fit, as space will be limited and you have to be creative with how you use the space in your caravan.

For essential features, you probably want to include a bed or beds, cooking facilities and a table and seating. You also need to decide whether you want your campervan to have a shower and/or toilet. If you are planning on staying at campsites with full facilities, you won’t need your own toilet and shower but some people prefer to use their own. Fitting a shower and toilet will add a considerable cost to the conversion and will take up space.

Storage space planning is very important because you want to be able to use as much of the room in your campervan as possible for living in. You might also want to get an awning for your camper that will give you some extra covered space if it is raining or when the temperatures drop, and you don’t want to sit outside.

Is it worth converting your own campervan?

If you have lots of time to invest in the researching and planning, then converting your own campervan can be a great project but you will still need to pay for the installation work unless you are a skilled tradesperson. Professional conversion services will help you to design the campervan of your dreams, while ensuring space is optimised and everything from fire safety to sleeping comfort is accounted for.

PF Jones provides a full range of campervan conversion services, including converting your own van or buying a new one that is fully renovated. Read more about our services here.

Contact us today to discuss what you are looking for and we can help with every aspect of your requirements from conversion through to all your essential campervan accessories.