Starting a Van Conversion

Posted on 25th February 2022

If you are looking to embrace the #vanlife movement, a campervan is the first thing you need. Alternatively, you can pursue a DIY campervan conversion project.

But the big question is: where do you begin?

In this brief guide, we provide some essential information to get you started with your van conversion project.

Set a Budget

At this point, you probably don’t have any clue about how much your DIY campervan project will cost. There are several aspects at plan here.

However, begin by setting a realistic budget. How much are you willing to spend on van conversion?

Setting a budget will give you a direction for your project.

Identify Your Travel Goals

• Are you looking for occasional trips in your van? Or would it be a full-time lifestyle?
• Are you looking to head to cold climates or warm? Perhaps both?
• Do you want to explore the unexplored, off-road routes?

Answers to these questions will help you in:

• Choosing the right van (4×4 or 2WD)
• Insulate the van to suit your travel needs

Assess Your Needs

It’s time to evaluate your needs and make a list of features that you want in your campervan. You could make a list of must-have features and nice-to-have features. For instance:

• Must-have features:
  • Refrigerator
  • Toilet
  • Solar power
  • Insulation
• Nice-to-have features:
  • Swivel chairs
  • Roof rack
  • Sunroof

Choose Your Van

Now it’s time to shop for your van.

Begin your research online to find out what makes and models interest you. You will also get a good idea about the price for a van. You could even consider buying a second-hand van. Here are some important things to look for when buying a used van:

• Check tyre tread depth.
• Carefully observe the engine for any noise, which could be a sign of issues that must be fixed.
• Check the van for any sign of leaks.
• Make sure the brakes aren’t squeaky and worn down.

Don’t Forget Insulation

If you plan to stay overnight in your campervan, you must consider insulating your van. Insulating it will help keep you warm in the winter months, especially if you are heading to cold places. An insulated van will ensure you won’t have to turn up the heating as frequently, resulting in huge savings too.

If you are looking to buy insulation materials for your van, we can help. We offer a wide range of materials including insulated plasterboard. Talk to the experts at Tyne Insulation today.