So, you've decided you want to hit the open road in your very own campervan. Whether you're looking to travel full-time or just for the occasional weekend getaway, there's a lot to think about when it comes to building out your van. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to get started.
Decide on Your Budget
When you're planning to build your own campervan, one of the first things you'll need to do is figure out how much money you're willing to spend. This will help you determine what kind of materials and features you'll be able to include in your build.
If you're working with a limited budget, you may need to get creative with your design and use some cheaper materials. For example, instead of using hardwood floors, you could use laminate flooring. Or, instead of purchasing new cabinets, you could repurpose some old ones.
Get creative and see what kind of campervan you can build within your budget!
Choose your vehicle
One of the most important aspects of building your own campervan is choosing the right vehicle. You want something that’s big enough to comfortably live in, but not so big that it’s difficult to drive or park. You also want to make sure it’s reliable and has good mpg..
There are a few different types of vehicles you can use for your campervan, but the most popular are vans. Vans are the cheapest and most convenient option, but they can be difficult to find in good condition and with low mileage.
Once you’ve decided on the type of vehicle you want to use, it’s time to start shopping around. Check classified ads, online auction sites, and dealerships to find the best deals. Be sure to get a vehicle history report before making any purchase.
Insulate and soundproof your van
If you're looking to build your own campervan, one of the most important things you can do is to insulate and soundproof the van. This will not only help keep the van cool in summer and warm in winter, but it will also help to reduce noise levels inside the van. There are a number of ways to insulate and soundproof your van, so be sure to do some research and find the method that best suits your needs.
Install windows and ventilation
One of the most important things to consider when building your own campervan is how you will install windows and ventilation. Not only do windows and ventilation provide natural light and fresh air, but they also play an important role in keeping your campervan cool in summer and warm in winter.
To install windows and ventilation does require more work upfront. Permanent windows and vents can be installed by drilling holes in the van walls and then using screws or bolts to secure them in place.
Add lighting and electrical outlets
If you're planning on spending any amount of time in your campervan, then you're going to want to add some lighting and electrical outlets. This will allow you to keep your devices charged and have some light at night. You can buy a simple LED light strip and wire it to your van's battery. Then, just run an extension cord to any outlet you need. If you want to get really fancy, you can install solar panels on your roof and wire them directly to your outlets.
Build or Buy a Kitchen Unit
There are two options when it comes to building a kitchen unit for your campervan - buy a pre-made one, or build one yourself. If you're handy with tools and have some carpentry experience, you can probably save some money by making your own. However, if you're not confident in your ability to build a functional and attractive kitchen unit, it's probably best to buy one.
There are plenty of places to find pre-made kitchen units for campervans, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Do some research to find a unit that fits your needs and budget. Once you've found the perfect kitchen unit, follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.
Campervan plumbing
If you're thinking about building your own campervan, one of the things you'll need to consider is the plumbing. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Decide what kind of plumbing system you want. There are two main types of systems used in campervans - gravity fed and pump fed. Gravity fed systems rely on gravity to move water through the pipes, while pump fed systems use a pump to move water through the pipes. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to decide which one is right for you.
2. Choose the right materials for your plumbing system. There are a variety of materials that can be used for campervan plumbing, including PVC, copper, and PEX. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to do some research to decide which one is right for your needs.
3. Plan your plumbing layout carefully. One of the most important aspects of designing your campervan's plumbing system is ensuring that all of the components are properly laid out. This includes things like placing the fresh water tank in an easily accessible location and making sure that all of the pipes are properly sized for the components
Build or install a bed
If you're looking to build your own campervan, one of the most important things you'll need to do is install a bed. This will give you a place to sleep comfortably while on the road.
There are a few different ways you can go about this. One option is to simply build a bed frame out of wood. You can find plans for this online or in some DIY books.
Another option is to buy a pre-made bed frame and then customize it to fit your van. This might be a good option if you're not comfortable building something from scratch.
Once you have your bed frame, you'll need to add a mattress. You can either buy one specifically for campervans, or you can use a regular mattress and put it on top of the bed frame. Be sure to secure it so it doesn't slide around while you're driving.
Now that you have a comfortable place to sleep, you can start planning the rest of your campervan build!
Organize your storage space
If you're considering building your own campervan, one of the most important things to think about is how you'll organize your storage space. After all, you'll be living in a relatively small space, so you'll need to be efficient in order to make the most of it.
One way to do this is to invest in some good storage containers. This will help you keep things organized and tidy, and will also free up some valuable floor space. You can find storage containers specifically designed for campervans, which are often stackable and easy to access.
Another tip is to use vertical space as much as possible. This means installing shelves and racks where you can, so that you can store things up high and out of the way. This can be especially useful for larger items such as camping gear or bicycles.
Finally, make sure to leave some open space in your campervan so that it doesn't feel too cramped. You may want to consider a fold-down table or bed, so that you can create more space when you need it. By being efficient with your storage, you can make your campervan feel like a true home away from home.
Paint and Decorate the Van
If you're planning on building your own campervan, one of the most important things you'll need to do is paint and decorate it. This is important for two reasons: first, because you want your van to look good, and second, because you want it to be protected from the elements.
There are a few things to keep in mind when painting and decorating your campervan. First, you'll need to choose a colour scheme. You can either go with something neutral, like white or grey, or you can choose a more bold colour scheme that will really make your van stand out.
Customize your campervan to suit your needs
One of the great things about owning a campervan is that you can customize it to suit your specific needs and preferences. If you like to do a lot of cooking while on the road, for instance, you might want to consider outfitting your van with an oven, fridge, and sink. Or, if you enjoy spending time outdoors, you might want to add some storage space for camping gear.
No matter what your interests are, there are plenty of ways to customize your campervan to suit them. So if you're thinking about building your own campervan, be sure to take some time to consider what features and amenities would make it perfect for you.
Conclusion
Building your own campervan can be a daunting task, but it's definitely doable with a little bit of planning and elbow grease. We hope that our tips have helped you figure out where to start and what to consider as you're building your own van. If you need more inspiration, be sure to check out some of the other great DIY campervans out there. And if you end up building your own van, we'd love to see it!