How to convert a van into a "camper van".
If you would like to have a camperbut starting with something more economical and practical, such as a vanHere we present a series of recommendations for inspiration and design a model that suits your tastes and needs.
Start with planning
If you draw up a complete transformation plan, it will be more effective - and more economical - than if you equip it as you go along, as you can start from a complete scheme with well-defined spaces for everything.
In case you have drawing skills, you can start with pencil and paper; but also 3d software such as Blenderor the SketchUp The latter is easier for beginners and with a few minutes of tutorials you will be able to start designing.
Starting with the basics
Within your plan, the total cleaning and emptying will come first, and we recommend that you start with the electrical, water and gas installationsThe space required for some cables or pipes will be less if they pass underneath the coverings.
Solar energy
In order to obtain sufficient energy in a more affordable way, the solar alternative is the best option. Currently, there are already complete units of solar power generation, type Goal ZeroIf you want to save a little and make it more personalised, you can also buy the basic components individually:
- Solar Panel. These are the cells that will be on the roof, and they usually come with your solar charge controller.
- 12V rechargeable battery. This is where the energy will be stored and is connected directly to the controller. The following 2 components must be connected to this:
- Light or fuse box. This is where it is recommended to connect the fixed devices, such as the fan, lights and refrigerator.
- Wave inverter. With about 600 watts and a 12 to 120 V AC control, it can be enough to connect electrical equipment, lamps, laptops and anything else you need, although of course if you use 220 V devices you will need an inverter with this capacity.
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Water
There are three main reasons for using water:
A sink is the simplest, as with a hand pump, and a couple of 20-litre jugs - one for fresh water and the other for grey water - you can have a place to wash hands, dishes, etc. Of course, you will need some ingenuity to adjust the installation to your space.
In a van, space is too limited to think about a complete toilet, although there are some alternatives to a full WC. Portable toiletsThey are very comfortable, hygienic and, when not in use, they can be covered and remain as a nice bench or piece of furniture to rest your feet.
To take a shower, With a little creativity you can also adapt a water tank, about 20 litres may be enough, and equip it with a soap dispenser and shower hose; if you place it at the back of the van, when you lift the door, you can get out and stand on the floor, so you can take a comfortable standing shower. Of course, with a curtain to the inside and a couple of tarpaulins or awnings hung on the tailgate - with magnets, for example, to make them easy to handle - you'll also have plenty of privacy.
Kitchen
For a van converted into a camper van, the propane gas -although more expensive than other types of gas - is the best option due to its stability. Even so, sufficient precautions must be taken, so the support of a professional for the installation is recommended.
You can use a tank, either external -back or down-, or also internal, but adapted within special protection. Another lower-risk alternative, although slightly more expensive, is to be using propane gas cartridges; both types can be connected to a portable cookerand so you will be able to cooking outdoors in great comfort.
Isolation
To cover roof and walls you can use different types of coating, although we recommend using at least one type of coating. radiant barrier insulation layer for the thermal coating, which can be easily attached to the vehicle structure with a spray adhesive.
It is also suggested to leave a space for the air gap, and then a reflective insulation layer type Reflectixand on top of this, the wall panel of your choice, according to your taste and style.
Bed
We also suggest you to adapt the bed in a special way to make the most of the available dimensions; nowadays you can order a latex mattress made to measure, or you can use a sofa bed for the van, so that you have a nice piece of furniture available during the day.
Ventilation
A fan rotating in two directions is a great option for your van type camperThis way you can remove the air from the interior, and also generate a ventilation mechanism that allows you to cool the room.
Although this is a delicate process that requires a lot of care, as you will have to cut a part of the ceiling with great precision, just the right size; although nothing that cannot be achieved with sufficient care.
Flat
There are also various options for the floor, although if you want a system that is easy to clean, we advise against using a carpet; instead, we recommend that you use a carpet. vinyl flooring, laminate flooring or gymnastic rubber may be a good alternative.
Of course, if you appreciate aesthetics, here too you can use a style that matches the rest of your van, for example, an all-wooden style, or a minimalist finish, can also look great.
Furniture
Finally comes the installation of the furniture, some small cupboards for food storage are useful for the kitchen corner. You can buy prefabricated furnitureIf you want to make the most efficient use of every millimetre, however, you can also build your own furniture; for example made of wood is very simple.
You may also find it useful to have a refrigeratoryou can look for an alternative portable; There are propane, AC, DC or combined types, just check the energy consumption, so that it suits your installation.
![DOMETIC COOLFREEZE CDF 36 - Portable Compressor Refrigerator, 31 L, 12/24 V [OBSOLETE].](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CpENv65PL.jpg)
You can also install furniture for cloakroom or other goods, and a folding table It is also useful as a table, and its ability to be folded away saves space.
Of course, you don't have to install all these features, it depends on your van, you can use the ones that are a priority for you, or add any others that come to mind; as you can see, the possibilities are endless, but with a little planning and ingenuity, you can create a very complete vehicle that allows you to live inside and travel around the world in great comfort.
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