The van conversion is finally complete. Here’s an overview of the build…
Page updated: 28/4/2026
I love the idea of living in a van but…
I don’t find the look and feel of most motorhomes or campers very appealing (not very home-like). Months of daydreaming allowed me to get a pretty clear image of how I wanted my van to be.
No plans/layouts were drawn up or measured. It was pretty much built on-the-fly, according to ‘feel’. If something didn’t feel right or work correctly, I’d back up and rethink.
My van – a space for actual living
I used common materials found in DIY and home shops rather than using the specialised (and expensive) materials from motorhome/campervan shops.
The result is something that feels pretty cosy and home like, and you can easily forget you are in a 10 year old van by the side of the road.
Here’s the van before conversion
The van is 10 years old. It was rusty, holey and hacked up. This is after repairing some of the rust on the floor – see post on removing floor rust
Now it’s time to travel Europe!
Edit: see all my vanlife travels across Europe and beyond
For more images see the completed van conversion gallery
Make your own van home!
The ebook is available now to buy as an instant download: From Van to Home – DIY Van Conversion ebook guide
Features of my converted camper van…
Kitchen
- gas cooker and sink
- hot water on demand (no switches or warm up time, just open the tap)
- 2 gas burners
- Fridge/freezer
- powered by refillable LPG tank 11KG
Bathroom
- shower and toilet
- Fully sealed wet room
- Toilet
- Also useful storage
Sofabed
Water system
- Water filtration for safe drinking
- 70L fresh water tank
- Optional grey tank to catch drain water
- Compressor fridge/freezer (can select mode)
- pressurised water system with 70L fresh tank (pump activates with pressure drop – i.e. tap opening)
Office
- Work desk area
- Collapsible desk on folding brackets
- Collapsable seating on folding brackets
- Computer stand to maximise desk space
- The Propex space heater is fitted under this bench
Roofrack
- Galvanised roofrack – my ‘garage’
- Used for water fill hose, bike, rope, solar panels
Electrics
- Split charging from engine
- 200W solar charging system with approx. 190Ah lead-calcium batteries
- 240V mains socket from pure sine inverter
- 12V power distribution board with mains hook-up
- Mains charging with Ctek Smart charger
- LED lighting 0.8W in ceiling and ultra-bright 4W in lamp
Storage
- Every bit of space is utilised efficiently
- Plenty of storage under bed, above cab, kitchen unit, bench at back (office)
Fun
- Decent sound system and speakers that runs on 12V
