Have you ever dreamt about having your own home on wheels with everything you need to live and travel the open road?
This ebook guide, From Van to Home, gives you everything you need to know to build your own dream van-home
£14.99
£14.99
The best, most helpful book on the subject by miles. Thanks Mike
– Chris
My dream was to make a van into my home. A self-contained home on wheels with everything I’d need to travel and live anywhere I want.
To explore the world, live in different places, meet different people and let every day be an adventure. Off into the sunset. To be free, with the whole of Europe (and possibly beyond) as my garden.
But it was an overwhelming dream I never thought could happen. I mean, where do you even start? What do you need? How much will it cost? And how can you be a plumber, electrician and joiner all at once when you know nothing about these things?
Mike Hudson
Author of From Van to Home
After going through months of frustration, misinformation, confusion and the overwhelm I now realise that, with the right information, and if you break it down properly, none of this stuff is especially difficult. That's why I made this book
This book will take you from VAN to HOME
This book shows you – from start to finish – exactly how I transformed this van (see above), with zero woodwork or van conversion experience, into my highly functional cosy off-grid home – the place I’ve lived since 2014.
A home you can truly call your own
Imagine this...
The book I wish I had
I wrote this book with my former self in mind – someone who had never done anything like this before, stood inside an empty rotting van, wondering how to start and how it’s ever going to be finished.
This book is for you if...
Many happy customers
I bought your book a while ago and it is the best DIY book I’ve ever read. It is so detailed and it always has me inspired. I live in New York City, and I’m saving up some money for this awesome project, to travel long and far. Thank you for your book, it is truly amazing :-)”
– Sharukh GV
I love your book and your website! No Bullshit, only useful information about van conversion and van life. Enjoy your journey and your free life. Best regards”
– Johannes
Hey, Just wanted to say I bought your book, built a van, spent a summer travelling around Europe in it, lived in it for a year in the UK (over winter!) and am now recommending your book to a friend who is planning to do the same. The best, most helpful book on the subject by miles. Thanks Mike!”
– Chris
Revised for 2021
Chapter listing
Welcome to From Van to Home – How I made an old rusty van into my cosy off-grid home
Set yourself up for success and efficiency from the very start by gathering all your resources
- Time – how long will it take?
- Skills – what do you need?
- Money – how much will it cost?
- Space to work – how much do
- Tools – what do you need?
The whole project relies on this step. Best to get it right first time. This chapter shows you how
- Reducing the overwhelm
- Choosing your van
- Buying a used van
- The van I chose
- Choosing your van
- Making a plan
Fix current problems and prevent future ones. If you want to travel, you need a reliable van
- Testing the van
- Fixing known problems
- Van preparation products
- Remove and treat rust
- Repair rust using fibreglass
- Protecting the wheel arches
- Protecting the van’s underside
- Protecting the hollow sections
- Checking and repairing leaks
From a blank van to a blank room. This is where things get exciting and you can really start to imagine how your van will be
- Windows
- Sound deadening
- insulation
- Lining the walls and ceiling
- Finishing the wood
If you want a hot shower and toilet in your van, I'll show you how I did it
- Bathroom location
- Fitting the shower tray
- Constructing the bathroom enclosure
- Fitting the toilet
- Making a seal around the door
- Bathroom door construction
- Bathroom light
- Fitting shower and tap assembly
- Bathroom extractor fan
The most important room area in your home. Prepare delicous meals no matter where you are
- Kitchen location
- Fitting the sink and hob unit
- Cupboard doors and drawer
- Kitchen extractor fan
- Tiles for splash wall
- The fridge
- Choosing a fridge
- Kitchen finishing touches
Thankfully there no need to sacrafice a good nights sleep whilst still having the high functionality that a small small space requires
- Sofa bed location
- Building the end part of the sofa bed
- Building the main part of the sofa bed (with extension)
- Finishing the sofa bed
- A bonus bed – a hammock
No special training needed to make a cup of tea. Just flick the lever of the tap and water comes out
- Water system building blocks
- Installing the fresh water tank
- Water filler cap
- Water pump and accumulator
- Water heater
- Grey water tank
Gas isn’t exactly the latest technology but nothing beats in terms of energy density and cost. Basically, it means you can stay off the grid for months before having to refill
- Gas system building blocks
- Installing the gas system
- Testing for leaks
- Heating the van
- (cylinder, regulator, manifold)
- Heater timer
Everyone's favourite part of a van conversion (joking, of course). This chapter will help you master the electrical system once and for all
- Basic electronics.
- The building blocks of a van’s electrical system.
- Planning your electrical system and choosing the right components.
- Building up a system step by step, starting with a basic circuit.
- Basic electrical construction.
- How I installed the electrical system in my van.
- Updates over the four years of living in my van.
You can store a lot in your van. Done right, you can easily find and access those things without the stress
- The various storage places in my van
- Office seat and storage
- Updates to the storage
- Shelves from found wood
Details are important. This is what makes a space truely yours. It's what makes people go 'woahh, you built this?'
- Miscellaneous details (decor and functionality)
- Window curtains and shutter
- Van plants
- The golden ratio
- Updates and modifications
Thanks to technology we can live mobile lives with minimal compromise. For example, you might not be able to bring all of your 12” records but you can certainly bring all your music, and books and films – and they can all fit into a box smaller than the size of your hand.
- Installing a sound system (speakers and amplifier)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Internet connectivity
- Van activities
- A musical synthesiser to match the van
- Surprise bonus
Peace of mind is important, especially if you're new to the van life. I'll walk your though the essential safety equipment and also some optional additional van security
- Safety equipment
- Van security: engine disable switch
- Van security: fitting extra locks
Can't avoid this one. I'll walk you through the legal requirements and how I met them with my van
- Legal requirements for a vehicle (tax, insurance, MOT)
- Driving in Europe
- Amending the van’s classification
I often get asked what model fridge I have, or solar controller, or speakers, pump, tank. Well, it's all in here.
- Feature list and specification of my van
- Layout of my van
- Gallery
Important lessons on mindset and seeing the project through to the very end – no one talks about these things but I believe they are critical
- Eight lessons I learnt converting my van
- Staying on track
- Thank you
Look inside
The best book, thanks so much. Couldn’t have built my van without it. Really thank you so so much for being the inspiration and helping me build my own
– philsmithies
So many conversions seem kind of shoddy and yours is the first I found (with great 'instructions') that actually looks somewhere I would want to live. Plus it's great to have guidance from a fellow Brit where measurements are in metric and materials are widely available. So thank YOU for sharing your journey! I'm glad the you've been able to continue it by sharing it! Much love
– Tim
If you're reading this and haven't bought this book yet then buy it now! Beautifully put together and unbelievably helpful, we couldn't have done our conversion without it! Thank you
– abigiltinan
About the author
Mike Hudson
AUTHOR OF FROM VAN TO HOME
From office worker to full-time traveller, best selling author, photographer and blogger.
It's been a crazy ride, my mind has been blown and life has gone beyond what I ever imagined.
And it all started with a big van…
About the author
Mike Hudson
Author of From van to Home
From office worker to full-time traveller to best selling author, photographer and blogger.
It's been a crazy ride, my mind has been blown and life has gone beyond what I ever imagined.
And it all started with a big van…
Feed your van dream
Don’t be another person with only great ideas and dreams about how your van-home will be, if only you ever got round to doing it.
Start here and make it happen. Even if converting a van is one of the things you say you’ll do ‘someday’, feed your van dream now because maybe it's more possible than you think...
Feed your van dream
Don’t be another person with only great ideas and dreams about how your van-home will be, if only you ever got round to doing it.
Start here and make it happen. Even if converting a van is one of the things you say you’ll do ‘someday’, feed your van dream now because maybe it's more possible than you think...
You are fully protected by my 100% Satisfaction-Guarantee.
I want every single person who buys this book to be satisfied. If you are not fully satisfied, please tell me about it and I’ll give you a full refund. That’s a promise from me. Furthermore, if there's anything I can help with, such as problems downloading or reading the book, just contact me.
Mike, my van is finished pretty much – i bought the book as i’ve enjoyed reading everything on here, more for motivation than anything – i wanted to contribute and acknowledge your hard work, plus i need something to get me to sleep at night!!
I’d recommend everyone to get the book and support Mike on his journey, that i for one enjoy seeing and reading about..
lovely review, thanks Stephen 🙂
Thanks Stephen!
I’m definitely buying this when I get paid 🙂 I’ve always wanted to take a van on the road, travel and actually live life a little.
how can i get to this book
without creditcard or paypal?
Without creditcard or paypal it could be difficult. Maybe use a friend’s PP account or card?
I’ve gotten £10+ worth of value from just reading your blog. I’m happy to support and buy the book!
Thank you! I hope that the book provides you with more than £10 worth of value again. That was my aim, because then we both win 🙂
Hi, I love your site and so cool to follow your travels via photos you upload..always interesting. I have just bought the book, paypal transfer has gone through. but where do i find the book please? it’s not in my downloads folder
duh just found it in my email inbox.. facepalm lol
Love it. Also guys make sure to share this and his site via social media so he can help grow the blog. Take care, great travels
Hallo Mike, do you think that a girl of my age can transform an VW LT into a van because it is for many years my wish to go off in europe on my own with my doggie in my campervan. When I see your van, wauw! Greetings!
short answer: yes! give me a shout/email if you want more of a kick in the right direction. Good luck
Does it have a detailed description on the pieces of wood used to make the bed?
Mike, I’m in the process of converting my van into a weekend camper and found your book very helpful. The explanation and detail you have included for electrics, water and gas are very good. The book is worth every tenner.
Thanks Jeff for buying the book. I’m glad it’s helping you 🙂 good luck with the conversion
Hi, Just bought your ebook & looking forward getting stuck into converting my LWB Vivaro.
I printed it while offshore and now planning, feels like a certain amount of poetic justice for putting up with 2/2 in the north sea
Nice one! I created this site whilst offshore in the North Sea 🙂 It’s the perfect place to make plans. Good luck
haha offshore boys representing! I too was in the northsea while planning my renault masters conversion last month. Now going to buy this ebook when I get home tonight and get cracking. Idea is to go freelance so I can work less and live in the van more!
how do you pay for fuel, food, maintainance, etc, ordinary everyday living expenses. does your writing cover your costs?
Well now it’s by selling this ebook – I help you get on the road and you keep me on the road 🙂
Amazing stuff. I have been looking for a mobile home for some time. This is encouraging to do-it-yourself. Looking forward to reading more over here.
I don’t do e-books, do you have a hard copy?
Sorry I don’t. Electronic format, for most people, is just way more convenient for this book, which has 300 colour photo illustrations making the cost of print (on demand) over £20 and that’s before I’d make any money… and then there’s postage. I know what you mean about having a physical book, it’s nice to have. But with this ebook you can put this on all your devices and you are able to zoom in to the images and use the hyperlinks I give throughout the book – that’s some advantages over a hard copy
尼玛居然要钱
你不怕交警拦你么？哈哈哈哈哈哈
Interesting journey! Looking forward to buying this ebook and supporting your cause
Are the measurements all in metric units (asks someone still using inches and feet)?
Yeah measurements in metric except when I talk about how many miles I’ve driven 🙂
I bought the book and emailed him within the hour requesting a refund. It didn’t provide any new information or go into great detail as i would of hoped just summarized what can be found online in my opinion. That being said many people love the book and are very satisfied with it. I still haven’t received a response to my email which was sent 2+ weeks ago and within an hour of the book purchase….. NO HASSLE RETURN is defiantly a lie. Still awaiting a response on the “promise” posted above…. Make sure this book is defiantly what you want before you purchase as the return is a lengthy and frustrating process
So glad I ran a across this site and post..I will be buying your eBook Friday on pay day…my husband and I have been travelers since we met..but always by foot “hitchhiking” I suppose…this time around we want to make it permanent and have been saving for a van…well I found one that is perfect and hopefully with the help of your book we can accomplish our goals of going on the road and staying there this time..look forward to hearing from me soon and thank you so much for writing the book and posting all this awesome information!!
He dude, just bought your book! For some inspiration, but certainly also to keep you on the road! My girlfriend and I basically did the same 4 years ago in Australia, one of the best experiences of our life’s. Can’t wait to read your book and start building my new van once I have the money haha. If you happen to be back in the Netherlands at some point and need a shower and a house to stay in for a few days (I know I had these moments in Australia), send me a message on FB. Cheers, Rick
What an amazing idea! I don’t have a van, but a jeep.. and use it extensively for traveling. So your ideas resonate very well with me! I instantly bought your ebook – I’m sure it will come in handy! Keep going!!!
Just bought the book, looks like a good read so far. I’ve moved to europe to travel by motorbike for a year or two but think the van life will be alot more sustainable and comfortable in the long run. Good luck on the road Mike, loved your photos of Morocco by the way.
I bought your book a while ago and it is the best DIY book I’ve ever read. It is so detailed and it always has me inspired. I live in New York City, and I’m saving up some money for this awesome project. I think for me to travel long and far, I would need a companion of some sort though. Thank you for your book, it is truly amazing. 🙂
Woah thank you so much! good luck with the project. Also, if you think others might also like this ebook please let them know about it by sharing this page. Cheers 🙂
Can I buy a real copy of the book? I prefer to read and look that way.
I love what you’re doing. If you come to Portugal, pass by Alentejo.:)
So after I finally release my second book (in the next few days), I’m going to find a guy who can help me reformat this first book into print. I can’t promise anything but I’ll see how it goes and see how viable it is. Cheers 🙂
Any update on a physical copy of your first book?
Hi Mike!
Any updates on a hard copy of his book? I’d like to buy one now if you can tell me where to get it x
Would be nice. I don’t really use ebooks..
Hey Mike,
Is their already a print version of this first book?
cheers!
Hey Mike!!! What’s the word on a printed copy of this book?!? I want to get it for my wife as a present.
Hey Stan, I’m afraid there is no hard copy. Sorry about that. But, you can get it printed and bound. I’ve seen people do that for gifts 🙂
Bought my hard copy recently on ebay, hope you get your cut ?
Hey Dave, which book are you talking about? do you mean the more recent one, ‘How to live in a van’ ? because the van conversion book doesn’t exist as a hardcopy right now
Hi Mike, love what you are doing and writing. I am planning to escape to Europe in a Sprinter Van conversion with my Lab Bud in Spring 2019.
You can do print on demand for your book through Amazon or any other POD companies online.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Print-on-Demand-Guide – plenty of independents if you don’t like Amazon.
Good luck.
May see you on your travels!
Best wishes,
Fiona
Nice, hope you’re having a good time. Spring is a great time for van travelling.
As for the book, yeah my second book I self-published and sell through Amazon. I may eventually offer a print version of this first book but print on demand is just too expensive, unless people are prepared to pay in excess of £35. Although I think I’ve recently found a solution. I need to actually learn Indesign and create the print version first though.
Anyway, enjoy
I can’t find it did it not get to print? I just got your second book didn’t realise there was a first one ??♀️ I have a convoy so really interested to read it but much prefer paper to screen
Reading your blog and pages are really inspiring. I am tied in to work for two more years but then I think I will follow suit and be off… let the planning begin 🙂
The book’s an excellent intro to converting a van into a camper.
Only one point I’d critique and that’s powering phones, laptops, camera batteries etc. For many such devices (not all) there are chargers which plug into a 12 volt car lighter type socket.
Such sockets are available on a backing plate which can be screwed to the side of a cabinet or whatever with the socket projecting through the back. They’re aimed at the marine market and available on Amazon etc for about £8 or £9. There is also a variation with USB charging outlets.
I’ve got them installed in my camper and so far I haven’t run out of power for my gadgets. They’re supplied from the engine and a 100w solar panel via a leisure battery.
I’m in the US and would like to buy your ebook but I only see it listed in ₤. How can I purchase? Thanks.
Hey, when you click buy you’ll get taken to PayPal. From there the conversion will get taken care of automatically by PayPal. Let me know if you have any problems
Got this book as a gift from a family friend. It was an amazing gift that is trully helping me renovate my xamper van and dream of the future. Looking forward to your next book. (Richmond from http://www.facebook.com/RVRoadTripAroundtheWorld)
you sir, are an inspiration !
Do you sell this book as a hardback at all?
Not at the moment I’m afraid but at some point it may happen
Yesss good to hear. And thank you!
Hey Mike,
Above on this page, you’ve written that you were ready to issue a full refund for the “From Van To Home” book within 30 days from the purchase, in case of something going wrong. So, issue a hassle free charge back for me please!
Buyer: Andree Lisander Kit (hea@kodanik.com)
Transaction ID: 6BX99665M51217546
Thanks!
Hello!
I bought this ebook, money was taken from my account, but I never got an email about how to get it.
Thanks!
Rin
Hey Rin, you should get an email immediately after the payment. It’ll go to the email linked to your PayPal account. If you want it to go to a different email just let me know. I’ve just resent you the email with the ebook download link inside – let me know if you still don’t get it. I’m around to help so don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get your ebook.
Let me know how it goes and if you need more help – email is probably faster (you can use the blog contact form)
Hi mike can i get a hard copy of this book…ur an inspiration to us all…we are..i am a slave to a system ?
I would Love to buy this ~ but I’m in the USA… do you have an option to buy in dollars ? (or does PayPal convert it ?)
I need you book in Spanish!!! :)))))
God!! I’m soooo jealous!!
This has been my goal for a while, I’m steady getting there, all my children have flown the nest and I just have a few bills to pay off, then I’m going to save for a van, it feels a million years away ??????
Any suggestions about what van I should go for? ???
Hey, Just wanted to say I bought your book, built a van, spent a summer travelling around europe in it, lived in it for a year in the UK (over winter!) and am now recommending your book to a friend who is planning to do the same. The best, most helpful book on the subject by miles. Thanks Mike!
Is this availabe in paperback yet?
Please???
Hi Mike, I bought your book How to Live in a Van and Travel from Amazon. It’s so well written that I couldn’t put it down. Not only is it one of the best books I’ve ever read but I consider it essential reading for anyone interested in the van life. I’ve already recommended it to two of my van friends. Currently I live on my 57ft narrowboat as a continuous cruiser and have a Toyota HiAce partially self fitted out in which I freecamped on Mull and in Glen Coe in August. My plan for 2018 is to sell both and buy a motorhome to live in permanently because I want to travel far more widely than is possible on the canals. Sincere thanks for all of your excellent work and may it long continue.
Best Regards,
Graham Holmes.
Just got done reading your book “How to live in a van and travel”. It was such an inspiring read I could not put it down. My free spirted mind is racing on how I could do what u did. Awesome way to live life sir! I also would like to know if you have had any results in a paper back for your last book “From van to home’? I don’t much like reading books on the computer.
Thanks I’m glad you liked it! I still have no date for the paperback version of the first book. I’ll come back to it soon and tackle it. Things like this I’ll announce here on the blog
Hard copy would be awesome 🙂
I would prefer to buy a hard copy but can not see one available anywhere. Failing this out of desparation can I put the ebook on my kindle? If so how do I do that? Instructions suitable for technological idiot please!
I would like to buy a hard copy of this book but can not find one anywhere i take it still not available? Can the e version be put onto a kindle? If so how do I do that? Idiot instructions please!
Yep told you techonology was not my thing, sigh.
Hi Mike – Can you advise the budget. I would like to know if its financially possible for me to get into before purchasing the book. Thanks
Hi Mike.
Was wondering if there’s any word on a print version of this book, please?
I feel like the gorgeous colour photos and details would be totally wasted on my kindle.
Thanks. ☺️
Nope not yet. I want to now convert it into a print version. If anyone out there can help me with nicely laying this out into book form, using Indesign, then get in touch! I’m about to give it a go myself. When the print version is finally released anyone who bought the ebook version will get a discount 🙂
I don’t any more (not done it for about 10 years) but I have a friend who does. Her email is emma@creativecatapps.co.uk ?
Are you still coming out with a hard copy of the book?
I love your book and your website! No Bullshit, only useful informations about van conversion and van life. Enjoy your journey and your free life. Best regards, Johannes
how can i get a paper back copy of your book Van to Home?
Hey, sorry, this is only available as an ebook right now. I am working on a physical version but it will probably be expensive because of all the colour images etc. However if you buy the ebook you will get a discount on the print version when it comes out. Cheers 🙂
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Thanks so much for this book! Was my manual when doing my van, I recommend it at any chance I get 🙂 wouldn’t of been able to do my van without it. Here’s my van xx
I would love to see the update version in paperback. Are there any updates for this?
Hey, I’m working first on actually making the updated version. I’m redoing ALL the pictures, which is taking a while. But this updated version will be so much clearer and nicer to look through. Once I’m happy with that (and after getting feedback) I’ll go to printing options. The print version is going to have to be at least £30 though to make it work. I’d like to know what people’s thoughts are on that actually
Thanks for a great book Mike, will be very handy in the van build next year. All the best on the road.
Oh you’re most welcome Rob. Best of luck and thank you buying my ebook 🙂