Example Campervan Conversions

When converting your own campervan pictures of other peoples conversions are invaluable.  Our members conversions should provide ideas and inspiration to help you with your own conversion.

Micro Camper Conversions

Micro campers are becoming more and more common.  For those that need a very economical daily driver, that can be used occasionally for camping, a micro camper is perfect.  I haven’t converted a micro camper yet, but here are some links to other peoples micro campers.

Ben Sutton’s Peugeot Expert camper van.

A lovely camper using natural woods

Toby’s Peugeot Expert camper van.

A great conversion, based on Ben Sutton’s conversion. Uses parts from an MPV

Ricky Roberts Ford Escort camper van.

A nice simple camper from a standard Ford Escort van.

 James Harland’s Nissan Micra camper van

Shrum’s compact Peugeot Bipper campervan conversion.

A very compact and fresh conversion.

 James Harland’s Nissan Micra camper van

A compact campervan with pop-top roof

 

 Rick Barnes’ Fiat Scudo conversion

Simon JB’s wind surfing conversion

Member Conversions

Here are the conversions done by the members of CamperVanLife.com

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  1. Lighting
    For light when I study. I went to Wal-Mart and got a couple of solar yard lights. 2 for like $5. Set them in the steering wheel while at work. When I’m ready for bed. I just stick them in a bucket. And it’s nitienite.

    Reply

  2. Citroen Berlingo conversion
    I have just finished my conversion to a camper car!

    Pics here: http://www.kellyjago.blogspot.co.uk/p/berlingo-camp.html

    Reply

  3. Double sliding door t25
    Any ideas of best layouts for a t25 vw with double sliding doors…. I’m converting it from a mini bus into a camper …. On a budget!!!! Help greatly appreciated 🙂

    Reply

    1. For a T25 it’s hard to beat
      For a T25 it’s hard to beat the original “seat across the back” design from Westfalia and others. If you have 2 sliding doors, you could just have it so that the drivers door opened and exposed the back of the kitchen units. This will let lots of air through for warm days. Or leave a gap in the kitchen units, behind the drivers seat, so that you can climb through.

      Reply

    2. Complete campers, Poole Dorset
      Check out Complete campers in Poole
      Just having my twin doorvito converted and couldn’t be happier

      Good luck
      Pete

      Reply

  4. renault master lwb extra high roof
    Newbie here I have this van and considering converting to 4 berth can anyone tell me if they have done a conversion to this type of paneled van and if so give me start up tips please re planning etc as am not sure where to start.
    Great site by the way

    Don

    Reply

  5. conversion kits
    i have a 55plate sprinter LWB, does anybody know of a company or website that supply kits to convert to a camper van, thanks

    Reply

  6. Renault Ambulance to convert
    Hi,
    Has anyone ever converted one of these?I just bought one and am looking for any good ideas on how to best make use of the space.I need a double and single bed in there,as well as everything else!Any ideas welcome!
    Thanks,
    Matt

    Reply

    1. hi Matt……converted my renault master Ambulance 2 yrs ago…….if your interested in seeing what i have done to mine,i can send you some pics and give tips etc

      Reply

  7. Summer Project
    Hi all

    i’ve just finished a prolonged degree and i have seriously itchy feet. I have purchased an old (1990) transit Lwb Dormobile to convert into a camper as a summer project, hoping to do a bit of travelling in september time. The wheel arches are badly corroded and are stopping it from passing it’s mot. what i was wondering was if anyone had come across similiar problems and knew of any welders around the glasgow area that would be able to make a good and cost effective job of the repairs. So as i can move on to the fun part of actually kitting out the inside.

    Thanks everyone
    Andy

    Reply

  8. size IS important
    Hi,

    looking at the prices of coach-built motorhomes, I’m thinking of building my own. However, I need a five or six berth with lots of kiddie space and a roomy washroom/toilet. Can you suggest any suitable donor vehicle without going into the realms of large trucks?

    Regards

    Joe

    Reply

    1. Hi Joe
      Do you mean base

      Hi Joe

      Do you mean base vehicle, i.e. the vehicle you will do the conversion on and ultimately be left with?

      If so consider a long wheel base van (LWB). Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Daily seem to be the most popular LWD vans. I’ve seen a few Ford Transits as well.

      LWB panel vans are easier to drive than trucks.

      Reply

  9. Camper van conversion
    Loved the conversion and thank you for taking the time and trouble to share it. Thank you for the tips of your gained expertise and would also like to add, I would not have fully carpeted the floor just in case it got saturated and you have to remove the carpet and was also not happy about the varnished wood above the gas stove, hope you don’t ever find out why. Once again – thanks and I am really considering it myself now.

    Reply

  10. Advice on seat upholstry
    Hi,

    I’m converting an LDV van into a camper and have a problem with finishing the seating. Does anyone know of a company, based in KENT, that can make and upholster the made to measure seat cushions. It’s basically the upholstry of the foam that we need help with.

    Thanks, Jenny

    Reply

  11. Fitting windows
    Hi Darren,

    I am looking to buy either a sprinter or iveco daily as a donor for converting into a camper.

    Do you have a info on sites that sell either bonded or rubber seal windows for these vans, as I am trying to get a cost together for the basic things like power supply, water system, fridge and gas system with cooker. If you knew of a site where I could purchase these items from for a reasonable price it would be greatfully recieved

    Thanks

    Mark

    Reply

    1. These guys have been
      These guys have been recommended by members here: http://www.leisurevehiclewindows.co.uk/

      Download their catalogue

      Reply

  12. rock and roll bed
    i am converting a T4 at the moment but i need a rock n roll bed with seatbelts which i just cannot afford!! cheepest price so far is about £300. I can get the mechanisms to make one myself for about £40 but does anyone know where i stand with fitting seatbelts to an MOT standard??

    Reply

    1. Try this page for
      Try this page for information
      https://www.campervanlife.com/forum/campervan-conversions/seat-belts-regulations-and-guidelines-for-camper-vans-and-motorhomes

      but ultimately check with an MOT tester, as they have to pass it.

      Reply

      1. This PDF guide should also
        This PDF guide should also help

        http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/uploads/publications/general/retrofit.pdf

        Reply

  13. Depends
    Hi Bert

    Great idea!
    A gas fridge is the best for running day-after-day as it’s fairly cheap. But you must fit a vent into the side of the car, behind the fridge to vent the burnt gas. Also, they tend to be fairly bit and heavy.
    Electric fridges are smaller and lighter, but the cheap ones use lots of power, the expensive ones use much less power.

    Reply

    1. fridge
      Hi I have been in the caravan/motorhome/conversion trade now for over 12 years…. With refrence to fitting a gas fridge not only do you need a rear vent for the combustion gas to vent out. You also require by law a gas drop hole (vent in the floor) under each appliance you have fitted that runs on gas, you also MUST have a gas drop under each copper pipe connection, and within your SEALED gas bottle cupboard. Also in addition if you have any gas appliances fitted i.e fridge, hob space heater… you REALLY REALLY MUST have high level ventalation, low level ventalation and ideally mid level ventalation ( how ever in some cucamstances your fridge vent can count as mid level ventalation))))……..Also the flue from your fridge must be set an a 45 degree angle upwards othewise you risk carbon monoxide re- entering your motorhome in windy weather..
      Always rembember gas is DANGEROUS….GAS THAT HAS BEEN BURT IS A SILENT KILLER AKA CARBON MONOXIDE!!!!!!!!

      Reply

  14. Nissan Micra conversion
    Hi crazy idea, but I have partially begun it.
    I have a 1996 Nissan Micra, 3-door, which I am going to convert into a mini camper, or a CamperCar.
    Obviously space will be an issue, but my main question is how do I run a fridge? I guess a gas powered camping fridge would be the best option, right?
    I have a semi professional doing my woodwork. and I plan for an awning to extend from the open boot door.
    Opinions? This is just a crazy experiment more than anything, and nothing too serious.

    Reply

    1. minicampers
      look here:
      http://www.foro4x4.com/foro/index.php?topic=16406.0

      http://www.foro4x4.com/foro/index.php?topic=7856.0

      One Renault twingo camper:

      http://4×4.mforos.com/247643/2972202-renault-twingo-camping-car/

      Vw polo camper:

      http://polomobil.net.tc/

      A lot of mini campers, like peugeot 205,the renault twingo,nissan micra,opel agila,etc here:

      http://www.furgovw.org/index.php?topic=172708.0

      Enjoy it!!

      Reply

  15. tv/dvd and freeview 12v
    hi i want to run tv/dvd 12v and a freeview 12v off a car battery for about 4 or 5 hours a day in my shed what wattage or ampage battery would i need , and i want to recharge this battery daily would a solar battery trickle charger be sufficient if yes what ampage solar panel please

    Reply

  16. Whatever you want
    It’s entirely up to you. What do you need? What will you use the van for?
    If it’s just weekends you probably don’t need much. A simple gas cooker and a washing up bowl. If you intend to live in the van for months you’ll need a proper kitchen and a good amount of storage.

    Think about what you will use the van for and what things you’ll need to fit. Everyone’s vehicle is unique to them, that’s the beauty of doing your own conversion.

    Reply

  17. Hi darren. thanks 4 ur reply.
    Hi darren. thanks 4 ur reply. what i meant was, what is needed from me to be able to turn a normal panel van into a camper? i have already fitted windows and a bed. regards barber

    Reply

  18. DVLA?
    Hi Barber

    Do you mean to have the vehicle changed to registered as a campervan with DVLA? Last I knew you needed a sink as well. But I definitely recommend you contact the DVLA to confirm the current conditions. Sometimes they request to have the vehicle inspected before the change the registration type. But this is often only for bigger vehicles.

    Reply

  19. converting VW T4 into campervan
    Hi, I live in the UK could anyone tell me what is needed to convert panel van into campervan? I have already fitted bed and windows, but would I have to have running water, cooker and a fridge? thanks

    Reply

  20. Yep
    Hi Nox

    Good advice. If you’re going to be living in a van permanently then you need to make extra considerations. Hope the changes go smoothly.

    Reply

  21. Hey all
    this is a great site

    Hey all
    this is a great site love your work, but i just want to let my fellow steaths know, when you are designing and building it really pays to take your time.
    i did a fairly good job on my conversion but i rushed it and now i am planning on starting again and as im living in my van permenantly its not going to be easy!

    remember its not the time it takes to do the job its the satisfation that comes from doing the job well!

    Reply

    1. livingvan
      hi. its great fun. mite c u on the road.

      Reply

  22. Kia 2700 workhorse
    Looking for some ideas on conversion of kia 2700 workhorse to be fitted with drop on camper unit, anyone in south africa with ideas would be good.

    Reply

  23. Hi Dan
    Hi Dan

    I bought the van in April 2007. I took my time and did the conversion over the summer whilst I was using the van as my surfing van. I left the UK for France in September 2007, so 5 months of conversion time. There was a very raining June in that summer, which slowed things down. If I were to do the same conversion again I could do it in 2 months I think, as I learn’t a great deal. A simpler conversion could be done in 2 weeks or a month.

    Reply

  24. How long to convert?
    Nice job Darren, lots of useful info on this website too.

    How long did the conversion take in all? Thanks,

    Reply

  25. Hi Remi
    Sorry, I don’t

    Hi Remi

    Sorry, I don’t know.  I would suggest checking with the government department that handles that.  Is it DFAT?  Maybe it is different in each state?

    Reply

  26. Hi,
    Do you know how it works

    Hi,
    Do you know how it works in Australia for turning a van into a campervan from a legal point of view?? (certification, registration, standards, insurance…)

    Thanks
    Remi.

    Reply

    1. Australian regulationss for campers
      Hi Remi,

      I am Australian, now in the UK, but when i was at home i travelled a fair bit in my Van, a mitsubishi express (L300)
      i just fitted a basic setup into the back and went on holidays…. never any problems.

      If you are planning a major conversion, and want to register the van as a campervan, rather than just using the van under standard registration (as many people do), the you should get in touch with the vehicle registration authority in the state of registration …. In Victoria, it’s Vicroads, in New south wales it is the Roads and Traffic authority (RTA). other states just search on the net for vehicle registration.

      their websites will give you info about registration requirements and conversion compliance.

      Personally, i would not bother with any of that, just set yourself up, and go and enjoy yourself.

      Good Luck,

      Chris

      Reply

  27. Hi Evelyn.  If your vehicle

    Hi Evelyn.  If your vehicle is registered in the UK and you are fitting something of a real camper van (bed, windows, kitchen) then you should inform the DVLA.  They sometimes want to inspect the vehicle.  Insurance is cheaper for camper vans than regular vans.

    Reply

  28. dvla
    hi everybody

    although i am english i live in france
    i intend doing a conversion on my sprinter 310d

    DO I HAVE TO INFORM DVLA ON COMPLETION ?

    MANY TKS

    EVELYN

    Reply

  29. Hi Nigel. If you have some
    Hi Nigel. If you have some DIY skills and know what you want from your camper van then I would suggest doing your own conversion. It’s a very rewarding thing to do, and you’ll have a camper van that meets your exact needs.

    If you are not confident with DIY then consider having a professional conversion done, but they can cost a lot of money.

    Reply

  30. first time
    Hi i looking into converting my van into a camper can i do this my self or is it best tohave a pro to this ?

    Reply

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