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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.
You can add your own campervan here by signing up as a member, and editing your profile.
Micro Camper Conversions
Micro campers are becoming more and more common. For those that need a very economical daily driver, that can be used occasionaly 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
T4
The Photo was taken Some where in Southern Spain,which is one of my favourite places to chill,but getting expensive.This photo shows hub cap missing after I smashed into a rock when driving off road on a mountain track. ALLOY WHEELS, They wouldn't last 5 minuets travelling where I go.
Nissan Primastar.
Bought my van approx 18 months ago. Had a large leisure battery fitted, blacked out windows on both sides. Roof vent and solar panel fitted on roof. Very compact inside but everything that I need fits easily in boxes under the bed.
Camper Van
Bought the van last year in need of TLC. Used it a lot during the year and now sold the car so solely depend on it. looking forward to doing more work and getting away this year.
Europe Holiday 2012
We have hired a "NOMAD" motorhome and are planing to travel in Europe for part of the trip and looking for sites in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and then back to the UK.
I'm travelling with my 2 adult sons (who will be my drivers) and we don't want to be trapped in very commercial sites that remind me of a theme park. Read more »
Madame Von VW restoration
This the VW just after we bought it for £900 we have since spent £2,500 on loads of new running gear we have all the receipts. We have done nothing inside and I have only just started on the outside. Any engine work has been carried out by Manchester air cooled except for the on occasion where I broke down in Malvern where I had to use a local garage to get some new brake pipes fitted. Read more »
Clarence the Van
Lap of the Baltic Sea in "Clarence": Read more »
* Harwich Ferry Terminal
* Denmark (crossed N-S) (+ sidetrip to Hamburg one weekend)
* Norway (halfway up N)
* Sweden (back down again)
* Finland (crossed W-E)
* Karelia (now crossed by the Russian border)
* Estonia (crossed N-S. Tallinn, home to the world's most beautiful girls)
* Latvia (crossed N-S)
* Lithuania (crossed N-S)
Alice
This is the second build in this van as the first was very basic and done in a week for a trip to wales.... in winter. Problem has always been that i still needed to use the van for work, so fitting a sink, and propper cupboards wasn't really an option as I needed to have a flat bed for carrying large boxes Read more »
Surfer Andy's VW T5 Conversion
Surfer Andy came to us with his VW T5 looking for a full camper conversion but still wanted enough space to carry his surfboards. Before we started with the conversion we fully insulated, soundproofed, ply lined and carpeted the van and lined the floor with heavy duty waterproof Altro vinyl. Next job was to fit a high quality Cannon’s Forge rock n roll bed complete with seat belts. Read more »
Mitsubishi L400 Delica 4x4 Campervan/Overlander
I've spent the past year and a half slowly getting my truck the way I want it for festivals, camping, greenlaning, and off-roading . My Delica is my everyday drive. It started out as a stock Mitsubishi Delica L400 Exceed... Read more »
Al's Hiace
T reg white Toyota Hiace, ex work van with loads of miles on the clock. Cost £1600 to buy. Converting with absolute zero experience, very little knowledge and a tiny budget.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a T2 VW Campervan, she was born in May 2011 so is a baby in the current Volkswagen world! She's looking forward to lots of exciting adventures and playing a part in some very special moments, she is looking forward to you hiring her!
So what can she offer...
Sleeps four - Two adults in a double rock and roll bed, and pop top bunk that can hold up to 16 stone in weight. Read more »
Horton
Horton is our T5 Campervan. Named 'Horton' as he was purchased from Horton in Slough.
We brought him home as an everyday builders van, we had been looking for the perfect vehicle that we could convert into a camper.
In 6 months, Horton went from being your average white van, to our perfect campervan! Read more »
Vantage Motorhomes
We are a Motorhome Conversion Specialist and have numerous models available.
Ripple
12 month MOT
Basic inside with double bed, table, shelving and optional third bed or shelves.
Lots paperwork from over the years.
Solid mechanically - good.
citreon dispatch going to turn it into a slealth camper
I am looking for ideas to convert my van in to a stealth campervan I will be putting pictures up soon
thanks. Stephen
Ford Transit - SCCV (Stealth Cargo Camper Van )
Homemade conversion for professional and recreational purposes.
website : http://www.wix.com/devaere/ford-transit---sccv
fiat 850t
hello, could you help me, i need a 'top trunion kit' for my 1971 fiat 850t for both front sides, plus the arms (A frame.???). would you know where i could get these, or do you have them.? thanks.
numptycube the camper
i started jully 2010 with a rough looking ford transit and the fun began.
removing rust from everwhere and welding further than the eye could see but now its close to the end and looking like the camper it should be.
we,re on the road again
Next project starts in September when I buy my van,so I will be looking for a van from September.
Project Camper
Just brought this, been half converted Poorly, in need of a respray and little tarting up. Interior has been clad with pine cladding with polysterene behind walls, just about to start stripping everything out, and starting again. just trying to get my head round it!
Jan 2012 - Have ripped out all of the interior, just starting to aqquire plywood, tools, consumables to start converting
Surf Festival Conversion
Just starting the conversion, took out the wooden bulkhead and interior shelving that was left by the last owners, next onto fixing the bed in from the last van I had, recycle recycle I say.
Got some free pink! carpet which I think i'll use for the floor and try to find some less garish colour for the walls.
Will post some pics of the progress being made...
Sounds Of The Campervan
We want good bands to be seen by you, the people. Read more »
With ever increasing numbers of bands, club nights and band nights of all descriptions, great bands are getting lost in the crowd. We put performances where they can’t be missed, with THE SOUNDS OF THE CAMPER VAN.
VW T25
1988 VW T25
Spaceships Campervans UK
Spaceships are new to the UK with their custom built vehicles which drive like a car but with all the great features of a normal campervan!
Our 2 and 4 berth vehicles are insurance and include breakdown cover for travel anywhere in the UK and Europe from £20 a day.
Every Spaceship includes:
- Large Double Bed (4 Berth is a fixed 2 man tent on the roof) Read more »
- Fridge
- Cooker
- Water Pump
Big Purple
Based in the North Lakes
Moby Dick
Stealth Ford Transit. Fully insulated to survive the Irish/English weather, no windows so I can work and park in city centres without suspicion. Carpeted inside, obtained nearly everything for the interior from a donor caravan (went to the kids section in IKEA for the rest) 125ah leisure battery in the back controlled by relay switch, LED lights, gas cooker, 100,000 miles and counting.
Smoothie Mobile
Just starting from scratch, getting budget together
Truant
The van shortly after it was delivered. Motor not running-in bits actually-but bodywork not in bad nick. An ex-Post office (or whatever they're called these days) van with 47,000 on the clock. Is that run in yet? Check out my photo's for a step-by-step view of the build.
FREEDOM - FULLY LOADED
Inside the vehicle we had provided on e bunk bed, sofa cum bed, kitchen, fridge,microwave oven, coffee maker, AC, LCD,GPS Navigation, shower electric toilet, pull out tent and many more...
Vera Wang VW T4 Auto sleeper
We bought Vera Wang in September this year and have been away every weekend since and away for a week at half term to Norfolk. We have lots of adventures planned in her for the coming year xx
Ace truck
This is my new van which I am going to convert, wish me luck
www.camper-van-conversion.co.uk
Ever thought of owning a camper van ? Why buy one, when you can build one for less. See how at http://www.camper-van-conversion.co.uk. More details at http://www.mycampervanconversion.co.uk.
Other conversion projects at : http://www.mycampervanconversion.com
I'm new to Van Living
I am still learning about van living and travel, but I think it's an ideal way to get around and see the country without blowing a bunch of cash. I plan to start with a cargo van and convert it for travel for part of the year. I did start a blog and I'm adding to it when I have the time.
Delilah #2
Recently bought this van to self convert. have completed the kitchen area with crammer hob and sink fitted also about to get an electrolux 3 way fridge fitted.... Getting the 12v and mains all hooked up by a qualified installer and will run all this throu a zig cf8 unit. have got everything for it just need to get it installed properly... seating area and sleeping area all completed. Read more »
Relay Van Conversion
Our old Talbot Express Pilote R380 did us proud for 12 years but the bodywork was getting beyond us - spent over three thousand on just dealing with the rust over the 12 years but it needed doing again.
Now converting the Relay to sleep two. We don't want all the usual fittings, full size fridge, kitchen size cooker etc; we didn't use the cooker once in all those years. Read more »
The un named Transit!!!
Lucyvan the Sherpa has gone and this years trips will be in this fine vehicle.
DD
Purchased for $500 from a friends roommate.
Maintenance since purchase:
Brakes, Muffler, Alternator
Campervan looks like new. No burns, fading, or tears.
Ford transit Debonair Dormobile
Vehicle was bought as is with the coach built debonair conversion by martin walter of Folkstone beleved to be from a 1973 bedford prior to it being fitted to a 1998 ford transit chassis
Aoife
Building a four berth van out of a lovely 1993 leyland daf 400 minibus. This is never going to be a stealth camper!
will it ever be finished ?
01 mercedes sprinter 313,116000 miles, just starting to convert it
Big Nige
Christened Big Nige by a former owner, our Renault Trafic is a rather well done "home" conversion which has done us proud at festivals and nights away since we got him in March. We are now planning a trip through France in September, and are a bit apprehensive about potential breakdowns! Read more »
Touring Base van for Biking
At present it's just a van!
Plan is to fit a set of folding seats in the back 2m of the van that can be used as either 2 single beds, 1 big double bed, seating and eating area and bike storage when folded up!
Rest of the van - well cooking area and a load of cupboards along the tops and a small wardrobe. MAYBE a toilet with small sink in it but not sure. Read more »
the duchess of derbyshire (the elder)
This was our first campervan. We got it in September 2009 to try touring as we have dogs and it so expensive to find accommodation for them. We have enjoyed hols in Weymouth, Derbyshire, Wales and, most recently, in the Lake District with this van. We love it so much we snapped up a newer version. Read more »
BAVO76
Hi all i am Darryl and i brought my bus from e-bay in march 2009 it was a 1985 Nissan diesel school bus with a 6 cyl turbo diesel and a 6 speed manual it was registered and in good condition and seated 35 people it is 30 foot long and easy to drive .Ive pulled out all the seats now and making it into a motor home .its got so far queen bed in rear ,bunks full size shower separate toilet L shape lou Read more »
Searching for a campervan on the US eastcoast
Hello
I am a swiss rockclimber. In fall 2010 I will go to the USA for a rockclimbingtrip together with 2 friends. We will start our trip in New York on September 5th and end it on October 30th also in New York. The first month we will be climbing in Rumney, New Hampshire and the second month in the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Read more »
Sprinter Conversion
Very versatile 2 berth camper with great carrying capacity.
"Sugar Jackson"
Bought this van of German origin in the spring of 2010 from a wood worker. Its dented all around and needs some maintenance before I can start converting it into a camper. Ive driven about 7000 km within half a year, and Sugar proved to be a sweet runner.
Blue Mercedes Sprinter MWB
After thinking about building another campervan for a while, I was looking online at vehicles in the Cornwall area. I saw a few that looked good, especially a Blue Sprinter very near by. I went and had a look. It was in good condition, an ex Transco van that had a few bruises as all work vans do, but a full service history and brand new MOT. Read more »
master campervan
the van was a ambulance /minibus used to toke people to and from hospital it had 9seats and a strecher and oxygen and baby incabater on board it is now a two birth camper with a shower ,toilet ,kitchen and beds/seating
little gypsy
renault trafic prima
1996
short wheel base
Cruisin' Cuisine
Repowered with an Isuzu Diesel and power assisted steering. The brakes have been changed to air over hydraulic. The floor has been lowered to give more head room to the sides of the original main saloon. Under the floor on the left had side are fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks. Plus the generator and main toolbox. Read more »
Stuart and May's Campervan
I started off by making a blog entry on this site about this project. Now it seems that this is perhaps a better place to document our progress! So here goes again! Read more »
1967 heap of rust
well we made a start today, its up on blocks and i have taken the plastic screws out of the floor. 4 big bolts out by the petrol tank, and now im puzzling how to get the shell off the chassis. more to follow
winnie the bago
she is a 26 foot 7 berth rv with a 440 cubic inch v8 big block and auto box. she runs on unleaded fuel but is fitted with lpg conversion although we don,t know if this is functional yet. Read more »
A BUS FOR US - The DIY Self Build Camper Van Conversion Blog
I've just spent the last 12 months converting an old Transit Minibus into a camper van. One of the main objectives was to try and keep the cost down to an absolute minimum but without compromising too much on quality, comfort and style. All in all the conversion cost less than £500. Take a look at my blog for more details and pictures.
E/roof 2 berth.
Getting an 9 seater, lwb, twin sliding door model with full privacy glass etc. seemed a good idea at the time as we needed twin beds & e/roof to get into car parks. Read more »
Old Rabbit's Van
A leisurely conversion of a panel van into a camper van. Please see my website for an article on the conversion, which is currently a work in progress, with lots more photos and information to be added.
Paddy Project
Paul is converting a Ford Transit mini-bus into a campervan for his family of 6 to sleep in. He has a nice website with photos and tips.
Mercedes Sprinter 1998 412D twin wheel
Converting a 1998 Mercedes Sprinter ambulance into a camper van. Using a donor caravan for parts.
Gashfus go rubbertramp
As soon as we get it it'll be up here!!
Code Red
sleek van with all the bells in whistles.. been great to do road trips, and now i want to take it to the next level!!
Kangoo
I have a renault Kangoo estate which I would like to convert the spacious back into a mini camper.Any Tips and advice would be welcome.I will have to start with blacking out the side windows Im not sure the best way to go with this whether to use blinds or blackout film maybe even a curtain can anyone help Thanks.
FORMER POLICE RIOT VAN, NOW CONVERTING TO CAMPERVAN
PICTURES TO FOLLOW
day van
Anyone help me regarding a small drive away awning i can get for my escort van
i.e. what type and where can i get one.
Mercedes Sprinter ex-roadworks crew-van
Converting a ex-roadworks crew-van
1978 Dodge
1978 Dodge 318 cu. in. automatic transmission. This is very similar to the van I had, it was a very good runner and I lived in it when I was in Seattle WA 1986-87. It had the large windows like these on both sides. I used black velvet material at night to hang flat (ungathered)in front of the windows. Read more »
VW Crafter to the Kids "Freestyle Rippers Van"
No purchased it yet...... seen too and the milage is too high or so my ex says, as hes helping to fund it, and is making sure I have a safe vehicle for his kids, hes a good man, im so excited
Nearly there "it will only take two weeks to do" that was 4 months ago.
My first camper conversion. but had great fun doing it. Well after chopping the end of my thumb off on a bench saw I finally got busy on the van again
Its been to wales, anglsey, skeggy, scarborough, bridlington and a few other places.
only problem I have had upto now was a fan belt which was a easy fix. Some arsehole knocked my mirror of Read more »
VW T5
The Van is due to have it's roof elevated next week.
After that will have four bonded windows and then we hope to fit the interior to a modest standard with bed, sink, cooker and some storage.
Hope to spend weekends until I am too old to enjoy the basic life. Better than a tent !!! Had an old VW camper in 1980s but it gave up!! This one is low milage so I am very excited. Sylvia Read more »
Still planning
I'm still thinking about my campervan conversion.
Camper Van Life is brought to you by Darren Lambert, a big fan of camper vans.
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 :)
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.
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
i have a 55plate sprinter LWB, does anybody know of a company or website that supply kits to convert to a camper van, thanks
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
These guys have been recommended by members here: http://www.leisurevehiclewindows.co.uk/
Download their catalogue
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??
Try this page for information
http://www.campervanlife.com/forum/campervan-conversions/seat-belts-regu...
but ultimately check with an MOT tester, as they have to pass it.
This PDF guide should also help
http://www.dvtani.gov.uk/uploads/publications/general/retrofit.pdf
This comment has been moved here.
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.
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!!!!!!!!
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.
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://4x4.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!!
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
This comment has been moved here.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
hi. its great fun. mite c u on the road.
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.
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