Campervan layout ideas

The golden rule of campervan conversions is to take time with your layout! A good layout and floor plan will transform your van build into your own home on wheels, perfect for holidays or for making your costs back by renting it out.

The possibilities for campervan floor plans are endless. Design your space however you like to make it your own, whether that’s for weekend trips off-grid or living full time on the road. But you’ll need some careful thinking to design your van in a way that’s both functional and comfy, fitting everything you need into one compact space.

Not sure where to start? We’ve sourced the most popular campervan layouts ideas below to inspire your design!

Our favourite campervan layouts ideas

1. Fixed rear bed

This is probably the most popular campervan layout, used in vans like VW Westfalias. The bed is a futon style that folds up into a sofa/seating area during the day and is folded down at night, in a square (widthways) shape rather than rectangular (lengthways). With the bed in the rear, the rest of the cabin is free for the kitchen and living areas.

This style is simple, easy to use and provides a good amount of storage space under the bed platform – for a dog bed in our example above!

2. Fixed lengthwise bed

The next most common style of campervan layout is to have the bed lengthwise, i.e., running most of the length of the campervan rather than filling its width. As with a rear bed, this style is “fixed” in the sense that it’ll be in the same place at all times, but foldable in that it uses the space normally occupied by the dining table or living area.

3. Convertible rear bed

One of our favourite campervan layouts ideas, this option is great for smaller vans or if you simply want more space in the body of your campervan. Two benches and a table provide seating and living space during the day – at night, all you have to do is lower the table into the bed position and put the cushions back into place. The bed can be a double, as in Wanderlust above, or with the option of two singles.

4. Side-door kitchen

The easiest and most common way to fit a kitchen in a campervan is to have it in a fixed space along the sidewall furthest from sliding side doors. But if you want to prep meals in the fresh air, without having a portable or outdoor kitchen, a side-door kitchen is a top pick!

5. Behind-cab kitchen

To provide a barrier between the driving and living areas, consider putting your kitchen space directly behind the front seats. You can have it completely cut off from the cab for maximum discretion, or keep your van vibe roomy and airy by having the kitchen area in full view. It’s just personal preference which one campervanners go for – the only main difference is a fully closed off kitchen can’t be accessed from the cab area.

Of course, it’s easily possible to have a combo cab and wall kitchen if you like! Daisy in Worcestershire (above) uses an open-plan style for a kitchen space behind the front seats, as well as utilising the far wall.

The above are the most standard layouts for campervan conversion, whatever type of vehicle you have. Of course, there’s lots of additional fun to be had in figuring out your extras! Add an office, add a fancy sink, install a home cinema… the choices are endless. And don’t forget the practicalities, like a bin, a laundry bag and a space for towels!

Campervan layout checklist: what to consider when designing your floor plan

It’s tempting to launch straight into Instagram/Pinterest to search for more campervan layouts ideas, but take a deep breath and think logically first!

While you need to consider layout right from the start, it’s best to leave the actual practicalities until you’ve bought your van. You can get measurements for your model online before purchase, but the variety in these means, not all vans are the same. One example of this is the Mercedes Sprinter, which comes in different lengths, heights and wheelbase sizes.

Once you have your van, take all its measurements. Then use graph paper and a pencil to start your design, or do it with a 3D software app like Sketchup. Your next step is to use tape to mark out the layout in your van.

Here are some practicalities to factor in when designing your van layout:

Car seats

Is your van very definitely just for you/your partner, or will your mates – or kids – sometimes join you? You’ll need to know this to ensure your conversion has the correct number of passenger seats and seat belts; in UK law, this is at least one per passenger.

Weight distribution

As well as being better for the van, it’s a legal requirement in the UK to keep campervans and other RVs at a maximum weight (usually 7.5 tonnes). Water containers, fridges and batteries are among the heaviest large items likely to be in your van, so take this into account right from the start. You’ll also need to ensure that heavy objects are placed evenly throughout the van rather than on one side.

Dual-feature kit

Always include dual-purpose features wherever you can in your van conversion, so it can be as functional as possible while taking up minimum space. The most obvious example of this is a dining area that switches to a double bed, popular in many conversions. But there’s loads of potential in this idea, as any quick look at # vanlife message boards or grids will show!

Storage

What are your must-haves to travel with? How will you store them when not in use? As above, you’ll need storage for certain items in your van. But this is true even if you plan to travel very lightly: water tanks, gas tanks and batteries all need to be safely out of the way – and easily accessible when needed too.

Sleeping space

How many people will be sleeping and dining in your van? Whatever style of van conversion you go for, and whatever your budget, a sleeping space is a must. Do you want a rock and roll bed that’s pulled out every night, or to use more room with a fixed sleeping space?

Kitchen area

Kitchen space is also key, even if it’s only somewhere you wash your hands. Will you make most meals inside the van? What about kitchen kit storage, cupboards, ventilation, water (plus hot water), and gas/electric connection?

Unless your budget allows you to eat out every night, we recommend making room for a full kitchenette.

Having your kitchen by the side door of your van means it’s easy to refill water and gas tanks, or you might even opt to have a kitchen outside.

Toilet and shower

Will you use a camping toilet like a Porta Potti and if so, where will it be stored? Is a shower a must? How will you fit your hot water arrangements?

Lighting

Will you include lots of windows or just a few? How bright would you like your living space? Will you be stealth/city camping and need the van to be discreet?

Workspace

Do you plan on being on the road full time as a digital nomad? Then you’ll probably need a workspace, even if it’s just the dining area with a charging spot for your laptop.

Sports kit

is your surfboard or bike a travelling must-have? Unless you hitch a sports kit to the top or back of your van, your campervan layout will need to accommodate these fitting inside the van.

Pets

Will you be travelling with your best pal? Where will they sleep? Remember they’ll need a safe place (for them – and you) to curl up in while you’re driving.

Water

How much water will you need per day? Do you plan to live mostly off-grid, or stay at campsites most nights? This will influence how much water you carry on board and the campervan water system you go with. Which leads us to…

Weather

Often overlooked, but essential to consider at this stage! Travelling in hotter climates or in summer will mean you’ll need a decent ventilation system in your van, while winter travellers will very likely want a heating system and hot water in theirs.

You’ll also need to think about how you’ll spend prolonged time in the van while parked up, for example on rainy days. Make it an attractive space with plenty of room for gadget chargers, or add secure shelving for a few books and board games.

Then start the build! Our DIY campervan conversions, Sprinter van conversion layouts and Ford Transit van conversion guides have lots of tips.

Hire a campervan for layout inspiration

That’s all the campervan layouts ideas you need to get started! But before you get started on your own van, why not have a few road trips to see how different layouts work in practice? We have hundreds ofcampervans for hire in the UK – browse through our listings and choose a few that suit. Remember you can hire out your finished campervan to make your costs back too!

Earn extra income from your campervan

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If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your vehicle, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!