Campervan conversions success: 8 expert tips guide

More and more people have started campervanning and motor homing in recent years – and with good reason. # Vanlife is an amazing way to holiday, whether for short breaks or being out on the road for a couple of months. Renting out your motorhome is a brilliant source of additional income too!

But not everyone has the income to buy a brand new van ready for camping, which means conversions have become popular too. That said, there’s lots to think about before you get started, making it easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, our 8 tips for successful campervan and motorhome conversions take you from start to finish!

Campervan and motorhome conversions: our top tips

Tip 1: Decide early on panel van or coachbuilt

The first and most basic question to answer when deciding on a motorhome conversion is whether you’re going for a panel van conversion or a coach-built vehicle. Don’t get carried away planning lots of amazing features for your van, then find none of them will suit!

Whether you go for a panel or coach-built vehicle will depend on your budget, how much of your own stamp you want on the van, and whether things like solar panels or a pop-top are must-haves. A coach-built motorhome can of course be converted, but might not offer the same “blank canvas” vibe of an empty panel van - which is generally cheaper too.

Tip 2: Decide which type of vehicle best suits your needs

Have a think about what you’ll use the converted campervan or motorhome for – and we mean a really good think! Not just “holidays” – what type of holidays? What season? Who with? What activities do you like?

You might want a sturdy van with an open-plan conversion so you can slide your skis in easily in winter, or a lighter van for summer surfing. Think about whether pets will be coming along too, or, if you’re splashing out on a family conversion, whether it’ll be roomy enough when the kids are teens.

Tip 3: Make an equipment list

Consider the room you’ll need for any other outdoor kit, as well as space and equipment for other hobbies. If your usual evening routine is chilling with a movie, why not splash out on a gorgeous and comfy bed space? Expert chef?

Leave room for a barbecue and fire pit for outdoor cooking, and plenty of space for a kitchen inside. Think of absolutely everything you might want while on a trip, then figure out what you can fit in the type of van you want.

Tip 4: Be realistic about what you're happy to commit to

Confidence has its place, but not always in campervan and motorhome conversions. Don’t buy a van that needs work if you are not willing to embrace the challenging (but also incredibly rewarding!) task of converting it into a camping-friendly home on wheels.

And even if you’re an expert in everything needed, there’s no point doing the work yourself if you know big projects make you super stressed! This brings us to…

Tip 5: Consider a motorhome conversion company

If you have the funds, you might want to turn at least part of the project over to a company specialising in campervan and motorhome conversions. Most companies have accumulated years of experience in van conversions, and the rising popularity of # vanlife means there are plenty of these companies all over the country. You can often buy the base vehicle from the same company too.

Tip 6: Plan meticulously

Don’t just think about where the fridge might go or how to add a charging station – plan your conversion from the bottom up.

For a panel van conversion, this means deciding where the water tank will go, if you’re adding a toilet, how to fit the electrics and other practicalities. Next up, decide on bed space, whether you want a double or two singles (or more) and if the bed needs to be folded away during the day.

Tip 7: Stay legal

It’s not just about insurance or staying within the speed limit – motor homing legally in the UK affects van interiors too. Ourcampervan safety guide covers all you need to know!

Tip 8: Add a quality finish – inside and out

Lots of owners like to make their mark on the vehicle’s exterior – if this is you, it’s time to get creative! Painting a mural on the outside of a van would be a great project for a local art student if you’re not up to the job yourself. Check out Instagram and Pinterest for van exterior ideas.

As for the interior, everyone’s tastes differ… but why stick to standard beige or grey when it’s so simple to make a van your own unique space? You’ve spent all this money, time and effort getting the van just how you want – add a nice cushion or two as well! Even a small splash of colour can make a real difference. Check out these cool campervan interior ideas for inspiration!

Earn a return on your campervan or motorhome conversion

Overall, campervan and motorhome conversions are an affordable and fun way to get out on the road. And don’t forget you canhire out your van with Camplify all year round to help recoup your costs!

(If you prefer not to rent out your van during winter, check out ourmotorhome winterisation tips to keep everything in top nick for next year.)

Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers on the hunt for the perfect vehicle to camp in – all of whom are verified to maximise the safety when you hire out your motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your motorhome.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your motorhome. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your motorhome to get more and more bookings!

The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you rent out your motorhome with ourfree income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

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