Van Transformation: Venture Camper

Meet Heather and Marc, owners of the Venture Camper. After rediscovering their love for all things camping, having both camped as children, they decided to design and convert their own van. Heather and Marc knew exactly what they wanted, and customised their camper to perfection to fit their vision. Their only regret? Not doing it sooner. Can you tell us a little about yourselves?

We are Heather & Marc, co-owners of the Venture Camper, we currently live in Chester with our French bulldog Jax! We both run very busy professional and social lives and have re-discovered our love for camping which was both something we did lot's of in our childhood. Why did you decide to convert a van and when did you start?

We made the decision to buy our van at the start of this year, we were fortunate to have some inheritance which we wished to spend on something we would both enjoy together, to make memories and have something sentimental to us. With us having full time jobs we knew we wouldn't be able to use the camper all the time and wanted to hire it out so other friends, families and couples could gain the same rewards as we do from Vanlife!

How long did your van conversion take?

We made the decision to buy a van and convert it so it could be everything we wished for and be designed with our taste and style! We came across a company called Global Vandemic Campers who had created some amazing conversions and we dropped them a message to get it all started. The conversion took them roughly 6 weeks to complete.

What’s one feature you could not compromise on?

One thing we knew we wanted was a U-shaped seating area that turns into a bed. It was very important to us that we had a communal seating area to enjoy food/drinks as well as a large bed, this can only really be achieved without a fixed bed in a van of the size we had bought.

Where did you go to find inspiration?

There is so much van inspo available online, we used social media platforms - pinterest and instagram mostly. I found home inspiration I liked and made it fit for a 'Camper' as well.

What is one thing you wished you’d known before you started?

Just how amazing Vanlife is and how we wish we could have started this journey earlier!

What is one piece of advice you’d offer a first-time van renovator?

Hire out a camper from Camplify first, if not more than one! To get a feel for your needs and wants on your own, you don't really know how things will work and suit you until you have stayed in one.

Is there anything you wish you could change about your van now?

She's pretty perfect! But we would love to add a decked roof terrace - to watch those beautiful sunsets. Oh, and maybe some big chunky off-road shoes....coming soon!

Will you be converting any more vans in the future?

We would absolutely love to add to the Venture Campers collection, hopefully one day in the future we will be able too! We loved the process of selecting and designing our camper. We would love to be able to do it again.