As a culture, we are more mobile, want to experience life, and are minimalistic. Adventure seekers have been seen documenting their traveling lifestyle and small car living. What better low-cost way to experience life than to turn your van into a camper. On social media, it may be called #vanlife, but this unique travel home is more than just a hashtag, and converting a van into a camper is achievable.
Steps to Converting a Van into a Camper
Step 1: Purchase a van that still has a lot of life left. Check the van’s odometer, has it been serviced, how are its tires, does it run well. Have your trusted car maintenance person look everything over before you buy. There are multiple types of vans to use. The best type of van would be a Sprinter or Transit. If you want to buy new, there are many options on the market in different sizes and heights. Most people recommend going bigger and taller if possible.
Step 2: Figure out what you feel is most important and do your research. What kind of sleeping quarters do you need? What type of lifestyle will you have? Will you be inside your van working all day? Write down those needs and how you will fulfill those needs with your van conversion.
Step 3: Find a professional to help convert your van into your dream. In a van, some products hold up better than others. Remember that a van is exposed to the elements and weather changes. Also, remember that an earthquake happens inside the van every time you drive. Buy durable items that will hold up longer.
Items you may want to add to your van:
- Kitchen
- Fridge
- Storage baskets
- Puck lights
- Extra lighting
- Small appliances
- Car rain gutter
- Solar battery charger
- Cooking system
- One-piece flooring, not laminate panels
- Stove in the counter
- Separate workspace and bed space
- Mounted grey water tank bigger than 5 gallons, freshwater tank like an RV
- Safe with an electrical outlet to keep valuables safe
- RV locks on all the doors
- More windows
- Magnetic pieces for knives and silverware
- Lithium batteries
- Easy winterization pack
Step 4: Your goal is to live long-term on the road sustainably. Whether that’s by yourself or with your family, Vanlife can be exciting and fun making wonderful memories. Prepare and do your research not only on your van but on your travel and locations you will stay.
Step 5: Enjoy it!
