Designing Your Camper Van Layout

Things to Consider Before Designing Your Camper Van Layout

Planning – What Do You Want to Get Out of It?

Are you embarking on a temporary trip or planning to live permanently in new places?

Once on the road, you'll discover the little daily routines.

Which of your routines are flexible?

Remember, weather and temperatures can change quickly.

Where will you put wet clothes in a van?

Food – My Top Priority

I love cooking, but doing it in a camper van is a challenge.

Before you start designing your camper van, it's important to carefully consider how it will be used and what your goals are. This will greatly influence how you furnish and equip it. Here are some key points to keep in mind before you start the design process:

1. Working from the Van

Working remotely from the van while ensuring it’s a comfortable workspace is crucial, in my opinion. If you plan to work from the van, it's important to install a proper workstation, such as a comfortable table. We’ve created seating for six people, providing ample workspace. Foldable standing desks are also a fantastic solution; they can enhance both productivity and mood.

2. Weather and Seasons

If you plan to travel to cold or wet places, you'll likely spend a lot of time inside the van. In such cases, you want the van to be as comfortable as possible, with enough space to move around. When the weather is bad, you’ll also need an indoor kitchen solution. Travelling to cold areas requires good insulation in the floor, ceiling, and walls, which can take away some interior space. In warmer areas, two roof fans may be necessary, and if you travel to colder places, you must also plan for heaters and gas bottles.

3. Where Will You Travel?

Are you planning to spend a lot of time in cities or the countryside? The answer to this question can determine the style of van you build. If you'll mainly be in cities, a more discreet, "stealthy" van might be a good option. This means avoiding protruding features like awnings or visibly obvious solar panels.

4. Budget

Your budget is a critical factor in how much you can equip your van. A budget of £1,000 results in a very different camper than a budget of £10,000. Smaller vans are typically cheaper to convert than larger ones because they have less space to work with.

6. Lifestyle

If you are an outdoor enthusiast who often hikes, cycles, or skis, a shower might be a necessity. Installing a shower can be both expensive and complicated, but for some vanlifers, it is essential. Also, consider that you will need more water storage if you install a shower, which takes up extra space. A large storage area for gear is also necessary if you have a lot of outdoor equipment.

5. Traveling with a Partner, Family, or Friends

If you're travelling with a partner, you need a double bed – simple and obvious. If you occasionally have friends or family joining, an extra sleeping spot or a tent solution is handy. Some choose to install hammock hooks in their vans to maximize sleeping spaces.

7. Clothes

If you have a lot of clothes, you need a large wardrobe space, especially if you want to hang up shirts. If you're a minimalist, or maybe even a nudist, you need to rethink how much storage you need.

8. Toilet

On the road, you need to get used to handling toilet issues practically. For me, a chemical toilet in the van is a must, and if you suffer from IBS, it's even more important.

9. Books

Are you a book lover? Bring your favourites and get a Kindle for the rest. Think about where you will store your books and where a bookshelf would fit best in the van.

10. Food lovers

How you store food depends greatly on what you eat. Personally, I have two shelves filled with spices, a pantry, and a 50-litre refrigerator. If you don't plan to have a fridge, make sure to store perishables low down in the van as heat rises, keeping food fresher for longer.

11. Mood

If you are prone to getting in a bad mood, more light in the van can make a big difference. More side windows, a white interior, more lighting, or even a skylight can help create a bright and positive environment.

Next Chapter: Setting Up Your Walls