From Dream to Reality – Your Ultimate Guide to Convert a Campervan

1. _Vad är ditt syfte med en Camper Van?

Innan du kastar dig in i vanlife-världen, måste vi prata om syftet. Är du ute efter spontanhelger i skogen eller en sex månaders roadtrip genom Europa? Ditt mål med vanlivet påverkar allt – från storleken på bilen till antal solpaneler på taket

2. _Vilken typ av bil passar dig bäst?

Är du en lyx-camper med plats för alla bekvämligheter eller mer av en minimalismfantast som klarar sig på det nödvändigaste? Här guidar vi dig genom djungeln av van-modeller så att du hittar det fordon som blir din bästa följeslagare på vägarna.

3. _Tips och Trix inför köp

Att köpa en camper van är som att välja sin reskamrat – det gäller att vara smart! Vi delar några snabba och smarta tips som hjälper dig att undvika vanliga fallgropar och hitta den där pärlan som rullar på vägarna utan bekymmer.

4. _Lyft fram din inre bilhandlare

Förbered dig på att charma säljaren, göra smarta val och kanske till och med få ett bättre pris än du trodde var möjligt. Det här är stegen som tar dig från nybörjare till campervan-köpets nästa guru!

Campervan Guide:
For Those Who Want to Travel in Happiness

The First Step: Choosing the Right Van for Your Conversion

Before you can start building your dream campervan, you first need to find the perfect base vehicle. Converting a van takes time and money, so making the right choice from the start is essential.

Campervans come in all shapes and sizes—tall, small, wide, narrow, flashy, discreet, practical, quirky, budget-friendly, or luxurious. Finding the right one is both exciting and rewarding. Let's explore which van best fits your camper conversion needs!

Important Legal and Insurance Considerations

Before diving into van shopping, there are a few administrative details to keep in mind. You should always check your country’s legal and insurance regulations regarding campervan conversions.

For example:
✔ In some European countries, the interior height must be at least 180 cm for registration as a campervan.
✔ Certain insurance providers do not cover converted school buses.
✔ Some countries impose tax regulations if your van weighs more than 3.5 tons.

Example:

In Sweden, there are no strict size requirements, but the vehicle must be reclassified to fit its intended purpose. When converting a van, design and functional specifications must be met instead

Avoid Disappointment – Do This First!

✔ Check national regulations related to van conversions.
✔ Speak to your insurance provider—reference a similar converted van model to understand pricing and coverage in case of accidents or theft.
✔ Don’t hesitate to call for clarification if you’re unsure!

Once these essential steps are complete, you can confidently start searching for the perfect campervan! 🚐

Finding Your Dream Campervan

What Do You Want from Your Campervan Adventure?

Stealth Mode
Staying Under the Radar in Cities

If you plan to spend a lot of time in urban areas, a low-profile van could be a game-changer. On our first trip across Europe, we chose a Renault Trafic in "stealth mode," which allowed us to park discreetly in big cities without drawing attention.

Pros of a Stealth Campervan:

✔ Lower risk of break-ins—blending in makes your van less of a target.
✔ Easier overnight parking—you can avoid unwanted attention from locals or authorities.

Potential Downsides:

❌ Risk of mistaken identity—a plain van can look like a tradesman’s vehicle, making it more likely to be targeted for tool theft.

If urban vanlife is part of your plan, a stealth setup might be worth considering!

Full Time Vanlife – Consider Roof Height!

Planning to live in your campervan full-time? Then roof height is something you can’t overlook!

Why Standing Space Matters:

✔ Better posture—no need to hunch over while cooking or moving around.
✔ Increased comfort—a taller van feels less claustrophobic.

If possible, choose a van with a high roof (such as Mercedes Sprinter or Fiat Ducato) for better ergonomics.

Travelling as a Couple?
Think About Sleeping Space

Whether you're traveling solo or with a partner, bed size matters!

✔ A wider bed = better sleep—you don’t want to feel cramped after a long day exploring.
✔ Longer beds for taller travelers—make sure your van’s sleeping space fits your height comfortably.

A comfortable sleep setup improves your overall vanlife experience dramatically!

Weather Considerations
Climate Adaptation for Your Van

Will You Be Travelling in Cold Climates?

If you're heading to cold or rainy destinations, you’ll spend more time indoors, so comfort is key.

✔ Proper insulation—floor and roof insulation are essential in freezing conditions.
✔ Adequate space—having room to move freely inside prevents cabin fever.

However, keep in mind that adding extra insulation can reduce roof height, so consider this when choosing your van.

Creating Your Campervan Conversion Checklist

Before purchasing your van, make a list of requirements to help narrow down your choices.

✔ Essential features—What do you absolutely need?
✔ Optional extras—What could improve your comfort?
✔ Space requirements—How much storage and living space do you need?

Using a Van Conversion Map as a base can help you visualise your ideal setup.

Avoid Costly Mistakes – Do This First!

✔ Check national laws & regulations for campervan conversions—requirements vary by country.
✔ Speak to your insurance provider—refer to a similar converted model to clarify coverage for accidents or theft.
✔ Don’t hesitate to call and verify details—it’s better to ask questions before purchasing than to deal with problems later.

By planning ahead, you ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition into vanlife!

Regular Maintenance & Repairs

A well-maintained van ensures reliability on the road and helps avoid expensive breakdowns. Many small issues can be prevented with routine maintenance.

• Check Oil & Fluids Regularly – Monitor oil levels, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid to keep your van running smoothly.

• Inspect Tyres – Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and have good tread depth for better grip and fuel efficiency. Keep a spare tyre and jack in case of emergencies.

• Electrical & Battery Maintenance – Test your vehicle’s battery, especially before long trips, and ensure that solar panels and auxiliary batteries are functioning correctly.

• Keep a Toolkit – A basic set of tools and spare parts (such as fuses and lightbulbs) can help with minor repairs while on the road.

A proactive maintenance routine not only extends your van’s lifespan but also helps avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Safety & Maintenance – Keeping Your Campervan in Top Condition

Security is crucial when living or travelling in a van. Ensuring that your campervan is properly equipped can prevent accidents and protect your belongings. Here are some must-have safety features:

• Fire Safety – Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to protect yourself from fire hazards and gas leaks. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach.

• Theft Prevention – Use lockable storage cabinets to protect valuables and install reinforced security locks on doors and windows.

• Surveillance & Monitoring – Consider a security camera system that alerts you to movement around your van. This provides extra peace of mind, especially when parking in unfamiliar locations.

• Emergency Preparedness – Keep a first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, and a roadside assistance subscription to handle unexpected situations.

By equipping your van with these safety essentials, you can travel stress-free, knowing that both you and your belongings are well protected.

Insulation & Climate Control

A comfortable temperature inside your campervan makes life on the road much more enjoyable. Proper insulation prevents heat loss in winter and keeps your van cool in summer.

• Floor, Walls & Ceiling Insulation – Use high-quality insulation materials to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

• Ventilation & Airflow – Install a MaxxAir fan or similar ventilation system to prevent condensation and improve air circulation.

• Heating Solutions – If traveling in cold climates, consider a diesel heater for extra warmth.

A properly insulated and ventilated van ensures year-round comfort, regardless of the weather.

Understanding Costs and Budgeting for Your Campervan Conversion

Converting a van is an investment, and planning your budget properly will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

• Depreciation Rule – A good guideline is to spend half of the van’s purchase price on the conversion itself.

• Example: If your van costs £9,000 (€10,500), aim to keep conversion costs between £4,000 and £6,000 (€5,000–€6,000) to balance investment and resale value.

• Build Cost Estimation – List all required materials, price them out, and add 30% extra for unexpected expenses.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

Beyond the conversion budget, you’ll need to factor in other costs, such as:
✔ Road tax & environmental fees.
✔ Insurance premiums.
✔ Vehicle registration inspection costs.

Proper budget planning ensures that your campervan remains cost-effective while being fully road-ready.

Choosing Your Van

Now that you’ve defined your budget and priorities, it's time to select the best van for your conversion.

Top Recommendation:

✔ Mercedes Sprinter – A reliable, high-quality campervan with excellent build quality.
✔ Renault Trafic – A budget-friendly alternative with good space and flexibility.

The best van for you depends on your travel style, needs, and budget—choose wisely!

Inspiration & Resources for Vanlife

For practical tips, inspiration, and real-world advice, follow vanlife creators on social media and blogs.

Many share:

✔ Personal experiences and step-by-step conversion guides.
✔ Maintenance tips for long-term success.
✔ Budget-friendly ideas for vanlife essentials.

Best Apps & Tools for Campervan Travel

Make life on the road easier with these essential apps:

✔ Park4Night – Find camper-friendly parking spots & campsites.
✔ Campercontact – Discover reviews & recommendations from fellow vanlifers.

Coming Up in Part 2:
Finding the Right Campervan

In the next section, we’ll deep dive into van selection, covering everything from model comparisons to choosing the ideal setup for your adventures.