Tips On How To Turn A Van Into A Travel Home

W ith a travel-home in your hands, exploring the country, strolling through little rural communities, and meeting new people along the route are within your reach. This is why many people want to know how to turn a van into a travel-home.

It may seem like a far-fetched fantasy for people who aren't incredibly rich to stay overnight on the street and wake up every day with the sun emerging over the sea or to take in panoramas of lush greener hills while sipping your morning coffee.

For some who live in a campervan, though, this is a daily reality. So, how can you make that goal a reality for yourself?

When it comes to giving your old van a campervan makeover, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Make A List Of Your Requirements

One of the biggest benefits of building your van is how you can customize it to your liking. However, you must first choose what you want and need the most from a camper van.

You must be able to rely on a mattress (or mattresses), kitchen, and some sort of desk and seats at the very least. However, if you have any particular needs, now is the time to make a list and ensure they’re taken care of, for example, a baby changing station.

If you plan on staying mostly in campgrounds, a shower and toilet may not be essential, but you'll almost certainly need, at the very least, a 240-volt electricity hookup to avoid draining the van’s batteries. If you’re looking to be on the road most of the time, a bathroom and a shower are essential. You might also choose solar panels or other alternative energy options.

Decide On The Size Of Your Van

It's critical to figure out how much room you'll need. Calculating the number of people who will be staying may be a major decision element. The larger the van, the more people it can accommodate. If you’re a couple, you may not need that much space. But if you’re a family with children, everyone will need their own sleeping and storage space. 

Each passenger inside the vehicle will require an appropriate seat and an M1-certified seat belt. While having side-facing chairs isn't banned, all chairs should face forward for safety.

Other possible applications for your vehicle should be considered as well. You might like to consider a compact van, such as a Volkswagen Transporter. These are significantly simpler to park than bigger cars and can easily fit into a driveway. If you're considering a bigger van, you'll have to think about storing it while it's not being used, which is an additional expense to consider.

Things To Keep In Mind While Buying A Van To Convert

The miles and year of the vehicle are obvious factors to examine, but there are a few more factors to consider when purchasing a secondhand van.

Tires: 

What's the state of the tires? Is it likely that they'll have to be changed? If that's the case, use it as leverage to get a better deal.

Heating And Cooling:

How effectively do air conditioners and heaters work? It may be quite unpleasant to live in a room without air conditioning or heat, and repairing such systems can be complex and costly.

Clearance of Your Vehicle:

Check the clearance of the vehicle against the ground. If your vehicle has insufficient clearance, several campgrounds and "off the beaten path" roads may be difficult to travel through. This is something to think about while buying a van or RV.

Possible Leakage:

Look beneath the vehicle for any evidence of leakage if it has been parked for some time. Some leaks are simple to repair, while others may be costly. You'll want to be aware of what you're putting yourself into.

Brake Pads

Make sure that brake pads aren't too old and that they don't screech when you apply pressure.

Whether You Want A 4WD and RWD: 

It's not a deal-breaker, but it's useful to know before you purchase. RWD isn't going to be the greatest during the winter (if you live somewhere where it snows). 

We hope you now know how to begin with our tips on how to turn a van into a travel-home. We wish you a happy and safe journey!