Steps for Build your Own Camper Van

Build your own camper van is a great way of creating your own custom made leisure vehicle without having to give the high prices of professional conversions. Creating such a camper van is not as difficult as you might think.

Having your own camper van gives the freedom to go camping and exploring in luxury. It's much more suitable that a car and tent or a caravan, as you can simply put everything away and drive to your next destination, without having to pack away a tent or prepare a caravan for the road.

Professional camper van conversions cost a lot of money because as well as the price of the empty vehicle, the conversion companies have to cover the price of the materials, the labour and make a profit. Because camper vans are sold in reasonable a few numbers they are not mass produced and so prices are high. Even used models many years old still command a huge price.

Build your own camper van is a great way of owning a camper van without having to spend huge amount buying one. If you have DIY experience, have a few mechanical experience or you are confident at constructing things you should be able to design and build a great camper van that is tailored for your needs. If you have little experience at any of the fields don't worry, you can still out together a good vehicle.

One of the very important factors is to establish your budget before your start. Don't keep building until you run out of money, as the incomplete vehicles can sit on the drive for a long time waiting to be completed. Set your budget - an amount for the empty vehicle, an amount for the fittings you will fit, an amount for insurance, and an amount to at least give it a test run once it is finished.

The best home made camper van conversions are too better than those one can buy professionally. With each luxury you could imagine, but they always cost a lot to build. However, I have seen brilliant budget home conversions completed in a weekend, comprising of a futon in the back of the van, some simple furniture secured to the walls, curtains, a little carpet and a camping stove for cooking.

The first stage is to consider carefully what you will use the vehicle for, and who will use it. If you are going to occasionally go to beaches, lakes and parks and simply sleep in the vehicle you must buy a small van and keep the fittings simple. If you are going to use the vehicle for sports such as kayaking or surfing then you need to factor in storage for your equipment. If you have five children when obviously sleeping and seating quarters are you first priority. Select which length of vehicle and what height suits you best. Short vehicles are easy to drive and park, but longer ones give more space. Lower vehicles are more fuel efficient and can pass under most height restrictions, but you won’t be able to stand in them. High top vans allow almost anyone to stand in them.

The second stage is to buy the base vehicle. A panel van, such as those used for deliveries are the very best vehicles for most people. In Europe vehicles such as Mercedes Sprinters, Fiat Ducatos and Ford Transits are some of the best vehicles. Larger vehicles, such as those with box backs are good for those needing extra room. Smaller vans are good for singly travelers.

The third stage is to plan the internal fixtures. Things to consider are how much seating you need, how many beds are need, whether you want to be able to cook inside, whether you need to store large items like sporting gear or bicycles. Once you have agreed on the plan you want to start collecting materials and constructing the internal fixtures.

Items such as electrical wiring, wall insulation, wall panels, ceiling materials, flooring, seating and storage all need to be prepared in the correct order, if not disaster can raise its head.