5 Things to Consider Before Planning Your Campervan Conversion
When planning a campervan conversion, there are many elements to consider. From the model of van to convert to what sort of cooking layout you want, the options seem endless. With many conversions under our toolbelts—like luxury fit-outs in a Ford Transit to a Mercedes Sprinter for a family of three—we know how to turn van dreams into reality.
Here’s a list of some basic questions we ask our clients when they’re ready for a conversion. Whether they’ve purchased their van or not, these questions help future vanlifers identify their van needs and help us design and build the best conversion possible. If you’re considering a campervan conversion, start by asking yourself the below questions and jotting down your answers.
1. What size vehicle are YOU working with?
If you already own the vehicle, then this is easy. If you don’t, consider the following.
Key things to consider:
How many people do you need seatbelts for?
Most vans have space for a maximum of three people in front, so if you have children you’ll want to make sure there are seats in the back.
Adding additional seats can be costly and take up a lot of space - something to consider.
Is the dog coming with you? You’ll want space for your pooch to lie and easily access their food.
Do you need 4WD capability?
What gear is essential?
This determines the storage space needed. For example, an avid surfer will have different storage needs from a family who prioritises camp cooking.
This question also helps determine the best material to use on your build.
Do you want to be able to stand and cook inside?
How important is maneuverability while driving?
Many campsites and parking spaces in New Zealand are small, making larger campervans difficult to move around. A smaller van is more agile, but you’ll sacrifice space on the inside.
2. How do you want to use your campervan?
Are you a weekend warrior or a full-time van-lifer? Your usability will help us determine the electrical system, fridge size, cooking space, livability, and storage.
Key things to consider:
How long will you be away at a time?
Are you full-time van life or prefer to roam on the weekends?
Do you prefer plug-in campsites or off-grid spots?
If you like to go off-grid, how many days do you like to go away at a time?
Do you plan on using your van in the winter or just in the summer?
For winter campers, how many days do you like to go off-grid?
3. What are the must-haves and your nice-to-haves?
This is where the fun starts. Brainstorm what’s essential to your conversion and what’s a nice-to-have. This will help determine layout, add-ons, and more.
Key things to consider:
How do you want to sleep?
Do you want a fixed bed (one that never needs to be folded up) or a convertible bed that converts into seating and a table?
What’s your ideal bed size and how tall are you and those travelling with you?
How much refrigeration do you need?
Is a freezer essential?
How do you like to cook - indoors or outdoors?
Do you want your cooking station to be fixed or portable?
Is self-containment important?
Do you want a fixed toilet?
A flush? A composting one?
Do you want a shower?
Do you want something portable or fixed?
Consider plumbing.
Do you want a powered water pump?
On-demand hot water inside the van?
An external washdown tap?
Water tank monitoring?
Consider the electrical system.
What do you need to power in the van?
Do you want to have mains power available? Off-grid?
Are you interested in solar power?
Consider heating and ventilation
Do you want heating?
Do you want insulation?
Do you want ventilation?
4. Do you have a rough layout in mind?
Do you have a rough layout plan that you could sketch up? We’re not looking for anything professional (that’s our job), just a quick drawing or some inspiration photos that helps us understand your desired outcome.
5. Ideas and Inspiration
Now that you have an idea of what you need, start to take inspiration from things you see online. The best way to show us what you want is by compiling images and references to share with us. The best way to do this is either screenshots or through a Pinterest board, which you can share with us, so we can start to piece together your style and ideas.
Phew, you made it! Some of these questions might be easy to answer, while others need a bit of time and research. If you’re confident with your answers and ready to take it to the next level, get in touch! We’re ready to help you kickstart your campervan conversion today.
