Our guide to van conversions

The first things to think about are the cost of the materials required for the conversion, campervan insurance, and the legal requirements that are involved.

Legal requirements to consider when converting a van

You shouldn't have any problem converting a van into a campervan, but there are some requirements that have to be met in order for the van to be considered a ‘motor caravan’ with the DVLA. The van must meet the following criteria as a minimum:

If the converted van meets all of these requirements, it can be reclassified as a motor caravan in the V5C logbook.

Which van brands make great campervan conversions?

If you don’t already have a van that you’re hoping to convert, the following brands and models are good choices. Auto Trader Vans is an ideal places to look.

The Sprinter is best known for its safety. It has various wheelbases and comes in a range of roof heights.
Find a Mercedes Sprinter here.

The Ducato is a really good size and has enough height to enable most adults to comfortably stand up inside.
Find a Fiat Ducato here.

Volkswagens are easily converted and have been by far the most popular choice for many years.
Find a Volkswagen Transporter here.

The cost to convert a van into a campervan can be expensive, but the cost outweighs the money that can be saved on holiday accommodation over time. How much to spend really depends on how often you are likely to use it, how much mileage you plan to do, whether you are going to take a DIY approach, or get a professional involved in the conversion. Campervan insurance also needs to be taken into account as this may influence what van you decide to purchase if you don’t already have one.
If you decide to get a professional specialist involved, conversion costs can start from £3,500 for a basic installation. The size of the van and the materials used will determine the price. High-end finishes and extra-large vehicles could cost anything between £10,000-£15,000. If you have a limited budget or are a DIY enthusiast this is likely to be the best option for you. DIY conversions start from as little as £1,000 but most average out at £2,500.

It is always highly recommended that the van should be insulated but often the floor gets overlooked because of the fear of losing valuable headspace. Floor insulation only takes up to 2” of space and it is worth the money and effort. If a cold wind blows around the vehicle, heat from the floor will escape out of the vehicle if it is not insulated. Insulating the floor will make your campervan cosy and comfortable.

One of the quickest ways to wear out the tyres of the van and the suspension is to have one side of the vehicle significantly heavier than the other.
So when considering the design of your mobile holiday home, make sure the heaviest objects, like batteries, water, and storage are evenly distributed across the chassis.

Do make templates at the start of the conversion whether it is for a window, wall or floor. It will make getting the measurements right easy and the build far simpler.

Van conversions are unique and no two vans will be the same because everyone has different needs, priorities and levels of comfort. The best camper van conversions are those that have been carefully thought through. The interior should be functional, practical, and simple, with the living, eating and sleeping spaces working together in harmony.