Hello everyone! We are Rocío and Eduardo from the blog and YouTube channel Sin Código Postal, where we share our adventures traveling and living in a converted van around the world. We’re delighted to be featured today on the CaraMaps blog, where we’d like to talk about van conversion.
In this article, you’ll find some of our essential tips and common mistakes to avoid when starting a van conversion project.
Let’s get started!
What is van conversion?
For someone new to converted vehicles, the first question is often: what does it mean to convert a van?
Van conversion is the process of transforming a standard utility vehicle (such as a delivery van) into a small home on wheels, similar to a motorhome. In our case, we’ll mainly focus on larger vans, but our advice is just as useful for camper vans of all sizes.
How to convert a van?
It’s a very hands-on process, where basic DIY skills are a real advantage. It’s also highly creative: you can design your converted van according to your needs and imagination. A van conversion can be done by specialized companies or by yourself at home (as we did).
This DIY option is actually our favorite, as it allows for complete customization of your camper van, down to the smallest detail. However, if you think the project might become frustrating or if you lack time, tools, space, or skills, hiring a professional for your van conversion is also a great option.
As for us, we have solid experience in van conversions, as we have always designed and built the vehicles we travel in. In fact, we currently live full-time in our converted van.
Some tips for converting a van
That’s why we want to share some tips we wish we had known before starting our own van conversion project, along with a few mistakes to avoid. We’ll also highlight some of the mistakes we made, so you don’t fall into the same traps. And above all, so you don’t lose sight of the main goal: traveling in your converted van!
🚐 Tip #1: Define your van travel project
This may seem obvious, but many people skip this essential step: taking the time to think about how you will actually use your converted van in the future.
Ask yourself the right questions:
- Will it be for weekend trips or long-term travel?
- Will you be traveling in mild or harsh weather conditions?
- Does your travel style (beach, mountains, etc.) require strong insulation?
- Do you need a diesel heater or rather an awning for sun protection?
Thinking about the type of travel you plan to do with your converted van will greatly help you define both its layout and overall structure. It’s true that nothing replaces real-life experience when answering some of these questions, but since there is a financial investment involved, the fewer mistakes or changes you make, the more your budget will thank you.
🚐 Tip #2: Get inspired by other converted vans
Of course, if in the future you need to make changes—whether due to wear and tear or because you realize you’d be more comfortable with a different setup—go for it! But here comes our next piece of advice. Getting every single piece of equipment right on your converted van the first time is difficult, and experience will help you make better choices. And you’re probably thinking: “But this is our first converted van!”
The idea, then, is to learn from other people’s experience. Browse forums, explore Facebook pages dedicated to van life and converted vans. Read blogs about van conversion and swap Netflix for YouTube videos about van builds, where travelers showcase their vehicles. This way, your knowledge and ideas about how to convert a van will expand significantly.
🚐 Tip #3: Plan your budget and equipment
Another recommendation that helped us a lot is to put everything down on paper. Both the budget you want to work with and the equipment and level of comfort you don’t want to give up in your converted van.
Make a list including:
- The price of the van.
- The van conversion budget you have in mind.
- As well as the essential items you want to include.
For example: a diesel heater, solar panels for your van, etc.
This way, it will be easier to stick to your budget and stay organized when converting your van.
🚐 Tip #4: Think about the technical (not just aesthetic) aspects
Regarding the mistakes we made, we want to emphasize the importance of thinking carefully about the less attractive aspects of a converted van. Decoration and small details that bring your van to life and reflect your style are also important. But let’s say they are much easier to change later on according to your preferences.
On the other hand, the less visible elements, such as access to the fresh water tank, the inverter, electrical outlets, the type of fuel used for cooking, etc, will greatly help you feel comfortable during your trip and avoid many headaches. Taking the time to carefully think about the placement of the tank, how you will access and use it in different situations (cleaning it, refilling it with bottles or a hose…), what types of fuel you’ll find if you travel abroad, or where you will use electrical outlets the most, is essential. Because all of these elements are much more difficult to modify once the van conversion is complete.
“And me, can I do this with my van?“
After all this, all that’s left for us to say is that a van conversion project involves many stages. From the first few weeks when your energy is at its peak, to the final stages when it feels like it will never end. But when you finally travel in a van you’ve converted yourself, the feeling is simply incredible.
In general, many people doubt their abilities. We always tell them the same thing: if we managed to do it, then you can too. With more or less patience, with more or less perfection—it’s possible. We’re even proud of the small shelf where we keep the salt… because even that will have been made by you!
And above all, don’t hesitate to ask questions when you have doubts. If there’s one fantastic thing about the world of campervans and road travel, it’s the community. At one point or another, we’ve all asked questions about a specific part of the conversion process. And every single time, we’ve received positive responses from people genuinely willing to help.
Don’t hesitate either to check out this other article and discover van and motorhome influencers to inspire your journey: “Van and motorhome influencers you should follow!”
It was a pleasure being with you. If you have any questions, you can visit our website Sin Código Postal (in spanish). You’ll find plenty of information about converted vans, as well as a book and a guide dedicated to van conversion.
See you on the road in your converted van! And don’t forget: live your journey in a motorhome, caravan, or van with CaraMaps! 🚐✨
