How to Build a Live-in Campervan for Travelling

Campervan holidays offer something that simply can’t be replicated through more conventional forms of travel. You’ll have the freedom to jump in the campervan whenever the fancy takes you, and travel to just about any part of the UK, or beyond. For some, a campervan isn’t just a means of going on holiday – it’s a permanent home on wheels.

To get the best from life with a campervan, it’s worth treating the vehicle itself to plenty of care and attention and customising it to your needs.

Choosing a Vehicle

Given that you’re going to be spending a lot of your time in this vehicle, it’s vital that you pick the right one at the outset. Look for something that matches your needs and your budget. You’ll have plenty of distinct types of campervan to choose from, along with motorhomes and converted cargo vans.

Gut and Clean

This is something that’s especially important if you intend to buy second-hand. But even if you’re using a brand-new vehicle, it’s worth removing any unnecessary items, and thoroughly scrubbing every surface. Carpets in particular are notorious for attracting dust and grime. If it’s looking on the tired side, it might be time to tear out the entire thing and replace it.

Plan the Layout

Now you’ve gotten rid of everything you don’t want to keep, it’s time to plan your layout around what remains. Use other vans for inspiration and think about why certain decisions have been taken. Ideally, look to get the advice of people who’ve been through this process. Sites like Reddit and YouTube can provide valuable insight and inspiration.

It’s usually a good idea to start with the electric system and build outwards. Insulate thoroughly in order to limit your heating costs in the long run. Use a quality sealant from a reputable manufacturer to ensure that insects and other pests can’t get in.

Building foundations

Now that you’ve made a plan, it’s time to put it into action. You can build the bed, kitchen, and washroom yourself. Make sure that you test thoroughly for leaks since you don’t want to run into problems after you’ve started your journey on the road.

There are a few other luxuries that you might invest in from the outset. Getting heavy blackout curtains will allow you to enjoy films and television, as well as a good night’s sleep, even when the sun’s still out. You might also think about climate control, since a sealed metal box can be difficult to put up with, both during the depths of winter, and the heights of summer. Air conditioning units can be worth their weight in gold – so think about budgeting for them!