Planning Your Conversion
Before you buy a single fitting, plan the layout. Vehicle choice, sleeping arrangement, what you'll actually use it for. Weekend trips need a totally different setup from full-time living.
Comprehensive planning guide from an experienced converter. Covers layout, budgeting, and common mistakes.
Start with how you'll USE it — weekender vs holiday vs full-timer determines everything.
For a car/SUV camper (like the CR-V), removable is king. No permanent modifications means no insurance issues and you keep the car functional.
For vans, the L2H2 (medium wheelbase, high roof) sweet spot gives standing room without being unwieldy. Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Peugeot Boxer.
Measure your vehicle interior obsessively BEFORE buying any materials. Every centimetre matters.
Define your use case: weekender, holiday touring, or extended living
Choose your vehicle platform — car/SUV, small van, or large van
Measure the entire interior: length, width, height at multiple points
Sketch a floor plan. Key decision: bed orientation (sideways vs lengthways)
List your must-haves: sleeping, cooking, storage, electrics, water
Set a budget. A basic car camper: £100-300. Full van conversion: £3-10k+
Research regulations: weight limits, insurance implications, MOT rules for conversions
Create a build order: insulation → electrics → furniture → plumbing
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