DIY Van Build: Tips from van life experts

So you want to build your own DIY campervan? This could be the year when you ditch your 9-5 job for a life of freedom, adventure and exploration.

But first, you’ll have to put a lot of thought into your campervan build.

What type of campervan do you want? How much room do you need? Which components are essential for your DIY campervan? Do you need a shower? A portable toilet?

There are so many options for living the van life that it can become overwhelming, which is why we wanted to put together a list from van life experts to help you with your journey.

Want to start living in a van?

Click below to download my FREE Van Life Starter Kit!

Choosing the right van for a DIY van build

Choosing a van for a DIY van build is the most important part of living the van life. You’ll need to think about size, gas mileage, and whether you need to stand up in your van.

These articles will get you started with picking the best rig to live in:

Rent a campervan before you buy ($40 off!)

Renting a campervan before you buy is a great way to try out a van. Use the coupon code wayward40 to get $40 off any van rental with Outdoorsy. (Click here to browse campervan rentals near you)

This is a great way to see exactly what you need in your camper van conversion and what length and type of van you need. It’s way cheaper than buying a van you regret!

Rent a campervan

Insulating your DIY van build

Insulating your DIY van build is an important aspect of your van build. Insulation isn’t only important for van life in cold weather climates, but can also work to keep the warm air out.

Proper insulation can also increase ventilation and reduce condensation and airflow.

Some vans don’t need insulation, like if you buy a conversion van which is sent to a third party to turn into a luxury-style van. My Chevy Astro currently doesn’t need additional insulation.

But if you’re doing a DIY van build on your own, you’ll have to put some type of insulation into the walls and sometimes floor and ceiling. Here are the top resources for insulating your van build:

Adding electrical and solar to your DIY van build

Many van lifers choose to install some type of electrical system in their vans.

Sure, you can get away with your 12-volt cigarette lighter for simple things like charging your computer with an inverter or temporarily running a portable refrigerator or heater.

But if you want a more sustainable setup, you’ll have to put some sort of electrical system in your campervan.

There are a couple of ways to do this. You can use a portable solar generator to power your devices off the sun, or you can build an integrated system into your van with solar panels and an external leisure battery.

Here are some articles to help you with your electrical system:

Need help with your DIY campervan’s wiring? Check out these awesome guides:

See the guides now

Putting a kitchen in your DIY van build

Anyone living in a DIY campervan will want some sort of campervan kitchen. Whether you put a kitchen inside your van or install it in a pull-out drawer is up to you.

Some people choose to put the whole 9 yards inside their DIY van- a sink, water, portable refrigerator, burners and even a stove. Others choose a simpler setup with a pull-out drawer with a propane camping stove.

The awesome thing about van life is you can get creative when designing your campervan.

Here are some campervan kitchen setup ideas for your new ride:

Putting a bathroom into your campervan

There are various opinions on whether you should put a bathroom in your campervan. Some love the convenience of having a toilet indoors, but others don’t like to deal with the mess. Some choose to go just in campgrounds, rest stops and in nature.

What you want to build inside your van is entirely up to you, which is one of the main draws of van life.

Personally, I don’t want to put a toilet inside my Chevy Astro van because its so small and I don’t want to deal with the stink, but I know plenty of van lifers who choose to go that route.

But if you absolutely need a toilet in your van, here are some articles you should read:

Need help building out your van?

This DIY guide has everything you need to know about building a van:

Sprinter Van Conversion Sourcebook

This amazing 378-page ebook has everything you need to know about converting any van into a camper. It doesn’t just apply to Sprinters!

• Learn about the six major interior design considerations that lead to 13 secondary features in your design
• An RV plumbing chapter on pipes, fittings, tanks, pumps, water heaters, toilets, you name it
• Advice on choosing solar panels
• How to install blackwater, greywater and freshwater tanks in a Sprinter
• Fifty pages of information on designing an electrical system and wiring your campervan conversion

Buy the Conversion Sourcebook

Remember, this info can be applied to ANY van.

Sleeping comfortable in your DIY van build

Adding a bed to your van is an important part of your DIY campervan layout.

In our Chevy Astro, we just fold the back bench seat down and put our feet on a couple stools.

Although in a perfect world, we’d have a folding campervan bed with storage underneath.

Here are some ideas for your DIY van build’s bed!

Tips for living in your new DIY campervan

Once you convert your van into a camper, you’ll have to learn how to start living in it. Where do you sleep? Where is legal to park? How do you get away with parking on city streets?

For more intel on living the van life, check out these articles:

How to legally insure a campervan, tips from a van lifer – via The Wayward Home

How to find health insurance as a van lifer – via The Wayward Home

How to get internet in your campervan – via The Wayward Home

Is it illegal to sleep in your car overnight – via The Wayward Home

14 secrets to stealth camping in your van without getting caught – The Wayward Home

How to find public showers when living the van life – The Wayward Home

30+ ways to make money from your campervan – via The Wayward Home

Conclusion on DIY van builds

Building out a campervan if you don’t have any DIY skills can be daunting, but plenty of people do it. You can find campervan build videos on YouTube that can teach you most everything you need to know about building a van.

If you need a little help, you could always hire a van build company or purchase a pre-made campervan conversion kit. 

You can also purchase campervans from sites like Craigslist or Class B Campervans for sale on Facebook.

Good luck on your van life journey! 

Want to start living in a van?

Click below to download my FREE Van Life Starter Kit!