Building your own campervan
Why build your own campervan conversion?
There may be many reasons why you would build your own campervan conversion, not least of all budget. Don't be fooled however, if you want to do the job right, it can work out to be very expensive. The other consideration maybe that you want a particular layout, as I did.
I have built two conversions over the years and both cost me around £7,000 in materials, plus the cost of the van. And that doesn't take into account the six month's labour I put it.
My first conversion
The first campervan I built was a Fiat Ducato, MWB, purchased for around £9,000. It was in great mechanical condition which was a good start. I wanted a two berth, designed to my own design.
I used all brand new materials. The furniture was made from 12mm laminated board (most expensive component). It came in 8' x 4' sheets and I cut each piece to make the furniture from scratch.
I used a speckled grey board and red gloss for the worktops. Doors were also red.
The bed was made from two benches with the dining table filling the gap to make one double bed. The cushions were from a scrap caravan then professionally recovered.
Features of the conversion
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2 ring gas hob
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LPG tank under the van (fill at garage)
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125l fresh water / 50l grey water
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Cassette toilet within a separate room
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Side windows
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1 roof vent
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Sargeant power control (12v/240v)
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3 way fridge
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Bench seats with storage underneath
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Wardrobe
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Truma hot water/heating system
The second build
My second conversion was very similar but having learned lessons from the first build, was much better.
I used the same quality parts and furniture board but this time, a duck egg colour.
The biggest change was the bed. I made a rear end, fixed bed with ample storage underneath. This was by far a better layout.
Would I do it again?
No, this time I have decided to buy a coachbuilt motorhome.
It seems, no matter what your layout, you will never have enough space.