Building a camper is a process with a number of discrete phases such as stripping, insulation, cabling, making walls, and much more, and many of these phases are interconnected and proceed almost simultaneously or dependent of each other. The electricity is a nice example, because the cables literally run through all compartments. Therefore it is important to permanently keep the overview and keep in mind what the next step will be. Sometimes this goes inevitably wrong, but this is part of the learning process. I will discretely name these phases or steps and I will show the interaction with the other phases.

 The van

I wanted a manoeuvrable van, wide enough to make a bed at the rear end, high enough to be able to stand straight up and long enough to make next to the bed a kitchen unit, a toilet and a sitting area. That is all you need. Read further ..

Stripping

Every secondhand van has an equipped cargo space, varying from simple to complex with workbenches, storage cabinets, cooling and what’s more. Read further ..

Insulation and cabling

Floor, walls and ceiling are relatively easy to insulate. On the floor there is space for 2 cm thick insulation material, for the walls , read further….

Walls, ceiling and windows

To make nice walls the most easy job is to purchase plates which are tailored for your specific van, although it will be relatively expensive. You will be rewarded for that, because it is easy finish them of and you will have no more problems with connecting parts, read further …

The window frame

The window frame in the wall is a niche between the ribs to which the outside wall is connected. Read further …

Electricity

The 6 cables mentioned below are orderly ranked next to each other to avoid a mesh. Read further …

The bed

The bed takes almost half of the available space in a L2H2-van, therefore you have to use the space below the bed as efficient as possible. Read further …

The propane

The propane tanks have to be secured in a seperate room with ventilation through the floor and all possible cracks have to be sealed with rubber strips. Read further …

The cupboards

Just below the ceiling there is room for cupboards. In order to construct these you have to make sure you can attach them. Read further …  

The heating

Heating is indispensable, so you need fuel. There is a choice of propane, LPG or diesel. Propane is okay, but in almost all European countries the tanks are different, read further …