A van conversion is a regular van or cargo vehicle transformed to suit different activities. It contains amenities tailored to the user’s intended purpose and can easily be modified, depending on the need.
Most people get discouraged from getting a traditional recreational vehicle due to their steep costs. They are also bulky and heavy, making it impossible to get into challenging terrain.
Have you ever wanted to go on an outdoor adventure but are second-guessing getting a full-sized RV? If so, a van conversion is perfect for you!
This post will dive into everything you need to know about conversion vans, including the building process, their different types, and the advantages and disadvantages of having one.
A brief history of conversion vans
Although less popular, conversion vans came before the traditional larger RV and paved the way for them.
Conversion vans were first used in the free spirit era in the 1970s. Hippies were prevalent at the time and favored experiences, nature, and communal activities over what modern society offered.
They were the first van lifers. They turned to cross-country road trips, group travels, and living in nature. To accommodate their lifestyle, they enhanced regular passenger vans.
The first conversion vans were much simpler and only outfitted with additional seats, like a rear bench seat and carpets, to accommodate more people or items. You might remember these as vans completely covered with murals on the sides and doors.
In the 1980s, families started using conversion vans for vacations and van life. This era saw more vans with leather interiors, television sets, and sleeping and cooking amenities.
This development triggered the continuous innovation of conversion vans. Eventually, from the 1990s up to today, they are all-purpose vehicles altered to fit whatever occasion.
What is the difference between an RV and a conversion van?
The main difference between a traditional RV and a camper van is their size. RVs are much larger and can house complete amenities for a traveling family, while conversion vans typically serve a specific need.
Conversion vans are ideal for camping when you want to sleep in a tent under the stars. A family of two adults and two kids living a van life can still sleep comfortably in a conversion van, but it will not be as spacious as an RV.
Because of an RV’s size, driving it through tricky terrain is more problematic than with conversion vans. Also, camper vans are more easily modified, while an RV’s fittings are often long-term.
Van conversion process
Camper vans are easy to set up since you can use any regular passenger van. Here are four steps you should follow when building your own:
Choosing the right van
This step could take the most time and effort, as the van you select for your conversion will influence many things, such as your expenses and how you use it.
You can get more dated camping vans if you know your way around vehicles. Older vans are cheaper and more modifiable, but they might need regular repairs.
On the other hand, it is best to get a newer van if you want to avoid repair costs.
One of the most popular vehicles for tiny home conversion is the Chevy Express.
Considering your purpose is also crucial. For example, you can get a smaller van if it is only intended for two people or fewer.
Similarly, a specific vehicle with a low-original factory roof cut is fine if you do not plan to stand inside them.
Planning and design
Many people consider this stage the most enjoyable since you can let your creative juices run wild. This is where you craft your van layout and picture how it should look inside.
Camper van conversions are meant to suit your needs, so you must consider what you will use them for.
For example, a vehicle for camping and outdoor activities will need a bigger cabinet space and extra amenities, such as a toilet or shower. You should also take into account how many people will sleep inside.
You have to ensure that your design mockups fit in your selected van, So guaranteeing the right dimensions and measurements is also important.
Next, you must plan any modifications you want to make to the van’s structure. For instance, you can get a high-top modification if you wish to have raised factory roof racks for more vertical storage space.
Building and installation
Once your design is finalized, you can start building the conversion. The first part is to gather the amenities and fittings you want to add, such as the beds, sinks, chairs, or others.
Next, it is time to remove the original interior van build to make way for your additions. The van must be completely stripped bare before you start building.
Then, you can either hire someone to install the fixtures or conduct a DIY conversion.
If you choose the DIY route, keep in mind that altering the flooring after adding your fittings will be difficult. Thus, you must install flooring first, followed by the structural frames.
Unless you plan to go off-grid with your camper van, you should add the electrics next. You should also tackle the water system you need for the camper van conversion.
Most importantly, you must insulate your conversion to make it livable anywhere. For instance, you can install a vent fan.
Once the foundations are set, you can install the interior fixtures and amenities.
Adding finishing touches and maintenance
The finishing touches involve any embellishment you wish to add for aesthetic appeal, comfort, or functionality. These can be wall art, throw pillows, rugs, or more.
At this stage, you must also take a last rundown of your camper van and note areas that might need regular maintenance. Whenever you bring your van on the road, you must ensure you have the tools to attend to these minor touch-ups.
Types of van conversions
There is no one-size-fits-all cargo van for everyone, so knowing the kinds available will help you get the one most suited to your needs. There are seven conversion van types to choose from.
Camper van conversion
The main selling point of camper vans is how they are livable and mobile at the same time. They have basic amenities but are nimble enough to go on the road anytime.
A camper van is perfect if you enjoy sleeping under the stars during a camping trip. You can have a functional kitchen and shower inside the van, with more sleeping space in a tent outside.
Class B motorhomes
Class B motorhomes are usually more spacious and have fully-outfitted kitchen areas, sleeping quarters, and bathrooms or showers. They are often as long as 20 feet.
A class B motorhome cargo van resembles a campervan conversion. The only difference between the two is the number of amenities.
These conversion vans can easily accommodate around two to four people.
Stealth conversion vans
Stealth conversion vans are called so because they are meant to blend into their surroundings. Ideally, you want a stealth van to be able to park in any public area and not get identified as a living space.
For a van conversion to be a stealth van, you need a van that does not look out of place. Hence, avoiding high-top roofs and any drastic exterior modifications would be best.
Off-grid van conversions
An off-grid van conversion has all the amenities and fittings of regular conversions but does not have electrical fixtures. Instead, they either have solar-powered devices or no battery-based gadgets at all.
Off-grid conversion vans often use gas for cooking and heating and rarely have internet or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Mobility vans/wheelchair buses
Mobility conversion vans are also called wheelchair buses because they are modified to accommodate people in wheelchairs. These vehicles have side ramps by the doors or wheelchair lifts at the back entrance for easy access.
Wheelchair buses also have a raised factory roof, lowered floor, or both, offering more convenience and comfortable living space to the differently abled person.
Family Van
As the name suggests, family van conversions are perfect for large families. Most of these can accommodate nine to ten passengers.
The one downside to family conversion vans is that they are often not ideal for sleeping, as the additional passenger seats take up most of the storage space.
On the flip side, you can install entertainment systems like TVs.
Commercial vans
The term “commercial van” blankets all van conversions used for business or commercial purposes.
For example, these vehicles can be used to house a company’s equipment in catering businesses, mobile dog grooming, HVAC and electrical repair, and more.
Companies can also rent out commercial vans. Examples of these are party vans.
Pros of a van conversion
Before you decide to get a camper van, you must first consider the advantages and disadvantages of having one. Doing so will help you weigh how suitable van life movement is for you.
Here are the benefits of using camper van conversions:
Cost-effectiveness
Since a camper van is smaller than a traditional, full-sized RV, it costs less but delivers the same functionality.
You can save money on a regular cargo van, especially if you purchase it secondhand with low gas mileage. The tools and building materials also will not cost much due to the smaller living space.
Additionally, a conversion van repair or maintenance is more affordable because its parts are more common than RV parts.
It is also fuel-efficient, as camper van conversions are not as big as small RVs.
Flexibility and mobility
As mentioned above, you may use a class B motorhome for stealth camping — something you can’t do with a big RV.
RVs are also too heavy and bulky for rough roads. On the other hand, conversion vans are versatile since you can take them anywhere.
Customizability
With a traditional RV, the fixtures you install are typically permanent or good for the long term because they are more complicated to set up and build.
A camper van is specifically intended to be modifiable and allow you to take out or add amenities anytime. Doing so is relatively easy, as van conversion fittings are typically designed to be movable or adjustable.
Environmental benefits
There is a reason why hippies in the 70s preferred van conversions over other modes of transportation. These vehicles are packed with benefits but carry nothing impractical.
For instance, taking camper van conversions on a road trip instead of flying reduces your carbon emissions while allowing you to explore more new places.
Similarly, you can outfit camper vans with solar panels and a sustainable water system to reduce your energy consumption while on road trips.
Cons of a van conversion
Although conversion vans offer an astounding number of benefits, they also have disadvantages that you have to take into account.
Here are the cons of most conversion vans:
Limited space
As mentioned above, converted vans are meant to be flexible, mobile, and adaptable. Unfortunately, this also means that they are less spacious.
To make the most of conversion vans, you need to spend significant time and effort planning and designing your van’s interior space.
It would be best if you also sourced the most functional fittings. For instance, getting a sofa bed is more practical than having a separate couch and sleeping space.
Lack of amenities found in traditional RVs
A full-size, traditional RV is designed to accommodate an entire family. A maximum of five people can sleep in the smallest ones, while the largest types have comfortable sleeping areas for up to 12.
RVs allow people to live a van life on the road for an extended period, which means they come with full amenities. For example, most RVs have a functional kitchen, toilet, shower, lounge, sleeping quarters, and other amenities.
Since a camper van is smaller and meant for fewer people and shorter periods of use, you seldom get the full package.
Often, large cargo vans will only have a limited number of beds or sleeping areas and a small toilet and shower. Other vans forego mattresses and turn them into functional spaces, such as a small kitchen with a sink.
Difficulty finding repair and maintenance services
Once you strip a passenger van to turn it into a conversion, it will be more challenging finding an auto repair shop to fix minor issues.
This situation is often the case, especially for van conversions that use secondhand or old passenger vans with low gas mileage. Since the van models go out of style after a while, chances are you will not easily find compatible parts for repair jobs.
To work around this, you should brush up on how to fix common problems that might arise with your conversion van.
As stated above, you must know the possible weak points and common issues during the finishing touches and maintenance stage of building your van.
You may also find a community of other converted van lifers to get their perspective on the most important mechanical skills you need to learn to effectively maintain your van.
Limited privacy
With limited space also comes little privacy. This fact goes two ways.
First, living with others in such a small space may be uncomfortable for some, especially when you have to use the bathroom.
There are also no designated changing areas, so traveling with anyone other than family or loved ones may be disagreeable.
Second, living in camper vans will force you to step out almost daily. Since you have a cramped interior space, any physical activity, such as exercise, must be taken outdoors.
Similarly, van conversions have limited cabinet space, so it is not ideal to stock up on too many pantry items. Instead, it would be best to go on regular grocery store runs to re-up your supplies.
Weather conditions can affect comfort
Since conversion vans seldom have heating and cooling systems, living a van life puts you at the mercy of the weather and other environmental factors.
Even though conversion vans are insulated, they are often not enough to block out the chill from extremely strong storms. Likewise, it can quickly get hot and humid inside during the summer.
Van conversions are not as sturdy or fortified as actual homes. Thus, being inside one in the middle of a raging hurricane can be terrifying, as you would feel and hear the battering of heavy rains.
Should I purchase or rent a conversion van?
Deciding between renting and purchasing a conversion van depends on several factors. You need to consider whether the return on investment is high enough for you to buy and if the rental price is fair enough for one-time use.
Given all the pros and cons of conversion vans, you might wonder whether it is better to purchase or build one on your own or rent it for certain occasions.
However, there is no direct answer, and you have to find a middle ground.
Pros and cons of purchasing a van conversion
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of having your own conversion van:
Pros
- You do not need to pay recurring fees every time you use the conversion van.
- You can customize and outfit the converted van however you like.
- Van living is available to you anytime.
Cons
- You need to spend money upfront to purchase and build the perfect van.
- You need to make some space in your garage.
- The van’s model might go out of style in a few years.
Pros and cons of renting a van conversion
Here are the benefits and problems of renting a conversion van:
Pros
- The commercial van comes to you fully outfitted for your intended purpose.
- You do not need to repair, maintain, or clean the conversion van.
- You do not need to find a parking space.
Cons
- You have to pay every time you use conversion vans and might get fined with extra fees for prolonged use.
- You can’t alter the layout or amenities of the conversion vans once it gets delivered to you.
- It is not ideal for last-minute travel plans.
Factors to consider when purchasing vs. renting a conversion van
Overall, here are the questions you need to ask yourself before deciding if you will buy or rent a conversion van:
How often will I use the conversion van?
If you see yourself using conversion vans several times a year, it is likely better to buy one for yourself.
You also will not need to pay for anything else in the future aside from maintenance or repair fees.
On the other hand, renting cargo vans five times a year will quickly become a significant financial liability.
A good way to gauge if buying is right for you is if you know you will use conversion vans at least once every three to four months.
For what purpose will I use the conversion van?
Is the conversion van for recreational purposes, such as transport for a sports team or a camping getaway for your 25th wedding anniversary? If so, renting is probably enough.
However, if you plan to use a van conversion for your mobile refilling station business or other industrial work, the better move will be to purchase one you can customize to your liking.
Likewise, purchasing a van is the only option if you plan to follow the van life movement in it for an extended time. The rental fee in such a case might be too steep and impractical.
What are the costs of purchasing conversion vans versus renting them?
Most importantly, it would help if you calculated whether it is truly cheaper to purchase or rent a conversion van from third-party companies.
If you do not have ample budget to buy a high-end or newer conversion van model, you might end up with an outdated or battered vehicle.
In such a case, you could find yourself under a mountain of repair bills in a few years.
At the same time, renting from a van conversion company that charges exorbitant fees is never a practical option, even if you do not do it regularly.
Insurance for conversion vans
Before you get a conversion van, it is crucial to be knowledgeable about the proper insurance policies. Generally speaking, conversion vans are costlier than regular vehicles, so you must be able to protect them as an asset.
Vehicle insurance
When looking at insurance programs, you will see an auto insurance policy and an RV insurance policy.
The auto insurance policy applies to any type of vehicle. If you get this for your van conversion, your van will be insured, but the structural modifications inside will not be covered.
On the other hand, an RV or class B insurance policy counts the interior amenities and fixtures as insured.
The insurance policy for class B RVs would be ideal, especially if you spent a significant sum on customization. However, you may select either.
Here are some requirements you need to prepare if you want to get conversion vans insured under the policy for class Bs:
- Invoices and receipts of your materials, amenities, and fittings.
- Detailed photos of the van build interior and exterior of your van conversion.
- Additional information, such as the conversion van’s weight, emission tests, and others.
Remember to always canvass multiple insurance providers for better coverage with lower premiums.
Most policies will include the following protections for your conversion van:
- Coverage for damage to the vehicle while not in motion (vandalism, weather damage, etc.)
- Coverage for collision accidents (regardless of whether the other vehicle is at fault)
- Coverage for bespoke upgrades (lowered floor, head spin or swivel seat, etc.)
- Coverage for personal effects (furniture, belongings, etc.)
- Coverage for emergency expenses (checking in to a hotel because the vehicle became unlivable)
Health insurance
While we want to avoid it, conversion vans are not immune from auto accidents. Especially since cargo vans are bigger and heavier than regular passenger vans, they can become difficult to maneuver.
If you get a class B insurance policy, you will likely already get coverage for bodily injury sustained while driving conversion vans or living a van life inside.
Where can I park a conversion van?
Different states and regions will have varying laws on where you can park a conversion van, but there are some basic rules and tips to follow.
You can park your conversion van anywhere cars are regularly parked. However, you need to be more discreet when stealth camping, especially if you are unsure of the laws.
If you are out in nature, you can park anywhere, especially if other people or local authorities do not frequent it. On the flip side, parking your conversion van in the cities or urban areas is trickier.
First, you must ensure that parking in that area is not outright illegal. Often, you will see street signs to confirm this, so always check your surroundings.
Your best bet is to park in common parking spaces. Still, some localities do not allow sleeping in cars or in public, so you have to be extra stealthy when attempting to live a van life in public.
Takeaway: Start a next-level outdoor adventure in a conversion van
Conversion vans come with advantages and disadvantages, but their main purpose is to offer convenience and flexibility to people who want to enjoy life in the great outdoors.
There are several types of van conversions, and they include campervan conversions, class B motorhome conversions, stealth van conversions, off-grid van conversions, mobility vans/wheelchair buses, family vans, and commercial vans.
If you are planning to rent or buy conversion vans, you have to weigh all the pros and cons to find out if it is suitable for you.
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