Top Tips for Planning a Campervan Conversion: 7 Key Considerations

Your new campervan can take you to awesome places - make sure it's designed for what you want to do.

How to plan a campervan build

So you've decided you want to build your own campervan. That's great news! You've been scrolling through instagram and pinterest. You have a clear idea in your head of what your van might look like and some of the little features you'd like. No doubt you've started dreaming of where you'll take your van too. But let's step back and look at the big picture.

Here's what you really need to think about before diving into your van build.

Define how you want to use your campervan

We often find that our customers have loads of ideas of things they want in their van, but they haven't really thought through how they'll use it. Here are some key things to consider:

• Who will be using the van? Are you a solo traveler, a couple, a family? Do you have pets or do you plan to use it with friends?

• How often will you use the van? Is it for full time living, holidays, or weekends away?

• Where do you plan to stay? Are you going to be staying at campsites, pub stops, or wild camping completely off-grid?

• Do you need space to work remotely?

• What's your perfect day with your van?

  
  

Once you've answered these questions, you'll have a much clearer idea of what you really need in your new campervan and what you don't. Going solo? Maybe you don't need to have a giant bed and large lounge. Traveling with kids? Maybe the full sized shower takes up valuable space that could be better used as their bed.

Having built a number of different vans, we know that one van doesn't fit all. If you're building a custom van, you want to make sure you're getting what you actually want!

Choosing the Right Base Vehicle for your Campervan

Any van can become a campervan, but some of the most popular options are:

VW Crafter/MAN TGE - Our preferred base vehicle, TGEs and Crafters are more premium, durable, and also have 4x4 options available. The VW Crafter and the MAN TGE are made in the same factory, so for all intents and purposes the two vans are the same, with some styling differences. Crafters and TGEs will also hold a higher resale value.

Mercedes Sprinter - Similar to the Crafter/TGE, the Sprinter is a high quality, reliable van. 4x4 options are available, but harder to come by. Like the Crafters and TGEs, Sprinters hold a higher resale value.

Citroen Relay/Fiat Ducato/Peugeot Boxer - These vans are all the same shape with different styling and engines. They're a great starter van and readily available

Each van has pros and cons in terms of cost, drive feel, availability, and ease of conversion. Here at Onyx, we primarily build on VW Crafters and MAN TGEs - they're a good balance between cost effectiveness and reliability, and they're readily available as both new and used vans.

Whatever you choose, be sure to check that it meets emission requirements where you plan to be driving your van.

Both MWB and LWB vans make great campervans - which you choose will depend on how you want to use your van

Campervan Size - how big do you want to go?

Vans come in many sizes, from a small caddy size up to a Luton van, and even as large as an expedition truck! Our customers are typically choosing between medium wheelbase (MWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) vans. Here are some considerations:

Medium Wheelbase (MWB) (6.0m overall length for a Crafter/TGE)

• More maneuverability than a LWB, slightly easier to find parking

• Larger payload than a LWB

• Great for solo travelers and couples. Can suit a family if a pop-top is added

Long Wheelbase (LWB) (6.8m overall length for a Crafter/TGE)

• More spacious than a MWB

• Smaller payload (see below)

• Great for families, or couples and solo travelers who want internal showers

Ultimately, both size vans can accommodate most travelers. With careful planning, a MWB van can be incredibly spacious (see our Summit build here Onyx MAN TGE 4x4) and they're great for driving around smaller roads and tighter areas, but the extra meter in a LWB van gives more flexibility on layout.

Payload & Weight Limits (Don't skip this!)

As boring as it may sound, this is an incredibly important part of your build. You may be able to fit everything and the kitchen sink into your van, but you need to be wary of the weight. In the UK, if your van exceeds 3.5 tonnes, you may need a different driving licence and an upgrade to your van.

Everything counts toward this limit:

• The van itself

• Your build materials and components

• Any exterior modifications (roof racks, rear carriers, etc)

• All your kit

• You and your passengers

Some drivers have grandfathered rights to drive vans that are over 3.5 tonnes, but many will need to upgrade their driving license if the van weighs more than 3.5 tonnes. Additionally, if you do go over the weight limit, you may need to modify your van to enable it to handle the extra weight. We'd recommend trying to keep under the weight limit if at all possible. We always keep our builds under the 3.5 tonne limit, and we advise customers when some of their choices may start to add too much weight.

It's worth thinking about everything you'll put in your van in order to make sure it stays under 3.5 tonnes

Where will you be traveling in your Campervan?

Your travel style plays a big role in your van choice

• City or rural? MWB vans are easier to park

• Winter conditions? Think about tyre choice, 4x4 vans, heated tanks and insulation

• Stealth camping? Do you plan to park up where you don't want to be noticed? Think about the windows and vents you'll use and any exterior kit

• Fully off road? Tyre choice and a 4x4 chassis are important, but also consider bringing off-roading gear like traction boards and tow ropes

Campervan Layouts and Features

You've chosen your base vehicle, now comes the fun part - planning your layout. You may have seen a million different ideas on Instagram and Pinterest, but go back to how you want to use your van and then think about what you actually need.

Some key things to consider

• Fixed bed or one that you make up every day?

• How much lounge space do you need?

• How much cooking will you actually do in your van?

• Do you need to have an internal shower, or is it more important to have that space for something else?

• How much kit will you bring with you and where will you store it?

• Do you need that hair dryer/coffee maker/air fryer/microwave?

Each of these considerations comes with layout and cost implications, so it's worth thinking through what's really important to you.

Van layouts are so much fun to plan - make sure that your layout works for your lifestyle

Budgeting Smart: Van & Build & Hidden Costs

Make sure to budget for everything in your build:

• The cost of the van

• The conversion (DIY or professional)

• Hidden extras: tools, insurance, breakdown cover, repairs

If you're thinking of a DIY build, make sure to include the cost of any tools you'll need to complete the build. Consumables like screws, hose clips and joints also add up quickly.

The cost and spec of a professional conversion can range widely. Our conversions start from £45,000 (incl VAT) on top of the base vehicle. We always provide a clear quote for the build based on an extensive discussion with our customers so there are no surprises along the way.

Your campervan, your adventure

Conclusion: Your Campervan, your Adventure

It is so important to think about how you really want to use your van before choosing your base vehicle and planning your campervan build. Focus on choosing the right van for your goals, and be realistic about how you envision using your campervan.

Need help? Here at Onyx, we're happy to help you fine tune what you're looking for. We have experience of vans of all sizes, from a Defender to an expedition truck, and everything in between.