This guide will show you how to turn an empty van into your ideal home on wheels — whether you’re keeping things simple or gearing up for full off-grid adventures. Skip the endless searching and guessing by following our tried-and-tested product recommendations, or choose one of our ready-made bundles for a smoother, cost-effective start. Select your budget, choose your setup, and get ready to hit the road.
When you order a bundle, you’ll receive a ready-to-go basket of high-quality materials — carefully selected and pre-packed in the exact quantities needed for your van model. No more overbuying, underbuying, or wondering whether something will fit.
To make the build journey simple and stress-free, we’ve organised this guide into clear phases:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3a
Phase 3b
Phase 2
Phase 4a
Phase 4b
Phase 2
Phase 5
Save More with Every Step
Before you begin
Before You Begin: Plan First
Before you buy or strip your van, plan it properly.
Changing things later is costly — map everything out first.
Decide how you’ll use your van (weekends, full-time, off-grid) and shape your layout and budget accordingly. If you can, use a tool like SketchUp to visualise:
- Bed (fixed or convertible)
- Kitchen & appliances
- Bathroom/toilet setup
- Storage
- Lighting, sockets & wiring runs
- Plumbing & gas routes
- Windows & roof vents
- Seating/bulkhead (keep for noise vs remove for space; add swivels)
- Solar, batteries & off-grid systems
Get inspiration: browse real builds and storage hacks on our Instagram @campervanshop to spark layout ideas.
If you plan to reclassify as a motorhome, review DVLA criteria in advance (windows, access door, exterior features, and fixed internal features like seating/table, bed, cooking, storage). Photograph these clearly during the build and reference them in your DVLA cover letter.
Preparation
With your design locked, strip the van back — remove bulkhead, panels, flooring — for a clean slate. Check for rust, sand, treat, and protect exposed metal with primer/paint. Not glamorous, but essential for a dry, long-lasting build.
Now you’re ready to order your first bundle!
Phase 1 – Foundation
Phase 1 – Foundation
Phase 1 is where your transformation begins—preparing the van’s interior shell and laying the foundation for everything that follows. This is where a bare metal shell becomes a warm, quiet, comfortable living space. Take your time — a solid start means a cosy, efficient van later. Note: Most electrical wiring (Phase 3a) and plumbing (Phase 4a) should be installed before full insulation & cladding. Some external hardware (Phase 2) also needs fitting before lining goes on. Sound deadening reduces road noise and vibration. It also improves comfort and sleep while adding minor thermal benefit. Correct insulation prevents heat loss, reduces noise, stops condensation & protects from mould/rust. It’s one of the most important steps in your build. Carpet the awkward bits, clad the visible bits. Your floor must be strong, insulated, quiet & moisture-proof. Phase 1 transforms a bare shell into an insulated, quiet, comfortable living space. It supports all later systems. Plan wiring, plumbing, and windows before closing walls. Done right, this stage sets the standard for the whole build.Phase 1 – Foundation
What Phase 1 Includes
Sound Deadening
Best Materials
How to Install
Recommended Products
Insulation
Best Materials
Type Material R-Value Pros Cons Reflective Foil w/ air gap 1.0–3.5 Light, moisture-proof, cheap Needs air gap, weaker in cold Loose-Fill Dacron / wool 3.0–4.0 / inch Great in gaps, sound-absorbing Can settle over time Thermo Liner Foam + foil 2.0–4.0 / inch Flexible, self-adhesive, condensation control Not as thick as rigid board Foam Board XPS / PIR 3.6–5.0 / inch Excellent thermal value Hard to shape around curves Spray Foam PU 6.0–7.0 / inch Best performance, seamless Expensive, hard to modify Insulation Steps
Layer order: Metal → Butyl → Thermo Liner → Dacron → Battens → 3-6mm Ply → Carpet/Cladding
Carpet Lining & Cladding
Carpet Lining
Wood Cladding
Best Combo
Install Carpet
Flooring
Floor Layers
Flooring Options
Phase 1 Summary