Traveling the roads in your converted van is a dream for many of us. It must be said that this nomadic way of life allows great autonomy and great freedom. If you also want to turn your van into a fantastic motorhome, follow these simple and practical tips.
Before setting up the van
Find the rare pearl
If you don’t have a van yet, now is the time to look for the rare gem. To conduct your research, start with: determine certain points : is it a weekend away or a long stay? How many beds are needed? The size and type of utility depends on your needs. For example, the Ford Transit L3H3 is generally appreciated by families for its beautiful space.
Be careful, when buying a used vehicle, always check its maintenance: chassis, engine, tires… Because scams are common, especially on free advertising sites (like Leboncoin).
Determine your budget
It is much easier to estimate the cost of an RV than a house. So, set yourself a budget that you cannot exceed (this way you avoid unpleasant surprises, and worse, the phone call from your banker or banker). If you are going to work alone, count on around 4,000 euros for the conversion of your van, and up to 10,000 euros if you hire a professional.
making plans
Don’t go head over heels in work† To project yourself better and gain as much space as possible, make plans. You can hire an architect or come up with your own dream camper (there are many simple and free applications to make your plans online, such as Skecthup, Archifacile, Kozi Koza, etc.)
If you run out of ideas, you can get your inspiration from the web, by watching tutorials on YouTube, by looking for valuable advice on Trafic Aménagé, or by viewing inspiring images on Pinterest. In short, you are spoiled for choice!
During the development of the van
Insulate the vehicle
If you are going to work alone, do not hesitate to enlist the help of your loved ones. And as for a house or an apartment, certain points are important when renovating. This is especially the case with insulation. Yes, to prevent thermal bridges and moisture problems, insulate your van well† For this, you can use cork plates or rolls. This material is both economical and ecological and protects you against cold, heat and noise.
install electricity
Be careful, if you don’t know anything about electricity, it is essential to hire a professional. To make your job easier, determine in advance the number of outlets you need and their exact location. And for an ecological approach, we advise you to:install a 200W solar panel† With this solar energy system you can be autonomous and thus travel more peacefully.
Choose the materials
Are the insulation and electricity complete? All that’s left is to choose the coating floor, ceiling and walls. Seagrass, for example, is highly coveted for its warmth. It is a resistant and ecological material made of vegetable fibres. The other positive is that it is easy to install and easy to maintain!
That’s it, all you have to do is install your kitchen and your bed according to your plans. Small tip: to save space, you can place a roof tent. This way you will have an extra bed in no time!
After the layout
Approve your motorhome
You may not know it, but specific standards have been in place for a motorhome since May 2018. From now on only campers with the VASP statement (ie specialized self-driving vehicles) on the gray card are accepted for technical inspection. Do not hesitate to contact the Regional Service for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Housing (DREAL) in your region to comply with these new regulations.
Please note that the lack of this signage can lead to a fine of up to 15,000 euros. In addition, without a VASP listing, you may not be insured in the event of an incident. Have your motorhome homologated costs about 500 euros† Visit here for more information.
So, ready to hit the road in your dream van? If you enjoyed this article, here are six points you should not overlook before choosing a tiny home.