How to convert your van into a motorhome ?
The camper van is very popular because it allows you to enjoy a travelling vacation as soon as you want. However, its acquisition requires a certain investment, whether it is a new or used vehicle. Fortunately, there is a more affordable alternative: thefitting out a van into a motor home.
Here is everything you need to know before you start.
Why fit out your van into a motorhome ?
The idea of traveling in a camper van seduces many people. However, it is important to know that you have to plan between 60 000 and 100 000 euros to get a new one. A good second-hand model costs between 30 000 and 50 000 euros.
The first reason to convert your van into a motor home is financial. Indeed, your expenses will be much lower with such a solution.
Moreover, setting up your vehicle to sleep in gives you a certain peace of mind. In concrete terms, you will no longer have to worry about finding accommodation when you go on vacation.
In addition, the’layout of the van’a van in a motorhome will give you a sense of accomplishment once your project is completed. You will be proud of your achievement, which will make your nomadic vacations even more pleasant.
How to transform it to be able to travel ?
Contrary to what one could think, converting your van into a motor home is not complicated. You just need to be persistent and follow several steps. First of all, it is necessary to choose well the vehicle to be transformed.
To do this, define the use you intend to make of the van fitted out. Also take into account the number of people that it will have to embark. In this way, you will be able to more easily determine the type of van appropriate as well as the ideal size. You can do your research on the second hand market.
However, be sure to check the condition of a vehicle before buying it.
The second step is to make a plan of realization. It is a matter of taking the dimensions of the van (preferably unoccupied) and sketching the planned layout. This operation allows us to determine if the different elements of furniture desired can be integrated into the available space.
It also gives an idea of the final result. For this step, it is wise to use a 3D reconstruction software, because this type of tool offers more precision.
Then, you can start the construction. The latter will consist of several types of work, namely :
- The installation of windows and rooflights;
- Insulation installation;
- The installation of electricity and gas system;
- L’installation of the drinking water system;
- The interior design;
- The exterior layout.
For Furnish your van, you can bet on fitting out kits such as those proposed on combeing.en. This solution has the advantage of being very practical. Making your own furniture is another option.
Otherwise, you can also turn to recovery. Once the furniture is installed, you can start the decoration. This last one should not be neglected, because it participates to make you feel at home in the converted van.
Don’t hesitate to join the communities of motorhome enthusiasts on the Internet. You will undoubtedly find styles of arrangement and decoration that will inspire you. You can also ask for advice in case you encounter any difficulty during the transformation of your vehicle.
The application for approval is the final step. According to the law, a motor home’s registration card must be marked VASP (specialized self-propelled vehicle). If not, the driver is liable to a fine of 750 euros.
He will not be able to have his vehicle inspected or to take out insurance to cover it. It takes about 2 months and about 600 euros to obtain a homologation for your motorhome.
How much it costs ?
The budget needed to convert your van into a motorhome depends on the needs in terms of amenities and equipment. That is why it is advisable to write a specification in which these will be specified.
If you take care of all the work yourself and use recuperation, the conversion will cost you an average of 3,500 euros. In case you would like to ask a professional for help, you should plan on average 5 000 euros. If you are looking for a motorhome with more sophisticated facilities such as a pop-up roof, it is not necessary to apply for a visa ? Count up to 8,000 euros.
It should be noted that these average budgets only apply if you take the time to look for materials and equipment with the best quality/price ratio.