Converting a van to a campervan
While researching for my article on DIY camper van conversion kits in Australia, I found Dan and Geoff from VanLife DIY Fitouts. With their modular kits, they make the job of converting a van to a campervan quick, easy and cost effective.
Before I get into telling you about VanLife DIY Fitouts and showing you some of their modular units, I just want to tell you that Dan and Geoff have given us a $100 discount code! This will get you $100 off, if you order from their website and enter the discount code: CAMPER100 when you checkout.
Okay, so if you’re looking at how to convert a van into a camper in the easiest and quickest way possible, you really should be looking at these modular kits.
Why should you convert your van using a modular kit?
In my opinion, there are 3 major benefits of converting your van using modular components… there’s lots more benefits, but these are the 3 major ones:
1. Saves time
Since the components are pre-built and standardised, they can be quickly and easily installed without requiring extensive customisation or fabrication.
The guys at VanLife DIY Fitouts reckon, that with the help of a friend, you should have your conversion kit installed in your van in a weekend.
2. Saves hassle
You don’t have to do all the research to find the best layout, materials, fixtures and components for your van conversion, all the legwork has already been done for you.
You don’t have to learn how to cut wood, put it all together, re-do it 3 times because you did it wrong the first 2 times, buy extra supplies to accommodate for your mistakes learning, and nor do you need to buy a slew of new tools and learn how to use them.
With just a cordless drill, tape measure, texter/pencil and a metre long straight edge, you’re good to go!
3. Saves money
Along with saving yourself all the hassle of learning how to build your van components, you’ll be saving money on all the mistakes you make during the learning process.
You can just find the layout that works for you and your van, and it will be shipped to you as a flatpack, with all the bits and pieces you’ll need to put it together.
Speaking of layouts, let’s have a look at the 8 kits that VanLife DIY Fitouts has to offer:
VanLife DIY Fitouts – Kits
| Kit | Wheelbase | Roof height | Vans suited |
Basecamp | Short or Long | Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit | |
Basecamp Summit | Short or Long | Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit | |
Simple Life Starter | Short | Low | Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, LDV G10 |
City Surfer | Long | Low | Toyota Hiace, Toyota Commuter, Ford Transit LWB, Renault Trafic LWB, VW Transporter LWB, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Crafter, LDV G10 LWB, LDV Deliver 9 |
Couch Surfer | Short or Long | Low | Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, LDV G10, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Crafter, Toyota Commuter |
Tools & Trips | Short or Long | Low | Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, Ford transit, LDV G10, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Crafter, Toyota Commuter |
Fresh Highs | Short | High | Hyundai iLoad, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, LDV G10, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Crafter, Toyota Commuter |
High Life, Long Life | Long | High | Toyota Hiace, Toyota Commuter, Ford Transit LWB, Renault Trafic LWB, VW Transporter LWB, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Crafter, LDV G10 LWB, LDV Deliver 9 |
Each of these layouts includes a bed platform and storage, and most of them have a kitchen slide out drawer. But check out all the details on each layout, to see which one will suit you and your van the best.
You can have a beautiful (Instagram worthy) van with less time, money and hassle.
Installation of your conversion van kit
Dan and Geoff provide you with a Pre-Installation Checklist, this is to make sure your van is ready to go as soon as your flat pack is delivered. See the Pre-Installation Checklist here.
More details on VanLife DIY Fitouts
Check out the VanLife DIY Fitouts website and don’t forget you can get a $100 discount on your purchase. Just enter CAMPER100 in the checkout area when you place your order.
And you can see lots of vans that have already been converted over on their Instagram:
Have you considered using a kit set for your van conversion?
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The spreadsheet contains 140 campervans and vans with dimensions and features of each van so you can filter for the things you want. It took ages to put it together, and I did it with the hope that it would be as helpful to others as it was to me. And it’s updated regularly.
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Bernadine Rofe
Thursday 27th of April 2023
Hello there My name is Bernadine and I’m wondering what fit out would be best for my Renault master 2010 Diesel x70 Looking forward to talking to you and prices with work done by you guys as well . Regards ? I’m xcited
Michelle
Saturday 29th of April 2023
Hey Bernadine, You can reach out to the guys over on their website (they probably won't see this otherwise) www.vanlifediyfitouts.com Cheers, Michelle :)