DIY: Convert a Van into a Campervan

 

This is the first in a series of articles about converting a van into a campervan. This article discusses what a campervan is, uses for a campervan and advantages over other RV’s.

Vandwelling is a term that has been around since the 1800’s. It was used to describe Gypsies living in their caravans, or “vans.”

Having an RV such as a travel trailer or motor home is a luxury. With disaster preparedness, it can perform the additional duty as a bug out vehicle. “Bug out” is a term borrowed from the military for “rapid evacuation.”

A campervan can serve as a vacation vehicle, bug out vehicle or a residence. Many people today live in their vans, either by choice or life circumstances. They park overnight at businesses with the manager’s permission. They “stealth camp” in neighborhoods to save on hotel or RV park costs. Stealth camping is overnight parking on a public street curb. It is legal to park a passenger or cargo vehicle on the public street curb. In many communities, it is not legal to park an RV on a public street overnight. The emphasis is overnight parking. True camping is staying in one place for several days- not something stealth campers engage in.

Since the outside appearance of a converted campervan does not change, people in the neighborhood do not know someone is just sleeping for the night.

One great source of information on Vandwelling can be found in Yahoo Groups under Vandwellers. The folks are a great source of information and help.

Most vans have something in common other than being a van and having a bed in it.

Many converted campervans have the following in common:

• · A convertible sofa or dedicated bed
• ·.
• ·. The design can be as simple or as elaborate as the owner desires and can afford.

  With a mounted toilet, shower, freshwater tank, gray water tank and black water tank, the van can qualify to be reclassified as a Class B RV. This changes the insurance and the registration of the vehicle.

  Overnight Parking, or Stealth Camping

  If a stealth camper encounters a police officer- something that does happen-(suspicious neighbors, routine patrol, etc.), the vehicle’s registration is checked. If the registration comes back as a passenger vehicle, no problem. The officer usually tells the person goodnight or move on. If the registration comes back as a Class B RV, the driver gets a ticket for parking an RV on a residential street. That doesn’t always happen, though. It depends on the city, ordinances and so forth.

  OP, or overnight parking is more often done at businesses with the manager’s permission. Wal Marts, Cracker Barrels, Flying J’s and truck stops are famous for allowing overnight parking at no charge. Of course, the person parking overnight agrees to the following:

  • · No barbequing or cooking in the parking lot
  • · No extending slide-outs or awnings, putting out lawn furniture and so forth
  • · Quiet- no noise should be heard outside the RV or vehicle
  • · In the morning, move on
  • · No leaving trash or dumping tanks in the parking lot- that’s illegal

  Businesses allow overnight parking because it’s a good idea- the person parking their vehicle most often spends money at that business. This boosts the economy of the area, keeps jobs in place and so on.

  Some communities have decided to ban overnight parking at any business. For some communities, the idea was to encourage more RV’ers to stay at local RV parks. It has backfired, though. Most RV’ers know the “NOP,” or no overnight parking signs, and go to another town for the night. They don’t stay at the RV park, either.

  Reasons for Vandwelling

  Some people choose to live in their vans full time. They are not bums, most work for a living. It is simply a different way of life. They have mailboxes and permanent addresses. Sleeping for free in parking lots and rest stops saves money on housing that can be used to pay off debts.

  Some work as they travel- this is called Workamping. Others become traveling property caretakers. You do not need an RV or campervan to work at these jobs. There are volunteer opportunities available at national and state parks. These include camp directors, greeters, maintenance and so forth. In exchange for your work, you get to stay at the park for the entire season- free.

  There are people who have lost their homes due to different circumstances. By vandwelling, they are getting back on their feet.

  My Van

  I am saving for my first van. I’m going to choose an extended bed van, preferably a ¾-ton model. This gives me enough power to go anywhere, including the mountains. It will also be strong enough to pull a trailer if I decide to buy one.

  Every size of van from minivan, regular passenger van, also known as a “soccer mom van,” cargo van and more are being converted to campervans.

  In the next article of the series, I’ll discuss preparing the interior of the van for living conditions.

  Some of the ideas and designs are based on what I’ve learned from the Vandweller’s group; others are my own.

  Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.

  See also Hot Tub Maintenance: How to Care for Your Backyard Get-away