{"id":38387,"date":"2021-06-08T15:46:43","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T14:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=38387"},"modified":"2021-06-28T10:44:13","modified_gmt":"2021-06-28T09:44:13","slug":"van-life-unique-camper-van-caravan-and-motorhome-conversion-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/van-life-unique-camper-van-caravan-and-motorhome-conversion-ideas","title":{"rendered":"Van life: Unique camper van renovation ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With plenty of summer staycations on the cards this summer, and remote working<\/strong><\/a> making life more flexible, there\u2019s no better time than now to tick travelling around the UK off your bucket list. And what better way to do it than in your very own camper van?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been following the popular \u2018van life\u2019 trend on social media, you\u2019ll notice one thing most van lifers have in common. They\u2019ve all converted their vans into tiny mobile houses, using features that make life on wheels much more comfortable. Get on the road in no time using our top van renovation ideas, below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Bespoke camper van storage to save space<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Camper<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the first things to do when you\u2019re converting a van is to plan any permanent fixtures and fittings you\u2019d like to have. If you\u2019re planning to install a fixed sleeping area, consider building a platform bed. It\u2019ll give you plenty of space underneath to set aside things you\u2019d normally keep in the boot and equally, ample space to store those bits that you don\u2019t want taking up space in your living area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to build storage space, whether it\u2019s under or overhead, as you\u2019re building your foundation fittings in. This is so you\u2019ll know how many things you\u2019ll have space for at a minimum. You\u2019ll thank yourself when you\u2019re packing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A talented carpenter<\/a><\/strong> can craft a bespoke structure to contain the fittings you want and need in your van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Roof-mounted solar panels to be self-sufficient<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Solar<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Solar panels<\/a><\/strong> aren\u2019t only sought-after for our homes. They\u2019re also popular amongst owners of camper vans, caravans and motorhomes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of these vehicles have a leisure battery (separate from a van battery) which powers 12V appliances such as lights, kettles and TVs inside the vehicle. Many campsites provide electric hook-ups which you can use to power these appliances; often at an extra cost to you. However, with solar panels, you can generate your own green power for free. Not only does this help you to be more energy efficient, but it\u2019s also useful if you\u2019re going off grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get help with installing solar panels on your van from a vetted solar panel installation specialist<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. A pop top elevating roof to create space<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Caravan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At some point in your journey, cabin fever may set in. A great way to get some fresh air is to attach an elevating roof to your van. You can sleep alfresco in it during a warm night, or maybe a chillier one if you\u2019re brave enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, a roof deck is the perfect space for sunbathing like you would on a deck at home<\/a><\/strong>. Plus, it\u2019ll take star gazing in the countryside to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A third option is to install a classic roof rack, where you can store big items, like bikes, away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Separate areas to make the van seem bigger<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Kitchen<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Space is undeniably tight when your life is on wheels, but you can make your van feel bigger than it actually is by clearly dividing it into different areas. A half partition wall achieves this without taking up as much space as a full partition wall would. It also offers privacy from the other people you\u2019re travelling with, which is a welcome feature for long road trips in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, you can use colour and texture to break up your van. Stick wipe clean splashback<\/a><\/strong> tiles in the kitchen for differentiation from other areas, as well as to bring aesthetic and functional value to the space. Another idea is to choose a colour scheme<\/a><\/strong> for each area and paint surfaces or place furnishings in that colour to create some separation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have kids, attach a canopy over their bed to create a dark daytime napping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Innovative lighting to add functionality and d\u00e9cor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Person<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to have lights inside your van, for those gloomy days and evenings when sunlight through the windows just won\u2019t cut it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wired van lighting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Recessed spotlights and light strips can be installed under cabinets, in walls and on surfaces to save space. Install wired lighting early on in the conversion, so you can hide the wires away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To cut down on the amount of power you\u2019re using in your camper van, install a dimmer switch to reduce the brightness of your lights. Dimmer switches help to add ambience whilst you\u2019re eating dinner or watching a movie, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not comfortable wiring lighting yourself, hire a local electrician<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-permanent van lighting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Standalone solar powered lights, such as lanterns, add light and are a great decorative feature. Battery powered tea lights also bring aesthetic value and are a safer option than having real candles in such a small space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor lighting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Van awning is a piece of material stretched on a frame, that\u2019s fastened to your camper van. It creates a covered space where you can spend time outside and be protected from rain or the sun. Not only do awning lights allow you to spend longer evenings outdoors, but the motion activated models help with security and provide light if you\u2019re leaving the van to use a campsite toilet at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best camper van lighting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Use cool white light bulbs in functional areas, like the kitchen<\/a><\/strong>. In areas where you relax, such as the bedroom<\/a><\/strong>, use soft and warm lighting to add ambience. Whatever lighting option you choose, use LED light bulbs<\/a><\/strong>: they last longer and are more energy efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Make your storage work harder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Man<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many seasoned van lifers say that the sound of items banging around in cupboards and drawers whilst you\u2019re driving gets annoying. Plus, it raises the risk of waking up a sleeping child onboard, which is less than ideal. Put items inside fabric pouches or cubes before storing them away to reduce unwanted noise. This\u2019ll help with keeping everything organised, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, attach a bungee cord going across the inside of your cupboards to keep bottles, small jars and other items upright.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can install non-permanent storage solutions to add even more space:<\/p>\n\n\n\n