Building Your Own Campervan for VanLife

Insulation

Start by filling the walls with spray foam and fiberglass.

Then cover it in Reflectix and add furring strips.

Add more fiberglass insulation.

And 1.5″ rigid insulation on the ceiling.

Make sure to keep it dry with a vapor barrier.

And to see it all done in a video:

View the in-depth insulation post here.

Ceiling

There are many different materials you can use on the ceiling. We chose 1/8″ sheeting.

Simply attach the sheets to the furring strips you created on the ceiling with wood screws. Just don’t strip out the wood or screw the screw through the sheeting.

Walls

The same can be said for walls.

Use cardboard templates to ensure precise curves and fit.

Floor

First, insulate with Reflectix.

Then lay down the subfloor. We chose 3/4″ pressure treated. Use templates for curves and corners again.

Kitchen, Cabinets

We bought full-sized, second hand cabinets, cut them down, and retrofitted them to the exact contour of the van.

And built a custom drawer in a vanity that usually just has wasted, empty space.

Bed

A lot to consider here — storage, height, 1-person, 2-person, dimensions, parallel to van or going across the back….

Ultimately, I chose parallel with the van because I wanted to be able to completely stretch out at night. No way I’m going to sleep every single night of my life with my head smashed against a wall or curled in a fetal position.

We also had to make it 28″ high to go over the existing HVAC.

And lastly, we found pictures of someone else that had made an expandable bed with storage underneath. It’s now 25″ when pushed in and 50″ wide when expanded.

Storage under the bed is accessible when it’s pushed in.

And a 500lb. gear drawer that pulls out the back.

Closet

You’ll need a place to hang some clothes, gear, and store your extra batteries. Might as well build a closet.

3-way Refrigerator

And you’ll need a way to keep your beer cold.

Fantastic Vent Fan

Because sleeping with windows cracked is unsafe, and you’ll need venting for the refrigerator and while cooking.

Finished DIY Campervan

The only thing that’s left is to paint and add trim. And then you have a completed DIY Campervan.

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