How to convert a car or van into the perfect micro camper
When Amandla Taylor, 39, took up hill walking, she was struck by the charm of the countryside and keen to spend more time there. "I wished to be able to park up in the mountains, listen to the gentle sound of a stream, the birds singing in the trees. So, I bought a Vauxhall Vivaro and converted it into a camper van. Now, after a hike, I simply get in, warm up, put the kettle on, and unwind while taking in breathtaking views."
More compact and easier to handle than a motorhome, and far more comfortable than a tent, converted campervans are currently experiencing a surge in popularity.
We've empowered individuals with the freedom to decide on their own schedules and destinations, giving them the liberty to move about at their own convenience and pace, whether it's to explore new places or attend to personal matters.
As innovation advances, it also leads to improvements in design and accessibility. Navigating a six-berth motorhome through a mountain road may seem daunting, but operating a compact vehicle similar to a family car, such as a Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy, is much more controllable. Clara Usiskin is the co-director of Love Campers, a company that specialises in converting small vans into "micro-campers" – a smaller sub-category within the camper van market, which is also rapidly growing in popularity. According to Usiskin, the trend for micro or "Kei" campers originated in Japan.
“Designerly ingenuity is a distinctive aspect of Japanese culture, particularly when it comes to transforming small areas into compact yet exceptionally well-designed spaces, which is precisely the essence of a micro-camper.”
Is it really possible to pack all essentials into a vehicle as compact as a van?
No," she says, "everything you can fit in a bigger van, you can add to a micro camper – a gas hob, sink, fridge, freezer, and even two bucket seats that convert into a double bed. Micro campers are versatile as they can be used for adventurous getaways, but also as a day-to-day car. So, many people choose to own one micro camper rather than a car and a massive van taking up space in their driveway for months. This option is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
He says his customers are often from specific life phases. "We get women who are still single in their mid-30s, midlifers coming out of a divorce, and those in retirement, and actively enjoying it. I'm currently working on a van conversion for a woman in her mid-40s, using some of her inheritance to finance it." Whatever their age or stage, these women share similar characteristics. "They've viewed the Instagram posts, they're aware they can work remotely," he says. "They have the same mindset - 'I'm going to live the life I want'."
"...to exchange ideas, knowledge, and substantial conversational expertise.”
The converted van community is wonderful, notes Mickey, as it provides numerous options. Lamburn concurs: “The advantages of a professional conversion are quite apparent: time – we can complete a full conversion in 8 – 12 weeks, whereas a DIY job could take over a year; finish – our finished product will be exceptional and visually appealing, adding to its resale value; and safety – you have the peace of mind knowing that the gas and electrical systems are fully certified, ensuring a safe sleeping environment. However, professional conversions can be expensive. “You can expect to pay £20-40,000 on top of the van's purchase cost,” says Lamburn, “so if you're confident in your abilities and can manage without the extra features, you can reduce the cost while still showcasing your creativity.” It's great to see many talented female converters leading the way in this community.
The professional conversion
My tiny campervan ignited an affair with the great outdoors.
Mags MacKean, 52, from Bristol, is an author, previously a BBC journalist and a tour guide. She owns a professionally modified VW Caddy Maxi, known as Queenie.
I have always been fascinated by the idea of shedding refined comforts and immersing myself in the wilderness. The allure of venturing into the unknown, with no fixed destination in mind, appeals to me greatly. Queenie allows me to tap into this sense of adventure.
During the pandemic, I found myself daydreaming of casting off, leaving my belongings behind, and roaming freely like the wind. I envisaged buying a compact campervan, a smaller vehicle with a shorter wheelbase, which would be more manageable to drive and park, allowing me to replace my primary car with just this one vehicle. This led me to jettison my main car and choose an eco-friendly, low-emission model that is kinder to the environment and doesn't incur additional charges when driven anywhere.
While trawling the internet, I stumbled upon LoveCampers.co.uk, who have a knack for optimising every available space in micro-campers. You need to be meticulous to strip down a camper to its barest minimum in order to make the most of its travel potential, so even in a small vehicle you can happily set off on an extended journey. I adore my van. It's been cleverly designed and crafted with precision: there's a fold-up double bed that has sufficient room for two passengers to sit safely at the back (which is a must as I now rely solely on it for my daily commute). The portable induction hob is excellent – better than the one I have at home. I'm impressed by the way it neatly folds away into the sink to provide a surface for preparing meals. The entire interior features superior, eco-friendly wood finishes, there's a heater for colder months, and I can change the lighting to suit my mood. What's more, there's a pop-top roof, which allows me to expand the interior height and move around more comfortably.
My camper van has helped me fall head over heels for the UK. I'm a tour guide, or at least I thought I was, but having the freedom to wander at will has revealed hidden gems I'd never have seen otherwise. I'm really looking forward to a six-week adventure on the Scottish islands, where I hope to discover even more.
Highlight
Discovering the Llŷn Peninsula, which encompasses all the grandeur that Wales has to offer, I found it impossible to tear myself away.
Low point
None as yet.
Top tip
Why not go along with the flow? After all, the idea behind travelling in a van is that you're not tied to a fixed location like a hotel.
The assisted DIY conversion
'Faster and less expensive than staying at an Airbnb, when on holiday.'
Amandla Taylor, 39, is an ecologist originally from Perthshire. She adapted her Vauxhall Vivaro campervan using pre-fabricated conversion kits.
I bought my van to save money on accommodation while I'm out hill walking at the weekends. My friends and I frequently travel all over the UK to pursue our hobby, and staying in my own vehicle seemed like a far more cost-effective option than booking B&Bs. I purchased the van for £8,000 back in 2021 after much deliberation, but I hadn't quite factored in how labour-intensive converting it would be myself. It was thick with grease, paint, and dust, so even the initial cleaning took an unacceptable amount of time - and then I had to take everything apart down to the panels.jniI had always thought I was fairly handy with tools, but it was a lot more challenging than I had anticipated. There was a significant amount of metalwork involved, and, to be honest, I didn't have the right gear.
Instead of giving up, I turned to the Men’s Shed Association, a UK-wide initiative that offers community workshops where you can acquire new skills, receive guidance, and access tools. They connected me with an inspiring elderly gentleman who was approachable and knowledgeable. He gave me the confidence to use a variety of tools, including a grinder and a belt sander. When it came to furniture-making, I came across Contour Campervan Furniture, a company producing beautiful, eco-friendly kits designed for various van models. These kits are supplied flat-packed, and all you need to do is sand, oil, and install the components yourself.
I invested £2,500 in a sofa bed and a kitchen unit with a sink and gas hob, which I fitted myself, complete with storage units made from reclaimed wood, a swivelling seat that serves as a passenger seat or armchair when I'm stationary, and thermal insulation made from sheep's wool and an additional special layer. This setup has proved so efficient that I didn't require heating over the weekend in Glencoe, even despite the -2°C temperature. The van's conversion consumed a year of my spare evenings and weekends; I'm delighted with what I've accomplished, as I've gained new skills, formed new relationships, and developed a passion for exploring Scotland's mountains – I'm currently tackling the Munros – returning to a warm and welcoming van with a steaming bowl of soup and a panoramic view of Scotland's breathtaking landscape ahead.
Highlight
I've learned to live a life of moderation and contentment in a small environment, prioritising experiences over material possessions. For me, the highlight of my day is time spent in nature.
Low point
Just when I was raring to go on my adventures, my van experienced some mechanical problems and was out of action. Now the issues have been resolved, I'm making the most of lost time;
Top tip
Discover a women's woodworking course: I completed one at Coed Talylan in Wales.
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‘My van has become a side business’
Octavia Coates, 45, resides in St Albans, a town in Hertfordshire. She acquired and customised a converted panel van, a VW Crafter, under the name Roaming Delilah.
My intention for the money I used to buy and convert Delilah wasn't to travel in a van, but to use it as a deposit for a house. I was just a few months away from affording a mortgage, but then the pandemic struck and my income plummeted. As a self-employed individual, banks refused to lend me the funds I needed, even with the deposit I'd saved. As a result, my dreams of owning a place of my own were put on hold, while I had a substantial amount of money sitting idle in the bank. Given the circumstances, I became increasingly eager to break free and decided to invest in a camper van, thinking I could sell it if needed.
I purchased a timeless white van for £20,000 and employed the expertise of three specialists, including an engineer who specialises in gas and electrical systems. The interior design was my own vision - I wanted a sophisticated, high-end look that didn't compromise on comfort, aiming for a stylish atmosphere similar to a boutique hotel suite. My goal was to achieve a luxurious appearance without the hefty price tag of a completely bespoke build, by sourcing materials carefully and intelligently.
To contract its services formally.
Within 12 months, it had earned enough to recoup its costs. I genuinely found the experience so enjoyable that I've since purchased two additional vans - a Mercedes Sprinter, which I've given a trendy vibe inspired by Ibiza, and Miss Daisy, a 1967 Volkswagen Splitty, ideal for fans of classic driving experiences as she has a top speed of 72 km/h. However, she features a spacious seven-foot bed and a lovely kitchenette. Running a van rental service now takes up a significant amount of my time, with numerous maintenance tasks involved, such as repairing faults and arranging servicing. Nevertheless, I adore the freedom to simply get in and head off wherever I choose, and, unlike traditional holidays where you need to go in and out of a hotel, the van is the entire holiday experience.
Highlight
Now operating my business from a van, I've also set up an online store selling camping equipment and accessories.
Low point
The woodwork that I had done needs to be redone because of the water damage. A recent mishap occurred when my alternator failed, fortunately I was just on the motorway at the time or it could have been quite hazardous, as well as costly and very frustrating.
Top tip
The Park4night app serves as a helpful guide, highlighting the most convenient locations for overnight stays in the surrounding area.
The dedicated DIY conversion
‘My campervan is a true labour of love’
Bellina Fiorelli, 30, who resides in East Sussex, transformed her Ford Transit van, "Trixie", into what it is now with the help of her partner Chris.
We purchased our van in 2020, partly inspired by friends on social media who were still abroad despite the lockdown affecting us. Growing up in a big family with nine siblings, I've always been into DIY, and Chris shares my enthusiasm. He handled the stripping and electrics, while I focused on the woodworking. We invested in a circular saw and a jigsaw - plenty of materials were needed, and in one period, we were popping to the DIY store B&Q almost daily. Despite frequent trips, we managed to keep costs low. Our van cost £3,500, and the makeover came in around £3,000. We saved money by doing some things ourselves, such as upholstery - I fashioned curtains and cushion seats for our storage containers from an old duvet cover, which I stitched up myself.
In the beginning, we were struggling in London because the van was parked on the road, so we chose to stay with Chris's grandmother in Scotland, who had a garage where we could set up. After gathering everything we needed, the build took about two months. We made the most of the space to convert Trixie into a comfortable home: a fridge, LED lights, a solar panel for power. Storage space is available for our camping chairs and a crate for our dogs. We've already taken Trixie on several trips - to Cornwall, the Lake District, the Peak District and completed the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. Scotland is an excellent destination for wild camping, as it's allowed, with only the condition of leaving the site as we found it. In England, however, we have to camp discreetly outside of designated campsites, as we might be asked to move on, which is always a concern.
We've already taken the van to Europe, and it's going to Italy for three weeks later this year. Every time I get inside, I feel a massive sense of pride. I love lying in bed – which I built – and gazing out at the brilliant views. What's just as enjoyable is admiring our fantastic panel work. Doing the conversion has brought us even closer as a couple. It's great to keep thinking to ourselves: "We did this!"
Highlight
Driving the North Coast 500 after lockdown, we had the entire route to ourselves; the roads were eerily quiet and the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful everywhere we looked.
Low point
Attempting to do a conversion while residing in a flat located on the top floor of a city building, with the van parked on the street outside – daily trips to and from the van became a real frustration, quite bothersome for our neighbours as well.
Top tip
Get involved with the online community and you'll be amazed at the amount of support and guidance available. If you're unsure about how to do something, you're likely to find someone on YouTube who will break it down into easy-to-follow steps. If you're looking for creative ideas to decorate your space, Instagram is a fantastic place to find inspiration.
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