The vanlife trend is having a big moment, with more Brits than ever looking into how they can disconnect from their day-to-day lives and head off exploring in their own custom camper.
Even if you’re not planning to drop the nine-to-five completely, a van conversion tailored to your exact specifications is a great way to embrace the touring lifestyle – and demand for this is growing fast.
Indeed, according to specialist dealership Vansdirect, searches for ‘van-to-camper conversion’ have increased by 49 per cent in the last three months, while there are over a million posts on TikTok with the #vanlife hashtag as people show off their creations.
If you’re looking to create your own camper, the experts at the company have put together a few key things to keep in mind that will help make any van conversion a success.
Invest in quality insulation
Operations director at Vansdirect Gregor Mackie noted that even in the summer, the British weather can be temperamental. Poorly-insulated campers can lead to heat loss, condensation and damp, making for a miserable experience.
To avoid this, he recommends investing in high-quality insulation that offers good thermal performance, mould resistance and soundproofing. However, you shouldn’t stop there. Even with the best insulation material, it’s still important to use sealant or rubber seals around gaps to prevent draughts.
Look for multifunctional furniture
When space is limited, cleverly-designed, multipurpose furniture is essential. Mr Mackie recommends a convertible bed as one of the best ways to solve any issues. This is the item that takes up the most space, so making sure it can fold into a table, chairs, or a full living area during the day is a great idea.
It’s also important to think about storage. Magnetic shelves, wall hooks and hidden storage areas underneath or inside other furniture help keep your camper tidy and organised.
Make comfort a priority
Your camper is your home away from home, so you want it to be as comfortable as possible. A high-quality mattress for your bed/sofa is a must, with memory foam an ideal material, as this can be cut into any shape you need, as well as offering great support.
Mr Mackie also recommended blackout curtains for your windows. This helps create a darker, more restful environment for sleep, which is particularly useful in the summer, when daylight can last up to 16 hours.
Image credit: Unsplash/Manuel Meurisse
