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Tent To Self-Build Camper

Turn an empty van into your own campervan: the planning, the ten build steps and the sign-offs.

Tent Upgrades · Quarterly Magazine · 16 min read · Updated 16 October 2026

Buying a ready-made campervan is the easy route, and it is expensive. Building your own is slower and messier, but you end up with a van laid out exactly for your family, you learn every bolt of it, and you often spend far less. It is also not as scary as it looks: converting a van is only as hard as you choose to make it.

Is Self-Building Right For You?

The reward: a van that is exactly yours, parked where the view is best.

The simplest conversion in the world is a mattress, a duvet, a camping stove and a cool box, and plenty of families have had wonderful holidays that way. The most complicated has a plumbed bathroom, a diesel heater and solar on the roof. You choose where on that scale to land, and you can always add more later.

Can you do it alone? Yes. Most people who build their own van have never done it before, and most professional converters started as self-taught amateurs. What it takes is patience, a few borrowed tools and a willingness to measure three times. Be honest about the time too: a build nearly always takes double or even triple what you first expect, you will make unplanned trips to the DIY shop, and it will take over your driveway and your thoughts for a while.

Set Your Budget First

Before you buy a single screw, decide what you can spend in total, then hold back around a fifth of it for the things you have not thought of. Extra fixings, sandpaper and sealant add up, and so do the running costs afterwards: insurance, vehicle tax and maintenance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I build my own campervan?

To build your own campervan, set a budget, choose a base van, plan the layout, then work in ten stages: the empty shell, insulation and lining, the base, electrics, water, kitchen, seating and sleeping, finishing touches, a systems check and your first trip.

How long does it take to convert a van into a campervan?

Allow double or even triple your first estimate. Builds nearly always take longer than expected, and unplanned trips to the DIY shop are normal.

Can I convert a campervan on my own?

Yes. Most people who build their own van have never done it before. You will need patience and a few tools, and you should use a Gas Safe engineer for gas and a qualified electrician for mains electrics.

How much does a self-build campervan cost?

It depends on the van and how much you do yourself, so set your budget first and keep around 20% in reserve for unexpected costs such as fixings, insurance, tax and maintenance.

Which vans are best for a self-build conversion?

Popular large vans include the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay, Ford Transit, Vauxhall Movano, Renault Master, VW Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter, while smaller options include the Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro and Transit Connect.

Do I need a Gas Safe engineer for a campervan conversion?

Yes, for any gas installation. A Gas Safe registered engineer can advise before you start and issue a certificate when the work is done.

How do I register a self-build campervan as a motor caravan?

The DVLA requires an eligible V5C body type, a completed conversion checklist, photographs of each required feature and the vehicle identification number. Check the current guidance on GOV.UK before applying.

Where can I find help building a campervan?

YouTube has a wide variety of self-build channels, from beginners to experienced converters. Watch several builds of the same stage before you start, and use professionals for gas and mains electricity.

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