4 Van Conversion Ideas for Different Lifestyles
We’ve gone over Buying a van on a budget, choosing the right van, and the pros and cons of hiring vs doing it yourself in our previous blogs… Now let’s explore some van conversion ideas for the inside of your van.
We recommend every person converting their van, to start off their build with our version of a rails track system, called the Smooth Rail Mounting System. Our mounting systems are custom-engineered to attach to the interior ceiling ribs and walls of your vehicle’s framework. Once installed, they provide a safe, secure, and versatile attachment point for all your components and accessories. Our products can be installed, removed, or re-installed with a hex head wrench and a screwdriver, in just a few minutes.
The weekender
These are some ideas for people who want to be able to hit the road on short notice. Perhaps you aren’t living out of your van full-time, but you use it for weekend trips or summer vacations. Your focus is probably going to be on having the essentials, such as a van bed, a kitchenette, and a place to store your belongings.
Flip-Up Bed.
Roost Vans has you covered with our Fu-kit bed system. This bed comes in a 1, 2, or 3-panels. If you plan on bringing gear such as a bicycle, we recommend adding on our Flip-up bed kit. This allows you to flip up your bed in either the front or rear, or both.. allowing you to access your storage more easily.
Compact Kitchen.
For a simple kitchen and dining solution, we suggest adding a Drivers-side Kitchen Cabinet or Passenger-side Kitchen Cabinet. These solutions are compact and easy to install. You can even add on a sink or stove and even a fridge, such as an isotherm drawer-style fridge.
Dining.
For dining solutions, we recommend looking into Lagun USA. They have some great options for van table systems. Their table mount can fold and be stored in a compact space.
Digital nomad
If you’re a digital nomad, you need a van that can accommodate your work and lifestyle needs. This type of van conversion typically includes a desk, a comfortable workspace, and plenty of storage for your electronics and other belongings.
Desk or Dinette.
If you are seeking a small desk option, we propose using the Lagun USA table solution and also adding a swivel seat mount to your driver or passenger seat. That way you can turn your chair around for an easy workspace solution. Or you could build a more elaborate workspace by building a dinette at the back of the van, that would triple as a sleeping, working, and dining solution.
Lockable Cabinetry.
Installing upper cabinetry is going to be a great way to store all your electronics. Roost Vans upper cabinet for Sprinter and Transit van conversions feature a lockable door, and can be installed as a stand-alone unit, or in series to form a bank of cabinets for your van storage needs. If you prefer lower storage, we suggest our Drawer-style cabinet, which also features a hidden kickplate drawer for some of your more valuable possessions.
Family van
If you’re traveling with a family, you’ll need a van that has enough space for everyone to be comfortable. This type of van conversion typically includes a sleeping area for the kids, a dining area, and some sort of bathroom system.
Bunk bed.
We recommend creating a bunk bed by adding a Strap-Up van bed above your regular van bed. This will allow you to sleep up to 5 people comfortably in your van. When you are no longer sleeping, you can raise your Stap-Up bed to the ceiling so it’s out of the way for the day.
Loo Bench.
Our Loo Bench is the perfect van toilet for families that are traveling with young kids, who sometimes can’t hold it in. In our experience, most van owners will opt for an alternative solution to dump their “unwanted cargo” whenever possible (rest stops, stores, campgrounds, a nice tree, or a secluded spot in the woods). It was with that in mind that we developed a solution for those times when the alternatives is not available (a midnight pee, toddler emergency, or moment when privacy outside the van is simply not feasible). The included Easy Go Toilet is easy to clean, chemical-free, and does not require electrical or water hookups. It is useable inside the cabinet, but can also be easily removed for cleaning, and/or use outside of the van. Quite simply, it is there when you need it, and invisible when you don’t. The cabinet itself is custom-formed to the toilet, and provides functional, and discreet storage, as well as space for toilet paper and other toiletries and cleaning supplies. The spring loaded, snug fit lid of the cabinet, in conjunction with the tight seal of the Easy Go Toilet minimizes unwanted odors until the contents can be dumped.
Outdoor shower.
Having a shower in your van is a great way to stay clean and refreshed while you’re on the road. But if you don’t have the space or budget for an indoor shower, an outdoor shower is a great option. We suggest purchasing a portable water heater and our Outdoor Shower Curtain that strings across both backdoors, launching soon on our website.
Off-road
If you’re planning on doing some serious off-roading, you’ll need a van that can handle the terrain. This type of van conversion typically includes features like a raised suspension, off-road tires, and cabinetry that will keep your items secure.
Suspension.
We recommend upgrading the suspension and adding all-terrain tires. The stock suspension on most vans is not designed for off-roading. If you plan on doing any serious off-roading, you will need to upgrade the suspension to something more capable. This will improve the van’s handling and give you more clearance to avoid obstacles… and adding all-terrain tires provide better traction on loose surfaces, such as sand, gravel, and mud.
Roof Rack.
Off-roading usually means having a lot of extra gear. One of the best storage solutions for gear is adding a Roof Rack. A roof rack is a great way to carry extra gear, such as camping equipment, tools, and water.
Solar panel.
Probably the most important piece of advice would be to iInstall a solar power system. A solar power system will allow you to run your appliances and electronics off-grid. This is essential if you plan on spending extended periods of time in the wilderness.
Strap-Up Bed.
Lastly, we suggest adding a Strap-Up Bed. This bed system allows you to adjust the angle of your bed depending on where you are parked. If you are parked at an angle, you can adjust your bed to be completely flat.
With a little planning and effort, you can build the perfect van conversion for your lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your build today! And be sure and reach out to us if you have any questions. You can check out all our van products here!
