Although the focus of this site is on motorhome hire, DIY campervan conversions are a topic close to my heart, as I have a self-converted Ford Transit myself.

There are a number of good resources covering DIY conversion of vans and buses - so I thought I’d highlight a few of this, both on and offline. Naturally this information will have a UK/European bias, as we’re based in the UK.

Useful Books

There are not very many books available on the subject of DIY motorhome and campervan conversions - but here are a few that are worth considering:

This is the Haynes Manual for DIY motorhome conversions - a good starting point for beginners:

Another excellent book - especially for anyone planning some ’serious’ overland travel is “Travel Vans”, by John Speed. Click here for full details and purchase information.

Although it only deals with VWs, there is a lot of good quality information in this guide than can be applied to most small campervan conversions:

This book is the Haynes Manual on choosing and operating a motorhome - although not a conversion guide it does have some useful general information:

An updated version of an American classic, this book is aimed at the American RV market and people who would like to convert a bus to a motorhome or RV on a tight budget:

Useful Websites

Some of the best information available about converting vehicles is available for free online - although you do sometimes need to have some understanding of what you are trying to do to start with.

Here are some websites I’d particularly recommend:

http://www.sbmcc.co.uk - The website of the Self-Build Motor Caravanners Club. Lots of great pictures and helpful people in the forum section.

http://cheaprvliving.com/howtoconvertavan.html - how to convert a panel van or minibus into a comfortable campervan (American, but would work well on European vans, too.)

http://carliving.info- loads of great information and technical advice on living in and adapting motorhomes for long-term use.

http://www.unimog.org.uk/mymog- Something a bit different. If you’re interested in creating a serious off-road motorhome or campervan, look here.

http://jon3m.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/- A good self-build diary site with a fairly thorough description (with lots of photos) of the conversion of a long wheelbase Renault Master minibus.