How to Convert a Ford Van Into a Camper

Converting a Ford van into a recreational vehicle has long been a popular hobby. The benefits of converting a van are numerous, and include better gas mileage, lower initial costs, and the ability to create a completely personal design layout. While the task is complex, the personal satisfaction is immense. Whether you're converting a van for short holidays or as a long-term accommodation option, eHow has the steps you need to succeed.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Plastic mat
• Plastic storage bins
• Window cleaner
• Absorbent fabric
• Window tint
• Sheet of plywood
• Table saw
• Sander
• Air mattress
• Mattress sheet
• Sleeping bag
• 12-volt fan
• Weather stripping

Instructions

1. Remove the rear seats from the van by either unbolting with a wrench or releasing the latches that anchor them to the floor. Discard the unneeded seats by giving them away, sending them to a junk yard, or selling them on an online auction site. Lay a clear plastic mat over the floor to cover the seat holes and protect the carpet from water and dirt.

2. Wash and dry the windows thoroughly using conventional window cleaners and lint-free fabric. Press stick-on film or tint over each window to ensure privacy from the external world. Rub a credit card or hard book edge down the film to remove any air bubbles. Install ¼ inch foam board if the camper will be used in a cold winter climate.

3. Place a series of short plastic storage bins or drawers on the floor of the van and anchor them together with rubber cords. Arrange the bins so that the drawers can extend out the back and side doors with enough clearance to be adequately accessed.

4. Cut a sheet of plywood with a table saw so that it will fit lengthwise over the storage bins; it should fit snugly between the walls of the van and extend at least as long as the height of the individual who will sleep on it. Sand the sheet of wood with an electric sander to remove any hazardous splinters.

5. Staple a sheet of waterproofing plastic over the plywood to protect the mattress. Inflate an air mattress and place it over the plywood. Overlay a mattress sheet on the mattress and use a sleeping bag as a multipurpose comforter.

6. Extend a curtain rod between the walls directly behind the driver's seat and hang a curtain for privacy. Glue magnets to the edges of the curtain so that you can secure the fabric to the walls. This prevents the curtain from sliding open unexpectedly.

7. Plug a DC to AC inverter in the cigarette lighter of the car to power small electronics such as laptops and DVD players. Turn on the van if using the inverter extensively so that the car battery does not die.

8. Glue small 12 volt or battery-powered fans into the corners of the windows to circulate fresh air inside the camper. Press weatherstripping into any gaps created by the vents to prevent water from entering the van. Recharge the vent batteries via the inverter while driving for more efficient use of resources.

Tips & Warnings

• If your van is large enough, a small wooden cabinet can be anchored to a wall for food and dish storage, as well as a place to use a small propane stove.

• Do not use electric or flame heaters (candles, lanterns) inside the van without a vent. Carbon monoxide could build to dangerous levels and be fatal.

References

• Build-A-Camper