25 Awesome Box Truck Conversion Ideas - Camperism (2024)

If you are the kind of person who likes the idea of camping then you should think of ways to that can make your camping life less of a hustle. A box truck can really offer you many benefits that ordinary recreational vehicles won’t. Box truck campers are more spacious and therefore will offer you the much needed space you will need while you are out there camping with your family. Box truck campers come in different sizes and styles there are also those that feature long-beds and those that feature short-beds.

Now with the many benefits that a box truck can offer you we are going to take you through some awesome box truck conversion ideas that can help you get started.

My Box Truck Conversion Ideas

Step by Step Conversion Ideas

1. Draw a sketch/Layout planning

This is the first but very important step in your journey to convert a box truck into a great camping vehicle. For you to succeed in this you will need to arm yourself with pencil and pieces of plain papers where you will draw your sketch. You will then sketch the interior space on the truck body. It could just be a simple rectangle shape that indicates the length and the width of the interior of the tuck’s body. As you do this pay attention of the position of the side door if there is one. It is this drawing that you will use in designing the layout of your camper truck and easily plan where the bedroom, bathroom, and eating area will be.

You can then walk into the inside of the truck and mark lines on the floor to coincide with the location of the walls you have drawn in your plan. You will also draw the outline of the main features of your camper such as the closets, the bed, fixtures in the bathroom, and the dining area. To help make things seamless for you, you will have to mark lines to be able to match the dimensions of the real furniture and the relevant fixtures that you will have installed in your box truck camper. This will help alleviate for you the possibility of inaccurate measurements that you may encounter when actual construction will be taking place.

2. The design process

The designing of the box truck may be the most challenging part for you in your conversion process especially if you are a complete novice. For you to get through this step well without hustling so much you may want to get some box truck conversion ideas from friends or family who have done it before. If they got the experience they should be able to give some great ideas that will help you get started in the design process. Another great resource that you can also rely on is the Internet where they are lots of varied box truck designs that you can ultimately choose one that impresses you.

As you design your box truck please ensure that you only do the designing as per your wants and unique needs. A good rule of the thumb usually is to go for a minimalist and simplistic design that will not get you stuck in the middle of your design process.

3. Materials needed in the build process

Your work will mostly involve suing lots of wood products and particularly ply wood which will be needed for the partitions, flooring, and making of cubicles and other related compartments within the box truck. Other important material that you will certainly need to have includes; screws, hinges, and a carpet. Of course you will also need to have tools that you will use which are; a hammer, a drill, a staple gun and miter screws.

4. The actual build process

This is also another important and intensive process where you will be building the box truck into a mobile tiny home that you will be using to travel on the roads to your camping trips. It actually involves joining of the different parts together to come up with the finished camper that you are actually striving to achieve. If you are not that skilled at doing carpentry work you can enlist the help of experienced carpenters knowledgeable in box truck conversion ideas.

As good rule it is best to use wood on the flooring because wood is actually a good insulating material that will help to protect your feet from the extreme changes in temperature. You will also use wood to make the kitchen cabinets where you will store your kitchen supplies and utensils. Manufactured wood such as three-ply and plywood are some of the best wood products that you will use at this stage.

As you build the box truck just ensure that you balance everything well in the truck in such a way that not too much weight is placed on one side of the truck. For instance if you are seeking to have two beds put in the truck, it may be best if you balance the two to be opposite each other. The kitchen can be placed on the left side while the bathroom can be placed on the right side of the vehicle. This way you will have greatly balanced the tuck well so that weight will be evenly distributed. The advantage of an even weight distribution in the truck is that it will be more stable and thus safe and comfortable on the road.

Final words

In the past most recreational vehicle lovers overlooked the many benefits that converting box truck in campers for a number stories which weren’t true. Today there are so many amazing box truck campers you will find out there in the roads. The benefit of having a box truck for a camper is that they offer much more space for installing additional amenities needed when out traveling on your tiny home. While minivans offer more versatility in terms of maneuverability they are usually too small to accommodate the many facilities that a box truck can accommodate.

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25 Awesome Box Truck Conversion Ideas - Camperism (2024)

FAQs

What is the best vehicle to convert into a camper? ›

The Ford Transit is a highly versatile and reliable van, making it high on the 'best van to convert to camper' list. It comes in various sizes and configurations, including different roof heights and lengths, providing options for both compact and spacious builds.

How much does it cost to convert a box truck into a house? ›

There are a ton of variables that determine pricing for a box truck conversion, including the size of the truck itself. As such, we estimate each project on an individual basis and do not have set conversion packages. Generally, the most basic of conversions for a box truck starts around $45,000.

What is the best budget van for camper conversion? ›

The 7 Most Affordable Campervans on the Market in 2021
  • Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda. Pay no more than: £17,000. ...
  • Ford Transit Conversion. Pay no more than: £25,000 for a good conversion. ...
  • VW T4. Pay no more than: £16,000. ...
  • Mitsubishi Delica. Pay no more than: £18,000. ...
  • VW T25/3. ...
  • Vauxhall Vivaro Conversion. ...
  • Fiat Ducato.
Jun 15, 2022

What is the best cargo van for RV conversion? ›

The Mercedes Sprinter has long been considered one of the best vans for camper conversion, known for its superior build quality, reliability, and spacious interior. Its tall standing height and long wheelbase provide generous space for customization, allowing for comfortable sleeping and living areas.

What is the cheapest vehicle to convert into a camper? ›

The most economical van for conversion varies based on budget and needs. The popular Sprinter Van offers customization options, with used ones starting at $27,000. Other economical choices include the Nissan NV3500, Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, and Ford Transit Cargo Vans.

What are the best trucks to convert to campers? ›

What is the best truck for a truck camper? Well, if you're buying your first truck and you're looking seriously at getting a truck camper, we suggest skipping the half-ton and 3/4-ton and buy a one-ton truck instead like a Ford F-350, a Ram 3500, or a Chevy Silverado 3500HD at a minimum.

Is owning box truck a good investment? ›

Done right, starting a business with a box truck can be profitable. However, jumping into a business idea typically means no return on investment for at least a year. But at the same time, if your services seriously satisfy a need in your community, you might just make it BIG TIME.

Can you make money owning a box truck? ›

Running your own box truck can be a very lucrative way to earn an income for your family. However, obtaining and insuring your truck is just the start. Finding consistent freight loads is the key to being productive and profitable in the trucking industry.

Can you turn a box truck into a camper? ›

Someone converted this 2001 GMC Savana 3500 box truck into a camper and it's a home inside while maintaining a work truck look outside. Now, some of you may have the immediate question “Why?” Why would you go through the work of building a camper just to make it look like you're a plumber or a roofer?

Do converted campervans hold their value? ›

As reported by Auto Trader, converted campervans and motorhomes do keep their value longer than cars, but they will begin to lose value over time. If you keep your van in top condition, with as low miles as you can, then it's likely that your van will retain around 70% of it's value by the time you want to resell it.

What order do you convert a van to a camper? ›

An easy step-by-step job guide to DIY campervan conversions
  1. Step 1 - Stripping and cleaning out. ...
  2. Step 2 - Windows and ventilation. ...
  3. Step 3 - Roof. ...
  4. Step 4 - Insulation and heating. ...
  5. Step 5 - Electric and gas systems. ...
  6. Step 6 - Plumbing and water. ...
  7. Step 7 - Lights. ...
  8. Step 8 - Bed and seating.

What is the easiest van to convert into a camper? ›

Ford Transit Connect - Similar to its big brother the Ford Transit, the Ford Transit Connect is a popular choice for small van conversions. With its generous load area, great handling, and affordable used purchase price, this van is a good one to bear in mind when looking for your next van to campervan conversion.

What is the best camper van to live in full time? ›

Mercedes Sprinter is considered to be one of the best vans to travel and live in. The high top, extra long-wheelbase vans are especially popular among van conversions. Because they provide you with more space. You can have a snug, a shower and a fixed bed in such a van and still have enough space to move around.

Is FWD or RWD better for camper van? ›

Selecting the right drive system for your camper van is a crucial decision that depends on your travel preferences. FWD is a cost-effective and efficient choice for those who stick to paved roads. RWD offers balanced handling and better towing capacity.

What kind of van do I need for a camper conversion? ›

My top pick is the Mercedes Sprinter (despite owning a Ford Transit). It is notably reliable, well-built, and comfortable. Though it comes with a higher price tag. With that being said, in the Roaming Home 2023 study we found the Ford Transit to be the most popular van by a long shot.

How much does a professional camper conversion cost? ›

You can literally turn a van into a campervan by upgrading a regular van to add features like a toilet and shower. And, adding storage, seating, and sleeping areas to make it a home away from home. On this basis, the average cost of a van conversion ranges from £500-£40,000.

How much does it cost to convert a camper? ›

On average, it costs between £1,000 and £5,000 to convert a small camper van. In comparison, it costs between £2,000 and £10,000 to convert a large camper van. The data we collected as part of our 2021 Ultimate Van Conversion Survey gives some more insight into estimated costs, shared in the above candlestick graph.

Is it cheaper to live in an RV than a home? ›

RVs usually have a lower initial price in comparison to the majority of homes but the top models can compete with the starting prices of homes in some places. For many, renting or owning an RV tends to be cheaper than traditional housing.

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