VAN life has been made affordable with a set of easy conversion tips that make your minivan a home.
Experts at Vanspace shared a number of hacks to help newbies and experienced hands alike save big on their next DIY camper.
Boho CampervansExperts at Vanspace revealed their top tips for converting a van into a cozy camper[/caption]
Wayfarer VansThe handy hacks could help you save big on your motorhome[/caption]
The specialists said: “You don’t have to break the bank…in order to do a van build.
“With a bit of creativity, you can save on almost all aspects of your van conversion without sacrificing comfort.”
While they had a list of separate tips on picking a van to start out with (an older model with high mileage), they also shared some of the best ways to transform it into a comfortable and cozy motorhome on a shoestring budget.
First of all, they recommended buying second-hand as much as possible.
Pretty much all the furniture, gadgets and kit you could need can be found either on sites like eBay, on social media or in charity shops.
Even some van-specific items like portable loos can be picked up on the resale market, though you may want to get your own new if you have the money.
Similarly, they urged enthusiasts to do away with some of the features they might see in more expensive vans and go with cheaper equivalents.
For example, a full kitchen set-up could be sacrificed in favour of a camp stove, while a fridge could make way for an ice box or cooler.
They even suggested resisting the urge to install a shower and instead use a wash cloth and biodegradable soap.
However, if you can’t conceive of life without a daily shower, they added: “Most vanlifers get a gym membership to shower or shower at campsites or community centres.
“Another cheap option is buying a portable outdoor shower that heats up with the Sun.”
And speaking of the Sun, the experts advised budding van-dwellers to refrain from investing in solar panels.
While this may seem both convenient and good for the environment, it is actually one of the single biggest cost elements of many van conversions.
Instead, they suggested using battery-powered lights and appliances.
In the same vein, you can also skip the expensive water pump system and get a battery-powered filter for £30 or a £20 submersible water pump online.
Finally, as with many budget projects, DIY tends to be cheaper so creating your own curtains from fabric and bungee cords or loading in an air mattress and sleeping bag rather than a full-on bed can be big money savers.
Try and spread the cost over time as much as possible and make sure you have enough storage space, the experts added.
It comes after a mechanic shared a de-icing hack that could save you from making costly repairs.
Meanwhile, a Range Rover previously owned by Queen Elizabeth II has gone up for sale with a royal price tag.