5th February 2025
Van life is all about freedom and flexibility. Whether you’re exploring remote landscapes, or just
enjoying a minimalist lifestyle, your van becomes your home on wheels. But first it is essential to
have a well-thought-out-plan of how to convert your van, so it is ready to hit the road.
We caught up with van conversion experts, Sandy Vans, to discover their top tips when converting a van for the van life space. From layout to electrical systems, these expert tips will help you make the most of your van and ensure you’re ready for any adventure.
Tip 1: Prioritize the Layout for Functionality and Comfort
The layout of your van is the foundation of how you will live and function within the space. Since you're working with limited square footage, optimizing every inch is crucial for both comfort and practicality.
Let's look at our four unique layout options from Sandy Vans to help you better understand what layout is best for you:
Social Layout: This layout is designed for those who love to entertain or enjoy spending time with friends and family on the road. The Social layout maximizes seating space by incorporating a large, comfortable area for dining or hanging out, which can also convert into a 75-inch bed (Queen size). With ample seating and a focus on communal living, it's perfect for van lifers who enjoy hosting gatherings or having a space to relax with others.
Why choose this layout? If you're a social butterfly who likes to share your van adventures with others, this layout offers a cozy and inviting space for entertaining guests.
Scout Layout: This layout is the best of all worlds combining a dinette with a fixed bed, giving you BOTH! The Bed pulls out over the top of the dinette to create a queen bed, allowing you to sleep the length of the van (North/South). It features a raised bed with a "garage" underneath, offering plenty of room to stash larger items.
Why choose this layout? Perfect for someone who values both flexibility and functionality. It’s perfect for adventurers who need ample storage for gear, yet also want a comfortable space to relax, dine, and sleep without constantly rearranging the setup.
Sport Layout: This layout is ideal for those who prioritize storage and outdoor adventures. With plenty of room for gear, including bikes, surfboards, or hiking equipment, this layout is perfect for the active van lifer. It features a Murphy bed, offering plenty of room to stash larger items.
Why choose this layout? Perfect for adventurers who need a functional layout that accommodates outdoor gear without sacrificing sleeping or living space.
Captain’s Quarters Layout: The Captain’s Quarters is the pinnacle of luxury and adventure, offering everything you need for a comfortable and stylish van life experience. This layout is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, featuring a spacious U-shaped dinette with bamboo finishes that seats up to eight. The dinette converts into a cozy bed for two, giving you a versatile living and sleeping space. With extensive storage options, including upper cabinets & bench storage, you’ll have more than enough room for all your gear.
Why choose this layout? The Captain’s Quarters is perfect for those who want a premium, adventure-ready van with both comfort and off-grid capabilities.
Tip 2: Insulate for All-Weather Comfort
Insulating your van properly is key to living comfortably in all kinds of weather. Whether you're parked in the desert or nestled in the mountains, insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature inside the van, making it livable year-round.
Good insulation keeps your van cooler during hot summer days and traps heat during chilly nights. Without proper insulation, you may find it difficult to maintain a comfortable living environment, especially when temperatures fluctuate. Materials like sheep wool, foam board, and even spray foam provide great thermal protection and also help with soundproofing, reducing road noise while driving or when parked in busy areas.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to insulate your floors! Heat loss through the floor is common, so adding a layer of insulation under your flooring can make a big difference, especially if you plan to spend time in colder climates.
Tip 3: Choose the Right Materials for Durability
Life on the road can be tough on your van’s interior. From rough terrain to constant use, you need materials that will last through the wear and tear of van life. This is especially true for areas like the kitchen, floors, and storage spaces, which will see a lot of daily activity.
Choose materials that are resistant to water, scratches, and heavy use. For floors, vinyl or laminate is a great choice as it's durable, easy to clean, and can handle moisture. In high-use areas like countertops or cabinets, use durable plywood (we use Plyboo) that can stand up to repeated use. Opt for water-resistant fabrics for cushions and seating to avoid mold or mildew in damp conditions.
Pro Tip: Consider materials that are lightweight but strong. Heavier materials can add unnecessary weight to your van, affecting fuel efficiency and performance. Look for a balance between durability and weight to ensure your van is both practical and roadworthy.
Tip 4: Plan for Adequate Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, your van can become stuffy, humid, and even unhealthy to live in. Ventilation is key to regulating the temperature inside your van and preventing issues like condensation, which can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage over time.
Installing a roof vent with a fan is a great way to keep air circulating, especially when you're cooking or sleeping. Maxxair fans are a popular option among van lifers because they can be used in all weather conditions, even when it’s raining. You should also consider installing windows that can open, allowing for fresh air to flow in and keep the van feeling light and airy. Adequate airflow is especially important when you're parked in warm climates or cooking indoors.
Pro Tip: Position your fan and windows strategically to create cross-ventilation. This helps pull hot air out while bringing fresh air in, keeping the inside of your van cooler without relying solely on an air conditioner.
Tip 5: Get the Right Electrical System for your needs
The heart of any van conversion is the electrical system. It powers everything—from your fridge and lights to your fans and charging stations. When choosing your power setup, it’s crucial to match it with your travel style. Luckily, REDARC offers solutions tailored to different types of van adventures:
REDARC Weekend Van Power Solutions:
Ideal for short trips, these systems provide enough power to charge your devices, run lights, and power small appliances. Compact and lightweight, these kits are perfect for those weekend escapes to off-grid locations.
REDARC Tourer Van Power Solutions:
Designed for week long adventures, this setup offers more battery storage and flexibility, ensuring you can run multiple appliances like a fridge, laptops, or cooking equipment without running out of power. With the ability to manage solar, battery, and vehicle charging, you’ll always have the power you need on the road.
REDARC Expedition Van Power Solutions:
For those gearing up for extended expeditions, or to live full-time on the road, these kits provide a full power management system with solar charging, battery backups, and heavy-duty inverters. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or camping off the beaten path, this system ensures you stay powered in even the most remote locations.
Investing in the right REDARC power system for your needs means you can confidently enjoy life on the road, whether for a weekend, a month-long tour, or a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
Converting a van into a liveable space is both exciting and challenging. By following these expert tips, you can build a van that suits your lifestyle and keeps you comfortable on the road. With the right preparation, your van will be ready for endless adventures, giving you the freedom to explore the world on your own terms.
