This page is your index to a large number of DIY conversions of vans like the Ford Transit, Chrylser ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Nissian into camper vans to use for camping, wind surfing, cycling, and many other uses.
The emphasis is on conversion stories that have a lot of design and construction detail, and that cover a variety of types of conversions — campers, toy haulers, wind surfer vans, dog show haulers, …
The first conversion listed is our own conversion of a RAM ProMaster, and is very detailed with many pages.
Most of these build summaries are based on a detailed description in one of the forums (Transit, ProMaster, Sprinter) with just enough of a summary here to see if its of interest to look at for your conversion.
If you’ve done or know of a good conversion, please let me know so we can include material on it or provide a link to it —- Contact Gary.
RAM ProMaster, Ford Transit, and Mercedes Sprinter Van Conversions
Details on Our RAM ProMaster Van Conversion
Function: camping/traveling van for two. Self sufficient and good for back roads.
This conversion includes lots of detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating Spray polyurethane
- Flooring Vinyl + plywood + Polyiso insulation
- Paneling Hardboard and trim
- Electrical Full elec: 2 battery, solar & shore charge, inverter, …
- Windows 3 sliding windows
- Beds Fore-aft bed/seating area
- Galley Full galley with sink, stove, fridge
- Plumbing Fresh and grey tanks and plumbing
- Toilet DIY composting toilet
- Ventilation MaxxFan in ceiling
- Heating Atwood propane furnance
- Fuel Propane system
- Cost, Weight, Labor Yes
MsNomer’s ProMaster Conversion
MsNomer (who is a regular on the ProMaster Forum) provides much detail on her conversion.
Some beautiful and well thought out details.
This conversion includes lots of detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating Thinsulate
- Flooring Marmoleum
- Paneling Plywood with detailing
- Windows Nice Motion Windows
- Beds Aft crosswise bed
- Galley Full galley details
- Plumbing Shower details
- Toilet Unique simple toilet design
- Heating Webasto furnace install
Paul’s excellent van conversion
This is Paul’s conversion of a 159 inch wheel base ProMaster van. This van has a unique rear entry floor layout, which I think is a very functional and easy to live with layout that is underutilized. Paul also managed to include a very nice shower. Very nice workmanship and very through documentation.
- Layout Unique rear entry with left and right side beds
- Insulating Polyiso rigid sheet
- Flooring Yes
- Paneling Wood planking
- Electrical Full elec: 2 battery, solar & shore charge, inverter, …
- Windows Very nice Tern Overland windows
- Beds Fore-aft bed/seating area
- Galley Full galley with sink, stove, fridge
- Plumbing Fresh and unique DIY tubular grey water tank
- Toilet DIY composting toilet
- Ventilation MaxxFan in ceiling
- Heating Atwood propane furnace
- Fuel Propane system
- Cost, Weight, Labor Yes
Very complete documentation.
Function: A camper van for two.
This is a van that Steve had converted by Morehead Design per his exact instructions. The conversion is relatively simple and has just what he wants in it — an example of how well this approach can work.
Steve gives a pretty detailed description of the conversion in the post linked to above — and, you can ask him questions! There are also some pictures taken during the conversion.
For the details on Steve’s very long trip to Alaska…
Very nice and inexpensive Conversion Video
Function: A camper van for two.
Very nicely done conversion of a Sprinter van into a cozy camper for two.
Lots of innovative ideas: $2 salad bowl sink, marine hatch for roof skylight/access, simple water system, much of interior from Ikea, nice T&G walls and ceiling, …
This is the first “stealth” van conversion I’ve seen that feels like it would be nice to spend a lot of time in — very cozy.
Combine a used $12K van with this $3K conversion, and you are on the road in style for $15K!
Function: A 136 inch wheel base conversion for two with a full bathroom. Eric spent a great deal of effort getting the design and construction details just right — the most polished DIY van conversion I have seen.
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes – 136WB with full galley, full bed, dinette, full bath!
- Insulating Yes – unique multi layer
- Flooring Yes
- Paneling Yes
- Electrical Full electrical system with very nice details
- Windows In Motion custom windows
- Beds A unique dinette convertible to bed setup.
- Galley Full galley very nicely done with custom cabinets – large fridge
- Plumbing Fresh and grey water tanks mounted under van — good sizes.
- Toilet Full bathroom with shower and cassette toilet — all DIY with good details.
- Ventilation Fantastic Fan in ceiling
- Heating Espar diesel heater
- Fuel Propane system – underfloor tank
Other things covered: noise treatment, retractable step, water heater, and some really nice details.
ProMaster Conversion With Many Interesting Features – Including a Slideout!
This is a video on a very interesting ProMaster conversion. Among the interesting features:
- Slideout — The optional siding door on the drivers side is converted into slideout.
- Shower — The van has a roomy shower that does not take up space when not in use.
- Air Conditioner — He uses a DC powered air conditioner and goes over the advantages (which seem worthwhile)
- Hydronic Heating — The van uses a hot water heating system with floor tubing.
- Li Battery — The electrical system uses a large Li battery pack and large solar panels.
Lots of other interesting features.
Keep On Vanning — My Promaster Conversion
Function: Self sufficient camping/traveling van for two. 
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating
- Flooring
- Paneling Oak paneling, carpet ceiling with wood battens.
- Electrical Full electrical system including solar.
- Windows
- Beds Crosswise bunks in back with aisle part removable.
- Galley Full galley with custom oak cabinets (good detail)
- Plumbing 5 gal stainless fresh tank. Grey water to bucket outside.
- Toilet RV Porta potty.
- Ventilation MaxxFan in ceiling
- Heating
- Fuel Propane system
Removable bucket seats just aft of cab.
Total cost of this very nice conversion estimated to be about $5K.
Function: Wind surfing with camping.
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout yes
- Insulating See story (Roxul had to be changed out)
- Flooring
- Paneling Nice wood paneling job (shows good way to install using templates) (nice wall to ceiling transition)
- Electrical Full electrical with solar – some nice panels.
- Windows
- Beds Bed over storage in back
- Galley
- Plumbing
- Toilet
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Fuel
Some detail on noise treatment.
Function: A dedicated hauler for surfboarding equipment
An interesting custom layout for surfboarding with some detail on the cabinets, racks, etc.
Function: Self sufficient camping/traveling van for two.
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes – discussion and sketches
- Insulating Good details on polyiso sheet insulation
- Flooring
- Paneling
- Electrical Yes – with solar
- Windows Yes – awning type
- Beds Yes with dinette
- Galley Yes
- Plumbing
- Toilet PortPotty
- Ventilation Yes
- Heating Espar diesel fueled furnace
- Fuel Diesel heater with butane stove
Other: seat swivels, full cost summary
ProMaster Van Conversion to Use as Hiker Base…
A simple and nicely done ProMaster conversion for use as a hiking base.
Some exceptional workmanship (really workHERship) and great ideas in this conversion.
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating
- Flooring Marmoleum over plywood
- Paneling Yes – nice wall/ceiling transition
- Electrical
- Windows
- Beds Across back with storage under
- Galley
- Plumbing
- Toilet
- Ventilation MaxxFan in ceiling
- Heating
- Fuel
- Other Very nice hand crafted wood cup holder shelf.
Function: A stealthy and comfortable conversion for camping/traveling for two.
Dave is doing a really nice job of documenting his Ford Transit van conversion in detail as he goes along. Bookmark it and come back from time to time as he adds more. Dave also has a number of posts on the Ford Transit Van Forum.
Currently there is material on the objectives, the floor,, a unique floor vent, and the Maxxair roof fan.
Also material on building with 80/20 extrusions, and notes on heating an cooling.
Vancave — A very complete ProMaster Conversions
Function: A very complete conversion of a ProMaster 3500. Lots of good detail on a site dedicated to this conversion. This is about as close to a full up, all the features, commercial style RV conversion as I have seen. Accomodates two adults and two teenagers.
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating Polyiso plus Reflectex and more
- Flooring Plywood over insulation
- Paneling Wood paneling
- Electrical Full and large electrical system including solar. 400 AH battery system.
- Windows
- Beds
- Galley Full galley with custom cabinets (good detail)
- Plumbing Full plumbing system with fresh, grey and black water tanks under floor.
- Toilet Conventional RV toilet with black water tank
- Ventilation Roof AC + MaxxFan in ceiling
- Heating
- Fuel All electric
Nice custom Kayak holder on back.
ProMaster Weekender Build — A Pop-Top
Nicely done ProMaster camper/traveler conversion with a Pop-Top roof.
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating
- Flooring Plywood over rubber mat, then carpet.
- Paneling Fabric covered board.
- Electrical House battery under seat – alum box
- Windows Factory look windows with venting.
- Beds Across back with storage under
- Galley
- Plumbing
- Toilet
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Fuel
Extensive sound deadening installation. Seats mounted in back in mounts (removable). Poptop allows full standup height while still allowing the van to make it in some garages and reducing drag.
Poptop conversion of a 2007 Ford Van…
Function: A simple camper van conversion that fits in a garage
This conversion includes detail on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating Yes
- Flooring Yes – nice templating scheme
- Paneling Yes – good details on fitting
- Electrical Yes – lots of detail
- Windows
- Beds Yes
- Galley Dinette
- Plumbing
- Toilet
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Fuel
Quite a bit of detail on the poptop, electrical, paneling, cabinets,
Details On Mobile Office ProMaster Conversion
Function: A mobile office and presentation room.
Very nicely done with good detail on some of the construction.
This conversion includes info on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating Polyiso sheet glued in place (nice)
- Flooring Viny over Plywood
- Paneling Fabric covered board.
- Electrical Full electrical system with presentation capability
- Windows None
- Beds None
- Galley None
- Plumbing
- Toilet
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Fuel
- Cost, Weight, Labor
Function: Beautiful job on a van set up for a plumbing business
This is a really nice job on a ProMaster van set up for a plumbing business.
My ProMaster Conversion – Doing it right this time
Function: Self sufficient camping/traveling van for two.
Bob is just stating this conversion, but it promises to be well thought out and well documented — a good one to keep an eye on as it progresses.
Bob had a bad experience with fiberglass insulation and a moist/cool climate resulting in a short life for his earlier conversion van, so he is putting a lot of effort into the insulation and moisture control scheme on this one.
Camper Van Re-Fit Complete Set
This is David doing a very nice job on full re-fit of a camper van.
There are 24(!) videos in this series and they cover the whole process in great detail. David is a skilled conversion van craftsman and there is much to be learned just watching his techniques.
No verbal or written descriptions of what’s going on, but for the most part the videos are detailed enough to get it.
Function: A camper van for two.
A very good website describing Orton’s conversion of a Ford Transit van into a camper van.
Very good descriptions.
Lots of interesting design features.
Nice example for using 80/20 framing.
This is Orton’s 2nd camper van build — some good info lessons learned.
This conversion includes info on:
- Layout Yes
- Insulating Mix of materials including Polyiso
- Flooring Plywood over Polyiso
- Paneling Yes
- Electrical Full and unique electrical system including solar.
- Windows Minimal
- Beds Crosswise – 80/20 framing
- Galley 80/20 framed — some nice design innovations
- Plumbing Yes — some detail
- Toilet
- Ventilation Roof fan with unique floor vent
- Heating
- Fuel Propane
- Cost, Weight, Labor Some details —
Checking out Orton’s Transit Van Build… Aerocel insulation and use of 80/20 aluminum was very interesting, and would your main comment be the high expense factor? As well as the technical expertise he seems to display? I did wonder about that 4″ air flow hole on the floor, the screen would stop the critters, but not the insects when opened, right?… otherwise, another interesting idea.. which is the best part of all these builds, seeing what interesting idea shows up…. thanks for yours.
Hi Greg,
I was not familiar with the Aerocel insulation, but looking at the specs, its seems like it might be workable. Seems to have descent R value, is somewhat resistant to water vapor penetration, and has a high service temperature. But, not obvious to me what the advantages would be over Polyiso?
I’ve never worked with 80/20, but some of the projects done with it are impressive.
Gary
Where can I purchase a DIY retro-fit pop-top roof for a cargo van…I see they’re popular in Europe…but haven’t found a USA manuf.
Something like the old VW buses had.
Hi,
I’d suggest you do a search of “pop-top” on the ProMaster, Sprinter, and Transit forums. There are several examples of van conversions using pop-tops on these forums.
Also a couple on this page: https://www.buildagreenrv.com/diy-rv-conversions/diy-van-conversions/
I’m not sure about doing the pop-top as a DIY — I think most of the people had that part done commercially even if they did the rest of the conversions themselves.
Most people have opted for the high roof vans that have standing room, but the pop-top can be nice for some situations.
Gary
Your link to “Very nice and inexpensive Conversion Video” erroneously links back to “the Backroader” thread on the PM forum. It looks like it should be linking to youtube instead.
Hi John,
Oops — I think its OK now.
Gary
Hi,
This is a great website you have here! I have found tons of useful information. There is one thing I cant seem to find good info on anywhere so far, perhaps you have some insight. I need to add belted seating for 4-5 passengers total and cant figure out the best way to do this, (hopefully with a 136 wheelbase Pro Master).
I’m Thinking of either 2 captains chairs with built in 3 point seat belts behind the first 2 seats, or a double bench of some sort, or a sofa bed arrangement forward facing in the rear. Do you know the best way to Get 4-5 quality belted riding positions?
Hi
I don’t know much about safely mounting extra seats.
I think best source would be the sprint, PM, and Transit forums. I’ve seen several discussions on the forums.
Would like to hear how you work it out.
Gary
Hi,
I’d like to inquire if we can convert a van into a photo studio?
Half will be photo studio and the other half will be a Photo Booth
Let me know.
Hi,
Probably — vans have been converted into quite a variety of uses.
Maybe start by laying out the space that a van would give you on the floor, and see if you can fit in what you want.
The 159 inch wheel base gives you a space that is 12 ft long by 6+ ft wide.
The doors for the photo booth might be a problem in that the van doors are not full standing height.
Gary
Hey,
If it can help, we would be happy to share our conversion. When converting our van, we spent hours on this blog as it was really useful. That is why we wanted to help people too! We created our blog, sharing our experiences, our tips etc.
The van life community is such a good community!
Always happy to share our experiences.
http://van-derlust.com/category/convertingavan/
Great stuff – how about adding Chevy/GMC conversions?
Hey Gary, just reading through the shower section and it appears the Comments section is broken…