Van Conversion Guide: Modules, Companies & Complete Instructions

Converting your own van into a campervan is one of the most satisfying DIY projects ever – but also one of the most complex. After four months of intensive work and an investment of around €12,000, I converted my Mercedes Sprinter into a fully equipped camper. In this comprehensive van conversion guide, I share all my experience: from selecting campervan conversion modules and camping modules for panel vans, IKEA furniture for campers, campervan conversion kits from Hornbach, the right electrical system including a 230V wiring diagram, water system, insulation, sleeping system – everything you need to convert your own van. Plus: Which campervan conversion companies are worth using, when having a campervan converted professionally is cheaper than doing it yourself, and where to buy the best products (Hornbach, OBI, specialized campervan shops).

Van conversion or having a campervan converted: The fundamental decision

Before you spend a single euro on van conversion materials, the most important decision is: Do you convert it yourself or have it converted by a campervan conversion company? Both options have clear advantages and disadvantages.

DIY conversion – Advantages: 50–70 % units are cheaper than a professional (€6,000–€15,000 instead of €25,000–€55,000), 100 % units are customized to your needs, you learn every detail of your vehicle, you can later do repairs yourself, creative learning process. Perfect option if you have basic mechanical skills and time (3–6 months of parallel work).

DIY conversion – disadvantages: 400–600 hours of work, steep learning curve (electrical, plumbing, gas), mistakes are expensive and dangerous (fire hazard with poorly installed electrical systems), very difficult without space/workshop, no guarantee.

Having your campervan converted professionally – advantages: Finished in 4–8 weeks instead of 6 months, professional quality with warranty, TÜV-certified, you can travel immediately. Ideal if you have time but aren't a handyman or only want a specific module (e.g., electrics) professionally done.

Having a campervan converted professionally – disadvantages: 2–3 times more expensive than DIY, less individual, dependence on workshop appointments (currently 3–6 months waiting time at good companies), VAT.

More and more people are opting for a mixed approach: doing the major construction work (insulation, wall cladding) themselves, while hiring professionals for critical systems (electrical, gas, water). This way you can save 30–40 compared to hiring a full-service professional, without any safety risks.

Top 5 camper van conversion companies in Germany:

• Bulli-West (Bavaria): Specialist for VW T6, 5-week conversion from €18,000. Top quality.
• VanCamperFactory (NRW): Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Mercedes Sprinter. From €22,000.
• Reimo (Hesse): Wholesaler + partner workshops throughout Germany. Modular conversions starting from €15,000.
• Motorhome World (Baden-Württemberg): High-end segment, luxury conversions from €38,000.
• IndieCampers Conversions (Portugal): Affordable entry from €12,000, 6-week conversion.

Use the search terms „camper conversion nearby“ or „camper conversion companies“ to find local workshops – the market is growing by 20–30% every year, prices can vary greatly.

Campervan conversion modules: Kits from Hornbach, Reimo and DIY solutions compared

Campervan conversion modules are the heart of any DIY campervan project. Instead of designing and building everything individually, you can buy prefabricated modules – kitchen units, bed structures, storage box systems. This saves 200–400 hours of work.

Option 1: Campervan conversion kits from Hornbach. Hornbach has offered a wide range of campervan conversion modules since 2022. Their own brand, Dotzer Camper, offers complete furniture kits for most panel vans. Kitchen kit €1,800–€2,800 (sink, gas stove, storage compartments), fixed bed kit €900–€1,400, folding bed €1,200–€1,800, bathroom module €1,500–€2,500, complete package €4,500–€6,500. Advantages: good value for money, precise fit, detailed instructions. Disadvantage: less individual look.

Option 2: Reimo modules (premium segment). Reimo is the German premium brand for campervan accessories. Reimo complete furniture for VW T6: €3,500–€5,500. The "Hemisphere" series is a classic. Reimo kitchen unit: €2,800–€4,200 with solid wood fronts. The CampEnergy electrical system is a perfect match.

Option 3: Build your own campervan conversion kit. The most affordable option: construct it entirely yourself using plywood (12–18 mm), waterproof film-faced plywood, and a spruce frame. Cost: €1,500–€3,000 for materials. Time: 200–400 hours. Worthwhile with access to a woodworking shop or help from neighbors.

Camper conversion shop recommendations: Hornbach (largest DIY range), Campitronic.de (electrics + complete systems), Movera.de (personal advice), Outwell/Westfalia (premium in specialist shops), AliExpress/Amazon (small parts, quality varies).

Motorhome electrical wiring diagram 230V: The heart of your campervan conversion

The electrical system in your campervan is the most complex and crucial part of your conversion. A well-designed 230V wiring diagram determines safety, self-sufficiency, and comfort. Mistakes can be extremely dangerous – professional advice or a pre-made module is highly recommended for this aspect.

The modern camper electrical system consists of 5 components:

• On-board battery: LiFePO4 200Ah, 12.8V. €550-850. Victron LiFePO4 or Renogy Smart Lithium. 3,000+ charging cycles.
• 200W monocrystalline solar panel on the roof (€150–220) plus MPPT charge controller (€60–150). With plenty of sunshine, 50–70 Ah per day.
• B2B charging booster: Charges the vehicle battery while driving. 30A model from €180. Victron Orion or Büttner. Without one, the vehicle battery will never fully charge.
• Inverter: 2000W pure sine wave for 230V sockets. €220–450. Victron Phoenix, Dometic. For coffee machines, laptops, and blenders.
• Control unit: Victron BMV-712 or SmartShunt (€130). Displays charge level, consumption, and remaining runtime in real time.

According to the EN 1648-2 camping standard, the 230V circuit must be protected by a residual current device (RCD) (30mA) and circuit breakers. For inverter-only operation: 30mA RCD + 10A circuit breaker. For shore power connection (CEE plug at the campsite), an additional upstream fuse is required.

Standard 230V appliances: Induction hob (1800W), compressor refrigerator (80W), water boiler (2000W), hair dryer (1400W), laptop charger (90W), smartphone (20W).

Buy it ready-made vs. build it yourself: For electrical beginners: Complete kits (Victron MultiPlus All-in-One), battery + inverter + charge controller combined. €1,200–2,500. Saves 50–100 hours of planning, minimizes the risk of errors.

80L water tank (€120), pressure pump (€80), Truma Boiler instantaneous water heater (€380), 11kg gas tank (€150), two-stage pressure regulator (€60). Gas installation by a qualified professional (TÜV inspection required in Germany).

IKEA furniture for campers: The best hacks and products

IKEA furniture for campervans is one of the best money-saving tips from the van community. With IKEA hacks, you can save 50–70 compared to specialized campervan furniture. Here are my 10 best IKEA products for van conversions:

• IVAR shelf (pine): Solid wood shelves in narrow widths, perfect for camper van walls. 40x30x124 cm costs €29.
• Modular shelving system in a cube format. Ideal for books, clothing, and technical equipment.
• BEKVÄM Step Ladder (Pine): Folding solid wood ladder, 55 cm, €25. Ideal for bunk beds.
• VARIERA Kitchen Organizer: Plastic trays/organizers. Prevent rattling while driving.
• SKÅDIS Pegboard: Pegboard in 3 sizes, for kitchen or workshop. Modular with hooks and shelves.
• Small modules with fronts for a kitchenette look. Light and modern.
• LINNMON/ADILS: 100×60 cm board €9, 4 legs €12. Folding work surfaces.
• FRAKTA bags: Robust, perfect for stuff sacks. 59 cents each.
• BESTÅ drawer runners: Available individually, fit many DIY cabinets.
• TERTIAL work lamp: Swivel lamp for reading area, with 2W LED power consumption. €13.

KALLAX as a bed base (2x KALLAX 2×4 side by side = bed base with 8 storage compartments, €180 total instead of €800). IVAR cabinet as a wardrobe (80 cm wide with fabric curtain, €65). BESTÅ drawers in a DIY kitchen (saves €300). KNAGGLIG boxes (€9–19) as storage boxes or seating.

Caution with IKEA: Particleboard (EKET back panels) can swell when exposed to moisture – not suitable for bathrooms or behind water pipes. Solid wood (IVAR, TROFAST, KALLAX) is better suited for campers.

Insulation and wall cladding: The basis for a comfortable home

Before furniture can be moved in, the van must be insulated and fitted with wall cladding. These steps determine the living comfort – poor insulation leads to mold, cold in winter, and heat in summer.

Step 1: Metal soundproofing: Apply bituminous mats (Dodo Mat or Silent Coat) to all metal surfaces – side panels, roof, floor. Reduces road noise by 60%. Cost: €200–300. Application: Cut the mats, press them into place, and roll out any air bubbles. 6–8 hours of work.

Armaflex AF (20 mm) – rubber, waterproof, non-combustible, €400–600, self-adhesive. X-Trem Isolator – aluminum-coated foam, cheaper (€250–400), easier to install. Rock wool (€80–150) only behind paneling. Sheep's wool (€350) – natural, breathable, heavier. Favorite: Armaflex AF 19 mm + X-Trem for cavities. Avoid air holes (risk of condensation!). Floor with 10 mm Armaflex.

Step 3: Wooden frame: 24×48 mm spruce battens, bent and glued to the body with Sikaflex 252i (marine adhesive). Supports wall cladding.

Step 4: Wall coverings. Felt/molton €80–120 (DIY van life classic, sound-absorbing). 4–8 mm poplar plywood €300–500. Pine panels (tongue and groove) €400–600 – Alpine chalet charm.

Step 5: Floor construction: 18 mm multiplex board as a load-bearing subfloor, then vinyl flooring (30 €/m², waterproof) or click laminate (15 €/m², high-quality look).

Van camper conversion ideas: Inspiration for your layout

The ideas for converting panel van campervans are endless. Here are the 5 most popular layouts for VW T6, Fiat Ducato, and Mercedes Sprinter:

Layout 1 – Longitudinal bed + kitchen + seating area: Bed 200×140 cm at the rear, kitchen on the right, seating area on the left. Ideal for 2 people in vehicles 600+ cm long (e.g. Fiat Ducato L3H2).

Layout 2 – Single beds lengthwise: Two 200×80 cm beds, head end towards the driver's cab, aisle in between. Partner doesn't have to get up for an early start.

Layout 3 – Drop-down bed: Bed hangs from the ceiling during the day (€800–1,400), lowered at night. Maximum living space during the day, ideal for vehicles 700+ cm in length.

Layout 4 – Queen-size bed (transverse) + rear garage: 200x140 cm bed (transverse) on a platform. Below is a rear garage for bicycles and surfboards. Access via the tailgate. A favorite among sports campers.

Layout 5 – Minimalist (short vehicles): For VW T6, Transit Custom. Folding bed, swivel seats, extendable table. Weekends or solo use.

Remote work camper (height-adjustable table, Starlink, 300W solar). Winter-ready (30 mm Armaflex + sheep's wool insulation, diesel heater, frost-proof pipes). Sporty (rear garage, outdoor shower, 200L water tank). Luxury for couples (queen bed, separate shower, induction cooktop, espresso machine).

Campervan conversion kit for Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter and VW T6

The choice of campervan conversion kit depends heavily on the base vehicle.

Fiat Ducato (most popular base vehicle for motorhomes): Dotzer Camper complete kit (Hornbach) €4,500–€6,500 for L2H2/L3H2. Reimo Hemisphere €5,500–€7,500 Premium. VanEssa box for Doblò/Talento €1,800 as a weekend solution.

Mercedes Sprinter (Premium Base): Westfalia Sprinter conversion from €45,000 + vehicle. Hymer Grand Canyon kit semi-DIY €12,000, complete €38,000. Reimo Sprinter complete €6,500–9,500 DIY.

VW T6/T6.1 (California-style): VanEssa modules €1,200–€2,800 for weekends. Reimo Hemisphere €4,500–€6,500, similar to the California but cheaper. SpaceCamper systems with interchangeable modules €2,500–€4,500.

Decision factors: Pop-up roof yes/no? Diesel heater (yes from autumn onwards)? Compressor refrigerator (always yes). 200Ah+ leisure battery. Insulation at least 19 mm Armaflex. Skimping here = problems later (frost, acoustics, self-sufficiency).

Van conversion costs: The realistic budget from entry-level to premium

The costs for a van conversion vary greatly. Here's my realistic budget based on 4 years of van community experience:

Beginner budget: €5,000–7,500 for materials (complete DIY)

• X-Trem insulation + sound dampening: €350
• Wall covering (felt) + floor (vinyl): €250
• DIY furniture (18 mm plywood): €450
• Mattress 140×200 cold foam: €220
• Simple electrical system (100Ah AGM battery + 100W solar panel + 1000W inverter): €950
• Water 40L + sink + pump: €280
• Portable gas stove: €80
• Window/skylight + small items: €750
• TÜV approval: €200

Total: ~€3,530. Realistically, including bad purchases: €5,000–€7,500.

Standard budget: €9,000–13,000 (comfort DIY)

• Armaflex 19 mm complete + pine panels: €1,100
• Reimo/Hornbach furniture kit: €4,500
• LiFePO4 200Ah + 200W solar + 2000W inverter: €1,600
• Diesel heater Autoterm 2D: €680
• 80L water + Truma boiler + induction: €1,040
• Compressor refrigerator 60L: €520
• Window/skylight/awning + TÜV inspection: €1,250

Total ~10,500 €, realistically 9,000–13,000 €.

Premium budget: €15,000–€25,000. Single bathroom with shower, drop-down bed, premium kitchen with oven, 400Ah LiFePO4 battery, 400W solar panels, 3000W inverter, air conditioning. Sprinter vehicle: €20,000–€50,000. Competing with professional conversions.

Professional conversion for comparison: €25,000–€55,000 for conversion only + €30,000–€55,000 for vehicle = €55,000–€110,000. Saves time, but 2–3 times more expensive.

The most important tips from 4 years of van conversion experience

After my own expansion and many conversations with the community: the most important lessons learned:

1. Plan more than you build: 40–50 hours of planning before the first cut. SketchUp is free, papier-mâché models are a good idea. Finished furniture that doesn't fit is the worst frustration.

2. Insulation and electrical work first: Furniture can be adjusted later. Poor insulation/electrical work = everything has to be ripped out.

3. Electrical quality: Cheap Chinese inverters cause fires. Victron, Büttner, Renogy Smart – higher initial costs, 10-year warranty.

4. Modular water system: John Guest quick-connect couplings instead of soldered connections. Defect = replace individual parts instead of replacing everything.

5. Workshop + tools: saw, cordless drill, router, sander. Investing €400–800 once saves hundreds of hours.

6. Check TÜV (vehicle inspection authority) requirements early: seat belts, all-round lighting, headrests, smoke detectors. Unapproved modifications = thousands of euros wasted.

7. Document with photos: Take 20 photos every week – pipes, screws. Invaluable for repairs in two years.

8. Community + Inspiration: Instagram @vanlifegermany, YouTube „Nate Murphy“, „Benjamin Schmiederer“. Saves 30 % costs.

9. Proven suppliers: Reimo, Dometic, Truma, Victron, Fiamma. German spare parts, TÜV-approved.

Celebrating 10 milestones: insulation complete, first lamp illuminates, kitchen is finished – maintaining motivation through frustrating moments.

My conclusion after two years of campervan life: The most satisfying DIY project of my life. I know every screw, every pipe. Buying it ready-made would have cost €25,000 more – money that now goes towards travel.

FAQ: Van conversion – The most frequently asked questions

How much does a DIY van conversion for a panel van cost?

€5,000–€7,500 entry-level budget with basic equipment; €9,000–€13,000 comfort budget with LiFePO4 electrics, diesel heating, quality furniture; €15,000–€25,000 premium with drop-down bed, bathroom, air conditioning. Plus vehicle (used Sprinter/Ducato €15,000–€35,000). Professional conversion for comparison: €25,000–€55,000.

Where can I buy campervan conversion modules?

Hornbach (Dotzer Camper brand, €2,500–€6,500 complete), Reimo (Premium, €4,000–€9,500), Westfalia, Hymer, Movera.de, Campitronic.de. For beginners: Hornbach – good fit, clear instructions. For professionals: Reimo for quality and more options.

Which companies professionally convert camper vans?

Top companies in Germany: Bulli-West (VW T6, Bavaria), VanCamperFactory (Fiat Ducato/Sprinter, North Rhine-Westphalia), Reimo partner workshops (nationwide), WohnmobilWelt (Premium, Baden-Württemberg), IndieCampers Conversions (Portugal with Germany). €18,000–€55,000 for a complete conversion. Waiting times 3–6 months.

Can Ikea furniture be used for campers?

Yes, absolutely. IKEA solid wood (IVAR, KALLAX, KNAGGLIG, BEKVÄM) is perfect – robust, affordable, and modular. Hacks can save you 50–70. Avoid particleboard in the kitchen/bathroom – use solid wood or waterproof plywood there. Top hacks: KALLAX as a bed base, IVAR as a wardrobe, BESTÅ drawers in the kitchen.

How do I create a motorhome electrical wiring diagram for 230V?

LiFePO4 200Ah (€650), 200W solar panel + MPPT (€230), B2B charging booster (€180), 2000W pure sine wave inverter (€250), shunt monitor (€130). 230V circuit: 30mA residual current device (RCD) + circuit breaker. For beginners: Victron MultiPlus complete system (€1,200–€2,500) instead of wiring it yourself.

Is a van conversion for a Fiat Ducato worthwhile?

Absolutely – the Ducato is the best-selling campervan base vehicle in Europe. A huge selection of conversion kits is available (Hornbach, Reimo), along with numerous workshops. Used L2H2s start at €15,000, L3H2s at €18,000. Conversion costs €5,000–€18,000. Ready-made Ducato campervans cost €50,000–€80,000 – DIY saves €20,000–€50,000.

What are the best conversion ideas for panel vans?

2 people: Longitudinal bed 200x140 + kitchen to the side + dinette. Flexible couples: Twin beds lengthwise. Maximum living space: Drop-down bed. Athletes: Queen bed across + rear garage. Weekends (VW T6): Minimalist with a fold-down bed. Important: Tailor the layout to your travel style, don't copy Pinterest.

How long does a van conversion take to complete yourself?

400–600 hours for a first-time builder, 250–350 hours for experienced tradespeople. Weekend work: 3–6 months. Full-time: 6–10 weeks. Most time-consuming steps: insulation (60–100 hours), furniture (150–250 hours), electrical work (80–150 hours). Allow 30% more time than planned.

What do I need to consider when having my self-built campervan inspected by the TÜV (German Technical Inspection Association)?

Germany: Campervans must be re-registered as motorhomes. TÜV inspectors require: seat belts for every seat, headrests, all-around lighting, permanently installed furniture (bed, table, kitchen), fresh water and wastewater tanks, and heating (optional). The gas system must be inspected and approved by a qualified professional. Re-registration costs €200–400.

What mistakes should I avoid when converting a van?

Top 10: insufficient insulation (mold), cheap electrical system (fire hazard), poorly planned layout (will need to be torn out later), no ventilation for moisture, bed too large, no reversing camera, permanently soldered water pipes, no diesel heater (only summer), TÜV inspection scheduled too late, no documentation.

About the author

Max Haase

Travel Content Creator · Drone Photographer · Visual Storyteller

A professional travel creator for over 10 years with over 4.2 million followers. Specializing in high-end tourism board collaborations and visual travel storytelling.

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