Now that your van is clean, measured, and ready, it’s time for one of the most exciting (and honestly, most important) parts of the whole project: designing your layout and choosing your build style.
This step can make the difference between a van that’s just “pretty” and a van that feels effortless to live in.
It’s not just about where you put the bed or the fridge — it’s about how the space feels and functions every single day you’re out on the road; and trust me, that matters!
Alastair Dixon
💌 This is part of our DIY Camper Van Build Series — another high-quality members-only guide from Campers and Camping.
We’re breaking down how to go from blank cargo van to custom camper, one step at a time.
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🔧 DIY Camper Van Build Series: Table of Contents
- Planning your DIY van conversion
- Prepping your van for conversion
- Designing your van layout and style ← You are here
- Electrical, insulation, and utilities
- Building the core van structure
- Finishing touches + van life essentials
1. Choose your van’s build style
When people think about van conversions, they usually fall into two broad camps:
a.) 🛻 Rugged Adventure Rig
Built for function, durability, and getting off-grid fast. Think:
- Modular furniture
- Tough materials (aluminum, rubber floors, ripstop fabrics)
- Max storage for bikes, surfboards, snow gear
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Gear-focused living spaces
This option is great if you’re heavy into outdoor sports, live in wet or dusty places, or need a “work van during the week, adventure van on weekends” setup.
b.) 🏡 Tiny Home on Wheels
Built for comfort, coziness, and full-time living. Think:
- Wood paneling and warm finishes
- Curtains, plants, cozy bedding
- Full kitchen setups
- Homey vibes over ruggedness
- Designed to feel like a small cabin or studio apartment
This option is ideal for full-time travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who wants their van to be as welcoming inside as it is adventurous outside.
As you can see, from the instagram post above, this is what we went for - and chose to have all our adventure gear storage, on the exterior of our van.
2. Layout design basics
Regardless of style, every van needs to solve a few basic problems:
