If you’re looking to buy a campervan, it’s very easy to get disheartened because it can be a significant investment. But, there are affordable ways to get your own camper.
Let’s have a look at some of them now 🙂
The Van Itself
The initial purchase of a new campervan can be a substantial investment, ranging from around £45,000 to over £100,000.
You could go for a used pre-built camper. They also vary widely, from around £5,000 to over £30,000.
If you’re like me, on a limited budget, one of the affordable ways to get your own camper, is to buy a used panel van, and do the conversion yourself.
It’s entirely possible to buy a very reasonable panel van for around £3-4000. And, often cheaper than that.
I picked up my low mileage Renault Trafic II for £900 because it had a fuel leak on the engine. It turned out to be a loose return pipe that needed a 20p O ring, to repair it.
When you’re buying an older, or troublesome van, it’s definitely a case of buyer beware, but it can often produce affordable results. Clearly though, things don’t always go to plan. And you should always be prepared for repairs to cost more than you imagined.
Having a good mechanic with you when you buy, is really useful.
So, once you have your chosen blank canvas, it’s time to start converting!
Essential Conversion Components & Budget Tips
Converting your own home on wheels can offer substantial cost savings, with various affordable ways to get your own camper.
It’s worth remembering though, that while a basic conversion can be done for under £1,000, if you want all the comforts of home, it won’t be “cheap”.
The key lies in finding the right balance between cost and functionality.
Your first consideration should always be planning what you need.
- Are you looking to create something you can use to travel the country at weekends?
- Do you need a van that you can use off-grid for several days at a time?
- Do you want to live in your van for extended periods, or even permanently?
Because, the distinction between merely converting a van to spend the odd night in, and creating a sustainable, comfortable living space to replace your home is critical.
Saving money is great, but extreme initial budget cuts can lead to higher long-term costs, if it doesn’t fit the camper’s intended use.
Without proper planning, you can come up against things like, frequent discomfort, dis-organised storage, etc. sometimes, even the eventual need to re-do parts of the build.
A slightly higher, but strategic, initial investment in foundational elements like insulation and power system, leads to greater comfort, and long-term savings on recurring expenses like campsite electricity.
Budgeting for a van conversion isn’t just about achieving the lowest upfront cost; it’s also about value for money, and preventative spending.
So, let’s look at some of the affordable ways to get your own camper built.
Insulation
This is absolutely essential for comfort, regardless of the weather, or how often you’re going to be using your camper van.
Good insulation helps regulate temperature and prevents condensation. It not only helps to keep you warm at night, but it also helps reflect the heat from the Sun during hot days.
Although insulation costs can range from £500-£1,000+, most basic van insulation projects cost less than £200. Budget-friendly materials like recycled bottle fibres and reflective insulation roll can be used effectively.
Electrical System
A reliable electrical system is necessary to power lights, appliances, and devices. And costs can range from £500 to over £5,000. For full-time living, budgeting towards the higher end is advisable for components like batteries, solar panels, inverters, and wiring, etc.
If you’re thinking of going off-grid, solar panels are a highly recommended investment, because batteries go flat. Without the availability of a campsite hook-up, you could easily get stuck without power.
Even if you are using campsites, they can significantly reduce reliance on paid electrical hook-up, leading to long-term savings. A portable power station could also be a savvy investment. It can be a major initial cost but it provides a robust, self-contained power solution.
Water System
Essential for hygiene, cooking, and drinking, a water system can cost anywhere from around £200 to well over £1,000. A basic setup, including a 12V pump, accumulator, and fresh/gray tanks, typically costs between £200-£300. A very budget-friendly approach involves just using two 20 litre containers for fresh and grey water, connected to a hand pump faucet.
Kitchen
Most basic in-built van kitchens can be completed for around £500-600. Opting for a simple camping stovetop, which you can get for less than £30, offers considerable savings compared to a in-built oven.
A portable stove is highly recommended for budget builders. You can still cook anywhere, and you can buy various additions, like an oven, that can be packed away when you don’t need it.
Sleeping & Seating
A comfortable sleeping and seating area is crucial, but costs can range from £300 to over £1,000. But, as with just about everything, significant savings can be made by building DIY bed frames and storage units using plywood and scrap wood.
If, you have one available, a clever trick is to cut a mattress into modular pieces that can serve as both a couch and a bed. Or, maybe you’d like your bed made up all the time? In which case, you can just adjust the size of the mattress you have, to fit the frame you make.
Storage
Storage solutions for clothes and gear can cost a lot! But, DIY cabinets made from plywood are a cost-effective option. There are lots of cheap storage options too, like using plastic storage containers under the bed for example, if space is at a premium.
Other Amenities
Additional amenities like ventilation fans, toilets, diesel heaters, front swivel seats, and air conditioners will definitely add to the conversion cost. Anything from a few hundred pounds, to several thousand.
For things like a budget friendly toilet, a simple green bucket with a lid can suffice. Leaving the front windows open a little at night will help with airflow, etc
Second-hand Gear
Actively seeking out second-hand gear is a fantastic way to save money and promote sustainability. Items like solar panels (previously used for a house) and even things like hiking clothing can be found at great prices, giving them a “second life”.
So, there’s a few ways you can save money by using affordable ways to get your own camper.
Final thoughts
The “budget van life” ethos extends far beyond just monetary savings. It’s also about resourcefulness, collaboration, and repurposing. A willingness to embrace DIY, the ability to repurpose materials, and actively leverage personal networks.
All of these things can significantly reduce both material and labour costs, making a more comfortable and functional build achievable on a tight budget.
It’s a really good idea to tap into online communities, explore local maker spaces, and connect with friends and family for skills, tools, and materials.
Doing that doesn’t only save you money, but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and community connection. Both of which are integral to getting the best from your campervan experience.
Hopefully this article helps you to realise that building a budget campervan isn’t just about what’s purchased. It’s also about what you can do yourself, and who you might know that can help you.
If you’ve got any ideas you’d like to add, or questions about anything mentioned in the article, please either leave a comment below, or contact me directly.
As a full-time carer, I’m not a ‘true’ vanlifer! But, I do spend a lot of my free-time travelling to and staying in different towns and villages around the UK. I enjoy the freedom and control that staying in my van gives me, and I want to share that experience with anyone else who’s thinking about giving it a go.
