I recently completed a full van conversion in just 12 days, transforming a standard panel van into a fully functional van life setup.
In Episode 6 https://camperlux.co.uk/products/episode-6-locker-..., we installed a locker above the passenger seat and set up the shower cubicle.
Here’s a detailed rundown of the final part of the process, from fitting the floor riser to installing the final touches, ready for trading at VanLife Fest 2025!.
The conversion kicked off with the floor riser for the seat base. I marked and drilled two 10mm holes through the van floor, which exited underneath. To secure the seat base and prevent it from pulling through, I used 10mm bolts and keeper plates made from 5mm flat bar. After positioning the seat and measuring from the bolts to avoid crossmembers, I drilled additional 12mm holes and sprayed etching primer on the drilled areas to prevent rust. The keeper plates were then bolted in place, ensuring a solid foundation for the seat.
With the seat base in place, I moved on to the electrical system, installing components under and around the seat for accessibility. The setup includes:
The DC-to-DC converter fits under the driver’s seat, covered to keep it out of sight. To accommodate the heater, I removed plastic trims around the seat and cut out cross pieces to prevent interference with the hot water tank.
The seat base, originally from the front of a Crafter with a B-pillar-mounted seat belt, needed modification for rear use. I purchased a three-point seat belt from eBay and converted the seat base to accommodate it, stripping the cover and bolting the new belt in place.
A 110L water tank from CAC Tanks was glued to the floor with Sikaflex. I fitted a 30 PSI Shurflo water pump and an accumulator on a board attached to the wall. The system includes an overflow, a water inlet for filling, and a hose point under the van with a breather pipe and valves. This setup allows filling the tank or using a battery-powered jet wash for cleaning bikes or the van.
The 4 berth Transformer bed system was installed using riv nuts and M6 bolts. I lifted the bed into position, marked and drilled holes, and secured it with bolts and screws along the front and side edges. To ensure a proper fit, I used 18mm plywood for packing at the back and adjusted for potential thicker side paneling. The bed platforms were aligned to maintain a 5mm parallel gap along the sides, with straps and bolts securing them for transportation.
The shower cubicle was cut slightly shorter to avoid damaging the ceiling, then sealed around the edges. For the step, I constructed a frame, glued matching liner to the front, and secured it with blocks and screws. Aluminum stair nosing from eBay was added to the step, side door, and rear for a polished look.
The IntrepidVan kitchen pod was lifted into position, and the water system was tested before bolting and screwing it to the wall and floor. A waste pipe runs through the floor, and a socket and switches for the water pump were added for convenience. A flip-down table was installed beside the pod, and the fridge was wired in. Above the pod, a locker was secured with fabricated brackets and screws, using bolts from the sliding door for stability. The same bracket method was used for the trim above the sliding door, and I wired the courtesy light into an LED strip to illuminate the step area.
To tidy up, I insulated and carpeted the B-pillar trims and fitted 3D-printed covers to protect the upholstery from door stays. The table was mounted with joint connectors and a rail, and two lower bed platforms were repurposed with a SEO table leg to create a versatile indoor/outdoor table.
After 12 build days of intense work, the van conversion is nearly complete and ready for us to show it off while trading at VanLife Fest 2025. While there are minor details to polish, the van is fully usable, with a robust electrical system, reliable water setup, and comfortable living space. This project shows what’s possible with careful planning and efficient execution, turning a panel van into a home on wheels in under two weeks.
