THE VAN LIFE FIELD GUIDE

Van Builds

Insulating, wiring, heating and laying out a van, and how to judge a conversion before you buy one. Work through it in the order a build happens: choose the platform, insulate it, then fit the systems you actually need.

111 published guides · 98 of them grouped into 9 subjects below

Start here

Van Conversion Beginners Guide

Converting a van into a home on wheels is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake. It's not just about building a campervan — it's

12 min read →

Browse by subject

Each subject is a group of guides that answer the same decision. Pick the one you are facing, then work through it.

Insulation & damp

Materials, thermal bridging, vapour barriers and condensation.

19 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Heating & diesel

Diesel heaters, installation, fuel tapping and wood burners.

7 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Electrics & wiring

12V circuits, fusing, distribution and monitoring.

4 guides in this subject

Ventilation, windows & awnings

Roof fans, glazing, skylights, pop-tops and outside space.

13 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Water, toilets & plumbing

Tanks, pumps, hoses, drainage and the loo.

4 guides in this subject

Paperwork, weight & insurance

V5C, reclassification, MOT, payload and cover.

7 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Choosing a van

Platforms, dimensions, payload and buying used.

21 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Conversions & layouts

Planning zones, beds, storage and the build itself.

20 guides in this subject · more in the library below

Tools, alarms & repairs

What to carry, and how to fix it at the roadside.

3 guides in this subject

Looking for something specific? Search all guides or use the planning tools.

All van builds guides

111 published guides, 98 of them grouped above. The archive includes legacy material; each page explains its editorial status.

Van Builds

Ford Transit Custom Van Life Guide 2026 Build Convert Live In Your Ford Transit

This guide covers everything you need to know about ford transit custom van life guide 2026 — build, convert & live in your ford transit.

3 min read

Van Builds

Vw Transporter T6 1 Van Life Guide 2026 Vw Camper Build Convert Living

This guide covers everything you need to know about vw transporter t6. 1 van life guide 2026 — vw camper build, convert & living.

3 min read

Van Builds

ArmaFlex vs Celotex for Campervan Insulation: What to Compare

ArmaFlex and foil-faced PIR boards solve different fitting problems. Flexible foam can follow curves; rigid boards suit flatter areas.

4 min read

Van Builds

Best 4x4 Conversion Platforms

For hardcore UK 4x4 enthusiasts, the Land Rover Defender is unmatched at £25,000-£45,000. For most practical users, the Mitsubishi L200 at £22,000-£28,000

3 min read

Van Builds

Why an Awning Is a UK Van‑Lifer’s MVP

Meta Description: Discover the top campervan awnings for UK van life in 2026. Compare pop‑up, rigid‑frame, solar‑reflective and side‑awnings

8 min read

Van Builds

Why Your Choice Matters for Long-Term UK Camping

Looking for the best campervan for long-term UK camping? You've come to the right place.

6 min read

Van Builds

Top 5 Campervans for UK Van Life

Spring (March-May): Great time for wild camping as days get longer. Still possible to get rain — keep waterproofing gear handy.

3 min read

Van Builds

Insulation Material Comparison

For most UK campervan conversions, a combination of Roxul wool walls (£3-£5/m²) and XPS foam roof/floor (£8-£12/m²) provides the best balance

3 min read

Van Builds

Compact Vans (£6,000-12,000)

If You... Want the best driving experience VW Transporter T6.

10 min read

Van Builds

Best Types of Campervan Seats

For most UK van lifers, the SWV Sport swivel seats at £300-£450 each offer the best balance of comfort, quality, and value.

3 min read

Van Builds

Best Electric Vans for Campervan Conversion in 2026: UK Buyer's Guide

The electric van market has reached the point where "best electric van for a campervan conversion" is a genuine comparison with a real winner — not a list

8 min read

Van Builds

Hose Clips for Campervan Water Systems: Size and Material First

Start with the connection you need to make, not a shopping pack labelled “universal”. A hose clip's diameter range, material and installation requirements

3 min read · Revised guide

Van Builds

Best Insulation Solutions UK Van Life 2026 Guide

Winter in the United Kingdom is unforgiving. From the damp chill of the Scottish Highlands to the biting gusts along the Cornish coast, a poorly insulated

9 min read

Van Builds

Why UK Weather Demands a Different Awning

Finding the best motorhome awning for UK weather means more than just picking the one with the prettiest colour.

4 min read

Van Builds

Best Van Conversions 2026: Top 15 Builds

Van conversions have exploded in popularity. Here are the 15 best van conversions of 2026, from budget DIY builds to luxury campervans — each one reviewed

5 min read

Van Builds

Campervan Layout Ideas: Choose a Conversion Around Your Everyday Routine

The best conversion for you is the one that supports the way you actually travel. Before collecting attractive interior photos, write down what happens

3 min read

Van Builds

Best Van for UK Van Life 2026: Top 10 Compared

Best all-rounder: Ford Transit L3H3 — the Goldilocks size, cheap parts, reliable, every converter knows them.

4 min read

Van Builds

Best Van Life Conversions UK

A van conversion is more than just adding a bed and a cooker. It’s a thoughtful integration of engineering, comfort, and freedom that turns a vehicle

15 min read

Van Builds

Best Van Life Storage Boxes UK 2026

IRIS USA Airtight Storage Box £14. 99 4.

3 min read

Van Builds

The Art of Storing Everything in Nothing

Meta Description: Discover the top storage solutions for UK van life in 2026. Explore space-saving cabinets, overhead nets, drawer systems

10 min read

Van Builds

Best Window Locks for Campervan Security: Complete UK Guide 2026

Campervan windows are the weakest point in your van's security. A thief can pry open a sliding window in seconds with a screwdriver.

9 min read

Van Builds

Best Winter Van Life Windows UK 2026: Insulation and Cold Weather

For most UK van lifers, a combination of magnetic window kits and cork panels works best. Magnetic for quick summer access and cork for winter permanence.

2 min read

Van Builds

Bonding vs Screwing Windows

One of the first decisions when fitting aftermarket windows to a panel van: should you bond them with adhesive or screw them with a clamping frame?

5 min read

Van Builds

Budget Diesel Heaters for UK Van Life

Diesel heaters are the most popular heating solution for UK van life, and the good news is you don't need to spend hundreds to get reliable warmth.

3 min read

Showing 1–24 of 111 guides

Every van builds guide, A–Z

The complete index — 111 guides in one place.