Campervan Furniture Kits vs DIY Van Build: Which is Better?

2nd December, 2022

Your campervan’s interior layout can really make or break your home on wheels. So do you go for a readymade furniture kit or flex your DIY skills and create your own design? Here we take a look at both options to help you decide which is best for you.

Embarking on your very own campervan conversion project can present one of the most exciting challenges for anyone dedicated to the van life dream. And just like any big undertaking, you’ll need to answer a lot of important questions before you can get started - such as whether to opt for a campervan furniture kit or a DIY van build.

As well as helping you with the answers to such tricky questions, the team at Motorhome Protect also know some of the best campervan insurers around. Talk to us today and let us help to keep your cherished home on wheels protected.

Campervan conversion options – which one is right for you?

For those who want to get out on the road quickly, buying a new or second-hand van that’s already been converted is a very popular choice. But if you want something more personalised to your needs and wants and are happy to put in a bit more time and effort then converting your own campervan really can’t be beaten.

However, converting any vehicle into a campervan fit for your grand adventure can require a wide variety of DIY skills. As well as planning the van design and layout you’ll need to be able to choose the right tools and materials for the job, work with both wood and metal and have a decent knowledge of plumbing and electrics (although we’d always recommend getting a qualified electrician or gas safe engineer to do the tricky bits for you).

Unfortunately, when it comes to such essential work there’s no magic wand you can wave. And if you don’t have a good grounding in these skills, a campervan conversion could prove to be far from straightforward.

But don’t despair, when it comes to campervan conversions there are plenty of options worth considering requiring varying degrees of DIY knowhow. They all have their own pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which is best for your needs and budget. Let’s take a look at your three options:

1. Campervan furniture kit

Rather than having to design and build your own interior from scratch, simply pick your perfect layout from a variety of flatpack kitchen, wardrobe and bed units. Depending on the base vehicle and kit you’ve chosen these are relatively straightforward to install, and still offer plenty of scope to put your own unique stamp on the project.

2. DIY van build

You’ll need the time, space and knowledge to complete a full DIY van build, but this option can definitely save you money and gives you more control over the end product. And because you’ve done all the hard work yourself, if something goes wrong further down the line, then it’ll be much easier to fix.

3. Campervan conversion company

If you’ve got the money but don’t have the time or DIY skills to take on a campervan conversion yourself, then there are plenty of companies out there that can do it for you. And when the day comes to sell on your beloved camper then a professionally certified conversion job could mean a better return on your investment.

In these times of financial pressures, two of the most cost-effective conversion options are campervan furniture kits and DIY van builds. Let’s take a closer look at which one might be the best option for your project.

Campervan furniture kits vs DIY van build: which is better?

Just as with comparing campervan insurers, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a campervan furniture kit or a DIY van build is better for you. Both will have their pros and cons, depending on your needs and budget.

Campervan furniture kits

There are a wide range of campervan furniture kits available on the market today. Not only can they save you time and money on your conversion project, they’re also invaluable if you don’t have the necessary technical experience to build your own van.

Rather than having to construct everything from scratch, a kit could already include the major parts such as flooring, panelling and insulation, bed, seating area, table, shelving, storage spaces and kitchenette. All you need to be able to do is follow the installation instructions.

But not all campervan furniture kits are created equal and they can vary hugely in terms of quality, components and cost.

Depending on your needs and the kit you’ve gone for, you might need other complementary kits to make your van liveable. These could include:

Electrical kit - Installing an electrical system into your camper that’s fit for purpose is one of the more challenging and important elements of the entire build.
Mains hook up kit – When staying at a campsite you’ve got a great opportunity to take advantage of mains electricity.
Heating & ventilation kit – Good ventilation will help stop condensation and dampness in your camper.
Plumbing and bathroom kit – Adequate plumbing will make the experience a lot more pleasant.
Kitchen kit – A well-equipped camper kitchen will make a world of difference.

Providing such onboard amenities will lift any van from just a place to rest your head into a cosy home on wheels.

Pros of campervan furniture kits

Great way to quickly customise a van for your needs.
Often faster than a DIY build.
Looks smart and professional when installed correctly.
Lets you easily add or take away features.
Can include easy to follow instructions.

Cons of campervan furniture kits

Not as customisable as a DIY build.
Needs some DIY skills.
Installation can be time consuming.
Making a mistake can be costly.

DIY van build

Wooden interior of campervan

When it comes to exciting but daunting projects then designing and building your very own campervan from scratch has to be right up there.

Pros of a DIY van build

Most affordable way to create your dream campervan.
Opportunity to learn new skills.
Flexibility to make changes as you go.
Sense of accomplishment.

Cons of a DIY van build

Can take longer than expected.
Needs specialist tools.
May require professional input.
Not all campervan insurers will cover a DIY build.

Popular campervan furniture kit companies

Wooden interior of campervan

With furniture kits available to fit everything from small vans to large RVs, there are many companies offering products and services to the campervan conversion market.