Campervans: to DIY or Not to DIY?
In the last few years, the campervan travel trend has really taken off. It represents the latest in
nomadic living, and they are in high demand. If this is a trend that interests you, then there are two
options, you can either buy a campervan fully kitted out or buy a van that you then transform into a
campervan yourself. The question is, what is the difference between the two and which one is the
better option? Read on for more information.
DIY Campervans
Truthfully, taking on a campervan conversion can be an incredibly rewarding project. You also
benefit from being able to tailor-make the campervan to suit your needs and specifications. First
things first, you need to find the van; they do come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one to suit
shouldn’t be too much of a challenge – especially if you use VanSalesUK, which has the best Ford Transit deals in the UK.
After you have the van, you need to start the conversion. In all honesty, this is by no means easy, but
luckily, there are loads of resources online which can help you when it comes to planning and
building the interior of the van. There are also ways to carry out the project on a budget to save
money too. The vans themselves can be kept and used for years and years too.
Ready-Built Campervans
Buying a ready-built camper is easier in that it is already fit for purpose, so if you are planning a
journey soon, then it might be the better option. However, it is often more expensive than buying a
van and doing the conversion yourself, which is something to think about. But you don’t need to
worry about the safety of the work as it has already been done by a professional.
Purchasing a ready-built campervan will mean that you might have to make compromises on the
design and layout; however, the layout is often planned to maximise efficiency, which means that if
you were to swap things around, then the layout might not flow as well anyway. There are a lot of
models to choose from, which do range in price too, so you could find a more budget-friendly option
if you looked hard enough.
Choosing Between the Two
Choosing between the two options really comes down to personal preference. Of course, there are
pros and cons to both options. Converting a camper van may be cheaper, and it allows you to fully
customise the van to your needs. However, it does take longer to finish the project, and if you
haven’t got the DIY know-how, it is an exceedingly difficult project too.
On the other hand, a ready-built campervan is just that: ready. There are a lot of models to choose
from, and they tend to be more convenient. However, they are also pricey, and it can often be the
more expensive option. They are also easier to resell because they benefit from the name of
reputable campervan manufacturers.
The Final Verdict
There are several elements that will inform your decision, including your travel plans and your
budget, so it is hard to give a definitive answer. For the most part, it seems like buying a van and
doing the conversion yourself is the better option; it is usually cheaper and allows you to create a
campervan that is suited to your individual needs. However, if you don’t have the time or DIY know-how for the project, then it obviously is not worth it. So, take the time to explore your options to
find the one that suits your needs.
Source: Campervans: to DIY or Not to DIY?
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