What Van Should You Choose for a Van Conversion?

What Van Should You Choose for a Van Conversion?

Choosing the right van is the first step in any van conversion project—and it can make all the difference. Whether you're planning weekend getaways or full-time van life, your choice of van will shape your layout, comfort, and functionality.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Van

1. Size & Layout

 

Think about what you'll need:

  • Will you live in it full-time or use it occasionally?

  • Do you want a fixed bed, kitchen, or work area?

  • Are you travelling solo or with others?

Van Size Categories:

  • Small Vans: VW Caddy, Ford Transit Connect – Ideal for solo trips.

  • Medium Vans: VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom – Great all-rounders.

  • Large Vans: Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter – Best for full-time living.

2. Standing Height

A high roof makes long stays more comfortable. Look for high-top versions if you want to stand up fully inside.

3. Reliability & Running Costs

Older vans may be cheaper, but repairs can add up. Do your research on engine reliability, fuel economy, and parts availability.

4. Budgeting for the Build

Don't forget to budget for:

  • Insurance

  • Servicing and MOT

  • Full conversion costs (insulation, electrics, furnishings)

Top Vans for Conversions in the UK

1. Volkswagen Transporter (T5/T6)

 

  • Compact and versatile

  • Great community support

  • Ideal for stealth and short trips

2. Mercedes Sprinter

 

  • Popular with full-time vanlifers

  • Tall, spacious, and reliable

  • Easy to convert with room for everything

3. Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer / Citroen Relay

 

  • Boxy shape ideal for builds

  • Great interior space-to-length ratio

  • More affordable than Sprinters

4. Ford Transit

 

  • Easy to find and maintain

  • Solid build and dealer support

  • Great for medium to large builds

5. VW Crafter / MAN TGE

 

  • Excellent build quality

  • Very spacious

  • Modern features and great road handling

Next Steps: Insulate Your Van

SOSHIELD INSULATION

Once you have your van, insulation and soundproofing are your next essential steps.

At Car Insulation UK, we recommend:

Need help figuring out how much you need? Just ask—we're happy to help!

Visit or Contact Us

We’re based in Nuneaton, Warwickshire and open Monday to Friday.

Address: Car Insulation UK, 3 Watling Court, CV11 6GX
Phone: 02477 670 370
Email: info@carinsulation.co.uk

Looking for advice? Pop in or drop us a message.

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Start your journey today with the right van – and let us help you make it warm, quiet, and comfortable!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Access Product Instructions on Our Website

Yes, we provide detailed instructions for each product directly on our website. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding and using them:

1. Log in to Your Account:

  • Access your account on our website where your order details are stored.

2. Locate Your Product:

  • Navigate to the product you need instructions for by clicking on it in your order history.

3. Find the Instructions Section:

  • Scroll to the bottom of the product description page. Look for the highlighted section labeled"Instructions - How to Use".

4. Download the PDF:

  • Click on the highlighted section to open the PDF instructions.
  • You can download, print, and refer to these instructions during installation for ease and accuracy.

This straightforward process ensures you have all the guidance needed to install your product effectively.

Absolutely! With years of experience, we’re here to answer all your questions. Simply email us at info@campervaninsulation.co.uk, and we’ll respond promptly to assist you.

Recommendation:

For most campervan builds, a two-layer approach (sound deadening + foam insulation) provides a great balance between performance and cost. If you’re aiming for maximum efficiency or plan to camp in extreme weather, go for a three-layer system.

If you'd like specific product suggestions, let me know your campervan model and intended use!

Yes, we deliver outside the UK.

Please email us on info@campervainsulation.co.uk to receive a quote.

Yes, we offer free collection Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We are based in 3 Watling Court, Nuneaton, CV11 6GX

The Standard Delivery takes 2-5 working days.

We also offer Next Day delivery.

It takes 2-5 working days for orders to arrive within the UK Mainland. If your tracking hasn’t updated within 2 working days, please email us at info@campervaninsulation.co.uk, and we will investigate this for you.

For orders outside the UK mainland, please allow an additional 3 working days.

If you have any questions please email us at info@campervaninsulation.co.uk, and we will come back to you as soon as possible.

Simply, contact our customer services on 02477 670370 or e-mail info@campervaninsulation.co.uk and state that you are returning your order so that we could ensure it is processed immediately upon receipt. Send the products back and we will arrange an exchange or refund. 

We are happy to offer an exchange or a refund, provided an item is returned to us unused, in it's original condition and within 30 calendar days of receipt.

You need to take reasonable care when returning an order to us as you will be responsible for the return.

As such, we recommend taking out a tracked, insured return. If you want an alternative product please call us and we can arrange this for you (shipping fee will have to be covered by the customer).

If the delivery fee was included in the price, we will deduct the delivery costs from the refund's total, once return is received.