Can I convert minivan into campervan??

by 19 replies
23
Hi warriors,

This year is my first year at universiti, on next year to save money I plan to buy used minivan & convert it into campervan. Is that impossible for me to do it?? I'm petit girl with height 5"3 & skinny body.

I want to put mini cabinet to place stove & sink, small flush toilet with shower & folding chair that can convert into bed. The roof is slider up roof. I don't need oven, microwave, dvd player, tv or large wardrobe.

Please give me your opinion & I hope you will give a useful comment doesn't matter positive or negative. If you say ok, what kind of minivan I should buy. If I shouldn't convert it, what can I do but I will still buy minivan.

Thank you very much.
#off topic forum
  • Yes it can be done, if you can do it may be a different story.
    You have to be somewhat good with working with your hands and have some understanding of how to do what you want to do.
    Search the Internet for "how to" articles on what you want to do. Read them and then decide for yourself if it's something you can do.
  • A lot of people that rock hunt do things like that instead of buying spendy rigs. They work okay for the open road, but you won't get them on 4WD trails so would be stuck walking in if that's what you were wanting to do with the rig.
  • Finished Van Project - Self-Build Mini Camper Van - YouTube
    All sorts of YouTube videos about it.

    I personally like 1997 or newer Chevy Astro vans (1996 and older had
    electrical problems) with all wheel drive.
    I live in snow country and like the ground clearance.
    Gas mileage is around 17 MPG though.
  • Where do you plan on taking it? Off road?

    Why convert a mini van? Why not tow a small tear-drop trailer or a pick-up with a cab over camper?
    • [3] replies
    • Amilia, did you fix your laptop? This will be a bit more of a challenge.

      I'm just saying.

      Joe Mobley
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
    • Kurt it sounds like she just wants a cheap place to live will in College.
      "This year is my first year at universiti, on next year to save money I plan to buy used minivan & convert it into campervan."
      • [ 1 ] Thanks

    • If she plans on parking at various places, like campus parking, it is easier to get away with a van conversion since many people use them as commuter vehicles.

      If she has a camper or a trailer, than it's a red flag that she might be camping. Campus police may turn a cheek if they think a couple of horny college kids are sneaking off for a romp in a minivan, but may not be so kind if it looks like a campsite has formed.
      • [2] replies
  • I agree with Thom's interpretation of use.

    There was recently a story - I think on Yahoo news - about a guy who
    lived in a van to pay off his college debt faster.

    Dan
    • [1] reply
    • I read that story too...we have the same mind but his van look filty & clutter..although I live in tidy place but I prefer clean & organize place...no messy or clutter...make me feel claustrophobia...something like that.
  • Of course you can. And here's some plans to give you ideas.
  • I'm study in canada university...if I buy chinook premier MH 21' & can parking in campus car park, I will buy it than buying minivan to convert into campervan....sorry the image can't upload but you can see in here:

    http://newbrunswick.kijiji.ca/c-View...eyword=chinook

    • [1] reply
    • That's the Chinook I was thinking of - not inexpensive by any means.

      The dilemma you have is not what camper to buy but whether you will be allowed to live in it on the campus. My guess is that's against the rules so I'd start by checking out the campus parking rules.

      I don't know requirements in Canada but I can't imagine universities would be willing to allow students to camp out in the car parks. I could be wrong or, as an alternative, you might be able to find an inexpensive park just outside the campus.
  • Google Image Result for http://images01.olx.com/ui/1/74/56/42776856_1.jpg

    Good it's not one of these, or you'd get ticketed for going to slow. lol

    IN the USA you can camp in national forest areas as long as you move to a different area every two weeks, or else they consider you to be a squatter (kind of like trespasser). You might have to something similar around the area your school is.

    You also might be able to find private land to rent, or an RV park.
  • I don't mean to parking 24/7 at campus car park, only daylight...I'm not canadian resident, so I plan if I don't have any class or weekend, I want to explore the canada interesting place, mingle with the local, find some part time job or anything...with minivan or camper van, I can save money to stay or transportation.

    After watching one by one videos from youtube & read many articles about minivan converting, I'm confident to do this....portable shower, gun shower, portable toilet, mini cabinet, solar installation & other thing. The others I will think later. I have to save more money this year.
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