1. Overview
This concept is a compact camper conversion for two adults in a high-roof van. The layout focuses on a fixed sleeping area, a small galley, simple storage, a rooftop solar system, and a heater for shoulder-season use.
The main goals are comfortable sleeping, enough daily cooking space, sensible electrical capacity for lights and small appliances, and easy access to the main items without crowding the aisle. The design keeps heavy components low and near the middle of the vehicle where possible.
Intended use:
- Two-person travel and short-term living
- Weekend camping with simple off-grid power
- Light cooking, cold storage, and interior heating
- Easy everyday driving and parking
2. Key specs
| # | Item | Spec | Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overall interior concept | Sleeping for 2, galley, storage, electrical cabinet | — | Layout is approximate and should be checked against the chosen van body |
| 2 | Bed platform | Approx. 75 x 48 | in | Approx. size for two adults in a transverse or slight offset layout |
| 3 | Galley counter | Approx. 54 x 22 x 36 | in | Counter height may vary by floor build-up and cabinet design |
| 4 | Fresh water tank | Approx. 20 to 30 | gal | Size depends on weight targets and sink use |
| 5 | Battery bank | Approx. 200 to 300 | Ah lithium | Electrical capacity depends on fridge, heater fan, and charging habits |
| 6 | Solar array | 400 | W | Roof-mounted panels, approx. based on roof space and shading |
| 7 | Heater output | Approx. 2 to 5 | kW | Fuel-fired auxiliary heater, exact rating to be confirmed |
| 8 | Expected loaded weight added | Approx. 900 to 1,500 | lb | Depends on materials, tanks, and appliances |
| 9 | Typical headroom | Approx. 72 to 78 | in | Depends on van model and floor/ceiling build-up |
| 10 | Target runtime off-grid | Approx. 1 to 3 | days | Depends on weather, driving, and appliance use |
3. Drawings
Measured concept drawings are approximate and should be confirmed against the exact van body and component datasheets.
4. 3D concept model
Simple block model in the same working units as the drawings. It is only a spatial concept, not a fabrication model.
5. How it works
Living area: The bed platform sits toward the rear to keep the main aisle open. Storage goes under the bed so bulky items stay low and secure.
Kitchen area: The galley combines a counter, sink, and compact cold storage. This keeps daily food prep in one place and reduces walking around inside the van.
Electrical system: Solar panels feed a charge controller, which charges the house battery bank. The battery then powers lights, a fan, the fridge, and small 12 V loads. If a higher-power inverter is used, it should be sized and protected by a qualified professional.
Heating: A small auxiliary heater supplies warm air through ducting. The heater is best placed where service access is easy and combustion safety clearances can be maintained.
6. Parts and materials
| # | Part | Typical spec | Qty | Est. price/unit | Est. total | Supplier type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Van shell and base structure | High-roof cargo van platform | 1 | $0 to $0 | $0 to $0 | Vehicle dealer / existing owner supply |
| 2 | Bed platform and mattress base | Plywood or aluminum frame, approx. 75 x 48 in | 1 | $350 to $1,200 | $350 to $1,200 | Cabinetmaker / lumber supplier |
| 3 | Galley cabinet set | Counter, sink cutout, storage, finish panels | 1 | $900 to $3,500 | $900 to $3,500 | Cabinet shop / RV supplier |
| 4 | Fresh water tank and plumbing | 20 to 30 gal tank, pump, fittings, hose | 1 set | $300 to $1,200 | $300 to $1,200 | RV plumbing supplier |
| 5 | Battery system and enclosure | Approx. 200 to 300 Ah lithium, fuse protection, cabling | 1 set | $1,800 to $5,500 | $1,800 to $5,500 | Electrical supplier / RV supplier |
| 6 | Solar system | 400 W panels, controller, roof mounts | 1 set | $700 to $2,000 | $700 to $2,000 | Solar supplier / electrical supplier |
| 7 | Auxiliary heater | Fuel-fired unit with ducting and exhaust hardware | 1 | $600 to $2,000 | $600 to $2,000 | RV heater supplier |
| 8 | Roof vent or fan | Powered vent with weather sealing | 1 | $250 to $1,000 | $250 to $1,000 | RV supplier / roofing supplier |
| 9 | Insulation and wall build-out | Thermal insulation, furring, paneling, fasteners | 1 set | $700 to $2,500 | $700 to $2,500 | Building supply / van conversion supplier |
| 10 | Flooring and subfloor | Insulated floor pack, plywood, finish surface | 1 set | $500 to $1,800 | $500 to $1,800 | Building supply / cabinet shop |
| 11 | Lighting and switches | 12 V LED fixtures, dimmers, wiring | 1 set | $150 to $600 | $150 to $600 | Electrical supplier |
| 12 | Hardware, sealants, and brackets | Fasteners, backing plates, sealant, mounts | 1 set | $400 to $1,500 | $400 to $1,500 | Hardware supplier |
Rough total budget estimate: about $7,550 to $24,800, before labor, taxes, and any premium finishes. For a full professional build-out with labor and contingency, a budget around $30,000 is a reasonable planning target.
Prices are typical retail estimates and can change with van model, material choices, supplier availability, and local labor rates.
7. Build phases
- Plan and measure — 1 to 2 weeks. Confirm the exact van dimensions, load limits, and component placement. Professional needed: structural or conversion specialist for layout review.
- Strip and prep the van — 1 to 2 days. Clean, inspect rust, seal openings, and prepare mounting points.
- Insulation and floor — 2 to 4 days. Fit thermal layers, subfloor, and moisture barriers as appropriate.
- Electrical and solar — 2 to 5 days. Install battery, charging, solar, fusing, and monitoring. Professional needed: licensed electrician or RV electrical specialist.
- Cabinets and bed — 3 to 7 days. Build and secure the sleeping platform, storage, and galley.
- Plumbing and heating — 2 to 5 days. Fit tank, pump, sink, and heater. Professional needed: heater installer, gas/fuel system specialist, or mechanic as applicable.
- Finish and test — 2 to 4 days. Check fasteners, water leaks, ventilation, electrical load, and road noise.
8. Safety, rules and permits to check
- Vehicle registration and title rules
- Weight limits, axle limits, and tire ratings
- Electrical safety, fuse protection, and cable sizing
- Fuel-heater installation and combustion clearances
- Ventilation, egress, and fire safety requirements
- Plumbing, sanitation, and water-system hygiene
These rules depend on the country and state, and may be handled by the transportation authority, vehicle inspection office, fire authority, building department, or local health department. If the van will be registered as an RV or motorhome, confirm the local classification requirements before finalizing the build.
9. Who to involve
- Conversion designer or experienced van builder — checks layout, storage access, and real-world usability.
- Licensed electrician — checks battery protection, solar wiring, inverter sizing, and grounding.
- Mechanical or RV heater specialist — checks heater placement, exhaust routing, and service access.
- Plumber or RV plumbing specialist — checks tank mounting, water lines, pump selection, and leak control.
- Body or collision technician — checks roof penetrations, corrosion protection, and structural attachment points.
10. Open questions to decide next
- Which exact van model and wheelbase will be used?
- Is the bed fixed or convertible for extra cargo space?
- Will the galley include an induction hob, propane, or no stove?
- How much water storage is comfortable for the travel style?
- Should the heater be diesel, gasoline, or another type?
- Do you want a larger battery bank or more solar?
- Which finish level is preferred: simple utility, midrange, or premium?
- Should the layout prioritize more storage or more open living space?
This draft is a planning concept only. Confirm all dimensions, loads, wiring, and safety details with qualified professionals before building.