From Flood Damaged to Dream Camper: A Van Conversion Journey

This is the story of a remarkable transformation, a journey of taking a flood-damaged van and turning it into a dream camper. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work. This isn’t just a van build; it’s a story of redemption, of taking a setback and turning it into an opportunity to create something truly special.

The Backstory: A Flood and a Wrecking Ball

The journey began with a disaster. The previous van build, which had taken four weeks to complete, was flooded with 70 liters of water while traveling in France. This unfortunate event, coupled with the impracticality of the old design, led to the decision to start from scratch. The old build was ripped out, and the van was stripped down to its bare bones, ready for a complete overhaul.

The Rebuild: A Labor of Love

The rebuild has been a 10-week-long process, filled with its fair share of challenges and frustrations. From waiting for parts to dealing with the slow progress, the journey has been anything but easy. However, with each passing week, the van has slowly but surely transformed into a beautiful and functional living space.

The Finishing Touches: It’s All in the Details

The van is now in its final stages of completion, with the focus on the finishing touches that will bring the space to life. A new roof vent has been installed, the stick-on tiles in the kitchen have been applied, and the LED strip lights with a black diffuser have been fitted. The attention to detail is evident in every corner of the van, from the beigy-colored tiles to the black silicon-sealed end piece of the strip lights.

A Touch of Personality: Making it a Home

What makes this van truly special is the personal touches that have been added to make it feel like a home. The photo frames, though not perfectly matching the aesthetic, hold cherished memories and bring a sense of warmth and personality to the space. The battery-operated candles create a cozy and inviting ambiance, while the quirky metal sign in the shower adds a touch of humor and individuality.

A Functional Kitchen: The Heart of the Van

The kitchen is the heart of any home, and this van is no exception. A pump dispenser for dish soap has been installed in the worktop, and a matte black plug socket with USB-C and USB-A ports has been fitted. The decision to not router the LED strip lights into the worktop has paid off, as the black line of the lights complements the black sink and hob, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

Safety First: A Responsible Approach

Learning from the past, this new build has a strong emphasis on safety. A fire extinguisher and a fire blanket have been installed, and a proper gas locker has been built to house the gas bottles. This responsible approach to safety is a testament to the growth and maturity of the builders, who are now setting a good example for their viewers.

A Smart and Stylish Seating Area

The L-shaped seating area is not only comfortable but also stylish. The fabric for the upholstery was sourced from a fabric outlet in Liverpool, and it’s a high-quality, fire-retardant material that was a cut-off from a major retailer. The plinths for the seating have been painted with a one-coat satin wood paint, and the rope detail around the ceiling edges adds a touch of a beachy vibe to the space.

FAQ Section

Q: How long has the van conversion taken so far?

A: The van conversion has been ongoing for 10 weeks.

Q: What are some of the key features of the new build?

A: Some of the key features of the new build include a new roof vent, stick-on tiles in the kitchen, LED strip lights, a pump dispenser for dish soap, a matte black plug socket with USB ports, a gas locker, a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket, and a custom-built L-shaped seating area.

Q: Where did you get the fabric for the upholstery?

A: The fabric for the upholstery was purchased from The Fabric Outlet in Liverpool.

Q: What kind of paint did you use for the plinths?

A: Dulux satin wood one-coat paint was used for the plinths.

Conclusion

This van conversion is more than just a DIY project; it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a dream. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to create something beautiful and meaningful. As the van nears completion, it’s clear that this is not just a vehicle; it’s a home, a sanctuary, and a symbol of a journey well-traveled.