Your campervan layout. So many possibilities! I bet your head is already swimming with ideas to create the most innovative, creative and incredible campervan in all the land!
Plus, on top of all your own ideas, there are countless picture-perfect vans on social media to admire and take inspiration from. So many ingenious layouts and space-saving ideas, so little time!
Am I right?!
But hold it, cowboy.
Before your imagination takes over, you need to think about what it is that you really need from your campervan.
Having a camper that’s full of clever ideas is all well and good, but if they’re not actually going to be helpful to you, then they won’t count as “clever ideas”. They’ll just be costly mistakes.
Fear not! The time to let that creative brain of yours run rampant is not far away. But first, let’s design a functional, sensible and brilliant campervan layout that’s perfect for you.
This post will help you focus on the things you need from your campervan layout. By looking at different scenarios, we’ll figure out what you need from your layout, and how it will work best for you.
We’ll look at some of the most common layouts and explore which types of van, and which types of travellers these are best suited to.
Not only that, but we’ll also look at the proper weight distribution in a van, to ensure your rolling home is safe.
But that’s only the beginning!
Once you’ve got a better idea of what you need in your camper and how to design it so you’re safe, we’ve got a 15 step guide to designing your perfect campervan layout.
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. Meaning, if you make a purchase after clicking one, we may earn some commission. This pocket money will help Vandercamp Adventures continue to grow at no extra cost to you. It’s a win win situation!! Learn More…
Table of Contents:
What Are You Up To?
Before we dive in, you need to know what you need from your campervan. If you’re already pretty certain about what you need, feel free to skip ahead to our 15 step campervan layout design process.
Thinking about how you’ll use your van comes before actually designing your layout.
The following scenarios each have various considerations that may affect the design of your campervan layout.
This is all about knowing what you need from your layout, so when you actually come to design it you’ve already thought about how much storage you’ll need, or how many windows you want, or where you need sockets.
This may seem like a topsy turvy way of going about designing your layout, but it’s best to know these things early on, so you don’t end up having to compromise on anything later.
1. Hot Climates
Keeping Cool
In hot weather, you need to think about keeping cool in your van. It can feel like a greenhouse on a hot day, which is great for the tomatoes, but not so much for us.
If you’re travelling anywhere super hot you need your campervan to be a sanctuary that offers respite from the heat; somewhere you’re going to be comfortable to relax or sleep.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your campervan layout:
Ventilation
Fans
Further Reading | The Ultimate Campervan Ventilation Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Storing Water
Naturally, we need more water in hotter climates than in cold ones. Not only do we drink much more, but we need to wash more often to keep ourselves fresh.
Carrying plenty of water is especially important if you plan on wild camping, as you don’t want to run out of water when it’s boiling hot and you’re miles from anywhere!
If you need to store a lot of water in your camper, consider the following:
Water Storage Capacity
Keeping Clean
2. Cold Climates
Keeping Warm
Unless you’re really into cold therapy, it’s not pleasant to be cold to your bones and feeling like you can’t get warm. Even if it’s cold outside, you want your camper to be a refuge from the biting cold.
Insulation will keep heat in your van, but this has little impact on the layout, as you’ll take van measurements after it’s installed. However, warm clothes, heaters and blankets will have an impact on your layout.
If keeping warm is a priority for you, the following things may affect your campervan layout:
Heater
Clothing
Further Reading | Insider Knowledge About The Propex LPG Camper Van Heater
Time Inside
While travelling in hot climates, you tend to spend a lot of time outside; cooking, reading or chilling out. In contrast, colder climates may push you to spend more time inside your van (when you’re not out exploring!)
Opening doors to hunt through storage will lose valuable heat, so it’s worthwhile organising your layout so everything is within easy reach from within your camper.
If you’re going to be spending lots of time inside, these things might affect your campervan layout:
Cooking Area
Comfort
Condensation and Damp
Condensation can not be completely eliminated but it can be reduced and kept under control.
Damp, typically caused by condensation, can cause rust on the metalwork which leads to structural issues. Also, breathing in damp air can cause significant problems with your lungs.
To reduce the risk of condensation and damp, consider the following:
Ventilation
Heating
3. Activities or Sports
Safety and Security
Most sports and hobbies require equipment, which can be valuable. Secure storage will give you peace of mind that your possessions are safe and reduces the risk of anything getting damaged while in transit.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your campervan layout:
Cleaning and Maintenance
Any equipment, whether it be hiking boots, mountain bikes, climbing gear or kayaks will require some cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, your van needs to be ready to carry out these tasks.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your layout:
Cleaning
Maintenance
4. Additional Passengers
Accommodating Everyone
Of course, if you need space for lots of passengers, this will affect your layout. Your campervan living space needs to be comfortable and functional for everyone – including any pooches or other pets.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your campervan layout:
Sleeping Arrangements
Seating and Dining
Onboard Toilet
Having access to a toilet when you need one is always useful, especially if you’ve got kids who lack an advanced warning setting.
If you need an onboard toilet, here are some things you need to consider that may affect your layout:
Further Reading | 7 Best Campervan Composting Toilets For An Eco Friendly Vanlife
Storage Solutions
Each passenger will require storage space. The more passengers there are, the more storage space will be needed, so your layout needs to be designed to have enough space for everyone’s stuff.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your layout:
5. Onboard Office
Creating a Workspace
If you’re going to be working from your van, then you need to have space where you can work comfortably. Will you work from the main van table, or is it better for you to have a separate working area?
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your campervan layout:
Table
Lighting
Seating
Further Reading | Table Ideas To Create A Productive Workspace In Your Camper
Further Reading | Camper Van Seating Ideas
Charging Devices
Laptops and other electrical devices need power. So, your camper will need to supply them with the energy they need, whether that be from batteries, mains electricity or solar, so you can keep working.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your layout:
Power Points
Further Reading | How to charge a leisure battery in 5 ways
Securing Valuables
Whether or not you’re working from your van you’ll have valuables on board. Laptops, phones or cameras will need to be kept safe, but working from your van means there’s also notebooks, journals, sketchbooks etc to protect.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your layout:
6. Off-Grid
Toilet and Shower
Wild camping used to mean roughing it in the elements. However, you can now have an onboard shower or toilet to make things more civilised. If you don’t have fixed facilities, portable showers and toilets will need to be stored.
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your layout:
Toilet
Shower
Further Reading | Composting Toilets – 7 Best Options For Your Campervan
Bare Necessities
To live off-grid comfortably, a campervan needs to have sufficient water, electricity, fuel and gas. You can harvest some of these resources from nature if your camper has the right equipment (e.g. solar panel).
Make sure to consider these things, which may affect your campervan layout:
Water
Electricity
Gas and Fuel
Further Reading | 5 ways of charging your campervan leisure battery
7. Additional Considerations
These things have little or no effect on your actual campervan layout so you can skip this section if you want. However, they may affect the overall comfort in your conversion, so we thought they were worth mentioning.
Hot Climates
Cold Climates
Working Onboard
Hobby Equipment
Additional Passengers
Wild Camping
Common Campervan Layouts
Here are some basic campervan layout designs for different types of vehicles. These plans will give you an idea of different layout possibilities and the lifestyle they are most suited to.
Rock and Roll Layout
Rock and Roll bed layouts are the most common for short wheelbase (SWB) vans. The bed itself is simple to assemble and bolt into place. Most importantly, it transitions from a seat to a bed with the pull of a handle.
The rest of the furniture is bought as a flat pack kit which is quick and easy to install. Although this layout lacks the personal touches of a bespoke design, it’s a quick and easy way to convert a camper.
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Pull Out Bed
Most suited to smaller vans because it makes good use of a smaller space and creates a lot of additional under bed storage, especially if you have an L-shaped sofa, like us!
This setup gives us plenty of room when we’re inside the van, and we’ve both got (pretty much!) enough room to stretch our legs out. We know that living this close together isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, though!
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Fixed Bed, Storage And Seating
A fixed, platform bed allows for a large storage area underneath. Perfect for hobby and sports equipment, additional storage or space for a cosy dog bed area.
The permanent seating could go along side the bed, and can either be two smaller seats, or one small one with a larger bench that obscures some of the doorway.
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Fixed Bed and Toilet
If it’s important to you to have an onboard toilet, but don’t fancy getting a big van, then fear not! This layout is going to be perfect for you.
A toilet can easily be incorporated into a MWB campervan. Whether that be a porta potty underneath a bench seat or a fixed toilet in a compact cubicle.
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Shower And Toilet Cubicle
The ultimate luxury of camper van living! A well-designed layout in a large van can accommodate both facilities, meaning you’ll never have to worry about hunting down a shower or a loo.
The shower and toilet would both be in a small cubicle, that can also double as a place to hang wet clothes if you can’t dry them outside.
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Multiple Occupants And Families
Whether you have kids or want to adventure with friends, design a layout that can accommodate you all. Specially designed campervan seats have seat belts for safe travel, and convert easily into a bed.
Bunk beds are a great way to keep the kiddiwinks entertained. A clever layout will allow you to sit at the table whilst they’re tucked up asleep (or not) in the bunks above.
Best suited to
*The layout above will seat 5 (3 in the front and 2 in the rear). However, it’s possible to carry additional passengers as long as the rear seats are safe to carry passengers.
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Lengthways Convertible Bed
If your priority is to starfish in bed, or you’re too long to sleep widthways (Approx 5’8″) a lengthways bed is the perfect option for you!
It could either be designed to convert into a large seating area or it could be a raised, fixed platform bed with a large storage space underneath.
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Luton Box Van Layout
Most vans have curved corners and a sloped ceiling inside. A Luton, on the other hand, is essentially a box on wheels, which makes designing a layout simpler.
In addition, the space over the cab can be used for a bed, leaving a lot of free space for a seating area, kitchen and table.
Best suited to
Ideal vans
Pros
Cons
Downloadable Floor Plans
The vehicle outline sketches are available to download below. Allowing you to print them off and doodle your designs.
Measuring The Dimensions
To create an accurate floor plan for your camper, you will need the vehicle’s interior dimensions.
1. Manufacturer’s Measurements
These measurements are provided by the manufacturer, so you can trust they are fairly accurate. However, we recommend only using these as a basic reference, as they don’t consider all the internal angles and edges.
Using the manufacturer’s measurements is useful if you haven’t decided on van yet and need a rough guide to different van sizes.
2. Measure It Yourself
There may be slight differences in size between models, so once you’ve bought your van don’t rely on the manufacturer’s measurements.
Get exact measurements of your van, remembering that it’s not going to be a perfect rectangle! The width and height for example, will be wider in some places due to curving edges.
Measure all the internal curves, angles and any bits that stick out (like the wheel arches). Being thorough will help you create a campervan layout which doesn’t waste an inch of space!
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is essential in making sure the vehicle drives safely and is within its legal weight limits. For example, too much weight towards the rear will make the campervan very unstable and difficult to drive.
Ideal weight distribution:
Heavier items should be distributed evenly and ideally positioned towards the front of the vehicle – between the axles and low down. This will create a low centre of gravity, making your camper van safer to drive.
Prioritise Large And Important Elements
It’s important to prioritise the fundamental elements of your camper. Once they are incorporated, you can then start adding other components.
For example, we wanted a 12v compressor fridge but that meant having to compromise on storage and leg space. The fridge is now tucked into the cab, as there wasn’t any room in our campervan layout.
15 Steps To Design Your Campervan Layout
So, you know what you want from your camper van, you have an idea of what elements you need and the measurements of the living space. It’s now time to start designing a basic floor plan layout.
We came up with a 15 Step method to follow when designing your campervan layout.
We’ve included handy links throughout to give you inspiration about what to include in your layout.
Step 1:
Bed & Seating
The bed will be the largest part of your campervan conversion. To make it comfortable, make sure the bed will be long and wide enough.
You’ll need space to sleep comfortably; think about whether you sleep like a starfish, a log or in foetal position and what this means for the width of your bed.
The seating in your conversion may form part of the bed, or will stand alone if you’ve got a fixed bed. It could be where you work, eat, or relax.
The seat needs to be deep enough for your legs, have room to stretch out and be low enough, so you don’t bang your head on the ceiling.
Campervan Bed and Seating: The Battle Of Permanent VS Convertible
Step 2:
Shower Cubicle
Shower trays come in specific sizes so you’ll know exactly how much space is needed.
If you’re installing a shower in your conversion, prioritise where it’s going to go, as the fixed size of the tray can’t be adapted to fit around you or furniture.
Alternatively, if you don’t have room for a fixed shower, but still want showering facilities in your van, maybe opt for a portable solar shower bag. It hangs up on the back of the van, and so the only area it takes up inside is storage space.
Step 3:
Toilet
An onboard toilet needs space for the toilet itself and also room to be used, to remove the waste and to be properly cleaned.
Cassette and compost toilets are fixed in place, so require more space for installation and use, whereas portable toilets can be stored away.
Furthermore, external ventilation and weight need to be considered. Toilets require an external vent to the outside world, to prevent smells from filling the van.
Vehicle weight distribution needs to be considered for cassette, compost or large portable loos.
7 Best Campervan Composting Toilets For An Eco Friendly Vanlife
Step 4:
Hobby & Sport Equipment
If you’re planning on taking large items on your travels, such as bikes, kayaks, canoes etc, there needs to be space in your layout design to keep them.
Obviously, the larger the equipment is, the more space in your conversion it’s going to take up.
Large equipment storage may need designing around the bed or seating area. Bikes or kayaks, for example, could be stored underneath a fixed, raised bed (if your van is tall and long enough, that is.)
Alternatively, store equipment on the roof, although your stuff will be permanently on display.
Step 5:
Kitchen
The kitchen in your conversion may be a fully fitted kitchen with cupboards and a worktop, or some bits of wood screwed together.
Whatever the design, the kitchen should be practical, functional and comfortable, whether you’re chopping, cooking or washing up.
The worktop needs to be high enough to work at, whether you’re sitting (in a smaller van) or standing.
Everything in the drawers and cupboards needs to be easily accessible, so all your ingredients are to hand while you’re cooking up a storm.
Step 6:
Cooking
If you choose a fixed cooker or oven, it will need a permanent place to live, taking up space in your kitchen layout.
If however, you opt for a portable stove, it will only require a flat, stable surface (Although it will also need to be stored somewhere.)
The layout of our kitchen was determined by the cooker because the dimensions (and the gas pipes) restricted where it could be positioned.
In addition, finding a comfortable height to cook on impacted how high we made the kitchen units.
Step 7:
Food Storage
Cupboard items, such as tinned or dried food last longest when kept somewhere cool, dark and dry.
You may not have much cupboard space in your conversion, so storing food in a box, bag or container works just as well. Just make sure it’s all easily accessible.
Some food will need to be kept cold and will be ideally kept in a fridge, but fridges are bulky and need air ventilation.
If there’s not room in your conversion for one, a cool box or cool bag is a smaller alternative that only needs cool blocks to work effectively.
Step 8:
Fridge
A campervan fridge is available in different sizes. Some open from the front, while others open from the top.
2-way fridges run off 12V and 230V electric, while 3-way run off 12V, 230V and gas. Alternatively, electric coolboxes are a smaller option.
If you include a fridge in your design, it needs to be easily accessible and shouldn’t be blocking (or blocked by) anything else.
Also, keep in mind the weight distribution of your layout; fridges should ideally be at the front end of your conversion.
Step 9:
Heating
If frequent heating is necessary, then we recommend installing a permanent heater. Whether it’s a log burner stove, diesel or LPG heater.
Thoughtful planning is necessary to position the heater (and its vents) to provide the most efficient heating and air circulation.
If you don’t have space for something permanent, portable heaters can provide sufficient heat, especially in smaller campers. Options include electric or oil radiators.
Although they only need to be set up when needed, they need somewhere to live the rest of the time.
Insider Knowledge About The Propex HS2211 Camper Van LPG Heater
Step 10:
Table
A table gives you somewhere to eat, work, or act as a laptop stand while watching films. They can pull-out, fold-out or hang down, or can even be a permanent setup.
You’ll probably use the table from the seat (Step 1), so make sure the height matches so you’ll be comfortable.
If there isn’t space in your layout design for a fixed table, a portable camping table may be a good option. Although, if you’re trying to save space, remember that it will still need storing somewhere.
Alternatively, you may only need to use a lap tray.
15 Fabulous Camper Table Ideas To Inspire Your Next Conversion
Step 11:
Electrics
When designing the layout, plan the placement of the electrical points and also where the batteries, inverter, charger, solar controller etc will go.
The batteries are heavy (so need to be near the front of your van) and electrical components require sufficient air circulation.
When designing the lighting design, plan the placement of the lights around your furniture layout.
This way, you’ll have plenty of light where you need it and you won’t accidentally create unwanted dark or shadowy pockets in your conversion.
Step 12:
Gas
Gas can be very dangerous, especially within the confines of a campervan. Incorrect installation can potentially be fatal.
You can either have a gas canister inside your conversion or choose to have an underslung gas tank underneath the van. Both need pipework to attach them to appliances.
You may also have manifolds (which split the supply to your appliances) and isolators (which turn the gas on and off).
All components need to be accessible in case of maintenance. If there is any gas being used in your van, then there needs to be adequate ventilation in case of a leak.
Step 13:
Water
Your water requirements will determine how much water you need to store onboard your conversion.
For example, if you’re planning to go off-grid, you will need a much large water storage capacity than if you plan on staying at campsites, where you will always be able to top up your water.
If you don’t need to store much water, then water storage tanks or bottles can be stored inside the van.
However, if you need a larger capacity, then an underslung water tank would suit you better, as it won’t interfere with onboard space.
Step 14:
Windows & Ventilation
Correct ventilation will keep air flowing through your conversion, which creates a fresh and healthy environment.
It is also essential if you have any gas on board. Incorrect ventilation, on the other hand, will cause condensation, damp, and stale smells.
Efficient placement of windows and vents may depend on the positioning of the other elements.
For example, we advise to have a window or ventilation point near the cooker, to help to eliminate smoke, heat and cooking smells from your conversion.
The Ultimate Camper Van Ventilation Guide
A Definitive Guide To Campervan Windows: Everything You Need To Know
Step 15:
Storage
Last but not least! Storage can be created anywhere, so keep it in mind throughout the design process and constantly imagine how to incorporate storage within other elements.
Decide where to have larger storage units, like “wardrobes” and cupboard.
Clever, space-saving storage solutions will help you to make the most out of a small space. Take your camper on lots of test drive trips to see what you really need storage for.
Your storage space will be dependent on how much space you’ll need for clothes, toiletries, kitchenware and food.
Finding Inspiration
By thinking about everything above, you should now have a pretty good idea about what you want and what you need from your campervan layout.
Once you know what you want, list everything you think you’ll absolutely need in your conversion.
Make another list of things you’d like in there, but could do without if there’s no room.
Once that’s all done, it’s then time to start admiring other conversions on all your favourite social media platforms. Here are 9 Innovative Camper Layout Ideas To Inspire Your Conversion.
But stay savvy!
Don’t just get lured in by how creative and beautiful it is. Take a methodical approach and analyse how they make their space work best for them.
If you want to get off social media and into the real world, head to a festival or camper show for some real-life inspiration.
Camper shows generally attract the most extravagant and creative camper creations, and festival camper fields are a hot bed of creativity and innovation.
If they’re around, most owners will happily invite you in for a guided tour so you can see how their layout works.
SketchUp Campervan Layout Software
Your campervan layout design can be done absolutely anywhere. But if you’ve got loads of scribbles on scraps of paper, or ideas flung down in notebooks, it’s easy to lose track of your designs.
Not only that, but you can only ever create a 2D design.
Interior design software, like Sketchup, is available to create your camper layout. Creating an accurate 3D design brings your campervan layout ideas to life.
If you have no software design experience or aren’t very computer literate, this could potentially be a time-consuming process.
However, there are easy to follow tutorial videos to help with teaching the basics of creating your design.
This video will give you an idea of what you can achieve using Sketchup design software.
Meet Florence the Ambulance and follow her adventures on Instagram
Sketchup Software Download
The new version of Sketchup is free to use for 30-days when you sign up for an account.
Alternatively, download ‘Sketchup Make 2017’ version for free here.
This version is widely used in tutorial videos so will help with following along.
The Social Media Trap
We know what you’re thinking… yes, we did just tell you to look at other vans for inspiration and yes, there are some incredible looking vans out there to ogle over.
However, don’t get sucked into thinking that your camper needs to be picture perfect for you to get away and enjoy vanlife.
The only things you truly need are a bed, a surface to cook on and your wonderful self.
Don’t feel pressured into being “social media perfect”.
Recap
We hope you’re now bursting with ideas and psyched to start designing your layout!
We know it’s super exciting to design your campervan layout, and it can sometimes feel as if your brain will explode from all the ideas you come up with!
Not only that, but social media exhibits some tantalisingly beautiful campervans and you may want your campervan layout to be as beautiful as the ones you see online.
But remember that just because a campervan layout looks good, doesn’t actually mean it’s functional.
Think about the things YOU need in your conversion before you start looking for inspiration elsewhere, otherwise you might end up with amazing-idea-overload! Then, follow the 15 design steps to make sure you fit it all in.
Thanks for sticking with us to the end, we know it’s a lot to take in!
We’re sure your campervan layout designs are going to be incredible and we can’t wait to see what you come up with. Once you’ve got your layout design, head over to our 5 Stage Campervan Conversion Guide, to start building!
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