How to renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan?
By
Elaine Knight
Page last updated:
11/08/2023 |
Next review date:
11/08/2025
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan?” We will discuss the steps in detail to renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan right from scratch. We will also touch upon the essentials and the basic necessities for camping successfully.
How to renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan?
To renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan, follow the steps described below.
- Remove the existing fixtures
- Create a plan and design
- Redo the roof, walls, and floor
- Reinstall the electrical system
- Insulate the campervan
- Add furniture and storage shelves
- Build the sleeping area
- Build the kitchen
- Add appliances
- Build the bathroom
- Customize and paint the campervan.
Remove the existing fixtures
- To renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan, you will first need to remove the existing fixtures. Volkswagen campervans are a class apart and are now one of those vintage models with a good reputation. However, the existing fixtures will not be in proper condition after many years of usage.
- Get rid of the large items inside the Volkswagen campervan. Start by removing the dinette or table if there is one. Remove all the storage shelves since they will not be worth repairing. Remove all the electric fixtures, including lights. Strip all the electric conduits and eliminate all the wires and switches.
- Get rid of all the appliances and furniture. Make sure to strip the campervan fully on the inside. This is an essential step if you want to renovate the inside properly. The campervan should be empty inside as it will be easier to work on this project.
Create a plan and design
- Next, you will be required to create a plan and design. Before creating a plan, make a note of all the essentials that you will require. Consider the number of people that go camping and make a separate list for the basic requirements.
- The list should contain even the smallest details, including the taps, water supply, grey and freshwater tanks, etc.
- Start creating a design based on the necessities. Take measurements of the campervan if needed. Determine the sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom area. Make a note of the space that is required for storage shelves. Consider the furniture you plan on using and determine where you want to place them.
Redo the roof, walls, and floor
- Start the renovation process by working on the interior roof. If the roof inside of the Volkswagen campervan is still intact, you can consider leaving it the way it is. However, be sure that there are no water leaks.
- Get rid of all the rust and patch up the damaged areas if there are any. You might be required to use a weld on damaged areas. Rework the roof until it is perfect and looks new. The same goes for the walls of the campervan. Get rid of dents, gaps, cracks, debris, rust, etc.
- For the floor, it is always a good idea to add new materials like vinyl or wood since they are durable. The floor must also be easy to clean.
Reinstall the electrical system
- Before moving on to the next step, it is important to reinstall the electric system. Consider the source of power for the electric system. Draw a layout of the electric system and consider the places where you need to add lights.
- Ensure enough plug points to power up all the appliances and charge all your required gadgets. If you plan on having solar power, have a good battery and inverter with enough solar panels to power up the campervan.
- Add new wires, electrical conduits, plug points, lights, etc. Make a note of all the electrical appliances that require plug points.
Insulate the campervan
- Next, it is essential to insulate the campervan. Insulate the roof and walls if required by adding sheep’s wool, polyurethane, fibreglass or foam core. There are plenty of options to consider. Foam core or spray foam insulation is easy to work with.
- The flooring of the camper is important, and it is essential to insulate the flooring with any one of the options. PIR insulation is an excellent choice since it is moisture-resistant, lightweight, and affordable. Decide on the type of insulation and ensure the floor, walls, and roof are insulated if needed.
Add furniture and storage shelves
- Add furniture and storage shelves to fit the layout of the campervan. Try to keep the furniture minimal since it is essential to save on space. The Volkswagen campervan has limited space on the inside. Hence, it is required to stick to the essentials.
- Add enough storage shelves or purchase portable storage shelves that are available online for a cheap price. Build cabinets and drawers with plywood and use lightweight furniture. Build a small seating area and a dinette if the layout has enough space.
Build the sleeping area
- A campervan must have a sleeping area. The best way to do this is by building a wooden frame and adding plywood sheets. Make sure to add hinges to the plywood sheets to access the space under for storage.
- Use 2 by 4s and plywood to build the sleeping area. Add a bed on top with a couple of pillows and cushions to complete the bed. Build the bed according to available space.
Build the kitchen
- A kitchen is equally important to prep your meals while camping. For the kitchen, you will need a counter with drawers. Build a small and neat kitchen counter and add a couple of drawers under it. Add a portable cooking stove and make enough shelves for storing all the food and cooking items.
- Make sure that there is a dedicated space for the freshwater tank. Install a sink on the kitchen counter along with a pipe. Connect the sink to the freshwater tank and the outlet to the greywater tank. Use flexible pipes for this purpose.
Add appliances
- Install a 12-volt refrigerator to store all the food and add a small microwave near the refrigerator for heating the food. Install a coffee maker if there is enough space. Remember, space is a constraint in the Volkswagen camper. Try to keep all the appliances minimal.
Build the bathroom
- The bathroom can be small, with a portable cassette toilet and sink. This can be achieved with the help of plywood. Since you are using a cassette toilet, there is no need to worry about adding tiles to the floor.
- All you will need is some plywood panels and add wall panels over the plywood to give it a rich appearance. Add an external shower to save more space.
Customize and paint the campervan.
- Finally, it’s time to customize and paint the campervan. Give the campervan a beautiful colour of paint according to your choice. Add curtains to the windows, cushions, and upholstery where required. Personalize the campervan as per your taste. Use decorative elements, including indoor plants, artwork, rugs, etc.
Renovating the inside of a Volkswagen campervan can be an interesting and exciting process. Make sure to prioritize the safety elements. Install a couple of smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. It is also important that the modifications comply with the guidelines and regulations. Get help from an experienced campervan renovator if needed.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan?” We have discussed the steps in detail to renovate the inside of a Volkswagen campervan right from scratch. We have also touched upon the essentials and the basic necessities for camping successfully.
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