The Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Converting a Campervan - 2025 edition

The authors have clearly put a huge amount of thought into this and the result is excellent. We have been planning a conversion for ages so I decided to take this on holiday and read it from cover to cover. It has removed all my excuses so it’s time to start looking for a base van. I’m an experienced DIYer but still found the clear explanations of fixings, etc, useful. I wish I’d had something similar before doing my holiday cottage conversions! Many thanks!

Fantastic book, with well considered knowledge

Whilst the book is beautiful and easy to read, it is at best an aspirational guide — the kind that sits alongside my SAS Survival Guide in the downstairs loo for a casual read during a long poo.I chuckled reading how the authors spent evenings and weekends working on their van for hundreds of hours, quitting their jobs, then travelling the world just like that. For me — with a hectic job, a mortgage, responsibilities, and two young school-aged kids — I go to work for a rest.It's almost laughable that I'd have time to build a van for my family (which we would definitely love and use; we’re an adventurous outdoorsy bunch when we have time). I can’t even mow the lawn without having to break up an argument over a forgotten Kinder Egg toy that’s suddenly become the most prized possession in the world. I rarely finish a meal, go to the toilet, or drink a hot cup of tea without hearing “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy” within the first 60 seconds.Bedtimes? A nightly odyssey: too hot, too cold, thirsty, hungry, scared, need the loo, one more story. Sometimes my wife and I finally sit down around 10pm — exhausted, starving, and well past the hour my neighbours would tolerate power tools on the driveway.I’ve thought a van build might be something I could involve the kids in… but past DIY experiences suggest otherwise. They walk off with my tools, get bored, hungry, or tired within 20 minutes. I’ve spent more time searching for a missing screwdriver they “put somewhere safe” than actually doing the job. And trying to occupy them? I spend 20 minutes setting up an activity, they lose interest in 5, and it takes me 45 to clean up the mess.I live with two adorable, attention-seeking saboteurs with the focus of a goldfish at a disco.I’d love to quit my job and travel South America on a whim, sipping turmeric lattes and drop-shipping novelty rubber dog turds or whatever other tat passes as “passive income” these days. But back in reality, my kids have school, I’ve got bills to pay, and I need a van that actually works for a family of four or five — safely, legally, and daily.I do find it amusing when single people, childless couples, or even those with just one child say they “don’t have time.” Honestly, they have no idea.This is a great book, beautifully presented, and full of excellent information for those in the right circumstances. But for families like mine, it misses some key realities: no section on van layouts that double as legal daily transport with car seats, or how to safely sleep 4+ people without converting your kitchen into a game of Tetris every night.That said, I do appreciate the escapism. And if I ever win the lottery or the kids move out by age 10, I’ll revisit it properly. Until then, this will remain a lovely book to daydream over… probably from the loo.

The positive:I’m really enjoying reading and learning from this book. The cover was very attractive and love the art style which drew me in over other books. The format is very good and it’s pretty easy to learn from. Especially if like me you have consumed most van life build videos on YouTube and want a reference book.The negative:There’s not really anything significant, it’s a great book. However on pages 53/54 electrics, I have two comments that hopefully can be used to improve future editions.1) the equations include “I” and it’s not explained but this is current. I had to look that up. Be good to explain this.2) Charlie apologising for flashbacks of school lessons. I found this comment deminishes the valuable learning you are providing. Never apologise and never downplay what you teaching.

Husband loves it ,absolutely perfect for first time beginners in building there own home on wheels 😀

I have purchased the very first book from the seller, directly, not through Amazon. The book is made absolutely great. I find it a real Bible in terms of any van conversions. Definitely best on the market and so well made!Then I have purchased the second one, as a gift for someone else through Amazon. It came with the Amazon's label sticked to the very middle of the front page and destroying the whole appearance of the book which was meant for the gift. What is more, sticker was placed so sturdy, that when tried to remove it, the whole front book cover foil started coming off with the label. I felt so disappointed not with the book itself (Authors done amazing job!!! Best on the market!!!), but with the Amazon (worker's?) sticker quality and its placement, which ruined the book. Had to return the second one and got a refund. Everything went fine. Still planning to purchase the book, but not through Amazon anymore.So not even gonna give less than 5 stars, as I still feel that the book, timing, dispatch and everything from the Seller's side is absolutely great and deserves 5/5 stars. Highly recommend purchasing the book directly from the seller's website rather than Amazon, which through its sticker placement on the item might ruin its overall look and value.

Got this before buying a van gives so many ideas to help choose a van and layout right for you

Fab book