The Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Converting a Campervan

Low and Comley, owners of a camper van supply store, debut with a comprehensive walkthrough of how to transform a van into a mobile living space. They share the wisdom they learned from converting their van and show readers how to plan, design, and execute their own renovations. The vehicles highlighted are upscale, and the authors provide guidance on installing such luxuries as an electrical system, propane heating, plumbing, and a compostable toilet. They get into the nitty-gritty of each step, offering a checklist to consult when purchasing a van, providing a rundown of different insulation materials, and laying out the pros and cons of cassette and composting toilets. The authors are upfront about the steep price tag—based on a survey of people who have converted their vans, the authors estimate that the process on average takes around 895 hours and $11,000 to complete—but even readers who aren’t ready to commit to refurbishing a van will have their curiosity whetted by the photos of the lavish possibilities: one unit includes a shower and a TV, another a stove and oven with rustic wooden countertops. Aspiring van lifers up for the challenge will find everything they need to hit the road in style. (Mar.)