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Campervan layouts for DIY conversion: complete guide

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Campervan layouts for DIY conversion: complete guide

•Camplify Team
Campervan parked at a bush campsite, ready for a weekend getaway.

The first problem that people run into when starting a DIY van conversion is settling on a campervan layout that is comfortable, stylish and functional. To save you the hassle, our experts have listed the best and most popular campervan layouts in Australia.

Making our list of the best campervan layouts for a DIY conversion are:

  1. Fixed rear lengthways bed - Most popular layout

  2. Fixed rear sideways bed - Second most popular layout

  3. Rear double seat with roof bed - Best campervan layout for a family

  4. Rear U-shaped dining area - Best campervan layout for a balanced living space

  5. Rear twin sofa beds - Best campervan layout for sleeping separately

  6. Rear single sofa bed - Best campervan layout for storing large items

  7. Front bed and rear kitchen - Best campervan layout for outdoor living

Below, you’ll discover the benefits and considerations of each campervan layout as well as examples from all over Australia. If you find a layout you like, we recommend that you “try before you buy”. Consider hiring the campervan through Camplify and test whether you like the layout before converting your own van.

In this article, we also list the key features that every campervan layout should include and walk you through the 8-step process to designing the perfect campervan layout. Plus, we even reveal how you can earn up to $10,000 a year by hiring out your campervan through Camplify!

The best campervan layouts for DIY conversion

1. Fixed rear lengthways bed - Most popular campervan layout

An example of a fixed rear lengthways bed layout - Boutique Style on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2-3 internally.

Layout and features This is the most comfortable campervan layout in terms of sleeping space for a couple. The lengthways queen bed tends to provide a slightly longer sleeping area when compared to the fixed sideways bed (see below). Some people also find a fixed bed to be more comfortable than a convertible bedding option.

This campervan layout also allows for more storage space underneath the bed due to its longer design. It’s perfect for those wanting to store long or bulky items in drawers, which can be accessed at the rear of the van.

However, be aware that placing your bed lengthways might mean that you lose some kitchen and dining space in the front of the campervan. To save space in the dining area, install a fold-out or slide-out table. Alternatively, build a slide-out table under the bed for outdoor eating and entertaining at the rear of the van.

The lengthways bed campervan layout allows you to access the van through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed. For added privacy in the bedroom, consider adding a dividing wall between the bed and the living area.

Best for This campervan layout is best for a solo traveller, couple or family with a small child who are willing to give up kitchen and dining space in favour of a longer bed and extra storage space at the rear.

Campervan examples

  1. Fixed rear sideways bed - Second most popular campervan layout

An example of a fixed sideways bed layout - Oasis on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2-3 internally.

Layout and features This is probably the most comfortable campervan layout in terms of kitchen and dining space. Placing the queen bed sideways in the rear means that you gain more space in the front for cooking and eating.

However, be aware that sideways beds are normally slightly shorter than lengthways beds. This will also mean that you have less storage space underneath the bed due to its shallower design.

This campervan layout allows you to access the campervan through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the bed. For added privacy in the bedroom, consider adding a dividing wall between the bed and the living area.

Best for This campervan layout is best for a solo traveller, couple or family with a small child who want a spacious kitchen and dining area at the expense of a slightly shorter bed and shallower storage area.

Campervan examples

  1. Rear double seat with roof bed - Best campervan layout for a family

An example of a rear double seat layout - Broccolini on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 4 and sleeps 2-4 internally.

Layout and features This campervan layout provides the most passenger seating and sleeping space. It can seat 2 people in the front cabin and 2 at the rear of the van on a double seat.

The double seat sits at the rear of the campervan. In some vans, the driver's and passenger's seats in the front swivel around to face the rear. In other vans, there might be two side sofas running parallel to the double seat. In the middle of the seats is a fold-away dining table, so that up to four people can dine at once.

When you’re ready for bed, convert the dining area into a queen bed by lying the rear double seat flat. In some high-top campervan conversions, you can add up to 2 extra sleeping berths with a roof bed (suitable for kids or a light adult).

Be aware that this campervan layout has slightly less storage at the rear due to the double seat. It also means that you can’t enter through the rear of the vehicle whilst the seats are upright.

Best for This campervan layout is best for couples, families or groups of friends who want more passenger seats and the ability to add a roof bed in high-top DIY conversions.

Campervan examples

  1. Rear U-shaped dining area - Best campervan layout for a balanced living space

An example of a U-shaped layout - Roma on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2-4 internally.

Layout and features This campervan layout is great if you want to create an equal balance of dining, cooking, sleeping and storage space.

In the rear of the van is a large convertible U-shaped dining area made of three sofas around a removable dining table. This provides extra living space during the day and an oversized bed at night.

This layout is a similar shape to the rear double seat layout above. However, this option replaces the rear double passenger seat with a sofa seat. It, therefore, has fewer passenger seats (i.e. with seatbelts) but more storage in the rear.

You can quickly and easily convert the U-shaped dining area into a queen-size bed by folding out the sofa seats. Under the sofa seats, you’ll find an abundance of storage space. You can access the storage by simply lifting the top of the seat or you can create slide-out drawers at the rear.

In some high-top campervan conversions, you can add up to 2 extra sleeping berths with a roof bed (suitable for kids or a light adult).

This van conversion layout allows access through the rear but you’ll have to crawl over the sofa seat.

Best for This campervan layout is best for solo travellers, couples or families who want a balance of dining, cooking, sleeping and storage space.

Campervan examples

  1. Rear twin sofa beds - Best campervan layout for sleeping separately

An example of a rear twin sofa layout - Sid on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2-4 internally.

Layout and features This campervan layout is best for couples who want to sleep in separate beds. It’s also great for people who want to cook, dine and entertain under a rear awning.

The rear dining area consists of two sofas on either side of a removable dining table. It provides enough space for 2-3 people to eat at the same time.

The two separate sofas can be used as two single beds or they can be converted to form one queen bed. In some high-top campervan conversions, you can add up to 2 extra sleeping berths with a roof bed (suitable for kids or a light adult).

This campervan layout offers plenty of storage and drawer space in the rear, underneath the two sofas. You can also slide and store large items (e.g. surfboards) on the floor between the sofas.

This option removes some of the obstructions at the rear of the van, making it easier to access the van through the rear door.

Best for This campervan layout is best for couples who would like the option of sleeping in two separate beds. It’s also handy for those who want to use a rear external awning or store large items on the floor of their campervan.

Campervan examples

  1. Rear single sofa bed - Best campervan layout for storing large items

An example of a rear single sofa layout - Rex on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 2-3 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features This campervan layout has one convertible sofa bed at the rear of the van. This leaves almost half the width of the van for storing long and bulky goods, such as surfboards, skis and bicycles.

Individuals can sleep on the single sofa bed as is. However, couples could also use a slide-out or fold-out design to convert the single bed to a queen or double.

Opposite the sofa bed in the rear, you can install a storage solution with drawers and cupboards and a fold-down dining table.

Another benefit of this van layout is that it’s much easier to enter the campervan through the rear.

Best for This campervan layout is best for a solo traveller or couple who want to store large items inside their van, such as a surfboard, skis or a bicycle.

Campervan examples

  1. Front bed and rear kitchen - Best campervan layout for outdoor living

An example of a rear kitchen layout - Mystery on Camplify.

Seats and sleeping berth Seats 2 and sleeps 2 internally.

Layout and features This campervan layout has an external kitchen at the rear of the DIY van conversion and is great for people who would prefer to cook outside of the van.

The front of the layout is dedicated to sleeping and eating. The slide-out kitchen is positioned at the rear underneath the tailgate or at the side door. This means you have more headroom and better ventilation when cooking.

The front dining area consists of two sofas on either side of a removable dining table. This provides enough space for two people to eat at the same time. It can be converted into a queen bed by lowering the table to the same height as the sofas.

This caravan layout offers plenty of drawer and cupboard space in the rear, underneath the kitchen. However, it may not be the most suitable layout for those wanting to store large objects inside the rear of the van (e.g. surfboards).

Best for This campervan layout is best for a solo traveller or couple who would prefer to cook outside so that they can enjoy more headroom and better ventilation.

Campervan examples

Common features to include in your DIY campervan conversion layout

All campervan conversions should include these features.

Most campervan layouts feature a:

  • Bed

  • Kitchen (including fridge, sink, stovetop, cupboards and drawers)

  • Storage

  • Seats and dining table

  • Water tank

  • Waste tank

  • 12V battery setup

  • Gas bottle

  • Rubbish bin

Some campervan layouts also feature:

  • Cassette toilet

  • External shower

  • Laundry basket

  • Pet kennel

  • Heater – electric, gas or diesel

How to design a campervan layout for your DIY conversion

Follow these steps to ensure your campervan layout is functional and comfortable.

Step 1. Factors to consider when designing your campervan layout for DIY conversion

Space is limited in your DIY campervan conversion. Spend some time planning how to best arrange fixtures so that your campervan layout is stylish, comfy and functional.

Start by considering these questions:

  • How many people will be travelling and sleeping in the van?

  • How tall are you and how long does your bed need to be? Tall people should use a lengthways bed layout.

  • Do you want a fixed bed (less hassle) or a convertible bed (more free space)?

  • Should you add a roof bed or bunk beds? (High roof models)

  • How much storage space is needed?

  • Do you want lots of windows for natural lighting or would you prefer privacy?

  • Do you want your dining table to double as a workspace?

  • Will you mostly be cooking inside or outside the van?

  • What kind of items will you be storing and where will you store them?

  • Where will ventilation be most effective?

  • Are your pets coming along?

Step 2. Hire a campervan to try before you buy

Once you have a general idea of the campervan layout that you want in your own DIY conversion, test out the functionality and practicality of your design by arranging campervan hire in Australia.

By hiring a similarly designed campervan through Camplify, you will get a good idea of whether your planned layout will meet all of your needs and expectations. The last thing you want to do is buy a van for a DIY conversion, only to find later on that it doesn’t suit your style of travel.

Step 3. Buy a van for a DIY conversion

As the foundation of your DIY campervan conversion, this vehicle needs to be in good condition, comfortable and large enough to live in for weeks or months at a time.

Consider the following factors before choosing a make and model of van:

  • What is your budget?

  • How much space do you need in your campervan?

  • Where will you take the campervan (road-touring or off-grid)?

  • Does the van have a design that lends itself to your DIY van conversion layout?

Once you’ve considered these factors, read our article on the best vans for camper conversion and choose a make and model that matches your needs. Here are some models to consider:

  • Best small vans for conversion: Toyota Hiace and Hyundai iLoad.

  • Best mid-sized vans for conversion: Renault Master and Mercedes Sprinter.

  • Best large vans for conversion: Volkswagen Crafter and Ford Transit.

Step 4. Measure the interior of your van

Once you’ve bought your van for DIY conversion, measure every aspect of the rear interior. This should include the ceiling, tailgate, sliding doors, wheel hubs, vents, windows and any other obstruction that you have to design your layout around.

Step 5. Design your DIY conversion campervan layout

Designing your campervan layout is the most exciting stage of a DIY conversion. But it also requires a lot of careful planning. You’ll need to work out the best way to arrange all of your features within one compact space, whilst at the same time ensuring it’s stylish, comfy and functional.

Start by sketching your van to scale on a piece of paper. Use the measurements that you took in step four. Then, sketch your desired campervan layout to fit within the measurements of the van.

Once you’ve got a basic sketch, you may want to recreate the design on your computer using software such as Vanspace or Sketchup.

Step 6. Test your DIY campervan conversion layout

Test your campervan layout by laying painter's tape or cardboard cutouts inside your van. This will ensure that everything has been measured properly before you start cutting and drilling into the body of your van.

Ask yourself whether you’ve given yourself enough room to move around and whether all the drawers and cupboard doors can function as you intend.

Step 7. Tick off the campervan layout checklist

Use this checklist to double-check that your design is right before you start building:

  • Weight evenly distributed: heavy and light items have been strategically distributed throughout the campervan.

  • Dual-purpose features: where possible, each feature should serve more than one purpose to save on space (e.g. a dinette converts to a double bed).

  • Enough room to move around: there is enough space between each feature to move around freely.

  • Drawers and cupboards function properly: ensure that all drawers and cupboard doors can open without hindrance.

  • Storage of key utilities: important items such as water tanks, gas tanks and batteries are stored in areas that are easy to access.

  • Connection of key utilities: water and gas hoses and electrical wiring from key utilities have been considered.

Step 8. Begin your DIY campervan conversion

Once you are ready to begin work on your DIY campervan conversion, read our full guide to DIY van conversion in Australia. This will walk you through the process of preparing and building the campervan step-by-step.

Discover more campervan layouts for DIY conversion

Discover even more campervan layouts on Camplify.

Want to discover even more campervan layouts for your DIY conversion? Use the search feature on Camplify to take a peek into hundreds of privately owned campervans for hire in Australia.

On the Camplify homepage, simply click “Find a van” and set the van type to campervans. Flick through the photos and source endless layout ideas for your campervan conversion.

Plus, our Camplify Blog also features a tonne of other articles that you may find useful, such as:

Make a return on your DIY campervan conversion

There’s a quick and easy way to start earning income from your DIY campervan conversion - when your campervan’s not in use, hire it out on Camplify!

Instead of letting your campervan gather dust in the driveway, hire it out through Camplify and make money from the comfort of your own home. Holidaymakers all around Australia want to hire unique campervan conversions just like yours!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is that Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

  • Comprehensive hire insurance.

  • 24/7 NRMA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

  • Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!

The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.