Van transformation with Wander Campervans

If you've been toying around with the idea of renovating your first van or even considering starting a new side business, Wander Campervans will give you all the inspiration you need. Founded by 22-year-old, Marcus Moffat, as a COVID project, Wander Campervans have expanded to a fleet of 3 vans, with plenty more on the way! Learn from the expert as Marcus gives his advice on the do's and don'ts of a van renovation.

Who we are:

Wander Campervans was founded by myself, Marcus Moffat. I'm 22 years old and from Cronulla, Sydney. I joined Camplify in May 2020, and since then it's been a rewarding experience. Renting my vans via the platform has enabled me to expand the business quicker than I thought possible, with Camplify helping me along the way thanks to marketing and advertising the vans to their large community of campervan renters.

Why did you decide to convert a van and when did you start?

I decided to build my first van to travel around Australia and see what our country had to offer. Around the same time I started, COVID took hold and the van build became more of a lockdown project. I was able to spend more time at home building and learning everything there was to know about electrical/plumbing services, and I was able to refine and improve my carpentry skills with the help of my dad and grandfather.

How long did your van conversion take?

My first van conversion took 10 weeks to build, whilst the remaining 3 have taken just under 8 weeks.

Would you rather, more storage or a shower?

I'd rather have a shower! Most rentals go on trips from 3-5 days so most people aren't packing too much luggage. Features like a hot-water shower pose an extra bonus from a rental standpoint! The ability to bring surfboards and larger items on your trip is still possible by keeping them secured on the bed or even on roof racks on the roof of the van.

What's one feature you would not compromise on?

I would not compromise on a kitchen sink in any van. Whether it's washing your hands, washing up dishes, or washing your teeth, it’s a small yet significant feature that can turn any van into more of a house on wheels.

Where did you go to find inspiration?

I worked part-time for Sense Projects, a fit-out business in Sydney. I was able to follow design trends through the projects they renovated and built, whilst also learning how to build them at the same time. Another significant influence for me was Instagram - mainly viral pages such as @vanlife.

What is one thing you wished you'd known before you started?

I wish I had known what were the right materials to use for the van builds, such as lightweight plywood, laminate benchtops and cabinetry, and the right screws/glues - plus methods for building a van from start to finish.

What is one piece of advice you'd offer a first-time van renovator?

Get as much advice as you can from van fit-out businesses, and the Camplify community through platforms such as Instagram and Facebook groups. Many if not most people, are willing to give tips and tricks as to how they build certain things, and their knowledge can be very valuable in the sense - it will save you both time, and money when converting your own van.

What's something you wish you could change about your van?

I wish I had used laminate cabinetry and benchtops in more of my builds. The material would be more suited to rentals as its easier to clean, And upkeep, as well as saves time as it eliminates the need to sand, and oil the wood to keep it in perfect condition.

What is your funniest/best hirer story?

One couple forgot to put the hand brake on when they pulled up to a nice spot on the beach, after checking the surf they realised the van was slowly creeping downhill at the lookout. Luckily for them, the van came to a nice stop 20 metres away with no cars or obstacles in the van's path. The story had me in stitches, hearing the panic in both the renter's voices when it happened! It was a lucky outcome!

What's next for Wander Campervans?

We are currently working on our 4th and 5th Wander Campervan Rental. Once they are finished we will be keeping busy with external client builds until the lockdowns here in Sydney and regional travel improves. In the long-run we hope to reach a fleet of 8 vans and then focus on converting campervans for clients.

Looking for a van around Sydney? Check out Wander Campervans! They have plenty of vans available for pick-up from Sydney's eastern suburbs.