Building a campervan is an incredible goal to set and one that leads to incredible adventures on the road. However, once you dive into the specifics of converting your van into a functional campervan, one of the key decisions you'll face is whether to opt for permanent or removable installations. Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends largely on your personal needs, lifestyle, and how you plan to go camping.
This article will guide you through the pros and cons of permanent versus removable installations, helping you make an informed decision.
Permanent Installations
Permanent installations are exactly what they sound like: components that are fixed into place and not meant to be easily removed. This can include kitchen units, bed frames, storage cabinets, and even bathroom facilities in more elaborate setups.
Pros:
- Personal Design: A permanent install usually allows you to make choices on exactly what goes in and how it all fits, allowing it work just for you.
- Efficient Use of Space: Permanent fixtures can be custom-built to fit the exact dimensions of your van, maximizing the use of available space.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With everything fixed, you can achieve a more cohesive look, making your campervan feel more like a home on wheels.
Cons:
- Decreased Value in Case of Vehicle Issues: Permanent installations pose a challenge if the van encounters mechanical failures or is involved in an accident, as transferring the custom work to another vehicle can be difficult or even impossible.
- Less Flexibility: Once installed, changing your layout or repurposing your space can be difficult and costly.
- Weight Considerations: Permanent installations can add significant weight to your van, potentially impacting fuel efficiency, drivability and safety.
- Resale Value: If you ever decide to sell your van, permanent modifications might not appeal to all buyers.
- Wear and Tear: A vehicle's interior, exposed to temperature changes, moisture, humidity, vibration, and the forces of transit, can make maintenance of permanent installations challenging.
- Insurance Concerns: Modifications may affect your insurance and vehicle's roadworthiness, so it's crucial to consult with professionals before proceeding.
Removable Camp Kits
Removable camp kits offer flexibility, allowing you to easily change your van's layout or remove components when they're not needed. This category includes modular furniture, portable kitchen units, and collapsible bed frames.
Pros:
- Quick Installation: Ready-made camp kits can be installed very quickly - allowing you to focus on other areas of your build or simply get on the road.
- Simplicity in Conversion: For those who are less handy or don’t want to commit to a full conversion, removable options can be less daunting.
- Easily Transferable: If your vehicle faces major issues, you can transfer the camping kit to a new vehicle effortlessly.
- Versatility: Some camp kits are designed to be taken out when not use, or have modular components so storage areas can be used for everyday use like shopping, day trips and just getting about town.
- Someone’s done the work for you: If you buy a removable camp kit, someone else has done a lot of research and design to ensure that the kit is fit for purpose, built with integrity and will last.
Cons:
- Lack of Vehicle-Specific Design: A removable camp kit is usually built for a wide range of vehicles and may not accomodate a rare or more bespoke vehicle.
- Less Customization: While modular, removable options are not as easy to customise to your specific requirements. If you want to fit your mountain bike, surfboard and a 30” screen you may need to think about a custom fitout.
- Contained Features: Removable kits must include all features within a self-contained unit, potentially not utilizing the vehicle's unique spaces efficiently**.**
Making the Decision
Deciding between permanent and removable installations in your campervan conversion is a significant choice that should be based on your anticipated lifestyle, budget, and how you plan to use the van. Here are a few considerations to guide your decision:
- Usage Frequency: If you live in your van full-time or for extended periods, permanent installations might offer more comfort and convenience, particularly if you have a larger van like a VW Crafter or Mercedes Sprinter.
- Budget: Permanent conversions often require a larger upfront investment, while removable setups can be more budget-friendly and allow for gradual upgrades.
- Flexibility: Consider how often you want to go camping and how long you’d like to keep your van. Protecting your investment with a removable camp kit will give you more options on how you use your vehicle and what vehicle you have.
Ultimately, the choice between permanent and removable installations in your van conversion is deeply personal. By weighing the pros and cons and considering your needs, you can create a campervan that perfectly suits your adventurous spirit.
Our experience across three generations of van camping, with both permanent and removable kits, leads us to recommend removable camp kits for most users. They offer versatility, ease of installation, and the freedom to adapt to various needs and vehicles.
