"How much does it cost to turn my van into a camper?" This is the question we get asked most often—at our workshop, on the phone, and in our Instagram DMs.
The honest answer is: it depends on how you want to use it. It ranges from less than €1,000 for a well-made bed to over €20,000 for a complete custom build. There is a whole world in between: in this guide, we break it down, with real prices and the pros and cons of each path.
The 3 paths to camperizing a van
1. Professional fixed build
You take your van to a specialized workshop and they return it transformed: bed, kitchen, furniture, electrical system, and often insulation and windows too.
- How much it costs: roughly from €8,000 to over €25,000.
- The good: everything is ready, turnkey.
- The downside: high costs and long lead times. Most importantly, the van becomes a camper forever: no more moving houses, carrying bikes, or hauling work materials in the cargo area. It often also requires vehicle registration/homologation.
2. DIY fixed build
You buy wood, screws, and accessories and build everything yourself. It’s a wonderful experience, but you need to know what you're getting into.
- How much it costs: roughly from €2,000 to €6,000 for materials, plus the cost of tools.
- The good: total customization and reasonable material costs.
- The downside: you need tools, skills, and many weekends. Mistakes are paid for in time and material, and here, too, the build remains fixed.
3. Removable modules
This is the path we chose with Nom Outdoor, and the reason we started: pre-designed modules (bed, furniture, kitchen) that you mount in the cargo area without holes or permanent modifications, and remove when you need your empty van back.
- How much it costs: from €940 for a bed to about €2,800 for a complete kit.
- The good: clear pricing, assembly in a few hours with just a screwdriver, and the van stays a van. You can start with one module and add the others at your own pace.
- The downside: it’s not a camper with a bathroom and fixed systems. It is designed for weekends, trips, and a lighter vanlife.
How much do Nom Outdoor modules cost
Here are our prices, with no surprises. The modules are designed and built by us in Brescia and designed to work together:
| Module or kit | What's included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-out bed | Sofa by day, bed by night, full-length storage space underneath | €940 |
| Storage S | Unit with pull-out table, prepared for a sink and water canisters | €590 |
| Bed Kit | Pull-out bed + mattress | €1,280 |
| Starter Kit S | Bed + mattress + Storage S | €1,840 |
| Cook Kit | Bed + mattress + kitchen with fridge space | €1,940 |
| Nomad Kit S | Bed + mattress + kitchen + Storage S: the complete kit | €2,520 |
For long-wheelbase vans (L2), there are also XL versions: Starter Kit XL (€2,100) and Nomad
Kit XL (€2,790).
You can also pay in 3 interest-free installments with Klarna, directly at checkout.
Not sure which kit fits your van? Message us on WhatsApp with the make, year, and wheelbase: you’ll talk to us directly, not a bot.
The costs you don't see right away
When comparing options, don't just look at the starting price. There are three factors that make a difference:
- Homologation/Registration. If you permanently convert the van into a motorhome, it usually requires an inspection at the DMV, with costs and times to account for. With removable modules, it’s a different story: we explain this clearly in our guide Do you need homologation to turn a van into a camper?
- Van value. A fixed build only appeals to those looking for a camper, which can make it harder to resell. With modules, you resell the van as an empty cargo van and keep the modules for your next one.
- Time. A well-done DIY project can take months of weekends. Time is a cost, too, and summer won't wait.
How to choose the right solution for you
Before spending a single euro, ask yourself three questions:
- Will you use the van for work or carrying cargo as well? If yes, a removable solution is better.
- How often will you head out? For weekends and holidays, a bed and a cabinet change everything. If you want to live in the van year-round, a full build might be worth it.
- How much do you want to spend upfront? With modules, you can start with the bed and add the kitchen and storage later on.
Our advice
Start with what you need for your first trip. For almost everyone, that’s a comfortable bed and a place to keep your gear: you'll figure out the rest as you travel.
We work with many different models: from Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroën Jumper to the VW Caddy Maxi, as well as Transporters, Trafics, Vivaros, and Transit Customs.
Want to see them in person? If you’re near Brescia, come visit us at our workshop: you can try out the modules, even in your own van. Message us to schedule an appointment.
Discover all Nom Outdoor kits →
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to camperize a van by yourself?
With a DIY fixed build, you spend roughly between €2,000 and €6,000 on materials, plus tools and time. With removable modules, you start from €940 and assemble everything in a few hours.
What is the cheapest way to camperize a van?
Start with a pull-out bed: it's the module that immediately turns the van into a place to sleep. Kitchen and furniture can be added later.
Do you need homologation to camperize a van?
It depends on the type of build. For permanent conversions into motorhomes, usually yes. For removable modules, you can find all the details in our homologation guide.
How long does it take to install a Nom Outdoor kit?
A few hours: for a complete kit, it takes roughly 4-6 hours. The panels arrive pre-drilled and labeled, and you only need a screwdriver (it's even faster with a drill driver).
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