Did you know that millions of families across the UK are looking to swap traditional holidays for the freedom of van life? Whether you’re planning weekend adventures, road trips across Europe, or full-time off-grid living, choosing the right family campervan conversion is key to making it work.
A well-designed campervan balances seating, sleeping, safety, and off-grid capabilities, ensuring your family travels comfortably and legally.
What’s covered in this guide?
- How to choose the right van for a family conversion
- Best seating and sleeping arrangements for comfort and safety
- Off-grid essentials: solar power, water, heating and kitchen facilities
- Legal safety certifications and compliance
- Cost considerations: DIY vs. professional builds
- Why Bhode Two is one of the best off-grid family campervans on the market
How Many Seats Does a Family Campervan Need?
One of the most important aspects of a family campervan conversion is seating capacity and safety. A standard van only comes with front seats, meaning rear seating must be added and M1 tested for safety compliance.
Seating and Safety Considerations for Families
- Every passenger must have a belted seat that complies with UK safety laws.
- If you have young children, consider integrated ISOFIX points for car seats.
- Swivel front seats allow the driver and passenger to rotate, opening up the living space.
- The Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay, and Fiat Ducato offer extra width, allowing for sideways beds and more flexible seating.
- The Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter are narrower, meaning you may need a longer van for optimal space.
Bhode Two seats five with fully M1-tested belted seats, with three in the cab and two in the rear seating area. It also includes swivel front seats to create a spacious lounge area.
Best Sleeping Arrangements for Families
A good night’s sleep is essential when travelling with kids. The ideal family campervan layout should offer dedicated sleeping areas while maintaining flexible living space.
Sleeping Options for a Family Campervan
- Fixed double beds require no setup, ensuring instant comfort after a long day of adventure.
- Convertible seating to bed maximises space with a multi-functional area.
- Pop-top beds are great for extra sleeping space while keeping the van compact.
Bhode Two features a fixed double bed at the rear and an L-shaped seating area that converts into another double bed, all with memory foam cushions for maximum comfort.
Cooking and Kitchen Facilities: Must-Haves for a Family Campervan
When travelling off-grid, having a fully functional kitchen makes life easier.
Family Campervan Kitchen Essentials
- Bhode Two includes an 80L compressor fridge, large enough for a family trip.
- A Belfast sink and two-burner hob make meal prep simple.
- The 80L fresh water tank provides plenty of water for cooking, washing, and drinking.
- There is ample storage space for utensils, dry goods, and cookware.
Going Off-Grid: Solar Power and Water Systems
A true off-grid family campervan needs to be self-sufficient, meaning reliable power and water are essential.
Power and Water Considerations for Family Campervans
- A 300W solar panel keeps your van charged even in remote locations.
- A high-capacity lithium battery ensures you never run out of power.
- Bhode Two includes an 80L fresh water tank and a waste system for extended off-grid use.
- Options for Truma diesel heaters and hot water systems ensure comfort in all seasons.
How Much Does a Family Campervan Conversion Cost?
Understanding the cost of a professional vs. DIY build helps families budget accordingly.
Typical Family Campervan Conversion Costs
- A DIY conversion costs between £15,000 and £25,000, but requires significant time, skill and certification for legal safety compliance.
- A professional family conversion costs between £35,000 and £55,000, and is built legally and safely with certified seating, insulation, electrics, and off-grid power.
Bhode Two starts at £34,999 and includes:
- Five M1-tested belted seats
- Sleeping for four with a fixed double bed and a convertible L-shaped seating area
- 300W solar panel, lithium battery system and 80L fresh water tank
- Full kitchen setup with Belfast sink, two-burner hob and 80L fridge
- Truma heating and full insulation for all-season comfort
Safety Considerations: Travelling with Kids
When travelling as a family, safety should be a top priority.
Essential Safety Features for Family Campervans
- M1-tested seatbelts ensure rear passengers travel legally and securely.
- All gas systems are installed by a qualified GasSafe engineer.
- Electrical installations are signed off by a qualified electrician.
- Lockable storage prevents items from shifting while driving.
Bhode Two is GasSafe certified, built by professional engineers, and signed off by a qualified electrician.
Why Bhode Two is the Best Family Campervan for Off-Grid Living
Finding the perfect family campervan is about balancing space, comfort, safety and adventure capability.
Bhode Two offers:
- Five belted seats that are M1 tested, making it safe and legal for family travel.
- A fully off-grid power and water system with 300W solar, a lithium battery and an 80L fresh water tank.
- A smart sleeping design with a fixed double bed and a convertible L-shaped seating area.
- Truma heating and full insulation, keeping you warm year-round.
- Expert craftsmanship, with certified GasSafe and electrician-signed installations.
Thinking of a family campervan? Let’s build your perfect adventure van together.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Family Van Life Today
A well-designed campervan opens up a world of adventure. Whether you’re looking for a holiday getaway or full-time van life, Bhode Two gives you the ultimate freedom to explore.
