Building your own campervan is an exciting and rewarding project, but it’s also easy to make costly mistakes if you’re not careful. Many DIYers start with enthusiasm, only to run into unexpected challenges like electrical failures, poor insulation, or inefficient layouts. The good news? You can avoid these common pitfalls by planning ahead and making smart choices.
DIY Campervan Mistakes You Must Avoid
If you’re thinking about converting a van yourself but want to skip the stressful parts, the Bhode Artisan Package might be the perfect solution. We take care of the complex, technical steps – like electrics, insulation, flooring, and a watertight window install – so you can focus on the fun part: crafting the interior to suit your style. Plus, our package ensures your walls and floor are square and secure, making cabinet and bed installation a breeze. With a MaxxFan roof vent and a complete electrical system with solar power, your DIY build starts on the right foot.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five biggest DIY campervan mistakes and how to avoid them, so you can build a van that’s safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure.
1. Poor Insulation & Ventilation – The #1 Comfort Killer
One of the most overlooked aspects of a van build is proper insulation and ventilation. If you get it wrong, your campervan can become unbearably hot in summer and freezing cold in winter – not to mention prone to condensation and damp issues.
Common DIY Campervan Mistakes in Insulation:
❌ Using the wrong materials (e.g., Rockwool, which absorbs moisture and leads to mould).
❌ Leaving gaps between insulation panels, reducing effectiveness.
❌ Skipping vapour barriers, leading to trapped moisture inside the walls.
Common Ventilation Mistakes:
❌ Not installing a roof fan or window vents, causing stuffy air and condensation.
❌ Placing vents in the wrong locations, leading to poor airflow.
✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Use closed-cell foam insulation (such as Armaflex) for moisture resistance and high efficiency.
- Install a MaxxFan roof vent and side vents to promote airflow and prevent condensation.
- Ensure proper sealing and vapour barriers to stop damp buildup.
For an in-depth guide on campervan insulation, check out this resource from Van Life Academy.
Want your van insulated professionally? Our Bhode Artisan Package includes expert-installed insulation, ventilation, and watertight window installs so you can skip the hassle!
2. Inadequate Electrical System – A Costly and Dangerous Oversight
Wiring a campervan is not something you want to get wrong. A poorly designed electrical system can result in:
- Battery drain (if you underestimate your power needs).
- Fire hazards (if cables are the wrong gauge or improperly fused).
- Unreliable off-grid power (if you choose cheap or mismatched components).
Common Electrical Mistakes in DIY Campervan Builds:
❌ Using a leisure battery that’s too small for your power consumption.
❌ Incorrectly wiring fuses or omitting circuit protection.
❌ Overloading a cheap split-charge relay instead of using a DC-DC charger.
✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Calculate your power needs (lights, fridge, water pump, charging devices, etc.) before choosing a battery setup.
- Use lithium batteries for better efficiency and lifespan.
- Install a Victron DC-DC charger for safe and efficient alternator charging.
- Ensure proper fusing and cable thickness for each circuit.
Learn more about choosing the right campervan electrical setup.
Not confident with electrics? The Bhode Artisan Package provides a professionally installed electrical system with solar, ready for you to plug and play!
3. Inefficient Layout & Poor Use of Space
Your van’s layout will determine how comfortable and functional it is. Many DIY builders realise too late that they’ve made key design mistakes, such as:
- Not leaving enough walkway space, making the van feel cramped.
- Placing the bed too low, reducing storage potential.
- Forgetting to plan a seating/dining area, limiting usability.
- Blocking access to electrical or water systems, making future repairs difficult.
✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Plan before you build – use SketchUp or paper templates to design the interior.
- Maximise storage by using overhead cabinets, slide-out drawers, and multipurpose furniture.
- Ensure access panels for electrics, gas, and water so maintenance is easy.
- Think about ergonomics – can you comfortably move, cook, and relax in your space?
4. Water System Mistakes – Leaks, Freezing & Poor Drainage
A poorly designed plumbing system can lead to leaks, weak water pressure, and frozen pipes in winter.
Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes:
❌ Using incorrect pipe fittings, leading to leaks.
❌ Not insulating water tanks and pipes, causing freezing in cold weather.
❌ Poor drainage setup, leading to slow-draining sinks and standing water.
✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Use John Guest push-fit fittings for a secure, leak-free system.
- Install underslung water tanks with insulation to prevent freezing.
- Ensure proper venting and positioning of wastewater pipes for smooth drainage.
5. Underestimating Budget & Timeline – The Costly Trap
Many DIYers start with a budget in mind but quickly realise costs add up fast due to unexpected expenses.
Common Budgeting Mistakes:
❌ Not factoring in the cost of tools and materials.
❌ Buying low-quality components that need replacing.
❌ Underestimating the time required to complete the build.
✅ How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Create a realistic budget and include a buffer for unexpected costs.
- Invest in quality components to avoid repairs and replacements.
- Consider a part-build solution like the Bhode Artisan Package, where essential structural and electrical work is professionally completed, saving time and reducing errors.
Final Thoughts – Build with Confidence, Avoid the Stress
DIYing a campervan is a fantastic journey, but it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. By avoiding these five major mistakes, you can create a safe, comfortable, and reliable campervan without unnecessary stress.
Get in touch today to learn more about how the Bhode Artisan Package can make your DIY campervan build easier and stress-free!
