Welcome back! I’m Ryan and in this video I walk you through the 7 essential stages of converting a van into a campervan, using real lessons from my first DIY van build. I’ve lived in a micro camper for two years, travelled across 14 countries, and now I’m tackling a 2012 Mercedes Sprinter.
In today’s episode, I break down the full roadmap of converting a van into a camper van. Then I focus on Stage 3: repairing the van’s bodywork, including how to remove rust and treatment - a must-do step before you build anything inside your van!
🛠️ If you're planning your own van conversion, this guide will save you time, stress, and potentially a lot of money.
📌 Topics covered:
The 7-stages of the van conversion process
What order to tackle your build in
Why rust repair and bodywork matter more than you think
How to prep your van for insulation, flooring, and beyond
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00:00 - Welcome to My Van Build!
00:15 - From Micro Camper to Full Van Conversion
00:20 - 7 Stages of the Van Build process
01:24 - Rust Repairs
02:50 - Rust Prevention
3:24 - Replacing Mercedes Sprinter Trim Clips