Building a DIY campervan is an affordable option if you have a growing family. If you’re handy on the tools, it can save you a lot of money than buying new, too!
With so many great places around Brisbane to go camping, it’s a chance to get out of the normal routine and embrace your new found freedom.
If you’re still unsure, here are five reasons you won’t regret building a DIY campervan:
1. Cost – cheaper than buying one.
When you’re building a DIY campervan, the last things you want are nasty surprises or big bills. But these can be avoided with some careful planning and budgeting for materials. You want to use common materials from DIY or home shops, not specialised (and expensive) materials from motorhome/campervan shops.
Even if the campervan itself isn’t new, it will feel like new once you’ve worked on getting rid of the rust, patching up the holes and giving it a paint job.
But remember to keep an eye on your expenditure, after all a primary goal of a DIY campervan is that it comes out cheaper than buying one.
2. A real challenge – feel satisfied at completing a cool project.
Big DIY projects are challenging, and a campervan is definitely one of these. But if it’s something you feel passionate about or something you’ve always wanted to do, then completing it will be extremely satisfying.
But those who have been there already advise thinking long and hard about it first before you launch into your DIY campervan. DIYers on forum boards warn against leaving your project for long periods, to rust away and take up space in your driveway.
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3. Kids will be stoked – ‘Dad built a campervan!’
If your kids are always on at you to go away camping, then this can be a good motivation to get started on a DIY campervan. Imagine their happy faces once it’s done, knowing you built it with your own two hands.
But make sure you let them know it’s not going to be an overnight job or even a week job. If you’re taking something like a rusty van and revamping it, it may be a few months before it’s ready to hit the road.
If they’re old enough (and interested), you can get them involved doing small, safe jobs to help out.
4. Unique – can add your own personal touch & creativity.
The beauty of a DIY campervan is that you can design something that suits your needs, rather than being limited to buying what’s on the market. If you want solar panels on the roof for a solarized shower and a customised bed platform, then you can fit it out with these things.
Make sure to consult with your other half if you’re going to be using it to go away together. You can be sure they’ll want input on the decor and a few comfort items.
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5. A family bonding experience – make memories.
Kids only stay kids for a short time and then they’ll be much too interested in messaging their friends on their Smartphone to hang out with Mum and Dad. But with a DIY campervan, you get the chance to create family memories that will be talked about for years to come.
As one girl says about growing up with up a VW campervan …
“I’ve had some amazing family memories that would never have occurred without the van being part of the family.”
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