How to Convert a Dodge Sprinter to a Camper


1. Sweep the interior of the vehicle and clean all trash and dirt from the inside. Nothing needs to removed or demolished since it is a cargo van with an empty interior. Line the interior walls, ceiling and floor with loft insulation. The insulation can be cut with a razor blade to fit into the deep wall pockets. Cover the insulation with 1/4-inch plywood. Use sheet metal screws to attach the plywood to the van by drilling the screws into the long structural braces that already exist in the van. Pre-cut holes in the plywood to match the existing interior lights.
2. Cover the floor of the van with carpet. Use carpet glue to secure the material to the floor and a combination of carpet glue and carpet nails for the walls and ceiling. Only use the nails around the exterior line of the carpet. You can use wood for the floor but carpet adds insulation value for cold weather camping.
3. Frame a bed for the back of the van using 2-by-3 boards. Build a rectangular base and four uprights for each long side. Use two uprights for the short sides. Frame the top of the bed to match the bottom. Cover the sides of the bed with 1/4-inch plywood and 1-inch wood screws. Attach a hinge to the top of the bed frame and attach 1/4-inch plywood to the hinge. This will allow access to the storage area beneath the bed. Connect the bed to the floor with metal brackets and one inch wood screws. Make the width of the bed equal to the width of the back of the van and adjust the length to support one or two people. Cover the bed with foam padding for comfort.
4. Build a bench seat on one side of the van. Make the bench seat 3-feet wide and 4-feet tall. The length can be all the way to the front seats or only a couple of feet depending on the number of people that will be in the van at one time. Build the bench by constructing a rectangular frame out of 2-by-3 boards. Cover the bench with 1/4-inch plywood and use a hinge on the top for access to the storage inside of the bench. Secure the bench to the floor of the van with a metal bracket. Cover the bench with foam padding. Staple the corners of the foam directly to the bench, with a staple gun.
5. Build a counter top on the opposite side of the bench. This will leave a walking isle between the bench and the counter. Use 2-by-4 boards for the legs and 1/4-inch plywood for the top. Cover the plywood with a marine grade paint to prevent water damage. Secure each leg of the counter to the floor of the van using metal brackets. Place plastic storage containers beneath the counter for kitchen and camping supplies.