Dodge Caravan Camper Conversion | How to Guide

Embarking on a road trip or camping adventure often entails the desire for freedom, flexibility, and a sense of adventure. But what if you could combine the convenience of your everyday vehicle with the comfort of a minivan camper?

Well, that’s exactly what the Dodge Caravan Camper can offer. For those of you wanting a versatile vehicle that can be easily transformed into a campervan, the Dodge Caravan offers the best of both worlds: mobility and homely comforts – perfect for all van life pursuits!

Converting a Dodge Caravan is a small camper conversion project but it’s capable of creating ample interior space, albeit with an inconspicuous exterior. A great choice for those who want a camper but also a set wheels for your daily excursions.  

Offering better fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability compared to larger vehicles, the Dodge Caravan has plenty of conversion possibilities and comfortable interior layouts.

If you’re keen to give it a try, here’s what we’d suggest:

Plan Your Dodge Caravan Conversion…

Before diving into the conversion process, it’s essential to plan meticulously. Consider your travel needs, budget, and design preferences. Determine the essential features you want in your camper, starting with your sleeping arrangements – do you want one big bed, two smaller beds, a fixed bed or one that converts into seating space during the day?  

Next consider your storage space – the things you use on the daily need to be easily accessible – like pots, pans, and that all important cafetiere. Ideally, allow for items to be stored near where you plan to be using them, because it’s just no fun having to rummage in the depths of the boot space every time you fancy a coffee.

Then, think about the types of meals you intend to cook in your new camper; do you need two stovetop rings or only one? Will you want to cook mostly outside, inside or have the flexibility of doing both?

Depending on the answers to these questions will help you decide what should be a priority when it comes to creating a design that works for you. A good way to do this is to imagine what your average day will look like when you’re travelling in your camper and create a setup of all the things you’ll need. Then sketch out a rough layout to visualise the interior setup and ensure optimal use of space.

Key Van Build Considerations:

• Bed Platform: Use the Caravan’s rear seating and cargo space to build a platform that doubles as a bed. You can either construct a fixed platform or opt for a convertible design that allows for seating during the day and sleeping quarters at night.
• Storage Solutions: Maximise storage by incorporating shelves, cabinets, and drawers beneath the bed platform or along the sidewalls. When space is limited, every inch needs to be used efficiently. Think stow and go. Consider where items will go to make for easy access and swift packing away.  For inspo, check out boat and caravan sites for nifty stowing and storage ideas. 
• Kitchenette: Create a compact kitchenette equipped with a counter top, sink, water tank, and storage for cooking essentials. Consider installing a portable stove or opting for a built-in propane cooktop for preparing meals on the go.
• Electrical Setup: Install a secondary battery system to power lights, appliances, and electronic devices. A solar panel can be a sustainable option for generating electricity while off the grid and USB ports and power outlets can be installed for charging gadgets and devices.
• Ventilation and Climate Control: Ensure adequate ventilation by installing windows, roof vents, or a fan to regulate airflow and prevent condensation buildup. Consider adding insulation and a heating source for comfort during colder months.

Get Building Your Minivan …

With a solid plan in place, it’s time to start transforming your Dodge Caravan into a camper.

Step 1:

Clear out the Caravan’s interior, removing anything you don’t intend to use like old seats, carpets, and trim. With a clean, blank canvas for your conversion project you’ll want to consider your building materials. Solid, sturdy, yet lightweight is the key.  Find out what maximum load capacity is and choose materials that will keep you well below the weight limit to account for the entire vehicle weight when fully laden. This is for safety reasons and saving on fuel when you’re on the move.

Step 2:

Before you start building it’s a good idea to figure out where items like switches, outlets, water pipes etc will be located to ensure they won’t be blocked by anything. If you want to be extra sure before diving into the build – mark where everything will go with masking tape. This also helps to give you a better perception of your design too. 

Step 3:

The first thing to build is the bed platform, ensuring it’s sturdy and level. Install storage compartments and fixtures according to your layout design, the layout of which will depend on the desired camping gear you’d like to stow under the bed. Most builds opt for timber batons for legs / side support with cross bars, plus a large piece of 15 mm ply to create the bed base. Choosing a simple foam mattress will be your cheapest and your lightest option. Super comfy too!

Step 4:

The next thing to install are the kitchen appliances, electrical components, and plumbing fixtures as per your planned setup. Test each system to ensure proper functionality and safety compliance before building your cabinets and storage around them. 

Step 5:

Add personal touches and decorative elements to infuse character into your camper while being mindful that function will always trump fashion. Think privacy curtains, floor mats for dirty feet, well placed hooks for wet towels, coats and clothes, magnetic attachments for utensils and drawstring storage pouches for all those loose odds and sods.  

Converting a Dodge Caravan into a camper is a rewarding project and by following a systematic approach you can transform your ordinary minivan into a versatile adventure companion that’s ready to hit the open road. 

This guide is just a brief intro into all the things you’ll need to consider before converting a Dodge Caravan into a camper. If you’re still keen and ready to get stuck into your build, check out these other pages for more details and step by step instructions to help you bring your ideas to life:      

Alternatively, check out our Ultimate Van Conversion Guide. Taking you step-by-step through how to build a camper van, even if you have no-build experience with conversions.

It includes more than 150 pages of easy-to-follow instructions, as well as 25 video guides exclusive to owners of the eBook, you can buy it here.