The rise of the #vanlife movement has captured the imaginations of adventure-seekers and wanderlusters around the world. The allure of being able to travel freely, live minimally, and connect with nature is driving more and more people to ditch traditional homes and hit the open road in custom-built campervans. And it's not just young digital nomads - retirees, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are embracing this mobile lifestyle.

What's the secret to crafting the perfect adventure mobile? In my opinion, it all comes down to incorporating the right features and amenities. One setup that I'm particularly fond of is the combination of a DIY campervan build with an outdoor rooftop tent and a 270 degree awning. This trifecta provides the ultimate in versatility, comfort, and functionality on the road.

In this blog post, I'm going to walk you through the entire process of planning, designing, and building out a campervan with these key features. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge and inspiration you need to create your own dream adventure vehicle. So let's get started!

Planning Your Campervan Build

Before you can start transforming a regular van into a tricked-out campervan, you need to do some careful planning. The first and most important decision is choosing the right base vehicle. While you can technically convert any van, truck, or SUV into a camper, certain models are better suited than others.

The most popular options for campervan builds tend to be cargo vans like the Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, and Mercedes Sprinter. These provide a nice balance of size, maneuverability, and interior space to work with. Other van-based RVs, like the Dodge Grand Caravan or Honda Odyssey, can also work well if you don't need quite as much room. Truck-based campers built on the chassis of a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or similar are another option, though they tend to be larger and less fuel-efficient.

No matter which vehicle you select, make sure to thoroughly research its specs, dimensions, and capabilities. You'll want to understand things like the cargo capacity, payload, headroom, and wheelbase in order to properly design your campervan layout and determine what's feasible. It's also a good idea to test drive a few different models to get a feel for how they handle and what features are most important to you.

Once you've picked your base van, it's time to start planning the interior. This is where the real fun begins! You'll need to determine your must-have features and amenities, then map out the ideal floorplan. Some common elements include:

Sleeping area (e.g. platform bed, convertible dinette)

Storage solutions (cabinets, drawers, shelves)

Kitchen setup (countertop, sink, cooktop, fridge)

Bathroom or wet bath

Power system (battery bank, solar panels, inverter)

Plumbing (freshwater, greywater, toilet)

Heating and cooling (space heater, fan, A/C)

Entertainment (TV, stereo, WiFi)

It's also important to factor in ventilation, insulation, and any other necessary utilities or creature comforts. And of course, you'll want to leave room for that rooftop tent and 270 degree awning! Nailing down the layout upfront will make the actual build process much smoother.

Finally, as you're planning, be sure to research any relevant regulations, safety requirements, or conversion guidelines in your area. Things like weight limits, electrical codes, and even parking/camping rules can impact your design choices. The last thing you want is to end up with a beautiful campervan that can't be legally or safely driven.

Installing the Rooftop Tent

With the foundation of your campervan laid out, it's time to start adding some of the key features that will set it apart. One of the most critical - and exciting - of these is the rooftop tent.

Rooftop tents have become increasingly popular in the campervan and overlanding communities, and for good reason. They offer a superior sleeping experience compared to a standard mattress in the back of your van, with built-in insulation, waterproofing, and sturdy construction. Plus, they free up valuable interior space that you can use for storage, a kitchen setup, or other living amenities.

When it comes to selecting a rooftop tent, there are tons of options on the market. Brands like Tepui, iKamper, and Thule make some of the most well-known and high-quality models. As you're researching, pay close attention to factors like the tent's weight capacity, the ease of setup/breakdown, the quality of the materials, and any special features like LED lighting or annex rooms.

Once you've settled on the perfect rooftop tent, it's time to install it. This process will vary depending on the specific make and model, as well as the roof rack system on your van. Generally speaking, you'll need to:

Assemble the tent base and hardware according to the manufacturer's instructions. This often involves things like reinforced crossbars, mounting brackets, and support poles.

Position the tent base on your van's roof and mark the holes where you'll be drilling. Make sure to double-check the placement for proper weight distribution and clearance.

Carefully drill the necessary holes through your van's roof, taking care not to damage any internal wiring or components. Insert the mounting bolts and secure the tent base in place.

With the base securely mounted, you can then attach the actual tent fabric and close it up. Many rooftop tents have a telescoping ladder that extends down to the ground for easy access.

Finally, make any necessary adjustments to ensure a tight, weatherproof seal between the tent and your van's roof. You may need to caulk or seal around the edges.

The whole installation process can take a few hours, so be patient and follow all safety precautions. It's also a good idea to test out the tent at home before your first road trip to work out any kinks. With a little care and attention, you'll have a rugged, reliable rooftop sleeping solution that's ready to hit the open road.

Adding the 270 Degree Awning

No campervan build is complete without some serious outdoor living space, and that's where a 270 degree awning comes in. This type of retractable awning extends not just to the side of your van, but also wraps partially around the rear as well. The result is a huge covered area that provides shade, shelter, and an extra "room" for everything from cooking to stargazing.

There are a few key benefits to incorporating a 270 awning into your campervan setup:

Increased Livable Space - The extra square footage under the awning essentially doubles your usable outdoor area, which is especially valuable when you're boondocking or camping in remote locations. You gain a sheltered space for dining, relaxing, and even sleeping if needed.

Versatile Weather Protection - Whether you're trying to escape the sun, rain, or wind, a 270 awning has you covered - literally. The extended canopy wraps around to shield multiple sides of your van, creating a more comfortable and functional outdoor environment.

Enhanced Privacy and Security - With the awning extended, you gain a bit more visual and physical separation from your surroundings. This can provide a greater sense of seclusion, especially if you're parked in busier areas.

As with rooftop tents, there are many different 270 awning systems on the market to choose from. Common brands include Dometic, Fiamma, and Rhino-Rack. Consider factors like the size, materials, mounting method, and included accessories when making your selection.

The actual installation process will vary depending on your specific van model and awning setup. But in general, you can expect it to involve:

Determining the ideal mounting location on your van's exterior, taking into account things like door clearance, roof rack placement, and aesthetic appeal.

Carefully measuring and marking the spot where you'll be drilling the mounting brackets. Double-check your measurements!

Drilling the necessary holes and bolting the awning's base securely to your van's body. Make sure it's level and properly reinforced.

Unfolding the awning fabric and attaching it to the base frame, following the manufacturer's instructions. This may require additional support poles or tension straps.

Routing any electrical wiring (for LED lights, power, etc.) and ensuring a weatherproof seal around the mounting points.

Setting Up the Rooftop Tent and 270 Awning Combo:

When arriving at your campsite, it's best to start by deploying the rooftop tent first. This provides a stable and elevated base to then extend the 270 degree awning around. Begin by unlocking and unfolding the rooftop tent, making sure to secure all the attachment points and ladders. Once the tent is fully set up, you can turn your attention to the awning. Carefully unfurl the awning fabric and attach it to the pre-installed mounting brackets on the side of your campervan. Extend the awning out to its full 270 degree coverage, creating a large shaded area around the vehicle. Use the included adjustable legs to level and stabilize the awning, ensuring it is taut and won't flap or sag in the wind. For added stability, consider using the included guy lines and stakes, particularly if you're camping in an area prone to breezy conditions.

Maximizing Usable Space:

With the 270 degree awning fully extended, you'll have an impressively large covered outdoor living space adjacent to the rooftop tent. This creates ample room to set up a comfortable camp lounge area. Place camp chairs, a small folding table, and any other gear you want to keep under the shade of the awning. The wide coverage also provides an ideal spot for cooking, eating meals, and simply relaxing outside. If you're planning to spend evenings at your campsite, you can even hang battery-powered string lights from the awning frame to add some ambiance as the sun goes down. The rooftop tent above gives you a cozy sleeping space, while the expansive awning transforms the area below into an extended living room for your campervan adventures.

Weatherproofing and Insulation:

The combination of the elevated rooftop tent and 270 degree awning creates an impressively weatherproof and insulated camping setup. If inclement weather rolls in, you can add sidewalls or privacy panels to the awning to block wind and rain. This helps maintain a comfortable interior climate within your campervan's living space. For colder climates, be sure to insulate the rooftop tent with a warm and cushioned camping mattress, along with cozy bedding. The awning's shade also works to keep the interior of the van cool during hot sunny days, reducing the need for power-hungry air conditioning. Overall, this camping system provides excellent protection from the elements, allowing you to stay comfortable no matter the weather conditions.

Storage and Organization:

Utilizing the space under the extended awning is a great way to keep your campsite tidy and organized. You can store coolers, camp chairs, outdoor gear, and other supplies neatly beneath the awning's coverage. Many awning models also come with attachment points or built-in storage pockets along the frame, perfect for stashing smaller items like headlamps, utensils, or other camping essentials. The rooftop tent itself provides internal pockets and gear lofts, giving you even more dedicated storage space for your overnight gear and personal effects. By taking advantage of all the available storage options, you can keep your campsite clutter-free and your vital gear easily accessible during your adventures.