Turning a regular vehicle into a camper can be exciting and rewarding – but not without its challenges. Here’s what we learned from our mistakes!
Fiat Ducato: The camper certification problem
One of the biggest mistakes we made was buying a Fiat Ducato 2.8 diesel, model year 2004. Our first major obstacle was getting the camper conversion certified – Fiat simply wasn’t willing to issue the confirmation required to legally change the vehicle's registration from a cargo van to a camper. Every time we register the vehicle, we have to remove the interior fittings in order to register it as a regular cargo van. If you’re buying a vehicle, check whether the brand supports camper certification. We now know that all other brands in Serbia except Fiat offer the option to convert a vehicle legally.
Tow hook issues: What to do if your vehicle doesn’t come with one
Our Fiat Ducato, of course, didn’t come with a factory-installed tow hook, which was another challenge. A tow hook is essential if you plan to attach a bike rack, a motorcycle carrier, or even a boat trailer. There are two options: one is to certify the tow hook after installing it, and the other is to remove it before every technical inspection and re-install it afterward. If you want to avoid extra hassle, make sure the vehicle you’re buying already has a factory tow hook installed.
Improvised awnings – forget about them!
Buying an improvised awning turned out to be a waste of money. Although they looked good in pictures, they were impractical and took too long to set up. They also lacked stability, depended heavily on where we parked, and were difficult to use in bad weather. Our recommendation is to invest in a quality awning like Fiamma or Thule. These are easy to install, available second-hand at decent prices, and can add up to 10m² of extra space in front of your camper – especially handy during rainy days or intense heat.
Comfort priorities – inside and out
Sometimes we focus too much on the camper interior and forget about the space in front of it. That outdoor space can be used for sitting, cooking, and storing things. Without good outdoor gear, even the comfiest camper interior feels incomplete. Set up your exterior space to be functional, and you’ll enjoy camping much more. For comfort under the awning, invest in simple “Greek-style” beach loungers – they’re ideal for relaxing, budget-friendly, and easy to carry around, even to the beach.
Budget wisely
Lastly, be realistic about your expenses. Our total investment in the vehicle was around €12,000, including the vehicle itself, repairs, and camper equipment. Plan your budget in advance and expect additional costs – converting a van into a camper is a bigger project than it seems at first.
Final word: Learn from our mistakes
Converting a vehicle into a camper requires careful planning and research. Based on our mistakes, we can confidently say it’s crucial to rely on brands that offer flexibility in Serbia and invest in quality equipment that makes your time in nature more enjoyable. We hope our tips help you avoid the same missteps we made!