Remove all the rear and middle seats from the van. A minivan can work, but a full-size van like a Ford Econoline works better. Cover the mounting shoes for the seats by gluing or stapling carpeting over them.
Lay a sleeping bag down in the van behind the front seats for your bed. Placing it on top of foam cushions and/or another sleeping bag can make it more comfortable. You can add blankets and pillows to the bed.
Construct a kitchen for the camper by bolting a table to one side of the compartment and placing a small stove on it. This can be a portable electric range or gas camping stove. If using a gas stove, make sure the table is right next to the rear doors for ventilation and the propane canisters are safely stored while driving.
Add an entertainment center if you want. A flat-panel LCD TV can be stored easily, and you can include a portable DVD player, a small game console and a stereo. Keep all of these in a plastic storage container so they will be safe while driving.
Include sources of electrical power for anything like the entertainment center and/or electric stove. Stock one or two deep cycle batteries and connect each to a power inverter. To store the batteries, mount wooden or plastic boxes in the camper by gluing or bolting them to the wall or floor.
Install curtains behind the front seats to separate the driving compartment from the camper. They can be attached to the upholstery with something as simple as mounting tape. Cover the side and rear windows with curtains as well.
