Camper Conversion Made Easy

Experience your own self-conversion adventure and be inspired

CARAVAN SALON Düsseldorf 2024 - FOR ALL WHO LIKE TO DESIGN IT THEMSELVES.

CARAVAN SALON presents the special theme ‘Self-conversion Adventure’ by explorer magazine.

If you are thinking about converting, renovating or customising a vehicle on your own, then our trade fair special ‘Self-Conversion Adventure’ is the right place for you. The experts from Explorer magazine will tell you everything you need to know about campervan conversions at CARAVAN SALON.

In the outdoor area in front of halls 13 and 14, you will find four self-built leisure vehicles that will give you an impression of the range of the topic. Lectures and expert Q&A sessions on topics such as project management, vehicle purchase, floor plan planning, electrical installation, heating and cooking, workshop and materials science will be held daily in the open air..

Secure your tickets now!

Photo: Electrical Demonstration Board | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: Speaker on the "Camper Conversion" Stage | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: Vehicle Converted as Part of the "Camper Conversion" Project | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: Visitors to the Camper Conversion Area | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: Presentation on the "Camper Conversion" Stage | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: Visitor in the construction vehicle | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: DIY Materials | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

Photo: Overview of Heating and Cooking | © Messe Düsseldorf/ A. Wiese

From a Postbus to the Camper of Your Dreams

How do you turn a decommissioned mail bus into a custom camper? At the CARAVAN SALON, we’ll show you step by step using a real, full-scale exhibit. We’ll demonstrate how, with a manageable budget, you can transform a worn-out workhorse into an attractive foundation for a DIY camper conversion.

The vehicle will be on display throughout the entire duration of the CARAVAN SALON, inviting visitors to experience the conversion firsthand. Every day at 5 p.m., things get hands-on: In a live demo, we’ll demonstrate techniques, technical tips, and practical solutions for the DIY conversion.

And that’s just the beginning: The project kicks off this year and will continue in the years to come. This way, you can follow step by step as the former mail bus is transformed into a functional and comfortable motorhome.

More information in the program

Where can I find products for self-assembly at CARAVAN SALON?

Under the motto ‘Self-converters welcome!’, numerous exhibitors from the Technology & Components and Equipment & Outdoor sectors are inviting visitors interested in customising their own vehicles to visit their stands and are looking forward to advising and presenting their DIY products for customising a vehicle.

Look out in our exhibitor and product database and in the exhibition halls for the ‘Self-converters welcome!’ sign with the logo opposite.

Click here to see the exhibitors with the ‘Self-converters welcome!’ feature.

Be inspired by home-built vehicles on the open-air site in front of Halls 13 and 14

Do you want to convert your leisure vehicle yourself? Experience live how it works!

Be there in 2026! -> Get your tickets now!

Photo: Adventure self-construction lecture © Messe Düsseldorf

Photo: Adventure self-construction © Messe Düsseldorf

You can look forward to the new lecture programme on the subject of ‘Self-conversion Adventure’!

Program overview

Photo: Adventure self-conversion © Messe Düsseldorf

Photo: Adventure self-conversion lecture © Messe Düsseldorf

Exhibition vehicle 01: Caravan

Simple home extension with modular furniture in a conventional box trailer.

Using flat-pack furniture, a living space for one to two people was created on a floor space of 3.2 square metres.
There is storage space, a bed, lighting and water, and it is possible to transport a car or motorbike.
The concept was developed by the German company Modular Living, which specialises in modular furniture systems. The company's aim is to create a living space that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The modular furniture system is designed to be used in a variety of ways, for example as a living space.

Exhibition vehicle 02: Nissan Patrol ‘Yeti’

Compact micro camper suitable for everyday use for two people. Sleeping space inside or alternatively in the roof tent. Kitchen, cool box, water and electricity supply.

Modifications to date: rust treatment with welding work, new underbody protection. Replacement of
defective front bumper, chassis overhauled. Installation of a roof tent, rear kitchen on the
rear door. Replacement of rear side windows with flaps.

Exhibition vehicle 03: All-wheel drive motorhome ‘Artax’

Long-distance-capable four-wheel drive camper in the 3.5-tonne class for two people, with the aim of integrating sustainable construction and usage techniques wherever possible.

The motorhome was built entirely by hand – from the cabin to the technical equipment. Renewable, recycled and environmentally friendly materials were used wherever possible. The result is a lightweight, durable vehicle with a low carbon footprint and a higher build quality than many production models. The equipment includes a water-based diesel heating system with a low-emission blue burner and a large solar panel system.

Click here to find out more about the exhibition vehicles and other offers!

Photo: Self-built campervan from the inside

Camper conversion made easy

Customise your camper according to your wishes. Find out everything you need to know about costs, effort, the right materials and modules to make a successful self-build as easy as possible at the trade fair. Heating, cool box, water pump and lights - even if you limit yourself to the bare essentials when converting, you will still need a basic power supply. But which charger is required, how does the solar system work and how big does the battery need to be? At CARAVAN SALON, you will not only receive tips for electric beginners, but will also find the right exhibitors with the products you need in the product category ‘Detachable parts and components ’for caravans and motor caravans’.

Photo: Craft work when converting a motorhome yourself

Motorhome self-conversion

Design your motorhome according to your own ideas and create a customised motorhome for your next travel destination. The conversion of a motorhome requires careful planning, as certain requirements must be observed due to the size of the vehicle. We can provide you with tips and suggestions on the numerous options for converting a motorhome yourself. Find out at CARAVAN SALON how to keep your DIY campervan conversion within budget and in terms of time. You will also get an overview of the most important aspects of preparation, planning and construction as well as details that hardly anyone knows about.

Do you have general questions about CARAVAN SALON or would you like to buy your ticket directly?

explorer Magazin