Camperconversion –
Know-how, decision guides & more
Want to convert a vehicle into a camper or an off-road travel vehicle? Here you will find technical tips, planning aids, guides and know-how on DIY camper conversion.
Everything About Camper Conversion – Tips, Technology & Knowledge for Your Mobile Home
In this category you will find practical articles, comprehensive guides and sound knowledge about vehicle conversion. Whether panel van, van, truck, bus or pick-up – we accompany you on your way to an individually built home on wheels.
From power supply and water installations to heating and interior fit-out: we show you which technology works reliably and how, what to look out for when choosing, and how to avoid typical mistakes.
Know-how from Professionals
All posts are written by our technically skilled and well-traveled team members. You can learn more about the tigerexped team on the About Us page in the shop.
Here and there our great tiger community also contributes its experience, which we are always very happy about. Feel free to join in!
What to Expect in This Category:
Basics and planning – what matters in a conversion and how to approach your project in a structured way.
- Technology in detail – power, water, heat, solar and more, explained clearly.
- Guides & DIY tips – For DIY converters, optimizers and repeat offenders
- Product recommendations & comparisons – Find high-quality, travel-ready solutions.
Whether off-road camper, minimalist van or comfortable expedition vehicle – your conversion starts with the right know-how. And that is exactly what you get here. Enjoy reading.
Semi-Solid-State – Modern Battery Technology for Your Motorhome
What makes semi-solid-state batteries special? Find out how they differ from classic LiFePO4 and when the technology is worthwhile in a motorhome.
Installing an Auxiliary Heater Under the Passenger Seat – with the Ducato Installation Kit
Learn how to install an Autoterm Air 2D step by step, easily and cleanly, in Ducato, Jumper and similar vans.
Galvanic Corrosion in the Boiler – When the Electrics Attack Your Water System
How can corrosion develop in a camper’s boiler after a short time, even leading to leaks? The surprising answer: a fault in the electrical installation.
316L Stainless Steel – Indestructible? What Stainless Steel Boilers Can and Cannot Handle in a Camper
Water disinfection and system cleaners: can stainless steel boilers in a camper handle chlorine, silver ions & co? We explain what you can do and what you had better leave alone.
Leisure Battery in a Motorhome – Which Battery Type Really Suits You
Battery in a motorhome & camper: AGM, gel or LiFePO₄? Learn the differences and the pros and cons in everyday use, and find the right leisure battery for your conversion with a checklist.
Why a DC-DC Charger Instead of an Isolating Relay – and How to Size It
DC-DC chargers, also called B2B chargers or charging converters, should be preferred over an isolating relay for charging from the alternator. Here you will learn why, and how large the charger should be.
Why a Diesel Auxiliary Heater Does Not Belong on the Gas Piping
Connecting a diesel auxiliary heater to the existing Truma air ducting is not a good idea. Find out why and what you should do instead.
Setting Up & Installing a Pressure Reducer in Your Camper Correctly – How to Avoid a Dripping Safety Valve
An incorrectly set or positioned pressure reducer is often the cause of problems in the water system. Here you will learn how to easily avoid them.
Diesel Auxiliary Heater in Autumn: The Most Important Questions
Smoke, error 13, winter diesel & power consumption – every autumn our support receives similar questions about operating the auxiliary heater. Here you get the answers.
Installing / Retrofitting a Diesel Auxiliary Heater in a Camper & Motorhome – Everything You Need to Know
Heating independently in your camper: find the right diesel auxiliary heater and learn everything about installation, consumption and choosing the right output.
DC-DC Charger Not Charging – Missing D+ Signal & What You Can Do
Your DC-DC charger is not doing what it should? Often the D+ signal is missing – we show you why this happens and what solutions there are.
Installation Example: Hot Shower Kit 2.0 in the Ducato of Abenteuer Vanlife
With YouTube videos on technical camper conversion you have to be careful – often some serious mistakes are shown that get copied unsuspectingly. Not so with this video by Tobi and Imke. If you want to install a Hot Shower Kit in your van, you can get a good impression here.
Common Wiring Problems in Camper Electrics – and How to Avoid Them
Pitfalls in camper electrics? In this article you will learn the most common wiring mistakes in camper conversions – and how to avoid them cleverly. For a safe, trouble-free power supply on the road!
Combining Different Solar Panels – Challenge and Smart Solution
Combining different solar panels comes with some limitations. We look at what they are and what solutions there are.
Installing a Control Flap Correctly – How to Control the Warm Air in Your Camper
With a control flap you can regulate the warm air flow of the auxiliary heater. Find out here how it is installed and what you absolutely need to watch out for.
Submersible Pump or Pressure Water Pump in Your Camper – What Suits YOU?
Whether a submersible pump or a pressure water pump is better suited to your camper is explained here by our technicians Lars and Nico.
Coolant Circuit Kit – Explained by the Tech Tigers Nico & Lars
We have developed a kit for safely integrating a hot water boiler into the vehicle’s cooling system. Our technical specialists Lars and Nico explain here how it works.
How Long Does a Drinking Water Filter Last in a Motorhome?
Manufacturer specifications and travel experience can differ greatly here. Why that is, and how you can get the most out of your filters.
How to Make Your Autoterm Auxiliary Heater Fit for Overland Travel & Off-Roading
These are the precautions you should take so that your Autoterm auxiliary heater runs reliably even on trips on unpaved tracks.
Which Hot Water Boiler for Your Travel Vehicle: monoBOIL, duoBOIL or combiBOIL?
Together we analyze which type of hot water preparation is best suited for you and your travel vehicle, and compare monoBOIL, duoBOIL and combiBOIL.
Underfloor Mounting of an Autoterm Auxiliary Heater – Why We Often Advise Against It
Underfloor mounting of an auxiliary heater – sensible or risky? Find out why we advise against it, what problems can occur and what alternatives there are.
Boiler Heat-Up Time – How Long Until I Can Shower in My Camper
We look at the different heating methods and how long each takes until you have warm water.
Installing a Motorhome Solar System – Step-by-Step Guide
In this guide we explain how to easily mount and connect a motorhome solar system yourself.
Water Filters in a Motorhome – It Does Not Work Without Pressure
Sufficient pressure is crucial for water filters in a motorhome to work as intended. This is the minimum you should have.
Induction Hob in a Camper / Motorhome
Advantages, disadvantages and energy demand – A decision aid for your conversion, with real-world experience.
Autoterm Control Panels Compared – Heating Modes, Features, Handling
Which Autoterm control panel offers which settings and features – we compare them to make your choice easy.
Integrating a Hot Water Boiler into the Engine Coolant Circuit – Basics
Keep these basics in mind when integrating a hot water boiler into the engine’s cooling circuit, so that everything works without error messages and without hazards.
Installation Guide Hot Shower Kit 2.0
This is how you install the tigerexped Hot Shower Kit 2.0 with Autoterm auxiliary heater and combiBOIL hot water boiler as an integrated system.
Mounting an Overland Fuel Canister Holder – Here’s How
Guide to mounting Overland Fuel canister holders. Practical exterior mounting of fuel and water canisters on your camper in just a few steps.
LiFePo4 Batteries with Heating – Keep This in Mind for Winter Use
LiFePo4 batteries with heating can warm themselves so that they can be charged at low temperatures. Here is what to keep in mind.
Auxiliary Heater Problems Caused by Undervoltage – Identify and Fix
Too low an electrical voltage can cause a variety of problems with auxiliary heaters in campers. We help with fault diagnosis and solutions.
Hot Water Boiler for Campers & Motorhomes – New Possibilities, Full Flexibility
An unprecedented combination of all possible applications in one device. More flexibility, more comfort, more safety – the combiBOIL is here!
Choosing the Right Fuse Size in a 12V Electrical System
Choosing the right fuse size explained step by step, for safe operation of your motorhome electrics.
Installing a 12V USB Socket in a Motorhome – Step by Step
Installing a pressure water pump in a motorhome: where in the space, how to wire it, with which material. Here you will learn how it’s done.
Pressure Water Pump in a Motorhome – Installing and Connecting It Correctly
Installing a pressure water pump in a motorhome: where in the space, how to wire it, with which material. Here you will learn how it’s done.
Amount of Energy in Your Camper – How to Calculate Your Power Needs
How much power do you really need: easily calculate the energy required in your camper – here’s how!
Hot Water in Your Camper – Your Options with Boilers & Co
Hot water in a camper can be achieved with quite simple means. Here we talk about the options.
Pressure Water System for Campers – Components, Layout, Installation
Which components you need to build a pressure water system in a camper, and how they are selected and arranged in the system.
Maximum Power: Charging via USB in Motorhomes and Campers
Here is what you need to keep in mind so that your devices charge (quickly) via USB in your motorhome.
Inverter in a Motorhome – Sizing It Correctly, Avoiding Mistakes and Damage
An inverter must be sized and selected correctly to work reliably. We tell you how it’s done and what pitfalls await you.
Van Conversion Costs: What the Dream of a Camper Really Costs
We help you plan your budget.
Series or Parallel Wiring of Your Solar System – Which Is Better?
On the background of differing recommendations and why “it just depends”.
Which Water Filter Do You Need? The Right Kit in 5 + 1 Questions
Various filter cartridges, built-in or fill filtration – the range of drinking water filters for campers is confusing. What do you really need?
Heating with the Sibirien Diesel Stove in a Motorhome – Q & A
What does the TÜV (German vehicle inspection authority) actually say about it? This and other burning questions about installing a stove in a motorhome.
Off-Grid in Your Camper – Which Power Concept Suits You
What does “off-grid” actually mean, and what options are there for becoming off-grid based on your personal needs?
How Much Solar for Campers and Motorhomes – Assessing the Influencing Factors Correctly
Learn what yield you can really expect from a solar panel. Lars and Martin take a trip from Norway toward the equator with realistic examples.
Why Doesn’t a 100A Fuse Blow at 100A?
Customer question: Why doesn’t my fuse blow at the stated load? We clarify in this post whether something is wrong.
Calculating Cable Cross-Section – Understanding the Formula and Judging the Result
We calculate an example and you will learn when the result of the formula is only half the truth.
Charging a Victron Energy Smart Battery – When and How
Find out whether your uninstalled Victron Energy LiFePo battery can still be stored, or whether it urgently needs a charge to avoid damage.
Auxiliary Heater Output Too Low or Pump Too Loud?
We clarify what the problem is and how to fix it.
First Start of the Autoterm Auxiliary Heater – These Problems Can Occur
The first commissioning of the auxiliary heater is coming up. Here you will learn which problems can occur and what is perfectly normal.
Sizing a Solar Charge Controller – Here’s How
Which solar charge controller fits the panel size. Keep these values in mind so that everything works!
Average Solar Yield – What Your Panel Really Delivers
If 120Wp is printed on the solar panel, that is not necessarily the output you should realistically count on. We give you an overview.
Replacing an Eberspächer D3L in a VW T4 – TÜV-Compliant with an Autoterm Auxiliary Heater
Explained step by step. What you need and what to watch out for. With Autoterm Air 2D manual download.
Auxiliary Heater Conversion in Las Vegas – Syncro Time [Video Documentary]
Kathrin and Marc of Syncro TIme remove their Eberspächer in a public parking lot in Las Vegas and install a tigerexped installation kit with an Autoterm Air 2D.
Cooking on Electricity in a Van? Manu Tries It Out!
Always enough power to work and then cooking on induction too!? Manu reports on his decision and first experiences.
The Altitude Kit – What It Can Do and What You Still Need to Watch Out For
We at tigerexped co-developed and tested the altitude kit for Autoterm auxiliary heaters. Our tips and a hardcore customer test.
Fuel Supply for the Auxiliary Heater – When a T-Piece Is Not a Good Idea
When should you use a tank pickup tube instead of a T-piece in the diesel line? Keep these 5 situations in mind!
Balcony Power Plant for Home, with a Solar Bag from the Motorhome?
Mini balcony solar system for the wall socket, or using a solar bag / solar system from the motorhome at home? THIS is what you need to keep in mind!
Solar Panel Efficiency – How Important Is the Value Really?
We explain what efficiency is all about, what influences it and whether you even need to care.
Connecting a Second Control Panel to an Autoterm Auxiliary Heater
The “Y-cable” for connecting 2 control panels is on everyone’s lips right now – here is what the manufacturer says.
Temperature Coefficient – Do Not Overlook It When Sizing Your Solar System!
Avoid this mistake if you do not want to end up short of power in summer!
Drinking Water Hose – Look for These Two Certificates!
When converting your travel vehicle, for the sake of your health you should not use just any water hose!
Suffocating at Night Because of a Diesel Auxiliary Heater? The Fact Check
What is really behind the fear of not waking up again when the diesel auxiliary heater runs overnight in the motorhome?
Here’s How: Retrofitting an Autoterm Underfloor Auxiliary Heater in a VW T5 / T6
Illustrated step-by-step guide to installing an auxiliary heater under the step.
Building Camper Furniture with STECK + WEG – As Easy as LEGO
With STECK + WEG, building custom camper furniture is almost as easy as LEGO and always looks professional. Find out here how it’s done.
Dos & Don’ts When Installing an Air Auxiliary Heater
We show the most common installation mistakes and how to avoid them.
TWIN 2-Kit Auxiliary Heater System – The Optimum for Long-Distance and Long-Term Travel
The perfect heating system for expedition vehicles and everyone who wants to travel in a wide range of climate zones!
The Hot Shower Kit – THE Camper Shower for Your Travel Vehicle
Easy to install, no TÜV approval needed, and hot water produced “on the side”. Our Hot Shower Kit makes it possible.