Van conversion planner software: SketchUp vs Tinkercad vs Vanspace 3D vs OurVan

Updated 3 October 2026

Before the first screw goes in, almost everyone draws a plan. Paper, spreadsheet, 3D software… The right tool saves weeks: it catches the bed that is too short, the fridge blocking the sliding door or the battery missing from the budget. Here is an honest comparison of the four tools most people use to plan a camper van.

The comparison at a glance

Vendors change their offers and features over time: always check current pricing on their websites.

SketchUp: total freedom, after a learning curve

SketchUp is the reference for approachable 3D modelling. You can draw anything to the millimetre, and the 3D Warehouse library holds van models shared by the community. The trade-off: you have to learn the tool (push/pull, groups, components), and nothing is van-specific: no insulation maths, no power budget, no cost tracking. The free web version is for personal use.

• Pros: total freedom, precise results, huge community.
• Cons: long to learn, no van-specific tools, budget handled elsewhere.

Tinkercad: simple and free, but generic

Tinkercad (by Autodesk) works like building blocks: you stack simple shapes in the browser. Great for mocking up a single cabinet or a 3D-printed part. For a whole conversion you quickly hit its limits: no van models, awkward dimensions at vehicle scale, and no link to a budget.

• Pros: free, very easy, ideal for a single piece of furniture.
• Cons: not designed for a whole vehicle, no budget or calculations.

Vanspace 3D: a specialised configurator

Vanspace 3D is built around vans: you pick your vehicle, then place conversion items from a catalogue. It is fast and visual, which is its real strength. It is a paid product; check on the vendor’s website which features each plan includes.

• Pros: van-specific, quick to learn, polished visuals.
• Cons: paid, and tracking real spending depends on the plan.

OurVan: the 3D plan and the budget in one place

OurVan is a free web app (we build it, so we say so openly). Its angle: tie the 3D plan to the budget. Every piece of furniture, insulation layer and electrical point can be linked to a budget item, with a planned amount and what you actually paid. The app also works out square metres of insulation, cable lengths and cross-sections, battery autonomy, storage volume and an estimate of the vehicle weight.

• Pros: free, about 120 van models, budget and real costs linked to the plan, insulation and electrics calculated, works on phones and with several people.
• Cons: less freedom than real modelling software for complex shapes (curved furniture, custom cut-outs).

Which tool should you choose?

• You already know 3D and want custom shapes: SketchUp.
• You only need to mock up a cabinet or a part: Tinkercad.
• You want a specialised configurator and are happy to pay: Vanspace 3D.
• You want an accurate, free plan with budget, insulation and electrics worked out in one place: OurVan.

You can also mix them: many vanlifers plan the layout and budget in OurVan, then model one tricky cabinet in SketchUp.

FAQ

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• Van conversion budget: how much does it cost? (+ free online budget)