Step-by-Step DIY Van Conversion
Phase XX - Installation of Key Features
This website is like a van conversion- it's hard work and messy!
This list is out of order and in progress...just our discombobulated notes. We'll back at it when we can!
https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Plumber-s-Choice-3-4-in-x-3-4-in-Plastic-PEX-Poly-Alloy-Adapter-PEX-x-MPT-Barb-Pipe-Fitting-5-Pack-3434PPMA-5/311526320?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-BA-F_Test-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-NA-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_PEXPipes_Fittings_BFT&cm_mmc=Shopping-BA-F_Test-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-NA-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_PEXPipes_Fittings_BFT-71700000069468414-58700006139311715-92700055503841341&gclid=CjwKCAjwkoz7BRBPEiwAeKw3qwcQVSsCOeGi_2Ina9r5jX0MiMolooX3SqXeZzDnJb7wL4VsijU0ERoC2b0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
shower pan https://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-plumbing/rv-shower-pans/27-x-36-1-2-rv-combo-shower-pan/
shower door- https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Rolling-Shower-Platinum-Replacement/dp/B07Y5JQ2G8/ref=pd_sbs_263_5/141-6910654-6609122?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07Y5JQ2G8&pd_rd_r=6f0fdbdc-66f1-4d80-9c0e-3d1defb66596&pd_rd_w=OyF0N&pd_rd_wg=hbAqK&pf_rd_p=703f3758-d945-4136-8df6-a43d19d750d1&pf_rd_r=T99TQS8KC3KG3WZYBR57&psc=1&refRID=T99TQS8KC3KG3WZYBR57
solar kit??? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-600-Watt-Off-Grid-Solar-Panel-Kit-GS-600-KIT-MPPT/314393902?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-VF-F_D27E-G-D27E-27_31_CONTROL-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-CONTROL_OtherControl&cm_mmc=Shopping-VF-F_D27E-G-D27E-27_31_CONTROL-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-CONTROL_OtherControl-71700000053528212-58700005127833923-92700048704113429&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZH7BRDzARIsAGjbK2aZZqqG2nTOQvUELQWAg8rmAMaV9mugeuJWepMiTh5NOOZ54v8P0PAaAkk2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
We learned that we needed 2-3 inches of polyiso here https://www.rmax.com/why-polyiso Fill space behind electric boxes and Split insulation around wires like this https://www.google.com/search?q=lay+insulation+directly+on+wires&oq=lay+insulation+directly+on+wires&aqs=chrome..69i57.9732j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_aWn3Xv_2I82z0PEPs_uioAg27
Clean using shop vac
RV armor / elastomeric
kitchen near door for inside/outside access - long movable hose for faucet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8PTLKIcxYI- access water tanks from outside/ use door as makeshift outdoor table
Have counter top over sink and stove (two separate pieces) that lift up and clasp on to backsplash. These should match countertop that’s over garbage drawer. This will provide additional counter top space.
Pull out skinny drawer for spices
Magnetic spice containers here: https://thefansunited.com/products/12-pack-magnetic-spice-tins-multi-purpose-storage-tin?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw_qb3BRAVEiwAvwq6Vq7oDELC94rco8fCccktTFCW3uLVc7LI7VkDYK4_222mRIPEB0yJYBoCfhMQAvD_BwE
Use an induction stove top with a top for counter space.
Research Norcold 12 v fridge – it’s nice. Or use mini fridge?
Put holders for remote controls on the inside of the cabinet door.
BATHROOM
C-head composting toilet – hide under a cushion seat or cassette toilet?
Put shower over toilet?
Full length mirror
Back to DIY Van Build
Go to Resources
Go to About Us
This website is like a van conversion- it's hard work and messy!
This list is out of order and in progress...just our discombobulated notes. We'll back at it when we can!
- kitchen near door for inside/outside access - long movable hose for faucet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8PTLKIcxYI- access water tanks from outside/ use door as makeshift outdoor table - noisy pump fix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FNWBBrRIAc
- butcher block counter top https://www.lowes.com/pd/The-Baltic-Butcher-Block-The-Baltic-Butcherblock-8-ft-Unfinished-Natural-Straight-Butcher-Block-Birch-Kitchen-Countertop/1000815502
- back of van pop out table https://www.americanvan.com/backsaver-workstation.html
kitchen - farmhouse sink from wayfair https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/watqen-24-l-x-16-w-farmhouse-kitchen-sink-tqen1745.html?piid=
https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Plumber-s-Choice-3-4-in-x-3-4-in-Plastic-PEX-Poly-Alloy-Adapter-PEX-x-MPT-Barb-Pipe-Fitting-5-Pack-3434PPMA-5/311526320?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-BA-F_Test-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-NA-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_PEXPipes_Fittings_BFT&cm_mmc=Shopping-BA-F_Test-G-D26P-26_1_PIPE_AND_FITTINGS-NA-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-PIPE_AND_FITTINGS_PEXPipes_Fittings_BFT-71700000069468414-58700006139311715-92700055503841341&gclid=CjwKCAjwkoz7BRBPEiwAeKw3qwcQVSsCOeGi_2Ina9r5jX0MiMolooX3SqXeZzDnJb7wL4VsijU0ERoC2b0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
shower pan https://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-plumbing/rv-shower-pans/27-x-36-1-2-rv-combo-shower-pan/
shower door- https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Rolling-Shower-Platinum-Replacement/dp/B07Y5JQ2G8/ref=pd_sbs_263_5/141-6910654-6609122?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07Y5JQ2G8&pd_rd_r=6f0fdbdc-66f1-4d80-9c0e-3d1defb66596&pd_rd_w=OyF0N&pd_rd_wg=hbAqK&pf_rd_p=703f3758-d945-4136-8df6-a43d19d750d1&pf_rd_r=T99TQS8KC3KG3WZYBR57&psc=1&refRID=T99TQS8KC3KG3WZYBR57
solar kit??? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grape-Solar-600-Watt-Off-Grid-Solar-Panel-Kit-GS-600-KIT-MPPT/314393902?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-VF-F_D27E-G-D27E-27_31_CONTROL-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-CONTROL_OtherControl&cm_mmc=Shopping-VF-F_D27E-G-D27E-27_31_CONTROL-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-CONTROL_OtherControl-71700000053528212-58700005127833923-92700048704113429&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZH7BRDzARIsAGjbK2aZZqqG2nTOQvUELQWAg8rmAMaV9mugeuJWepMiTh5NOOZ54v8P0PAaAkk2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
We learned that we needed 2-3 inches of polyiso here https://www.rmax.com/why-polyiso Fill space behind electric boxes and Split insulation around wires like this https://www.google.com/search?q=lay+insulation+directly+on+wires&oq=lay+insulation+directly+on+wires&aqs=chrome..69i57.9732j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_aWn3Xv_2I82z0PEPs_uioAg27
- dual sewer hose
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-39812-RhinoFlex-Wye-Sewer-Hose-Fitting-Swivel/29764330?athcpid=29764330&athpgid=postaddtocart&athcgid=null&athznid=bab&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=3a87307c-007-174dac40297b37&athancid=null&athena=true - Back to DIY Van Build
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Go to About Us - Walls
- Insulate with wool
- We learned about r vlaue and types of insulation here: https://usainsulation.net/learning-center/what-is-r-value/
- Fill space behind electric boxes and Split insulation around wires like this https://www.google.com/search?q=lay+insulation+directly+on+wires&oq=lay+insulation+directly+on+wires&aqs=chrome..69i57.9732j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_aWn3Xv_2I82z0PEPs_uioAg27
- We weren't excited with the idea of purchasing a table saw, nor the idea of figuring out where to store our growing list of tools and supplies, so we checked to see if Home Depot and Lowes will cut wood. They do!
- We measured areas in need of reinforcement and took our list to our local Lowe's.
- We decided to do the bathroom install with advice from Jaz Morton's video, Sprinter Van Conversion Plumbing Part I. (No, we don't have a Sprinter, but the overall information he provided was fabulous!)
- pump - secure pump like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LECjx5otJLQ
- Research and purchase a/c
Clean using shop vac
- Always clean up quickly so no shavings are left around to rust
- Use rust prevention product on all holes
RV armor / elastomeric
- The Charge controller, (large, heavy) battery, breaker and?? will go under the bed near the outside access. This area needs continuous ventilation due to gases produced by the batteries during charging.
- Install solar panels (with inspiration from Anna's Analysis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YcD5XJNzkM)
- Install floor up to subfloor (See Floor)
- Install walls (See Walls)
- Install bed frame using cabinet grade plywood (because of advice from My Mini Camper Van https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAPyMTheUgo) When drilling screws, predrill a hole to prevent the wood from splitting
- OVERALL
Map of US https://www.allposters.com/-sp/National-Geographic-United-States-Political-Map-Executive-Style-Giant-Poster-Posters_i1656716_.htm?UPI=EZIBW0&sOrigID=50094
Map of US https://www.etsy.com/listing/578097981/united-states-map-print-usa-map-poster?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=us+map+poster&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&pro=1
- Pull out table out the back for pic-nic table / outdoor work area
Memory Foam 75 x 30 x 5 – will need to cut it down to 68 https://www.amazon.com/Zinus-Memory-Mattress-Narrow-Replacement/dp/B074QVPRY9/ref=pd_lpo_196_t_0/130-3503238-1666243?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B074QVPRY9&pd_rd_r=1fe7255f-6447-491f-872e-71969ed5fba9&pd_rd_w=I6BmX&pd_rd_wg=dtvmv&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=Y2XGEER8BE62JEVY88ZJ&psc=1&refRID=Y2XGEER8BE62JEVY88ZJ
Use slide outs for storage/ drawers
Put sink by door with long faucet hose for washing off outside
Use snaps to fasten things like rugs or a zipper bag behind the door (for receipts, etc.)
Create doors to storage from inside and outside van.
Have hooks for backpacks, towels, etc.
Recessed lights on ceiling and under cabinets.
Lagostina 8pc Tri-ply Stainless Steel Complete Camping Set for Cooking, Easy Storage, Friendly for Camping, Safety Gloves Included- it’s stackable and saves space
KITCHEN
Get a deep sink with a removable colander like basket that fits into the sink
kitchen near door for inside/outside access - long movable hose for faucet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8PTLKIcxYI- access water tanks from outside/ use door as makeshift outdoor table
Have counter top over sink and stove (two separate pieces) that lift up and clasp on to backsplash. These should match countertop that’s over garbage drawer. This will provide additional counter top space.
Pull out skinny drawer for spices
Magnetic spice containers here: https://thefansunited.com/products/12-pack-magnetic-spice-tins-multi-purpose-storage-tin?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw_qb3BRAVEiwAvwq6Vq7oDELC94rco8fCccktTFCW3uLVc7LI7VkDYK4_222mRIPEB0yJYBoCfhMQAvD_BwE
Use an induction stove top with a top for counter space.
Research Norcold 12 v fridge – it’s nice. Or use mini fridge?
Put holders for remote controls on the inside of the cabinet door.
BATHROOM
C-head composting toilet – hide under a cushion seat or cassette toilet?
Put shower over toilet?
Full length mirror
Back to DIY Van Build
Go to Resources
Go to About Us