Step-by-Step DIY Van Conversion

Our DIY build. 
Please read our disclaimer (you know, the one that says we are not experts!)
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!  
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  1. 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
  2. noisy pump fix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FNWBBrRIAc​ 
  3. 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
  4. ​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= 
pex pipe adapter 
​ 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 
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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




  1. 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



  2. Back to DIY Van Build
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  3. Walls
  4. Insulate with wool 
  5. We learned about r vlaue and types of insulation here: https://usainsulation.net/learning-center/what-is-r-value/
  6. 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

  7. 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!
  8. We measured areas in need of reinforcement and took our list to our local Lowe's.​​
  9. 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!)
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  1. ​pump - secure pump like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LECjx5otJLQ
  2. Research and purchase a/c

Clean using shop vac
  1. Always clean up quickly so no shavings are left around to rust
  2. Use rust prevention product on all holes
 

RV armor / elastomeric

  1. 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.
  2. Install solar panels (with inspiration from Anna's Analysis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YcD5XJNzkM)
 ​

  1. Install floor up to subfloor (See Floor)
  2. Install walls (See Walls)
  3. 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​
  4. 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
     
      
  5. 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
     
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    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
 

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Kate & Mel