Step-by-Step DIY Van Conversion
Phase Four - Prepping and Confirming the Layout
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- If you do not have experience moving heavy objects or using tools, find a professional to assist you, or take steps to learn.
- Remove seats and other items, if necessary, so you have an empty cargo space.
- Clean the cargo space using a shop vac, then sponge, soap and water. Let dry.
- Hang out in your clean, empty van for a while. Imagine where everything will go. Use sticky notes, cardboard or paper templates and/or painter's tape to mark windows, vent, sink, seating, etc.
- Create your final design. Use the design you created earlier and make adjustments, as necessary. Most likely, adjustments will be necessary... because planning is different than doing. That's okay. That's what this Phase is about!
- Plan for all plumbing and electrical wires, placements of fans, vents and access doors. Determine the placement of fresh, gray and black water tanks, propane, and/or the inverter and batteries if using solar. Also include the locations of all electric outlets and charging stations.
- Keep in mind that you will need to keep electrical components away from fuel tanks. We don't have propane, but we do have a gas tank for the driving of the vehicle.
- Your fridge will need a couple of inches on each side for ventilation.
- Be creative with your space: A bed can double as a couch, a bench can hide a toilet, and you can take advantage of collapsible objects, such as a desk or table. Brainstorm creative, multi-purpose space. Don't worry about price or feasibility at first. Just let your creative juices flow. Write your creative inventions down on paper. Draw pictures. While you may not get exactly what you've imagined, your creativity will help you find some great things you never knew existed. Or, you just might decide to build your own one-of-a-kind, custom van creation!
Back to DIY Van Build
Go to Resources
Go to Phase Five