Layout Considerations for a Camper Van Build 

I am a father of 5 children. I am very proud of them. Your kindness and intelligence exude from your spirit!! Thank you for providing such great information in each of your videos. EACH of your videos answers all of my questions concerning our Van build. Once again, thank you and God Bless you!!! You are a true gift!

Probably the best, no fluff all content van videos. If I could only subscribe to one van guy- you’d be the one. Thanks

You are a gem. Both intelligent enough to gather all of this information and hardworking enough to lay it out so concisely for all of us (not to mention perform the build itself). Enjoy your travels!

Instant subscriber. I am an engineer in my 50s and am building a conversion van and put a lot of though into the design. Today, I learned several things from you. Thanks.

Thorough and Succinct. Well said. You have covered all the areas it took me 5-7 years to figure out. Good job. Difference: I put Electrical outside the walls in electrical chases for easy debug and modification due to past horrible problem isolation experiences. Note to emphasize: Solar roof area! The one thing that shocked me was how limited the solar area and shape was on the roof after vents, making roof planing critical. Solar panel cost per watt gets way cheeper as they get bigger. 5.5 foot or 6.5 foot by 3 foot panels can be had for 1/2 to 1/4 the price of small 100watt panels. My old two panels totaling 550watts of solar cost $250 (cheaper now), but take up 80x66 inches! However, if a lot of recharging is done during driving, minimal solar is needed.

I'm 48. My oldest son is 17. The other is 13. I would say they are nearly perfect kids. I am very proud of them. That said I think your parents are very proud of you. If not, they should be. Great video. You are a great and cool guy!!

For a young man....(from an old fossel here) You are very articulate and clear, in your description and reasoning. Also allowing others a different course of avenue in their personal needs and requirements. WELL DONE !!!

Appreciate your clarity in providing valuable information. Don’t stop!🌺

Van space ad was perfect for your content. Actually watched it all the way through. Will give it a go

This is an excellent resource, Thank you for putting this video together.

Well thought out and well presented. I am impressed.

This is very useful, thanks. I'm thinking ahead many years to a van build later in life and I consider bucket bath. A dog pool might be a good way as a base. There could be one bucket with rinse-water, and a large cup to get some water to pour, to soap, or rinse, lathering in between. Also have a small plastic seat like a step stool. With good venting any splashed water will dry out. All these items seem could be fairly easy to pack away in a smaller space. It could be set up next to the sliding door, where I expect to have a large area of floor space.

You know what I'm surprised I haven't seen. A 'bag' shower. 'Curtain and pan in one piece--so no leaking. Then there's just a hose. The 'door' is an overlapping flap. Biggest problem with showers even in larger campers is they're too narrow. A hanging bag has the advantage of if your elbow needs more room, it just presses against the bag. The biggest problem with cleaning a shower and curtain is, anything that stays wet grows mildew. With a 'bag' shower, you just take it outside and hang it inside out for an hour or so. Sunlight is better than Comet or Clorox.

*Hi from istanbul. Now working on a T5 conversion. Great video. Thanx*

One of the best van build videos. Super young presenter and van build engineer.

I like the slates under the mattress to let it breath like it was designed to do.

Fantastic video! Lots of very useful information. A lot of stuff I didn't even think of. Thank you for sharing your gifts!

So much great info! I've made a ton of notes : ) Thanks so much, and looking forward to more videos.

I am just starting a Promaster extended van build out , I'm so happy I found your channel ! This is a excellent informative video , I'll be checking out all your build related videos . Thank you for putting out such no nonsense videos !

Even though I knew a lot of this, it was invaluable to hear it presented in such a thoughtful manner and broken into systems I hadn't thought of so individually. Well done.

I absolutely love your videos. I've been researching for about 6 months as I save up for what I want. Your videos have been the most informative but also easy enough for someone like me (who is learning as she goes and knows nothing about electric, building, etc.) to understand. Thank you!

Fantastic! I’ve not seen a resource like this and answered some questions I have for my build that I wasn’t seeing else where. Thank you, thank you!

Very comprehensive, My search for weight distribution has ended. Thank you!

Thanks bro, im converting myself and watched your vids which very are helpful for newbies

Starting out on small ford connect LWB conversion . I found your videos both informative and generous in the detailed explanations given. Very grateful to you .thanks 👌🏻🇮🇪

This was really helpful and well put together - it confirmed a number of things for me and brought up some additional things to consider. Thanks!

Best and most sensible explanation of how to 'layout' a van conversion. I might disagree with some points but you did a VERY GOOD explanation. Good job.

Nice build. Impressed with your explaining why you did things a certain way. It helps.

Very helpful I'll put a 55 gal drum I know it will be heavy but it will be a step van conversion shower 20 gal gray tank solar roof top water heater 750 watt 500 ah solar propane cook top roof vents shower compost toilet I make full size sink windows the idea that no windows looks like a work van makes people want to break in thinking something good is inside your right on with a lot of your ideas helpful very good info and advice thanks.

you should secure your water and battery down if you haven't already just in case of accident they would become huge projectiles

Just watched three of your vids and I’m hooked. 🚐

Congratulations on another excellent video!

Thanks for the video. Lots of tricks for those considering similar conversion. The water storage (fresh and black water) and electrical gets complicated (solar power, water heated in winter). Nice to keep water tanks over the rear axle. Nice to keep bed small, see many vans with queen bed, nice for two but downsize everything a full-size bed would work. I like Sara and Alex James' videos, mostly Sprinter vans. Down the driver side (bathroom toilet and shower) dinner, seat, bed. Down passenger side door, kitchenette, seat, bed

So thorough! Thanks for the great info!

You have such a pleasant demeanor.

I saw an RV of some Finnish people and they have open vents on the floor. That might be something to consider. Those vents come standard. I believe the idea is to always keep good air flow for various reasons, like keeping air fresh and preventing mold and rust. Those people mentioned they have to do certain things like air out certain clothes cabinets each morning, where moisture can accumulate.

Starting with top-level requirements....Thinking like a Systems Engineering - Great video!

Thanks for the detailed explanation for your choices!

Very articulate and helpful

I love your videos!!!! Thank you for all the details and the considerations:) Happy Holiday!

Tablr of Contents; adding this to reference later for my own use as well. 11:10; Stovetop 11:49; Sink

Your videos are a Godsend, friend, thanks a lot!

You are a smart young man! I like several of your ideas on your install.

Straightforward and to the point. Much appreciated.

Here's my personal input on regards to cooking. Aside from using a propane tank type gas stove you can also use: portable Butane stove(canister type gas stove) charcoal stove with exhaust hood or just make a campfire outside your van if you have solar or a good source of power Induction stove if you have more than 2kw inverter and extra power Electric stove if you have less than 1kw inverter. Around 1kw induction "generally" uses 2kw there are plenty of cheap 1kw electric stoves. if you still prefer a propane stove I recommend getting infrared gas stove because it can save you gas.

My wife and I are in our initial planning stages for a custom van build. We have watched more than 450 videos in a 6 month period. In regards to weight distribution, this is one of the best videos we have seen. Thank you for sharing.

Appreciate all the time and effort you've put into these great videos!! Your van came out really nice!! I'm selling my Winnebago Aspect 26A tomorrow and going to start looking for a Van like your's with the AWD, I'll wait a year and pick up a used one. I'm mainly going to use it for skiing in the winter and music festivals in the summer, so I'll probably add some A/C.

Great video with lots of excellent tips, thanks.

Very informative 👍🏻 thanks for sharing 💕

Great work!

Great advice and perspective...you gave me a lot to consider ...thank you.

Such a well put together video!! Very helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

You definitely did your homework on this build!

Great, well thought-out tips. Ty 👍

This was really helpful. Thank you.

Wish I would have found your page earlier in my build! You're awesome

Great Informative Video! Thank you!

I like the video. But I can't say it enough on van builds. The best position for your batteries, at least in a smaller vehicle like a van, is either in a metal box bolted to the frame. Preferably in the center between the front cabin seats, under both seats, or under your vehicle in a protected battery boxes on either side of the vehicle. NOT boxed in wood that "feel" secure. It only seems secure to a weak human. That becomes nothing but cannon fodder in an accident over 40Mph between two vehicles for a combined 80. If someone has tiny golf cart batteries and place them in the back to make a large battery bank, and they don't secure it to the frame, then think shotgun. The spread of fire increases the chance that you will get hit by at last one. And by hit, I mean pass right through you like the cannon ball they become. If nothing else, many states have laws that require batteries be secured to a frame if they are behind the driver seat. On a side note, having too much weight in the back can cause the tail end to slide out in front of you when you slam on the brakes in rain or snow. Especially in single axle vans. And the water tank complicates the issue for weight distribution. It shouldn't be used to counter the weight of batteries. Due to it being a changing variable at any given time depending on it's fill. It ends up changing your vehicles handling dynamically. You never know what state your vehicles handling will be in and can cause oversteer. The exception being a fresh water and grey water system where the volume is the same between two containers near each other. Also, should be strapped in with nylon to metal. Not wood. End of Chapter 1

The most logical man known to man.

Great video! thank you!

New subscriber :), really enjoying your succinct, organized and detailed talks.

Systems view, sweet

Fantastic video. Subscribed! Hi from Melb. AUSTRALIA. CHEERS mate!:-)

I love your videos so much man

Thank you for the great information.

I am doing a tiny wood burning stove for primary heat source and a roof unit for the air conditioning.

Great content. Much appreciated.

Dude these videos are clutch! You explain this all so well! Not all heroes wear capes lol

Very good video with tons of good ideas. For those considering traveling to Latin America, an internal shower is a MUST. There is no such thing as gym membership or anything like that down here (at least not on the road, or not everywhere). Also, consider carefully the flow of fresh air, and solutions for hot weather. Many people doing van conversion in America somehow do not consider properly the hot weather effects on a closed van IMHO.

Excellent!!!

Youre the man

Great Information - thank you! I appreciate knowing your thought process.

Excellent

Nice video thanks! You could use your propex 2000 to blow intake cold air instead of a dedicated intake fan btw.

You could hang some damprid to get rid of excess moisture

Great!

Wayne’s world party time!

Great content! Great resource touching up all the things you need to consider when you make such a small space a home 🏠

Smart!

Will you be putting up the systems videos soon? - great videos, thank you

Love your approach to design and the easy way you communicate it. I like your idea of the sinks with the covers for counter space. I had a thought that you probably all ready figured out... that is to use these spaces as food storage bags of apples, dry goods etc or cooking implements knives, strainer.

I'm an instant subscriber as well. My wife and I were right on the edges of our seats listening to what you had to say. Thank you.

Your videos are super informative and well presented. How wide are those doors to the cab? Would you be willing to share your floor-plan drawings with measurements?

Great video. It's commonly thought that heat rises but it doesn't!!! It goes in all directions evenly. But hot air does rise.

For batteries - there is a good if not great option of ordering those new LiFePO4 batteries, I believe 100Ah for about 150$ for a quality one. Which is very reasonable as price compared to what was available even just few years ago, and the chemistry is way better than AGM batteries. There's one guy on RU-vid (with long hair) that found a good reliable source from China (the price is bigger than other sources, but the batteries are actually new).

Well done video with great information. I’ve been watching many van build videos lately and I have a question: is there a requirement or structural standard to attaching the interior to the structure of the van? Nobody talks about the importance of attaching something heavy like a refrigerator to the vans structure so it doesn’t break lose during an accident. I’d hate to rear end someone and get hit in the back of the head with a toilet! Thanks.

Thanks for your content. I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!

Not sure if someone else suggested this already. But why not install the propane gas tank underneath the van, hooked with heavy duty bunggies, similar the ones that hold the exhaust muffler. I checked. There’s plenty of space for that. Plus u take it out of the van to begin with.

Water = 8+#/gallon Why carry all that weight if you dont have a shower and flush toilet? Built in tanks need sanitized often. 5 gal containers are much easier to do. A few 5 gallon containers would easilt suffice.

Great Video! Which program was used to design the layouts in 2d/3d?

What program did you use to create your layout? Where can this program be found? What is the program cost?

I’m thinking of having 50 gallon fresh and gray water tanks. Gray water tank mounted under the van. How can I have them on opposite sides for weight distribution?

👋😊

Could you share your pinterest so I can see the stuff you were looking at to get an idea?

You do not want to vent the fumes under your van... it'll rise up into your van. That's why all of them vent out the side or the top.

What's the best method for maintaining your fresh water tank to prevent issues such as legionnaires disease?

How tall are you? Do you sleep diagonal? Length of bed?

do you take on builds for a customer???

I think only America uses gallons, feet and inches the rest of the world used litres, millimetres, centimetres and meters from a space perception prospective it would be helpful if you showed conversions for everyone else that isn’t America. Even your own scientists and engineers use to metric system because it’s more accurate and easier so scale.

Understatement of the year : 8:41 " A Propane leak in side your van is going to be bad news"