Van build (designs for living large in a high-top van/RV)

Getting ready for when cars drive themselves, seats in sedans will be replaced by convertible beds and tables in vans

Overview

Why?

This article contains my notes cataloging ideas about living in a small space in a van. I’m fascinated about the tradeoffs people make in the equipment and space they have in their van. It’s like Origami paper folding – how to fit as many conveniences as possible in a small cramped space so you can go where you don’t know.

Objectives for living small: A. Extra bedroom B. Flexibe travel - can go anywhere?

NOTE: Content here are my personal opinions, and not intended to represent any employer (past or present). “PROTIP:” here highlight information I haven’t seen elsewhere on the internet because it is hard-won, little-know but significant facts based on my personal research and experience.

Topics:

The trade-offs in my wish list
Stealth?
Complete builds and basic requirements
Sample Builds
3D CAD (Computer Aided Design software tool)
High Profile Vans (for stand-up desk)
Lifestyle Stories
Seating
Flooring
Walls
Insulation from cold, heat, noise
Security
Air flow (vents to outdoor)
Seating
Cabinetry and Storage
Bed
Cooking
Refigerator
Entertainment
- Electrical
- Lighting
- Solar Panel, Controller, etc.
Water
Toilet
Laundry
Converters
Bloggers
Dealers

TODO: A VR/AR project to visualize various configurations within a small van built for living off-the-grid for a short time.

References:

https://www.curbed.com/article/best-van-conversion-rv-camper-vanlife.html

The Tradeoffs in My wish list (prioritized)

Here are the considerations: A. Purchase price
B. Gas mileage
C. Coolness factor

There are those who go big and fancy. I go for stealthy – a vehicle that enables me to sleep (almost) anywhere.

Medium length (not stick out too far)
High clearance and four-wheel drive. I don’t plan on going off-road often. But nice to know

A top-top doesn’t have the insulation for cold clinates.
A high-profile van so I don’t creek my neck or bump my head.
No side flares for a bigger bed (I’m not tall)
Room for both Stand-up & sit-down desk with comfy chair
50” 4K second monitor above desk. Swivels for viewing while on bed.
Vents (from fridge, overhead fan, etc.) to top of vehicle instead of on the side.
“Four-season” insulation is useful not just to conserve heating fuel costs (and weight) but also keeping heat out in the summer.
Queed/king bed. This may mean a flare to widen the vehicle so the bed fits.
Bed in back of van for weight distribution?
Two-people living: somewhat “soundproof” divider between bed and seating area
Toilet away from bed area.
Near door: Shoe closet.
Jackets can be in pillowcase on bed during day,
Duffle bags in driver & passenger seat when parked.
Shower can be a lift-up curtain - near door.
Washing machine. Is there a small one?
Instead of build-in stove, heating plate and toaster oven when needed.
Blue colored on ceiling to make it seem like the sky.
Art frames as doors.
Lined Trash can accessible from the outside.
Screen door to keep out bugs yet still have fresh air
Bullet-proof overlay on widows.
Exposable archors on floors for customizable seat locations
Externally accessible door for getting non-perishables into van.

Pro builds

There are several companies that build a complete van for you (for a price):

Airstream
OliverTravelTrailers.com Ollie (4 season)
Winnebago $150,000
Advanced RV VIDEO: B-Box with Mercedes base

VIDEO: $150K Revel Sprinter Van has an access panel near the door (rather than on the side):

External toilet access. Motorized bed with flares.

Sample Builds

Like classic car enthusiasts, Part of the fun of building something yourself is showing it off:

The tiniest one-man van (for ultimate stealth), yet with all the electronics (including small fridge). No toilet, but enough storage for 7 backpacks, skies, boots, mountaineering etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wapg3iJE9Es Self-converted Off-Grid Sprinter Van with Full Office, Bathroom, and Garage
900W stealth travel home</a>
Scott Adamson built it like a pro (@comeswithaview)
uses steal racks on a 2009 $14k van
$3000 self build high top
“Hobbit Van” for life on the road
UHaul van
Stealth RV
Sprinter cargo van
*
How to convert a Van in to an Off-Grid Camper in 17 Days! Nate Murphy
Living in a (Teched-Out) Van Down By the River | Out of Office with Brent Rose (@rosebrent, connectedstates.com)
Vantastic
Vantasy Life playlist
stealth van by sports guy with minimal electrical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x62FoXtUWx8 The Best SELF-BUILD VAN CONVERSION // SOLO FEMALE Builds STEALTH CAMPER in 6 MONTHS ⚒️ 🚐

My Use Case

I travel as a couple with perhaps a dog, so I don’t need:

Extra passenger seats behind driver.
A “dinette” seating for 4 because I don’t anticipate holding a dinner party

Lifestyle Stories

The Millionaire Pitcher that Lives in a Van

21 Year old

We’re the Russos Joe Russo who wrote $4 Kindle Edition: Take Risks: One Couple’s Journey to Quit Their Jobs and Hit the Open Road

Audi’s VP of brand strategy and digital business, Sven Schuwirth, predicted that “Business travellers will be able to avoid taking domestic flights to meetings and will sleep and work in their cars en route instead of checking into city-centre hotels. Cars will increasingly resemble mobile apartments. And service stations along highways will evolve to support them, offering drivers facilities for washing, dining and shopping.” Like Flying J does now for truckers.

http://www.upworthy.com/one-artists-quest-to-capture-her-travels-led-to-these-stunning-portraits-of-wild-women?c=upw1

https://wandrlymagazine.com/article/showering-bathrooms/

3D CAD

van solid model 946x800 *

van ram-promaster-campervan_large *

VIDEO: SketchUp</>

$20 Downloadable 2002 - 2013 Ford Transit Connect Camper Van Conversion Plans and Templates

Design using a 3D design program to

https://all3dp.com/best-3d-printing-software-tools/
https://www.blender.org/download/
http://www.freecadweb.org/

Use 8020 extruded aluminium: lighter, stronger, reconfigurable:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKssPWSYZwg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqiroMdqZ0Y tools, triangles gussets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fttIOza-EgA roof rack
https://ourkaravan.com/8020-extruded-aluminum-van-cabinets/

High profile vans (for stand-up desk)

This is a must-have for me, and the whole reason for getting a high-top van in which I can stand up.

https://www.ramtrucks.com/ Dodge Ram ProMaster High Roof models have 76” height with 159” wide wheel-base.

STRATEGY: Since I won’t be sleep while I use the stand-up desk, put the desk above the bed. But this means I have to always clean up my desk before going to sleep.

VIDEO: DIY Flip-down 34” Ultra-wide (21:9) 3440 x 1440 pixel monitor

So is it worth the risk of tip-over when blown by a fast wind? Newer Mercedes vans have stabilization feature.

Alternately, have a pop-up roof, which would be only for summer use, though.

Bed desk. (It’s a hassle to converted desk to bed every day)
Leg raiser (pillow bag containing clothes or extra fabric) to use bed as desk
Knives on magnetic strips on wall
Retractable tie-downs

Van make and model

Vehicles high enough to allow passengers to stand up straight:

Chrysler vans auto-driver?
Sprinter vans from Dodge Ram or Mercedes. WARNING: These are rear-wheel drive. Not so good for the snow.
Nissan NV3500 HD Cargo vans are $28K for a V6 engine.
Frieghtliner new are in the high $30-40K range.
Ford Transit Connect (made in Turkey) has a standard 169-hp 4-cylinder for 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway,
Old Ford Winstar on Ebay
Used U.S. Postal Service Ram Promaster vans sold by GSA are great if you don’t intended on driving far or be in extreme weather. They were professionally maintained (oil changes on time, etc.)

In 2015 USPS make a 9,000 unit commitment for Ram ProMaster 2500 vans. They are powered by a gasoline 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine that produces 280 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. (while other countries buy electric vehicles) The USPS plans to hold on to this newer fleet of vehicles for at least the next twenty years.

Left hand drive only.
Back up monitor too easy to knock off the window.
Height of driver seat is not adjustable

Sprinter vans

outsidevan.com/van has a gallery of conversions

Mercedes Sprinter camper van insulation install

Espar Diesel Heater install in a Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van, * maxxair fan install</a>

It comes in 144” (22’9” long) and 170 “extended” length (24’1” long) whereas city parking spots are 25’.

At 9’8” high, the ceiling is sloped inward.

Box trucks

Advanced-RV.com at Willoughby, Ohio are like NASA engineers building a spaceship. VIDEO: B-Box with Mercedes base. At 9’8” high, inside 78” (6’6”), with no sloped ceiling. Even more slealthy. 360 degree cameras. Antennas are hidden in the front shroud. Has low-VOC R 14 insulation based on closed-cell urathane foam. Heating is 20% of a metal-hull sprinter. 48V battery runs down 50% in 100 degree heat. 50 gal. fresh heated tanks. 54 gal. gray & black. 4 piston auto-leveling jacks. EV air suspension.

Air tabs break up vortexes forming at the back of the van. Helps with stability from one-sided stress.

Air exchange includes a ceramic heat exchanger with CO2 monitor.

Ramee Jordan’s Ford E-350 Box Truck Conversion videos

living in a U-Haul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LijrH9NUH8A Fantastic Box-Van Converted into a Gorgeous & Rustic Tiny Cabin on Wheels CheapRVliving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqA7w8XuJE Ultimate DIY Budget Stealth Box Truck Conversion - $1,500 Purchase Price

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qXtmqBt0jk How to Convert a Box Truck to a Tiny House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2nzSICDTs0 Tour My 17ft Ford E350 Box Truck Campervan - progress so far

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QHhIjFo0bg Rich’s Box Truck to RV #107 - Anniversary Edition: full project review

Ambulance conversions

Seating

Driver seat options:

Swivel seat 180 degrees to work a working desk behind

The table needs to be adjustable front/back & up/down for ergonomics to prevent repetitive injury.

A second monitor is needed

Electrical is neeeded to power laptop.

A chair on the other side of the desk for two-person meals.
Swivel sideways with fold-out table

ARRANGEMENT: Drivers seat pivots to table with another seat (from Scheel-Mann)*

Passenger seat options:

take out the passenger seat and use the seat mounts.*
Small fridge near drivers seat for cold drinks.

NOTE: Duffle bags can be put in seats at night.

Flooring

Floors can be the most demanding of surfaces. In addition to the same need for sound/heat/cold insulation, it also needs to be:

Spill waterproof so it can be hosed down (cleaned), so no gaps
Cushioning
smooth so people don’t trip over bumps
grippy so people don’t slip

Thus, I prefer no wall-to-wall carpets, but vinyl floors.

Ensure large spill can drain out (with a removeable plug to gray water tank?)
Like on airplanes: 4 tracks down the length of the van so I have the flexibility of rearranging walls when I want. Electrical conduits would run along,

Insulation from Heat, Cold, Noise

Tools: Fine blade jigsaw.

Between studs:

9 centimeters of insulation total for total R value of 11.2. The ARV box van has R value of 13. $380,000 RV living

Option: Use 3M 80 glue spray (which can withstand high heat) but can cause the body to bulge and warp.

Thinner foam against metal - 1/2 inch layer 2 R value = 3.2
- 1/8th inch foam and foil insulation R value = 3
Reflectix
Tyvek tape
Thicker foam - 3/4 inch layer 1 polyisocyanurate insulation - R Value = 5

Eastwood thermocoustic barrier XMAT 18x32 inch 34.8 sq foot for $100. Rated at 30 degree temp reduction and 19 db sound reduction

Over studs:

4x8 foot Paneling or luan
1. 1/2 inch soft foam.
2. Face:
- Slotted wood from Home Depot (bamboo) for “sauna look”
- Felted panel

Snap caps to cover screws.

TIP: Have a gap running along the ceiling for plugs.

TIP: Have gaps along the sides for electrical plug strip.

References:

http://thevanual.com/insulation/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLgy4DgrJcE&t=9m49s
How to convert a Van in to an Off-Grid Camper

Kranack 298 Fibered aluminum paint

Ford Transit Winter Van Tour 2017 - RV Conversion,Van Conversion,Adventure Mobile B
VIDEO: Mercedes Sprinter camper van insulation install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGbrLGAi2ls

Wall panels & headliners

* Plywood is popular because it is stronger and more warp-resistance than sheets of wood. The outer layer can be finished to a cabinet-grade finish.

However, the glue the binds plywood layers contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Urea-formaldehyde resins used in ‘interior grade’ plywood, just offgases less.

Also containing high levels of urea-formaldehyde adhesives is Luan (also spelled as ‘luaun’) plywood for interior wall panels – is thin and flexible (usually found in 1/8th inch). it’s cheaper than mahogany grown in SE Asia. Note luan harvesting is stripping SE Asia of its old-growth forests at an incredible rate.

Masonite uses no glue as it is a panel product created by pressing wood fibers with steam and plenty of high pressure.

Cabinets can be made from honeycomb (Teklam or aluminum) overlaid with wood veneer (or Formica), the inside of shelves and drawers lined with Grospoint fabric (wool loop).

Cork board wall insulate?

Security

Insulation of light and sound also means that occupants are isolated inside – blind and deaf about who is approaching (such as cops in the night).

Airflow Vent Outdoors

a) Disspant hot air out from top sucked down through electrical panel and battery area, which builds heat.

b) Vent Moist air from cooktop and shower area out.

c) Foul smelling air above toilet area out.

Vent under solar panel?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YbYfAH6ZRo

STRATEGY: Put the hot air vent so it blows into the shower area.

A large ceiling vent with slide-out screen and dark shade to keep out cold.
Drone with camera can fly out of the large vent (and return).
Route gas pipe through a heat exchanger to capture heat from car exhaust.
- Fly screen around door.
bug screen with a magnetic strip you could hang to keep bugs out
roof fan/escape hatch idea.
Roof escape hatch build to stand up on bed to see outside.
composting toileta>

Dometic air conditioning unit.

Seating

This: use a window as a desk so it can be folded up:

TODL: I’m looking for a standing desk as well.

Storage (Cabinetry)

BUILD STRATEGY: Lay out wires before paneling.

STRATEGY: Rather than wood, Use lighter aluminum rails and soft-sided cabinets This requires more expensive welding, but is lighter.

Expose removeable sockets so cabinets can be attached in different arrangements.

ARRANGEMENT: Shoes near the door.

STRATEGY: Store socks inside shoes, or in a bag with shoes.

STRATEGY: Store shoes separtely from clothing.

STRATEGY: Have a barrier between soiled (smelly) clothing from clean clothing,

Stealth secure storage for expensive camera and Drone to take videos.
Custom-made bag to take up space above steering wheel between dashboard and windshield, to use wasted space for storing extra clothing. STRATEGY: A cold/light barrier is needed at night for privacy.

PROTIP: So boxes slide out easily, don’t have a brace blocking it.

ARRANGEMENT: Space for hanging up coats and suits. Near the entrance. Does not need to be kept warm/cool.

IDEA: Closet door open to block outside door and provide more insulation.

With minimal space, the variety of food choices are more limited.

Bed

INTRO: A bed is the key differentiator.

SACRIFICE: Size of bed.

Twin “Single” 38” x 75”
Twin XL 38” x 80” common in college dorms.
Full 53” x 75”
Queen 60” x 80”
King 76” x 80”
Thick memory foam on a board. The board can be quite heavy.

To keep flexible use, create a bed frame (perhaps out of pipes?) with a base for the bed, cut from 4x8 birch plywood {$50}

OPTION: A “Murphy bed” folds up against the wall to reclaim the floor space and get the bedding out of the way.
Straps across bed for safety while the van is in motion.
ELECTRICAL: For electric blanket, an electrical plug near foot of bed. Space for chord to controller of blanket.
Storage Tubs under bed. http://amzn.to/2dm3yYr
Storage: change of bedding. Extra blankets.
$60 Aluminum track with O-rings to secure bike. http://amzn.to/2daW3oV
$22 Envelop style stretchy cargo nets on plywood hold things in place. http://amzn.to/2dsi6uU But they make the place look messy.
ARRANGEMENT: Controllers and switches reachable from sleeping position.

Cooking

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm (from http://simplisafe.com)

If you’re not planning on much cooking:

Wood stove?

There’s something about a real wood burning fireplace that warms the heart. Maybe it’s the infra-red.
Origo alcohol stove meant for marine use. $240 new The denatured alcohol it burns can be bought at almost any hardware store, and is much safer in an enclosed space than propane (not pressurized or silently leaking carbon monoxide).
$230 japanese butane, fuel is $9 per bottle. Designed for indoor use (in restaurants) as well as be taken outdoors for use. It’s small and light. But fuel is expensive and difficult to find.
$200 Beaver Tree kitchen in a portable plastic box with a cookstop, with room for utensils. http://domsoutdoor.com/beaver-tree-camp-kitchen-organizer/p/1-012886/

Propane is widely available.

Induction top take a lot of amps in battery power.
Adjustable level for stove so pots sit evenly. *

ARRANGEMENT: An enclosure for fuel bottles that is sealed from passenger area, and have a drain for leaked gas going outide at the bottom. Put this near the back door, which is infrequently opened. Near the hinge of the door.
ARRANGEMENT: Space to hang dish brush, sponge, and dish towels where they can air out.
Microwave is a must-have for many at home, to cook frozen food.
Toaster is a luxury item!
Solar oven?

Refigerator

IDEA: Consider freeze-dried foods that are light and requires no refrigeration. With that a hot water kettle is all you need.

Some need a fridge to keep their medicines cold. A fridge helps to keep diary, fruits, and vegetables fresh. A large fridge/freezer combo is necessary for longer trips.

Some have a 3-way option to run off AC Power, DC Power, or LP Gas. RV models also automatically switch to run off LP Gas when there is no electricity.

NOTE: Refrigerators in RVs are built to withstand the vibrations going down the road.

ARB 50qt Fridge Freezer. The portable fridges made today are light years beyond what you may find in a dingy RV made 10 or 15 years ago. The biggest improvement is that they consume a small fraction of electricity compared to their predecessors.

RV friges go from $1,100 to over $3000 for larger units. Contact RV dealers for closeouts and refurbished units.

Whynter Frige/freezer 110 or 12v
http://www.dometic.com/USA/
http://www.norcold.com/norcold/index.html

PROTIP: A free-standing fridge has flexibility anywhere, including outside.

ARRANGEMENT: Have the fridge near the door, face outside for easy access.

Cooler between seats

LOCATION: In Winters, wheel the fridge in to the cockpit area (passenger seat area) which isn’t kept heated at night in the Winter.

Fridge conversion chart

STRATEGY: Is an ice maker a deal-breaker or a non-essential for you? I prefer more spece to the freezer unit, so I use the room for frozen foods, and make ice rather than keep liquids cold.

4.3-cubic feet,
Use a level when installing to keep the unit level.
Adding a battery-operated RV refrigerator fan will not only decrease your cool down time by 50%, it also help temperatures remain more consistent. They run on two “D cell” batteries for 30 days or more. A great money-saving option, for only $15. From http://blog.rvshare.com/rv-refrigerators/

### Ice/Freezer compartment

Ahhh. Cold ice cream on a hot day.

But it takes more energy to keep food frozen. Constant energy.

This would need to be put away when the van is moving.

Electrical

Paneltronics
Two 12V AGM Gel batteries. Needed to power heater, laptop, monitor, etc..

LOCATION: Separate from gas tanks.
Minn Kota charger

Entertainment

iPad on the wall held up by brackets.
Projection TV takes up ??? amps

The Earthroamer has a swivel wide TV with Bose sound bar
van-swivel-tv

Lighting

LED lighting (lower power). Battery powered ones don’t drain main battery.
plugs

Solar panel

A structure on the roof to walk, stand, sleep on.

ARRANGEMENT: Space for storing smaller solar panels kept in the van so they don’t get stolen.
Boulder Panels from Goal Zero are that smaller size. Each panel puts out 11, but they can be chained together.

Water

We need fresh water to live. But water is heavy.

Instead of big 20 gallon water tank, use separate blue water jugs for better portability and easier refill.

Smaller jugs are easier to clean inside, and easily replaceable from WalMart.

NOTE: There are separate colors for blue potable and gray water jugs.
RV water inlet port (with a lock) to fill water - Marinco 30 Amp electric and Shurflow Water Entry port
RV drainage port from gray water tank.
RV electrical plug to charge batteries, etc. It’s 50V special adapter. American style different from European style.
A marine pump submersible into the jug.

Sink for Dishes (and Clothes Laundry?)

Water is needed for dish washing.

Magnetic hose holder for a flat counter space

Hot water and Gray Water collector

Potable water above the sink so it’s gravity fed.
Black tubes above the van to collect hot water?
Instant hot water spigot from a unit under sink.

Not enough room for two sinks?

Clothes washing equipment is something that is rare to see within vans.

If occassional stops to a laundry Mat is not for you:

QUESTION: Is there one where I can use tub of $48.95 portable washing machine and spin-drier as a sink?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_16?url=search-alias%3Dappliances&field-keywords=portable+washing+machine+with+spin+dryer&sprefix=portable+washing%2Cappliances%2C197&crid=25JBNANPM40T2

It washes a few items at a time (5 lbs).

STRATEGY: Have a larger sink. Sink from replaceable plastic tub instead of stainless steel

ARRANGEMENT: Room for air drying clothes (and its humidity) also needs to be considered.
6 Gallon hot water heater from Ariston

Hot Shower

This is a key differentiator why one would get a larger van (rather than sleeping in a car).

STRATEGY: Put the shower next to the door, so it can dry out by opening the door. This also makes it easier to remove humidity via air dry by just opening the door. This would entail having waterproof entryway, which we want anyway. The shower curtain around the door makes for a “mud room” which keeps out drafts into the van. Brilliant. It’s an easy way to wash out what is the dirtest part of the floor. Great for trips to the beach to get rid of sand on feet before entry.

Long hose showerhead reach outside to hose things down (by the beach). Or for an outdoor shower.
Curtain to keep out steam into the living space (which cause mildew).
STRATEGY: Put shoe storage near the door.
Track in ceiling so a box can be moved around easily. The storage box that uses the room when no one’s showering. But it slides out during showers on a track to put the storage unit in the hallway.

OPTION: Webasto heats both the water and the air. Installed only by certified installers. http://roadtreking.com/winterized-again-i-love-my-rvs-webasto-heater/ uses diesel gas. https://www.webasto.com/int/markets-products/truck/heating-systems/engine-off-technology/

A foot-pedal or motion-sensor switch to turn on and off water (like doctors have).
5 inch hole for shower basin connection to gray water tank.
Gray water tank under floor, secured by 3/8” drill and tap.
RV Valterra 3 inch valve mount.
Heat wrap around gray water tank outside.

Toilet

CAUTION: Police have been known to point to fecal matter in the van as a health violation.

STRATEGY: In small vans forgo the toilet to recoup its space, and use throw-away toilet boxes, VIDEO: like Space Station astronauts

STRATEGY: Place the toilet near the bed for quicker access (even though one can’t go very far in a little van)?

Chemical toilets like the ones on airplanes smell.

Anti-freeze in toilet.

Composting toilet smell much less.

Or if you’re at a place where there are bathrooms, wide-mouth bottles plus a simple single-use toilet could be enough.

Water in toilet area, when hosed down, flow outside.

Maserator on the hose.

Laundry

The common thinking is that cloth washing machines and dryers take a lot of water and electricity.

Most van lifers use public coin laundry machines.

But consider All-in-One Compact Washer & Dryer combos:

If you have the room:

LG 27 in. WashTower Laundry Center with 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Electric Dryer in Graphite Steel

Consider:

LG 2.4 cu. ft. All-in-One Compact Smart Front Load Washer & Ventless Dryer Combo with Steam $1298 H 33.5 in, D 22.25 in

It’s Wi-Fi Enabled, Smart Home Enabled. On Facebook and Twitter, @LGUSSupport and include #VOC

If you don’t have the electricity, consider the GE 2.8 cu. ft. Capacity Portable Washer with Stainless Steel Basket $899 H 37.4 in, W 24 in, D 24.5 in

But you’ll have to put

LG Model # WM3555HWA have standard 3/4 inch BSP female threaded connectors on each end (standard size thread for washing machines).

Paint job

Paint on van as a Diaper disposal/pickup.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFXWk3XrwCLlEOcfrym9Rg Alternative Homes Today

Converter people

RV Industry Association (RVIA) standard NFPA 1192 enable 20-year financing.

Humble Road Options with magnets

TV show: https://www.discoveryplus.com/show/van-go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW-yTOKwaOE advanced-rv.com 440.283-0405 Willoughby, Ohio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTbobJkI2b8 10 Questions I Wish I’d Asked before Hiring a Sprinter Van Conversion Company

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcx1KNNTFtY How to Build Your Own Campervan! Mercedes Sprinter Camper-Van Conversion

PleasureWay Saksastuan Canada

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Fz2sM7sHw van builds you see on the website start at 25k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mo1CqwD6Zc Hybrid Live/Work Van Conversion by Pro Woodworker murphy bed, 320V solar, toe-kick storage, storage for propane daveinaction.com

chains for tires in case of snow.

Bloggers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGiFmMGW9LA Outside magazine

sprintervandiaries.com on Instagram

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EQAfueDGNeqb1ALm0LjHA ExploringAlternatives by Matt on https://www.patreon.com/exploringalternatives

glampervanlucy.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s-dfASH40U#t=529.045481558

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-s8Kv_oslc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nklJUfweUY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW1eer1PY0E Will Burson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feRAZOmOM3c DIY Van | 36 Day build time-lapse by RayOutfitted has rotating seats, tilting solar array, foam insulating panels under reflectix sheets, planks, plywood.

Dealers

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQXRjzIJUuI819tMxiSd1A yamanomad.com (Calgary) recommended by in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNZuOeHHPUg Why we chose the Mercedes 170EXT Sprinter and HOW MUCH IT COST // VAN LIFE 43,000 with king size foam bed cut to fit

http://www.floridacargovans.com/

http://www.carbankonline.com/

Autotrader.com used vans

VIDEO: Lee Blake’s Incredible Van Build

Lee Blake, oak of gedigan.org and YouTube channel via tiny.url/gedigan in Olde English means to survive well, to be comfortable.

Electric Bike Bafang 8fun: http://amzn.to/2oCujAq
Thetford Porta Potty: http://amzn.to/2pookxF
Kelly Moore Durapoxy: http://kellymoore.com/products/interior-paint/dura-poxy
C.R. Laurence: http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/showline/default.aspx?GroupID=21889
1800W Portable Induction Cooktop: http://amzn.to/2oiXMvD $94.99 Nuwave Induction Cooktop heats iron (not aluminium) pan and not the surrounding air. Precise heat settings.
Propex Furnace: http://www.propexheatsource.com/westyman/
Road Premier Truck Mattress: http://amzn.to/2oiP8NV
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes: http://amzn.to/2oCTxPa
Renogy 400 Watt Solar Kit: Renogy 400 Watts: http://amzn.to/2pkRpwv
ODYSSEY Marine Battery Model PC1800-FT: http://amzn.to/2ozemJJ
AIMS Power PICOGLF20W12V120VR 2000W Pure Sine Inverter: http://amzn.to/2nQnb4O
For signs touch: Teslin Synthetic Paper printed and under laminate.
Engel SR-70F-U1 60 qt. built-in AC/DC front-open Fridge Freezer

Living in a van [6:50] Visio drawing
Nissan 3500. holds 3 tons.
Induction Cooktop is Aroma AID-506
[5:58] Rack is custom designed and fabricated from 80/20 com rails and fittings
Bed is 30 x 80 (half of a regular queen) and is fine for me (6’3”, 205lbs). It raises up to access storage underneath, but does not extend. There is a porti-potti built into the center console. I have hot water and a sink in the truck for “basin baths” and the shower setup is in the back (outside). It uses a rod between the open doors and a series of curtains to make a completely private shower enclosure that can be heated with the swiveling furnace outlet.
CGear mat and a roll up aluminum platform on the ground.
Fridge is an Engel SR-70F-U1 (AC/DC) that has been running 24/7/365 for two years.
The awning is a Fiamma F35 Pro and the “tent” is their accessory “Privacy Room Lite” that attaches to the awning; not inexpensive but very stable and adds an enclosed patio to the truck.
[5:26] Campground services plug for 35 Amp and water.
[7:50] Solar 160 W for induction cooktop. 2x Odessey PC 1800 batteries, 200 AmH. 4000 W peak. 105 AhH switched via isolator. Can run 3 days off battery. Optima Digital 400 AGM battery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhPFdVeX9lw 1000 Watt pure sine wave inverter
Honda 1000 W (8 amp) generator on sale $799, 28 lbs. Real quiet. Can gang two together. Run 8 hours on .6 gallons. Hour a day is enough to fix breakfast and charge batteries.
Toaster from Japan

Random ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg37Cbx-kak&t=748s Without Bound - Perspectives on Mobile Living (Documentary) Michael Tubbs

Metal posts

Toolbag, Drill, battery charger

Van Conversion Ideas | Lee’s Incredible Van Build 3 Update 2018 Enigmatic Nomadics

http://vandogtraveller.com/van-conversion-book-from-van-to-home/ $10 UK ebook on building a van

2018-01-11-van-build.md

Choosing A Van to Live In: ProMaster vs Transit vs Sprinter by Shaun Wilkens Apr 28, 2018 http://www.rayphungphotography.com/van-conversion/electricity https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015DFMTS2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015DFMTS2&linkCode=as2&tag=shaunwilkens-20&linkId=d4c19b17ff6aaa12db9f9521c6805b8f Renogy 300 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar RV Kit Off-Grid Kit with 30A PWM LCD Charge Controller / Mounting Brackets / MC4 Connectors/ Solar Cables /Cable Entry housing $620

ACR From batter 125 amp fuse and cable 1000 watt pure sine inverter Refrigerator has separte fuse.

TOOL: http://circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#

christianchaffer.art/gear

Wilson Mar

Van build (designs for living large in a high-top van/RV)

Why?

The Tradeoffs in My wish list (prioritized)

Pro builds

Sample Builds

My Use Case

Lifestyle Stories

3D CAD

High profile vans (for stand-up desk)

Van make and model

Sprinter vans

Box trucks

Ambulance conversions

Seating

Flooring

Insulation from Heat, Cold, Noise

Over studs:

Wall panels & headliners

Security

Airflow Vent Outdoors

Seating

Storage (Cabinetry)

Bed

Cooking

Refigerator

Electrical

Entertainment

Lighting

Solar panel

Water

Sink for Dishes (and Clothes Laundry?)

Hot Shower

Toilet

Laundry

Paint job

Converter people

Bloggers

Dealers

Random ideas

Self-driving cars

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