Van Build Guide

Roof Deck + DIY Roof Mounts

Create your own roof mounts for the RAM Promaster van.  Easy to create mounts created from readily available materials.

Creating the Skylight Hatch Trim

In this video I show how I created an aluminum framed trimmed roof panel for our skylight.    If your looking for installing a skylight check out this post: Installing Hatch

Read Door Panels

Creating rear door panels for your van.  Reinforced to hold shelves, brackets and more…..

Installing the recirculating show system

This idea of a recirculating shower system started a year ago.  This was before even looking to purchase a van.  I knew this was one of the problems I needed to solve to make the van a success.  Finally installing this in the van brought the design full circle.  Now I can shower in the … Read more

Garage sliding doors in the van!

OK, this one is unusual – sliding doors to access the garage area in the van.  Much better than a door, these sliders take up very little space, and are not in the way when open.  A unique thing – I used lattice trim for the rails. Drill Bits – https://amzn.to/3qdSRjg  

Installing the pull out table

From cutting steel threaded rod, to installing the  drawer slides on the bed rails.  This video shows step by step installing the pull out table in the van.  Also, a major design change in this video.  We decided install sliding doors for the garage area! Drawer Slides:  https://amzn.to/301YIxc   Drill Bits – https://amzn.to/3qdSRjg     … Read more

Installing the bed frame

Installing the bed frame in the van.  I used steel expandable rails from IKEA, and wood slats, also from IKEA.   This was a cost effective and easily adaptable solution.  Check it out in the video… Bed Mattress    https://amzn.to/3CY75IA I was worried about ordering a mattress online.  Its a big deal having a comfortable mattress in … Read more

Installing the floor, and insulating

There are many decisions to be made when installing the floor.  I decided to use one inch XPS insulation, and half inch plywood.  I used the existing threaded areas, and riv-nuts to secure the floor. Also to hold the sink/oven cabinet frame, and the drawer slide for the bicycles we used T-Nuts.   In order to … Read more

Custom Fuse Covers, and removing logos

In this video – the making of custom fuse covers. Acrylic sheets  – https://amzn.to/3odwI23 Fuse holder      https://amzn.to/3ETqH17 Disconnect switch        https://amzn.to/3CTCRGI What to remove logo from plastic?   This simple method may get the job done – watch this video: Deep Woods Off –  https://amzn.to/3mWcJFK   If you watched the video above you … Read more

Van Mockup Walk Through

This video shows the mock up of our van design. The idea of converting our own van came about after a vacation to the Canadian Rockies.  We rented a 15 passenger van.  That large van was easy to drive and maneuver.  We looked into RV’s, and 5th wheels, but a van would allow us to … Read more

Bed Design

This video shows the design of the bed platform. Products seen in this video: Bed Mattress    https://amzn.to/3CY75IA I was worried about ordering a mattress online.  Its a big deal having a comfortable mattress in the van.   No need to worry, this was an excellent mattress.   At the time we purchase there were almost 100,000 reviews.  … Read more

Wire size, AC and DC circuits

You need to have the correct size wire for the amperage and voltage that will run through the wire.  Remember every wire should be protected by a fuse, limiting the amount of current through the wire. To determine wire size I recommend using Blue Sea Systems calculator – http://circuitwizard.bluesea.com/ Wire size is based on the … Read more

Charging with the Alternator

You can charge your batteries from your vehicles alternator.  The alternator delivers power to all the vehicles electrical components and keeps the starter battery charged.  The vehicles alternator may deliver more than 180 amps.  Let’s say that 80 amps are needed for the vehicle that leaves a surplus of 100 amps.  Those 100 amps can … Read more

Solar Controller

I will use a MPPT charge controller.  Based on my research this type of charge controller does a better job when it receives high voltage.  So my solar panels will be connected in series.   Connecting them in series adds up the voltage from each panel, and keeps the current the same.   If I connect them … Read more

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

A fuse is an intentional weak point in a circuit.  Fuses are designed to fail!   When too much current flows through a circuit, the filament in the fuse melts.  This stops the flow of electricity and protects the wire and equipment. Fuses and breakers are essential in any electrical system.  It will protect the circuit, … Read more