Looking for the VAN Build Guide. It has not been released yet – It is currently being edited and will be released soon. Please check back on this page for Free access to the guide.
This is a listing of the products I have used in the van build. This page will be continually updated as the van build continues. Most but not all include affiliate links.
Safety Glasses
Safety Glasses – https://amzn.to/3qfoRnp
These safety glasses are so comfortable, at times I forget I am wearing them.
Trim Removal tools
You will need these tools to make removing panels easier.
Trim removal tools – https://amzn.to/2ZZq1s6
Magnetic Screens https://amzn.to/3bQ2NHt and https://amzn.to/3CXDxuJ
These screens are amazing. In a video we show how to customize these to fit the sliding door, and the rear door of the van. After customizing we never need to remove the screens. They fit even when opening an closing the door.
Rivnut tool – https://amzn.to/3qoDaWu
The Riv-nut tool is required when building a van. This tool makes it easy to make secure connections to the vans frame. I use this to secure the floor, wall panels, and the upper cabinets. I decided to use only three bolt sizes in the van build. 1/4″-20, 5/16-18, and M8.
5/16″ Riv-nuts – https://amzn.to/3bLzsho
M8 Riv-nut – https://amzn.to/3wluOA8
M8 Bolts – https://amzn.to/2ZXCDzO
I purchases these M8 bolts to fit exiting threaded hold-downs in the van. Some of these where used to bolt the floor.
Drill stops – https://amzn.to/3bQj1jS
Drill stops are required when building a van. These wills stop you from pushing through the frame and denting the outside walls. In the building tips video I show adding a collar, to ensure the drill stop can’t slip.
Framing Square – https://amzn.to/3CTYyXp
Combination Square – https://amzn.to/307ov7A
A framing square, speed square and long steel rule make building much easier. When cutting plastic and fabric you will want a long steel rule to cut against.
Bar clamps – https://amzn.to/3wpbMZE
You will need several bar clamps. During the build I have found I tend to use the short bar clamps most often.
Drill bits
Of course you will need drill bits of all different sizes. Buying a full set of all the different sizes from Harbor Freight is good to have all the different sizes. But you will need quality bits in the common sizes. I have found Dewalt bits to be of good quality and last.
Drill Bits – https://amzn.to/3qdSRjg
Hatch/skylight
Marine Hatch https://amzn.to/3bQjlz6
I used this marine hatch to add a skylight and access to the roof above our bed. It is wonderful. It is a key design feature of the van. Its nice to watch the stars at night! It does not matter how you make your purchase, it will be expensive! The results are worth the expense. I made video showing the installation. Why a marine hatch? No plastic, its all aluminum and will probably last longer than the van!
Kitchen and shower
Sink
This sink is amazing. It is big. I do not like the tiny bar sinks I see in many vans. I wanted a functional sink that I could put a large spaghetti pot inside! Be sure to figure out your correct size in your layout.
Sink: https://amzn.to/3o5ieBe
Sink Sprayer – Some may think this is crazy, but we do not have a sink faucet. We don’t need one. Instead we have this sprayer that will lock in a open position.
Sink Sprayer: https://amzn.to/3qR3EOO
Water heater https://amzn.to/3o0EOei
R.O. Filter System https://amzn.to/305Z4mQ
We have a reverse osmosis water filtration system in our van. So, we can be confident our water is clean and safe during our travels. In a video I show how I added valves to select when the system is in filtration mode, or in full reverse osmosis mode.
Pex flex elbow https://amzn.to/2ZZ5q7h
Pex elbows https://amzn.to/3kaCjF6
Pex Crimp fittings https://amzn.to/3qfcsj3
Pex shut off https://amzn.to/2YoTVWd
Spin down filter https://amzn.to/302CbAs
Filters https://amzn.to/2YrMPQM and https://amzn.to/3keP4yF
Pex Cinch Tool + Pipe Cutter https://amzn.to/3qnZsro
Marine deck plate https://amzn.to/3kzCN8b
I placed a marine deck plate on the top of our water tank. This provides an easy way to fill it!
Water Tanks – https://www.classacustoms.com/ OR https://amzn.to/3CVYgz1
Water tanks can be a pain. It is often difficult to find just the right size. I created a video showing the dimensions under the promaster van. This should help!
Electronic ball valve https://amzn.to/3H2HEIk
These are magical. They will allow you to flip a switch and drain your grey tank.
Shower valve https://amzn.to/3qfMOL3
Shower wand https://amzn.to/3wpIqKG
Jerry Can – https://amzn.to/3bTdrNA
We have a WATER BANDIT which will fit on almost any water tap and connect to a short garden hose for filling the jerry can. The Water Bandit is flexible and can be placed over most faucets to direct the water through a hose.
Water Bandit – https://amzn.to/3kkE5Uh
Pumps https://amzn.to/2ZZD8tl
So far these pumps have been excellent. We have two in our van build. They have a 4 year warranty, which I have not needed to test since they have been working without error. But I do have an extra one just in case there is a problem. They have variable flow to reduce cycling.
UV sterilizer https://amzn.to/3wnp6xI
As an added precaution we have a UV water sterilizer on both our reverse osmosis drinking water system, and our recirculating shower.
Solar Panels https://amzn.to/307QaVV
We selected these solar panels due to their size. The fit perfectly across the rails on the top of the van. The provide 200 watts per panel in the smallest physical size.
Inverter https://amzn.to/3wwmfCz
I did a great deal of research on inverters and solar charge controllers. The key reason I selected Victron products was Bluetooth. They all integrate with each other and I can monitor everything from my phone.
Solar Charge Controller https://amzn.to/3BRTbXd
I did a video explaining how to select the correct size of Solar Charge Controller.
Battery Monitor https://amzn.to/3o8XoRC
One of the best products Victron has there battery monitor. If I was to have only one Victron product it would be the battery monitor. Having this allows you to monitor your electrical system with your cell phone. This is an excellent Frugal Factor approved product!
Anderson type Connectors: https://amzn.to/3mUbK8V These are used to connect the batteries to the Inverter. It provides a quick easy way to connect and disconnect the batteries.
Fuse holder https://amzn.to/3ETqH17
Fuses https://amzn.to/3qiPmZ7
Ring Terminals with heat shrink https://amzn.to/3BULhMA
Ferrule Crimping Tool Kit https://amzn.to/3EQTwLG
Ancor Marine Grade Duplex Wire https://amzn.to/30bsQ9C
Ancor produces excellent marine grade wire. It is double insulated and fully tinned. I use 12AWG flat duplex wire for all of the 12 Volt DC applications in the van. Please see my video on wire size!
Heat Gun https://amzn.to/3o9KKSe
If you do not have a heat gun you need one! It has many uses – applying heat shrink when making electrical cables, bending acrylic, removing labels, removing van ribs and more…..
Wire strippers https://amzn.to/2Ypqcwl
You will need a good pair of wire strippers. Having taught electronics for years, I have several.
Crimpers https://amzn.to/3kihOGz
TEMCO wire https://amzn.to/3qSzlaE
TEMCO provides wire and solar cable. Made in the USA, this is high quality ultra flexible cable.
Solar cable is different. It will not be as flexible as other wire. Solar panel wire must have UV resistant insulation. If standard type electrical wire is used on the roof of your van the suns UV radiation will destroy the insulation on the wire. This may cause an electrical short, and possible solar panel failure.
TEMCO solar cable https://amzn.to/3wpiChA
TEMCO wire https://amzn.to/30bz2OZ
2/0 https://amzn.to/3GTTaWB
6 Ga https://amzn.to/3o4lrkB
8 Ga https://amzn.to/3CTAELq
10 Ga https://amzn.to/3H30vTN
US Wire Extension cord 12/3 https://amzn.to/3qeEr2s
For the AC power in the van I used a heavy duty extension cord for wiring. This was more cost effective than buying bear wire.
12 Volt Fuse Block https://amzn.to/3o5U8X2
A 12 volt fuse block is needed to supply the different amperage fuses for your DC loads.
Disconnect switch https://amzn.to/3CTCRGI
Lugs – to use these watch my video on making cables.
2/0 https://amzn.to/3BOnOgl
6 Ga https://amzn.to/3o4aUGc
8 Ga https://amzn.to/31F2FZA
Hammer Crimper and easy cheap way to crimp! https://amzn.to/3qhgIyv
Heat shrink tubing https://amzn.to/3mRjgBl Clear https://amzn.to/3wCC2A1
I have always felt that this is magical stuff!
Copper Bus Bar – https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/copper/0-25-x-0-75-copper-rectangle-bar-110-h02/pid/4283
Loctite: https://amzn.to/3bMVC2I
I use Loctite on all the electrical connection bolts! This glue-stick type is easy to use!
Split Loom – https://amzn.to/3HhbAAT
Cable Ties – https://amzn.to/3H6L2lp
Cable Clamps – https://amzn.to/3wuGaBO
Grommets – https://amzn.to/3F2VV5V
Butane Torch https://amzn.to/3o4yoe5 OR https://amzn.to/31F391Q
Solder https://amzn.to/3oaqv6O
Square D Load Center https://amzn.to/3ERKr5l
Din Rail for Breaker https://amzn.to/3CUFJTT
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. So, it was worth a try. We are very happy with this purchase – excellent product and price!
Bed Rails – I purchased my bed rails from IKEA. These steel rails are expandable. So, they will fit any design width.- https://bit.ly/3qbc5CT
Wood Slats – I also purchased the wood slats from IKEA. See my bed design video for more information. https://bit.ly/3oBJGWo
VADANIA Industrial Ultra Heavy Duty Drawer Slides with Lock 52″ https://amzn.to/30bAJfj I used all Vadania drawer slides in my van build. They are heavy duty, and much stronger than I actually need.
Smaller Drawer slides for pullout table: https://amzn.to/3BZdfae
T-Nuts –https://amzn.to/3ofzhk6 These are used in several areas in the van build. In the bike drawer slide, under the floor to hold down the sink/oven frame and in the overhead cabinets.
Birch Edge Banding – I used edge banding when making the pull out drawer for bike storage. I also used banding on the footrest. Edge banding is an easy way to get smooth edges, even if you are painting. https://amzn.to/3EVac4E
Edge banding trimmer – You can use a knife, or file if you do not have this trimmer. But the trimmer makes the job easy and fast! https://amzn.to/3o8SuDX
