My van build started with me watching way too may YouTube videos. Finally coming up with a basic design I thought would work best for me. I am a larger women and knew I wanted open space. Decided I only wanted one side with counters, giving me a feeling of more space. A permanent bed in the back was my choice as I did not want to make up a bed each night. I wanted upper cabinets, but not over my head when I slept. My van build design had a spot for everything I thought I needed.
I had a total budget of $15,000 CDN which I thought was substantial however it goes pretty quickly. I spent over $7,000 CDN just for my solar set up. Like most people I had to make my choices based on the dollars.
After living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for a year then travelling for 2 years some of my choices worked out really well, while others not so much. Here are my list of 6 mistakes and 6 loves in my van build.
My 6 Van Build Mistakes:
1. Insulation
Get the best possible insulation you can. Good insulation will keep the heat in or out depending on what the weather is doing outside your van. I did some research before my van build but didn’t really know what I was looking for or needing so just let the builders do their thing.
To be honest I don’t even know what was installed in my van. As I am writing this I am looking back at specs from the builder and there is no mention of insulation. It is something nearly impossible to change, so I suggest you do your research, be informed and don’t spare any expense on this part of your build.
2. Fridge
I have a Hamilton Beach 120V AC bar sized fridge. I knew I wanted a front loading design and have no regrets with the style. For me it was easier to store and find the items I needed with an upright style rather than a chest design.
What I do wish is that I had spent the extra money to get a 12V DC fridge. Right now if I have low power I turn off my inverter which means I am also turning off my fridge. This has been working as I do not usually have more than a few days of food in my fridge. Also when the power is low the weather is usually cloudy and cooler so nothing is spoiling, but it is not ideal.
3. Flooring
I had a wide plank laminate flooring installed, however within the year it cracked and now I have it taped. I did have the choice to have a narrower plank and that may have been a better choice. In hindsight I would have researched and spent the money on a better product for my floor. I am looking at replacing it with luxury vinyl plank flooring.
4. Lithium Batteries
Knowing what I know now I would have spent the extra money and had Lithium batteries installed with my solar. I have had no problems with my AGM batteries, however I am checking that my power does not drop below 50%. This can harm the AGM batteries.
When it comes time to replacing my batteries, I will definitely do my research and not let the cost stop me from choosing my best option.
5. Placement of Electric/USB Plugs
I planned where I would put my clothes and all my kitchen stuff but did not think about charging my phone at night or where I would plug in my kettle.
For charging my phone at night I use a 10ft cord laying along the floor to reach the USB plug at the end of my bench. If I would have thought of it at the time I would have had a USB plug near the head of my bed.
I did catch that there was no plug in the kitchen during the van build and had one put in. Since the walls were already installed the only option was to place it in the front of the kitchen counter. This actually works really well so that worked out well.
6. Stealth Design
In the beginning I was concerned about safety and blending in so wanted a stealth design. I knew I was going to be living in the city for at least a year while I was still working making stealth important at the time. I did not think about the next 5 years or longer. My advice now is to include your long term lifestyle when designing your van not just your immediate needs.
The only major issue with my stealth design are my propane tanks (for my heater) installed at the back of my van. As most van break-ins happen through the back door it was a safety concern at the time.
The problem is I have to remove the tanks to open the back doors, so accessing the area under the bed from the back is not that easy. I would have looked at another design for my propane tanks, perhaps a swing arm? Another thing to change or just live with.
My van build Biggest Waste of Money:
Hot Water Heater
My biggest waste of money was for my hot water heater which I have never used. It takes too much power when I am just using solar and have not spent any length of time where I am plugged into electricity.
I have been tempted to take it out and use the area for more storage however one never knows what the future holds. I may not be using it now but perhaps I will park at an RV site for a longer stay and use it. So it stays.
My 6 Amazing Van Build Designs:
1. Love my Skylight
I chose not to have any windows in my van other than the back ones. This was part of my stealth design choice. I also did not want to spend the money on windows then spend more on window coverings. I do however need and love natural light so chose to have a skylight installed. Best choice ever, I get my daylight and privacy all at once.
2. Love my Wall
This is where my stealth design works really well. I wanted a wall built behind my seats so my van would look more like a work van when parked on the city streets. It allowed me more privacy than a curtain would.
Another benefit is it keeps the living space of my van cooler when it is hot outside, warmer when using my heater. It also gives me another wall to use as storage, my shoe rack is hung here. It is lovely to have a place to put my shoes while living in a small space.
3. Love my Hanging Closet
I have a uniform that I wear most days, linen shirt with yoga pants or a dress if it is warm, so a hanging closet was a necessity for my clothes. The inside door works as my “junk wall” and the outside is for hanging clothes at night.
At the bottom of the hanging area is where I store my compost toilet keeping it accessible and hidden away at the same time. A toilet in a van is a MUST in my opinion.
4. Love my Induction Burner
I did not want to use a propane or butane stove inside my van so chose an induction burner instead. I love it. It heats up quickly and cools down immediately after taking off my pot. For space I chose a one burner unit which is great as most of my meals are one pot ones anyway.
5. Love My Back Cubbies
Originally I wanted a double bed whereas a single bed and two cubbies were installed instead. I am single and haven’t yet had an overnight guest so the cubbies are a much better use of space. Having things I use everyday stored here makes for a happy mistake.
6. Love my Gray Water Tank
No black water tank for me, I decided early on I did not want to deal with finding places to empty it, the smell or the chemicals used. I did however choose to have a gray water tank installed and and so happy I did. It can easily be emptied almost anywhere and I can freely use water in my van without issue.
Conclusion on my van build:
I love living and travelling in my van and wouldn’t change anything about my lifestyle. The mistakes I made in my original van build are only issues that I have learned about or have found out since living in my van. Everyone has different wants and needs in this lifestyle so what I did or did not do may mean nothing to you.
My wish however, for anyone starting out is to learn a little bit from what I have done, choose what is best for you and live a happy vanlife.
I would love to read your comments on what mistakes or the positive choices you made in your own van build. If you have any questions for me please do not hesitate to reach out.
love reading your blogs, Cathy, but I dont think Im getting them all.
Where are you going to read my blog? The easiest is sharingmyvanlife.com. On the website I have two different types of blogs, one is My Vanlife Blog and the other is My Travel Blog. Check out both of these pages as one is base on my van and the other on my travels. Let me know how that works.
Hi Cath. Interesting read. Stay safe!
I am happy you enjoyed the blog :). Happy Christmas to you.
Great read. I love seeing your adventures.
Nicole, thanks so much!