Camper

< Back to index

Project Plan / Build Sequence

1. Planning

Choose/purchase a van
Create an electricity consumption estimate
Create/aquire a wiring diagram
Choose a heater (diesel; electric; diesel/electric hybrid; gas)
Choose ventilation (fan/airconditioning/vents)

2. Cut Holes

Drill/cut out holes for windows, vent fans, shore power inlet, water fill inlet, solar panel wires, chassis ground, gray water outlet.

3. Grey Water

Install the grey water tank.

4. Shower Pan

Shower platform and pan; plumbing the drain into the grey water tank.
Shower pan assembly (either directly on the bare-metal van floor, or on top of the sub-frame/floor.

5. Floor

Create a sub-frame, and insulate spaces within the subframe.
Run any wiring or pipes you want hidden beneath the floor.
Install the floor, screw to subframe.

6. Heater

7. Solar Panels

8. Insulation

9. Electrics

Batteries
MPPT
Inverter
DC-DC charger
System branch circuits (lights; fridge; heater; water heater; stove; fans)
Fuse all the branch connectors (DC)
Install circuit breakers (AC)

Note - run wires as close as possible to where they're terminated (device/outlet/appliance/etc

Branch circuits are the wires that run from this load center to the various “loads” like lights, a refrigerator, fans, etc. Each branch circuit has either a fuse (for DC loads) or a circuit breaker (for AC loads).

Ceiling

Add battens/frame to which to fasten ceiling panels.
Wire roof lighting.
Install ceiling ventilation/air conditioner/fan.
Install ceiling panels

Water Heater

Isotemp marine-style water heater and connect it up to the engine’s coolant lines.When you drive your water is heated by simply driving and stays hot for a long time. Isotemp water heaters with a van installation kit
Fresh Water Tank & plumbing

Bed Area

Shower

Front wall

Flooring

Appliances and cabinets

Refrigerator/freezer and microwave
Galley Cabinets

Wall Panels

Run LED/PUK lighting cables
Only panel over areas that will be visible.
Sand/paint/varnish panels
Fit LED/PUK lighting

Shitter/pisser (cassette/composting(!)/bucket/etc.

Furniture

Seat Swivels
Cabinets
Bed

Shakedown trip

Address issues uncovered by shakedown trip