Vancrafting
EXTERIOR UPGRADES
From awnings to protect from sun rain to racks to help carry your accessories or vinyl decals, there are a number of upgrades you can add to your vehicle to personalize for your adventures. These add-ons can add so many advantages to your ride but also will add price.
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VINYL WRAP/ DECAL: vinyl is a protective coat that is heat treated to the exact contours of your vehicle. It’s a great way to make your ride unique and personalized. Anything is possible from full color wraps, partial color wraps, or a specific decal. They are available in patterns, solid color, fades….really anything you can imagine.
PAINT PROTECTION COAT: PPF finishes are virtually invisible and applied to protect your vehicle paint from scratching and stains - keeping your vehicle in pristine condition.
RHINO COAT: A rugged, airtight, abrasion and impact resistant coating that is applied to high use areas or the entire vehicle for protection and rust prevention. Great for rocker panels and bed linings. This coating is harder to keep clean and can add weight to the vehicle.
WINDOW TINTING: Window tinting provides increased privacy, heat protection, reduces glare, and a finished aesthetic.
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The addition of rack systems allow for extra storage, landing spots for recreational accessories, easy installation for awnings, panels, unique storage systems, as well as adding personality to your ride.
ROOF RACKS ———————
SAFARI STYLE: Typically built in a basket style, safari racks are usually more robust with heavy welds, double-tubed and include a platform strong enough to stand on. Most can be configured to what you have on your roof such as fans or skylights.
Pros: strong and ready to handle weight - can mount accessories such as awnings, lights, etc.
Cons: heavy & they have to be custom made if your fans and/or skylight do not fall in the usual spaces
LOW PROFILE STYLE: these roof racks direct-mount to the factory rails or T nuts. They are constructed with various forms of 80/20 extrusion tubing, combined with water jetted aluminum fairings for side structure and mounting capabilities.
Pros: lightweight and you can still mount accessories such as awnings - easy to install and assemble. They have a front faring for aerodynamics and hide what’s on the roof adding stealth.
Cons: not recommended to stand on or hold significant load without other supports in place.
REAR RACKS ———————
REAR DOOR SWING OUT ARMS: mechanisms hold the main frame of the rack to your existing rear door hinges. This allows all the accessories bolted to the rack to open with the door simultaneously.
Pros: getting in and out of the rear is easier
Cons: with some rear rack accessories (such as storage boxes) you lose the ability of the OEM 180 degree hinge - extra wear on door hinges
BUMPER SWING OUT ARMS: some swing out arms are built into your rear bumper assembly making the rack hinge and the door hinge operate independently.
Pros: weight of accessories does not wear on your door hinges over time
Cons: you have to open your rack hinges then open your rear doors
REAR RACK ACCESSORIES: From storage boxes, to bike racks, to tire carriers - these accessories attach to the swing out arms to provide landing space for bikes, kayaks, gas cans, shovels, high boy jacks, rescue gear or anything else you might need extra space for.
SWING DOOR BOXES: doors swing open like a cupboard cabinet
FLAT DOOR BOXES: doors drop down like a drawbridge providing another worktop space for cooking etc.
SHERPA PLATES: an aluminum plate that has a number of mounting holes making it a modular rack system that suits a variety of accessories such as skis, gas tanks, bikes etc.
BIKE RACKS: come in various forms from horizontal to vertical racks
TIRE RACKS: a mounting structure for your 5th spare tire - most come with tire, or tire and ladder options
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SIDE MOUNT LADDER: access to the roof is on the side of the vehicle and is used for adjusting loads, getting on the roof for stargazing, cleaning solar panels, etc.
Pros: easy access to the roof - can be paired with another rack to provide more storage on the side of the vehicle for things such as surf or SUP boards
Cons: easy access to the roof - sometimes you may find someone unwanted up there - only one access point to the roof
BACK MOUNT LADDER: same as described above but mounted on the rear of the vehicle
Pros: easy access to the roof - doesn’t add width to your vehicle
Cons: easy access to the roof - sometimes you may find someone unwanted up there - only one access point to the roof
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There are a variety of bumpers on the market - choosing one will be based on your functional needs and aesthetic preferences
WRAP AROUND BUMPER: Fully wrapped around the contours of the front and the rear of your vehicle these bumpers usually also house lights and sometime winches
WINCH BOXES: low profile winch cases and sometimes larger profile winch cases act as housing for your winch. Some have a small protective bumper, and a partial bully bar for protection and light mounting
BULLY BARS: a small protective bar assembly that comes up directly from the center of your front grill to provide protection and accessory light mounting.
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For added space and luxury, loft pop-up roofs can easily make your two person sleeper into a four person sleeping cab. This accessory needs to be installed by an advanced, skilled, and trained technician.
ROOF TOP TENT: Available for Sprinter, ProMaster and Transit models - interior roof access is in the front ¼ of the vehicle. The front pops up and provides another 60 sqft of space. Soft windows and screens are included.
Pros: adds square footage to your ride, sleeps two comfortably. Has a front fairing that follows the body contour of the vehicle making it somewhat stealth.
Cons: limited on the amount of solar you can put on - takes up 2/3 of your roof space
POP UP ROOF: Common for low top or medium top roofs, these pop tops have scissor hinges that raise the roof evenly for more headroom when you settle in at your basecamp.
Pros: added head room, some models also provide sleeping platforms for additional space
Cons: different models have different looks, but most all are obvious additions aesthetically.
SAFARI STYLE TENT: These roof box tents can be used on high top roof vans but its not popular.
Pros: they add additional sleeping space
Cons: in some applications gear needs to be retrofitted. Access into the tent is only from the outside of the vehicle
SKID PLATES: Skid plates protect vital drivetrain components when off-road situations get a little out of hand.
Pros: reassurance when off-roading - parts bolt on/off so that access for services like oil changes are still easy.
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POWERED SIDE STEP/ RUNNING BOARDS: a power side step that retracts when the doors are closed and opens with led lighting when doors open for ease getting in and out of your ride
Pros: easy access, feels like you’re boarding a spaceship
Cons: will not fit with some models of extended gas tanks - limits your underneath space - hitting heavy terrain can damage the arms and thus the step
NERF BARS: solid and robust, most nerf bars or “rock sliders” are designed to not only give you a step to get in and out of the vehicle but also protect the side and bottoms of your vehicle from rugged terrain.
Pros: giving protection whilst a step to get in and out of the vehicle
Cons: n/a
RUNNING BOARDS/ STEPS: bolt on running boards with the sole intent of stepping in and out of your vehicle.
Pros: get in and out of your ride easier
Cons: permanent install and are not usually designed to take hits, some hang pretty low which can catch on terrain
FLARESPACE: Add a few extra inches to the width of your van and in turn, add variety to the possibility of your layout. By adding Flarespace’s, you enjoy the possibility of making your bed go side to side in your van. You can also have windows in some limited styles added.
Pros: add width to your ride and enjoy a longer bed configuration
Cons: Flares need to be paint matched to the body of the vehicle. They are not insulated so some of the inches gained will be taken by adding insulation. They are fiberglass on the inside so they do need to be finished, commonly by fabric. Bed heights are restricted by the measurement of floor to bottom of the flarespace installed.
Windows
There are a variety of windows ranging from practical to cosmetic. Generally all of them are made from two materials: glass and acrylic - both come in insulated and non-insulated varieties. Most acrylic windows have a proud profile from the exterior body surface, while glass has variable profiles.
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Available in glass and have various profiles proud of exterior body lines
Pros: easy usage, and very easy to install. most come with a compression ring and foam adhesive weather strip. sealing the outer flange is required. You can add in extra security by barring the window, and you can control ventilation easily. Most come with a screen.
Cons: having the window open during rain can create leaking inside the vehicle.
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Available in both glass and acrylic and have various profiles proud of exterior body lines
Pros: easy usage - they open by a hinge at the top of the window. It’s easy to install, and as stated above most come with a compression ring and a foam adhesive weather seal and do require sealing the outer flange. They provide cover from elements with the window open but will leak a little. Acrylic awning styles come with compression rings with the option of interior trim that includes a black out screen and bug screen.
Cons: if you forget to lock them down the glass will slap around on bumpy roads and door closures. with them open you have to watch yourself walking around your vehicle in the middle of the night. they can also pose a security risk as the glass will come off with some encouragement. Acrylic versions have a robust locking system and two variable opening positions.
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Available in glass, and have a flush profile matching the body lines of the vehicle. They also come with an interior glass slider.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer meaning that these windows are flush to the body lines of the vehicle and the outer glass covers the entire exterior panel but while the interior remains an average window size. Most OEM glass is solid glass with no ventilation but there are some windows that have built in internal sliders to maintain the smooth body line appeal.
Pros: Maintains body lines of vehicle and “OEM” look. easy install with adhesive but more involved than the aftermarket acrylic/glass windows explained above.
Cons: Most OEM windows come as solid glass prohibiting ventilation. There are some windows that have a glass slider inside of the glass. It has been reported on forums that those mechanisms can sometimes fail.
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ROOF HATCHES ————
Low profile and available in both glass and acrylic, opaque and clear. most hatches are a single hinge or double scissor mechanism providing an opening for access to the roof of the vehicle, a safety escape, or an extra natural light source. Very few come with a screen, black out shade, and/or electric automation.
Pros: easy install and easy access
Cons: most installs open back to front sometimes limiting access to the roof depending on roof layout and configuration.
ROOF SKYLIGHTS ————
Most skylights are acrylic, and stand proud of the roof 3 to 4.5 inches. They provide access to the roof, a safety escape, and a natural light source. Most come equipped with an internal shroud that houses blackout shades, and bug screens.
Pros: easy access, automated opening, built in blackout shade and bug screen. An excellent addition to a build
Cons: most installs open back to front sometimes limiting access to the roof depending on roof layout and configuration. Roof depth, wiring, ceiling thickness, screw size, sealing and templating is involved in the installation process.
Mechanical UPGRADES
While not always needed, some mechanical upgrades can really increase the accessibility of your build. With options for increased power, technologic integration, and recreational tools, you can customize your van to your specific adventures.
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If you’re looking to enhance your DC to DC charge rate, adding a powerful secondary alternator with a programming module can charge your house battery system five times as fast. Models are made for 12v, 24v, and 48v power systems.
Pros: more power resulting in a faster charge rate to your house or alternate battery system
Cons: exact programming needs to occur for the alternate power system you are trying to charge. Installation by a professional recommended.
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Dual motor compressor: running at a high CFM, these compressors can be used for airing up or down: tires, paddle boards and airing off a variety of things like sandy feet.
Pros: added ease and accessibility
Cons: n/a
Compressor tank: a small tank to assist with the air pressure. it is recommended that the compressor and tank assist one another.
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Some models of vans and other vehicles offer aftermarket extended gas/ diesel tanks.
Pros: add mileage to your adventures between stops
Cons: some versions of aftermarket gas tanks do not allow some versions of side steps or running boards to be installed on the drivers side. they take up real estate under your vehicle, so plan accordingly for grey water tanks, black water tanks, etc.
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This simple Bluetooth accessory can correct throttle lag and inconsistent power delivery.
Pros: has a range of settings including: disengaging the throttle for theft and controlling the throttle for valet parking or a secondary user.
Cons: easy install (sarcasm)
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an autostart button turns your car on remotely. It can be integrated into your pre-existing key fob. The distance for function is the same as the original key fob’s.
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A 16-pin key installed aftermarket where only a few of the 16 pins are activated – making it next to impossible to know the pattern installed. You cannot start the vehicle without the kill switch key.
Pros: great security measure to your vehicle never being stolen
Cons: don’t ever lose your kill switch key
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Moves the brake from a manual lever to a button that can be pushed to engage the brake automatically
Pros: the button can be hidden for anti theft possibilities. It creates more space. It can be wired to engage when the vehicle is turned off.
Cons: n/a
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A snorkel system relocates your engine's air intake point from the relatively low and vulnerable position under the hood to a much higher and safer location where a constant source of cool, clean, dry air is available.
Pros: it can be necessary in some situations that include water crossings
Cons: 90% of the time it is not necessary or used
SUSPENSION UPGRADES
Adding aftermarket suspension is an excellent thing to do as most recreational and professional vans get overloaded and exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). By adding suspension you can alleviate that concern, reduce sway and hard knocks over obstacles, maintain control in high winds, and stabilize your cornering.
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Adding more ground clearance and the option of larger tires, lifts can give you more variety on terrain and improve the overall stance of your vehicle.
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These are metal flat bar springs that are used in the rear suspension of the vehicle to aid in weight distribution.
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An additional spring set added to the rear springs to enhance the capacity of your load
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come in two forms adjustable and straight tube.
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Pre-set shocks adjusted generally to the estimate weight of the vehicle
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These allow you to have multiple settings from dirt/washboard roads, to everyday driving and loaded highway travel. They provide a lot of versatility for someone that is varying their terrain often.
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Most vehicles with front wheel drive (Ex. Promasters) require struts which are a structural component of independent suspension systems connecting the wheel and body.
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Sumo springs add a bump stop between the frame of the vehicle, the control arm in the front, and the leaf springs in the rear for added ease on hard jolts that rattle your teeth. helps reduce sway and improves cornering and control of your ride in high winds.
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For some models of vehicle mostly sprinters the suspension can be rigid. In varied advanced terrain wheels cannot move independently therefore losing traction when momentum is needed, this simple addition alleviates these circumstances
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Wheels and tires can always be a welcomed upgrade from stock tires and rims. Improve and customize the look of your ride with new rims in a variety of choices and colors, adjust the size of your tires and road clearance with larger versions paired with appropriate suspension upgrades. You will not regret the smoothness of your ride and peace of mind that you have the right wheel and tire set for your adventures.
Insulation Systems
Your power system can be your highest expense but your insulation is the most important investment being that it is the determining factor in your comfort (or lack thereof).
R-Value: The measure of how well a two-dimensional barrier resists the conductive flow of heat.
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R-Value - 1.0
Hot Box/Cold Box: Whether hot inside/ cold outside or vice versa. Air will condensate on the metal of the vehicle and create moisture. By creating a thermal break between the two climates, you disrupt the condensation factor and create the first layer to your insulating system.
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R-Value - 1.5
By adding a layer of air gap/or secondary thermal break, you continue to disrupt the travel of hot/cold climate though the layer. Using Reflectix© it also has double foil sides, therefore, reflecting heat/cold either in/out of the second layer of insulation.
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R-Value - Varies
The third layer is meant to boost your R-Value. Poly-Iso foamboard with a double foil creates R-Value while also another double reflective layer.
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R-Value - Varies
When air gets trapped in fiber, the air itself becomes an insulator. Loft layer helps manage Moisture by wicking, provides a sound barrier & thermal barrier from fiber and air entrapment.
Electrical Systems
A van’s power system consists of two main parts. A generation box and its power consumption wiring.
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Volts: The pressure at which electricity travels.
Watts: the measure of how much power you are using.
Circuit: The travel of electricity to and fro.
Current: Electricity! E-lect-tricity!
Converter: Converts a 120 volt current to a 12 volt current.
Invert: Inverts a 12 volt current to a 120 volt current.
Charger: uses a 12v current to charge.
Inverter/Charger: Both devices in one.
Solar Charge Controller: Takes current created by solar panels and controls the state of charge. Essentially turning on and off the current when your batteries need charging.
* Recommended: MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) chargers help get more yield of current.
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Your secondary power system – separate of your vehicle’s power system - runs your “house” on wheels.
Consists of your 3 point charge system (Solar, Alternator, & solar), batteries, inverter/charger, solar charge controller, etc.
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The consumption wiring connects anything that gets powered by the van. (lighting, appliances, etc.)
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Charge/discharge rate is 90% to 10% so there are less cycles thus increasing the life of the battery.
IBM (Integrated Battery Management) Systems prevent damage
Lighter, smaller, and easier to handle
Discharge rate is 10% - 15% times better than lead acid.
Batteries are sealed and do not off-gas, therefore can be mounted inside the vehicle and in any direction
Runs devices/appliances over 1,000 watts effectively.
7 to 10 year life expectancy
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Charge/discharge rate is 80% to 30%, so there are more cycles thus decreasing the life of the battery.
3-stage charge rate can be slow.
Heavy, large, and harder to handle.
AGM are sealed and can be put inside the vehicle; regular Lead Acid absolutely CANNOT.
Creates acid corrosion on your terminals.
1 to 3 year life expectancy
Water Systems
It’s important to remember when building your plumbing systems that you also consider weight. Water is the limiting factor when traveling off-grid so it is important to have a large capacity for longer outings HOWEVER water weighs 8lbs/ gallon so choose the size of your tank wisely to stay under weight limits on your vehicle. Weight can also be alleviated by upgrades to the suspension.
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Fresh Water Tank
Various sized tank to hold fresh water.
Fresh Water Over Wheel Well Tank
Tank fitting over wheel well for space saving.
20/22/32 gallons available.
Grey Water Tank w/ Cleanout
Durable tank with large lid for cleanout and incoming drain.
Black Water Tank w/ Blade Port
Blade port to hook black water hose to tank to handle raw sewage.
12 Volt Ball Valve
Automatic Expunge valves to empty grey water tanks.
12 Volt Water Pump
Electric water pump to get water from tank to sink, shower, or water heater.
Accumulator Tank
Consolidates water flow so when you turn on the sink you get a solid stream of water rather than it pulsating with the pump.
12 Volt Inline Particle Water Filter
Preventable filter that pull any particles that could damage your water pump
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Activated carbon filtration:
Activated carbon block filtration filters particulates, and bonds to active chemicals such as chlorine removing it from your water, they also effectively remove 81 other chemicals effectively reduce another 52 and according to the EPA remove all 12 herbicides 14 pesticides and 32 other organic contaminants.
UV filtration:
UV filters kill 99.99% of bacterial compounds and viruses. They are extremely effective however do not eliminate contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, or voc’s.
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Most countertop filters are block carbon.
Pros: excellent filtration for drinking water
Con’s: the top can be heavy in some filters making it an item that can tip and make quite a mess when driving hence having to take it out and put it away, also takes up a bit of counter space that can sometime be valuable real estate.
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ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS: working similar to household water heaters water is stored in a tank then heated by electricity
Pros: who doesn’t like hot water, most units are small and compact.
Cons: most vehicle power systems have somewhat limited power. And can be quite a draw of power as heating and cooling draw significant power. By the time you use your hot water, you may have to wait to charge your batteries, and wait more for your hot water tank to warm. It just requires a bit of strategy.
HEAT EXCHANGER WATER HEATERS: a water tank is heated by either the vehicle coolant lines, or a separate heater that is purposed to run fluid through lines to heat the hot water tank.
Pros: no propane or gas, no electricity needed.
Cons: some tanks will require a mixing valve so super-heated water does not burn when in use.
PROPANE WATER HEATERS: Most propane water heaters are inline, and have a lit pilot that super heats water when in usage.
Pros: on demand heated water
Cons: requires a decent sized propane system - a large hole needs to be cut in the side panel of the vehicle for the heater to vent - can malfunction in higher altitudes
Climate Control
Heating and cooling can fall under this category as well as fans.
HEATING
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Similar to a wall or plug-in forced air heater in homes, these efficient heaters pull off of the diesel or gas tank in small minute amounts of fuel and are powered by your 12v system providing a consistent hot air blower heat (environment heating only).
Inside: Mount the heater anywhere in your floor plan, usually in a cabinet or under a seat (there are advantageous placements to consider)
Outside: There is an air intake, and exhaust that will make a whirring sound (also advantageous placements to consider)
Things to consider:
You are heating the air, so if you open a door, vent fan etc., the air escapes and the reheating begins.
These heaters come standard with a manual thermostat, that have a low to high setting.
Consider where you are exhausting your heater. A popular place is by your side sliding door but it can work against you.
Units can range from 7500- 11500 BTU.
Always install a co2 alarm with your heating system.
Add-ons and enhancements:
High altitude kit
Fresh air intake muffler
Exhaust muffler
Exhaust pipe extension
Digital thermostat with temperature control and timer setting
Mounting plate
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Similar to the old radiator heaters in buildings ran by a boiler, these heaters work by heating a fluid that exchanges through various appliances (heaters, water heaters) exchanging through piping to radiate heat in floors, then exchanging through a blower fan for air-heated fluid, or exchanging by radiant heat to warm water. There are three forms of heat exchanger/radiant fluid heat systems:
Radiant Heat: Provides a different type of heat by radiating not only through the floor but warming everything on the floor, cabinetry, seating, gear, also keeps your batteries warm and maintained at a good temperature(which they like)
Blower Heat: Once your heater appliance reaches temperature it will kick on a blower and provide air top heat.
Water Heat: You can have a separate water heater tank, an on-demand appliance, or a mixing valve and pump system.
Outside: There are some strategic placements of the heater and fuel pump but space needed is minimal for the mechanicals.
Inside: Integrated design in your layout is required for the mechanicals of your system, most systems can fit inside a cabinet, or designated storage and water box. Heater placement needs to be near the external mechanicals and water plumbing needs to be preplanned to determine if any connections needs to be behind a wall or floor.
Things to consider:
The mechanicals of this system and combined systems take a minimal amount of space on the exterior of the vehicle but require a bit more space on the interior depending on which appliances you are plumbing to.
Integrated design for the appliance/mechanicals you use needs to be considered for the interior layout of your vehicle.
Not all heat exchange systems are designed the same so do your research. Understand what a direct coolant loop system is versus an auxiliary gas or diesel heater and the attributes of each.
Some systems require a water mixing valve to attain an acceptable water temperature.
There are on-demand systems that use a bit of water before turning hot.
Units range from 15,000 to 21,000 BTU on auxiliary heaters, direct coolant loops potentially more.
Always install a co2 alarm with your system
Add ons/ enhancements:
High altitude kit
Fresh air intake muffler
Exhaust muffler
Exhaust pipe extension
Digital thermostat with temperature control and timer setting
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Either use a portable propane system or install a full permanent tank system (recommended). There are a variety of appliances ranging from portable small heaters and cooktops to more permanent solutions with heaters, water heaters, cooktops, etc. All propane systems should always have an LP gas and Carbon monoxide alarm.
Portable:
Small canister cooktops and heaters are easily storable in cabinets drawers etc, you also need to make room for extra canisters of fuel, so consider. The area you use these appliances in, needs to be well ventilated and definitely include a low oxygen sensor on some of the heating devices so they shut down when they are burning rich. Propane regulators will leak so always make sure your tank is disconnected or turned off.
Permanent Systems:
Permanent propane systems have larger but more efficient appliances, such as cooktops, ovens, air heaters, water heaters, and refrigerators. Larger appliances require larger tanks and pressure regulators to run them, so recommended systems would include an outside mounted tank. Under-mounted tanks are also available in various sizes with remote fill units as an add-on for easy service and filling.
Things to consider:
Propane tanks should not be installed in the interior of the vehicle without proper ventilation to the outside and within a sealed propane locker.
Tank placement will depend on your vehicle type, this may require you to install a back rack to mount a tank, remove the spare tire, installing a spare tire rack.
Altitude can be an issue for these appliances, if there is low oxygen for the pilot to burn, it may result in appliances not working efficiently or not at all.
Vinyl lines are susceptible to damage, so if you have a choice run copper lines, typically 3/8”.
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Ran through either electrical element, whether it be a floor wiring system (highly inefficient), an electric blanket (12v), or an electric 12v furnace; these systems are lower on cost but also lower on efficiency, and longevity.
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Small wood stoves provide a dry heat, with some models using double combustion, allowing for the longevity of that heat with minimum fuel.
Things to consider:
You need to mount the stove in a place that you can provide a heat shield.
You are cutting a hole through the roof for the stove pipe.
Sometimes extra stove pipe is required for better burning.
You need to make space for your fuel (wood).
Most stoves require small pieces so consider your time preparing them.
Takes a bit of time to warm the space to temperature.
Maintaining temperature throughout the night can be difficult at times.
COOLING
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Mini Split A/C units come with two parts; the condenser and fans mount underneath the vehicle, with the blower and main unit inside the vehicle. These units run off approximately 70 watts of power on a 12 volt system making them a unit that can be powered by your solar system, or an alternate power generation system.
Things to consider:
Include room for the interior unit in your design
Proper placement and mounting needs to be considered on the under-mount unit
Expect the price tag, allowing you to get a/c off grid
6000/ 8000 BTU
Custom configured under-mount condenser coil w/ dual fan
Variable fan speed control
Blower control
DC/DC converter
Output current 70 to 80 watts
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Most rooftop units you find require you to be plugged into shore power in order for them to work efficiently, but there are some 12 volt options available. The condenser, blower and controls are all one unit.
Tech Systems
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Work to boost your cell phone signal so you may have continued use in low wave areas and potentially usage of your phone or device as a hotspot.
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Wi-Fi routers are up-fitted with network SIM cards and paired with various antenna to boost signal and create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Most will also boost your cell signal.
Lighting
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Both applicable in main lighting and under cab lighting pucks provide broad warm or cool light. Great for bright light and can come dimmer compatible, and typically black, white, and nickel finishes.
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A broader softer light for under cabinets that can be in either warm or cool light and typically come in black or nickel finishes.
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Typically used for reading light.
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Indirect rope lighting typically used in ceiling or floor applications. Usually comes in multicolor, warm, or cool lighting.
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Dimmer packs enable control of the brightness on all your lighting.
Cabinetry
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Different plywood’s achieve different looks as well as categories of plywood are different weights, and qualities. All things are pertinent to your cabinetry build. Using real woods: consider elevation and climate changes to prevent splitting. Sounds funny but there is a basic science to it all.
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Lightweight structure but consider that you will be tightening bolts every so often to maintain sturdiness to your structure. Also you still have to skin your base structure with wood, aluminum or metal. So if weight is your concern choose your products wisely.
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Mostly only available in uppers, cabinets are made of fabric with lightweight panels to maintain structure. They are usually modular as well but will require a way to attach them.
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Very expensive to create, but sturdy and lightweight, same principle as 80/20 structures but with welds instead of bolts. Same sheeting considerations apply.
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Pre-molded for certain models, metal cabinets are another option. They do have a certain feel and sound to them.
Upholstery
Accessories
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Provides more space for storage.
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Providing an option to reduce the heat or cold that permeates through your windshield and windows most magnetize into place and are insulated. They come in a variety of choices for style and color.
Shop Window Covers
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Insulated partitions create privacy and stealth and help insulate climate from the cab.
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Side door access, and backdoor access can be a hassle when the bugs are present, screens help the cause, and come in a variety of styles and colors.
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Rear doors are underutilized real estate at time so adding pockets and extra storage can give more for the thrift store.
Lifestyles
Some friendly things to think about as you are considering the personalization of your van.
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SINK: stainless steel or granite composite. No real advantage over the other just aesthetics.
FAUCET: consider the height of your faucet so it doesn’t impose or become non functional from running into the contoured walls.
COUNTERTOPS: wood needs love so keep it under consideration for live edge, butcher block, or plank work counters. Paperstone, ridgelite, and corian are good countertop materials but do require some maintenance. Stone is clean and low maintenance but very heavy and somewhat scary if a roll over were to ever occur.
FLOORING: full sheet options like coin or marine flooring have a look vinyl plank or marmoleum give at home look and a huge variety, aftermarket mats are also an option.
PLANTS AND PLANTERS: stick to cactus, air-plants or succulents and Velcro your plant bases.
DÉCOR THEMES: choose a style you like southwest, cabin, farmhouse, contemporary, Scandinavian… it will help keep your space consistent.
COLORS: use neutral colors for your base and add color with accessories like pillows. Lights above for feeling of space try not to do white lower cabs you will constantly be cleaning scuffs and such.
PATTERNS: get wild but not too wild, small spaces can be overwhelmed by different patterns, try not to have patterns that are permanent so you don’t grow tired of them.
TEXTURES: same advice as above, choose things that compliment each other.
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DISHWARE: robust dishware like stainless steel or plastic are recommended. Keep the rattle down and don’t use glass.
PACKING: small bags to separate clothing are a delight to us OCD organizers.
TOOLS: having a small tool kit for incidentals can be very helpful.