Van Life | Ame in a van (2024)

This is everything I used to build my van out into this gorgeous self converted camper van! I spent a long time designing my van, however I decided against everything I planned to do and ended up designing the van as I built it up. Since I am a novice to DIYs (van builds), I found it hard to follow a plan as I couldn't be certain on how to execute my plans, however my van turned out to be better than I ever thought it could be! Here I'm sharing with you all the equipment and appliances I have used in my van build, all items are directly linked to where I bought them from! I wish I'd have had a resource similar to this, hopefully this will save you some time and headaches...! ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Here is my basic electrical system, I have 2x 100 Watt solar panels on my roof, running through a 40amp MPPT Charge Control, I linked the kit below ( so don't worry if you're new to this)! My van battery and leisure battery are connected via a split charge relay, which charges my battery as I drive - this has been invaluable. Here are some other electrical/components I used in my build. Click items below to see buying options! Core Electrical System > 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter > Lithium 100AH Lesuire Battery > Solar Panel System Kit > Split Charge Relay Other > LED Ceiling Lighting > Fuse Box > Switch & Control Panel > Solar Panel Entry Plate > Wiring & Cables Used > Terminal Connectors WATER SYSTEM - I used a simple plan for my water system, a pipe from a jerry can, into the pump, into the expansion vessel, using elbow and straight connectors. My cold pipes are connected straight to my tap outlets and the warm water pipes to my heater and then to my taps. I used special connectors to attach the 12mm pipe to a household tap. Click items below to see buying options! Core Water System/Plumbing > Water Pump > Filter > Expansion Vessel > 12mm Pipes > Pipe Connectors - Straight > Pipe Connectors - Elbow (12mm) Other > Kitchen Tap > Shower Head (This is AMAZING!) > Jerry Can 25L > Aqua Roll 40L (Rollable Jerry Can) > 12mm Pipe to Household Tap Connector KITCHEN I wanted a fun kitchen so I painted it pink, however I still had buy the appliances that were going to work best in my van. I chose a deep sink, which is absolutely critical for full time living in a van as it means the water doesn't go everywhere! I used a gas hob over an induction due to power issues, the hob has been brilliant so far. My fridge is a 230V fridge as it was the MUCH cheaper option (although slightly more power hungry). Lastly, I used a household tap as the 12v version taps weren't practical, so I used some adaptors to connect the tap to my van water system. Click items below to see buying options! > Sink > Gas Hob (Propane/Butane) > Kitchen Tap > Fridge (230v) > 12mm Pipe to Household Tap Connector (These took a long time to find)! HEATING SYSTEM I can't recommend this diesel heater enough, it's very affordable and relatively simple to install, I've used mine almost every day so far and it hasn't failed me (even in minus temperatures). I have a Water Heater from Whale in my van, and it allows me to have warm water in my van whilst only using gas. Click items below to see buying options! > Diesel Heater > Whale Water Heater ....coming soon VENTILLATION Ventilation is important to reduce moisture, allow air circulation and control temperature in the van. I chose the Maxx Air Fan Deluxe as it comes with multiple speed settings and a remote control. I used sikaflex and mastic sealing strip to attach the fan to my roof (linked below), and I have had no leaks or problems so far. Click items below to see buying options! > Maxx Air Fan > Sikaflex (Best Sealant for Van Builds) > Mastic Sealing Strip INSULATION & FOUNDATIONS I decided to use soft insulation made from recycled plastic bottles, which is great because it's safer and easier to install, not to mention more practical than board insulation (celotex). However, for the flooring I did use board insulation as it made sense to me to have a more rigid insulation on the floor. Click items below to see buying options! > Insulation (Made From Recyled Plastic Bottles) > Aluminium Tape (Vapour barrier tape) > Thermawrap (Reflectix) SHOWER & TOILET I made my shower base out of a resin roofing kit, which has worked SO well so far, as for shower heads, I installed a water saving, high pressure shower head which is incredible! As for a toilet, I'm using a simple cheap camping toilet, it works perfectly! Click items below to see buying options! > My Toilet (Kampa Khazi Toilet) Shower > Shower Head (AMAZING) > DIY Shower Base (Resin Kit) > Pink Sticky Tiles > Waterproof Shower Vinyl VAN SECURITY When your vehicle is your home and car, it can be pretty scary leaving your van and sleeping in unknown areas, these are some things I have in my van that reassure me! Click items below to see buying options! > Surround Camera System (Great During Driving and Security, Especially For Solo Travellers) > Stop Lock (Best & Most Effective Steering Lock) TOOLS USED - I used the least amount of power tools I could in my build, because I didn't want to have to buy any. These tools are the tools I used or very similar in quality and price, a carpenter recommended these to me. Click items below to see buying options! > Bosch Drill and Screwdriver Kit > Jigsaw > Bosch Kit > Circular Saw > Angle Grinder > Sander > Pocket Hole Device > Step Drill Bit MY VAN LIFE ESSENTIALS These are some extras I have in my van that I think every van lifer should own, especially a battery charging kit (life SAVER)! Click items below to see buying options! > Tiny Dustpan and Brush > Rhino Recovery Tracks (Mud/Snow Rescue) > Battery Charging Kit > Jump Start Cables > Breakdown Safety Kit > Dog Car Safety Seat FAQs References