How to Build an Adventure Van

DIY Camper Van Build

A do-it-yourself (DIY) van build will likely require you to learn a host of new trades, from sheetmetal work cutting in windows and vent fans to cabinetry building and electrical & plumbing.  You likely are not well-versed in all of these trades, so we are here to help.   This series of technical articles and videos will save you time and money by providing products you can use and most importantly, how to do it.  In the end you can have a professional-level camper van build without the $80,000 upfit charge.

>> Van Planning

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How to Choose a Great Layout for your Van

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Essential Tools for Building a Van

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Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?

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Considerations for Drive-Type

>> Climate Control - Windows, Fan, Insulation and Heater

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Add ventilation and bring the outdoors in with vented windows

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Providing airflow in your van is critical; here’s how to do it

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How to effectively insulate your van

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Adding an Espar S2 / D2 Heater

>> Electrical Systems: Solar & Lithium Batteries

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How big should my Electrical System be?

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*coupon code inside!

>> 80/20 Extruded Aluminum Cabinets

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Save Yourself the Time–our Kits are Pre-cut and Machined with No Markup!

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Plug-and-Play Electrical meets Easy-to-Assemble 80/20 Cabinet Kit!

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How to Work with 80/20 Extruded Aluminum 

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Google Sketchup 3D Model of the Galley Kitchen

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Calcs on Cost and Weight of the Galley Kitchen

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How to Build 80/20 Overhead Cabinets

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How to Build Drawers

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How to Attach Hinges and Drawer Slides

>> Water Systems

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Build a Simple Pressurized Water System

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Gray Water Tank w/Electronic Dump Valve

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Build a Simple Hot Water Shower System

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DIY PVC Water Tanks for Gray or Fresh Water

>> Interior Finishing

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 Build Upholstered Wall Panels for your Van

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After Five Sets, These are Best

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How to Install Scopema Swivel Seats
*coupon code inside!

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Build a Headliner Shelf

>> Van Accessories

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Adding a Thule Hideaway Awning

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Thule Folding Bike Rack for Sprinter and Transit

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Adding Airline Track to your Van

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Adding an LED Projector Setup

>> Conversion Van Logistics

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 How to Detail a Large Van or RV

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Restore and Protect Plastic Trim

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How to Register your Commercial Van as a Camper Van

>> Outdated but Still Useful Articles

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Batteries, Solar, Charging and Electrical Basics

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Lithium Batteries, Inverters & Wiring Diagram

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DISCLAIMER

OurKaravan.com is a hobby site to track and share the build of our DIY Sprinter van conversion.   The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for the professional advice of a qualified individual.  Use common sense before utilizing any information on this site for your own purposes. Do your own research, including understanding local regulations, safety standards and requirements.

ALTHOUGH THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN PREPARED WITH THE INTENT TO PROVIDE RELIABLE INFORMATION, NO WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE AS TO ITS ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS.  NO LIABILITY IS ASSUMED FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY TO PERSONS, PROPERTY OR OTHER DAMAGE RESULTING FROM EITHER THE USE OF OR RELIANCE ON THE MATERIAL PRESENTED OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE MATERIALS.  WITHOUT LIMITATION, NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE.  IN NO EVENT WILL OURKARAVAN.COM, BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, COMPENSATORY, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, OR ANY RELIANCE UPON ANY MATERIAL PRESENTED OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE MATERIALS.  WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, THE MATERIALS CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE, INCLUDING GRAPHICS, TEXT, LINKS, AUDIO OR VISUAL MATERIALS, ARE PROVIDED SOLELY ON AN “AS IS” BASIS.  YOU ARE VIEWING THE MATERIALS AND USING THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE MATERIALS AT YOUR OWN RISK.