BEFORE YOU START TO BUILD

There were two things that I did before getting committed to do the build. FIRST, we renting a 2017 Ford Transit van for a one week trip to Big Bend.  This is the type of van that we were thinking of buying.  We learned two things:  #1 -  we are a van traveling couple; and #2 - we are definitely going to build our own van.  While the van had a lot of decorative features, it was not very efficient and maintenance was very difficult. Here are some pics.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tLB1j6yd9K9B9Yxb7

SECOND, I did (and still do) a lot of research and here is an example of the information that is available.

https://gnomadhome.com/build-your-van/

I watched a lot of videos and adopted a system for determining when to stop watching a video within the first minute - It starts with a drone segment of the van driving down a county road with some hip music in the background, then cuts to a really cool looking couple (usually with the girl wearing way too little clothing), and when they declare the name of their van (something like Jasmine) - I STOP WATCHING. I am more attracted to the guy, girl or couple who quickly gets down to work.

 BUILD PLAN

It will take most of 2022 to complete the conversion. My plan is to do the build in three phases:

PHASE 1 - The goal is to get the van ready to do a short trip by the end of March with ventilation and a fully functioning bath room, while being hooked up only to a water hose and an extension cord. I will be reserving a spot of one of our state parks that will have the hook ups we will need. The idea is to get on the road and get the feel of the van. The first step will be to build the subfloor (see info below). Then build the bathroom (which will have a shower and composting toilet) and install the water system (including water tank, hot water heater, pump and gray water tank). In the midst of all that effort the windows and ceiling venting fan will be installed. The cooking, sleeping and storage areas will be temporary at this point.

INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS AND FAN -

• I will be using Heart of Texas Conversions, Heart of Texas Conversions

• MaxxAir Fan, MaxxAir Fan

• 2 Artic Tern Windows - 300x700 Tern Overland , here is video Why Use Tern Overland (with inner trim rings provided by a great example of cottage industry Satsang Van Works , here is their video Inner Trim Rings Install )

• Ford Transit Passenger Side Sliding Door-Half Slider Window, AM Auto Slider Window

Phase 2. The goal is to install by the end of June the very complex electrical system which will allow us to live off grid (without the use of propane). Power will be supplied when driving by one of the dual alternators; when hooked up to “shore power” which can come from an RV park or an extension cord plugged into someone’s home; or an array of solar panels that will be attached to the roof of the van.

Phase 3. The goal is to get everything else done to have an extended trip in October. There is a grow list of items here: final insulation, ceiling, floor, bed, cooking area, refrigerator, cabinets, etc.

 START WITH SUBFLOOR

The build starts with the installation of the subfloor, which is the foundation for anchoring components.  However, the subfloor also plays an indispensable role in getting measurements and making sure the build is square and parallel.  The van tapers and is rarely on level ground so the floor is the constant.  Everything is measured from the centerline of the floor and everything is level and plumb against the floor.  Here is a great video:

Van builder shares private tips for a high quality build

The critical design elements of the subfloor are: #1 - Get air floor underneath the floor; #2 - Allow for insulation to be installed between the joists; and #3 - Have the joists and panels removable until components are ready to be installed.

Here are top three websites that go my ideas from: 

The idea of airflow to prevent mold and mildew. Sprinter sub floor system explained.

Flooring in a Sprinter van | Van builder's secrets for the DIY warrior

I FINALLY made the PERFECT van floor (Part 3 of 3)

SEE BELOW - I have discovered that all kinds of tools need to be created or acquired to accommodate the dynamic shape of the van. Also have added a pic of the subfloor that has been installed.

COMPOSTING TOILET

We decided to go with a composting toilet from Natures Head. NO BLACKWATER TANK. Done right this is the most sustainable solution. I have heard that you can also gain access to off grid sites by showing that you have a composting toilet and therefore no blackwater. Seems more and more destinations are not trusting the promise by people that they will not dump on the ground.

https://natureshead.net/

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Nature's Head Composting Toilet - $925 

The toilet is self-contained, urine diverting and the waterless operation allows for ease of use for many applications. Also called a dry toilet, the Nature’s Head is lightweight, odorless and compact making it a perfect fit for your home, cabin, tiny house, RV, workshop, boat and survival application.

This eco friendly toilet with its stainless steel hardware, robust construction and user friendliness has been designed to withstand the harshest of conditions.

We take great pride in offering a product which we manufacture in the United States and strive to provide exceptional customer service.

The toilet comes with the 12 volt parts needed. Only if using 110, house power you will need our wall transformer to plug into an outlet to power the fan. The mushroom vent is an easy way to vent through the side or roof. The PVC vent is good for through the floor venting.You may already have an existing vent to connect to.

Hose Length

Some installations may require increased hose lengths which may be purchased on a per foot basis. PVC pipe, which may be obtained at most home improvement or hardware stores, may also be substituted for longer hose sections.

Floor Construction

For floor construction other than wood, a different type of mounting bolt may be required. If the installation is in a basement or on another concrete ?oor, many customers have found it convenient to mount the toilet to a section of plywood rather than trying to drill masonry. The plywood can be placed on the concrete ?oor and painted or varnished for appearance.

Electrical Requirements

If regular household current is available (110 volts), the head can be powered by a 12 volt transformer or wall adapter. These may be purchased from Nature’s Head, Inc.

Composting Medium

Sphagnum Peat Moss: Some type of composting medium is required. The most commonly used material is sphagnum peat moss (organic) which is available at most garden stores or home improvement stores. It is usually available in a shrink-wrapped 3 ft cubic bale for $8 to $10. This quantity of sphagnum peat moss should sustain use of the head for a year or longer. The sphagnum peat moss should be organic, no additives. DO NOT use MIRACLE-GRO peat moss, as it is enriched with plant food.

Coconut Coir: Coconut coir (also referred to as coir brick) is also an acceptable composting medium. However, it is more costly and less readily available. It may be obtained at hydroponic gardening outlets or online.

HERE IS A LINK TO THE SPECIFICATION AND DRAWING

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10XlcOCzTWbL61GSrp2W1r_p2C-c4heYgLbZ2UiJAbBI/edit#heading=h.ou10fatf25x