View source for Planning your build

[[File:Ford Transit Connect build 12 elliot7234.jpg|thumb|link=https://nomadlife.wiki/Example_build_of_Ford_Transit_Connect_by_elliot7234|Work in progress on a Ford Transit Connect.]]
<section begin="intro" />'''Planning your vehicle build''' is a fun and challenging portion of the journey to [[nomadic life]], or an exciting transition from one vehicle to another to better meet your needs.<section end="intro" />

== Types of build ==
{{dd|[[No build]]|No changes to the vehicle at all; just throw in a mat to sleep on and any gear you need.}}
{{dd|[[Minimal builds]]|A step up from the No build: limited changes to the vehicle, but just enough to be comfortable most of the time. Usually no insulation, electrical system, water systems, etc.}}
{{dd|[[Removable builds]]|These can be minimal or fairly complex, but they make no permanent changes to the vehicle itself; everything you add can be removed or undone without a trace when the vehicle is needed for non-nomadic use or to be sold.}}
{{dd|[[Conversion kits]]|Commercially-built kits that can be added to a variety of vehicles.}}
{{dd|[[Luxury builds]]|All the comforts of home (almost) are available in these high-end campers.}}

== Design software and apps ==
{{LST|Apps and software to design your van build|intro}}
{{LST|Cardboard Aided Design|intro|continue|h2}}
== Sketching your build ==
[[File:Honda Odyssey cabinet shelf 06 planning sketch.jpg|thumb|alt=A paper sketch of a shelf designed to fit in a Honda Odyssey for a campervan conversion.]]
Sometimes, paper makes the best ideas come to life! 

== Build order ==
{{LST|Downsizing for nomadic living|intro|Read ideas for reducing your stuff|h2}}

== Thinking ==
* get ideas from [[this wiki]], [[forums]], [[Instagram]], [[YouTube]], etc.
* consider what kind of amenities you want
** [[bed]]:  material, position, convertible or fixed, mattress ventilation, etc.
** [[storage]]:  plastic bins, milk crates, thrift store dressers, built cabinets
** [[water tanks]]: [[fresh water]], [[gray water]], [[black water]]
** [[water pump]]
** [[cooking]]
** [[toilet]] and [[hygiene]]
** [[power]]:  [[shore power]], [[solar]], [[house battery]]
* roof real estate: [[solar panels]], [[roof vents]]
* sketch ideas for layout on paper or software

{{LST|Beds|intro|more|h2}}
== Roof ==
Roof work should usually be done early so metal debris can be swept/vacuumed out easily
{{LST|Roof vents|intro|continue|h3}}
{{LST|Solar panels|intro|continue|h3}}
{{LST|Solar panel mounting|intro|continue|h3}}
{{LST|Roof racks|intro|continue|h3}}
{{LST|Roof decks|intro|continue|h3}}
{{LST|Wind power|intro|continue|h3}}


== Floor ==
* cut any needed holes for vents, drains, etc
* '''body modification''' - cut any holes for water entry, [[shore power]] connectors, etc. Note: traditionally '''hookups go on the driver's side of the camper'''.

== Acoustic dampening ==
[https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5159EpcjctL._AC_US160_.jpg (external image)]
* If desired, [http://amzn.to/2pNrQSo add acoustic dampening material] like Reckhorn ABX.<ref>http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=316602&postcount=18</ref>

== Framing ==
Framing is done before wiring to avoid damaging wiring.

== Wiring ==

== Insulating ==

== Walls ==
{{LST|Dealing with irregular shapes|intro|continue|h3}}

{{ad|Vanspace}}
{{tag|Planning your build}}
{{rvwiki|url=https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv/build:steps}}[[Category:Imported pages]]
{{stub}}

{{LST|Seating|intro|none|h2}}
{{LST|Windows|intro|none|h2}}

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PART 2:

{{q|block|Step 1 in any design is to really understand your use.-- jracca<ref>https://www.promasterforum.com/threads/cost-per-hour-for-idling-a-pm-litres-per-hour-gallons-per-hour.91324/post-713161</ref>}}

== The Build ==

The "build" is the creation of your campervan from whatever condition it is currently in. Regardless of the eventual type of build, you may find benefit in using a standardized [[order of events]].

Builds range from [[bare essentials]] to technical wonderlands to luxurious. There are no fixed lists of "Must Have's" or "Most Avoids", because the whole point of building a van is that it has what ''you'' want. How fancy you get is up to you, from the most basic usage of a "metal tent" with nothing but a sleeping bag and a camping pad in the back, up to the [[https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/camper-van/revel|$200k+ pre-made luxo-barges]].

Here's some very rough estimations of build types, from the simple to the complex. Everyone can freely pick and choose the level of complexity of any sub-system that they want; there exist plain metal tents with multi-thousand dollar lithium battery setups, or finely crafted artisanal woodworking builds that have no more electricity than a few AA battery powered tap lights. It's completely up to you.

'''Note:''' These builds are targeted at people who are van-dwelling by choice. If your situation is different, please see [[Involuntary vandwelling]].

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{{LST|Metal tent|intro|none|h2}}

== The Glamper ==

Good for casual overnights or weekends in campground near services, you're likely not making too many permanent modifications to the vehicle. You're still looking to be simple and efficient, but now you may take a few more of life's luxuries with you.

* Interior
** None, or Factory interior
* Sleeping equipment
** "Car Camping" inflatable sleeping pads or air mattress
** blankets or sleeping bag
** Maybe a proper pillow at this point
* Food Storage
** $30 Wal-Mart cooler with ice
* Cooking
** Jet-boil, or upgrade to a Whisper-lite type stove for a wider cooking ability
* Clothing & Storage
** Still duffle bags, or potentially clear totes
* Electricity
** USB Power bank
* Internet
** Cell phone, maybe hotspotting it to a laptop for a couple hours.

== The Weekender ==

{{:rv:screenshot_2022-05-10_120657.png?200 |}}

By now you're started to think you might like this whole van-life thing. You're going to spend multiple nights in it, maybe go a little farther and try your hand at the occasional boondock. You're going to start the build and have some tools, and abilities to make more permanent modifications. A little bit of interior build out can make things feel more put-together.

* Interior
** Factory interior is still great if your chosen van had one, otherwise
** Basic Plywood on the walls, maybe some rubber mats for the floor
* Sleeping equipment
** Folding cot or 2x4 platform to get yourself off the floor (this helps a LOT with storage, and having someplace to sit)
** Thicker camping pad and blankets, or sleeping bag.
** A real pillow
* Food Storage
** Higher quality & larger cooler with ice
* Cooking
** Whisper-lite type stove, or perhaps a [[countertop stove]].
** Maybe a second pot and some dollar-store cooking utensils.
* Clothing & Storage
** Plastic furniture, clear totes, or hanging closet organizers can be a very useful way to utilize vertical space
* Electricity
** Larger USB power bank, or potentially a small [[solar generator]].
** For weekend+ adventures, a portable folding 100w [[solar panel]] can greatly extend your capabilities
* Internet
** Cell phone, maybe hotspotting it to a laptop for a couple hours.

== The Mick Foley ==

Starting to get committed now, and you're looking at spending a solid week+ at a time in the van. You may even be full-time, but keeping it to a budget. Modifications may be more serious/permanent, and you're doing actual construction. Maybe you're bringing your partner? The quality of life can go up a lot as you're capable of bringing more capabilities/comfort with you.

* Interior
** Maybe a nicer interior with 4-way stretch or wood paneling on the walls, and a finished floor of some kind
** Good [[insulation]] will help with heat retention/blocking, as well as noise suppression
** The amount of effort here is very optional! To many people though, being able to look at something nicely finished and decorated can make it feel much more like a "home". Many others don't care.
* Sleeping equipment
** Fixed sleeping platform, with something like an air mattress or very nice "glamping" sleeping pad or slab of memory foam. A real mattress can be a great investment.
** Real sheets and blankets
** Real pillows
* Food Storage
** [[12v Refrigerator]]
* Cooking
** [[Countertop stove]]. Larger dual-burner [https://www.coleman.com/grills-stoves/camping-stoves folding camp stoves] can greatly increase your cooking options
** A more complete cooking set of pots, plates and utensils.
* Clothing & Storage
** Building in fixed shelves/drawers can help keep the relatively small space organized. Hanging closet organizers can be a very useful way to utilize vertical space
* Electricity
** [[12v house battery setup]] (Particularly critical if you're running a 12v refrigerator)
** Starting to put in fixed lighting and exhaust fans can make a huge increase in your quality of life
** Larger [[solar generator]] can be an option, but they get unreasonably expensive. Unless you desperately NEED the portability, it usually ends up being much cheaper to assemble your own [[electrical:12v:intro|fixed-in-place system]].
** Portable folding 100w [[solar panel]] can greatly extend your capabilities
* Internet
** Especially if you're a [[digital nomad and working remotely]], a dedicated [[Jetpack device]] will be a solid investment.

== The Insufferable Instagram "Adventurer" ==

Some suggestions for longer month-ish trips focused on outdoor rec activities and looking good in staged photos

== The Full-timer ==

Suggestions for real full-time van living

== The Spoiled tech worker ==

More luxurious builds for the digital nomads tapping at a laptop

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There's no "Right" way to plan. Various methods are used for planning:

* pen and paper
* sketchup or other design/CAD programs
* [[Cardboard Aided Design]]<ref>a play on Computer Aided Design</ref>, 1:1 modeling the van space in the real world
* the "sit/stand in the van and think" model recommended by secessus :-)

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awwZ7N07w4w|A clean, functional build]] for $1200, which could have been considerably less without custom welding and powdercoat.

== example builds ==

* [[Example builds]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mo1CqwD6Zc a woodworker's build]

{{Resources}}
{{rvwiki|url=https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:build}}[[Category:Imported pages]]