Smooth Sailing for Your Next Adventure
Updated on September 29th, 2020
It is hard to believe that we have finished up all of the major projects in the van. The very last thing is our van build interior design! These last few small projects are really what made the van feel less like a vehicle and more like a tiny home. It is also where Andy passes the baton to Gwen!
[Read more…] about Van Build Interior DesignUpdated on September 29th, 2020
Solar Power is quickly becoming the most popular choice for charging van batteries. It produces electricity whenever the sun is out, silently and without burning any fuel! Installation is also pretty easy! We did not originally plan to put solar power on the van but when we stumbled upon a great deal we quickly changed our minds! We are very glad we did.
[Read more…] about Installing Van Solar PowerUpdated on May 25th, 2025
A van 120-volt electrical system is not a necessity. It’s a luxury. We like luxury. Luxuries such as using a normal dorm fridge instead of a 12-volt model. Not to mention, Andy wanted to use power tools powered by the sun. *Facepalm*
[Read more…] about Installing a 120-Volt Van Electrical SystemUpdated on May 25th, 2025
If you want lights, running water, or fans in your van a 12-volt van electrical system is a must. Our 12-volt system includes our roof vent fan, reading lights, overhead lights, and a small water pump for the sink. We recommend taking the time to really plan your system and draw up a wiring diagram before you start.
A quick safety note: if you have never done any electrical work before please proceed with caution. While a 12-volt van electrical system is a great first electrical project, it is still dealing with electricity. This is not a project to be a bull in a china shop with, there is a potential of injury or fire. Ask a friend to help, or we would be happy to answer any questions!
[Read more…] about 12 Volt Van Electrical SystemUpdated on October 13th, 2020
We originally were not planning on installing a roof vent fan in the van. The reason for this was almost entirely because we wanted to be able to park it in our garage. It only took about 20 minutes in 80-degree weather for us to change our minds. This should come before installing insulation but we managed to make it work anyway.
We recommend before you install the fan that you test it to make sure it works. A jump pack is great for this!
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We decided to place our vent fan at the back of the van for two reasons. One, it would pull air the greatest distance from front (at the windows) to the back, which would create the most “breeze”. Two, we were trying to make it so that we could still pull the van into the garage to at least work on the engine. Laying on concrete to get under the van is better than gravel.
Using the trim piece that came with the fan we eyeballed where we wanted the fan to be from inside and then drilled at the center point. Prioritize centering it to the front back measurement versus the side to side because you’ll be able to get a better centerline from the roof.
Measure 7″ from the drilled hole to the front and back. Then find the center point from side to side. We used a square to make sure we had 90-degree angles and finally measured corner to corner to make sure it was a square.
This was probably the scariest thing we’ve done on this whole build. Cutting a 14″ square hole in the roof of the van. Yikes!
First, drill holes just inside each of the corners to give the jigsaw somewhere to start. Then cut each side of the square. Congratulations you now have a skylight!
Tape off the area so that you don’t end up covering the whole roof in lap sealant and then use acetone to clean the surface. You do not need to be stingy with the sealant. Less is not more in this case. Remember, this sealant is going to be the only thing keeping you from waking up in a puddle. Well, unless you make a different kind of puddle.
Place the top piece of the roof vent fan on top of the sealant and then screw in place with self-tapping screws. Wipe away any excess sealant, and remove the masking tape.
You’ll need to have your headliner installed before you can install the interior trim for the roof vent fan. We had to trim it so it sat flush and then screw it in place.
We will cover wiring the fan into your 12-volt system in our electrical post!
Comment below with your questions! We’d love to help!
Updated on May 25th, 2025
For our van plumbing, we decided to go simple. Like we have said in other posts, this is an adventure van, not our full-time home, so having a shower or toilet was not a high priority for us. Our van plumbing consists mainly of running potable water and will eventually have a composting or chemical toilet. All we care about right now is the ability to wash hand and dishes in the sink and have easily accessible drinking water.
[Read more…] about Van Plumbing
