Intro To Van Life: Campervan starter guide

Decide how you’ll use the van to shape your layout, prioritizing bed type, seating, storage, and access to the cab, then plan shower and electrical/plumbing early.

Assess the cost of a van life conversion by breaking down van price, build options, and essential systems—solar, batteries, kitchen, and bathroom—using the budget calculator to estimate total costs.

Explore the van's off-grid power system, centered on a 12-volt battery, charged by solar panels, shore power, or a DC-DC charger, with fuses, inverters, and lithium or gel batteries.

Learn how the van water system operates from clean water sources to gray water storage, including pumps, under-sink jugs, and propane and electric heaters.

Explore cassette, compost, and dry flush toilets for van life, and learn storage options from showers to pull-out drawers or flip-up benches, plus cleaning, cost, and eco-friendliness.

Plan a mood board to define a cohesive van interior with textures, colors, and finishes, choosing between minimal, cozy, or beachy vibes, and update decor as style evolves.

Explore van life cabinets by comparing custom, prefab, and DIY options, plan lower and upper cabinets, and choose block countertops with concealed hinges and soft clothes for a practical build.

Explore van insulation options for floors, walls, and windows, including foam board, spray foam, and moisture resistant materials, plus sound dampening pads to reduce road noise.

Learn practical temperature control for a campervan, from safe portable heaters and heated blankets to diesel or gas heaters, insulation, and airflow strategies with vent fans and cooling options.

Select durable van flooring and warm walls by laying a sturdy subfloor, choosing vinyl or sheet vinyl flooring, and installing furring strips with tongue-and-groove or plywood, while routing electrical behind walls.

Compare outdoor shower setups with tankless propane heaters, rv shower boxes, or solar heated showers, and explore indoor options like pop up or full sized built in showers.

Choose van life appliances based on your electrical system, comparing 12-volt and AC fridges, and gas versus electric stoves, while sizing inverters and monitoring wattage for countertop devices.

Explore cushion options for a van build, including memory foam toppers, fixed or convertible beds, and both sewable and no-sew methods, plus fabric choices and cutting tips.