This is just a short post to let you know that I have created an eBook to compliment this blog; it has all the details including electronic schematics and construction techniques. See more about the eBook guide here >            UK parts as standard in the book - it also includes specifications which makes it easy to find the parts in your country. See more here >  All the best & good luck with your projects! Nate ..read more

This is a list of parts and materials that might be useful for you. For more instructions see the ebook guide here:  https://www.thevanconversionguide.com/ SOLAR Solar Panel, Solid 300W ?? https://amzn.to/2OLByEc ?? https://amzn.to/2pFabNW Solar Panel - Flexible 2x 100W ?? https://amzn.to/2RxyF8d ??  https://amzn.to/2y7xsMT Solar Panel - flexible 100W ?? https://amzn.to/2OITU8D ??  https://amzn.to/2RCajui MPPT Solar Charge Controller ?? https://amzn.to/2pDZ3AA ??  https://amzn.to/2Nt2S56 MT50 Remote Controler ?? https://amzn.to/2RwX7qw ??  https://amzn.to/2pDctw ..read more

A little while back Alpine Jonny dropped me a message over Reddit - it was great to see some of the pictures of his van so I thought I would give him a grilling over the details. You can follow his adventures on his instagram, his girlfriend's instagram, his van's instagram and his YouTube account! See van details in the interview below! Specifications... Van type? Dodge Ram Promaster Age? 2014 Mileage? 44,000km (27,000 miles) Solar / wattage? Charge controller size? 100W solar / 75 AH battery / 30 Amp CC (Soon to be upgraded to 200W / 200 AH) Split charger? In the plans for the futur ..read more

Sam Balmforth made this camper van over a few weeks - partly with the help of my van conversion guide. I interview him to get all the useful details. You can out his adventures on Instagram here and see my interview with Sam about his build below! What are the main Van Specifications?     Van type: Renault Master MWB     Age: 2006     Mileage: 164,000     Solar / wattage:  Charge controller size? LG 250W panel - 35amp Charge Controller     Split charger: Yes - heavy duty VSR kit     Battery Amp hours: 2 x 140ah deep cycle ..read more

OK, because I had these huge bits of reclaimed mahogany I used a few extra tools, but if I didn't these were pretty much all the tools I needed. In total they cost you about £200/$250! But... firstly these are super useful tools and can be used for an DIY project throughout your life! Either way, if you don't need them afterward you can always sell them on eBay. I mean, if they cost you $250, and you sell them all for $180, then you have rented them all for a few months for only $70. Cheap rental! With tools it is worth going by the old saying 'buy good, buy once'. Power ToolsI have had the ..read more

I made this video to go with this guide.. it gives and overview of the van being made. I spent 17 full-on days doing the build and it is a day-by-day account. Here are some other van shots.. Get the Van Conversion Guide: https://www.thevanconversionguide.com ..read more

So many things work really well – here are my top 10.. Off-grid solar system If you cannot tell I really love this aspect of the build. All the electricity I need for free forever… so cool! Just as an example; on a sunny day in Span - early November (when I wrote this comment) it was bringing in 32.5v and 5.3Amps. Bed-side leaning cupboards It is so nice to be able to just lean up against it. They work so well and make a nice social environment. Full size permanent bed People who hang out are always like ‘oh this mattress is nice!’ and it is. Sleeping two people does not feel crampe ..read more

There is surprisingly not too much to add here – and most of the things are based around a bit of functionality over-kill! Mains in & battery charger I wouldn’t bother in the future. The panel and split charge is more than enough. Seat upholstery This could just be done better, by not leaving enough space to add the fabric it made these super tight together. I may well redo the base of the chair at some point. Sliding door cladding (top) The top of the door is a little wide, I could have done with a bit less cladding-added depth here. But really its no big deal. More space on electron ..read more

Here are a bunch of my van conversion's finishing touches! Redwood details The head end of the bed has this redwood piece I cut to make a nice shape.. perfect for lounging over while looking at a nice vew! The other end has a red-wood plank too – as does the shelf, the window sill and the front of the kitchen unit. It is a nice touch that accentuates key parts of the build away from the standard pine colour. Aluminum edging I had a spare bit of this edging, putting it at the back protects the wood from sliding things in and out Fake plants I got some fake plants from Ikea.. they look ..read more

Van safety is cool yo! I recommend having a gas leak detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher at minimum. I put my Carbon Monoxide detector under the chair. My fire extinguisher has it’s own little alcove – it feels out the way (but easily in reach) and does not affect the over all look of the van very much. Fire extinguisher alcove Again, get your systems checked by people who know what they are doing. Your life is worth it. Get the Van Conversion Guide: https://www.thevanconversionguide.com ..read more