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Camper Van Life Build - Guides, Materials and Products to Help You with Your Self Conversion!
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items This list contains all of the guides, materials and products that we used in our camper van build. I have also collated a ton more articles, posts, free printable downloads and videos which you can find in the ‘Roadmap to Freedom’ - so head there and...
Some of the products suggested below are affiliate links which means that we will get a teeny tiny commission at no extra cost to yourself. So, thank you for buying through our links - it helps to keep the wheels rolling!
Some of the products suggested below are affiliate links which means that we will get a teeny tiny commission at no extra cost to yourself. So, thank you for buying through our links - it helps to keep the wheels rolling!
Sections
6
START HERE
Electrics
Gas
Water
Tools
Build Videos
START HERE
Download your ‘Roadmap to Freedom’ here.
We found the planning process pretty overwhelming when we started our camper van conversion. So, we decided to lay it all out in a roadmap to help you with your build. Save yourself hours of trawling through the web and find all of the information or...
Create a copy of this roadmap and work your way through. This is a live document which will be updated regularly.
Your Roadmap to Freedom
All of the activities that we've found helpful to nirture our relationship on the road.
Vanlife Harmony - Nurturing Your Relationship on the Road
Here's an insight into 4 months in Morocco 😊
The Ultimate Morocco Road Trip
Electrics
These are all of the components of our electrical set-up. We followed Greg Virgoe's electrical schematic diagram - his exact video can be found in our roadmap to freedom along with other helpful information. Go and get it!
Some of these suggestions contain affiliate links which means that we earn a very small commission at no extra cost to yourself. So, thank you for purchasing through our link - it keeps the wheels rolling!
These guys were super helpful during our build and we read through their blog posts so many times!
Camper van electrical system guide - how to wire your camper van.
We contacted Bimble solar when we needed our full 12v set-up. They were super helpful and they have this online calculator which works it all out for you!
Solar Calculator
This blog post really helped us understand cable sizes and what we may need. I would also recommend reading the instruction manual to each appliance as it will usually tell you in there. The cable size will change depending on load and length of the ...
How to Choose a 12V Wire Section/Gauge | Easy Guide for Dummies
This is the unit which controls the energy supplied by the solar panels and regulates the charge to your batteries.
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller
This is what controls the charge to your battery when you're on electric hook-up.
Victron 30A 12V Blue Smart IP22 Battery Charger
We originally had one with 6 outlets and quickly realised it wouldn't be enough. This connects all of your 12v appliances.
12 way blade fuse holder
This connects to your alternator and, when your engine is running, it will charge your leisure battery if it gets too low. This is a great bit of kit if you're travelling somewhere which will be more overcast.
Split Charge Relay Kit
The consumer unit is what connects all of your 230v appliances to the battery and ha fuses in it which will trip to help prevent fires. This is a must have. We changed the rcd's in ours to a 10A and 16A.
2 Way Caravan Consumer Unit 40A 30mA RCD + 2 MCB
We actually ended up using this quite a bit to ensure more secure connections of wires, particularly due to vibrations in a vehicle. I would try the female/male connectors first and if needed, then look at a soldering iron.
Soldering Iron Kit 80W
We ended up needing a few different sizes of these so it may be better to just buy a multi-pack like this one. You will need these to connect any battery wires to the battery (you will also need specific crimpers which I've also listed).
120 Pcs Terminal lugs
This is what you'll fit to the outside of your van to be able to connect to electric hook up. We haven't needed our so far but it's nice to have the option.
230v Mains 16A Flush Inlet Socket
You will get through a ton of these. Just buy 100 from the start so you don't have to re-order!
100x Red Fully Insulated Spade Electrical Connectors
These are the reading lights that we opted for. They have a USB and 3 light settings that are touch activated.
12V LED Spot Reading Light with USB
Always good to have extra of these and I would definitely recommend keeping them in a box as they break very easily! Nothing worse than not having the correct fuse and you appliance won't work/becomes unsafe.
100 Pcs Assorted Fuses
You will need multi-stranded wire due to the vibrations in the vehicle and we found that the twin core wire made the wiring process neater and easier. Check your appliances for what thickness of cable you'll need.
Twin core Red/Black 1.5mm
We used a ton of this in all different sizes depending on cable size or if you're wiring 2 cables together. This box was the perfect amount for our van build.
Shrink wrap Tubing
I would definitely get the ones that strip and crimp the wire as it makes the whole process quicker. These ones will crimp your smaller wires.
Wire Strippers and Crimpers
These are what you'll need to crimp the terminal lugs. These are heavy duty, create a good connection and make a wonderful sound when you clamp them!
Wire Terminal Crimping Tool for Cable Lugs
This is what you'll use to shrink wrap your connections on your wires. I used my mum's ‘heat it up’ craft tool (card making) which also works a charm if you know anyone that has one!
Heat Gun for DIY Shrink Wrapping
We opted for the JKF50 fridge and it has worked like a charm. Our food is always cold and the freezer compartment has been a blessing in the really hot weather.
Just Kampers JKF50 12v Compressor Fridge
Gas
We decided to have our gas fitted by a professional and it was the only part of the build that we didn't do ourselves. We chose to work with SnailVans LTD. (based in Lincolnshire) and they were amazing!
We got our gas fitted by a professional as we didn't want to take any risks.
A Summary of Gas Safety Information for Campervans & Motorhomes | Just Kampers
We chose to install a permanently fitted, 11kg refillable gas bottle with an external fill point. Our van is slightly older and there was nowhere underneath to install an underslung tank so this was our next best option. It's worked really well so fa...
Definitely plan to have your gas fill point and fuel fill point on the same side, otherwise you have to turn the van around to fill your second type of fuel.
Definitely plan to have your gas fill point and fuel fill point on the same side, otherwise you have to turn the van around to fill your second type of fuel.
GAS-IT Refillable Leisure Gas Bottles
The first one of these that we got with the kit didn't work but they were quick to send us another one which we've had no problem with.
GAS IT contents gauge
Please, please, please get one of these and test it regularly.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm 10 Year Life
You will need these for each country that you visit. The garages don't seem to have them and I've heard of a few instances when it's been really difficult to find one.
LPG adapters
One of these should be fitted next to each gas using appliance and in your gas locker. Gas is heavier than air so if there is a leak, it should drop out of the bottom of your van.
Gas drop out vent in Black
These guys fitted our gas and were fab - we'd highly recommend them.
SnailVans Ltd | Leicester UK
Water
We plumbed all of the water ourselves and it was pretty self explanatory. Nothing will prepare you for the joy you feel when you turn your tap on for the first time!
I LOVE this tap! It has 2 different spray patterns and the head pulls out so you can direct the water more accurately.
Kitchen Sink Mixer Tap
This is the company that we ordered our water tanks from. They custom make them so they fit your vehicle perfectly. Just ensure you leave enough time as they often have a lead time between 4-8 weeks.
CAK tanks - Water tanks
I've not been able to find the extact sink that we have as it was discontinued at B&Q however, this one is very similar. We chose a big sink to be able to easily wash pots, clothes and hair in it!
Black Composite Sink + tap
This is by far one of our most used things. We always need to know when our waste tank is full and what amount of fresh water we have on board. You can cut the metal prongs to fit your tank.
Motorhome Water Level Monitor kit
We got ours in a kit from Jacksons Leisure (very helpful company) but if you're fitting it all separately, here's the link!
Shurflo water pump with filter
We got this whole kit from Jackson's Leisure - we bought it via Amazon as it came up cheaper on there but it's also worth checking their website in case they have an offer.
Truma 4E Combi Boiler Kit for Campervan or Motorhomes
You get a few of these in the truma kit from Jackson's Leisure but we needed a few more - this seller does all joins.
John Guest 12mm Push fit
You should have these at least in your hot water pipes but it's good practice to put it in all of them if you have enough.
12mm John Guest Inserts
Pleeease get something like this. We have found many hose connections in Europe are different and there is nothing more frustrating than having to fill your water containers up multiple times to funnel into your tank. Although it does certainly get t...
Round Universal Mixer Tap Hose Connector
We installed this shower in the end of our bench so that we could hang a sheet between the doors and shower outside. It works perfectly for washing off sandy feet too. You will also need the metal mounting bracket for behind the mixer bar.
Thermostatic Shower Mixer Taps
We use this toilet and it actually gives you a huge amount of freedom. The solid waster can be disposed of in normal rubbish/dog poo bins and the urine can be emptied into black water disposal or a public toilet. You can actaully put urine on plants ...
Simploo Original - Waterless Composting Toilet
Tools
These are all of the tools that we used for our van build and we would say are essential. Don't forget, you can always hire tools form local companies or borrow them from friends!
This is one of the tools we used most during our build. Don't try and get those straight edges buy hand!
Circular Saw with bench
We initially had to wait for this and tried to use a screwdriver - what a mistake. It took us hours!!
DEWALT 18V Combi Drill
Affectionately nicknamed ‘mousey-mousey’. He'll get you those smooooth surfaces.
Mouse Electric Sander
This helped was used for every 90 degree cut and it helped us to create our geometric patterned table with 45 degree cuts.
A labour of love but it looks fabulous and we're so please with it!
A labour of love but it looks fabulous and we're so please with it!
Mitre Saw
You will use this all of the time. Often when were were stuck and wondering how to fix something - the multi tool was the answer!
Multitool Kit
This was used to grind out small areas of rust and also to sand in the small gaps that ‘mousey-mousey’ couldn't quite reach.
Rotary Tool Kit
Used for all of those curved cuts - helpful when fitting the walls, worktop and benches.
Jigsaw
This table was awesome. Super sturdy and folded away so we could store it against the wall. It also comes with 2 clamps.
Folding Work Table
This tool kit has been fabulous and we've even taken it in the van with us - just in case.
Workzone 25 Piece Tool Set
We got a single one - big mistake. We had to keep readjusting and re-measuring the holes. Do yourself a favour and get the twin hole one!
Trend Twin Pocket Hole Jig
These were by far our most used clamps during the project. Super strong and reliable.
4-Pack Bar Clamps Set
We found that we mainly needed the bigger bore sizes and we got through 2 of these kits as our blades became blunt!
Holesaw 9 Piece Set 60, 65, 70, 72, 75 & 85mm
We used these when making our cupboard doors. They were perfect for keeping the trim in place whilst the glue dries. They're also helpful to take with you to clamp your sheet up for your shower!
Spring Loaded Clamps
Build Videos
Here is a selection of videos from some of the YouTubers that we followed to complete our van build. We managed to build our van with no previous DIY experience. If we can do it, then you can too!
An essential video!
How to Wire your Camper Van to be Off-Grid
Learning to scribe was a game changer!
How to build overheads/upper cabinets for your van conversion | Vanlife Conversions
Hot pressurised water is so wonderful!
Pumped Water Systems - Camper Van Conversion Series
Learn the reason for insultation
Van insulation preparation
This is how we painted our camper! Top tip - choose a light colour as it gets very hot in summer!!!
Painting a CAMPERVAN on the CHEAP with a ROLLER!
Loved the drawers in this kitchen build.
HANDMADE Campervan Kitchen Pt 1 | Fiat Ducato L2H2 | UK Self-Build Campervan Conversion