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DIY Campervan Build Recs
47
items Everything you need to turn a van into a home on wheels! After two DIY camper van builds, we are confident in the tools, materials, and gear we would use again!
Sections
6
Build Tools
Electrical
Plumbing
Up on the Rooftop
Cabinetry
Appliances
Build Tools
Essential tools to get your van build off the ground. From power tools to measuring gear, these are the must-haves for cutting, fastening, and assembling with confidence
The easiest way to join cabinets and drawers! Easy to use!
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig - Adjustable, Versatile
Perfect for cutting insulation.
Amazon Basics Folding Utility Knife, Red
The most versatile saw for a van build! Can be used on wood and metal! In a pinch, it could replace every other saw we used on our build.
Bosch JS572EK 7.2A Corded Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit
The best, longest lasting orbital sander we've found. Perfect for finishing cabinets!
DEWALT 5 Inch Orbital Palm Sander 12,000 OPM
Makes long cuts on plywood so easy!
Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide
We have the older version of this saw, but it has been through two house remodels, and two van builds and is still going strong!
SKIL 15A 7-1/4" Circular Saw w/ Laser
Ours is used almost daily, has good power when you need it but can also be powered back when necessary! Best bang for your buck!
Dewalt DCD794D1 20V MAX Brushless Drill Kit
Electrical
Reliable components for powering your van life. From solar panels to wiring and inverters, these recommendations keep your lights on, devices charged, and appliances running smoothly
We've been so impressed with these batteries! The bluetooth feature is fantastic when you don't want to get out of bed to check the battery monitor!
12V 300Ah Essential Series - Bluetooth & Heated LiFePO4 Battery
Inverter and charger in one?! It's like magic!
Victron MultiPlus Pure Sine Inverter 2000VA
These 250s are the perfect width for a Promaster campervan! We have 3 panels on our 159 wheelbase!
MEGA 250 | 250 Watt Solar Panel | Premier 12V Off-Grid Solar Panel for RVs, Vans, Boats | 25-Year Output Warranty | UL Certified
We've used other charge controllers in the past and you cannot beat Victron! They are the best!
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 12/24V Controller
We have our engine alternator hooked to this battery to battery charger! Victron is the best!
Victron Orion-XS Smart DC-DC Charger 12V 50A
Keeping track of your battery levels and how much you are drawing is key to keeping the lights on!
Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor 6.5-70V
Easy way to disconnect for maintenance!
Blue Sea Systems m-Series Mini Battery Switch
The basics plus what we did in our 2017 Promaster DIY Build.
Setting-Up an Off-Grid Electical System for a Van (Or Boat!) | Promaster Van Build 9
Plumbing
From pumps and tanks to fixtures and fittings, these essentials help you set up sinks, showers, and everything in between.
No smell, easy to empty and to clean! It was also easy to install with the provided instructions. For a full review check out our Youtube channel!
Thetford C223CS RV Cassette Toilet
Fits perfectly over a promaster rear wheel. Easy to install!
Northwest Conversions 28 Gallon ProMaster Wheel Well Water Tank PM-C-2
We love this faucet so much we have bought it three times, for one van and two boats! It doesn't use a lot of water but has good pressure and button to start and stop water is so useful!
Crea Kitchen Faucet Pull Out Sprayer Brush Nickel
Allows you to set the temperature so you don't waste water fiddling every time you shower!
MISSMIN 4 inch Thermostatic RV Shower Faucet Valve
Easy to install and it's massive! It was the biggest sink we could fit and it's great! Love the grate at the bottom and the sink strainer basket is great for a van set up!
ROVOGO 20x16x9in Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Works with out 2000w inverter and heats up water quickly!
Fogatti 2.5 Gal 1440W Mini Tank Water Heater
A hand held bidet in a van is fantastic! Cuts down on toilet paper AND gives you the option to target your flushing to save water and tank space.
Brondell CleanSpa Handheld Bidet Sprayer
Keeps anyone from messing with your water!
iztor RV Fresh Water Inlet Hatch w/ 2 Keys
Not much to say other than reliable and what more could you want in a water pump!
SHURFLO 4008-101-A65 3.0 GPM RV Water Pump
Works with the factory cap and gaskets from sceptor to seal and prevent leaks and smells!
RV Gray Water 3/4" Adaptor for Scepter Tanks
Converts a household sink drain to work with the more common 3/4 inch RV hose size! Pair this with sceptor tanks and the tank adaptor in this list for an easy and inexpensive grey water setup!
Camco Flexible Camper/RV Drain w/ 25” Hose
We use these as our grey water in the van and for extra fresh water on the boat. Different tanks obviously ;-) Pair this with the tank adaptor and sink adaptor on this list for an easy and inexpensive grey water set up!
Scepter 5 Gal Military Style Water Jug Blue
A simple but effective DIY campervan plumbing setup!
How We Set up PLUMBING in our DIY Camper Van | Promaster Van Build 11
Curious about cassette toilets! Check out this ind-epth review!
Thetford C223 Cassette Toilet Review for Van Life
Up on the Rooftop
Gear designed for rooftop builds and upgrades. Solar panels, roof racks, fans, and storage solutions. Everything you need to maximize your van’s top sideWater systems made simple. From pumps and tanks to fixtures and fittings, these essentials help y...
When we were building our van, we wanted a roof rack option that was inexpensive, utilized the promaster t studs, and wasn't bulky. These fit that bill!
Penny ProMount Roof Mounts (Pair of 2)
Makes installing framed solar panels on a unistrut rail incredibly easy!
Solar Brackets (Set of 4)
Moves a ton of air, in both directions, and keeps out the rain!
Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe White (7000K)
Works perfect in our 159 promaster! Keeps everything really cool, runs off 12v so we don't need to be in a campground to use it!
Dometic RTX 2000 – 12 Volt Air Conditioner (6,824 BTU)
Check out this efficient van roof rack setup!
Is this the least expensive option for a ROOF RACK on a Campervan? | Promaster Van Build 10
Cabinetry
From hardware to materials, these picks make it easier to design, build, and organize your van’s interior.
You'll need to pair these with the pocket hole jig!
Kreg SPS-C1-100 Zinc Pocket-Hole Screws 1-Inch
So much easier than trying to use wood fill on all those pocket holes!
Kreg P-PNT Paint Grade Plugs
We saved soooo much time using fast cabinet doors! They are great quality, arrived on time, and were ready for paint!
Shop Custom Replacement Cabinet Doors & Drawer Fronts | Kitchens & Baths
Keeps drawers secure while driving! They lock so they can't rattle out!
Pin Style Van Cabinet Closure
Easy to slide on and off to access drawers but keeps them secure when driving!
Face Mount Van Cabinet Closure
Keeps doors closed when bumping along back roads! We use these on doors that can't have magnets!
Side Mount Van Cabinet Closure
Keeps our doors shut even on super bumpy roads!
Mousike 30lb Stainless Steel Cabinet Magnets (6 Pack)
Great tips for building your own van cabinets!
Tips for Campervan Cabinets | Promaster Van Build 8
Shara does an AMAZING job in this drawer building tutorial series! We found it so helpful!!
How to Measure and Size Drawer Fronts & Drawer Boxes
Appliances
Compact, efficient appliances built for van life. From fridges to cooktops and heaters, these items bring everyday comfort and convenience to your home on wheels.
HUGE by 12v fridge standards! The freezer stays cold enough to trust it with ice cream.
RV Refrigerator 4.4 Cubic Feet 12V Stainless Steel
This little oven is a beast in the kitchen! It heats up super quickly, so it uses less electricity in the van! The air fryer setting is awesome too, leaving things nice and crispy! And beyond being functional, it's also really cute!
Our Place Wonder Oven 6-in-1 Air Fryer
Easy to use, portable, and gets cool quickly so it's easy to put away. The portable aspect makes it easy to use outside the van if it's hot!
Nuwave Gold Precision Induction Cooktop
Fantastic! We ran it for basically 3 straight months last year with zero issues!
VELIT Gasoline/Diesel Air Heater 14000BTU 4000W