From MVP to version 1, the van build checklist
The bed for the adults
July 27, 2019
3 weeks in our minimal viable van build, what did we learn
June 10, 2020Building a proper version one
We had an awesome holiday and we fell in love with van life. We had planned to start the rebuild of the van in march, going from a minimal viable product to an actual van build, but then Covid came and all our plans got canceled.
Covid meant that our van started to be used for office transportation, moving office supplies from A to B. With the MOT date (APK in Dutch) coming up we decided to bring the van in for repairs and pay a very hefty bill to get everything road ready again. With those technicalities out of the way it was time to take everything out of the van and start for real.
It only took us 3 hours to take a 2 month build apart, which was painful. But now the van is bare and clean so we can start with the real stuff and this is our current checklist and order in which we will be doing stuff.
The version one checklist
Buy a vanBuild a minimal viable van buildGet it certified (RDW)Enjoy your travelsTake a long breakGet the car trough MOTStrip the van and clean in out- Put in anti-drumming + big panel isolation
- Get the rooftop windows in
- Get everything in for the electrics
- Get everything in for the water
- Get everything in for the heater
- Build in the floor frame for all the cabins and standard components
- Put in the kitchen including the diesel heater and cooker.
- Isolate the floor
- Put the PVC flooring in
- Put in all the top cabins
- Put in an aluminium rail for the bed/couch, replacing the wooden one
- Finish the lighting and electric plan
- Put in all the boarding
- Make it cozy
- Enjoy the van.
What components to use
We did a LOT of research on all the components we want in the van and why. We also talked to Paul from no-rush campers who is an experienced van builder. He gave us a lot of extra tips and pointers and we verified a lot of our assumptions and research. The choices we are making for every step are interesting, but deserve a lot more text so follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay informed.
