====== Build order ====== ===== downsizing ===== [[lifestyle:downsizing|Downsizing]] (getting rid of most of your stuff, keeping useful stuff) is a Good Thing whether or not you ever move into a van. ===== thinking ===== - get ideas from forums, instagram, youtube, etc - consider what kind of amenities you want - bed: material, across the van or lengthwise, dedicated or used for other purposes, [[http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Mattress-ventilation|mattress ventilation]] - storage: plastic bins, milk crates, thrift store dressers, built cabinets - water tanks - fresh - pump: manual, electric - gray - cooking - toilet and hygiene - power: shore, solar, house battery - roof real estate: solar panels, fan - sketch ideas for layout on paper or software ===== mocking up ===== * Mark out a space on the floor to represent your van's living space. A corner may work best, so you can also mark the interior height on two walls. [[https://amzn.to/2UcGSmv|Blue painter's tape]] will remove easily and without damage when you move into your van. * place your belongings in their actual locations in the "van". * use cardboard boxes to represent items you haven't sourced yet (bed, refrigerator, etc) * This experience tends to be one of the first OMG moments: the physical constraints become very real. The upside is it may be encouragement to get rid of stuff faster! ===== roof ===== this is done early so metal debris can be swept/vacuumed out easily - [[hvac:roof_vent|fan]] - cut hole, install, leave wiring accessible - [[electrical:solar:gentle_intro|solar]] - install rack or tabs - install [[electrical:solar:panels|panels]] - install wiring entry point - insulate ceiling and cover ceiling if desired ===== floor ===== - cut any needed holes for vents, drains, etc - **body modification** - cut any holes for water entry, [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] connectors, etc. Note: traditionally **hookups go on the driver's side of the camper**. ===== acoustic dampening ===== [[http://amzn.to/2pNrQSo|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/5159EpcjctL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] * if desired, [[http://amzn.to/2pNrQSo|add acoustic dampening material]] like Reckhorn ABX.((http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=316602&postcount=18)) ===== framing ===== Framing is done before wiring to avoid damaging wiring. - if you FIXME ===== wiring ===== ===== insulating ===== ===== shakedown, iteration ===== - overnights - weekends - trips Ideas taken from