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So you bought a Van

Bringing home your new van

You are excited and beyond thrilled. Ready to make that dream come true. The van is yours now. Time to start your build. Where do we start. What do we do first. So much to think about.

If you are anything like us you follow hundreds of people that build and live in a van. You watch youtube videos all the time. Stalking #vanlife on instagram is your new hobby. Work countless hours putting together a list of everything you want out of your new home on wheels. Where to start.

Our advice is start a list. Add everything to your list you could ever want in a tiny home. Think from the outside in. Yes you will probably eliminate items from your list after you find out the cost involved. My advice is to be prepared to have as many items on your list as you can. Adding items after you have started can, more times than not, be more expensive than if you had just done it from the start.

You will want to now choose if you will be the do it yourself-er or have a builder, like Wicked Cool Vans, build for you. Do you have the tools needed to do a quality job yourself? Tools can be expensive. Do you have the know how to do it yourself? Do you have the time to do it yourself? Time is money. Lots of questions to answer before you start.

Here at Wicked Cool Vans we encourage our clients to do things themself. We also encourage our clients to have Wicked Cool Vans do the jobs they don’t have the time or tools to tackle the job. We try to provide tips and list of how to do it yourself.

You will find below a list of basic items used in a van build. This is a suggestion list. You will definitely need more items not listed. If you find you need a suggestion send us an email wickedcoolvans@gmail.com we will try to help out if we can.

Exterior Cuts:

Aftermarket window https://www.vanwindowsdirect.com

Fresair air cooling system- Purchased through Wicked Cool Vans

Max air fan https://amzn.to/3tLGgCs

Max air fan with remote https://amzn.to/3lGURfN

External ports for 30amp power https://amzn.to/3vS36du

Internal Walls:

Sound Deadening https://amzn.to/31778k7

Wiring 

https://amzn.to/3f4y7oP 4 gauge awg amount of feet depends on plan

https://amzn.to/393Hnp6 10/3 wire for shore power set up, feet depends on plan

https://amzn.to/3se0RyT 14 gauge wire, feet depends on plan

https://amzn.to/3tNhWAq 16/3 shore power set up, feet depends on plan

Insulation 

Havelock wool 3-6 batts depending on van model http://havelockwool.refr.cc/russellb

Wood for framing of walls

Strapping

1×1

2×2

¼ inch Plywood for finish walls

¾ inch Birch plywood for cabinets and floors

Ceiling material

Countertop 

Paint or Shellac/polyurethane

Nails

Screws

Glue

Hinges

Drawer pulls https://amzn.to/3tJWPPd

Drawer slides https://amzn.to/319wSw8

Door hinges https://amzn.to/3vYu7fF

Magnetic locks https://amzn.to/3cPMOsQ

Lofted Bed – 2×4’s & strapping

Shower pan option 1 https://amzn.to/3vNzwG5 option 2 https://amzn.to/3cUSFxj more options are available depends on plan/layout

Water heater 4 gallon https://amzn.to/318n31G 

Plumbing supplies depends on plumbing plan

Fresh water tank 30 gallon https://amzn.to/394PqlL

Grey water tank  13 gallon https://amzn.to/3lDJ9m9 

Pump https://amzn.to/3sebBxg 

Pex pipe https://amzn.to/2NFTJMO

Sink undermount https://amzn.to/2QyE17v

Sink counter mount https://amzn.to/3f5E4lq 

Faucet https://amzn.to/3f1Cukp 

Shower walls

Shower fixtures

Toilet https://amzn.to/3f4AjMN

Composting toilet https://amzn.to/3f1CSzn

Refrigerators some choices it depends on layout for size restrictions

https://amzn.to/3c8svb0

https://amzn.to/3rexTxA

https://amzn.to/3r9b12r

https://amzn.to/396jKMO

https://amzn.to/2QlZ8cO

https://amzn.to/3rklwjT

https://amzn.to/3vPkz6r

Table mounts

https://www.lagunusa.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4feBBhC9ARIsABp_nbVNRqoVxg8LcbqyAianmDN3K-0-8ufkKWNILoP7bZHt1u8MJK1j7pMaAjV7EALw_wcB

https://amzn.to/3tY9uyn

Lights https://amzn.to/3tI6TIA

Solar Panels https://amzn.to/2PdsXvI 

Solar charger https://amzn.to/3vPZb0V size depends on plan

Inverter https://amzn.to/3vLkP6B size depends on plan

Battery https://amzn.to/2NFiVD6 amount of batteries depends on plan

Battery charger https://amzn.to/3raBtcd depends on battery type and plan

Misc electrical

https://amzn.to/395GKvq

https://amzn.to/397QZ2f

https://amzn.to/2P1m00V

https://amzn.to/2QugfcG

https://amzn.to/3r5lTyw

https://amzn.to/2OP5Esr

https://amzn.to/3vPjOdE

https://amzn.to/3d12WrN

https://amzn.to/3d1Zjlv

https://amzn.to/3189akc

https://amzn.to/3cco0MG

https://amzn.to/3vRq2th

https://amzn.to/2OOlfbH

Amounts and sizes of electrical components depends on plan of system

Heater https://amzn.to/3tLk6QV

Swivel Seats https://leisurelines.net/seat-swivels-83-c.asp

Roof Rack -at Wicked Cool Vans we make a custom rack for your van but some others are available at amazon https://amzn.to/317dK1V just make sure it is for your make and model van.

Running Boards tips on running boards is for them to be useful they need to be of a size your foot will fit. I prefer 7 inch ones at least. https://amzn.to/317e0xV

Trailer hitch https://amzn.to/3cbiYQt make sure it will fit your make and model

This list is a suggested parts list. Many other items are needed and will depend on layout,plan,make and model of van.

Wicked Cool Vans

*links are a part of an associate program Wicked Cool Vans takes part in.

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Promaster Van window install

Click the link to watch a fast youtube video of how it its done. http://youtu.be/EojDrCYw-38

Wicked Cool Vans rear windows install on a Ram Promaster Van. Follow Wicked Cool Vans on facebook at http://www.wickedcoolvans.com and check out our website at http://www.wickedcoolvans.shop Contact us today to complete your custom van build. Thanks for watching please like us and subscribe for more DIY videos.

Items needed:

Back windows for your make and model van ours were purchased from https://www.vanwindowsdirect.com

Window Weld Urethane https://amzn.to/31a4QRl

Edge trim https://amzn.to/3rcrfIo

Cleaning solution https://amzn.to/3seDO77

Raw edge trim paint https://amzn.to/31ala4v

Jig saw https://amzn.to/3cfgFvT

Metal Jig saw blades https://amzn.to/2QplBpq

Metal files https://amzn.to/3rd85lx

Tape https://amzn.to/3lM8omq

duct tape https://amzn.to/3lK8Ilx

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What’s in a name

Wicked : Going beyond reasonable or predictable limits : of exceptional quality or degree

Cool : Very good : EXCELLENT

Vans : A multipurpose enclosed motor vehicle having a boxlike shape, rear or side doors, and side panels often with windows

www.WickedCoolVans.shop

wickedcoolvans@gmail.com

@wickedcoolvans

Stock your Wicked Cool Vans with everything you need Shop our affiliate program https://amzn.to/2PlPeHJ

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Van Plumbing

The thought of doing plumbing can be a scary thing. In a van build it is fairly easy to complete your own van plumbing. I am sure you can find plenty of  youtube videos. We use pex pipe and parts for our Wicked Cool Vans water systems. We plan to have all water components on one side of the van.

Lay out your plumbing supplies and plan for the best placement.

In the photo above we are making our plan. We will have the sink and all plumbing on the right side of this van. The hot water heater, pipes and pump all need a place. In this build we will be placing the diesel heater in a compartment behind the water system.

The thing we dislike the most is to start a project and not have all the parts on hand. Missing one part holds up the entire production. It is good to have a drawing of your plan. Nothing fancy, just a drawing of how you plan to place everything.

Nothing fancy just your vision in black and white.

We work as a team and it is easier to visualize this way. By the time we are done with the drawing we both have scribbled all over it. After we have a plan that will work we bring it to scale. One key to an entire build is proper planning.

Now build the cabinet. Here are a list of supplies we have on hand for plumbing.

https://amzn.to/39bxVjC 1/2 Inch PEX PIPE, Fitting ,Clamp Tool, Clamps Cutter Combo Kit

https://amzn.to/3lKbmHU 2 PIECES XFITTING HOT (RED) AND COLD (BLUE) OF 1/2″ PEX BRASS FULL PORT SHUT OFF BALL VALVE – 1/4″ TURN.  We have at least 4 sets of these on hand. It is a good idea to have shut offs if there is ever a leak you are able to keep it under control while you repair it.

https://amzn.to/3vY16Am 5 Plastic Poly Alloy 90 Degree Swivel Elbow Pex x FPT Barb Pipe Fitting, 1/2″ x 1/2″ 5 pack. You will need two packs at least

https://amzn.to/3f9Uidh 5 Plastic PEX Poly Alloy Tee Barb Pipe Fitting, 1/2”, White, 5 Pack you will need at least two 5 packs of these.

https://amzn.to/2P5tgcj 5 Plastic PEX Poly Alloy Straight Coupling Barb Pipe Fitting, 1/2”, White, 5 Pack

https://amzn.to/3f74PWB 5 Plastic PEX Poly Alloy 90 Degree Elbow Barb Pipe Fitting, 1/2”, White, 5 Pack, you will want a lot of these on hand. it helps you have a clean look to your plumbing. I would say have five or six 5 packs on hand.

https://amzn.to/3tNqRSc 5 Plastic Poly Alloy 90 Degree Elbow Pex x MPT Barb Pipe Fitting, 1/2” x 1/2”, White, 5 Pack

Pick the size of your tanks. We try to get the same size for both if it will fit into the plans of the build.

https://amzn.to/31aVTHq Lead Free White Poly Alloy Elbow with Pex to Female Threaded Fittings, 1/2 x 1/2

https://amzn.to/3d1FScq 40 Gallon Fresh Water Tank & Plumbing Kit RV Concession

https://amzn.to/3vY20Ng 13 Gallon Water Tank & Plumbing Kit

https://amzn.to/3siqzTd 7 Gallon Water Tank & Plumbing Kit

https://amzn.to/397wYbZ 20 Gallon Fresh Water Tank & Plumbing Kit RV Concession

https://amzn.to/3cV2pr6 Fresh Water Pump, 12 Volts, 3.5 Gallons Per Minute, 45 Psi

https://amzn.to/3lKTOeN 1/2″ Twist-On Pipe Strainer

https://amzn.to/3rihRCT White City Water Flange with 1/2″ MPT

https://amzn.to/3vVIBwz RV Outside Shower Valve Kit – 4 Inch Quick Connect Valve and RV Outdoor Shower Faucet in Black

https://amzn.to/3vUyGYb Quick Connect Hose Adapt

https://amzn.to/3rfh0TvHeavy Duty Coiled Water Hose RV Extension Coiled Hose Extender for Disconnect Valve, 15ft Spiral Hose

https://amzn.to/3faKdwE Theard Flex Seal Tape Waterproof Plumbers Plumbing White 1/2″ x 520 Inch

https://amzn.to/31aX5KU Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 4 gallon – Eliminate Time for Hot Water – Shelf, Wall or Floor Mounted

Water pump with the tank under.

Now you have a list of items you will need. Find us on facebook at http://www.WickedCoolVans.com

We post pictures often. Send us an email at wickedcoolvans@gmail.com if you have questions. Make sure to check out other pages or our current blogs at www.wickedcoolvans.shop

Fresh water intake, outdoor shower and diesel heater tank.

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Baby it’s cold outside

Embrace the cold or drive to the warm weather?
A fresh coat of snow

Good morning in Maine with a fresh coat of snow. Freezing temps compared to toasty warm. Both have pros and cons in van life. Personally we can not wait until the day we can follow perfect warm climate. For now we find the best way to endure winters in New England.

We are able to keep warm with our Diesel Heater. Click this link to get yours https://amzn.to/39gX6Sw

You can install yourself or hire Wicked Cool Vans to do the job. You will find many DIY videos on Youtube. If you have some tools, time and a bit of patience you can do it yourself. You must feel comfortable putting holes in your van and be able to crawl under the van. It is defiantly a two person job. It can be done alone but we would suggest a partner to complete the job.