First things first, before you can start the design process you’ll have to choose your vehicle, the shell of your soon to be home.

Everyone's version of vanlife will look different and with different needs come different vans.

Whether you will be using it as your main driver, if you plan on going fulltime or being a weekend warrior, whether you will travelling solo or not… and perhaps the most important... the budget...

Short Wheelbase vs Long Wheelbase

Long story short, it basically comes down to choosing between less living space in a short wheelbase van, but an easier time to park your van.

Short Wheelbase Vans

easy parking in cities

affordable

easy to find

less space

Recommended for: weekend warriors, solo travellers, city dwellers, budget travellers

Long Wheelbase Vans

more living space

sleeps more people

more expensive

difficult to park

Recommended for: full-timers, couples & families, nature dwellers

Living space has a large impact on how...

You'll be ready to hit the road in no time with this Minimalist Van Build Checklist! Just head over to your local store and get the list below, stock up on your favourite foods, bring some blankets and you're good to go! 

Icebox

Camp Stove

Battery-powered LED’s

Powerbank

Inflatable mattress

Storage Boxes 

 Waterjug with tap

  Washcloths

Portapotty (or a pee jar if you're brave)

 Whether you are planning on becoming a fulltime van lifer or you’re building a custom camper for weekends and holidays, one of the biggest factors you have to keep in mind when van shopping is your budget.

Next to the (obvious) purchase price of your van, there are also a few extra aspects you should keep in mind that will affect your travelling budget.

Fuel Efficiency

Maybe not the first thing you look at, but there is a huge differential in how far your money will get you (literally). Not only is a more fuel-efficient van better for your wallet, but it is also beneficial to the environment. Since most of us plan on travelling a significant distance these costs will add up fast.

Maintenance costs

Another thing to keep in mind is that different car brands come with different costs for parts and maintenance. Since you can pretty much assume that you will have to do some maintenance in your van life journey this could be an important factor in your...

 Fridges and Coolers

Dometic CFX35W 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer

Dometic CFX 50W 12v Electric Powered Portable Cooler, Fridge Freezer

Dometic CFX 40W 12v Electric Powered Portable Cooler, Fridge Freezer

DOMETIC CFX 65DZ Black/Gray CFX 65DZ 12V Electric Powered Portable Cooler

DOMETIC CFX 65W Black/Gray CFX 65W 12V Electric Powered Portable Cooler 

Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer

Dometic CFX 75DZW CFX 75DZW 12v Electric Powered Portable Cooler, Fridge Freezer

Norcold 4 N410.3UR RV Refrigerator-4.5 cu. ft. -AC/DC/LP-Left Hand Swing-Beige Trim

Dometic CD-50 Drawer Refrigerator 47-Liter Capacity and Removable Freezer

Alpicool CF55 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer 58 Quart (55 Liter)

Alpicool CF45 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer 48 Quart (45 Liter)

Alpicool CF35 Portable Refrigerator/Freezer 37 Quart (35 Liter)

Dometic CFX 100W Black/Gray CFX 100W 12V Electric Powered Portable Cooler (Fridge Freezer)

Alpicool C22 Portable Refrigerator 23...

Dometic CFX compressor portable refrigerator/freezers provide excellent cooling performance, even at extreme ambient temperatures and with minimal power consumption. They can be used for standard refrigeration as well as for freezing. 

Product Specifications:

• No ice- ever. Except for making ice for drinks.
• Flexibility- refrigerate or freeze to -7F. Dimensions product depth-27.2 inch, height-16.1 inch, width-15.6 inch
• Ultra-low power consumption using AC or DC means it's great for solar setups or other off-grid applications
• Heavy-duty design with reinforced corners and a robust closing mechanism
• Downsize to 2/3 the size of a traditional cooler- don't need to take up space with ice
• Control and monitor the cooling temperature in the compartment via WiFi app (except the CFX28 and CFX65DZ)
• Energy-efficient LED interior light
• A USB port for charging small electronic devices
• 3-stage battery protection
• Dimensions  16.2" H x 27.2" W x 15.7" D
• 2 Year Warranty.

...

Dometic CFX 50W compressor portable refrigerator/freezers provide deep-freeze capabilities with ultra-low power consumption to bring fresh food and cold drinks anywhere. They can be used for standard refrigeration as well as for freezing. 

Product Specifications:

• No ice- ever. Except for making ice for drinks. Noise : 42.00 dB(A)
• Flexibility- refrigerate or freeze to -7F.
• Ultra-low power consumption using AC or DC means it's great for solar setups or other off-grid applications
• Heavy-duty design with reinforced corners and a robust closing mechanism
• Downsize to 2/3 the size of a traditional cooler- don't need to take up space with ice
• Control and monitor the cooling temperature in the compartment via WiFi app (except the CFX28 and CFX65DZ)
• Energy-efficient LED interior light / Input voltage (Alternate current) - 100-240 Volt
• A USB port for charging small electronic devices
• 3-stage battery protection
• Dimensions: 18.5" H x 28.5" W x 17.9" D
• 2 Year Warranty.

Disclaimer:...

Dometic CFX compressor portable refrigerator/freezers provide excellent cooling performance, even at extreme ambient temperatures and with minimal power consumption. They can be used for standard refrigeration as well as for freezing. Fitted with heavy-duty features like reinforced corners, stainless steel hinges, and a robust lid lining, hi-tech CFX refrigerator/freezers can withstand the most demanding of loads. 

Product Specifications:

• No ice- ever. Except for making ice for drinks.
• Flexibility- refrigerate or freeze to -7F.
• Ultra-low power consumption using AC or DC means it's great for solar setups or other off-grid applications
• Heavy-duty design with reinforced corners and a robust closing mechanism. Energy consumption ([email protected]/32°C) 0.665 kWh/24h
• Downsize to 2/3 the size of a traditional cooler- don't need to take up space with ice
• Control and monitor the cooling temperature in the compartment via WiFi app (except the CFX28 and CFX65DZ)
• Energy-efficient LED interior...

The Dometic CFX 65DZ was engineered with the most adventurous traveler in mind. Featuring a weatherproof construction, and a hermetically sealed Waco compressor, the CFX 65DZ will perform in the most extreme conditions. 

Product Specifications:

• NO ICE NEEDED - Except making ice for drinks! 106 Can/53l Capacity, dual-zone cooling compartment. Enjoy 60% more storage capacity in the same exterior space! Compared to similar capacity ice chest using recommended ice/content ratio.
• DEEP FREEZE - High-performance compressor reaches –7 °F (–22 °C) with minimal energy consumption.
• ULTRA LOW POWER CONSUMPTION - Advanced compressor electronics use AC, DC, and solar power - enjoy the freedom to go off-grid! 3 Stage Dynamic Battery Protection System automatically shuts the product off to prevent a dead car starter battery and improves car battery performance.
• HEAVY-DUTY DESIGN - Fitted with heavy-duty details like reinforced corners, stainless steel hinges and a robust...

The Dometic CoolFreeze CFX with seriously impressive features. For example, the Dometic CFX special electronics, which includes an intelligent automatic turbo cooler and a memory function. The freezing capacity of down to -22 °C is also unbeatable and can even be operated with solar energy... Regardless of the outside temperature, this cooler will provide a first-class, superbly quiet cooling performance. 

Product Specifications:

• No ice- ever. Except for making ice for drinks. The cooling compartment has separate crisper for fruit and vegetables
• Flexibility- refrigerate or freeze to -7F. Average energy consumption at AC (DIN15502) : 0.175 kWh/24h
• Ultra-low power consumption using AC or DC means it's great for solar setups or other off-grid applications
• Heavy-duty design with reinforced corners and a robust closing mechanism
• Downsize to 2/3 the size of a traditional cooler- don't need to take up space with ice
• Control and monitor the cooling temperature in the...

Keep items frozen, or cool, it's up to you!  The CFX cooler line has a detachable lid, removable baskets, separate dairy comportment, USB port, and interior light for added convenience.

Product Specifications:

• 106 Can/60l Capacity, deep-freeze to -7°, single-zone cooling compartment
• Advanced compressor electronics ensure ultra-low power consumption using AC, DC, and solar power - enjoy the freedom to go off-grid!
• Enjoy 60% more storage capacity in the same exterior space! Compared to similar capacity ice chest using recommended ice/content ratio.
• 3 Stage Dynamic Battery Protection System automatically shuts the product off to prevent a dead car starter battery and improves car battery performance.
• Precisely control and monitor temperature +/- 2°F via a digital display or WiFi App.
• Energy-efficient LED interior light and removable wire baskets with dividers for optimal content organization.
• Dimensions: 22" H x 28.5" W x 17.9" D.

Disclaimer: vanspace 3D is a...