One of the first essential steps to building your dream van is choosing your layout. Whether you plan to live in your van full-time or use it as your weekend getaway, it pays off to do your research before building your new van home. This article will share some tips and tricks and some serious questions to ask yourself before deciding on your layout.

What to consider before planning your van

Part-time or full-time vanlife? 

Suppose you are going to be full-time in your campervan. In that case, having the ability to store your belongings is necessary. On the other hand, if you're using the campervan for just weekend trips to campsites, having space for your hobby equipment might prioritize more space than space for groceries.

Do you need a space to work remotely? 

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Being able to work on the road is now becoming even more of an option. With the ever-growing prospects of working remotely, having a comfortable workspace might be something to consider....

If you're looking to purchase a used van to convert into a camper, these are 8 things that you should check before buying. 

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Unlike buying a brand new van with a warranty, buying a more budget-friendly used van is entirely different. The van might have driven thousands of miles, little or no service history, and may have had many multiple owners. 

Before you make any purchase decisions, you should consider how you will use the van. For example, would it be used for weekend trips, for a few weeks at a time, or even for full-time vanlife?

Once you know what you need the van for, how many people it would need to carry or sleep, and what essential items you need to have in the van, you can determine what type of van you need. 

Next step? Van shopping, but not without reading our list below to make sure you know which things to look at before purchasing a used van. 

 1) Check The Bodywork For Rust 

Source:...

First things first: Before starting the design process, you'll have to choose your vehicle. 

Everyone's version of "vanlife" will look different, and with different needs come different vans. For example, if you plan on using your van as your primary driver, you'll have different needs than someone who plans on only taking it out on weekends. Similarly, whether you will be traveling solo or with family can significantly impact which van is right for you. 

SHORT WHEELBASE VS. LONG WHEELBASE

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a short wheelbase van and a long wheelbase. Still, one of the main considerations is how much living space you need. 

Living space has a significant impact on how comfortable it can be to live in your van. For example, suppose you're planning for an extended trip with another person (or two!). In that case, having enough personal space and storage will ensure that everyone has a great time!

If you would like to park...

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 plan to become a full-time vanlifer or build a van for the weekends and holidays, there is an essential factor to keep in mind before shopping: your budget! Having enough funds should be the top priority when starting. Your budget can make all the difference between being able to travel comfortably vs. barely scraping by (or worse yet - giving up).

Besides the vehicle's purchase price, here are some other factors that will affect how much money you spend while traveling.

FUEL EFFICIENCY 

You may not think about the fuel efficiency at first when looking for a van, but there is a massive difference in how far your money will get you. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it's also better for the environment. We all know that gas prices are high these days, and most of us plan on traveling some distance with our new vans anyways. So these savings can add up quickly!

MAINTENANCE COST

While your vehicle's initial cost could be a deciding factor, it's...

 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...