Van Mockup Walk Through

This video shows the mock up of our van design. The idea of converting our own van came about after a vacation to the Canadian Rockies.  We rented a 15 … Read more

Bed Design

This video shows the design of the bed platform. Products seen in this video: Steel Beam      Wood Slats      After completing this video I realize that I … Read more

Wire size, AC and DC circuits

You need to have the correct size wire for the amperage and voltage that will run through the wire.  Remember every wire should be protected by a fuse, limiting the … Read more

Charging with the Alternator

You can charge your batteries from your vehicles alternator.  The alternator delivers power to all the vehicles electrical components and keeps the starter battery charged.  The vehicles alternator may deliver … Read more

Solar Controller

I will use a MPPT charge controller.  Based on my research this type of charge controller does a better job when it receives high voltage.  So my solar panels will … Read more

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

A fuse is an intentional weak point in a circuit.  Fuses are designed to fail!   When too much current flows through a circuit, the filament in the fuse melts.  This … Read more

Furrules and Ring Terminals

There are many ways to connect wires together or to a terminal. Soldering an crimping are the most common. Crimping is easy, fast and effective.  Crimping crushes the wire around … Read more

Wire size

Solid wire (Romex) is commonly used in houses.  Solid wire cannot be used in a moving vehicle.  The constant vibration would break the conductor over time. All wires used in … Read more

Solar Panels

How many watts of solar do you need? The design of this van will have room for two, 200 watt solar panels.  That’s 400 watts.   Some vans have 200, 400 … Read more

Batteries

You need to decide how many cloudy days you want to go without moving.  What I mean by this is – if it is cloudy, overcast, or winter you will … Read more

System and Inverter size

How big, and how much will this electrical system cost? To get an idea you need to find out the electricity you will consume each day.  To do that gather … Read more

Cables and Lugs

Crimping terminals onto cables requires heavy duty crimping tools.   The most basic, and cost effective crimper is the hammer crimper.   This is what I used. You can also buy a … Read more

Finding water

We keep a portable  jerry can for filling up with water.     We will fill up by hose, or at rest areas. Jerry Can We have a WATER BANDIT which … Read more

Water tank location

The water tanks are right inside the sliding door, this makes them easy to fill.  This also helps keep them from freezing.   By locating the water tanks between the axles, … Read more

Grey + Black water tanks

Grey water is what comes out of the sink drain and shower.  There is no human waste or harmful chemicals in grey water. In our van design there are two … Read more

Water Pumps

A diaphragm pump keeps the water system pressurized at all times. It’s like having running water, just like in a house. The water pump creates and maintains water pressure.  Theses … Read more

Cables + Lugs

This video show how to make your own battery cables.  Attaching lugs, and using a crimper. Wire 6 AWG   8 AWG  10 AWG  2/0   Lugs Crimper  Heat Shrink Tubing Large  … Read more

Main panel prototype

This is the main electrical panel prototype.  It include the solar panel circuit breakers, the solar charge controller, the main shut off, the 12 volt fuse panel, and the A/C … Read more

Bus Bars

These videos show you – Step by Step – how make a bus bar for your electrical system.   By using a bus bar you will cut down on the number … Read more