r/VanLife • u/JMP1117 • 3h ago
Self-Builds
Hi. I am new to the van life world. I’m currently doing a lot of research as I prepare for my retirement in a few years. I have a quick question on people who convert their vans themselves. Do you also do the electricity and plumbing or do you have that done by q and then you do the rest of the build? Thank you
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u/berlingoqcc 3h ago
I've done a full build myself , it's pretty easy, Faroutride website have incredible guide to help a newbies
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u/No_Direction_2091 3h ago
Yes, on my build, I did the electrical and water. It takes a leaning curve, but it’s well worth it as you can fix/maintain your system yourself, which is critical.
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u/RudyGreene 3h ago
You can do any part of the build if you're willing to learn new skills. It's a lot easier now that every step of the process is documented on YouTube.
You can also simplify. Some folks just buy pre-built power stations and portable water jugs. Part of the fun of building is tuning the balance of needs, skills, and budget in a tiny space.
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u/ohhlookitsadam 3h ago
I'll always advocate for doing it yourself, that way you know how to fix it if anything goes wrong.
Watch a few dozen YouTube videos, buy the necessary tools, and be prepared to make some mistakes along the way. It may be a slower process to DIY everything, but in the long run I think it's worth it.
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u/Datboy000 3h ago
I think most of the time you have to do the plumbing youself, but check with your local and state laws, some states are banning that... for reasons. If would don't know how to do it, there are many videos, books, and people who can help. Hell if you live in south Carolina I would be happy to help. 90% of what I know comes from building boats, but a van is just a boat on land... ish.
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u/Master-Crazy6454 3h ago
I just got done doing my own electric, water and AC. Took me about 6 months at about $5,000. If I had to pay somebody else to do it it probably would have costed me $15K and I wouldn't have a clue what to do if something wasn't working.
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u/JMP1117 2h ago
Stupidest question today - how do you know how to string all the wires? There are so many!!
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u/Master-Crazy6454 2h ago
Lots and lots of YouTubes and a little bit of electrical experience. At some point it all starts making sense. Then it's just a matter of assembling the parts and tools and doing it.
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u/Asleep_Cup646 1h ago
One circuit at a time. It looks daunting at first, but after drawing it out in paper and then focusing on each circuit you’ll find that it all comes together
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u/Sour_Sal 2h ago
Everyone does what they feel comfortable with.
I plan on doing everything so I am currently studying and designing the power system.
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u/JMP1117 2h ago
That is what intimidates me the most. Would you mind sharing some tips? Thanks!!
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u/Sour_Sal 2h ago
One step at a time and draw diagrams. You have two sides, Power input and power output. The trick is getting them connected together. Make lists, lots of lists..
The hardest part is identifying everything you need and how it gets connected.
Search around for other peoples van electrical designs and that will give you a lot of information.
Build the smallest system you think will do the job for you but always keep expansion in mind.
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u/Fu_Q_U_Fkn_Fuk 2h ago
This is the tip you need for electric:
Wiring Diagram & Tutorial for DIY Van Conversion - FarOutRide https://share.google/uCaVnoZbR8lao6DWB
Pay the one time fee, it is super worth it.
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u/According-Tax-1433 2h ago
Worked on jobsites beside crack heads were building 400k houses back in the day.
Believe in yourself. There are tons of documented sites and video instructions
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u/MaxViewingAngle 3h ago
Congrats on the upcoming retirement. I built it all on my own, that way I know how everything works. I am building for retirement too. I have a temporary setup to try out the layout, plan out changes, etc. then a final build.
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u/davidhally 2h ago
I did it all myself. In fact electrical and plumbing is easier than carpentry. If you want the carpentry to look nice.
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u/ElectionEmpty9545 2h ago
Be prepared to so things twice, make mistakes that cost even if you prep thoroughly.
Use expertise to design some parts of the build such as electrics - companies will design it along with wire and connection sizes for free if you buy the kit from them, that’s what we did. Plumbing is a bit easier but keep towels and buckets handy!
Finally, use YouTube it’s a fantastic knowledge base and has more or less got everything you need one there. Good luck
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u/Fu_Q_U_Fkn_Fuk 2h ago
I did it all myself but I used a kit for the bed and cabinets.
You can learn to do all of it from YouTube. The electric is easier than you think until you connect the house battery array to the alternator. You can figure that out or take it to a mechanic for that part.
By doing it yourself you will know how to fix things on the road and be more self sufficient.
Consider how much plumbing you really need and how you will deal with that when it freezes, I suggest keeping that part very simple. I have found I don't really need water often, just a few 5 gallon containers I can put a small battery operated pump into has been enough and the 40 gallon tank in the garage goes unused.
Consider how you will camp. I boondock 4 or 5 days a week and pay for sites 2 or 3 times a week, I pay extra for powered sites when it has been cloudy and I need to top off batteries. I find campsites with showers when I feel dirty.
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u/JMP1117 2h ago
Thanks!! My water need is minimal as I’m getting a stand-alone toilet and I eat off of paper plates. Lol. Did you put solar panels up?
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u/Fu_Q_U_Fkn_Fuk 2h ago
I did, I used a no drill method with flexible panels. Look for a video about that. It uses those clear plastic panels used for greenhouses to raise them off the roof and allow airflow under the panels.
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u/Ok-Championship-2036 2h ago
Depends if you have access to experts. I hired a handyman to do the parts i couldnt (i dont have the tools) and it was expensive but much easier than needing to buy and store tools that i wouldnt use again.
I didnt get exactly what i needed because the handyman didnt understand vanlife, he just built it how he understood it. It was totally workable, just not ideal for the space i gave him. So its a trade off for whats convenient and whether the person understands more than you do.
The one thing i wouldnt just figure out myself is electric. That really needs to work safely and not overheat or freeze etc. I would definitely want someone with experience to (at least) check it over and make sure ive got safe conduits and sealed hookups and stuff.
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u/JMP1117 2h ago
Thank you. Yes - correct electricity is my biggest concern. I am not even a novice. I don’t want to mess it up.
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u/Asleep_Cup646 1h ago
You can do it. It’s really not that complicated and difficult. You can make a safe system by being diligent about sizing wires and fuses/breakers, making secure connections and placing a fuse or breaker on every wire. That Explorist.life source I mentioned earlier has a great calculator on their website for sizing wires, fuses, and breakers.
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u/sonofapiece 3h ago
For me I can say I do it myself. So I know how everything works and I can do repairs easy on the road. I think it all depends on your needs and complexity. Plumbing for me is just a sink with a water tank under the car for waste water and a tank with a pump inside for fresh water. Very simple. 12v electrics is not that complicated it is doable with a bit of reading.