3 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR LAYOUT
1. IDENTIFY YOUR TOP PRIORITIES
Priorities are those features you will USE THE MOST and that are most important for what you will be doing with your van. When we designed our layout these were a few of our top priorities:
Built-in Dog Crate
Private Bathroom/Shower (Hot Showers)
As close to King sized bed as possible
Enough Power to work from anywhere
Closet and Dresser for Clothing
These 5 priorities we designed The Beach House Layout. For us, this was a super functional layout based around our top priorities. When we designed The Outdoorsman for our client, Ryan, we helped him identify his top priorities:
Ability to Store His Mountain Bike Inside
A Convertible Table/Bed So He Could Work
Enclosed Shower with Hot Water Heater
Lots of Power to Work Remotely
Now it's YOUR turn. Before you get too far into your own design, make a list of your Top 4-6 Priorities.
2. SEE AT LEAST 5 VANS IN PERSON & TEST DRIVE EACH VAN BEFORE DECIDING WHAT TO BUY
The van community is very collaborative. We all share layout ideas, components and cool design features with each other. Take advantage of that by seeing at least 5 different vans in person. Meetups are a great way to see other van builds and cool layout designs. If you don’t have any meetups or vanlifers in your area then take a look at prefab models at your local RV dealerships. There are some beautiful designs that can inspire you or maybe show you what you don’t like. Try to get a feel for the space. Moving around in your van is important so see what it’s like walking through the van, entering the bathroom or even picture yourself taking a shower.
You’ll also want to test drive all 3 of the main high roof vans - the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ram Promaster and the Ford Transit. If you are planning on living in your van full time or doing extended travel, you’ll want to go with the van you feel the most comfortable driving in. If you hate driving the van, you aren’t going to have a good van life experience! Test drive as many vans as you can before you decide which one to buy.
3. CONSULT AN EXPERT
Even if you decide to build your van yourself, talk with someone who has built multiple vans or builds them professionally. This can save you from making painful mistakes or spending unnecessary money on components you may not need or a design that simply isn’t possible for reasons you have yet to consider. I have calls like this often with people interested in having us build their van and there are usually 1-2 ideas I have to tell them are just not realistic.
If you would like to book a call with us, you can do so here.
