Van Build Products
That we use and love
All of the items listed are things we or other builders we know have used and can recommend.
Starting a Build?
We highly recommend that you order everything early in your build. Don't wait until you need it, as this can really delay your build. Lead times can vary from 1 day to several weeks and sometimes months. We have found that often an item is available one day, and the next day it is out of stock.
Disclaimer: Many of the items listed are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Categories
Electrical | Solar Components | Plumbing | Comfort/Convenience | Supplies | Exterior | Tools
Fuse block for main fuse between batteries and Battery shut off switch.
Breaker we use between the vehicle starter battery and the Victron Orion DC-DC charger.
Breaker for Dometic RTX 2000 air conditioner.
Breaker for solar charge controller. We mount this on a DIN rail, but you can also purchase a box that goes with the breaker.
AC switch with light that we use for water heater.
Toggle switch we use for water pump and grey tank electric ball valve. We use the 2-switch version for water pump plus 1 grey tank and 3-switch version for water pump plus 2 grey tanks.
Dimmer switch with remote we use for main cabin led lights.
We use this switches for 12 volt devices like light strips, water pump, grey tank dump, etc.
AC Breaker Panel
AC/DC Combo Breaker Panel that can be used in place of separate Blue Sea panels.
USB Ports with USB-A and USB-C ports.
Roof Gland we use for solar, Weboost, lighting, and awning cables.
Shore Power inlet. We mount this under the van near the rear bumper.
Cigarette lighter sockets. We like these because we can use whatever adapters we like, and can upgrade the adapters as technology changes.
USB adapters we use.
Pop-up outlet for kitchen sink.
LED puck lights for ceiling.
This wire is used for DC loads up to 5 amps, such as USB outlets, etc.
This wire is used for the water pump.
This wire is used for DC circuits up to 10 amps.
Marine grade cable for connecting batteries & inverter. We use about 25’ each of black and red per build.
Marine grade 6 awg which is used for connecting most Victron components. We use about 50’ each of black and red per build.
Electrical
This wire is used to connect the inverter AC Out to the AC breaker panel.
This wire is used to connect the inverter AC In to the Shore Power inlet.
This wire is used for 20 amp AC circuits, like water heater, induction cooktop, microwave, etc.
This wire is used for 15 amp AC circuits, like outlets for charging computers, etc.
This wire is used for the Isotherm refrigerator.
This wire is used for low draw DC loads like LED lights, tank sensors, etc.
Heat shrink for 2/0 Cable.
Heat shrink for 2/0 Cable.
Heat shrink for larger gauge wire like 2 awg and 6 awg.
Heat shrink for larger gauge wire like 2 awg and 6 awg.
Heat shrink for smaller gauge wire.
Heat shrink for smaller gauge wire.
Wire to connect solar panels to Solar Charge Controller.
Cable lugs for 4/0 battery cable.
Lugs for 6 awg wire.
We use these ferrules on the ends of stripped wire before connecting to components.
We use these ferrules on the ends of stripped wire before connecting to components.
We use these ferrules on the ends of stripped wire before connecting to components.
Reading lights for bunk area.
LED strip lights we use under galley cabinets.
Color LED strip lights for toe kick.
LED light strips we use in garage area.
Solar System Components
3000 watt inverter charger we use.
Solar charge controller we use.
Alternator charge controller.
This distributor makes for a clean install and is a great way to fuse components.
Remote switch for inverter charger. (Not necessary if using Cerbo GX)
Bluetooth battery monitor. (Not necessary if using Cerbo GX)
We use the Victron Smart Shunt with the Cerbo GX, in place of the BMV-712.
Allows you to connect the GX Touch LCD color display for system monitoring.
LCD display for Cerbo GX. (The Cerbo GX and display are not required. They’re an optional way to monitor your electrical and water system.
Our favorite batteries for van builds. Best batteries on the market, in our opinion.
150 watt solar panels. We use mount two of these with Flatline Van Co. roof racks. They fit perfectly between the roof fan and air conditioner.
Plumbing
Tank level sensor used with gauges or Victron Cerbo GX. Length of sensor depends on depth of tank.
Electric ball valve to remotely dump grey water tank.
Grey water tank we use on driver’s side. Fits great next to fuel tank.
Accumulator. Not required, but helps keep water system pressurized so pump cycles less often.
Heats water in about 15 mins. and is enough hot water for a couple of showers.
Flexible food grade tubing for plumbing system.
Water fill hose. This one is compact, expands to 25’, and has a ball valve on the end to control water flow.
Shower mixer valve we use with Aquor Washdown for shower.
Aquor Washdown connection we use for shower.
Aquor RV Water Inlet
Another option for a water fill inlet for fresh water tank.
Flexible tubing we use for tank fill and sink drain.
Hot/Cold outdoor shower.
Small but deep sink.
Larger sink option.
Kitchen faucet that works great with smaller RV style sinks.
This valve connects under sink and replaces a traditional P-trap. It can also be used under the shower pan.
Handheld Shower Head we use. Has a long hose and on/off button.
Comfort & Convenience Items
Diesel heater we couldn’t live without. Expensive, but this is the best diesel heater on the market.
Lagun Swivel Table Mount
Isotherm Cruise 130 Elegance 4.6 liter 12v refrigerator.
Great little microwave. This is the only small microwave we’ve found that can be mounted in the upper cabinet.
Mounting kit for microwave.
Best 6” memory foam mattress we’ve found. This is a pretty firm mattress. We remove the cover, cut the mattress with an electric carving knife, and then replace the cover.
Best portable projector for van life. Adjusts keystoning both vertically and horizontally, so the projector can be placed almost anywhere.
Great induction cooktop . Can be mounted in countertop. Very quite and high quality.
Laveo Dry Flush toilet. We love this toilet for part-time van lifers.
Dometic RTX 2000 air conditioner. Awesome 12v AC that is low energy consumption and works great.
Drawer organizer that we use in drawer above fridge.
Misc. Building Materials
Under mount drawer slides that are super strong, soft closing and easy to install. Length of slides depends on cabinet depth.
Headliner shelf kit.
We use this on the floor of the van, and then cover with 3/8” closed cell foam.
Large chrome vent covers we use in garage area.
Small chrome vent covers we use in garage area.
Lap sealant used to seal items mounted on roof like fans, AC, solar gland, etc.
Super strong adhesive we use for adhering fabric and carpet to wall panels, headliner shelf, and metal van interior.
Cable ties with screw hole. We use these to make for clean, organized wiring.
Cable boot we use when running larger cables and hoses through the van floor.
Large wire loom we use to cover wires in garage.
Stair edging we use to cover step on sliding door.
We use these hidden hinges for bench seat tops and doors in garage. (Match depth to plywood thickness.)
We use window-weld to seal gaskets for rooftop fans and AC units.
Super strong magnets for drawers and cabinets.
Carpet we use for headliner shelf.
Tower brackets we use to attach solar panel rack to roof rails.
Connector/reducer needed to connect fuel line to Espar heater fuel pump.
Quick connector needed to connect diesel heater to auxiliary line on fuel tank.
Exterior
Vanspeed Capsules
CR Lawrence Windows
Agile Off Road No-rub fenders. Allow you to run 17” wheels.
Flatline Van Co. Roof Rack
Flatline Van Co. Side Ladder
Tools We Couldn’t Live Without
