The Van 1.0
Taking a break from my mental break to make a few notes about working on the van.
A few years ago, we bought a high-mileage former passenger sprinter and converted it to a camper van. Version 1.0 was a down-and-dirty fast-as-possible install for a weeks long trip to FL.
It worked. We ran electric off of two Jackaries and our water pump was a simple affair that was a USB camp pump pulling from a 5 gallon jerry can. We had/have a composting toilet (which I can't rave enough about) and a split bed/storage arrangement. It was great. But far from perfect.
First of all: Electric – Great for camping for a night or two, but for two people that despise cooking in a van, we need a robust off-grid AC solution. Enter Victron and Battle Born. Uhg they are EXPENSIVE. But, getting the right mix of power and AC just isn't a cheap solve.
Speaking of AC. We're installing an undermount AC from undermountac.com. 24v system. I think it will be a better solution because it will generate less heat pulling from the batteries for hours at a time.
Then water. We're adding a shower. Yes, we got pretty good at sponge-baths and finding truck stops and state parks, but nothing beats having your own small space you can just rinse off. So we added a 32gallon freshwater with proper pump, passive water heater and a 22gallon greywater tank. It should be a proper way to get clean. And we can always opt for a more robust solution from time to time.
Finally, we changed the sleeping setup by building our own custom bench/bed setup and moving it to the rear of the van. Still looking for custom cushions somewhere.
That is all. Today I am mocking up cabinets in cardboard to see if I can make them work in my low-top van. Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention? This isn't your normal high-top van. My SO can stand up straight, but at 6' 2” it's hunchville for me.
That is all. End of line.