Thomas, Updated 6/22/26
I spoke with you A couple of weeks ago. and I have compiled a list of wants for a van build.
I attached pictures below:
Come up with a design that will work in the limited space, cost effectively
I will call to see if you need anymore information.
Thanks,
Bryan Shoe
214-326-7548
Van build concepts
Usage:
Most of the time I will be in a state park with shore power. I am not sure about national parks yet. If they have shore power or I should rely on solar and generator if necessary.
I have a Honda 3000iu generator
I want to tow my motorcycle on trailer.
If towing trailer, I can bring a generator for off-grid camping
If not towing I plan on using a cargo rack in receiver to hold generator and extra storage. If going to a place without shore power.
The A/C, and general electrical consumption should last two days on battery power if possible. Any extended off-Grid usage, I can use a generator to charge batteries.
Floor
· Sound proof
· Insulate
· Plywood
· Laminate vinyl
Walls
· Sound proof
· Insulate
· Wood
o Tongue in groove?
o Thin birch plywood?
Windows
Side Rear windows: Insulate and cover (don’t need these windows.)
Rear side windows can be turned into storage above the bed to the ceiling.
Center windows: frame ledge, keep window opening for the windows that open.
Want window shades built in to wall / window frame.
Ceiling
· Soundproof?
· Insulate
· Hole for air conditioner needs to bypass existing Factory rear A/C
· Lights?
· Wood What are the options?
o Tongue in groove?
o Thin birch plywood?
o May keep headliner once insulated.
A/C
I want a Dometic RTX 2000 12v slim roof mounted.
I met someone with one and this unit can run off 12v battery overnight. With multiple batteries this should be good. The roof, walls and floor will need to be insulated.
Bed
We need to discuss the pros and cons for bed layout.
First Thought: RV bench on left and right that slides into a bed. See picture below for example.
Wide enough so I can lay signal for sleeping. I am 5’10.
Envision two cabinets (left and right) with a removable center. (I still want to be able to haul 2x4s and sheets of plywood. If possible)
· When camping I will have the center board in place and a mattress for sleeping.
· Bed height: maximize storage underneath, have enough room to move around and get in and out of bed.
· Build frame for electrical on driver side
· Build frame for water tank on passenger side
· Shelf storage above the bed can block the side rear windows
Updated 6/22/26
Second idea for bed placement: A bench on the drivers side than will slide out (or foldout) to make the bed wider.
Rear half of bed: Electronics under bed. (Drivers side near wheel well.
Front half of bed: Fridge and storage under the bed. With the large fridge this will make the bed platform high.
In this layout the Right side of the van would have potable water storage over right wheel well. Galley area with storage. Grey water will be a 5 gal water bottle.
Fridge
Fridge is a Dometic CFX5 75 Dual Zone, Fridge is a chest type. ( have fridge already)
Fridge & storage on driver side?
Preffered: slide from under storage, Frideg on bottom and storage above fridge. Can be drawers
or
Second option: Build storage under and build a shelf with rails bumper etc to keep fridge in place.
Come up with options that fit area available
I think bottom with a slider will make it easier to get in and out of the fridge and then storage can be built above.
Will need electric 12v,24v, or 120v
Kitchen. / Galley
Sink and cooking area on passenger side. (Need electric for cooking area) (need electric for water pump 12 volt) (Have sink and water pump)
sink: can go in front of sliding door if not blocking crew seat.
Thinking non-permanent single electric burner or toaster oven may use both. I also use an electric kettle for hot water.
Potable Water tank should be a 28 gal over the wheel well tank
Grey water will be a loose 5 gal water bottle under sink. If you have a better solution we can do.
Shower
Will use sink and boil water in kettle to sponge bathe. I will get a handheld sprayer that can be put in sink to use the water in the sink or a bucket. Don’t need to build anything but wanted you to know we thought about it.
Toilet
Storage for portable toilet?
Ideal would be to have a storage location dedicated for toilet. ( I have cartridge toilet)
Laptop work area
Crew seat is removable. I want to keep the seat. On occasion where I do not need the seat I can remove the seat and put a work table.
I want a table for working on laptop with extra monitor mountes to a wall. (Need electric for work table) can be a power strip (for flexibility when not using table.)
Want a wall mounted to driver side the width of the drivers seat. The wall will be a vertical inbetween the seat / laptop work area. Height to ceiling. Width as wide as the driver seat. Wall will be used to mount monitor for laptop
Swivel for drivers seat to use as a work area when table is in use.
Work area (4) 120v outlets or power strip
Need space to slide out the crew seat! Seat lifts up in back and back to come out of the floor rails.
Table will need to be bolted to floor rails (thinking riv-nuts into rails to hold table when seat is not in use.
Outside lights
· Mounted on roof rack?
What roof rack?
Updated 6/22/26
Thule caprock platform – xxl ??
Will the roof rack help with the solar and
· Front light bar or flood lights
· Over sliding door
· Over rear
· Need controls for lights
Electrical
· Run A/C from battery if necessary
· 2 to 4 batteries 24 v 230 amp?
· Ac unit : Dometic RTX 2000 12 volt
· Solar setup.
Fridge 12 / 24v and 120 outlet
Charge batteries
· Solar panels (2) or more
· Shore power / generator
· Alternator (have 220 amp factory installed) (I want to charge batteries while driving)
If possible use house battery to jumpstart van starter (engine) battery in worse cane situation not mandatory.
Ceiling and bed lights
· Use best judgement.
· Control lights from panel
Bed 120v outlet (2)(at least two outlets)
· CPAP & Fan
USB (several) (near bed & Work table)
USB make best use of space.
type A & 2 type C
Misc
Storage where available ( not too worried about blocking center windows on drivers side.)
Cup holders everywhere that makes sense: bed, sink, work area.
May want a roof rack to mount lights and solar panels . Lets discuss this.
What recomedations do you have for an awning on right side of van?
Simple design is better / Not going to live in van / Don’t need luxury or premium.
I can send some sample pictures but I want you to use your experience to build the best use of the limited space. Cost effectively
Items I have today:
Fridge: Dometic CFX5 75 (New in box)
Sink: 15 inch x 15 inch bar type sink. See picture below. (purchased from Lowes) See Lowes website for more information.
Water pump 12v: SEAFLO 21-Series Water Pressure Diaphragm Pump – 12V DC, 1.2 GPM, 35 PSI
Insulation: 3M Thinsulate (SM600L) Acoustic & Thermal Insulation (Walls & Ceiling) × 1
20 linear feet
Sound deading: KilMat 46 sq ft.
