While by no means complete, this list includes most of the gear I use on my trips and in/on my van. If you saw something in a video or post that isn’t here, let me know and I’ll add it.
Van Build Items
Electrical
- NOCO external 15A plug – https://amzn.to/3aaNFTd
- Flush countertop AC plug with two 4A USB Outlets – https://amzn.to/2DErjhh
- Switch panel with built in breakers – https://amzn.to/3gUh0nq
- 2.1A USB Outlets – https://amzn.to/3acbj1Q
- NTE AC relay – https://amzn.to/3gMHOX3
- 100Ah AGM Lead Acid Battery – https://amzn.to/31ytScx
- Small Electrical Junction Box – https://amzn.to/3gJmPUU
- Small Form 15A AC Breaker – https://amzn.to/3gIcFUD
- Heavy Duty 15A Single End Extension Cord – https://amzn.to/3gJsdaC
- 12V 200A Switched Relay – https://amzn.to/3gJstq6
- 12V 60A DC Breakers – https://amzn.to/2PCSH1v
Below you’ll find my basic electrical schematic for my van. It makes a very important assumption – that my switches have built in breakers, so take that into account when using this as a guide. This also does not include breakers/fuses from the solar controller or alternator, so be sure to include them when planning as well. Placement of those breakers/fuses depends greatly on your build design, but generally you want one at each end of a heavy gauge wire (i.e: on both ends of your alternator supply wire to protect your house batteries and your vehicle electrical system). Wire sizing depends entirely on your layout and must take into account load demand and length of conductors.
Heater/Furnace
- Chinese diesel heater – https://amzn.to/3khXqUo
- Diesel heater exhaust extension pipe – https://amzn.to/33SPQJH
- Attwood quick release fuel connector – https://amzn.to/371R5Z9
- Metal Fuel Tank for Heater – https://amzn.to/3p5iBdV
- Standpipe for fuel tank – https://amzn.to/3jXEeL1
- JB Weld Epoxy – https://amzn.to/33VqXx7
Water and Plumbing
- Water pump – https://amzn.to/33wWNQO
- Water Tanks – https://amzn.to/2XJp7Me
- Sinks – https://amzn.to/3ks2gOY and https://amzn.to/2PF7BEw
- Folding Collapsible Portable Toilet – https://amzn.to/3fhaDef
Fridge
- Mobicool Q40 – https://amzn.to/3fLMHhs – Better deal here: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mobicool-12v-powered-cooler-39-l-0370543p.html
I plan to install a thermostat to control the temperature in my coolbox as well as save on energy. Coolboxes can also generate heat by reversing the polarity, so I may even build mine to heat the fridge during winter to prevent freezing my delicious eggs ;).
Insulation and Sound Deadening
- Noico 80 mil Butyl Sound Deadener – https://amzn.to/2DB4RWh
- Noico Red Heat/Cool Liner foam – https://amzn.to/3inixD2
Awning
- Hose Clamps for 1010 8020: https://amzn.to/33WYUNy
- Tent Poles x2: https://amzn.to/2FrtF41
- Tarp: https://amzn.to/2IpfvkV
- Plastic Tent Hooks: https://amzn.to/372gEct
- Elastic Cord: https://amzn.to/3dnhBNP
- No Roof Rack? You can use a handful of these instead: https://amzn.to/3kiFDvK
Accessories
- Light Bar and Side Lights – https://amzn.to/2XImSsH
- Plastic Bubble Level – https://amzn.to/3fDQBZH
Daily Living Gear
Kitchen/Food-Prep Gear
- Espro P0 – https://amzn.to/3a3TQs9
- Aeropress – https://amzn.to/31rlCen
- American Press – https://amzn.to/2PxqPvL
- Henry Charles Coffee Grinder – https://amzn.to/3a8IXp4
- Epare Mini Salt and Pepper Mills – https://amzn.to/31DpnNN
- Bodum 1000W Gooseneck Kettle – https://amzn.to/3ipQEua
- Milk Frothing Pitcher Medium 600mL – https://amzn.to/30Ha6ML
- Thermacell Mosquito Repellent – https://amzn.to/3fDTn13
- Portable stainless steel barbecue – https://amzn.to/2JIVzKp
General Household Gear
- Reliance portable Fold-n-Go toilet – https://amzn.to/3sOJrJX
- Heavy duty toilet disposal bags – https://amzn.to/3c7adqX
- Light duty toilet disposal bags – https://amzn.to/3qLNtAX
- Compostable Wipes – https://amzn.to/2YaHSIq
Cold Weather Sleeping Gear
- Down Blanket (700fp) – https://amzn.to/3nCbwAz
- Fleece Blanket – https://amzn.to/3nDjlWB
- Down Sleeping Bag – https://amzn.to/38Fbq77
- Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow – https://amzn.to/3salfBs
Backpacking Gear
- Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad – https://amzn.to/2DB8yLD
- MSR Dragonfly Portable Stove – https://amzn.to/31BFeMR
- Epare Mini Salt and Pepper Mills – https://amzn.to/31DpnNN
- Pelican 7000 Flashlight (600 lumens)- https://amzn.to/2UZCztI
- OLight Warrior X Pro (2250 lumens) – https://amzn.to/378IOAT
- OLight Warrior X Turbo (1100 lumens) – https://amzn.to/3nkFZns
Comments 17
Did you produce your van electricity schematic drawing? I’d like to get a copy to help me plan for a low budget 2007 town & country camper conversion.
Thanks, John Flanagan
805-591-9409.
Templeton Ca.
Author
Hey John, yes, I do have a schematic. I didn’t end up following it exactly (I skipped the hot water heater and solar), but it’s complete. I’ll email it to you.
Do you have a parts list on amazon for the rock n roll bed? And maybe a blueprint of bed with measurements of all parts and required hardware that you could share with us?
Author
Unfortunately this material is extremely expensive on Amazon, so it’s best to buy from a supplier. I’m working with a company that will be building packages and have a very good price on material. I’ll hopefully have that in the next week or so.
Excellent news!
Hi Eric,
I stumbled onto your page via your YT post. I really like your rock n roll bed. I too would love to know if you can share the parts list with measurements.
thanks!
Author
Hi Loki! Yes, the parts list and drawings are available for purchase from this site. You can find the item here: https://gotmountains.ca/product/diy-rock-and-roll-bed-full-plans/
Yes I would love too know where you got the material for making this bed..I would love too try this in my SUV
Author
Where are you located?
I am interested in purchasing a blue print of the rock and roll bed. This is exactly what I would like to do for my van as well. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Author
Hi Diana,
The designs can be purchased from my website directly if you are familiar with CAD software. If not, I could probably make a PDF drawing if that helped.
Hi guys! I was just wondering about the roof rack that you have on the previa. We just got a 91 previa without any roof rails or roof windows, and there’s no information on how to install one. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Author
Hey! Our van had aftermarket roof channels installed by the dealer so you would need to start with that before you could do a roof rack like ours. I believe Thule makes universal rails that get glued and bolted to the roof. Then from that you could build anything you wanted from this material.
Hi there, thanks for all the great info. Could you please provide a link or name for the ceiling fan you installed? I just bought a secondhand minivan last week in Yellowknife (NWT), where I live, and am planning on a build.
Cheers,
Shelagh
Author
I actually didn’t install a roof fan. The bad part about a roof fan in the deep cold is that heat rises, so if you have a roof fan you will naturally lose quite a bit of heat out of it, even when it is closed and turned off.
If you really want an exhaust fan, I would recommend getting a 4-in inline fan on routing a duct from the roof of your van down through the floor, so it can pull air from the top of your van but expel it out through the floor. That way you won’t lose a lot of heat from natural convection through a poorly insulated roof fan. Email me if you have questions.
I love your 8020 rock and roll bed. Do you have plans available?
Author
Yes, they are here on my site. I have both versions included. I’m also hoping to get a package that can be ordered so you get everything at once.