Pieces and Parts

When you decide to start building your own campervan, you realize (hopefully before you actually buy the van itself) that you need to buy a lot of "things" -- i.e., pieces and parts -- to make the van functional and livable.  Aside from basic infrastructure such as insulation, flooring, walls, storage areas, etc., these things fall into six general categories:

1. Food storage, preparation & cooking
2. Water system (fresh & waste)
3. Sleeping accommodations
4. Electrical
5. Sanitary (i.e., toilet & shower)
6. Heating & ventilation (including windows)
   

The extent of these things largely depend on personal needs (wants?) and how the van will be used.  Will it be lived in full time or will it simply be used for short trips?  At one extreme you could spend tens of thousands of dollars and have all the amenities of home (a microwave, big screen TV, oven, shower, air conditioning, even a washer/dryer).  At the other, you could spend hardly anything and have just the bare essentials, such as a blow-up mattress, cooler, camp stove, etc.

For me, I plan to use Ansel for short to medium trips (2-10 days typically) so I don't need all of the luxuries of a big RV or a that of a full-time "van lifer".  But, I do want certain amenities to make the van fun and comfortable to travel in.  In particular, I like to cook so having a reasonably well-set up "galley", as it is called, is important.  And of course, having a nice, comfy place to sleep at night is critical.  Finally, I don't want the van interior to look or feel utilitarian -- because I'm a creative person, I want it to be aesthetically pleasing and "look cool".

So given all the above, the challenge is how to build Ansel cost-effectively.  I don't know that I have the complete answer to this, but there are three philosophies I have been using.  

• First, design the van "smartly" and minimize over-design.  For example, one campervan builder I saw used significantly more expensive marine-grade wiring for the electrical system.  Why, it's not a marine environment?  
• Second, consider alternate and creative ways to do things that are less expensive and -- hopefully -- easier to build/use as well.  This includes the use of lesser-grade materials that still do the job effectively (you don't need cabinet-grade plywood for the sub-floor, for example).
  
• Third, whenever possible, buy used, surplus and sale items/materials.  And, repurpose where possible.  For example, I will be be building the galley countertop from a bunch of knotty oak boards I already have, which should look very cool.

Anyway, the whole gist of this post is to tell you that I have started the process of purchasing the pieces and the parts for Ansel (see examples below), some from Amazon, some from eBay and some from RV surplus stores.  I have a lot more yet to get, especially the bulk of the electrical system (the single-most expensive part of the van build and the part that makes me the most anxious). 

Boxes from Amazon...I know, some folks are anti-Amazon but there are clear cost advantages in many cases, especially for me as a Prime member

16-gallon water storage tank.  More than I need, but a good deal from an RV surplus store

Another good deal from the same RV surplus store, a built-in propane stove.  No box or manual, but brand new.  I estimate I may have saved well over $100!

DVD/stereo purchased from RV surplus store at half price...long story but I actually needed (in addition to wanted) a stereo.  This will also enable me to power an LED monitor for photo editing (not pictured, but just recently bought a used 12V TV/monitor off eBay)

One of three 100W solar panels...these are brand new...don't want to go cheap on these though got for a very good price off Amazon!

Powered ceiling fan.  This is brand new but I did try to find, with no luck, a used or refurbished item.

The galley sink...actually a bar sink, but this one is extra deep.  My experience with campervan rentals is that the sinks are small and dish washing is cumbersome, so I wanted a deep one like this.  Again, looked for a used one but couldn't find any deals with the right specifications.