o   Make a design of your desired layout to be sure everything fits

o   Only a three-dimensional design gives sufficient insight in the spatial distribution

o   While designing consider what you can use as attachments points

o   Remember that the size of the van determines the agility and flexibility

o   Find out the exact dimensions of the loading space and the locations of the support beams

o   Find out where you want the windows as they influence the spatial structure

o   Make sure that the van is level all the time

o   Use large and small T-squares, right angles are essential

o   Take care to draw straight cutting lines

o   Make sure you have a good saw guidance, either  a plunge saw ruler, or something self-made

o   Electricity: 

·         Neatly hide the cables, but keep the battery, distribution blocks and fuse box accessible

·         Remember when designing which users you want to serve

·         Think about sockets, light points, water pump, heater, refrigerator

·         Find out what the maximal power of the users is

·         Find the corresponding thickness of the cables, consult the referring tables

·         Supply all cables with labels with names of the user

·         Install an accurate monitoring device of using and charging energy

o   Water: 

·         Find out which are the ideal locations for the clean water tank and the dirty water tank

·         Consider, doing that, the opening for filling and for disposal

·         Think about accessibility of clean water tank because of regular cleaning

·         Make in the bottom of the tank a disposal opening in order to empty the tank quickly

·         Think about a tap at the lowest point if the pump has a lower location than the tank

·         Make the water hoses well accessible considering possible leakages and reparations

·         Install a monitoring device of the water level in clean and dirty water tank

o   Gas:

·         Make a seperate room for the propane tanks with an opening through the floor. In case of a leakage the more heavy propane will disappear through the floor

·         Seal all wood connections with rubber tape, also the one with the cover

·         Take care that the tanks can be fastened with straps

·         Choose a suitable pression regulator

·         Check all compression fittings for leakages

·         Install at an accessible place shut-off valves for the different users

o   Heater:

·         A heater is comfortable if you also travel in the colder part of the year. Moreover if you stay often abroad a diesel heater is preferable because diesel is everywhere available. Propane is not because the tanks are not exchangeable between countries. LPG may be an option if you want to ignore legal rules.

o   Build cupboards around the wheel arches to make them suitable for building on top and next to them

o   Use a bottom plate of at least 12 mm, preferable in one piece, and fasten it firmly because eventually everything is connected to this floor

o   Smooth the edges, either with a sander, or a cutter

o   Protect all wood against color change by suitable protection layers varnish

o   Introduce some extra color in your camper

o   Separate chairs with turning tables are preferable 

o   The transition from cargo space to cabine has a difference in height of ca. 20 cm. This transition is ideal to accommodate the water hoses, water pump, and diesel heater