Plan Maintenance Access Before Building Your Van
Plan inspection openings, working space and component removal routes in your camper van. Includes a blank access worksheet and a practical layout example.
A Ford Transit Build Journal
Your Van.
Your Kind Of
Freedom.
Van comparisons, project notes and practical references for your own DIY conversion.
Explore The Build GuidesFollow The Van BuildMy Camper Van Build Kit
Tools & Materials
Explore the tools and materials from my camper van purchases, with project photos, build notes and two alternatives for every item.
- 793Item pages
- 12Categories
- 2 per itemAlternatives
My Electrical Build
My Camper Van Electrical System
See the batteries, roof solar and charging equipment I used in my Ford Transit, and explore how the system fits together.
Explore My Electrical System
My Latest Exterior Project
Installing My Transit’s Front Grille Guard
Follow the work from splash-guard removal and a broken clip to the center support, bracket alignment and completed black guard.
My original photographs and installation video show the center section before the headlamp wings, then the finished result.
My Black RAPTOR Project
From Preparation to a More Even Finish
Follow my trim-and-hood project through masking, lower-trim spray work, uneven sheen, the corrective roller coat and the daylight result.
My Camper Van Build
From The Build
Explore my camper van build, one project at a time.
My Build, On Film
Watch The Work Take Shape
Five projects, from wheels and coating to running boards and guards. Watch my original footage, follow individual stages and open the project notes.
Original footage and project notes by Steven Smith.
Find Your Next Step
The Build Library
Start With The Decisions
Plan Before You Build
Planning & Tools
Transit Vs. Sprinter Vs. ProMaster For A Camper Conversion
Compare Transit, Sprinter and ProMaster for a camper conversion, with layout and load checks plus the Nissan NV as a used-van option.
SketchUp Camper Van Layout Guide
Measure your van, compare layouts in SketchUp and use the blank measurement worksheet alongside the Project Freedom model.
Van Conversion Tools: A Practical Starter Checklist
Discover the essential tools needed for converting a van into a camper or mobile office, from basic hand tools to specialized power equipment
Entry-Level Vs. Professional Tools
Compare the tool features and full setup cost for your van build, with five product-image cards linked to the build journals.
The Van Build Diary
Progress, One Project At A Time.
Roof racks, heaters, lights and the practical work of turning a cargo van into a camper.
Read The Build DiaryRoof Storage System
Discover how I kickstarted the creation of a rooftop storage system for my camper van, detailing the design and initial construction phases.
Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 8
Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 8 of van conversion: Detailed the completion of the PVC electrical wire conduit system installation on the roof in a single day effort, enhancing safety and organiz…
Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 7
Roof Wiring and Devices Project Day 7 of my van conversion journey focuses on installing a robust electrical system using PVC conduits and high-quality wiring solutions, ensuring safety and efficiency…