https://campervanfreedom.com/camper-van-conversion-van-life-blog/ DIY camper van conversion guides and the original van build diary. en-US 60 https://campervanfreedom.com/camper-van-layout-wheel-wells-doors-and-usable-space/Measure wheel wells, check door openings and test furniture access before committing to a camper van layout. Includes a practical planning checklist.Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:30:23 GMTPlanning & Toolshttps://campervanfreedom.com/camper-van-layout-wheel-wells-doors-and-usable-space/ https://campervanfreedom.com/harnessing-sketchup-for-your-diy-camper-van-conversion/ Plan a camper van layout in SketchUp with starting models, the Project Freedom example and a free worksheet for measurements and layout comparisons. Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/harnessing-sketchup-for-your-diy-camper-van-conversion/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-106-roof-storage-system-day-1/ Discover how I kickstarted the creation of a rooftop storage system for my camper van, detailing the design and initial construction phases. Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-106-roof-storage-system-day-1/ https://campervanfreedom.com/top-tips-for-diy-van-conversions/ Plan your DIY van conversion with measured layouts, task-based tools, insulation and power checks, plus seven original product links and build-journal references. Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/top-tips-for-diy-van-conversions/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-104-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-8/ Day 104 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 or Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-104-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-8/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-103-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-7/ Day 103 of my van conversion journey focuses on installing a robust electrical system using PVC conduits and high-quality wiring solutions, ensuring safety and effic Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-103-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-7/ https://campervanfreedom.com/power-tools-comparison-budget-vs-professional/ Choose tools for a DIY van build by task, battery compatibility and full setup cost. Compare practical examples from the original Ford Transit build journal. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/power-tools-comparison-budget-vs-professional/ https://campervanfreedom.com/essential-tools-for-van-conversion-projects/ Choose van conversion tools for your next project with a task table, an own-borrow-defer checklist, product examples and original build notes. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/essential-tools-for-van-conversion-projects/ https://campervanfreedom.com/camper-van-conversion-mastery-project-management-techniques/ Plan your camper van conversion with layout decisions, task dependencies, purchase tracking and completion checks, alongside lessons from the original build. Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/camper-van-conversion-mastery-project-management-techniques/ https://campervanfreedom.com/repairing-aluminum-extrusions-overcoming-a-drive-thru-incident-in-my-camper-van-conversion-project/ A camper van roof-rack impact account: separate visible damage from verified repairs, document affected components, and check finished-van height before low clearances. Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Interior & materials https://campervanfreedom.com/repairing-aluminum-extrusions-overcoming-a-drive-thru-incident-in-my-camper-van-conversion-project/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-101-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-6/ Dive into the detailed account of Day 101 in the electrical setup on my van's roof, featuring extensive work on a robust PVC conduit system. Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-101-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-6/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-100-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-5/ Explore the detailed process of installing a PVC electrical conduit system on a camper van, enhancing safety and organization for roof-mounted electrical devices. Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-100-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-5/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-98-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-4/ Explore the step-by-step process of enhancing a Ford Transit camper van with DIY security cameras and LED lights, aiming for increased security and illumination. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-98-electrical-wiring-and-devices-on-roof-day-4/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-97-electrical-wiring-and-led-lights-on-roof-day-3/ Day 97 records drill-press setup, larger bracket holes and more roof camera mount parts, with the original tools and materials. The work was unfinished. Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-97-electrical-wiring-and-led-lights-on-roof-day-3/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-96-electrical-wiring-and-led-lights-on-roof-day-2/ Day 96 records six hours making a passenger-side roof camera mount with aluminum extrusion, original photos, tools and materials. The work was unfinished. Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-96-electrical-wiring-and-led-lights-on-roof-day-2/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-95-electrical-wiring-and-led-lights-on-roof-day-1/ Day 95 records roof junction boxes, PVC conduit, power and Ethernet wiring, and LED-light mounts on a Ford Transit, with original photos and product lists. Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-95-electrical-wiring-and-led-lights-on-roof-day-1/ https://campervanfreedom.com/secrets-of-thriving-in-van-life-revealed-by-cant-hurt-me/ Explore a van life journey inspired by David Goggins, embracing personal growth and the path to freedom across the United States. Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/secrets-of-thriving-in-van-life-revealed-by-cant-hurt-me/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-94-installing-54-inch-led-light-bar/ Day 94 documents a custom 54-inch Nilight light-bar mount on the Ford Transit roof rack: extrusion cuts, hardware, build photos and the wiring follow-up. Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-94-installing-54-inch-led-light-bar/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-93-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat-day-4/ Discover the final steps in installing a diesel heater under the passenger seat of a camper van, marking day 93 of a detailed van build diary. Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-93-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat-day-4/ https://campervanfreedom.com/choosing-a-van-transit-vs-sprinter-vs-promaster-vs-nv/ Compare Transit, Sprinter and ProMaster for a camper conversion. Check layout, finished weight and budget, with a separate look at the discontinued Nissan NV. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT Vans & Transit reference https://campervanfreedom.com/choosing-a-van-transit-vs-sprinter-vs-promaster-vs-nv/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-90-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat-day-3/ Follow the detailed journey of installing a diesel heater under the front passenger seat in a campervan conversion, highlighting the steps, challenges, and tools use Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-90-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat-day-3/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-89-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat-day-2/ Discover the latest updates on my diesel heater installation project for a Ford Transit camper van, including detailed steps and the tools involved Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-89-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat-day-2/ https://campervanfreedom.com/creative-solutions-for-working-on-your-camper-van-without-a-garage/ Plan a van conversion without a garage: compare workspace options, confirm permitted work, check van access and storage, and organize each build session. Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/creative-solutions-for-working-on-your-camper-van-without-a-garage/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-88-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat/ Discover the detailed process of installing a diesel heater in a camper van, showcasing the careful attention to ensuring a perfect fit and functionality Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-88-installing-diesel-heater-under-front-passenger-seat/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-86-preparing-interior-for-build-out/ This entry focusing on the meticulous interior preparation and the challenges faced with installing rivet nuts and planning ahead. Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-86-preparing-interior-for-build-out/ https://campervanfreedom.com/day-86-preparing-floor-for-kilmat-sound-deadening-mats/ Detailed project walkthrough of preparing a cargo van for Kilmat sound deadening mats, including cleaning steps, tools used, and before-after transformation. Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/day-86-preparing-floor-for-kilmat-sound-deadening-mats/ https://campervanfreedom.com/the-art-of-camper-van-conversions-diy-or-buy/ Compare DIY work, conversion kits and professional help using a firsthand roof-rack purchase, complete project costs, skills, time and fit. Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Planning & tools https://campervanfreedom.com/the-art-of-camper-van-conversions-diy-or-buy/ https://campervanfreedom.com/susceptibility-of-camper-van-lifepo4-batteries-to-high-environmental-temperatures/ Lossigy 400Ah battery heat limits: distinguish charging, discharge and storage, and measure the installed van bank before deciding on cooling. Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Electrical & solar https://campervanfreedom.com/susceptibility-of-camper-van-lifepo4-batteries-to-high-environmental-temperatures/ https://campervanfreedom.com/awd-vans/ Compare AWD cargo vans and minivans for a camper conversion, with verified model examples, drivetrain limits and a practical buying checklist. Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT Vans & Transit reference https://campervanfreedom.com/awd-vans/ https://campervanfreedom.com/van-build-diary-february-24-2024/ Detailing the meticulous process of painting a van with white bedliner over 15 hours, this project highlights all the steps. Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/van-build-diary-february-24-2024/ https://campervanfreedom.com/van-build-diary-february-25-2024/ Follow the near completion of a Flatline Low Pro Roof Rack installation. Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Build diary https://campervanfreedom.com/van-build-diary-february-25-2024/