Phase 1 — Vehicle and Design
Inspect the vehicle, confirm payload and dimensions, define the travel use case, create the floor plan, create a roof plan, estimate weight and list the major appliances and systems.
Phase 2 — Openings and Shell
Clean the cargo area, repair rust or leaks, install planned windows and roof ventilation, protect cut metal and water-test exterior openings.
Phase 4 — Insulation and Interior Surfaces
Install the chosen insulation correctly, add structural mounting points where needed, then close walls and ceiling only after hidden systems have been photographed and tested.
Phase 5 — Furniture and Fixtures
Install flooring as appropriate for the design, cabinetry, bed system, galley, refrigerator, water fixtures, storage and hardware. Secure all components for vehicle movement.
Phase 6 — Commissioning
Pressure-test plumbing, verify circuit protection and charging, check ventilation, inspect fasteners, test latches, confirm emergency access, weigh the finished vehicle if needed and document the final system layout.
Turn the research into a build plan
The free guides on this site explain individual decisions. The Van Conversion Manual is designed to keep the major systems organized in one complete digital reference for the project.