← Back to Van Build Planning

Parts Considerations

Research notes, alternatives compared, and decision rationale

Tracked Parts

Tire Carrier / Ladder Combo

Exterior | Roof Rack / Rails | $1,999

Chosen: Rover Vans Tire Carrier & Ladder Combo (via AVC RIG)

Why: No door removal required — mounts directly to factory hinges. Compatible with 253° rear doors. Powder-coated aluminum, 19 lbs. Boot-friendly ladder with foot pegs.

Alternatives considered: White Top Adventures ($1,150 — requires door removal), Flatline Van Co ($1,995 — requires door removal), Owl Outdoors ($1,995 — requires door removal, very lightweight at 21 lbs).

Decided

Shower Door

Interior | Wet Bath / Shower | Price TBD

Product: Nautilus Retractable RV Shower Door (Stoett)

Why: Purpose-built for RVs and van conversions. Retractable screen rolls up like a window shade, maximizing access in tight spaces. Integrated squeegee self-cleans and drains into the pan. Antimicrobial material resists mold/mildew. Under 10 lbs — keeps GVWR happy.

Note: Custom-sized, so price depends on opening dimensions. Ships in ~2 weeks. Need to configure on site for quote.

Researching

Shower Wall Panels

Interior | Wet Bath / Shower | TBD

Product: Subway Tub and Shower Wall Panels Surround (Gloss White, 96 sq ft)

Proposed Build-Up:

  • Base: 1/2\" XPS foam board (insulation + structure)
  • Backing: 1/4\" plywood (rigidity + mounting surface)
  • Face: Subway tile-look composite panels (waterproof, easy-clean)

Why: Lightweight composite panels with subway tile look. Waterproof and easy to clean — ideal for a compact van wet bath. 96 sq ft kit covers a small shower stall with extras.

Researching

Electrical System

Electrical | In Progress

Battery Bank: Building DIY LiFePO4 pack from cells — considering 280 Ah or 304 Ah cells. Voltage TBD: 12V vs 24V (decision pending based on inverter/charger selection and solar array configuration).

Solar: Need to determine wattage based on roof space and power needs.

Inverter/Charger: Considering Victron, EcoFlow, or Renogy.

Researching

Plumbing System

Plumbing | Planned

Fresh Water: Tank size TBD. Need to measure under-van or interior mounting options.

Gray Water: Planning separate tank or drainage system.

Hot Water: Considering tankless or small tank heater. Factory auxiliary heater prep provides heater core loop under passenger seat.

Pending Research

Open Decisions

❓ Solar Panel Size: How many watts fit on the 148" roof? Need to account for roof vents, fans, and AC unit.

❓ Battery Bank Capacity: How many amp-hours needed for typical 3-4 day off-grid stays?

❓ Heater Type: Diesel (Espar/Webasto) vs propane vs electric? Factory prep supports diesel tap.

❓ Bed Configuration: Fixed platform vs convertible dinette? Width and length TBD.

❓ Refrigeration: 12V compressor fridge vs cooler-style? Dometic, Isotherm, or TruckFridge?