We’re all going to make mistakes when it comes to our first van build. However, I would’ve loved to have someone tell me what *not* to do or what they regret so I didn’t make the same mistake they did. It would have saved me lots of time and money (which I’m trying to save you). After being on the road for over 2 years and being on my second van, I’ve learned what I love and what was frankly kind of stupid. These are my biggest van build mistakes (some of which I made twice, yay)!
If you would rather listen to the advice, check out my podcast where I have multiple episodes on van builds and mistakes I’ve made while living in my van.
My Podcast Episode All About Van Build Regrets...
FAN-TASTIC VENT FAN
There’s really only two vent fan options for van builds and I chose wrong. The Fan-tastic fan is significantly cheaper (about half of the Maxx Air) and it shows. The fan is extremely loud, is really hard to clean, makes the worst sound when it’s windy because the cover is so poorly made, and you can’t have it open when it’s raining.
The Maxx Air fan is MUCH better and well worth the money. So many friends of mine have switched to this fan after making the same mistake I did. It’s much quieter, has a remote for turning it on with different speeds, you can use it no matter the weather and is way easier to clean when it gets dirty. Save yourself the problems and just go with this one at the start.
BENCHES / DINETTE BED
I’ve done the benches in both vans and I don’t know why. You lose prime real estate in the middle which is just wasted space after the fact. I’m sure you’ve seen one of those videos saying “60 second bench to bed” transition. Somehow, that’s the worst 60 minutes of the day. It’s incredibly irritating and I never end up doing it. You are literally moving around pretty much everything in your home. Where does your bedding go? The extra pillows? The fitted sheet won’t come off? That takes a hundred years itself.
It takes longer than those pre-planned videos. It’s much less convenient than it looks. And it’s really just for the “option to have when I want to” which is never. Don’t waste space in a tiny home. Create a fixed bed where you can have a “garage” with no empty areas. If you need a work space, make a separate one! It’s possible. But don’t force yourself to rearrange your entire house twice a day because it won’t happen.
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ALL ABOUT SOLO FEMALE VAN LIFE
AGM BATTERIES
AGM batteries will get the job done. If that is your objective, by all means, go for it. These are the cheaper option by a landslide. That’s the reason I have them. I saved hundreds of dollars by going with AGM instead of lithium…
BUT now I’m transitioning to lithium. So I would’ve saved money had I just gone with them in the first place. They are more expensive but they’re so worth it if you have the budget. You will never worry about a single electrical thing. Okay, that might be dramatic but you definitely will never worry about batteries! They are healthy, strong and run like a freakin’ champ. I highly recommend starting off with lithium instead of changing to them a year later.
INDUCTION STOVE
I can already see the emails coming in about this one. I KNOW. I lead you down the wrong path before. I used to swear by the induction stove. I love the idea (and still do) of not having propane in the van. So I had an induction stove in both vans. It was the perfect solution. But what had happened was.. Those AGM batteries I just mentioned? Yeah they really do suck. If you have lithium, you’ll probably be alright long-term with induction.
It just seems silly now though because I have a butane stove which was $35 on Amazon and works like a charm. I can cook at midnight with no solar coming in at all. I can cook 25x a day if I want. That’s never happened, but I could. The induction stove doesn’t take up much counter space but it takes up.. some. The butane stove takes up nothing because I store it behind the driver seat when I’m not using it. It also doesn’t use any power. That’s the really valuable part. So the new verdict is in. Out with induction and in with butane. If you do go this route, I use about 1 canister per week for reference.
SMART STORAGE
DO IT FROM THE BEGINNING! Please. Save yourself the hassle. Have a place for things. In like, an organized way. Two years on the road and I still do not have this figured out. I literally throw stuff in my upper cabinets as fast as possible so I can slam the front closed before it can fall back out. These storage bags will save you and make things feel much less chaotic when you need to get your clothes for the day. Come up with a system from day one. Make it part of your van build towards the end.
CHOOSING A SPRINTER
@divineontheroad
Traveling is my biggest passion. My second passion? FORD TRANSITS. I have made it a mission of mine to guide the lost people of the world away from Sprinters and to the Transit. I have had a Sprinter so I’m speaking from experience (my experience, yes. But it was so bad. I have the right to speak for all). Sprinters will get you roughly the same gas mileage. So you’ll be paying more for fuel (diesel) with little return. Getting your oil changed is about 5x the price of a gas engine. Your van broke down or is having mechanical issues? Hope there’s a dealership nearby. If not, you’ll be towing that mother across the state. Sprinter fans will tell you about “Sprinter certified mechanics” to avoid the dealerships but those are few and far between.
ANYONE can work on a Ford Transit. The parts are a fraction of the cost. The van is taller inside so if you are tall like myself, this is obviously better. It’s wider which means more counter space. It’s not known to have many issues “depending on the year and this or that; you just got a bad one”. No, they all run like a Ford. If you are these types of vans are out of budget, here is a detailed rundown of other options including some that are less expensive.
Love your video´s and stories! “away from Sprinters and to the Transit” is only in USA. Here in Europe it´s the other way around with mechanics. Greetings An, The Netherlands
And in Australia too.
I’ve worked with both in fleet situations and Transits are more problematic and that is with Ford servicing (Australian mechanics are challenged by Euro engineering. Both brands should be serviced be Euro trained mechanics) A well maintained Sprinter is a dream to drive and own.
Sydney, – It took you two years? Maybe my older age offers a different perspective. But you are right on the money, Less is more and no more so than in a van. My simplicity has the fixtures hinging up the wall when not needed, offering an open van space, albeit somewhat smaller, when needed for every day van work. Not for everyone but simplicity gives freedom, for me.
Good luck with your future travels. Just remember, if you don’t use it, don’t take it.
Hi Beth, Could you provide some pictures of the inside of your van?
Thank You
Raul
My wife and i are about to do a massive remodel of our van. It still isn’t done, but now that we have been in there for a year we know that getting that table was a complete waste in so many ways.
Love our Transit. My wife is like 5’10” and she has plenty of room.
As someone about to embark on a van build (Promaster is the plan) this is so helpful and appreciated. I really need to have a space to work full time so have toyed with the idea of the convertible bed but would really prefer a fixed bed and separate work area. This helped confirm that decision!
As someone who initially was all in for a promaster with a fixed bed, I am now extremely happily in a ford transit 2 years+ with a Murphy bed. Best decisions I have made (I lived with a fixed bed for 6 months before switching). Ford has better clearance underneath, anyone can work on it (even the tiniest towns have a Ford dealer), and it won’t get stuck in snow or sand with a converted van (weight is in the back more than the front). Murphy bed is great cause I can leave all my bedding on and I have a kitchen fixed across the back that gives me my “garage” space. With the Bed up I have a couch and office space for 2 people in a 144” HIGHLY recommend!
I never thought about a Murphy bed. That is an interesting idea to consider, thanks.
Do you have a pic of your Murphy bed? Sounds cool
Funnily enough. I did exactly the opposite of it all. I thought about every single point you wrote and i had them down on my ‘Not’ list. How weird. Good advice though. People thought i was mad getting a new transit instead of a sprinter!