DIY van design packages

What DIY van design packages include

DIY van design packages are toolkits for planning a conversion before a single panel is cut. Strong packages include measured floor plans, cabinet elevations, 3D models, and spec sheets you can adjust to your wheelbase and roof height. They often bundle cut lists, hardware schedules, and clearances for beds, galleys, and gear. Many add bill of materials with brand neutral part numbers so you can price options and compare weights. The best sets also call out serviceability, access panels, and future upgrade paths.

Good documentation reduces rework. It prevents clashes between wiring runs and cabinetry, confirms bed height against bike or moto storage, and locks in aisle width for daily movement. Most importantly, it frames decisions around safety, weight, and code considerations that are often overlooked early.

Space planning and layouts

Start with zones: sleep, cook, store, work, wash. Map door swing arcs and slide openings. Decide on bed orientation and height, then fix the galley footprint and fridge ventilation clearances. Seat placement influences social flow and belting requirements. Packages should provide scale templates for mattresses, water tanks, batteries, and bikes so you can test multiple layouts without guesswork.

Electrical and power budgets

Quality packages include a load spreadsheet that totals daily watt hours, then converts to battery amp hours with usable depth. Look for diagrams that show wire gauges, fuse sizing, bus bars, and isolation using a DC to DC charger. Inverter selection ties to peak loads like induction cooktops or air conditioning. Solar arrays are sized to your roof real estate and climate. Documentation should note voltage drop limits and service loops for future maintenance.

Safety, weight, and compliance

Every choice adds mass. The best packages tally component weights and track front and rear axle loads to avoid overload. They identify anchor points for seats and cargo, show proper venting for appliances, and call for egress windows where appropriate. Electrical schematics should incorporate fusing, ground bonding, and disconnects. Notes on insulation fire ratings, moisture control, and CO and LP detection round out a safer build plan.

Key systems to plan in detail

Insulation and moisture control

• Materials: Thinsulate, foam board, or wool with vapor aware detailing
• Priorities: Thermal bridging, condensation paths, and service access

Ventilation and climate

• Roof fan placement balanced with intake path
• Heat sources: diesel or gas heaters sized by volume
• Cooling strategies: shade management, reflective covers, and electrical budget for AC

Water and plumbing

• Tank sizing based on travel days and headroom
• Pump, accumulator, and filtration layout for quiet operation
• Grey routing, venting, and winterization taps

Cabinetry and structure

• Lightweight plywood, aluminum, or composite methods
• Fastening strategies tied into factory structure
• Rattle mitigation with proper clearances and soft close hardware

Data and connectivity

• Router placement, antenna runs, and cable management
• Power over Ethernet or 12 volt distribution for accessories

Testing and commissioning

• Checklists for leak tests, polarity checks, and current draw
• Thermal scans for hotspots and squeak hunts after a shakedown drive

Turn your plan into a road ready build

A polished plan is only as good as its execution. Exact cuts, solid fastening, and clean wiring separate a weekend project from a dependable travel machine. If your documentation is dialed and you want professional results, hand the package to a shop that builds daily. A skilled team will translate your model into strong cabinetry, quiet interiors, and serviceable systems that stand up to washboard roads.

OZK Customs builds complete adventure vans and targeted upfits that follow your intent while upgrading safety, fit, and finish. Bring your finalized package and we will engineer mounts, protect circuits, optimize airflow, and validate weights before the first screw turns. Our shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas delivers turn key handoffs with a thorough walkthrough so you leave confident and ready to roam.

Ready to move from plan to pavement

• Send your design for a build review and quote

• Choose a full build or focus on specific systems

• Pick up and road test on delivery day

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• Custom build your van
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