Recreational Vans

Undermount sink for vans

Choosing the right undermount sink for vans

Undermount sinks tuck neatly beneath the countertop, opening up prep space and creating an easy to wipe surface. In a moving vehicle, the selection starts with materials and bowl geometry. Stainless steel in the 16 to 18 gauge range balances strength and weight, resists impact, and quiets with added sound pads. Composite and granite blends add stiffness but can be heavier, so confirm cabinet and mount capacity. A single bowl sized between 12 by 14 inches to 15 by 17 inches usually fits galley layouts, leaving room for a faucet, soap pump, and a cutting board cover.

Corner radius matters for cleaning and fit. Tighter corners maximize bowl volume; larger radii ease wipe downs and reduce stress at the lip. Check drain placement against your cabinet plan to avoid conflicts with drawers, a heater, or battery storage. A low profile drain assembly with a deep basket helps catch debris when water sloshes on rough roads.

Materials and dimensions that fit vans

Stainless steel offers the best strength to weight ratio and is simple to sanitize.
Composite bowls feel quieter and warmer but need firm support due to added mass.
Match sink rim thickness to your countertop so the adhesive bed cures evenly.
Confirm faucet reach and spout height so spray stays inside the bowl when parked off level.

Roadworthy installation that lasts

An undermount sink for vans must handle vibration, hard braking, and washboard trails. The countertop dictates the bonding strategy. Solid surface, quality plywood with high pressure laminate, phenolic, and aluminum framed honeycomb panels provide strong mounting edges. Use a structural adhesive rated for dynamic loads, then supplement with mechanical support. A perimeter rail with rivnuts or threaded inserts and compact steel or aluminum brackets distributes the load. During cure, a temporary brace keeps the bowl pressed tight to the underside for a consistent seam.

Skip relying on silicone as the sole bond. Instead, use polyurethane or epoxy designed for marine or automotive applications, then add a thin silicone bead at the visible seam as a final water barrier. Insulate the bowl with butyl or foam pads to limit noise and condensation in cool weather.

Brackets, adhesives, and sealing

Combine structural adhesive with four to six hidden brackets tied into inserts or a sub rail.
Clean bonding surfaces with solvent and lightly abrade to improve grip.
Clamp with a cross bar or prop sticks and allow a full cure window before plumbing.
Finish with a neat silicone seam for wipe clean edges and leak protection.

Plumbing, ventilation, and upkeep on the move

Mobile plumbing needs attention to flow and serviceability. A compact 12 volt demand pump in the 1 to 3 gallon per minute range pairs well with a small galley faucet. Use half inch lines with flexible, high quality tubing and secure every run with cushion clamps. For traps, waterless valves like HepvO prevent odors without the risk of a P trap drying out in transit. Vent the grey system with an air admittance valve or a roof vent to avoid slow drains and gurgling.

A removable sink cover doubles as a cutting board and keeps items from falling into the bowl while driving. Install a positive latch on the cover or store it in a slot with a retainer. Plan cleanouts and unions where you can reach them, and include a bypass to winterize quickly by blowing out lines or cycling non toxic antifreeze through the system.

Pumps, traps, winterization

Waterless traps avoid slosh out and save vertical space in shallow cabinets.
An inline strainer before the pump protects the faucet cartridge and aerator.
Use quick connect fittings at the faucet tails for field service.
For freezing conditions, drain the grey tank, open low point drains, and protect the pump with antifreeze or compressed air.

OZK Customs integration and next steps If you want the clean look of an undermount sink for vans without the trial and error, a professional upfit pays off in durability and finish. Our team designs galleys around how you travel, from lightweight panels to bracketed sink systems, sealed seams, and tidy service loops. We validate clearance for drawers, heaters, and electrical, then pressure test plumbing so the first road test is as quiet as your kitchen at home.

Explore our builds to see how a compact galley fits into a complete adventure rig:

Your sink should disappear into your routine, not your weekend. Share your wish list and dimensions, and we will engineer a van galley that stands up to daily use and rough roads. From countertop selection to secure mounting and leak free plumbing, OZK Customs delivers a complete solution tuned to your travel style. Fill out the form to start your build plan today.