DIY van builds are one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. They can also get expensive and frustrating when you discover (too late) that a key decision should have been made earlier.
Vanlife Outfitters exists to help DIYers build with confidence. We do that by sharing practical education, helping you find parts that work well together, and learning directly from experienced builders who see the same challenges over and over.
To support that mission, we asked eight professional van builders to share the single most important thing they wish first-time DIY builders understood before starting a build or major install. This post distills their advice into an actionable guide and highlights the builders who contributed (as collaborators, not endorsements).
The builders who contributed
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Charles Nolt – Runny Yolk Designs
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Stuart Grulke – Groove Vans
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John Hayward – Whitewater Vans
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Jay Lamphier – Mountain Coast Vans
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Justin vanBlaricom – Noke Van Co.
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Vanessa Plante – Bear Claw Custom Vans
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Jake Bachowski – Our Van Quest
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Troy Norton – Nanavans
Additional resources to help with your van build
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The 10 Most Common Camper Van Build Questions (and the One That Really Matters)
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How to Find the Right Camper Van Builder (Without Losing Your Shirt or Your Sanity)
Now for advice from 8 professional builders
1) Start with how you’ll actually use the van
Jake (Our Van Quest) recommends stepping back before any major install and getting specific about your use case. Weekend trips, adventure travel, kids’ tournaments – each one pushes you toward different system decisions. His point is simple: define the use and limitations first, then design your systems around that (electrical, plumbing, suspension, wheels and tires).
Do this now
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Write a one-sentence “mission statement” for your van (what you’ll use it for most).
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List your constraints (season, climate, off-grid time, number of people).
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Review every major system choice and ask if it supports that mission.
2) Try a layout before you commit to building it
Stuart (Groove Vans) shares a practical rule: try before you buy. There are countless layouts and options, and it can take one or two attempts to learn what you truly prefer. His recommendation is to test different floor plans in real life before you commit.
Do this now
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Identify your top 2–3 layout options.
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If possible, rent, borrow, or test a similar layout on a trip.
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Document what felt great and what became annoying fast.
3) Draw it to scale (then account for what you forgot)
Jay (Mountain Coast Vans) focuses on space planning and realism. Vans are tight, even the “big” ones. He urges DIY builders to draw the plan to scale and factor in what quietly steals space: plywood thickness, framing members, and wire runs. The upfront effort can save you from building yourself into a corner later.
Do this now
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Create a scaled drawing of your layout (Jay says to do it thrice!).
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Add the thickness and routing reality (materials, framing, wiring paths).
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Redraw until everything actually fits and remains serviceable.
4) Plan electrical for today and for future upgrades
Vanessa (Bear Claw Custom Vans) recommends calculating current and future electrical demands before you choose your approach. That planning helps you decide whether an all-in-one power box is enough or whether you need a full custom electrical system.
Her warning is based on what she sees in the field: DIYers who want to add a heater later, only to find their system can’t support it without expensive rework.
Do this now
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List the devices you’ll run now.
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Add a second list of future upgrades you might want later.
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Choose an electrical approach that supports both lists without major rebuilds.
5) Don’t skimp on materials and components if you want it to last
Stuart’s next point is blunt: great plans fail when materials and components are cheap. If you build the best floor plan imaginable but cut corners on materials, electronics, or components, durability suffers.
Do this now
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Identify the components that will be hardest (and costliest) to redo later.
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Prioritize quality there first, even if you compromise elsewhere temporarily.
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Research before buying so you’re not replacing parts twice.
6) Avoid MDF and particleboard in a van environment
Justin (Noke Van Co.) gets specific on one common mistake. He advises DIYers not to use MDF or pressed wood for cabinets and framing because highway driving creates constant vibration. Over time, screws can loosen and cabinetry can fail.
He shares that his shop uses lightweight plywood alternatives (and notes there are multiple options) because they’re structurally strong while helping reduce weight.
Do this now
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Review your cabinet and framing material plan.
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Choose a material that holds fasteners well under vibration.
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Build for durability first, cosmetics second.
7) Build skills and confidence before you build the van
Troy (Nanavans) encourages first-time DIY builders to focus on the techniques required to make the build happen, not only the final vision. If you’re buying tools for the first time (or borrowing them), he recommends practicing on a small project first (even a small project like a birdhouse) so you understand what you’re doing before the van becomes the practice piece.
Do this now
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Pick a small “practice build” that uses the same tools and techniques.
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Track your real time and learning curve.
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Set expectations for the van build based on what you experienced.
8) Prep and organization reduce frustration (and improve the end result)
Charles (Runny Yolk Designs) highlights something that separates smooth builds from miserable ones: preparation. He believes DIYers are capable of great quality work, and suggests setting yourself up for success by thinking through the job ahead, staging your tools and fasteners, and reducing the “constant searching” that creates frustration. He even shares a simple tactic from his shop – using a sheet pan as a portable bin for your tools and parts while you work.
He also adds a mindset reminder that matters: it’s your build. Perfection is not the only path to a space you love.
Stuart echoes the organization angle from a planning standpoint: spreadsheets help manage the number of parts and pieces, and help keep your budget under control.
Do this now
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Keep a parts list and a simple budget tracker (a spreadsheet is enough).
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Stage the tools and fasteners you’ll need before you start the task.
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Reduce friction wherever possible so the build stays fun and sustainable.
Watch the builders share this advice
If you want to hear each builder deliver their tip directly, we also put together a short compilation video featuring all eight builders: LINK
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the first decision I should make before starting a DIY van build?
Start with the use of the van and your limitations, then design the systems around that (Jake, Our Van Quest).
Should I test a layout before committing to a build plan?
Yes. Stuart (Groove Vans) recommends trying different floor plans and options before you commit.
Why do builders insist on drawing layouts to scale?
Jay (Mountain Coast Vans) makes the point that space disappears fast once you account for real-world thickness and routing (plywood thickness, framing members, wire runs). Drawing to scale helps you avoid optimism that becomes a problem later.
What’s the biggest electrical mistake DIY builders make early on?
Vanessa (Bear Claw Custom Vans) recommends calculating current and future electrical demands up front so you don’t end up limited a year later when you want to add something new (like a heater).
What material should I avoid for cabinets in a van?
Justin (Noke Van Co) recommends not using MDF or pressed wood because vibration can loosen screws over time and cause failures.
How do I keep a long DIY build from turning into frustration?
Charles (Runny Yolk Designs) suggests prepping your tools and parts before tasks so you’re not constantly searching, and Stuart (Groove Vans) recommends staying organized with simple spreadsheets for parts and budget.
I’m not a professional – can I still do quality work?
Charles (Runny Yolk Designs) believes you are capable of great quality work, and frames the difference as repetition and experience. Troy (Nanavans) adds that practice projects help you build confidence before tackling major installs.
What’s one mindset shift that helps DIY builders finish?
John (Whitewater Vans) emphasizes that the process can be time-consuming and full of surprises, and that using existing builder experience and tools can help you streamline decisions and push through roadblocks.
