The Van Build

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So how do we convert a Van to a Camper Van that is designed for a disabled person?

First I had to rule out the things that would expend too much energy (I only have a certain number of spoons each day) so simple things like converting the Seating and Dining Area each night into a bed are not going to work if I am driving all day or out meeting people and documenting my trip.

This was the first issue I had to look at in how to make this doable, can we design a Camper Van that uses the least amount of energy to live day to day.

1.) A bed that doesn’t need to be constructed every day

2.) No gas Cooker or Rings running on Gas. (If I find it difficult to use a stove and gas isn’t a good idea at home we are not putting it in a Van)

3.) How do we cook then?

4.) Must have a fully self-contained electrical system because we are going through countries with different requirements.

5.) How do I Shower and where do I get all that water from?

6.) How do we wash dishes, brush Teeth Etc and again we need water?

7.) A Toilet?

8.) Grey and Black tanks require hoses and being emptied, cleaned and disinfected, we need an alternative.

9.) All Storage has to be accessible within my mobility limits.

10.) A seating area to eat, upload daily films and diary, meet people, etc.

11.) How do I get in easily from the Side Door?

12.) How do I find an Awning that is both electric and self-supporting?

1.) The Bed.

After lots of research, we found a bed system that uses a track and Pulleys to raise the bed up into the roof section. Then redesigned it using simple equipment and a little ingenuity.

2.) Cooking.

We found a twin-drawer Air Fryer with separate controls, a toaster that turns into a small oven just by flipping it, a motorhome Microwave and a single-ring Induction Hob for when I want Pancakes 🙂

3.) Self-Contained Electrics.

We designed a 345-watt Solar system with 400 amps of Lithium batteries and a 3000-watt Inverter that not only charges via the Solar Panels but also via the alternator giving me full off-grid power for up to 20 hours with no sun or the engine on.

4.) How do I take a Shower?

We found a system called a recirculating shower that uses the same 7 Gallons of water re-filtered to supply the shower with continuous clean water and does not require Grey or Black tanks and as I am travelling alone should go 4 weeks before the water needs to be changed using a simple tap drain and hose connection refill.

5.) How do I wash dishes etc?

We found a 65-litre water tank that will fit under the van where the spare tyre is supposed to go, this then goes through a pump and an 1800-watt electric on-demand water heater for hot water and a standard water filter and separate spout (like you would use at home) for drinking water and to make coffee. This has a direct waste pipe for when we can just have the water flush under the van or by the turn of a valve go into an up to 10-litre grey tank under the sink that I can easily empty.

6.) The toilet.

The toilet was a bit of an issue and after lots of research we finally found a waterless toilet, I know it sounds weird but it’s an amazing piece of equipment as you can see here.

7.) Grey and Black Water Tanks.

Thanks to how we figured out the Shower, kitchen and toilet we don’t need grey and Black Tanks, Problem solved.

8.) Make storage accessible.

By making sure that no storage is higher than the middle shelf in my kitchen, everything is accessible and by building one wall with storage everything is accessible.

9.) Seating Area.

Thanks to the bed rising up and down, we can build a full seating area with a lowering table under the bed, if you are less than 5′ 6″ you don’t have to duck to sit down, I will have to duck a bit 🙂

10.) How do I get In?

We found a nice small step that slides out of a pocket container with the push of a button and can be installed so it slides out when you open the side door, with a right-hand grab handle.

11.) How do we fit an Automatic Awning?

Thanks to a company in the US we found a mounting bracket to allow us to fit what is normally a motorhome self-supporting awning to a Sprinter Van.

Problems Solved.