Vandit - A Build Thread - 2013 E-Series Camper Van/4x4 Build

[aarcaris94]

Plumbing Updates:

-After getting my main lights in I switched my efforts to the plumbing side of things. Stitching with the same theme I started with the wiring for the water pump. Since I am using two switches one at the shower and one over the galley I had to use a latching relay and two momentary switches. I had some trouble initially, but with some research and trial and error I figured that part out.

Bench Test For Latching Module.​

-Then I started on the actual plumbing layout. Since I am working in a very tight space the packaging of it all had to be pretty dead on. So like most things I modeled my entire system on the computer first and then began the processes of replicating in the van. For components I am running a 21 Gal fresh water tank, 5 Gal gray water tank with an electric ball valve dump, a Bosch 4Gal hot water tank(may eventually convert to 12v w/ solar), a Guzzle stealth water filter, Aquor hose bib for both my tank fill and rear shower port and Shurflo 55psi water pump. I made sure I could still easily access all the main components for maintenance. I can still relatively easily access most things either from the cabinet below the sink or by removing one of the rear drawers.

Mechanical Layout ISO

Mechanical Layout ISO

Mechanical Layout ISO​

-I used PEX for all my plumbing and decided to use a mix of crimp rings and push-to-fit connectors. This allowed me to build plumbing branches outside of the van where I had easier access and then slide them in and make the final connections using the push-to-fit connectors. Overall it wasn't too bad considering it was the first time ever doing plumbing or working with PEX. I was able to barely squeeze everything in and still have access to everything that I needed. So far it all seems to be working well!

Sorry for the Horribly Blurry Picture

In Progress Water Heater not Plumbed

In Progress Water Heater not Plumbed

Main Plumbing Under Sink

Main Plumbing Under Sink

Very tight fit! You can see the blue box is the electric ball valve.

​

-One note about my water heater choice. Since I was very limited on space that I had designated for the water heater I had limited options. I had originally wanted to go with an ISOtemp 5gal tank, but in the final real-world layout, I didn't quite have the space for it. I had thought I would be able to use a universal adapter plate to a standard 1” threaded heating element, but unfortunately, that was not the case. So for now I will run it using the stock heating element at 120v and see how well that works. In the future, I may need to talk to Ray(1der) about his custom dual voltage water heater set up and see if I could go that route.

 

[aarcaris94]

Electrical Updates:

-After getting the plumbing pretty much done I went back to the electrical side of things and added some cabinet lights for our pantry and closet sections. We decided this was a worthwhile addition after using the van a bit more. Since the Cabinets are decently deep and laminated black on the inside they can be pretty dark without lights. I used the same led strip tape as everywhere else and used a simple pressure switch on the doors to control them. At the same time, I finished my pantry charging station which consists of 2 dual USB ports and 2 12v ports. I also added a cheap shower mirror I found on amazon to the inside of the pantry door.

-I also went back to my main electrical cabinet and cleaned up some of my wiring and got things a little better secured. Not the cleanest electrical, but overall I am happy with it especially considering it was my first time dealing with large cable

Front Distribution section.​

-I also finally got around to making my extension cable for the smartplug shore power plug. I was hesitant to add this to the build originally, but have to say I am happy I did! Very nice to top off the batteries at home before and after a trip.

Cabinet Updates:​

-Next on my list was to finish up the remaining woodwork and laminate work that was needed. Starting with the pantry I added some adjustable shelf pin holes and cut and laminated a few shelves. Then I repeated the process for the closet. All the shelves are made of ½” Baltic Birch and are laminated black on both sides.

Pantry View without Internal Lights

Front Closet with Shelves and Lights

Rear Closet with Shelves and Lights​

-Then I moved to the rear area that we have been referring to as the Nightstand. We created a little cubby/shelf area next to the bed behind the closet that houses a dual USB charging port that allows us to plug in phones, watches, etc. for charging at night.

Everything needs a good vacuum and wipe down. Currently down to one arm though so it will have to wait.

-Next up was the below bench storage box. This helps give the below bench area good storage, helps lock in the freshwater tank, as well as provides a good sight for tank levels. Instead of doing an actual tank gauge, we decided to go with the simpler backlit sight slot for tank levels. I wired up some more LED lights to a momentary switch and mounted it all up in the same cubby. I also at this time wired my gray water tank dump valve which is controlled through a momentary push button that will latch the valve open when released until you hit 100% open and then it automatically closes. So far it's been great and very convenient since it's so tight in the plumbing section.

​

 

[aarcaris94]

MISC. Updates:

-Lastly, I went through and cleaned up a few odds and ends and laminated the remaining things I needed, and went ahead and tested all my systems.

Laminated Table

Laminated Table

Added magnets to stop rattles.

Final Door Layout

Secured battery shut off with through bolts.

Added lights to under bench cabinet.

Final Layout under sink cabinet. Still need laminate on Toe Kick wood.

Tight, but can still reach all the shut-offs and filter.




Up Next:
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Everything has been working great and am happy to say I think I am pretty much done with our interior build. Like always I am sure that there will be other small things we will refine and add as time goes on, but for now, I think we can call it complete! For now, I will continue my research for which 4x4 conversion we are going to go with and continue to stash away the funds to get the exterior to match the interior of our van!

Here's a shot from our one-week trip up North. The color of the van couldn't have looked better in the coastal forest of northwest Washington!



***And now this thread is finally caught up to today's status of the build. From this point forward I will be updating both threads as much as I can when we make any changes or additions. Like I said above next up will be 4x4 Conversion! ***​

 

[roanokercket]

Good grief! That interior is amazing! Well done.

 

[aarcaris94]

Good grief! That interior is amazing! Well done.

Thank you! It took a lot of work but I'm happy with how it all came together.

 

[TheATPT]

You will not be disappointed with a ujoint 4x4 system. Highly recommend.

 

[aarcaris94]

You will not be disappointed with a ujoint 4x4 system. Highly recommend.

Thanks for the input! They are for sure the top on my list. The biggest thing I need to figure out is the cost and whether or not I can do it myself, have a local shop do it, or see if it makes sense to bring it to U-Joint Colorado.

 

[RVflyfish]

Thanks for the input! They are for sure the top on my list. The biggest thing I need to figure out is the cost and whether or not I can do it myself, have a local shop do it, or see if it makes sense to bring it to U-Joint Colorado.

Just my two cents’ worth, but if I were in OR I would definitely take a ride to see MG/ExpoVans. https://expovans.com/conversions/e-series/

 

[aarcaris94]

Just my two cents’ worth, but if I were in OR I would definitely take a ride to see MG/ExpoVans. https://expovans.com/conversions/e-series/

Thanks for the recommendation! At the end of last year, I talked with Michael about his kit and read through some forums about it. Seems like a good kit and everyone seems very happy with it. The biggest thing I was hesitant about was the idea of trying to source everything that is needed in addition to his kit. I am still most likely going with U-Joint but I'll have to look into MG/Expo a little more.

 

[ujoint]

WOW! Beautiful build.

 

[aarcaris94]

WOW! Beautiful build.

Thank you! Looking forward to getting the outside of the van as dialed as the inside with a 4x4 conversion!

 

[paddlenbike]

Amazing work. I am certainly partial to the RB50/european style layouts.

-Ken

 

[Choff]

great job !!!!
You are very talented
Very simple and done right to Sleep in

 

[aarcaris94]

Amazing work. I am certainly partial to the RB50/european style layouts.

-Ken

Thanks for the compliment! We have been very happy with our layout. It really feels like it utilizes the space that we have the best way possible.

great job !!!!
You are very talented
Very simple and done right to Sleep in

Thank you! It was a lot of first when doing this build and I am very happy with how it all came together.

 

[aarcaris94]

Amazing work. I am certainly partial to the RB50/european style layouts.

-Ken

I just realized that I followed your tutorial for wall panel upholstery. Thank you so much for posting the write-up and the youtube videos! It was a huge help in figuring out the process!