DYI Custom Build estimate

You are asking a question that is impossible to answer with any accuracy. All of the items you list come in a large variety of sizes, prices and options. I suggest you start with one system and research the various options. You can search this website, supplier sites, new and used RV sites and so on. Each of the systems in an RV is a project in and of. For instance, the electrical system usually involves separate AC and DC systems, AC to DC converters, DC to AC inverters, various battery configurations, wiring issues and so on. My first DYA conversion started with a bed and basic DC electric system powered by a 12 volt "house" battery. Eventually I added a sink which involved a fresh water tank, plumbing, a pump and a drain system. After using the vehicle for a season I decided I needed a porta potty which worked great. Finally, I added a propane stove top which involved plumbing a gas system. These system evolved over a couple of years. Be careful with safety issues like smoke, gas and carbon monoxide detectors and safe wiring requirements. After camping in my DYA RV for a few very fun years, I ended up buying a used LTV B which I really like, but I do have a special fondness for my homemade RV. Good luck with your project and have fun.

DYI Custom Build estimate

I can't tell you about the $$$. Triple the time you think it will take.

I plan to buy a used high top long bed empty cargo van

Like a used U-Haul???



Post your progress here.

Hi,

To successfully complete the task you had better have many skill sets that you can call on.

I'd suggest going to a big-box RV dealer, preferably non-Camping World. Go to their parts & supplies store. Ask for the big catalog that they have. It may be free or $5-$10. It's actually a mail-order warehouse's catalog with that dealer's imprint on the cover. If you can find the items online, you may save 10-20-30% over the catalog prices.

Start thumbing thru it. You'll need something from most categories, usually the smallest, to build a fully functional B with bathroom and kitchen. But with that catalog, a hightop van, and a Home Depot or Lowes, you can build a camper limited only by your tools, skills, patience, and credit line. Think thru each system. Example: for sink & shower, you'll need water & waste tanks, pump with wiring & switch, plumbing, water heater, sink. Water heater usually means propane, so add an LP tank and plumbing.

I think you'd asked elsewhere about parking downtown. It's easier and you have more choices in a 17' (standard length) van, than a 19' extended van. That's a basic decision you need to make right up front. RT makes a very nice smaller but full B van in the 170 on a 2500 chassis. You can get by with a 250/2500 in that length. For a 19' B, you'll almost surely want a 350/3500 by the time you
load it up.

It's a big undertaking with a lot of details, but not un-doable.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

By 'ballpark' I mean are we talking $6,000 or $26,000?

hightop long bed van like a Dodge Promaster or maybe..yes U-Haul

Tux wrote:
I am trying to get an idea of how much I should plan to spend for a conversion (ballpark figure). I plan to buy a used high top long bed empty cargo van.
Build 1 (ideal): sleeps 1, internal shower + toilet,
a/c + heat, microwave, stove, sink, lights, power receptacle, dry dockable with solar (7 days).

Build 2: sleeps 1, external shower and portable toilet , a/c +heat, microwave, sink, lights, power receptacle, dry dockable with solar (3 days).

I bought a high top conversion van. It came with the lights, multiple DC plugins, an analog TV (which I dumped) an aftermarket overhead AC/heater and built in alternate current rig to plug into shore power. I eventually gutted the inside removing the electric up/down bench/bed and started over configuring it for my needs. Most of what I did can seen here: RV evolution over time

The first thing I got was an alarm system with remote start because I travel and camp alone. My "bed" is a $10 recliner I picked up at a "ReStore" which is bolted down to the floor. It takes up much less space and doubles for sitting etc. The second was a "priority start" put on my battery to prevent anything from draining the battery too low for me to start my van. It has done so numerous times as I have tried to find the source of "leaking".

If I was starting with an empty van I would make sure to insulate the floor and sides if it is really bare. Put down rigid foam, plywood and vinyl floor for ease of cleaning, foam and plywood for easy to clean walls. Floor and walls need to be substantial enough to hold screws as the inside is built.

While it is nice to have a built in electrical "panel"(altho the placement of mine is bad and difficult to access) it would be just as easy to have a heavy duty cord with multiple plug (with GFI) fed in a window (left open a crack). I have a series of plug strips and extension cords circle my van. While driving I have a DC to AC converter sitting on top of the "console" between the seats. My Galaxy tablet (navigator), cell phone and computer are plugged into that while I drive and moved to shore power when I stop to camp.

For heat/A/C I would get one of those combination portable 10,000BTU cooling + heating units @300. It vents to the outside, be sure to rig a drain for water in A/C mode. For boondocking, a Campco Olympian Wave heater (@200) which is the best/safest catalytic infrared heater. It will run for many hours on a single 20lb propane tank. For cooling, a big fan and a shiny big tarp to put over the van to deflect heat. Reflectix for windows to keep heat in or heat out. A bug proof outdoor room and always park in deep shade.

I got a tiny microwave works on "shore" power and a small Home Depot frig. I got a plug in electric fry pan. I keep bottles of water in the tiny freezer which freeze while I am plugged in and keep the frig cool while I drive. It has worked pretty well. My diet is very limited,I eat mainly fresh foods and yogurt, so my cooking is very limited as well. Any portable propane burner setup should work (outside or with with good ventilation).

When "plugged in" I got a couple of these flip up lights from Office Depot (I think). I also love my Rayovac Sportsman LED Lantern and a high powered, rechargeable LED light my husband gave me.

Water: I have a porta potty for my van. I use camp showers and just hand washing. I have (4) 1 gallon containers of water and a Camco 40043 Water Filter to fill them. Having a water bladder in the van would take up too much space and add too much weight to the van. I do have a 5 gallon narrow container in case we go boondocking. I have one plastic tub for washing.. me or dishes altho I am converting to paper. I heat the water in the microwave. BUT, my husband likes showers so I been thinking about getting this... an "Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower" that runs on propane. We already have a "Hilo Hut II Privacy Shelter" that he could use. Too much water flowing inside and I would worry about rot.

Well, I think I hit all your questions except solar, I dont have a clue. And I havent added up how much I have spent. Good luck, any other questions I am available private too.

Very much ballpark, $10-15K plus the van for your 'build 1' option.

One thought... look around wrecking lots for a late-model totaled B, small C, or truck camper. Buy it complete or just the appliances. Reefer, cooktop, furnace, water heater, installed LP tank, maybe generator. These can easily set you back $3k to $6k bought new. There may be as much a another $1k in hardware & fittings in the wreck.

Jim, "I was never as good as I used to be."

Handbasket wrote:
Very much ballpark, $10-15K plus the van for your 'build 1' option.

One thought... look around wrecking lots for a late-model totaled B, small C, or truck camper. Buy it complete or just the appliances. Reefer, cooktop, furnace, water heater, installed LP tank, maybe generator. These can easily set you back $3k to $6k bought new. There may be as much a another $1k in hardware & fittings in the wreck.

Jim, "I was never as good as I used to be."

thanks!

Oh yes, I forgot about a generator for boondocking. I got a tri-fuel Yamaha EF2000iS for @1200. Very quiet. It does double duty backup if electricity goes out at home.

Hi,

26,000.

I've spent 15,000 on after purchase upgrades on my class C. I'll be spending another 2000 in the next year, and after that I'll be considering new batteries for the following year.

Tux wrote:
By 'ballpark' I mean are we talking $6,000 or $26,000?

hightop long bed van like a Dodge Promaster or maybe..yes U-Haul