I have spent a lot of time working on vehicles of one type or another and doing a Custom Van Build required some speciality or unique items. I put this page together to share with you products that I have found very beneficial to me, not only during the Van Build, but for RV’ing and Daily Use. Hopefully it saves you some of the headaches and countless hours I spent looking for items.
ELECTRICAL
Wire Loom Cable Insertion Tool for 3/8″ to 1/2″ – Model CM08
I really like using the Alex Tech Split Sleeve Wire Loom (listed below) for my electrical runs. It brings your work to the next level. However, inserting the wires without this tool is challenging so be sure to grab this when you get your Split Sleeve Wire Loom.
Alex Tech 25ft – 3/8 inch Split Sleeve Wire Loom
Whether I am running wires in a vehicle or wanting to organize wires at a computer desk, I love this braided nylon wire loom. It gives a truly professional touch to your automotive and computer wiring jobs. This is available in 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ and larger. I typically use the 3/8″ and 1/2″
Carrfan 12V RV LED Awning /Wall/ Porch Light Waterproof
I used these throughout the Van Build. On the exterior as Security or Perimeter lighting and inside my cargo area as well. They are nice and bright. I did plug up the screw holes where I installed the on the exterior though as they did tilt up on my build. If you have a vertical wall, they will tilt down.
CAREFREE 901601 Wireless RV Awning Bluetooth Control System
A great addition to anyone with a Carefree Legless Awning. This system connects to an App on your smartphone and allows you to operate your awning from outside the RV.
Water Carbon Premium Heated Seat Kits for Two Seats
Wishing you had some heated Seats? Now you can! This 2 Seat Kit provides your Driver and Passenger with Five heat level settings. It’s a fairly easy install, but be sure you have the Hog Nose pliers and Rings. Click Here for that kit.
X1PRO Rear View Mirror Front and Rear Dash Cam 9.88” Full Touch Screen Dual Lens with 1296P Front and 720P Super Night Vision Rear Camera
My build rendered my rear view mirror pointless as you could no longer see out of the back. Not only did this Dash Cam Mirror resolve that with an always on Rear View Camera, it also works and a forward and rear facing Dash Camera constantly recording the action. In addition, it has an impact sensor so if there is an impact when you are parked, it turns on and records the incident. No more Parking Lot Hit and Runs.
Quick Charge Car Charger, 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 USB Fast Charger Socket Power Outlet with LED Digital Voltmeter
My Van came equipped with two USB ports, but both would connect into the Audio System. In order to enable other devices to be plugged in and not interfere with my smartphones connection to the audio system, I installed this dual USB charger that also serves and a voltmeter.
INTERIOR
Shannon Minky Luxe Cuddle Pony Ivory/Brown Fabric By The Yard
When I selected the Vermont Country Barn theme for the Van, I knew I wanted a Cow Hide on the walls, but I didn’t want real cow hide. I ordered this and it was exactly what I imagined. I loved it so much, I ordered more and will reupholster the seats in it. This makes a great pillow or blanket too.
UXcell Sound Insulation Mat 118″ x 40″
Before I did anything to the interior of the Van, I installed this Sound Insulation Matt which is a Closed Cell Foam product. It serves two main purposes.
One) It acts as a thermal break on the large metal sides and roof.
Two) It deadens road noise.
Over this, I placed 3M Thinsulate. The van is super quiet now and very warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
3M Thinsulate Acoustic/Thermal Insulation SM600L (50′ x 60″)
One of the most heavily debated topics in a Van or RV Build is Insulation. Here are my thoughts. All other insulation simply attempts to do what 3M Thinsulate does all day long and that is – insulate a vehicle properly. Thinsulate is made from plastic fibers that will neither retain water nor be affected by water. This is why hikers and sailors love it. It works wet or dry and it will not mold. Despite it being the most expensive, it is the only insulation I will ever use in a Van Build.
4 Pieces Stainless Steel 316 Lifting Eye Nut 1/4″ UNC Marine Grade
I was in a hardware store and I had an idea of what I wanted, but they had never heard of it. After 5 minutes of looking, I simply typed the thought into Amazon and there it was. 40 years in construction and I never even knew these existed. They were at my door in 24 hours. So what are they – Lifting Eye Nuts and I used them inside my cargo box to secure the loose items down.
CAMPING and TRAVELING ACCESSORIES
Teknor Apex #4006-25 Zero-G RV /Marine Water Hose1/2″ x 25′
Space is a premium in RV’s. There was no room for a traditional Fresh Water hose in my build, but this collapsable drinking water safe hose was perfect.
Valterra Brass Standard A01-2222VP 90 Degree Hose Saver / Water Regulator 40-50 Psi W
When I installed the City Water connection on the Van Build, I had two problems. One) needed a way to regulate the water pressure as you never want to just hook up to city water in your RV. Two) The outlet sticks straight out so there is a lot of stress on the attachment. This product resolved both issues in one piece. Both a pressure regulator and an elbow so the hose connects from the bottom.
Camco Water Tank Filler with Shutoff Valve- Quickly and Efficiently Helps Fill Your Water Tank and Eliminates Line Backflow
So how do you fill your fresh water tank? Some people have a garden hose adapter and simply screw the water hose onto that to fill, but over filling can be an issue. My tank is a Gravity Feed so I needed a way to feed it, but I also wanted to control the flow. This device does it perfectly.
Camco 36133 Blow Out Plug
Though this RV build was a 4 season set up, you still need to have a way to winterize it. This blow out plug attached to your city water connection and then you simply close off your water tank valves and open your drain valves. Then you attach an air compressor hose to this and it will blow the water out of the lines.
VELOSOCK Full Bike Cover for Indoor Storage and Transportation – 3 Versions (MTB, Road, Triathlon)
This has been available in Europe for a while and I was so excited to see it finally be released in the US. Up until now, any bike cover used during transport was simply a waste. It would shred in no time going down the highway, but the VeloSock is superior. It will keep the road grime off your ride and protect it from sun and road salt too. I highly recommend this!
EXTERIOR
Dicor 501LSW-1 Epdm Self-Leveling Lap Sealant-10.3 Oz. Tube
Before you cut one hole in the roof of your RV or before you ever pull something out of the roof for repair or replacement; you need to have a tube or two fo Dicor Self Leveling Sealant on hand.
This is also excellent for sealing up the factory holes in the roof of the Ford Transit that are prone to leaking.
Dicor BT-1834-1 1/8″ x 3/4″ x 30′ Butyl Seal Tape
Before you spread your Dicor Self Leveling sealant, you need to have your Butyl Tape to form your water tight seal. I use this for every item that is attached to the body. Be it an electrical outlet, plumbing outlet or roof rack mounts.
Maxxair 0007000K Deluxe Fan with Remote Control and White Lid
The MaxxAir Fan simply makes sense in an RV build or upgrade. I mean, why would you not want a fan that can be operating in the rain as well as sunny days and the remote just makes it convenient to operate from bed.
Bouge RV ABS Solar Double Cable Entry Gland Box Waterproof Weatherproof Fits All Cable Types 2mm² to 6mm² for Solar Project on RV Camper Van Travel Trailer Boat Cabin
Even if you don’t plan on doing solar or you don’t think you need a Roof Gland, install one. It is far easier to install and have for the future than to install after.
So what is a Roof Gland? Simply put, it is a way to get wires or cables from the roof into the RV without any chance of developing a leak in the future.
Dura Faucet DF-SA189-BK RV Exterior Quick Connect Sprayer, Hose, and Exterior Spray Box Kit (Black)
If you’re going to be living in a Van, you want to be able to shower too. Well, I’ve always loved outdoor showers so it was natural to have an outdoor shower on the van. This kit was perfect as it has the detachable hose that allows me to cary one hose for both my outdoor shower and my cold water wash down for the kayak and mountain bike via the Spray Dock
Dura Faucet DF-SA184-BK RV Exterior Utility Spray Dock with Quick Connect (Black)
I went back and fourth on utilizing this Cold Water Spray Dock, but the first time I went kayaking with the van, I knew what it was perfect for – washing down the kayak after a salty paddle. It also is handy for washing down the mountain bike. It utilized the same hose from the shower so no need to carry two different hoses.
Baosity RV Round Plastic Gravity Fresh Water Fill Hatch Inlet
This is the locking cover I used to access the fill tube for my Fresh Water tank.
RV City Brass Water Fill Inlet with Check Valve.
This was a simple City Water connection and fit the RV build perfectly.
While they do make locking ones, I did not have the room for that. There is a valve inside the van that prevents this from functioning unless I open it.
Furrion F15RCS-BS 15A Receptacle Cover – Black
Every RV should have an exterior outlet and typically located in the awning area.
This cover takes care of protecting that outlet.
Auto Ventshade 92676 Original Ventvisor Side Window Deflector Dark Smoke, 2-Piece Set for 2014-2018 Ford Transit
This was one of the very first items I added to the Van. These Vent Shades allow me to keep my window open a crack while keeping rain out. They went on real easy and I use them constantly.
MAXLINER Floor Mats 1st Row 1 Piece Full Coverage Liner Black for 2015-2018 Ford Transit 150/250/350
This was the second item I bought for the van. It’s a tight fit so it is best if you can let it sit in the sun for a bit, but boy does it fit perfectly.
PLUMBING
SHURFLO 4008-101-A65 New 3.0 GPM RV Water Pump Revolution, 12V
Choosing your components for an RV build is probably the hardest part of the build. There are many options and paths you can choose. I chose this pump because of the self priming feature, how quiet it is, the flow rate and its good reviews.
SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2″ Twist-On Pipe Strainer
Insuring you have no particles in your water is not only important to you, but to the life of your water pump too. So make sure you have this installed right on the intake side of your water pump and within easy access.
SHURFLO 244-3926 Elbow Fitting Wingnut Swivel-Nylon 14 Npt (F) X 1/2″ Barb
These fittings are a Must Have for the SurFlo RV Water pump. They allow you to hook up your flexible water tubing to it and yet it is disconnected very easily for proper winterizing. FYI: Did you know, you are supposed to have 18″ of flexible tubing connecting to your water pump? Don’t ever connect it straight to your PEX pipe. The pump needs to be able to vibrate and you don’t want that vibration transferring to to the water lines.
SharkBite UC248LFA10 1/2″ 90 Degree Elbow PEX Barb Fitting (10-Pack), 10 Pack, Brass
I’m pretty sure Pex Pipe is now the standard of the industry for both Home and RV. When using Crimp Rings on Pex, I prefer the brass Pex Fittings over the plastic for one reason – repair. It is far easier to remove the crimp ring on a brass fitting vs a plastic. I have to damage the pipe and sometimes the fitting when I cut it off, were as, with a brass fitting, I can use a removal tool that preserves all that.
Ecopoly 32800 PEX Elbow, 1/2″ x 1/2″, 0.5″ ID, Crimp, Plastic (Pack of 5)
If you have the option, I actually recommend the Pex Clamp rings vs the Crimp for one reason – access. Unlike when I am working on a house, an RV’s plumbing system is jammed into a very small area. The Clamp tool is a lot smaller and easier to work with in these tight spaces. If you are using the Clap Rings, then save some money and weight and use the plastic fittings.
SharkBite UC362LFA10 1/2″ Tee PEX Barb Fitting (10-Pack), 1, Brass
I’m pretty sure Pex Pipe is now the standard of the industry for both Home and RV. When using Crimp Rings on Pex, I prefer the brass Pex Fittings over the plastic for one reason – repair. It is far easier to remove the crimp ring on a brass fitting vs a plastic. I have to damage the pipe and sometimes the fitting when I cut it off, were as, with a brass fitting, I can use a removal tool that preserves all that.
SharkBite UP362A PEX Tees, 1/2″ x 1/2″ x 1/2″, Brass
If you have the option, I actually recommend the Pex Clamp rings vs the Crimp for one reason – access. Unlike when I am working on a house, an RV’s plumbing system is jammed into a very small area. The Clamp tool is a lot smaller and easier to work with in these tight spaces. If you are using the Clap Rings, then save some money and weight and use the plastic fittings.
LTWFITTING Lead Free Brass PEX Adapter Fitting 1/2-Inch PEX x 1/2-Inch Male NPT Crimp Adaptor (Pack of 5)
There will be a number of places you will want the ability to disconnect something for either winterizing or replacement in the future. If you’re going to go with the Brass, then I suggest these. Otherwise, you are better off going to your local big box store and grabbing a pack of the plastic ones, but you can’t get the plastic ones on Amazon in bulk and they are way to expensive to buy one off.
Litorange 2 PCS Lead Free Brass Construction 1/2″ by 1/2-Inch Female Threaded PEX Pipe Barb FNPT Swivel Elbow Plumbing Connection Crimp Fittings
There will be a number of places you will want the ability to disconnect something for either winterizing or replacement in the future. If you’re going to go with the Brass, then I suggest these. Otherwise, find a much better deal at you big box store for the Poly ones.
SharkBite 1/2 Inch Female Swivel x PEX Barb Fitting Adapter (10-Pack), Tan
There will be a number of places you will want the ability to disconnect something for either winterizing or replacement in the future. If you’re going to go with the Brass, then I suggest these. You can also find a 5 pack of the all plastic ones at your local big box store for less than you will on Amazon.
Everflow Supplies 615P012-NL Lead Free Pex Full Port Ball Valve with Tee Handle, 1/2-Inch
I don’t like the plastic valves. I will use brass whenever possible. I used a combination of two different 1/4 Turn Ball Vales. This one for in line – unsupported locations and the next one – a Drop Ear when I could mount the valve to a wall.
1 PIECE XFITTING 1/2″ PEX SHUT OFF BALL VALVE WITH DROP EAR – FULL PORT, LEAD-FREE BRASS
I don’t like the plastic valves. I will use brass whenever possible. I used a combination of two different 1/4 Turn Ball Vales. This Drop Ear one when I cam mount it to a wall or upright )my preferred method) or the inline one above when I can not.
ISPINNER 100pcs 1/2-inch Stainless Steel PEX Cinch Clamp Rings For PEX Tubing Pipes (1/2 inch-100pcs)
These are the preferred clamps for me when I’m working in tight spaces. I other words, everywhere in an RV. WhenI’m working on houses, I tend to use the Crimp Rings instead. You can use either or, but you will have to carefully plan every crimp if using crimp rings. Trust me – use the Cinch Clamps.
SharkBite PEX Pipe Crimp Ring 1/2 Inch, Plumbing Fittings, Pack of 100, 23102CP100, 1/2-Inch
WhenI’m working on houses, I tend to use these Crimp Rings. You can use either or in an RV build, but you will have to carefully plan every crimp if using crimp rings in a tight space. Trust me – use the Cinch Clamps instead.
PEX Pipe Cutters for Cutting 1/8″-1-inch PEX Pipe only
Before you start working with Pex, the first thing you need is a pipe cutter. It is very important to have a clean straight cut on your pipe in order to insure a leak free joint. Don’t try to use a knife. You will be making a lot of cuts, the cutter is well wort it. Can be used on soft wall pipe and hoses (without metal reinforcement) too, but not PVC pipe.
IWISS F1807 Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit for 3/8,1/2,3/4,1-inch- Free Removal Tool& Pex Pipe Cutter&Gauge- For All US F1807 Standards
If you are still insisting on using Crimp Rings on Pex or you’re needing it for a home project, then here is the tool for you. This will handle multiple sized pipes and includes a handy tool to make sure you have a proper Crimp on each joint.
Apollo PEX 69PTBJ0010C 3/8-inch – 1-inch One Hand Cinch Clamp Tool
This is the tool you want for assembling Pex Pipe in tight spaces. This is why you want Cinch Clamps vs the Crimp Rings. See how small it is? Fits in one hand and thats usually all you have room for.
Valterra 7101 ABS Gate Valve, Black, 1-1/2″ Slip
I used this gate valve for my 20 gallon Grey Water Tank as you don’t need a 3″ valve when only dumping grey water.
HEPVO 1-1/2″ Trap
When I’m building a home, a P-Trap is an important part of your sink as it prevents odors from coming back into your house. Well, on an RV we have the same issue, but unlike a house, you can actually splash out enough water from a P-Trap to allow sewer gasses in. That is where this HEPO Valve comes in. It uses a mechanical closure to prevent gasses in while easily allowing water down the drain. It also takes up less room than a P-Trap. You can retro fit this onto any RV and eliminate your P-Trap.
Flame King YSN122 12.2 Gallon RV, Van Or Trailer Horizontal ASME RV Propane Tank Cylinder, 12″ x 28″
By removing my Spare Tire, I was left with a space that looks like it was designed specifically for this 12.2 gallon (51 lbs) ASME Propane Tank. It tucks up tight and doesn’t hang below any of the suspension components and 4 bolts is all it takes to mount it. In addition, I added a Remote Fill and an Extend-a-Stay / Barbecue hook up to it. Those are listed below.
Nashfuel Propane 8ft Remote Fill Kit with Mounting Bracket
This Remote Fill kit allows you to install your propane tank up under the van and still have easy access to fill it. I highly recommend this for any underbody RV Tank Install.
Stanbroil Propane Gas Brass Tee Adapter with 4 Ports
This 4 Port Extend a Stay Tee Adapter allows you to easily hook a large stand alone Propane Tank to your RV when you will be in one location for an Extended period of time. In addition, it has a Barbecue port that allows you to hook up any portable Barbecue that takes those 1lb disposable bottles. I did not opt for the one with the hoses as I custom mounted this so the valves were relocated to the rear of the Van for easy access.
THE WINCH!
The next group of items will focus on the Custom Winch Set Up. Click the link to read more about this install: https://wonderofwander.com/ford-transit-winch/
Smittybilt 12000 lb 97412 XRC GEN2 Winch-12000 Pound Load Capacity
It is not every day you see a massive winch on an RV or Van Build, but I built this van for Boondocking and sometimes you get in over your head when boondocking so this is for those time when I do. First up is the 12,000 lb Smittybilt Winch. Can’t tell you how well it works, but I can tell you the installation was a breeze.
Shackles 3/4″ (2 PACK) LIBERRWAY D ring Shackle Rugged Unbreakable 28.5 Ton (57,000 Lbs) Maximum Break Strength with 7/8” Pin Bow Screw Heavy Duty D Ring for Jeep Vehicle Recovery, Red
I had the Van Compass Winch Mount custom painted Red. Then I found these shackles a perfect match.
RUGCEL WINCH 4.8T Heavy Duty Recovery Winch Snatch Block,10500lb Capacity (red)
No winch should be without a Snatch Block. I decided to stay with the Red Theme here
Rugged Ridge 15102.05 Red Winch Cable Stopper
Sticking with the Red Theme, I installed this Cable Stopper. This insures your hook doesn’t get sucked into the rollers.
GearAmerica Recovery Tow Strap 4″ x 30′ | Ultra Heavy Duty 40,000 lbs (20 Tons) Strength | Triple Reinforced Loops + Protective Sleeves | Emergency Truck Towing | Free Storage Bag + Strap
Something I hope I never need to test out, but just in case, I’m equipped with a 40,000 lbs recovery strap.