Tips for a live-aboard van.

[Kiwi MAN]

Hi everyone,

I'm helping out my son who has decided that living in a campervan is a better alternative to a flat. He has bought a van with a kitchen and bed and is now looking to add a few essentials for living such as internet connectivity and a shower (in order of importance!)



Does anyone else liveaboard their van and have any tips on what upgrades are essential?

Thanks,

Mark,
Wellington, NZ.

[matti.rory]

Hi Mark, I don't have much specifics as of now, but I'm also building a campervan like this. Let's stay in touch.

[bortaf]

ventelation, plenty of it, maxfan or similar, helps with condensation no end

[dumper]

My first camper conversion I varnish the wall boards thinking it will be easy to clean but sleeping at night. You did get conversation on the wood every other one I’ve done I have carpet lined everything I could.
For the windscreen and cab windows the sliver screen that fits on the outside is good at keeping the screen dry inside downside is if you have to store it when wet that’s why I use the internal one now if I was living in the van and not moving around in winter I’d fit both internal and external as you get a lot of heat loss out of the cab windows.
Rather then fit a shower you could go to a local swimming bath for one when I’m in Ireland fishing I use the local canal system they have showers for the boats.

[Radiofence]

Hole in floor and roof vent. With redux 12v fan tun off 5v. Almost silent. Karcher window vac for the morning. Shower outside in a toilet tent or just stand outside and put up with the cold.
Insulate and sound deaden (cheap sound deadening tends to peel off in the summer heat.
The electrics will get cold and condensation will form on them which may cause you electrical issues - but its worth it. Good on him.