ideas – Commercial Van Solutions

Epic Guide to Your DIY Camper Van Electrical System

Posted on November 15, 2023 by commercialvansolutions

Creating a DIY camper van electrical system is a rewarding project that provides the comfort and convenience of a home on wheels. Here’s an epic guide to help you design and install your camper van electrical system:

Plan Your Electrical Needs: Determine your electrical requirements by listing all the devices and appliances you plan to power in your camper van. This may include lights, fans, a refrigerator, chargers, and any other electronic devices. Calculate the total power consumption in terms of watts or amps.

Choose a Power Source: Decide on the power source for your camper van. Common options include:

Solar Power: Solar panels can harness energy from the sun, providing a clean and sustainable power source. Calculate the solar panel capacity based on your energy needs.
Auxiliary Battery: Install a deep-cycle auxiliary battery or a bank of batteries to store energy. Consider options like AGM or lithium batteries, weighing factors such as capacity, weight, and maintenance requirements.
Alternator Charging: Utilize your vehicle’s alternator to charge the auxiliary battery while driving. Install a relay or battery isolator to prevent the main battery from draining.

Design the Electrical System: Create a schematic or diagram of your camper van’s electrical system. Plan the wiring layout, including the location of components such as batteries, inverters, solar charge controllers, and distribution panels. Mark positive and negative connections.

Select Electrical Components: Choose high-quality electrical components that match your system requirements. Key components include:

Inverter: Converts DC power from the batteries to AC power for running appliances.
Charge Controller: Regulates the charging process for solar panels, preventing overcharging of batteries.
Distribution Panel: Provides a centralized location for fuses, circuit breakers, and switches, simplifying electrical management.
Wiring: Use appropriate gauge wiring for different components, ensuring safe and efficient power distribution.

Install Solar Panels: If using solar power, mount solar panels on the roof of your camper van. Connect the panels to a solar charge controller, which regulates the voltage and current from the panels to prevent overcharging the batteries.

Set Up Battery System: Install the auxiliary battery or battery bank in a secure and ventilated location. Connect the batteries in parallel or series, depending on the voltage requirements of your system. Install a battery monitor to track battery levels and health.

Wiring and Connections: Carefully route and secure the wiring throughout the camper van. Use conduit or cable channels to protect the wires from damage. Connect components according to your schematic, ensuring proper sizing and termination of wires.

Install Inverter and Distribution Panel: Mount the inverter in a well-ventilated area, connecting it to the battery system. Install the distribution panel, connecting it to the inverter and other electrical components. Use circuit breakers or fuses to protect individual circuits.

Implement Safety Measures: Include safety features in your electrical system, such as:

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Install GFCIs in areas where water exposure is likely, such as the kitchen or bathroom, to prevent electrical shocks.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Enhance safety by adding detectors to your camper van.

Test and Troubleshoot: After installation, thoroughly test your electrical system. Check voltage levels, verify that devices operate as expected, and troubleshoot any issues. It’s crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of the entire system.

Document Your System: Create a comprehensive manual or document detailing your camper van’s electrical system. Include information on component locations, wiring diagrams, safety measures, and maintenance procedures. This documentation is valuable for troubleshooting and future modifications.

Practice Energy Efficiency: Optimize your energy usage by practicing energy-efficient habits. Use LED lighting, turn off appliances when not in use, and be mindful of your power consumption to maximize the longevity of your battery system.

By following this epic guide, you can design and install a robust and efficient DIY camper van electrical system. Whether you’re embracing off-grid living or enhancing your road trip adventures, a well-executed electrical system ensures a reliable and comfortable mobile experience.

Camper Vans

Why Are Camper Vans So Popular Now?

Posted on November 4, 2023 by commercialvansolutions

Camper vans have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years for several compelling reasons, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards a more adventurous and flexible way of living.

Here, we’ll explore the factors driving this trend, including the desire for travel freedom, the appeal of minimalism, and the rise of remote work.

Travel Freedom: One of the primary reasons for the growing popularity of camper vans is the desire for travel freedom. People are increasingly seeking experiences over possessions, and camper vans offer a unique way to explore the world on one’s terms. In an era where international travel can be complicated and uncertain, camper vans provide a sense of autonomy and control over one’s adventures. They allow travelers to go wherever they please, from serene national parks to bustling cities, all while having their accommodations with them. The ability to change your scenery at a moment’s notice is an enticing prospect, and camper vans make it a reality.

Minimalism: The trend towards minimalism and a simpler way of life has played a significant role in the popularity of camper vans. These compact living spaces force individuals to declutter their possessions and prioritize what is truly essential. The minimalist lifestyle, with its emphasis on experiences and reducing the environmental footprint, aligns with the values of many camper van enthusiasts. Living in a van encourages a more intentional, clutter-free existence, and it’s a way to break free from the trappings of consumerism.

Remote Work: The rise of remote work has had a profound impact on camper van popularity. With more people working from anywhere with an internet connection, the van life offers a flexible and appealing lifestyle choice. Remote workers can take their jobs on the road, allowing them to work while enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes or vibrant urban environments. Camper vans are equipped with the necessary amenities, such as Wi-Fi and power sources, to support remote work, making them an ideal solution for those who value work-life balance and the ability to choose their office view.

Sustainable Living: The environmental consciousness of modern society has also contributed to the camper van craze. Many individuals are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional housing, and camper vans provide a more sustainable way of life. They tend to be more energy-efficient and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to larger homes. Additionally, some van lifers choose to incorporate solar panels, composting toilets, and other eco-friendly technologies, further reducing their impact on the environment.

Community and Social Media: The camper van community has grown significantly due to the power of social media and online communities. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and various online forums allow van lifers to share their journeys, tips, and experiences, inspiring others to embrace the lifestyle. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm for adventure is a significant draw for those considering life on the road. It’s a way to connect with like-minded individuals and seek advice and inspiration from those who have already embarked on this journey.

Customization and Convenience: Modern camper vans are not the cramped, uncomfortable vehicles of the past. Today’s camper vans come in various sizes and layouts, often equipped with all the comforts of home, including a kitchen, bathroom, and cozy sleeping quarters. The customization options are nearly endless, allowing individuals to design their vans to suit their specific needs and preferences. This level of convenience and comfort is a major attraction for those who want to enjoy the benefits of van life without sacrificing basic amenities.

In conclusion, the popularity of camper vans is a multifaceted trend driven by a combination of factors. The desire for travel freedom, a minimalist lifestyle, remote work opportunities, sustainability, online communities, and customization options all contribute to the widespread appeal of van life. As people seek more flexible and fulfilling ways of living, camper vans provide a vehicle for self-discovery, adventure, and a stronger connection with the world around them. This trend is likely to continue evolving and growing as society continues to change and adapt to new ways of living and working.

cargo vans

What Are Cargo Vans & Why Should I Use One?

Posted on May 25, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

A cargo van is a single-piece vehicle in which the passenger area and the cargo area connect. In this van, you can access the cargo space from the inside of the automobile. The exterior of a cargo van looks similar to a passenger van. It has a sliding side door and large rear doors for loading and unloading things.

Roofers, plumbers, electricians, and painters often use this type of vehicle for their businesses. You can add partitions to separate the passenger cab from the interior cargo area if desired. Other custom options include drawers or shelves for organizing items and hydraulic liftgates for lifting freight into the van.

Cargo Vans Benefits

Cargo vans have many advantages, depending on your needs:

Driving a cargo van is similar to handling a traditional automobile, making it easier to operate than other commercial vehicles.

Accessing your tools, gear, and equipment is easy with a cargo van.

Maneuvering and parking a cargo van in crowded areas is more manageable due to the smaller size.

Purchasing a cargo van is a more affordable option, as this type of vehicle is generally less expensive than a box truck.

Handling a cargo van offers good visibility and front-end clearance.

Customizing the interior of a cargo van is easy, with many available add-on features for storage and organization.

Advertising with your vehicle is easy if your cargo van does not have windows in the back.

commercial vans

Organizing Your Tools in a Van Like a Pro

Posted on May 23, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

It’s official: The cargo van is fast becoming the vehicle of choice across several industries, ahead of the pickup truck.

Whether you’re changing the direction of your fleet or getting your first cargo van, you’ll need to start organizing. You need a different approach to organizing a work van than you do for organizing a truck.

The importance of organizing your tools in a van allows you to increase the efficiency of your work, keep track of tools, and ensure every worker has what they need for every job. This doesn’t just please workers and customers but also increases profits.

On top of that, customers want to see your vans looking pristine. Your van is always representing your company, whether in a driveway or parked on a city street. Having people pass your vans and see tools, trash, and paperwork everywhere is bad for business.

5 Things You Need for Organizing Your Tools in a Van

Interior Shelves

Your line of work will determine the kinds of shelving you need. Lots of services offer pre-designed packages. If you do a variety of custom jobs with materials big and small, get something with adjustable shelves.

For HVAC or Electrical companies, you’ll need space to account for tools and materials. Think about whether wood or metal would be ideal for your space. Depending on the climate and types of material, you might find a mixture of the two works best.

Cabinets

Depending on the size of your van, you’ll need something that takes into account your van’s layout. Full door cabinets can have shelving installed inside or you can do away with shelving for the maximum capacity.

For businesses that use things like CO2 tanks and big HVAC equipment, you can get cabinets specifically designed to secure your equipment.

Drawers for Tools

Saws, drill bits, and custom chiseling tools can take up a lot of room when they’re properly stored. If you want to be sure your tools stay in great condition while traveling, a series of drawers can be the most economical solution.

Tools that are well cared for stay sharp, safer, and more efficient.

Think about whether you want to have custom drawers built or if you just need one receptacle to carry your hammers, screwdrivers, and measuring tools.

A Roof Rack

Building materials, ladders, and cargo might require you to carry things on the exterior of your van. The right roof rack will ensure you can get all the PVC or construction material to your worksite.

If you’re self-installing, be sure you run a couple of tests around the block before you get on the highway and end up losing quality materials in the middle of the road.

Bulkhead

Add a partition between the driver and the back of the van. This will add to the safety of your van by keeping material and sharp tools from flying to the front of the van.

In case of an accident or sudden stopping at a traffic light, the last thing you want is a hammer flying at your windshield from the inside. Your decision to organize a work van can be an important safety measure.

Also, if you’ve decided on the perfect van interior, the last thing you want is unnecessary damage.

It will also buffer against noise and help with organizing. Putting a small file mount will be a great place to keep your invoices and keys out of the fray of tools and personal belongings.

Ladder racks

How and Where to Buy Ladder Racks?

Posted on May 23, 2022 by commercialvansolutions

What is common between construction contractors, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, architects, and other service providers, who travel for business? Well, they need a convenient, efficient, and productivity-boosting Work Truck.

Work van and cargo van equipment have evolved over the years. Modern-day businesses require powerful, sizeable, and efficient vehicles that can double up as mobile workshops. From vans to trucks, all work trucks need a certain level of customization and up-fitting. Ladders are an indispensable tool for a variety of service and construction-related industries.

It is no wonder then that ladder racks are all the rage in the vehicle accessories market – after all, they offer the user, a massive range of benefits.

Cargo van equipment manufacturers have realized the need to design novel, efficient, and durable accessories that fleet owners can use to up-fit their vehicles according to their unique needs. Modern ladder systems like cargo van ladder racks are prime examples of this.

You can either visit a vehicle equipment store or look for products you need online. Ladder racks at American Van are available in a wide variety of designs, styles, and features. The multitude of options might make it difficult for you to pick the right one for your needs, and hence, it is recommended that you get in touch with our team to make an informed choice.

While buying a ladder rack, here are some things that you should account for:

Truck model and variant
Your unique cargo handling needs
The average and the maximum weight you expect to haul
Type of ladder rack (top load, side rack, pickup truck rack, etc.)
Maximizing cargo space
Ladder rack warranty
Additional features and tools

cargo van, Commercial Van

WORK VAN STORAGE & ORGANIZATION IDEAS

Posted on March 9, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Nissan Commerical Vans — WORK VAN STORAGE & ORGANIZATION IDEAS

As a business owner, your time is valuable. You may not be able to add hours to the day; but with some preparation today, you can save time – and potentially money – in the future. You can start with your vehicle. By taking advantage of these work van shelving ideas, you and your employees may be able to work more efficiently.

You might need to set aside some time to plan out how you’ll implement these cargo van storage ideas. If you own or manage a fleet of vehicles, you can develop work van organization ideas that you can deploy across all your trucks, which may further increase efficiency.

VAN SHELVING IDEAS

These handy pieces can help with van racking by giving you a blank slate to install a custom shelving system. The wall panels can also help keep your cargo area free from sheet metal dents and scratches.

Get easy access to whatever tools or equipment you need with an in-vehicle drawer storage system for your NV Cargo or NV® Passenger. These setups have the added benefit of weatherproof construction to help keep your gear safe and dry. To further simplify organization, use drawer dividers and labels to keep parts and tools together by size and type.

VAN STORAGE IDEAS

With long days on the road, you need a workspace that is as comfortable as it is smart. The NV Cargo and NV Passenger are available with a locking center console with room for a laptop and hanging files and innovative under-seat storage that can accommodate loose items. Use the center console to create a filing system so you can keep receipts, invoices and other important papers organized. NV200 includes six standard wall-mounted cargo tie-down points and is available with six more mounted to the floor. Up front, the NV Cargo, NV Passenger and NV200 feature a front-passenger seat that folds flat to create a work desk. The NV200’s available composite cargo mat provides an anti-skid, stain-resistant surface. It also acts as a heat and noise insulator, which can make the interior more comfortable and quieter on the road.

VAN RACKING IDEAS

While every business is different, equipping your van with a racking system can help keep your gear tidy and maximize available space. Some van racking ideas for carpenters include the use of drawer units to hold screws and storage boxes to stow power tools. Some van racking ideas for plumbers can include the installation of pipe carriers to help prevent them from rolling around. You might also consider specialized storage compartments for unusually shaped tools. Among van racking ideas for electricians are modular shelving units with tray dividers and floor boxes for things that might need extra security.

To help realize your van shelving ideas, Nissan Aftermarket vendors can offer custom solutions that can help with van racking, including custom, adjustable shelving systems, ladder racks, partitions and more. To help you build out your vehicle for the unique needs of your business, we offer qualifying customers an Upfit Allowance of up to $1,000 through the nationwide network of NTEA member companies.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips

5 Van Life Ideas For Your Next Campervan Conversion

Posted on December 22, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

van life ideas - kitch 2 — 5 Van Life Ideas For Your Next Campervan Conversion

Looking for work van shelving ideas to create the perfect work van conversion? Here is a list of 5 inspirational van builds to help you out. Whether you’re starting a new build or renovating your old van, be sure to give this article a read, first.

From electronic beds to a log cabin on wheels, we’ve scoured the internet to find the best and craziest van life ideas out there.

The Best Van Life Ideas You Must See To Believe

Here below, I present the culmination of our collective firsthand experiences (plus copious amounts of browsing the Internet): the top 5 best van clan ideas for any adventure!

Van Life Ideas 1-10: Practical Considerations

First and foremost, your van life ideas should be grounded in reality. It’s easy to daydream and go on flights of fancy about what you might do and how you might live on your adventure van. But remember that quality of life is important–as you’re going to be spending a lot of time in that space!

Idea #1 – A Stow-able Bed that Retracts into the Ceiling

This electronic, movable bed is our top van life ideal not only because it’s amazingly practical–it is just so cool! Struggling to decide between the convenience and comfort of a fixed bed and the thought of being able to pack it away and have more space? Well with a bed that can retract up into the ceiling, you can have both.

There are four posts that the bed base moves up and down; stowing away in unused ceiling space by day, then lowering down again just in time for bedtime. The advantages of this are that you simply make your bed in the morning, then send it zooming up, out of sight, giving you so much more space to play with through the day time.

This is the best, quickest way to have two completely different day and night setups. On the downside, the systems can be heavy and expensive, but if you can make it work then we think the positives greatly outweigh the negatives!

Idea #2 – Clever Storage Throughout the Van

Storage is essential within any home, but that’s especially true in van life. Because this is an alternative lifestyle, you’ll have to get clever with your storage ideas to meet your needs.

There are many different types of storage out there. Drawers work better than cupboards in a van, as it is easier to access their contents and they can be kept organised more easily. Pockets and pouches on the walls of your van can be a great way to store small items such as books and phones–especially in the bed area.

When thinking about storage, remember that things slide around when driving. Smaller spaces work well, as the items within them have less room to move. Also remember that any shelving will need something to keep the items from falling out; rope can be a good solution for this. Get clever and us every nook and cranny in your van, you can never have enough storage!

Idea #3 – Solar Panels for True Off-grid Living

If you’re wanting to build a true off grid home, then solar panels are a must have on your van! This is one of the most practical van life ideas: Endless free power to charge all of your gadgets while you’re on the go.

Being able to draw as much power as you like, completely independent of campsite plug-ins will greatly enhance the feeling of independence of and self-suficiency. Once you’ve gone solar, you will never want to go back.

I know what you’re thinking: “what about when it isn’t sunny?” Well first, solar panels don’t need bright sun and clear blue skies to be effective, although they obviously work better in these conditions. Second, it’s quite possible to rig your van with a batter, where you can store the sun’s energy for a rainy day. Finally, producing your own power to cook, heat showers, and power gadgets is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. So, what are you waiting for?!

Idea #4 – Nothing Beats Fixed Beds at the End of the Day

Just picture this; you’ve had an amazing day out on the trail, you’ve just finished eating a beautifully cooked meal, and you’re more than ready to climb into your warm, soft bed. But wait, where is the bed? Oh, of course, it’s packed away and needs putting together and then making with a sheet and the duvet and pillows… nooooo! Avoid the bed building doom and consider a fixed bed in your campervan conversions.

Having a bed constantly out really makes a campervan feel like somewhere you could spend a lot of time. Having to build your bed at the end of each day just isn’t ideal, and anyone that’s been in this position would agree that having a fixed bed is a true luxury.

Some may argue that you lose so much space in the daytime but more often than not, you’ll find that even with a fixed bed you’ll still have enough space to have everything else you may want in a van, even a seating area and table. Plus, you gain so much handy storage underneath the bed, and by not having a space to pack your duvet into every day. This is one of the van life ideas that is seriously worth considering.

Idea #5 – Swivelling Van Seats Up Front

The cab area in campers is often lost to those hours spent driving–and is rarely more than a dumping ground for outdoor coats and shoes that have nowhere else to go. Try making a feature out of the seats, rather than leaving them an afterthought for a little van life Aikido.

Enabling one or both of the front seats to spin round and become chairs in the living area of the van means that you don’t need to take up extra space in the back of your van by building another seating area. The front seats in a campervan are usually more comfortable than the standard bench seating, so it makes sense to utilise the comfort! To really tie it all together, add some beautiful covers that go with the interior of your van.

Commercial Van, Ideas & Tips

5 Space-Saving Storage Ideas for a DIY Van Conversion

Posted on December 22, 2020 by commercialvansolutions

https://havelockwool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Van-Insulation-Installation-e1529003652744.jpg — 11 Space-Saving Storage Ideas for a DIY Van Conversion

It’s incredibly important to keep your space organized when you live in a van. You may not have many belongings, but in a small space things can quickly get out of hand if you don’t have a good place to put everything. That’s why planning your storage areas and using every available inch is so vital.

In this post, i will go over the best van shelving ideas for your van build. If you’re looking for ways to maximize the space inside your van, I hope these give you some inspiration!

1. Underneath the Bed Platform

Built your bed platform tall enough to have plenty of storage space underneath. The bed is two feet above the floor of the van, which easily allows us to store all of our bulkier items. Instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele), tools, a telescoping ladder, extra fuel for our alcohol stove, propane, our battery box, extra dog food, shower stuff, gas can, spare water jug, extra solar panel on a folding stand, and all of our camping/backpacking gear. You name it, it’s under there.

Because of the way we built our pullout bed frame, we can also access this underbed storage from the main living area inside the van. All we have to do is move the back cushion out of the way. We may not be able to get out the guitar without opening the trunk, but it’s easy to grab the ukulele and mandolin for an impromptu jam sesh while it’s raining outside.

2. Bedside Storage Shelves and Cup Holders

When you are laying in bed, we like to have easy access to our books, phones, and water bottles. So we built storage shelves in the space between the bed and the van’s walls that hold everything we need nearby.

The shelves sit a few inches below the sides of the bed frame, allowing us to snugly set things in there so they won’t tip over or move around.

The cup holders are also made out of ½” birch plywood, which is much stronger and sturdier than typical plywood. We cut a square platform and a horseshoe-shaped piece with a jigsaw, and screwed them both to a rectangular support piece using 1-⅝” self-tapping screws. Then, we screwed the support pieces directly to the walls, and added 1-½” angle brackets underneath for extra stability.

3. Front-Access Storage Compartments Over Wheel Wells

The space around the wheel wells can be tough to put to good use, and it’s very easy for it to end up as dead space. In our van, we decided to build front-access storage compartments above each wheel well. One side holds all of our workout stuff – yoga mats and accessories, weights, resistance bands, jump rope, and XTF90 DVDs. The other side holds our GoPro and miscellaneous camera gear.

To build these, we once again used ½” birch plywood, cut to fit the gap between the bed frame support legs and the walls. The plywood shelf sits directly on top of the wheel wells, secured using 1-½” angle brackets attached to the wall on one side and the bed frame on the other.

The rear support wall is another piece of birch plywood, bracketed to the wall, floor, and shelf.

These storage compartments are great for tucking things out of the way, while also allowing us to access them quickly and easily.

4. Flip-Top Storage Bench

Our bench has a hinged flip top that lets us access the space underneath it. This area is home to a lot of the items we may not need on a daily basis. Things like our shoes, our “extras” box (which is filled with spare items or things we may need for repairs), batteries, paper towels – and anything else we don’t need immediate access to. There’s also a separate compartment that holds all of our electrical components.

The storage bench integrates fully into our layout design. The cushions are actually pieces of our mattress, and they fit into the bed frame when it’s fully extended.

The bench also works in concert with our kitchen cabinets to save space and maximize storage. It’s always important to think about how everything fits together when designing your van. It can be like a big game of Tetris sometimes.

5. Front and Back Closets Under High Topper

Our conversion van originally had a media center with TV/VCR above the front cab and little storage cubbies above the rear bench seat. When we gutted the van and ripped all this out, we discovered spacious shelves in these areas that were perfect for storage. So we decided to build a pantry over the front cab and a closet for our clothes in the rear.

To turn these into storage areas, we first insulated them by lining them with reflectix and foil tape. The shelves were already framed with wood, so we were able to screw 1×3 facing directly to the frame. The facing also creates a lip to the shelf, which prevents things from sliding out while driving.