Plan Smarter. Build Cheaper.
Free planning tools. Tested budget components. Complete builds from $10,000 — van included.
Planning Tools That Actually Help
Most van build guides give you a parts list and wish you luck. We built interactive calculators that answer your real questions—before you spend a dollar.
Van Build Tracker
Track every component's cost AND weight in real-time. The visual GVWR breakdown shows exactly how much payload you've used—before you overload your van. Includes presets for popular vehicles and build levels.
Start Tracking Your Build→Electrical Planner
Stop guessing at battery and solar sizes. Model your actual usage across 10 categories, from remote work to air conditioning, and get precise recommendations with seasonal adjustments.
Plan Your Electrical System→
Water System Planner
How many gallons do you actually need? Model your shower habits, cooking style, and climate to find out—then compare tank sizes and their weight impact.
Plan Your Water System→Stop Overpaying for Components
Most van build guides recommend expensive brands because that's what they used in 2019. We've tested budget alternatives extensively—here's what actually works.
Save $2,988+ on these six components alone
More Than a Parts List
Every component guide includes honest comparisons, real-world testing, and recommendations across multiple budget levels—not just "buy this expensive thing."
Complete Budget Builds
Real-world builds with full parts lists and actual costs. See exactly what $10k gets you, what works, and what I'd change.
- $10,000 van build (van included)
- Cargo trailer camper conversion
- Complete cost breakdowns
- Honest assessments & lessons learned
Component Selection Guide
30+ detailed guides organized by build phase. Compare options, understand trade-offs, and choose components that match your budget and use case.
- Electrical systems (solar, batteries, inverters)
- Climate control (heating, ventilation, AC)
- Interior build (insulation, framing, walls)
- Kitchen, bathroom, and plumbing
I've built sleeping platforms for cars and trucks, fully equipped cargo trailer campers, and camper vans. I've read countless guides, watched hundreds of YouTube videos, and made plenty of mistakes along the way.
This is the resource I wish I'd had. There are a lot of good guides out there, but this one includes everything I couldn't find anywhere else—current recommendations for components that work great at a fraction of the cost of the popular options, and interactive tools that replace the giant, unwieldy spreadsheets I built for myself. I hope you find it useful!
Read my story→