Van Life & Overlanding Setup Checklist

16 items · Travel · Hard difficulty · 2 hours

Essential setup steps for a safe, livable van or overland build.

• Measure van interior and sketch layout

  Measure width, height, wheel wells and door swings; note mounting points and clearances.

• Build sleeping platform with accessible storage and secure mattress

  Design for ventilation and easy access to under-bed storage; fasten mattress so it won't slide.

• Plan power system and calculate electrical loads

  List devices, run times, and charging sources to size batteries and panels.

• Install battery bank and DC wiring

  Mount batteries with ventilation, use correct gauge wiring and fuses, and secure terminals.

• Mount solar panels and install charge controller

  Secure panels to roof, wire to MPPT controller, and seal roof penetrations.

• Install inverter and shore power inlet

  Choose inverter size for AC loads; mount shore inlet with proper grounding and GFCI where required.

• Install fresh water tank, pump, plumbing, and drinking filter

  Use food-grade tank, secure mounting, inline pump with check valve, and a drinking water filter.

• Build kitchen countertop and secure cooking area

  Fasten countertop and cabinets so they don't move; plan splash and drain routing.

• Secure portable stove and ensure ventilation while cooking

  Bolt or lock stove in place and always use a vent or open window to avoid fumes.

• Install gas cylinder mount and test for leaks

  Use rated brackets, secure bottles upright, and test all fittings with soapy water.

• Install insulation and roof vents for airflow

  Insulate floors, walls, and ceiling; add roof vent(s) with fan for moisture control.

• Install safety gear: fire extinguisher, CO/smoke detectors, and first aid kit

  Mount extinguisher near exit; install CO and smoke alarms at head level and test them.

• Secure storage for tools, recovery gear, and valuables

  Use lockable drawers, cargo nets, and firm tie-downs for heavy items.

• Prepare documentation and border-crossing kit

  Gather passport, vehicle registration, insurance, title, permits, and any carnet documents.

• Make digital and physical copies of important documents and store backups

  Keep paper copies in a waterproof folder and encrypted digital copies offline and in the cloud.

• Test all systems and run a pre-trip simulation

  Run power, fridge, pump, stove and check for leaks, loose fasteners, and proper ventilation; do an overnight test.

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