Just starting the planning phase....

[user 11188]

I'm just beginning to plan the van life.  10 years from retirement.  My plan is to do a phase 1 van to test my skills and iron out any issues.  This will require a starter van.  Then, in 8-9 years, begin the final build.  So, this first run, looks to be something like an Astro. Initial research shows about 96" x 56" for the working space. 

I'm looking at purchasing the actual vehicle in 2017, so the dimensions will change.  But based on the initial data, here is my starting point.

Bear in mind - I like to think things through, plan them out, then abandon the plans and start over, but this is the first planning phase.  More to come.  Comments welcome.  This assumes I get something with about a 96" x 56" floor plan.

BED - I already have the mattress so that is determining the bed dimensions.  27 x 72 seems to work for me.  Clothes in totes underneath.
KITCHEN - With the limited space, cooking out of the back seems to be the prudent choice.  Lift off top to hold my cooking/eating gear
HANGING and STORAGE - Still have a job that requires business casual, so I need a place to hang stuff and store shoes.
STORAGE ACCESSIBLE FROM THE REAR - Tools and such.
SHELF STORAGE - food/water/heater
WC - 5 gal pooper.  Just in case....
COOLER on floor by front seat. (not shown)

This initial run will be a weekender and some weekday overnights as I get the feel for this. Right now, I envision something bigger if I go full time.  Why start small?  My experience tells me this is the best path for me.  Van 1.0 - build, learn, adapt.

 

[eDJ_]

Looks like a great first design.   I've not ever owned a mini van.  My first was a short wheel base with low roof when I was a student in Industrial Design.   Vans Like I had were common and cheap and my first only had windows at the front and in the rear doors.   In fact the first link in my signature line below is about what I did
with it. 

I'm almost 6' tall so having a little extra room around me was a luxury I wanted even in a small conventional Van. I mounted my spare tire on the left rear door to make space inside. (as the spare was mounted over the right rear wheel well)   Thus I had a fairly rectangular space to design in. 

On being able to design effectively,  I'd suggest you keep a note book and write down questions you come up
with the space you have to work in.  These questions will be different with various vehicles.   One of the first big questions I had was how to mount the bed.  I chose across the back end which left me a tight fit but I reasoned I could sleep on my side with my legs and back bent a bit.  It has worked out fine for me.  The rest was about storage of clothing and bath towels etc. (under the bed) There was room there for my Jack should I have a flat tire.  Next was a kitchenette that provided a fold up & down table.  The top of the cabinet had a cook top & sink basin.  Otherwise there was room for Jerry Jugs of water and an ice chest. 

This proved to be all I ever needed.  I found that with a folding chair I could cook seated in the chair comfortably.  

The awning was the next issue I needed to resolve.  So much of my time camping was in nicer weather and the awning could expand my living area into the outdoors....like over a picnic table.  Still in heavier rain the awning would fill up with water like a balloon so I'd take it down before a big rain.   But it was great to have for the shade and creature comfort.  (of being under something like in the direct sun) 

I was quite happy with the service I got from it and had many many people look at it admiring the simplicity of it.  Often they were older retired Men and women with Class A and C RV's.  (I presume reflecting on their youth again just looking at it with me)

What I'm using now is larger but not much different.  I'm not full timing yet nor am I ready to.  But I am preparing for it.   A big part of that is learning to use the resources of the internet for when I go on the road.

 

[djkeev]

Keep thinking, keep looking, go online and see hiw the professional conversion people design their units.
They have experience and their designs reflect that point.

Find what works for you.

On my design, I determined that I wanted a REAL bed that doesn't double as a dining room chair and table.
I don't want to make my bed every night as I flip my interior around like a Transformer toy.
Knowing this....^^^^ I built upon these basics.

Best wishes! Keep us posted.

Dave

 

[rvpopeye]

Buy that last van first and save the $ you would spend on the first van for gas!
Let the designs evolve on paper..........

 

[MrNoodly]

I would avoid cooking near the bed. Spills, splatters, food smells on the bed/bedding. Increased chance of catching the bedding on fire. Since you don't need the full width of the side doors to get in and out, some people have built their kitchens overlapping the rearward one.

 

[frater secessus]

Hey Brad!

My D-Day is in about 10yrs too unless something breaks for the better in the interim.  My plan puts my final build around the same time as yours.  Right now I am in the research, reducing possessions and paying off debt mode.

I've some some layouts and electrical schematics on paper and am now learning some simple CAD and schematic design software to start digitizing it.  Should make it easier to share for feedback and then revise.  

Keep sharing your ideas progress, brother!