5 BEST VAN LAYOUTS (must watch before van life)

Wondering what the best van layouts are? Today we are going to break down the top 6 van layouts as well as share 3 tips that will save you time and money when it comes to creating a van conversion. Be sure to watch this before uou start van life!
You'll also get our best tips on how to plan your layout in your van conversion. We'll discuss things you'll want to decide before you plan your layout, and where to start first when planning your van layout.
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➳ VAN LIFE ESSENTIALS:
100ah Battle Born Batteries: amzn.to/3ocvhlL
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Separett Urine Diverting Toilet: amzn.to/2Is0rC1
➳ VAN DETAILS
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➳ WHO ARE WE?
We are Sara & Alex James. After converting 2 vans for us to travel the US & Canada, we settled down in Boise Idaho, opened our own custom van conversion shop, and started our family. We now have converted over two dozen vans for clients, and love to share helpful tips for those interested in Van Life!
You can check out our custom van build work here:
customcraftedvans.com
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#vanlife #vanbuild #vanlifebuild

[@lottathellman8558]

I would really appreciate if you could make a video about different layouts for solo travelers ❤️

[@samfish6938]

the two person layout would be good for 1

[@kimberlyl9205]

I would also love the same! Love the bloopers, too! That’s why I subscribed! 😂

[@hello_sunshine19]

​@samfish6938 yeah, but it's a waste of space. I'm 60, single, and want to travel, I am fine with a single bed van and have a bigger kitchen, storage, shower.

[@Robynhoodlum]

PLEASE do a “layouts for singles” I feel like most videos like these focus on bench seats and extra beds for families and don’t go into pros and cons of specific fixtures like permanent wet bath vs convertible or permanent bed vs convertible, or even kitchen sizes and pros and cons of different appliances/hookups.

[@kathytheesfeld5849]

A video on finishes would be great-colors fixtures. Also love the very end-you two keeping it real and showing us your great personalities ✌🏻💗

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

Great video. Tip no. 3 is the most important, I'm converting a van that I will use for over night stays or a few nights away for mounting biking. The most important thing for me is a bed, I do all my cooking outside, washing, well I use a campsite shower or do without washing for a day or two no big deal, brush your teeth and use a bottle of water to rinse your mouth. I have an awning to sit under, cook under, a small BBQ to cook with and a gas stove. It is camping after all not luxury living! ✌❤

[@mayyang8350]

I appreciate this video so much! My husband and I are just starting to look into van life and your video gave us many things to think about. It’s also amazing how much great information you packed into a short video. I just subscribed to your channel.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@logun1970]

Best and most different layout Ive seen was a recent van tour where the bed came down from the roof on tracks at the front of the van over the living area which gave basically two queen size sleeping areas and giving a "full size" bathroom and kitchen layout. Plus the concrete type wall material was fabulous on the walls. Completely different look and feel of these typical layouts and styles shown here (nothing wrong with these mind you).

[@shawnpatton]

Amazingly useful! With a family of 3, that layout looks perfect : )

[@cathyhill9944]

Thank you for going through the whys of various configurations. Very helpful!

[@deborah4579]

Nicely done you two. I appreciate the condensed overviews of the layouts. I’m still learning what works for me but I’m finding I’m more minimal that I anticipated.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you!

[@renewashington9119]

💜 this is perfect info. 90% of the time i’d be utilizing my van for wfh 👩🏽‍💻 sleeping and showering

[@deacondavidviscount7579]

Love the video. Gives us a lot to think about. It's hard to NOT want all the bells and whistles, but have to be honest that they come at a cost!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

So true! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@user-iw2bx7cv3r]

Excellent insights, very informative.

[@veraluciadarosa3697]

The layouts and colors are beautiful!

[@tomrmalcolm]

Great video! You guys are fun! And I love the tempo of the video, it has a nice flow. Lots of great perspectives!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you!

[@guypocock385]

Thanks Sara and Alex - a great watch with some top advice based on common sense and practicality. I'll have to start watching your other videos now! Excellent!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephensanders1876]

Awesome vid! TLDR; 2:50 The Beach House 4:11 The Bungalow 5:25 The Gear Van 6:58 The Family Van 7:59 The Family Van 2.0 8:55 Family of Three

[@amythinks]

For the family of three (or even the family of 4), if you put together a kitchen that had a completely flat counter top (you know how you can do those fold down faucets and hidden stoves, you could turn the long counterspace into another bed at night.

[@pamelariordan3756]

Would love rmto see that layout!

[@MauiGurl82]

I would love to see a video of a van layout with a twin bed.

[@richardcameron2764]

Great presentation! If I could make one request it would be for a segment on your opinion of the driveability of different vans.

[@pamelariordan3756]

Pretty please! (New subscriber) Thanks!!

[@saja.]

Good to see you guys! 🙋🏼‍♀🍃🌸🐝

[@davidrosen4951]

Super helpful awesome video! And fun too. Gracias!

[@ML-uk6lu]

Great information. Thank you.

[@burkeearley5017]

Thank you!! Very good information!

[@torriebrown9607]

I love everything y'all do ty ty for always sharing.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you!

[@chipschannel9494]

Informative and enjoyable.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thanks so much!

[@streetmachine8211]

Good tips. Thank you.

[@alexsantiago9485]

I appreciate this type of video. Thank you!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you liked it!

[@CrazyMongol123]

Thanks guys! Really nice advices

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chuckpatterson8374]

I’m building a 6x12 cargo conversion. Your ideas are very adaptable to these also. Good info guys.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Glad this was helpful!

[@jerriemccurry6777]

Thank you for this great information. I really like the beach house and bungalow for my needs.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolsakaguchi3739]

Wonderful designs

[@MichaelNatrin]

Great video.

[@ebbthenflow]

I love the "Bungalow" and the "Family of 3"!

[@ianpatrick23]

These are amazing designs

[@Erin-Thor]

I’ve been looking for one with a happy jack bed in the front or back with the dining/living area below it. That seems like a genius design to me.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

It’s definitely very functional!!

[@eminbc]

No longer a tent camper but would love to find a simple build in a small van at low cost and low weight for camping outdoors and safely sleeping inside so I'm not eaten by bears, cougars or mountain lions 🙂

[@lindalarsen2157]

Great information!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you!

[@802HotDog]

Totally agree on really understanding the various needs to be provided by a van. Also, go rent a van (or at least get your hands on one at a builder/dealer). I rented a few and went to a few events, then realized features that were appealing virtually did not really meet my needs in reality. I spent 2 years planning/researching my MB 144 build.

[@juliesexauer5373]

I’d love for you to do a video on a budget layout.

[@ttweed87]

Loved the video! Have you ever built a van for a family with kids in competitive/travel sports? A characteristic trip would involve a Friday to Sunday, all day at the fields (rest, meal, shower, bathroom), bringing the pet, and optionally sleeping overnight. The van could be used for recreational weekend trips as well.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

We have! Our family van and family van 2.0 layouts work great for hauling kids and still having the functional spaces needed. 👍🏼🚐

[@user-tv4zv1mc3k]

I would love suggestions for solo with multiple dogs. Don’t want a wet bath.

[@Mark-mk2hw]

thanks for sharing legends!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

You bet!

[@heatherlucero2530]

It would be great to see a layout with a bathroom in the back

[@pamelariordan3756]

Never. Thought of that

[@mowensmd]

Family of 5 with a 120# Newfoundland in PNW here. Some feedback from our 10 years of vans, we DIY the build. 1. Get flares, sleep sideways. 2. use stock 3 seat bench against the bed. 3 Put the kitchen in the van step. Yup...9" deep, take half the step and extend the cabinet inside another 20" back. Kitchen opens to the outside with drop down counter and extension. Why? Cooking inside is a mess and totally not needed unless lots of winter camping. 4. A 15gal water tank behind the bench seat, horizontally, 6 gal gray water tank next to it (passenger side) all in the garage. Plumbed to a pop up sink on the inside side of kitchen. Foot pump to RV click in faucet. No electricity, easy to fix. No hot water, heat some up. 5.Batteries underneath means you get ALL the garage width. Why? Nobody shows all the inflatable kayak/SUP, fishing gear, surfing gear, wetsuits, coats/blankets, firewood, dutch oven, s'more sticks, hatchet, grill, bike tools...you know...camping stuff. 6. One easy to setup tent/sleeping pads/pillows/sleeping bags because nobody wants to sleep with their parents all the time 7.Top load National Luna Twin fridge freezer behind driver with Lagun tables that swivel both sides to allow surface as prep space or as a table for the bench seats. Mom preps by fridge and pantry (see #8) Dad cooks outside. 8. Headliner shelf, the LOW one is your pantry. 8. SOFT cabinets. Reduce weight and injury in case of accident. Build with nothing that can splinter. Secure ALL hard objects if not in the garage. 9. Soft zippered bulkhead, the front window shades are a pain, don't insulate as much and give away someone is inside. 10. Cassette toilet only for urine. Store in garage. 11. Solar shower or heat some water. Use a teak mat out back with a cheap battery driven shower head. Plumbing inside a van can be a mess, a "bathroom" takes up valuable space most rarely if ever use. 12. Drop down movie screen from headliner shelf, small projector in ceiling.

[@tonysusanto6684]

Great work come from the great person

[@user-rz7bv7li8q]

Beautiful vans. Have you designed any with a rear bathroom?

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

Wow great video folks. You guys must have a lot of rich clients.

[@karatulanko4613]

Was the Bungalow layout supposed to be included in the bundle? I was really interested in that one as I will also be traveling with a large dog crate and loved the look of that one!!!

[@karenrose2260]

What about the bed across from the slide door, couch by day,bed at night. Kitchen in back on one side and bath on other side.

[@Maryfran03]

I like that idea!

[@doncotey3168]

Awesome

[@laurenm8561]

I would love to see a twin size happy Jack elevator bed with the smaller dinette below. Something to fit inside a non-extended sprinter with a high top. Can you create your own design online? Then do a follow-up consultation? I wrote to you guys, but never heard back. Not sure how to ask these questions. You do beautiful quality work, thanks for sharing these videos… They help.

[@lydialewis3277]

What would your layout be for a 148.9 Dodge Ram cargo van for 1 to 2 people living full time doing mainly boondocking but yet fully self containd. For aleast. 10 days. 😊

[@rogerhuston8287]

Hey Guys, learn to convert stereo to mono! It might not be so bad if the voice tracks weren't reversed.

[@cedricbiasino952]

Hi! What kind of paint did you use on the bumpers on the gear van? Thanks

[@whiterabbitt2002]

i plan on buying a promaster or transit i would like to carry 2 motorcycles inside but also have a bed in there as well. what type of van build would you recommend for such ? Thinking a super high roof with a lifting bed that I could lower once i load my two motorcycles. But what other layout you would recommend.

[@matthiashepworth6583]

Please emphasis the need to get from the living space to the cab to drive away for safety reasons. Many people build their kitchen against the bulwark behind the seats making them have to exit the van to drive off. This has the potential to go very badly if unsavoury people are about. For those who chock their van up overnight, some cable/rope about 2ft long attached to the underside of the van and the chocks so when you drive off this will enable the chocks to drag along the road until you're in a safe place to retrieve them.

[@GlennThomas]

Curious to get your take on the EcoFlow power system vs the Victron. I know the Victron is fully customizable, but from a labor saving standpoint are you considering modular systems? Stoked you guys are doing videos again! I've been watching them since the beginning. Cheers!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

The Ecoflow looks pretty awesome - we are probably putting it in a van that's more of a modular build next year. When clients do custom builds, we will stick with our Victron/Battle Born set up.

[@maritalhate]

Could you mount a cabinets beneath the happy jack so you still have the cabinets?

[@roguewolfgirl8919]

this video got me thinking. How about removing the table bed for a hammock as bed witha desk and chair for a desktop setup. So the kitchen and wet bathe and 2 sitting at front. maybe a garage storage area if there is space or in the smaller van you wouldnt need it. Yea what do you guys think.

[@monikastep5711]

Family of 3 layout is my fave.... only if because it truly does allow for keeping multiple zones without "re-configuring" zones as needed. I wonder if you'd have any tips for me ...I have a GMC Savana 1500 that i in pretty much mint condition original built inside. I will use it mainly for weekend getaways and don't need a bath etc. In fact for now I'm apprehensive about destroying the original pristine wood paneling, or carpet, but would love to brighten up the space a little... I've taken out the 2 extra passenger seats, and will lay a rubberized white floor floor on top of the carpet but still want to brighten the walls, and change the front passenger seat to a swivel and install a "lagoon" type table for that chair so my bed can stay in bed mode and I can have a sitting, eating, area in front. For a kitchen I'm thinking of a kitchen box so I can take it outside when it's nice out but bring inside if raining etc. Any suggestions on what to consider when DYI or where to buy materials. I'm also looking at installing an awning in the front. Thanks in advance for your time, and keep up the great work.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Sounds like you are making some great changes already! Local lumberyards or Home Depot is always great for materials. Another thing is new bedding/throw pillows can always freshen up a space

[@davidpatrick1813]

Nice

[@kloppskalli]

if I was in North America with all that space, I would definitely prefer to convert a U-Haul Truck instead of a narrow van

[@travellingjournalist966]

Hi guys I’m mulling over a van layout for my lwb sprinter just interested in the dimensions of the bathroom with toilet thanks guys

[@ebbthenflow]

Hi! Do you have any advice on sourcing good bench seats? I'm trying to find one that is relatively affordable and folds down flat to help form a bed, but I might just have to get a fixed one since it's so difficult to find under 2k! Thanks so much for sharing! I have gotten so much inspiration from you both!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

We use the broad arrow seat

[@aninterestingconversation]

What van and what windows\trim were used at the 4min mark when you’re talking about bed turndown? Please.🙏🏻

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Which layout is your favorite? Get the Van Layout Guide here: saraandalexjames.com/van-build-layout-guide

[@CaptZenPetabyte]

Link is now 404

[@laurenm8561]

Link goes to error.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

@@laurenm8561 it should be working now. Thank you! saraandalexjames.com/van-build-layout-guide

[@tizmon]

So intuitive yet that’s hard to do. I’m still recovering from a van camper builder video that had permanent toilet in second row seating area forcing users to eat from the toilet seat.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

😂😂😂

[@MicaelaSkyy]

Best layouts for solos please 🙏🏽 I’m a Otr truck driver very interested in van life.

[@waynelast1685]

Do you have any videos helping us to decide what power level van is acceptable or not? You mentioned in the video we need a “3500” …. Is it possible to get a “1500” or a “2500” ? I am not aware of weight restrictions.

[@Le_Corse_Belge]

Hi team, In Europe we have a VW Crafter L5H3 (7.391 mm - 2.590 mm) has MB longer than that ?

[@joaquinrodriguez7730]

The audio is fire, not sure what's going on, crystal clear and in stereo.

[@artest7]

So What is your BEST layout for Solos (w/120lb. Dog-no crate living full time, showers will be taken at Planet Fitness for $25/month)? And, are you accepting new builds this year 2024)? Thx!

[@patriciag.6395]

I'm at the very beginning of all this (other than watching van videos), I don't have a van yet. I would love to see a van that can haul a sit-on-top kayak inside, wet bath, kitchen can be small, work on laptop, and two dogs....one large and one medium (no kennels needed). Just need the front two seats that can turn around. Extras....outside rise off shower mainly to clean kayak and feet. I have yet to find a video with a layout plan for my needs. I prefer a fixed bed.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

We build custom so most things can be done!

[@windsongshf]

How do these things get insured? I was thinking of getting a van and rigging it out, but when I called to check about insurance, it sounded complicated.

[@iricalexis7508]

lacking info for some personal touch like the best layout for solo stealth (longer and extended van effect on some parking lot, etc), best layout for people who love take off-road (more into outer layout like need rail guard for solar panel, place for saw machine, extra lamp, etc, best layout for 1 or 2 people who like side activity like hiking, ski, diving, etc.

[@Scrambler85]

I used your original fixed bed layout.

[@1975Per]

Iveco Daily has a longer version. Sprinter biggest version is 17sqm, while Iveco Daily's largest is 19,6sqm.

[@fnmikeygg]

Do you know of any setups for someone who would like to work in IT remotely and have a serious computer set up? (double monitor minimum)

[@kennethkeitt1015]

Would you guys be able to talk about a wheelchair accessible version?

[@JudesViews]

great layouts thankyou

[@philipevans1027]

America needs to look at the vw crafter, it drives better than a sprinter and the long wheel bace crafter has less overhang so stability and less chance of grounding out rear end.ive never seen a lifted crafter surely could be done for your Americans.

[@TraderChick]

I’ve seen some layouts with some half size cabinets on the bottom of the happijac life. The shelves aligned with a hard stop area where the bed could go down so far so it wouldn’t affect those cabinets. What are you thoughts on that possibility?

[@source5729]

I’ve seen that on European RVs. It’s really clever

[@SaraandAlexJames]

That sounds great! Definitely a possibility.

[@Pawiie]

I'm really wondering how to do this in Europe.. so many different rules regarding this.. :)

[@tomstewart4735]

Such a great video! Thank you

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dymondwillow2]

I am the one who is watching 70 van videos... why the sliding side door and not the 'french' style - or the same style - as the back doors?

[@pamelariordan3756]

Interesting concept! Great question!

[@tesla-spectre]

I still wait someone to do a full EV conversion with a long-wheelbase Van. Using a 120-200kWh Battery (most likely Tesla sets), 100kW DC charging and two AC chargers to allow for 22 kW AC charging. Yeah that costs BUT, combined with solar, you can be pretty much autark (esp when you stay at a location for some days) and you can run eveything on the main battery (heating, cooking, everything), no space lost for battery etc inside the van, because the packs fit under the van. If you put in V2L, you can run all appliances like chainsaw, etc pp on it as well. And then as my conversion would be for 2 plus dog, I would probably go for a beach house type but maybe with a murphy bed on one side.

[@Margo1-bg5po]

Hey guys loved your video and bloopers!! 😂 So interested and would love to talk. How can I reach you?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Fill out our contact form and we’ll be in touch! www.customcraftedvans.com/contact-us-1

[@Gebri3l]

Bed should not be fixed, you only need it for one third of the day, find Murphy ways to use it. You don't need to sit four five six people, you need a work space, a place to eat and a place to chill for you. Unless you have kids, you don't need a second bed, let them sleep in a tent or the passenger seat. invest heavy in kitchen and bathroom, take your time on plumbing and electrical

[@user-qo7pe7wc1o]

How long does hot water last in shower ?

[@tonybalz2726]

Can you give us an idea of build cost for each of your floor plans

[@SaraandAlexJames]

It really depends on the components and extras - the exterior stuff can add up quickly. Typical range is $120-200k

[@charlevoix418]

I think that it is also important not to build a van around its kitchen sink.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Haha also true! Find a sink that fits the space.

[@traceyhill7784]

do you do builds for shipped UK vans?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

We haven’t yet but anything is possible!

[@p4uli016]

not heard a KZbin video in Mono for a long time...

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

not a fan of any of those layouts. i want a fixed bed, with low bench seat by the door, and kitchen on the drivers side, but these vans look adorable :)

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you! And anything is possible in a van. That’s why we build custom 😊

[@rodolfoherrera1409]

I loved all the layouts, sadly none of them really work in regions like California or Oregon, where oversized vehicles are not allowed, cities and towns all over the US are cracking down on van builds that are either too tall or long, fantastic builds for everything other than parking on the street.

[@waynelast1685]

What?! Are you kidding? How can they ban big vans? They allow large tractor trailers don’t they? Somebody please provide details.

[@joachim73]

Why have I never seen the fixed horizontal bed with a garage underneath but in the front of the van ? I'm thinking about that because I want to install a bike rack underneath the bed and my bikes are too long for the width of the bed. What am I missing here ? I've been searching for a couple of days and I couldn't find anyone that did this layout there must be a reason...

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Because you wouldn’t be able to get in the sliding door or walk through from the front cab to the rear. That would really cut off the flow and function of the van. You can make your bed longer front to back in the rear to fit your bikes

[@joachim73]

@@SaraandAlexJames Walk through from the front I don't want that and while I would agree that it'd feel better walking in front the sliding door than the back door, it has in my opinion other advantages like having seats or the kitchen just in front of the big back doors. Anyway I'm sure that's not a good idea given no one seems to have ever done it lol

[@mowensmd]

There are 2 builds I've seen with a HappyJack bed behind driver/passenger. It lifts out of the way when not in use, but headroom is limited. But you can get at least 2 bikes in back if you drop seatpost and remove front wheel @@joachim73

[@natal1543]

My husband and I have a goal… that is to sell everything and live in a van. We’ve seriously thought about your company to help us with this dream. He’s 6’3” lol I’m hoping its possible without the top of his bald head being compromised! 😅

[@SaraandAlexJames]

We would love to help!

[@waynelast1685]

I travel overseas to Asia frequently and I see large vans that would make your mouth water.Here in the US it seems we have limited supplies. Does anyone know why? I tried to research it and could not get a good answer. I seen huge Toyota vans for example used to bus groups of people around. That would be sick if we could have those in the US.

[@suecastillo1733]

We are looking for a layout that serves ONLY 2 people, which is hard to find! Those 3rd or more seats are a waste of space for us.

[@philliphutcheson4219]

Unless the vans are getting post build certified as an RV by the state this is a waste of time for several reasons. 1) RV certification allows for an RV loan to be utilized which extends the pay period and lowers the amounts & 2) any accident or theft may not be covered by conventional insurance or car insurance; having an RV certified by the state typically allows various types of not only RV but homeowners insurance in the case of theft or accident which means you have more protection for your assets. Otherwise following the guidance here may get you a good looking van but it could all disappear in an instant with no recourse. Do the due diligence and research deeply before making the mistake of DIY’ing a Sprinter van.

[@electricheartpony]

It's possible. But, these aren't stolen much. They're broken into sure

[@benjimentv]

It's not a waist of time 😂 I'm not trying to get the project funded by the government and I can do my own thing when it comes to security.

[@hannahnaomi6236]

@@benjimentvhow do you get gov funding for a van build?

[@philliphutcheson4219]

@@benjimentv it’s a waste of time considering you’ll pay more and your things aren’t insurable

[@benjimentv]

@@philliphutcheson4219 nothing I currently own is insurable if my expensive cloths get ruined there just ruined. If I buy a van and covert it and it gets crashed or stolen Than that's that. a waist is far fetched it's more risky than a waist. Cause people use there own money all the time and they get to make memories and change there life. They don't buy it , build it and then it just get stolen right away.