5 BEST VAN LAYOUTS (must watch before van life)

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.

➳ GET THE LAYOUT GUIDE: https://saraandalexjames.com/van-build-layout-guide

➳ 🚐CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://bit.ly/2U4HBWV

➳ VAN LIFE ESSENTIALS:
100ah Battle Born Batteries: https://amzn.to/3ocvhlL
3000 watt Victron Inverter Charger: https://amzn.to/3ecqGtk
Farmhouse Sink: https://amzn.to/3aa6Hul
Separett Urine Diverting Toilet: https://amzn.to/2Is0rC1

➳ VAN DETAILS
https://saraandalexjames.com/

➳ 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:
https://customcraftedvans.com

➳ CONNECT WITH US:
https://saraandalexjames.com
https://www.instagram.com/saraandalexjames
https://www.instagram.com/customcraftedvans
https://www.facebook.com/saraandalexjames

#vanlife #vanbuild #vanlifebuild

34 Comments

  1. Monika Step on September 24, 2023 at 2:17 pm

    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.

  2. David Patrick on September 24, 2023 at 2:18 pm

    Nice

  3. MauiGurl82 on September 24, 2023 at 2:18 pm

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

  4. Summer loving on September 24, 2023 at 2:19 pm

    I am looking to get out of a hotel and live in a van permanently and need a lot of help getting started

  5. Janice H on September 24, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    Do you ever build a van with murphy bed?

  6. Heather Lucero on September 24, 2023 at 2:21 pm

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

  7. Philip Evans on September 24, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    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.

  8. stixx d Colby on September 24, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    Do you sale your van plans for diys

  9. Lotta Thellman on September 24, 2023 at 2:28 pm

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

  10. 0neOver0neThreeSeven on September 24, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    Showers are a huge waste of space and use way too much water imho.

    You guys build nice quality vans👌

  11. Julie Sexauer on September 24, 2023 at 2:31 pm

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

  12. Iric Alexis on September 24, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    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.

  13. Tony Balz on September 24, 2023 at 2:32 pm

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

  14. Alex Santiago on September 24, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    I appreciate this type of video. Thank you!

  15. TraderChick on September 24, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    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?

  16. Tracey Hill on September 24, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    do you do builds for shipped UK vans?

  17. Šaja on September 24, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    Good to see you guys! 🙋🏼‍♀🍃🌸🐝

  18. Joachim B. on September 24, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    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…

  19. Mike G on September 24, 2023 at 2:36 pm

    Круто

  20. Torrie Brown on September 24, 2023 at 2:36 pm

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

  21. karen rose on September 24, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    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.

  22. Patricia G. on September 24, 2023 at 2:40 pm

    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.

  23. Amy L on September 24, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    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.

  24. Stupid Internet People on September 24, 2023 at 2:55 pm

    Completely appropriate thumbnail #doucheFace #lemmingMoron 😂

  25. N on September 24, 2023 at 2:56 pm

    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! 😅

  26. Savannah on September 24, 2023 at 2:58 pm

    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!

  27. Cathy Hill on September 24, 2023 at 3:02 pm

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

  28. Hannah Webb on September 24, 2023 at 3:03 pm

    I would need to still run into a lot of extra money to even buy a suitable van in good shape. STILL, buying the "shell on wheels" would probably be less expensive and a shorter wait to actually use your van than if you buy an AirStream or Pleasure Way. You will pay most of a quarter $million for a top of the line camper van from the factory or design your own. Since it’s just me, I would need no more than a twin or double bed so that the head/bathroom can be larger and have more shower standing room. I would love one of these to use as transportation to the dog obedience trials I train for (Shelties) and attend.

  29. Savannah on September 24, 2023 at 3:08 pm

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

  30. J. G. on September 24, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    I used your original fixed bed layout.

  31. roguewolfgirl on September 24, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    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.

  32. Sara & Alex James on September 24, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    Which layout is your favorite?

    Get the Van Layout Guide here: https://saraandalexjames.com/Van-build-layout-guide

  33. Linda Larsen on September 24, 2023 at 3:13 pm

    Great information!

  34. Charlevoix418 on September 24, 2023 at 3:14 pm

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

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