Mike-ClassB
Senior Member
At least in my perfect world.
After the thread on charging batteries got off track, and Dave mentioned his desire to find a Sprinter based van to full time in, I once again thought about what I would like to see in a purpose built class B van to be used for full time living. I thought I'd split the topic off into a new thread.
I'm interested in what others think, so please add or subtract things, but also tell me why. I'm curious about what all of you would deem essential, and what might be deemed expendable?
I came up with the following lengthy list of what I'd like to see, and not see, in a van that I'd design and build myself, with the assistance of a custom upfitter like Sportsmobile.
If I were starting from scratch, and had the time to plan and build what I wanted, I'm thinking it's probably got to be built on the biggest class B chassis out there, for a start. 24' Sprinter, or something as big by somebody else. I would probably leave that up to the converter to recommend, based on the rest of my "must have" list.
After that, my priorities in ascending order would be, maximum off grid power capability/flexibility systems, a functional dry bath/shower/toilet area, a sleeping area, entertainment/communications equipment, the galley, and lastly, some storage. Off grid power capacity, cleanliness/hygiene, and well rested, are all higher priorities for me than food preparation and storage. IMO, food is a flexible component that is necessary, and that can be had relatively inexpensively, and more conveniently, in many other ways than DIY. Functional showers, toilets, and somewhere comfortable to sleep, can all be more difficult to find outside of your personal living environment, while on the road.
For the power generation and storage system, a higher output engine alternator if possible, feeding a higher capacity power storage and inverter/charger system, with as much solar assistance as possible, considering the other typical roof top equipment, and the ability of the roof structure to support the weight. 2-3 (or more) 12V AGM lead acid batteries would be my choice for the reasons suggested elsewhere in this thread and on this forum. Low maintenance, available everywhere, durability physically, and relative longevity in terms of the number of charge and discharge cycles they will tolerate. Some sort of gas/propane/diesel generator, with 2.8KW or better output, for redundancy.
The overall layout, including the size and location of the sleeping area, and the placement of the entertainment and connectivity/communications equipment, and the interior food storage and prep equipment, would depend entirely on the placement and size of the bathroom/shower area. That's where I would consult the upfitter/converter to see what my options would be to maximize the functionality of that system. The best location of the F/G/B tanks will affect placement of the bathroom/toilet/sink/shower. Ideally, inside tanks or heavily insulated (heated?) would be best, because I like places that aren't always tropical, and water freezes.That rear bath/shower design might work better if the tanks were also located nearer to the back of the chassis. I would also consider a walk thru shower somewhere amidships to allow a full width bathroom with shower doors fore and aft, that would allow access to the area behind it, if that's where it has to be placed. I don't know if anyone has done it like that before, but I think it would be possible. A shower/sink/toilet area at the rear seems to make more sense to me, than amidships like the typical class B van layout. An upfitter might be able to suggest some options here.
After that, placement of the bed(s) would be in whatever space was left, with a thought to maximum comfort for sleeping for at least 2 people, without crowding each other. Again, an upfitter might be able to shed some light on options for beds or bunks or whatever would work. Possibly a Murphy style bed? Or 2 folding sides to a large, van width sized, bed. When folded back from the aisle, they sides would create opposing seating, that becomes a king bed when folded down into the aisle.
It follows that TV/wifi/coach batteries/inverter(s) equipment would be placed based on the prior 2 items placement, considering using the shortest wiring routing, and easiest access to them from within (or outside?) the living space. Placing electricals for ease of access from inside/outside would also be a consideration. Nothing lasts forever and things need occasional maintenance. I would prefer that no RV system has a hard requirement for access only from under the van chassis. It's not always easy or convenient to get under these things, so the entire design must enable ease of access.
Having a galley with a sink/cooktop might be a luxury in a small living space. I'd consider omitting them to save space. I might add a small sink if there was space left over after the important stuff was installed, but a compressor fridge and microwave would have to be it for the inside galley. Realistically, most heat/fire based food preparations can be done outside, under the awning if necessary. I'd try to carry food items that don't require complex preparations or a lot of heat/power to prepare, so "microwavable" food probably works best (a m/w will boil water pretty quickly), with a small Coleman stove or BBQ for those food items that have that requirement. Most campsites, even some of the more rustic/primitive places, have some water source for washing up nearby, but you can't count on it. Disposable everything for food prep and eating would be a better option in my opinion, but with some basic permanent cutlery and china, too. Paper plates and plastic knives and forks don't work for all types of food.
I don't think you can afford to be a hoarder in a class B full timer's limited living space, so it's at the bottom of the list. Basically I'd use whatever space might be left over to add drawers, cupboards, possibly some overhead, and perhaps an armoire if there was room. If not, make do with the space that's left. I would only need enough storage to carry a few days worth of clothing, some basic hygiene items, and maybe some food/drink staples. Additional equipment would be on an "if it fits, we'll consider it" basis. I suppose one could always add a hitch mounted external storage container later, if it became absolutely necessary (possibly for outdoors comfort and galley items?). It would add another foot or two to the overall length of the motorhome, which might be problematic in some situations.
Since I'm full timing, and I assume I'll be carrying personal items, documents, and valuables, I would consider adding a secure storage container, small safe, or similar. Paper documents are bulky and could be scanned and placed on a USB drive and stored anywhere more securely than in their original format. I would also consider some sort of audible alarm system, that would also notify me at a distance via a remote fob, or some other technology, if I'm not within earshot of the alarm.
After the thread on charging batteries got off track, and Dave mentioned his desire to find a Sprinter based van to full time in, I once again thought about what I would like to see in a purpose built class B van to be used for full time living. I thought I'd split the topic off into a new thread.
I'm interested in what others think, so please add or subtract things, but also tell me why. I'm curious about what all of you would deem essential, and what might be deemed expendable?
I came up with the following lengthy list of what I'd like to see, and not see, in a van that I'd design and build myself, with the assistance of a custom upfitter like Sportsmobile.
If I were starting from scratch, and had the time to plan and build what I wanted, I'm thinking it's probably got to be built on the biggest class B chassis out there, for a start. 24' Sprinter, or something as big by somebody else. I would probably leave that up to the converter to recommend, based on the rest of my "must have" list.
After that, my priorities in ascending order would be, maximum off grid power capability/flexibility systems, a functional dry bath/shower/toilet area, a sleeping area, entertainment/communications equipment, the galley, and lastly, some storage. Off grid power capacity, cleanliness/hygiene, and well rested, are all higher priorities for me than food preparation and storage. IMO, food is a flexible component that is necessary, and that can be had relatively inexpensively, and more conveniently, in many other ways than DIY. Functional showers, toilets, and somewhere comfortable to sleep, can all be more difficult to find outside of your personal living environment, while on the road.
For the power generation and storage system, a higher output engine alternator if possible, feeding a higher capacity power storage and inverter/charger system, with as much solar assistance as possible, considering the other typical roof top equipment, and the ability of the roof structure to support the weight. 2-3 (or more) 12V AGM lead acid batteries would be my choice for the reasons suggested elsewhere in this thread and on this forum. Low maintenance, available everywhere, durability physically, and relative longevity in terms of the number of charge and discharge cycles they will tolerate. Some sort of gas/propane/diesel generator, with 2.8KW or better output, for redundancy.
The overall layout, including the size and location of the sleeping area, and the placement of the entertainment and connectivity/communications equipment, and the interior food storage and prep equipment, would depend entirely on the placement and size of the bathroom/shower area. That's where I would consult the upfitter/converter to see what my options would be to maximize the functionality of that system. The best location of the F/G/B tanks will affect placement of the bathroom/toilet/sink/shower. Ideally, inside tanks or heavily insulated (heated?) would be best, because I like places that aren't always tropical, and water freezes.That rear bath/shower design might work better if the tanks were also located nearer to the back of the chassis. I would also consider a walk thru shower somewhere amidships to allow a full width bathroom with shower doors fore and aft, that would allow access to the area behind it, if that's where it has to be placed. I don't know if anyone has done it like that before, but I think it would be possible. A shower/sink/toilet area at the rear seems to make more sense to me, than amidships like the typical class B van layout. An upfitter might be able to suggest some options here.
After that, placement of the bed(s) would be in whatever space was left, with a thought to maximum comfort for sleeping for at least 2 people, without crowding each other. Again, an upfitter might be able to shed some light on options for beds or bunks or whatever would work. Possibly a Murphy style bed? Or 2 folding sides to a large, van width sized, bed. When folded back from the aisle, they sides would create opposing seating, that becomes a king bed when folded down into the aisle.
It follows that TV/wifi/coach batteries/inverter(s) equipment would be placed based on the prior 2 items placement, considering using the shortest wiring routing, and easiest access to them from within (or outside?) the living space. Placing electricals for ease of access from inside/outside would also be a consideration. Nothing lasts forever and things need occasional maintenance. I would prefer that no RV system has a hard requirement for access only from under the van chassis. It's not always easy or convenient to get under these things, so the entire design must enable ease of access.
Having a galley with a sink/cooktop might be a luxury in a small living space. I'd consider omitting them to save space. I might add a small sink if there was space left over after the important stuff was installed, but a compressor fridge and microwave would have to be it for the inside galley. Realistically, most heat/fire based food preparations can be done outside, under the awning if necessary. I'd try to carry food items that don't require complex preparations or a lot of heat/power to prepare, so "microwavable" food probably works best (a m/w will boil water pretty quickly), with a small Coleman stove or BBQ for those food items that have that requirement. Most campsites, even some of the more rustic/primitive places, have some water source for washing up nearby, but you can't count on it. Disposable everything for food prep and eating would be a better option in my opinion, but with some basic permanent cutlery and china, too. Paper plates and plastic knives and forks don't work for all types of food.
I don't think you can afford to be a hoarder in a class B full timer's limited living space, so it's at the bottom of the list. Basically I'd use whatever space might be left over to add drawers, cupboards, possibly some overhead, and perhaps an armoire if there was room. If not, make do with the space that's left. I would only need enough storage to carry a few days worth of clothing, some basic hygiene items, and maybe some food/drink staples. Additional equipment would be on an "if it fits, we'll consider it" basis. I suppose one could always add a hitch mounted external storage container later, if it became absolutely necessary (possibly for outdoors comfort and galley items?). It would add another foot or two to the overall length of the motorhome, which might be problematic in some situations.
Since I'm full timing, and I assume I'll be carrying personal items, documents, and valuables, I would consider adding a secure storage container, small safe, or similar. Paper documents are bulky and could be scanned and placed on a USB drive and stored anywhere more securely than in their original format. I would also consider some sort of audible alarm system, that would also notify me at a distance via a remote fob, or some other technology, if I'm not within earshot of the alarm.
