But not tools tools, like soft tools. Online ones. Ones that help make you work more efficiently when you’re not working on the van itself.
Here’s a low down of some of the online tools you can use to help your van build.
Google Sheets
We tracked everything in Google Sheets. Our Van build Google Sheets was a monster. Barely readable by anyone, including us.
You can use it to write lists, add up expenses, quickly jot things down, organise on tabs. It’s free, and shareable (so more than one person can work from it/ update it at one time) and pretty ubiquitous, lots of people are on it.
https://www.google.com/sheets/about/
Facebook Marketplace
If we needed to buy anything, we looked at Marketplace first.
Amazon Prime. When we couldn’t find it on Marketplace, we bought it from Amazon. It’s easy to hate but it was really useful for finding stuff and getting things delivered quickly.
https://www.amazon.com/amazonprime
Splitwise
Good for putting costs on if you are splitting things with your partner.
Trello
A free project management software which helps in creating and tracking a complete list of outstanding jobs for the van conversion.
Youtube
A phenomenal resource for inspiration, guides, instructions, and trip planning.
Instagram & Pinterest
For the inspo.
Hello Fresh.
Because you’re going to be busy, and constantly getting take-aways because you’re working on the van is not good for you.
Screwfix App.
If you have one near by, this makes ordering and picking up really easy.
https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/screwfixapp
Campervan Layout tools
With the stakes so high, it’s crucial to minimise risks and ensure a smooth journey to your dream van.
After all, a campervan conversion can be quite the investment, and, nobody wants to dive headlong into this lengthy endeavour only to realise they’ve painted themselves into a corner, literally or metaphorically.
So is the world that some geniuses created campervan design software, which allows you to plan the layout and design of your van on a computer screen, ahead of building it. There are some benefits to using campervan design software:
Cost Efficiency: Campervan conversions are not cheap, and mistakes can be costly. Design software allows you to refine your vision, ensuring that your plans are viable before you break the bank on materials and labor. By identifying potential issues ahead of time, you can avoid expensive do-overs and ensure your budget stays on track.
Visualisation: A picture is worth a thousand words, and a 3D rendering of your campervan is priceless. With design software, you can bring your ideas to life and explore different layouts, colours, and textures. This virtual tour enables you to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. It’s like a test drive for your campervan, but without the pesky reality of physics.
Collaboration: Sharing your vision with others can be challenging, especially if you’re working with tradespeople who require detailed specifications. Design software allows you to create accurate, shareable plans that can be easily understood by everyone involved. The result? A seamless collaboration and a campervan that perfectly captures your vision.
Enter the realm of campervan design software: a digital wonderland where you can let your imagination run wild, build and rebuild to your heart’s content, and, most importantly, ensure that your vision is both feasible and fabulous. Wave goodbye to costly errors and greet the future of van conversions with these game-changing tools.
The tools:
Vanspace 3D: The Campervan Connoisseur’s Dream
Imagine a world where popular van templates, pre-set furniture components, and custom floor plans coexist harmoniously. Welcome to Vanspace 3D, where designing your dream campervan is as easy as dragging and dropping elements into place. With intuitive controls and an in-van perspective, this desktop app for Windows and Mac is a breeze to use—even for the design novice.
However, Vanspace 3D comes with a price tag and lacks Android or iOS compatibility. But considering the time and effort saved by its user-friendly features, the investment might just be worth it.
SketchUp: The Budget-Friendly 3D Modelling Maven
When the purse strings are tight, but the desire to draw is strong, SketchUp offers a free alternative for your campervan designing needs. This 3D modelling software is available for Windows and Mac and provides a wide range of design options.
On the flip side, SketchUp requires some software knowledge and manual effort. While it doesn’t come with dedicated layouts and components specifically for campervan’s, the creative freedom it provides is unparalleled. If you’re up for the challenge, this software could be a perfect fit.
Tinkercad: The Accessible 3D Design Dynamo
Last but not least, Tinkercad is a free and user-friendly 3D design tool. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of its counterparts, Tinkercad offers simplicity and accessibility for those looking to dip their toes into the campervan design waters.
The trade-off, however, is that Tinkercad requires software knowledge and can be somewhat complex. But for the adventurous souls who embrace a challenge, this app may be just the ticket to bring their campervan dreams to life.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned campervan aficionado or a newcomer to the scene, these design software tools offer an array of options to help you create the perfect home on wheels. So, go forth and conquer the open road with your immaculately planned campervan, knowing you’ve left no stone unturned—or, rather, no cabinet unmeasured.
What we did
We did not use any van design software, because we felt the time it would take to figure out how to use it was better spent figuring out the actual building.
We did some pretty great drawings by hand (if we say so ourselves) and had a good idea of where the big things were all going.
The other online tools though! We used a lot.
We took ourselves off to a fancy local hotel for a beer on a Friday afternoon, after work, and we sat and looked at all the van jobs on the list and figured out exactly what we would tackle that weekend, and what we needed to order that would arrive for next weeks jobs. All of this was marked on Google Sheets.
We spent hours on youtube and scrolling through marketplace (and then buying on Amazon when we couldn’t find what we wanted).
We even did the Hello Fresh free trial, which actually was really great.
Splitwise is now like part of the family, it’s really good to start using it on the van build and then even out costs (if you’re not at a joint account level of relationship, that is) when you are on the road.
All tools endorsed by Sami and Si: tick.