Planning

Another popular solution is a fixed platform bed. It creates a large storage space underneath commonly referred to as the garage. This setup is great if you have larger items to store. For instance, mountain bikers usually have a garage because it’s the best bike storage solution.

Bed (zzzz)

Speaking of beds, is a fixed platform bed more your thing, or do you want a multipurpose convertible bed?

As previously mentioned, fixed platform allows for extra storage. Additionally, your bed is always ready when you are. However, it takes away floor space.

Convertible beds are a great option if you need ample workspace or space to entertain. They allow you to maximize seating while still providing a place to sleep.

An extending bed is a bench seat with a slide out extension that creates a bed platform.

A table bed is another popular option. The telescoping table leg lowers the table to the level of the bench seats, creating a large bed. For both options, the seat cushions double as a mattress. There are many other creative possibilities out there as well.

Seating/Table

The table bed covered above is one seating/table option. It’s a bed and it allows you to sit face-to-face. Seating arrangements might not seem like a big deal, but what about when you’re playing poker to pass the time?

My husband and I opted for face-to-face seats. We wanted to play games without contorting ourselves to hide our hands. But a bench seat might suit your needs better.

A table isn’t a necessity, but it makes eating, working, and playing games so much easier. However, unlike a bench seat, you can’t use the space under your table for storage. To maximize space, you have a few table choices.

A swivel table leg gives you a table when you need it. When it’s not needed the tabletop swings over a seat or removed and stowed.

A platform bed allows for a slide-out table. The disadvantage of a slide-out table is the space it takes up in the garage.

A fold-up or fold-down table could also work for your camper van layout.

Kitchen

Is a kitchen necessary?

This goes back to full time and part time needs. A part timer might not care about a kitchen, but it could be a must-have for a full timer.

If a kitchen is a must, do you want it inside or outside the van? Outdoor pull-out kitchens save floor space. But they take up storage space. Additionally, outdoor cooking leaves you at the mercy of mother nature.

Stove

What kind of stove/oven do you want? Do you want one permanently installed or removable? Induction, propane, isobutane, or marine alcohol?

Your choice affects your batter capacity or storage space for fuel. I chose a removable stove/oven combo because in the summer I’d rather cook outside instead of heating up the van. I went with propane to conserve batter power.

However, I also had to find a place for the propane tank.

Refrigerator

What are you going to do for a refrigerator? There are a ton of options available.

12v portable “chest” style fridges are the most effecient and are easy to build around. Many people still opt for a front loading 12v refrigerator, like a “dorm-style” fridge.

Hell, some people just go with an ice-box and fill it with ice every few days and some others don’t use a fridge at all! 

Learn more about your 12v portable vanlife refrigerator options here: “Best Portable Refrigerators for Camping and Vanlife“

Sink

Is a sink essential? What size?

A larger sink pulls double duty, giving you enough room to wash dishes. It also serves as a bathroom sink. Come to think of it, you can also do your laundry in a larger sink!

On the other hand, a smaller sink isn’t good for much more than brushing teeth.

And don’t forget about the grey water tank! It needs to be easy to access and close to the sink.

You also might want to consider vent fan placement in relation to the stove and sink. This helps with ventilating steam and heat.

Counterspace

How much counterspace do you need?

Luckily, there are plenty of space saving ways to maximize counterspace. A sink cover is an easy way to gain more space. An adjustable height table doubles as a counter. A folding shelf countertop is another option that takes up minimal space. Another folding option is a hinged countertop over the stove. That’s what I have in my van. It gives me the extra space I need until it’s time to cook.

Toilet

Do you want to drop a deuce without leaving the van?

If you’re thinking emergencies only, an empty grocery bag takes up the least amount of space.

Half kidding.

However, a composting or chemical toilet is a more practical, long-term solution. My husband and I opted for a composting toilet. He often awakens in the middle of the night with the urge to poo.

If you ask me, a toilet is only necessary for number two. Guys come with the equipment to pee in a bottle. And girls are one pee funnel away from doing the same.

Shower

A membership to a nationwide gym provides easy access to showers. Although this used to be a reliable way for a vanlifer to shower, COVID-19 changed that.

Therefore, you might want to consider your van showering options.

An indoor shower is the ultimate luxury, but it takes up precious space. The Sprinter and Transit are longer van options that give you extra space for a shower. Also, if you plan to have a toilet, an indoor shower is great place to put it (called a wet room).

Some ingenious vanlifers have come up with space saving indoor shower solutions. A Vintage Rolling Stone uses two showers curtains, a hula hoop and plastic tub as a shower stall. It’s cheap, light, and easy to stash.

Indoor showers are great, but outdoor showers are another viable option. Some folks set up the back of their van as an outdoor shower. A shower curtain hanging between the doors offers privacy.

As far as the shower itself, you have many options. A large PVC pipe painted black and mounted on the van roof makes a great solar shower.

I use a black water bladder as my solar shower.

Check out our post “The 8 Best Solar Showers For Van Life”

For a fancy outdoor shower, you can get a portable hot water heater with a showerhead attachment.

Some folks even use garden spray tanks as a makeshift shower.

And don’t forget about bathing in a cool mountain stream or river!

(Just be cautious. Even environmentally friendly soap can damage the environment)

Support systems

The main support systems are electrical and water. So is propane if you use it for cooking, heating, and/or a hot water heater.

How many batteries do you need room for? What about the rest of your electrical setup?

Do you want a large water tank, or smaller water jugs?

Do you plan to use a 20-pound propane tank or the smaller camping ones?

All these things need a place to call their own in your van layout. Their placement is crucial as well because you need access to all of them. Some need easier access than others. Also, their location determines how far you need to run wires, plumbing and hoses.

Phew! That’s a lot to consider when designing your camper van floor plan.