Tools for DIY Van Building
Welcome to our master list of tools needed for a DIY van build! We have broken the tools that we find useful down into different categories based on their uses (electrical, plumbing, general, etc). Of course, every rig and van build style is unique so you might find yourself not requiring everything listed below. Our goal is to provide you with an all encompassing list that you can overlay your needs onto and minimize where possible.
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General Van Conversion Tools
These are the tools you will find yourself using throughout your van conversion.
Must Haves
- Chop Saw
- Utility Knife
- Plusnuts (1/4-20 or 5/16-18)
- A plusnut turns an existing hole into a threaded insert to secure a bolt through
- Plusnuts are how we secured almost everything to our walls in our camper van conversion.
- Plusnut tool
- For installing plusnuts
- A plusnut tool compresses the plusnut to secure it in place on the wall
- Drill Bit Set
- Tape Measure ( + an extra)
- Cordless Drill [ Ryobi, Milwaukee, Dewalt ]
- Extra battery and charger is recommended as well
- Jigsaw [ Ryobi, Milwaukee, Dewalt ]
- Should have both metal and wood cutting blades
- Socket Wrench Set [ Craftsman, Dewalt ]
- Allen Wrench Set [ US & Metric ]
- Squaring tool
- Step drill bit
- Hole Saw Set
- Screw Drivers [ Flathead and Phillips ]
- Headlamp
Nice to Haves
- Cordless Impact Driver [Ryobi, Milwaukee, Dewalt]
- Magnet roller
- Excellent for cleaning up metal shavings
- Saw Horses x 2-4
⚡ Tools for a Camper Van Electrical System Install
These are tools that you will need for installing your camper van electrical system.
Must Haves
- 10 inch Cable Cutters
- Handheld Wire Stripper and Crimper tool
- Hydraulic Lug Crimper
- For your battery cables and larger wire
Nice to Haves
- Heat Gun
- Alternative is wrapping in electrical tape
Related:
DIY Camper Van Electrical System
🚰 Tools for a Camper Van Plumbing System Install
These are the tools that you will need for installing your camper van water system.
Must Haves
- Pex B Crimp Tool OR Pex A Expansion Tool
- Decide which to use in this guide
- Pipe Cutter
Related:
DIY Camper Van Plumbing System
🕳️ Tools for Cutting Holes in your Camper Van
Must Haves
- Jigsaw
- You will also want a fine tooth metal cutting blade
- Sanding Blocks
- Rustoleum enamel paint
- Color does not matter
- This works to prevent rust on metal with stripped paint (ie where you cut a hole)
- Foam Brush for applying Rustoleum
Nice to Haves
- Nibbler
- A “double cut metal shear”
- It took everything in us not to put this in “must have” as it is our favorite van building tool.
- Painters Canvas Drop Cloth
🪵 Tools for Building Your Camper Van with Wood
These are the tools that you will need if you are building your camper van modules with wood.
Must Haves
- Kreg Jig
- Orbital Sander
- Clamps (a ton!) our favorite:
Nice to Haves
- Table Saw and/or Track Saw
- Drill press [ Entry level / mid level ]
- Planer / Jointer for high end hardwood finishing
- Band Saw
- Router
- We finished a majority of our wood pieces with this router bit
🔩 Tools for Building Your Camper Van with Extruded Aluminum
These are the tools that you will need if you are building your camper van modules with extruded aluminum (80/20).
Must Haves
Nice to Haves
- Drill Press [ entry level / mid level ]
- Hand Tap Set [ 1/4-20 / 5/16-18 ]
- Metal Cutting Chop Saw
- Can opt for a metal cutting blade on your existing chop saw (verify blade size to match your chop saw)
Related:
How to Build a Van with 80/20
🚐 Tools for Lizard Skin and/or Raptor Liner Install
These are tools you will need if you are utilizing any type of “spray on”. For us, this included the Lizard Skin Ceramic Insulation and Raptor Liner truck bed liner.
Must Haves
- Air Compressor
- PPE Mask Respirator Style
- Spray Gun Application Kit for Lizard Skin
- Applicator Gun Kit for Raptor Liner
- Lots of Plastic Sheeting
Nice to Haves
🏠 Tools for Finishing Details
- Orbital Sander
- Router
- We used this router bit for a majority of our finishing work
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Safety Goggles
- Rubber Gloves
- Work gloves
- Respirator Mask
- “Clothes your willing to get dirty ;)”
Tools for Your DIY Camper Van Conversion
With this list you should be off to the races for your DIY camper van conversion. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy building!
Thanks for being here! Happy building!
Eric + Colby
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