Build Overview

Build #1
by Shaiden Valentine

My Story

Born in San Diego, California to the most adventurous and supportive parents. My dad was a photographer and world traveller, mom was a flight attendant and the kindest person I’ve ever known. I excelled in school and sports, and was on track to success in the traditional rout;, get good grades, go to a good school, get a high paying job. This unfortunately wasn’t cutting it for me, during my sophomore year, I was overcome with a sense of wanderlust, so I tested out of high school to travel the world! I moved to Tahiti surfing for months on end, then moved to Switzerland and worked at a mountain top ski in-ski out lodge. I was fortunate enough to travel to 58 countries in the following years but craved a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

This brings us to vans.. I bought my first van in march 2019, explaining to my friends that I planned to turn it into a tiny house and resell for a profit, everyone thought I was nuts, I did too. Three years/a few vans later, and with the guidance of my good friend and mentor Brandon, I’ve mastered a craft that barely existed when I started. I now am innovating and designing never before seen features, and systems in van conversions. My goal was always to create the most badass adventure vehicles to take people to the most remote destinations in comfort and style.

These vans are my passion, they are my obsession, and they wouldn’t exist without the support of all of you. Thank you for following my journey, and believing in me.

$$ Tip: Shaiden used to sell just this van conversion course on his website for $500. As a member of Van Life Academy, you now have access to it (and everything else in Van Life Academy) at no extra cost 🙂

Images Of My Van Build

$28,000

2018 Ram pro Master (used)

$43,600

Conversion Costs

$71,600

Total Cost

Breakdown Of My Costs

Category Unit Price
Construction $10,800
Shower $2,850
Water System $1,300
Electrical $14,450
Safety $100
Cabinets/Appliances $4,500
Extras $9,600
Total $43,600

Construction

  • 1x Sound Deadening ($150)
  • 1x Polyiso Insulation ($500)
  • 1x Flooring/Underlayment ($200)
  • 1x Ceiling ($200)
  • 1x Plywood for Walls, Cabinets, Faces, Bench ($2,000)
  • 1x Primer/Paint ($200)
  • 1x Hinges/Slides/Locks/Handles ($500)
  • 2x Countertop ($1000)
  • 1x Kitchen tile ($100)
  • 1x Trim ($250)
  • 1x Mattress/Bench Cushion’s Upholstered ($600)
  • 1x Curtains/Tracks ($200)
  • 1x Screws, Nails, Bolts ($300)
  • 1x Drill bits, sand paper, hole saw, blades, discs ($300)
  • 1x Lagun Table Mount butcher block table ($300)
  • 2x Rear Window t vent & install kit ($900)
  • 2x Rear side windows fixed & Install kit ($1,400)
  • 4x Rear window inserts ($400)
  • 2x Side and rear door screens ($1,000)

Shower

  • 1x Backer Board ($300)
  • 1x Waterproof Membrane ($100)
  • 1x Tile ($300)
  • 1x RV Flex Grout ($300)
  • 1x Shower Pan ($300)
  • 1x Drain ($50)
  • 1x Mixer/Shower Head ($300)
  • 1x Composting Toiler ($800)
  • 1x Rear Shower Sprayer ($100)
  • 1x Nautilus Shower Door ($300)

Water System

  • 1x Sink ($250)
  • 1x Fresh Water Tank ($250)
  • 1x Piping ($100)
  • 1x Fittings/Connectors ($400)
  • 1x Faucet ($100)
  • 1x Fill Valve ($50)
  • 1x Water Filtration System ($100)
  • 1x Drinking water spigot ($50)

Electrical

  • 1x AC/DC Circuit Wiring/Conduit ($300)
  • 1x AC/DC Distribution Panel ($150)
  •  1x 3000 watt renogy inverter charger ($1,200)
  • 1x 400 Watt Renogy Solar Kit
     ($1,000)
  • 1x Renogy Alternator Charging Kit ($600)
  • 3x 170ah Renogy Lifepo4 Battery ($4,500)
  • 1x Breakers/Switches/Fuses/Bus Bars/Wiring ($500)
  • 1x Battery Monitor ($250
  • 1x Vent Fan black ($200)
  • 1x 360 Fan ($100)
  • 6x AC Outlets ($60)
  • 4x DC Outlets ($10)
  • 1x Dometic Fridge/Freezer
    ($1,500)
  • 1x Hot Water Heater
    ($200)
  • 1x Water Pump/Silencing Kit
    ($150)
  • 1x Shower LED Strip ($50)
  • 1x Puck Lights ($100)
  • 1x Induction stovetop duo ($300)
  • 1x Shore power inlet ($30)
  • 1x Fresair air cooler ($1,750)
  • 1x Webasto gasoline heater ($1,500)

Safety

  • 1x Fire Extinguisher ($50)
  • 1x Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detector ($50)

Follow Shaiden:

Resources

Cost Breakdown for Shaiden's Van Build

Detailed and organized cost breakdown for Shaiden's van build

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Electrical Diagram

Download our electrical diagram to help you visualize the electrical system!

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Plumbing Diagram

Download the plumbing diagram to help you visualize a plumbing system and how it works!!

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Parts/Materials List and Links

Links to buy all the parts and materials Shaiden used in his van build

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