How to save money on your metalwork

How to Save Money on Your Metalwork

When it comes to metalwork for your van or vehicle, it's essential to prioritize the essentials and find ways to save money without compromising on quality. In this article, we will discuss tips and tricks for saving money on your metalwork, as well as alternatives and DIY solutions for various components.

Prioritize the Essentials

Before you start any metalwork project, it's crucial to prioritize the essential components that need attention. These may include:

  • Removing rust
  • Roof vent
  • Window
  • Inlets

On the other hand, there are some items that you may not need, such as:

  • Remove bulkhead
  • Skylight
  • Solar panels
  • Bike rack
  • Flares
  • Air conditioning
  • Awning
  • Swivel seats
  • Ladder
  • Roof rack
  • Spare wheel / cargo box
  • Heater outlet/inlet

Tips for Saving Money on Your Metalwork

Tools and Materials

  • Only tool you need for cutting: Jigsaw w/ metal-cutting blade
  • Scrap yards can be useful for finding nuts/bolts and other materials
  • Vehicle scrap yards may have roof racks available
  • Rent or buy second-hand tools if possible
  • Buy a SET of bi-metal holesaws rather than individual ones, as it's usually cheaper
  • When using a holesaw, use low RPM, oil, and pulsate to avoid wasting money on buying a new one

Heating Options

  • Heater: Opt for a cheap Chinese diesel heater (e.g., HappyBuy - <$150) instead of an expensive brand
  • Propane is usually cheaper than diesel for heating purposes
  • Other diesel heater brands to consider: Planar autotherm is the 'cheap' good brand - <$600 (You may also find a cheaper Webasto)

Propane Heater Options

  • Mr. Buddy - $100 (cheap but unvented, with an "indoor safe" option)
  • Camco - $300 (a bigger version of Mr. Buddy)
  • Propex - Mid-range ($550)

Fan Options

  • Cheap off-brand fan (e.g., RVLOVENT - $150)
  • Fantastic - $250
  • Alternatively, consider a simple skylight vent, which can be even cheaper
  • Maxxair maxxfan deluxe is superb but expensive

Window Options

  • Sliding vs. non-sliding: Consider DIY installation to save money
    • Simple non-sliding windows are quite a bit cheaper
  • Swivel seats: Optional extra, with brands like FASP & Amazing Auto swivel seat base both below $200
  • DiscountVanTruck is a medium price range option ($250)

Awning Options

  • DIY solution: Use a tarp and extendable poles ($20 to $50)
  • Portable Retractable Awning: Brands like ARB and Smittybilt ($150 to $300)
  • Expensive option: Fiamma / Thule

Ladder Options

  • Use a collapsible ladder ($50 to $100)
  • Normal van-specific install: $100 to $300

Flares and Storage

  • Sleep lengthways instead (bed extender) - or use cut-outs (less insulation at the head and toes)
  • DIY mount for spare wheel
  • Build more storage inside the van or use passenger seats
  • Go DIY when possible (e.g., DIY ski rack instead of a ski box on the back doors)

Solar Power Options

  • Flexible [thin film] and rigid polycrystalline panels are both cheaper
    • But Monocrystalline 30% more efficient
  • PWM solar charge controllers are cheaper than MPPTs - but they are 30% less efficient too.
  • Buying in a kit, rather than separate is cheaper (e.g., Renogy)
  • Determine your power needs first to avoid buying too many panels or a too-large solar charge controller
  • Check for government rebates and incentives
  • Wait for sales and do your research to get the best prices (e.g., Renogy 200W MPPT kit for $280)

Air Conditioning Alternatives

Air conditioning can be expensive, so consider these alternatives:

  • Ventilation (double fan)
  • Reflective window covers
  • Insulation
  • Park in the shade
  • Portable fan
  • DIY swamp cooler: A swamp cooler blows air over water or ice to reduce temperatures by as much as 15°F

In conclusion, saving money on your metalwork is possible by prioritizing the essentials, finding alternative options, and utilizing DIY solutions. With some research and creativity, you can have a functional and comfortable vehicle without breaking the bank.

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