Insulation & Electrics
What a week it’s been! If week one was all about stripping the van back to a blank canvas, week two was about building it back up, and we’ve made huge progress on our T6 van conversion.
Sound Deadening and Insulation
We kicked things off with the sound deadening and insulation. It’s not the most glamorous part of a build, and once the panels go on you’ll never see it again, but it makes a massive difference. Sound deadening cuts down on road noise and that tinny echo you get in an empty van, while the insulation will help keep the van warm in winter and cooler in summer. Getting this stage right now means a far more comfortable van for years to come.
Wiring and the DC Charger
With the insulation in place, it was time to run the wiring through the van before the walls were closed up. Planning the cable runs at this stage saves a lot of headaches later on. We also connected up the DC charger, which will keep the leisure battery topped up while we’re on the road.
Two New Windows
Next came the nerve-wracking part: cutting two holes in the side of a perfectly good van! The window spaces have been cut out and the new windows fitted, and the difference is incredible. The back of the van has gone from a dark metal box to a bright, airy space that already feels like somewhere you’d want to spend time.
Electrics, Lighting and USB Charging
Back on the electrics, we’ve added a few home comforts. A reading light is now in place, perfect for winding down with a book at the end of the day, along with a handy USB charger so we can keep phones and devices powered up while we’re away. We will also be adding in some nice touch spotlights for the ceiling as well
Diesel Heater and Control Panel
One of the biggest jobs of the week was installing the diesel heater and its control panel. This is a real game changer for year-round van life, as it means we’ll be able to stay warm and cosy on chilly nights and extend our travels well beyond the summer months.
Walls and Ceiling
Finally, the panels have gone up on the walls and been finished off in a lovely smoke grey. It’s amazing how quickly the van started to feel like a proper camper once these went on. The roof will be finished in stone to follow, which should tie the whole look together nicely.
What’s Next for Our T6 Van Conversion
That just leaves the floor and the lino to go down, and then we’ll be ready to move on to the next stage of the build.
Here are a few snaps showing how the van is looking at the end of week two:
