The Hard Way vs The Easy Way
At Simple Vans, we’re all about making life (and your van conversion) easier—not harder. That’s why we design modular flatpack furniture kits, and it’s why we’re always testing plug-and-play solutions that add simplicity, not complexity, to van builds.
Because let’s face it: building a camper can feel like an endless to-do list. Electrical diagrams, plumbing layouts, carpentry headaches… and that’s before you even hit the road.
This guide gives you two paths: the Hard Way (what full-on vanbuilders do) and the Easy Way (plug-and-play gadgets you can drop straight in). Whether you love the challenge of DIY or you’d rather just get out there and camp already—you’ll find a shortcut here.
The Hard Way
1: Design your electrical system: battery placement, inverter location, wire routes.
2: Install a DC-DC charger to charge your leisure battery from the alternator.
3: Run heavy-gauge wiring, add fuses, breakers, and a distribution panel.
4: Mount 12V sockets, switches, and LED lights.
5: Test, re-test, and pray you don’t see smoke.
The Easy Way
• EcoFlow RIVER 2 or Jackery Explorer → portable LiFePO₄ power stations that recharge in about an hour.
• Both can charge while driving via your cigarette lighter socket—or grab a solar panel accessory when you’re camped up.
• Perfect for running an electric cooler or 12V fridge, plus LED strips, USB hubs, or even a coffee machine.
Cold drinks, hot coffee, zero wiring headaches.
The Hard Way
1: Fit rigid fresh/grey water tanks under the floor.
2: Drill filler caps, vent pipes, and outlet holes.
3: Hard-plumb a sink with a pressure pump and accumulator.
4: Install a hot water boiler tied into your heating system.
5: Build a shower tray and route grey water out.
The Easy Way
• PlugVan Bathroom Module → Portable shower cubicle with a 6 L water loop (with UV sterilizer in the “Plus” model).
• Nemo Helio LX → portable pressurized shower unit great for outdoor use
• 2x jerricans (fresh water and grey water)
• Drop-in 12V submersible pump → instant sink or shower.
• Rooftop solar shower tubes for free hot rinses at sunset.
🚿 From bone-dry to squeaky-clean in minutes.
The Hard Way
1: Build a bathroom frame.
2: Install a cassette toilet with exterior hatch.
3: Plumb flush water, black-water tank, and vent fans.
4: Route pipes and plan dump stations.
The Easy Way
• Composting toilet (AirHead, Boxio) → no chemicals, less smell.
• Portable folding loo + compostable bags.
• Or just go all-in with the PlugVan bathroom module with dry-separating toilet.
💩 Business handled.
The Hard Way
1: Cut a hole in the floor for the exhaust.
2: Mount a diesel heater, run a fuel line from the tank.
3: Wire it into your 12V system.
4: Route ducts through your cabinetry.
5: Tune airflow and troubleshoot error codes.
The Easy Way
• VEVOR portable diesel heater → self-contained unit with its own tank. Put it outside, duct warm air in.
• 12V heated blanket → low draw, instant comfort.
• Mr. Buddy propane heater → cozy heat (just ventilate properly).
🔥 Warm toes without the toolbox.
Van conversions don’t have to take months of sawdust, wiring, and plumbing. You can always build “the hard way” if you love the challenge, and you can always outsource the hard stuff to a pro if you have the money. But the plug-and-play path continues to re-write the rules of camper conversion theory.
At the end of the day, don’t think “that would be nice”—think “would this be enough?” Because if it’s enough to get you on the road, out of the driveway, and into adventure—then it’s more than enough.
Designed for families who love long journeys, the Family Classic Kit combines smart storage, versatile seating, and a spacious sleeping setup to make life on the road comfortable, organized, and clutter-free.
Table leg included
Mattress not included
Compatible with all large vans like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, Renault Master, Opel Novano, Nissan NV400, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily...
Compatible with all large vans like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, Renault Master, Opel Novano, Nissan NV400, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily...
By THEME
SIMPLE VANS
USEFUL INFORMATION & LINKS
Compatible with all large vans like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, Renault Master, Opel Novano, Nissan NV400, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily...
Compatible with all large vans like the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, Renault Master, Opel Novano, Nissan NV400, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily...
By THEME
SIMPLE VANS
USEFUL INFORMATION & LINKS
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