The internet is an amazing source of information. All hail the internet. When it comes to trying to find the best items for a big project it can feel like choosing only one wish to come true. How are you meant to choose?

Everything we chose came from hours and hours of research. Only by me because research is what I like to do!

Solar Panels

Firstly, we bought the solar panels. We bought these because it said they would arrive in one month. One week later we had them. I chose to order two Monocrystalline Solar Panels that come with a 20A solar charge controller, connectors and brackets. Unfortunately, they came poorly packaged with a think sheet of cardboard that was not closed shut and the only protection was thin plastic on the corners. They do not look too damaged with only slight dents on the corners. Despite this, I emailed the supplier to ask if when I test them I can get a refund if they do not work. I think if you order these, email them to ask for them to package them better.

They are strong, sturdy and were easy to fit onto the roof. It came with really simple hinges and screws. We added a layer of Extremely strong glue under the hinges and around the edges to increase strength and make it more watertight.

 

Technology

• JBL Speaker– This might seem like an unnecessary buy but I can’t imagine van life without good music. With all the time we will have entertainment is really important. We have used this while rollerblading and having BBQs and it is well worth the money.
• Memory Cards and External hard drives – The plan is to take many videos and photos so we can remember all the experiences and share them with family and friends. We will be using a Gopro Hero 6, a Cannon 1100D camera and an action camera my mum bought me. The external hard drives are important for holding our pictures, videos, movies and music. This is why we bought:

1. 128 GB SanDisk Ultra microSD card
2. 32GB MicroSD card
3. Toshiba 500GB External Harddrive
4. Toshiba 3TB External Harddrive

Kitchen Stuff

Keeping zero waste in mind there were some kitchen items that we needed. These are things I’ve wanted for a while but I needed to use all my old stuff until they died. I also needed money. Have a look at my favourite Eco Buys.

1. Aluminium Coffee Bean Grinder
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Cotton Produce bags
4. Aluminum Straw set

 

Sink and tap 

We bought our sink and tap from Ebay. It was important for us to get a tap that extends out. I forgot that I wanted to MAKE a sink from an old salad bowl!

Ventilation System

Ventilation is expensive! First, I found this fan that would regulate the air in the van. It would also let in light. Some issues are that I needed to buy the blackout blind separately and it is not rain proof. I think it also needs to be closed while driving.

We also needed another form of ventilation at the other end of the van. I also thought it was important to have something that was rainproof. As an asthmatic, I’ll possibly need fresh air throughout the night. I choose this vent as it lets in light, it’s rainproof, it has a blind and a mosquito net.

 

Portable Toilet

I have ordered the Thetford portable toilet off of Ebay. It was cheaper than I was expecting and perfect as we don’t plan on using it much. Unfortunately, it is a chemical toilet. I do not plan on using the chemicals but finding another way of using it that doesn’t put chemicals in the earth.

 

Water System

We bought a Caravan Marine Shurflo Water Pump 10.6 L/Min 30 Psi 12V.

What we still need to buy?

After looking around and trying to find the best products, we still need to buy:

1. 1500W inverter (ORDERED!!)
2. Solar charge controller with a monitor (ORDERED!!)
3. Hammock(ORDERED!!)
4. Camping cooker with camping gaz canister.(ORDERED!!)
5. Swivel seats for the specific van we buy
6. Trio gas alarm – for CO, gas and narcotic gases. (ORDERED!!)
7.  Two 12v 120AH batteries (ORDERED!!)
8. Fuse box with warning lights (ORDERED!!)
9. 12v socket with display panel (ORDERED!!)
10. 12v switches (ORDERED!!)
11. USB only 12v outlet (ORDERED!!)
12. TRX (ORDERED!!)
13. A compact food processor
14. Fridge from Halford, 12v. (ORDERED!!)
15. Split charge relay for both batteries Ampage
16. Isolator switches for the inverter and solar system.(ORDERED!!)
17. A solar shower bag (ORDERED!!)
18. water tanks (one for clean and one for waste). (ORDERED!!)
19. drop out vents
20. reflective sheets (ORDERED!!)
21. insulation (ORDERED!!)
22. Palate wood – recycled (Found!!)
23. Foam gun with foam (ORDERED!!)