Van Build Gear List
I have been creating a list of my favorite products and upgrades. Eventually, I will write a blog on each an every item. In the meantime, I hope this lists helps you get started. Some of these links are affiliate links. Affiliate programs do not cost you anything while providing me with a small kick back.
Shopping Links
We purchase from Amazon quite often, and we are guessing you do too. These are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Feel free to share this page with your friends.
Random Favorites
TRADITIONAL METAL PANEL
AC Main + 3 Positions, AC Voltmeter 100 amp A/C
Maybe find one without the gauge you will be able to see everything in the Victron app. Physical gauge is quick though.
TRADITIONAL METAL PANEL
AC Main + 6 Positions
No Gauge, but bigger mounting footprint.
Blue Sea Systems 4027
Panel Back Insulating Cover
Make sure it Matches your breaker AC Breaker panel size.
SHURFLO 3400-002 2 Gallon Tank-Charged Tank- Pre-Charge
AC Main + 3 Positions, AC Voltmeter 100 amp A/C
Keep your pressure up George.
USB Charger
12 vdc USB C Adapter
2.4 amp per port
SLACKERvan Favorites
Odyssey PC1700 Automotive Light Truck Battery
ODYSSEY batteries are capable of providing engine cranking pulses in excess of 2250 amps for 5 seconds – double to triple that of equally sized conventional batteries, even at very low temperatures. And they can handle 400 charge-discharge cycles to 80% depth of discharge.
Weight: 60.9 LBs
Length: 13.03″ Height: 7.78″ Width: 6.63″
CA: 1325 CCA: 810
AH: 68 Reserve Capacity: 142
Terminals: M6 Insert
Chemistry: Pure Lead AGM
Battery Type: Starting & Deep Cycle
Be sure not to over tighten the bottom nut! We used locktight to make sure the nut stated put.
Rancho RS999188 Shock Absorber
These are great we run on 9 when driving on the street and drop to 4 or 5 off road.
Amazon Van Build Links
We purchase from Amazon quite often, and we are guessing you do too. These are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Feel free to share this page with your friends.
# |
Type |
Category |
Name |
NOTES |
1 |
Breaker |
AC |
Traditional Metal Panel – AC Main + 3 Positions, AC Voltmeter 100 amp A/C |
Maybe find one without the gauge you will be able to see everything in the victron app. (physical gauge is quick though. |
2 |
Breaker |
AC |
Traditional Metal Panel – AC Main + 6 Positions |
No Gauge, but bigger mounting footprint |
3 |
Breaker |
AC |
Blue Sea Systems 4027 Panel Back Insulating Cover |
Make sure it Matches your breaker AC Breaker panel size |
4 |
Breaker |
DC |
200A 187 Series Surface Mount BREAKER |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
5 |
Breaker |
DC |
120A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
6 |
Breaker |
DC |
100A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
7 |
Breaker |
DC |
90A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
8 |
Breaker |
DC |
60A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
9 |
Breaker |
DC |
50A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
10 |
Breaker |
DC |
30A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
11 |
Breaker |
DC |
25A 187 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
187 Series Combines Switch and Breaker in one Both wires feed out of one side |
12 |
Breaker |
DC |
150A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
13 |
Breaker |
DC |
120A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
14 |
Breaker |
DC |
100A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
15 |
Breaker |
DC |
80A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
16 |
Breaker |
DC |
70A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
17 |
Breaker |
DC |
60A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
18 |
Breaker |
DC |
50A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
19 |
Breaker |
DC |
40A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
20 |
Breaker |
DC |
30A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
21 |
Breaker |
DC |
25A 285 Series Surface Mount circuit breaker |
285 Series NOT A SWITCH wire in on one side out on the other |
22 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-150 150 Amp Type III Circuit Breaker |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
23 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-135 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 135 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
24 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-120 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 120 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
25 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-100 100 Amp Type III Circuit Breaker, 100 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
26 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann (BP/CB185-100) 100 Amp Circuit Breaker, 100 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
27 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann (BP/CB185-80) 80 Amp Circuit Breaker, 80 Amps |
|
28 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-50 CB185 Series Automotive Circuit Breaker 50 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
29 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-40 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 40 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
30 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-35 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 35 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
31 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB185-25 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 25 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
32 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-120 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 120 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
33 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-90 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 90 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
34 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-80 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 80 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
35 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-70 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 70 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
36 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-60 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 60 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
37 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-50 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 50 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
38 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-35 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 35 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
39 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-30 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 30 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
40 |
Breaker |
DC |
Bussmann CB285-25 Surface-Mount Circuit Breakers, 25 Amps |
1/4″ for 2/0 is the most expensive terminal |
41 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems Class T Fuse 400 Amp |
|
42 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems Class T Fuse 350 Amp |
|
43 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems Class T Fuse Blocks 320 amp ignition protected |
|
44 |
Fuse |
DC |
Go Power! FBL-400 Class T 400 Amp Fuse with Block |
Not the best |
45 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems ANL Fuses 400 Amp |
|
46 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems ANL Fuses 500 Amp |
|
47 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems ANL Fuses 600 Amp |
|
48 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems ANL Fuses 750 Amp |
|
49 |
Fuse |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems ANL 35A to 750A Fuse Block with Insulating Cover |
|
50 |
BusBar |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems Common BusBar 250 amp 6 stud |
Big dc power draw stuff Or get 1000 amp version to have it all in one place |
51 |
BusBar |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems Common BusBar 250 amp COVER |
Expensive but worth it, 1000 Amp Comes with cover |
52 |
BusBar |
DC |
150A Common BusBar with 10 screws and a cover |
For grounding or power of most of the small stuff |
53 |
BusBar |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems 2722 150-Amp DualBus |
Can do both positive and negative in one place |
54 |
Busbar |
DC |
Distribution Block – 1 x 4GA In/ 4 x 8GA Out |
NON Affiliate |
55 |
Busbar |
DC |
Distribution Ground Block – 1 x 0GA In/5 x 2ga, 4GA or 8ga Out |
|
56 |
Busbar |
DC |
1000A Power Bar with eight 5/16″ terminal studs. 2 mounting holes accept #10 (M5) screws |
Best to choose the most common terminal size for your build, 5/16 or 3/8 then you can get that size in bulk |
57 |
Busbar |
DC |
1000A Power Bar with eight 3/8″ terminal studs. 2 mounting holes accept #10 (M5) screws |
Best to choose the most common terminal size for your build, 5/16 or 3/8 then you can get that size in bulk |
58 |
Busbar |
DC |
Input 1x 1/0 or 4 AWG Output 4x 4 or 8 AWG |
I LIKE THIS ONE |
59 |
Heater |
DC |
DC THERMAL SA12-5000 12 VOLT 600 WATT 10020 BTU BRUSHLESS CAB HEATER |
Use 8 gauge silicone wire to connect this Make sure it has its own breaker! Keep ground as solid as possible too. |
60 |
Heater |
LifePo4 |
7 1/4″x25″ Steps and Water Holding Tank Heater Pad for RV Motorhome Camper Trailer Boat with Automatic Thermostat Control, 12V DC |
Built-in Thermostat is Set to Turn Itself on at 45°F( + – 5 degrees) and Turn Itself off at 68°F( + – 5 degrees). Put on a Cold weather circuit ONLY turn it on if it is below freezing when you plan to Charge. |
61 |
Light |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems 12V DC 12A Deckhand Dimmer |
YOU May be able to wire your vehicle dimmer switch into the AC and DC panel Labels Rather than using this |
62 |
Light |
LED |
LED WIFI Controller Wireless Dimmer for Series RGBW WW/CW RGB + CCT Led Strip Light Compatible with Amazon Alexa Voice Control,FUT089 Remote or Wifi Ibox (5 IN 1 LED WIFI Controller) |
You need 1 per zone, also nice to have a switch controlling each one so the can be turned on and off Individually for programing. these are a little temperamental we need to reprogram hours after long times away from the van and randomly like once every 2 months. |
63 |
Light |
LED |
22 AWG 6 pin 33FT 10m Extension Cable Line for 6 Color RGB CCT LED Strip Lights Wire |
|
64 |
Light |
LED |
Mi.Light LS2 Led Strip Lights 2.4GHz Wireless 5 In 1 Controller |
NO ALEXA VERSION You need 1 per zone, also nice to have a switch controlling each one so the can be turned on and off Individually for programing. these are a little temperamental we need to reprogram ours after long times away from the van and randomly like once every 2 months. |
65 |
Light |
LED |
Mi Light Remote Controller 2.4 Ghz Wireless 8 Zone for 5 in 1 Controller |
|
66 |
Light |
LED |
LED Strip Light 5 in 1 Controller,Smartphone APP Control Without Extra Hub |
|
67 |
Light |
LED |
LGIDTECH LED Strip Lights Flexible 300 Units 5050 SMD 5 Meters DC 12V RGB+CCT Color Changing & Color Temperature Adjustable, IP20 Non-Waterproof |
Keep searching for these DC 12V RGB+CCT |
68 |
Light |
LED |
LGIDTECH LED Strip Lights Flexible 5050 SMD 5 Meters DC 12V RGB+CCT Color Changing & Color Temperature Adjustable IP65 Waterproof |
|
69 |
Light |
LED |
GIDERWEL Smart 16.4ft RGBWW LED Strip Lights 12V 450 LEDs Dimmable RGB Cold White Warm White Changing Color,6 Wire RGBCCT |
Pay attention to watts per foot to create effective lighting without too much power usage, Get a good soldering Iron too |
70 |
Light |
LED |
RGBSIGHT 16.4ft Flexible RGBCCT LED Strip lighting 12V 5M 300 Units RGB Warm Cold White |
|
71 |
Light |
LED |
Waterproof IP67 Flexible RGB + Cold White (6000K) + Warm White (3000K) LED strip lighting 5m |
|
72 |
Light |
LED |
Waterproof IP65 RGB + Cold White(6000K) + Warm White(3000K) LED strip lighting 5m |
|
73 |
Light |
LED |
RGB + Cold White (6000K) + Warm White (3000K) LED strip lighting. |
|
74 |
Light |
LED |
18AWG Gauge RGBCCT LED Strip Extension Cable 33ft |
|
75 |
Lug |
DC |
SELTERM UL Tinned Copper Wire Lugs Battery Cable Ends — Marine Grade, Heavy Duty |
These are the least expensive and still seem good You will need to get the 2/0 AWG 1/4″ (M06) from a more expensive brand |
76 |
Lug |
DC |
Bay Marine Supply – Power Lug Heavy Duty Tinned Copper Marine Grade Cable Ring Terminals by FTZ 10 Pack |
|
77 |
Lug |
Disconnect |
Ancor Marine Grade Heat Shrink 10-12 awg Female 100 pack |
Not sure if these are worth the extra cost Adjust the QTY to your needs |
78 |
Lug |
Disconnect |
Ancor Marine Grade Fully insulated Nylon Disconnects Female 100 pack |
These are used for all the DC switch panels and Usb and 12vdc sockets |
79 |
Lug |
Ring |
Insulated Ring Crimp Connectors – 50 PC Heat Shrink, Waterproof 8 Gauge Wire Terminals of Size #10, 3/8” |
|
80 |
Lug |
Ancor Heat Shrink Ring Terminals HIGH QUALITY IN LOTS OF SIZES |
As long as you start on this link and find something you want and buy it we will get a partial credit for your order |
|
81 |
Lug |
tinned Copper Lugs 8 AWG – 4/0 AWG Price is for 100 2/0 AWG 5/16″ |
Ultra High Quality Good price if you need high volume. There is another YS John that may need some supplies too. |
|
82 |
Paint |
LizardSkin LSCI-1 GAL Ceramic Insulation Radiant Heat |
||
83 |
Paint |
LizardSkin LSSC-1GAL Sound Control Ceramic Insulation |
||
84 |
Safety |
Fire |
Fire Extinguisher Ball Self-Activation -Fire Suppression Device |
We mounted one in our electrical cabinet seemed worth it. |
85 |
Safety |
Fire |
Blazecut |
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfwkWa9453bpZqMCvmjhAQ |
86 |
Safety |
Fire |
H3R HG250R Fire Extinguisher |
Up to you, im guessing a cheaper one will work, we have had to use ours in the PLC so I opted for the good one |
87 |
Socket |
AC |
Leviton 1374-1 15 Amp, 125 Volt, NEMA 5-15R, 2P, 3W, Snap-In Receptacle |
There are other options that are not pre wired, These doubled in price |
88 |
Socket |
AC |
30 Amp 125 Volt Shore Power Inlet |
Depends on the input you want, I would suggest a 30 amp and a 15 amp cord |
89 |
Socket |
AC |
50 Amp 125/250 Volt Shore Power Inlet |
This will offer you the most power in, you will need an adapter cord for 30 amp and 15 amp plugs |
90 |
Socket |
AC |
Yellow Standard Pigtail Adapter 50A 125/250V Connector to 15A |
There tons of options here Make sure you get the right ones. YOur charger should handle a 50 amp Input there is 50 amp/30 amp/15 amp offered |
91 |
Socket |
AC |
12″ 90-Degree Dogbone RV Adapter 15-Amp Male and 50-Amp Female with Twist Lock and LED Power Indicator |
EXAMPLE FIND THE BEST VERSION FOR YOUR NEEDS |
92 |
Socket |
DC |
12V Socket |
Expensive but locks in the plug ours work great. |
93 |
Socket |
DC |
12v 4.8AMP 2x USB port charger ROUND |
Make sure you get a 4.8 amp our bigger charger |
94 |
Socket |
DC |
12v 4.8AMP 2x USB port charger SWITCH MOUNT RECTANGLE |
Make sure you get a 4.8 amp our bigger charger |
95 |
Switch |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems HD-Series Heavy Duty Battery Switch 500 Amp with AFD |
|
96 |
Switch |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems 350 Amp E-Series Battery Switches |
4 Position. Switches isolated battery banks to all loads or combines battery banks to all loads. Includes AFD (Alternator Field Disconnect) |
97 |
Switch |
DC |
Blue Sea Systems WeatherDeck Waterproof Panels, 12/24V, 6 Position Grey Waterproof Circuit Breaker Panel |
Price shop for right size and value |
98 |
Switch |
DC |
12/24V, 4 Position Grey Waterproof Circuit Breaker Panel |
Price shop for right size and value |
99 |
Switch |
LED |
12pcs Car Truck Rocker Round Toggle LED Switch On-Off Control |
We used these for each LED zone controller, I would suggest making an up to 8* switch box to handle the 8 zone controllers for easy programing |
100 |
tool |
DC |
TEMCo Hydraulic Cable Lug Crimper TH0006-5 US TON 12 AWG to 00 (2/0) |
YOU NEED THIS OR THE BIGGER ONE |
101 |
tool |
wire |
TEMCo Wire and Cable Cutter – 4/0 |
|
102 |
Tool |
DEWALT SCREWDRIVER Right Angle Flex Shaft, 12″ |
Makes life easier |
|
103 |
tool |
Titanium Step Drill Bit, High Speed Steel | 1/4 to 1-3/8 | Total 10 Step |
||
104 |
tool |
Hydraulic Cable Lug Crimper TH0005-11 US TON 6 AWG to 600 |
Probably too big |
|
105 |
Tool |
Klein Tools Ratcheting Crimper, 10-22 AWG – Insulated Terminals |
WORTH IT |
|
106 |
Tool |
Wire Cutter and Stripper, for 8-20 AWG Solid and 10-22 AWG Stranded Electrical Wire Klein Tools 11063W |
Clean cuts are needed to reduce resistance and heat. |
|
107 |
Tool |
Klein Tools 11061 Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter for Solid and Stranded AWG Wire, Heavy Duty Kleins are Self Adjusting |
||
108 |
Tool |
SEEKONE Heat Gun 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun Kit Variable Temperature Control with 2-Temp Settings 4 Nozzles 122℉~1202℉（50℃- 650℃）with Overload |
You need a heat gun for the heat shrink, Make sure Heat shrink has adhesive sealant in it too. |
|
109 |
Tool |
65W 110-120V Soldering Iron, 482-896℉（250-480℃） |
Name brand is twice the price your call. |
|
110 |
4/0 Gauge EWCS Flexible Welding Cable 600 Volt Black+Red Combo – 15 Feet Each Black + Red 30 ft total |
|||
111 |
Wire |
DC |
EWCS 2/0 Gauge Premium Extra Flexible Welding Cable 600 Volt – Red – 50 Feet – |
|
112 |
Wire |
DC |
EWCS 2/0 Gauge Premium Extra Flexible Welding Cable 600 Volt – Black 20 Feet |
You can ground anywhere on the chassis so you can usually have shorter runs of BLACK wire |
113 |
Wire |
DC |
4 AWG Ancor Marine Grade Primary Wire 25 ft |
|
114 |
Wire |
DC |
8 AWG EWCS 50ft RED |
|
115 |
Wire |
DC |
10 AWG 250 ft Wire RED |
Hard to know how much you need but It’s much cheaper in volume |
116 |
Wire |
DC |
10 AWG 25 feet Wire RED |
|
117 |
Wire |
DC |
10 AWG 50 feet Wire BLACK |
|
118 |
Wire |
DC |
12 AWG 25 feet Wire BLACK |
|
119 |
Wire |
DC |
12 AWG 100 feet Wire RED |
|
120 |
Wire |
DC |
8 AWG Silicone Wire BLACK 16 feet |
SI wire is super flexible, It does not feed through tight spaces easily as the SI can cut easier. I use it like an extention cord on a 12v dc appliance as it doesn’t get stiff in the cold. |
121 |
Wire |
DC |
8 AWG Silicone Wire RED 16 feet |
|
122 |
Wire |
DC |
14 Gauge Silicone Wire Spool red and Black Each 20ft (40ft total) |
|
123 |
Wire |
DC |
12 Gauge Silicone wire spool red and black each 25ft |
|
124 |
Wire |
DC |
12 Gauge Silicone wire 10 ft red and 10 ft black Flexible |
|
125 |
Wire |
DC |
Silicone Wire RED 20 ft Ultra Flexible 10 AWG |
|
126 |
Wire |
DC |
Silicone Wire BLACK 20 ft Ultra Flexible 10 AWG |
|
127 |
Wire |
Heat Shrink |
GRIP (GRAND RAPIDS INDUSTRIAL) Grip 42 pc Marine Heat Shrink Tubing Assortment |
|
128 |
Wire |
Heat Shrink |
Dual Wall Adhesive Marine Heat Shrink – 10 Ft Roll – 3/4 Inch Diameter – Black |
NOT TESTED BUT MUCH LESS MONEY Check this out https://amzn.to/2UvBHho or https://amzn.to/2w2nBKf for more options |
129 |
Wire |
Heat Shrink |
Heat Activated Adhesive Lined Shrink Tubing 48″ Long 3/4″ for 2/0 AWG RED |
Maybe think about using this for your Inner battery connections |
130 |
Wire |
Heat Shrink |
Heat Activated Adhesive Lined Shrink Tubing 48″ Long 3/4″ for 2/0 AWG BLACK |
Maybe think about using this for your Inner battery connections |
131 |
Appliance |
DC |
o2Cool 12vdc fan |
These are companies that support our nomadic lifestyle. We use their products because we like them. And requested affiliate codes to share with our friends and family. Purchasing products directly on their website by following these links, will pay us a small incentive, without costing you anything.
Next: Explore our Offerings
Yes, please. Share this page!