Van builds are hard! I was in so far over my head on my first project, and would have struggled a lot harder than I did if it weren't for randos on the internet who helped me through all the technical stuff I needed to learn.
Now, I'm stoked to be able to pay that energy forward. I've worked on more than twenty van and skoolie builds, and roll this little shop trailer around to the places I'm basing out of so folks can use the tools and tap my experience when I'm around.
Reach out on Discord if you have a project going! I'm always down to yammer about this stuff. You can get an idea of where the shop trailer's posted up or is going to be by looking at my photo log. Anyone's welcome to come wrench with our crew if we're crossing paths.
Tools and Capabilities
Especially handy things in the shop trailer that people don't usually have include:
- MIG flux-core welding setup
- Circular saw tracks for easy plywood cutting
- Electric crimp tool for Pex-B crimp rings
- Electric caulk gun for window installation
- Electric impact wrench for chassis work
- Sewing machine with off-grid power
- Crimp tool for battery cables
- Rivnut tool
- Diagnostics tool for the weird codes Sprinters, Promasters and Transits throw that most OBDII stuff can't read
- Jobsite table saw
- Tools and terminals for shortening or re-routing Starlink cables
I can teach the skills necessary for any aspect of a van build to the higher end of the DIY grade (definitely not a pro), but if time's limited, I try to focus on the parts of builds that expertise is especially helpful for, like:
- Diesel heater installs and repair
- Electrical system design, installation and diagnostics
- Radiant floor heat
- Recirculating showers
- Starlink installs
- Roof vent and window installs (putting holes in vans is skeery)