Van Life is a growing trend of people living in vehicles to travel and see the world. Van conversions need a sink, and thanks to its versatility, there are a variety of options. However, it can be challenging to choose between the vast number of deep sinks available at your local hardware store. It would be best if you had an understanding of these things before you make a decision.
Sink Types
The deep sink that people use in their bathrooms can contain various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, or steel. There are three basic types of sinks: double sinks, single bowl, and drop-in sinks.
Double Sinks:
This combination sink is large, usually rectangular, and is generally used in pairs. When compared to vans with smaller sinks, vans with big sinks cover more of their top surface. Usually, they are placed next to each other. The faucet is positioned between them. In kitchens and other public areas, they are commonly used.
Basic Sink:
Sinks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They can have one bowl with a faucet or two bowls that are connected to one faucet. Single-bowl sinks are usually installed on the wall below the window, on either side of the mirror. The bowls are also available with single or double drains.
Drop-In Sink:
These sinks are rectangular or square. They have a 9″ to 13″ depth and are very shallow as they sit on top of the kitchen counters. Drop-in sinks require mounting holes that are either 4 or 8 inches apart. Bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas can all benefit from them.
Choosing The Right Sink For Your Camper Van
You will need to determine the number of people you will be living with and what size sink is required. Ideally, it would help if you also considered the type and style of van you are converting.
Van Size:
As a general rule, sinks tend to be more prominent in larger vans as they take up more space. Therefore, you should consider how much storage space you have available for sink equipment and accessories, such as a pump faucet and bathroom accessories.
Sink Capacity:
The general rule is to have adequate room for a single bowl sink. If your van has a double sink, choose a double bowl sink that’s the same size or slightly smaller. And as for a drop-in sink, choose one that’s only slightly larger than the drop-in space you have available.
Sink Style:
Vans are typically used for daily travel and not living in it. Then you’ll need to keep your designs minimalistic and streamlined. Choosing a sink that matches your cabinet’s style and color will enable it to blend in fairly well from all angles.
Sink Materials:
When purchasing the sink for your camper van conversion, three basic materials are used: porcelain, stainless steel, and copper. When choosing a sink material to match your camper conversion design or style, porcelain is often considered the best. Stainless steel sinks are also very durable but may be challenging to keep clean.
How To Install A Van Sink In Your Conversion:
Installation of your sink will depend on remodeling an existing van or building a van from scratch. As mentioned previously, the goal is to get as much usable space as possible, so the sink can be placed in the corner where it is functional. Placing the sink below the window is a good idea because it provides working and storage space under and around it.
Sink For Van Life
If you want to live in a van, you need a sink. It’s not for cooking, but washing dishes and handling the toilet. The simplest solution is to buy one of those cheap plastic sinks.
*Camper Van Sink And Stove:
These can fit into the van wall between two cabinets at the back and come with a stove and drip tray. They are usually 9.5″ (with foldable faucet) x 20″ deep and about 17″ tall.
*Reverse Cycle Isolator:
When you turn the engine off, an auxiliary battery will prevent the batteries from draining. At the same time, your van is parked for extended periods. It’s an excellent solution for tiny van homes and can be combined with the sink shown above.
*Standard Sink:
This type of sink is the best for installation. It has a smaller hole that will make it easier to clean.
*Drop-In Sink:
The sink must drop into the cabinet without any adjustments needed (so you don’t have to take the van apart). The drain should be on the left side of the sink and go below the bottom shelf level. The faucet should face you.
*Double Sink:
You can buy a double sink but bear in mind that the drain of one will be facing the other. One can be used as a wash and the other for rinsing.
Sprinter Conversion Van Sink
Vans or Sprinters equipped with sinks allow owners to cook or complete other household tasks while on the road. Sprinter conversion van sinks are available in a range of sizes and designs. This sink is usually located to the left of the driver’s area and can often be accessed inside the vehicle.
Rv And Motorhome Custom Kitchen Sink
Custom kitchens in an RV or Motorhome are one of the best upgrades you can make to your unit. If you’ve got any doubts, ask the owners of these custom RVs, who have spent a small fortune on custom kitchens. Not only will your kitchen be more comfortable and aesthetically appealing, but you’ll get the added benefit of saving money on restaurant meals by cooking your meals at home.
Running Water In A Camper Van
Living in a camper van is not for everyone, and there are many things to consider. One such consideration is how many gallons of water your campervan will need daily, considering you do not want to be running around for water all the time. The gas bottle will usually be the ones to be refilled in the campsite’s gas station.
Here are some simple ways of getting water into your camper van:
1. If you’re not keen on carrying too much weight on board your campervan, then consider buying a water container instead.
2. If you’re a campervan enthusiast and love to get out and explore, then check out some of the ones on the market which are designed for outdoor activities. Some of these can have water containers as well.
3. Additionally, you can purchase a gas bottle-mounted water filter to use directly on your gas tank. You can use this to send clean water directly to your sink or toilet. However, these unfortunately become ineffective after about 100 miles per tankful.
4. You can also purchase a water bag for your campervan; this is a bag that is filled with water and then frozen. You can also get a solar-powered water heater, which will heat the water faster and make it ready to use.
5. There are many other options if you want to filter or purify your tap water, which you may want to consider if you are going on an extended trip.
Where to refill the water?
If you are using a standard drinking water tank, then make sure you purchase a few large propane tanks just in case. There should be one available at almost any camping store or gas station. Of course, if you’re okay with carrying the weight on your campervan, then there is no need to worry about refilling the tanks at all.
Water Pump
There are two kinds of water pumps when it comes to campervans. There is the manual pump and the automatic pump. While an automatic one is more convenient to use, it may be more expensive than your average budget would allow.
There are several types of water pumps:
1. Electric Pump: Most campervans use this type, which works with either freshwater or saltwater. They work by drawing in water through a hose and then pumping it into your tank via another hose after pumping out contaminants (salt, sand, or algae). Alternatively, you can get one that works on a motor vehicle’s battery instead of electricity.
2. Air-powered Water Pump: As the name suggests, it uses air as a source of power to pump water out of your tank. However, this isn’t entirely to use and requires regular maintenance.
3. Water Pressure Tank: With this type of tank, you hook it up to your new water source, and it provides a steady flow of water for your sinks or toilets. When it runs dry, you fill it up with more water again. Water can be transferred to your sink or toilet bowl using a funnel and hose from the tank.
Filtering and Treating Water
Even though you may not be planning on going camping often, it is a good idea to consider investing in a filter and a grey-water treatment. An inline water filter treatment product will help remove contaminants that could make you sick when you drank it. Filters can also help remove any sediments or other solids that may have gotten into your water while you’re on your trip.
Van Refrigerators
A van refrigerator is a luxury that many people do not think about needing until they need it. Consider the following factors before purchasing a van refrigerator.
1. Your campervan should have enough space inside for the refrigerator to fit, and it should also be easily installed and removed from the van. Make sure that everything you want in your fridge is easily accessible as well.
2. If you plan on taking your campervan on a long trip, then there’s a good chance that you will need to carry lots of food with you. It would be best to choose a van refrigerator that is either chest-style or one that runs off of propane.
3. If you will be using the refrigerator for your cold beverages, make sure to buy one that can handle beverages at room temperature and keep them cool.
4. You also need to consider your campervan’s specific needs before purchasing it. If you are taking a short trip, you may not need a van refrigerator at all.
Van Stoves
Many people cannot imagine living without a kitchen; they cannot imagine living without a kitchen stove. Stoves like these are necessary for several reasons and take up very little space in the cabins and vans of people who need them on their adventures. There is a perfect chance that you will find that you will be able to do most of your cooking outside of the van if you choose to invest in one of these units.
Types Of Van Stoves
Induction Stoves: These are relatively new and very different from standard stoves. They have small coils instead of traditional heating elements, so it does not emit toxic fumes when working. They tend to be very efficient and also give off little heat. The stove makes for an excellent option for campervan enthusiasts looking to save on gas.
Gas Burners: These are exactly like the burners you would find on a kitchen stove. They work with the same type of gas. These stoves are very easy to use, but they also give off fumes, making sure you have a good vent set up to help with this. They can also be very hot and should be installed in an area that will not cause damage to anyone who may walk by it or touch it.
Butane Stoves: These stoves are excellent if you want to take your cooking outside of the house. They do not carry the same fumes like some other models and will also work with a regular butane lighter. This type of stove will typically produce five or six thousand Btu per hour, and it is straightforward to install into almost any camper van.
Summary
The best van life sink is a personal choice. For some, the sink is the only household item that they need to have in their van. For others, it’s not a necessity, but it can sure make life easier. The best van life sink depends on what you think of and how you plan to use your van to travel. In addition to being a great tool in making your trip more manageable, the sink can also present a hassle you’d rather avoid.