10 Gift Ideas For Someone Starting A Van Build

By Kate Moore
on December 10, 2017
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Do you have a friend starting a DIY van conversion? Coming up with gift ideas might not sound easy, but there are a few key items that every van builder is going to need to get started. Surprise someone with one of these gifts and you’ll help jump start the process to life on the road.

Van Build Gift Ideas

1. Multimeter

A digital multimeter is an essential tool for diagnosing or reading electrical components in the van. This will become very useful both during the build process and on the road. Being able to check voltage and resistance is a necessity when working with vehicle electricity.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detector

Installing a carbon monoxide detector is one of the most important things to remember when beginning a van build. Use a battery powered digital detector to precisely monitor levels throughout the day and night. Make sure to install it low as CO is heavier than air and falls to the bottom of the van.

3. Safety Glasses

Never start a project without safety glasses. As critical as they are, they often overlooked and not used during fan construction. Choose a pair that is impact resistance and has UV protection as well.

4. Headlight Restoration Kit

This simple project of headlight restoration can make a huge difference in how the exterior of a van looks. Yellow or hazed headlights can be cleaned off and restored without needing a replacement. Check out blog to see a step-by-step guide on our headlight restoration

5. Window Breaker & Seatbelt Cutter

Hopefully one never needs to use a window breaker or seat belt cutter, but you never know what can happen in the next moment. It is smart to have this tool nearby especially when driving and living out of a van.

6. Seat Heaters

Vehicle seat heaters are surprisingly affordable and easy to install. This quickly becomes a treasured part of the vehicle that will end up being used frequently; especially on those chilly winter mornings.

7. Jack Stands

If you are planning to do any type of undercarriage work on a vehicle, sturdy jack stands are a must-have safety item. On the road they can be used to rotate tires, check ball joints, replace brakes and many other critical safety maintenance procedures. Without them you will likely be taking many expensive trips to the shop.

8. Windshield Sunshade

Used to reflect radiant heat, an aluminum windshield cover is a thoughtful way to keep the inside of the vehicle more comfortable. Not only this, but the added privacy will be very appreciated.

9. Caulking Gun

Waterproof and seal any holes or gaps in your van. Silicone caulking will quickly become a go-to tool for anyone doing extensive construction on a van. A caulking gun will make this process much less messy and easier to manage.

10. Wire Stripper

Wire strippers are a necessary part of installing lighting and electronics in the van. This is something every van dweller should have in their tool box, especially from the start.

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Kate Moore

Kate is the lead content creator for ParkedInParadise.com and has spent over two years living in a camper van conversion. She has traveled through 48 US states and writes about van life, camping and RV living.