T6 Day Van Build – Must-Have Features & “Wish I’d Done That” Advice?

[And Away]

Hi all,

Newbie here again. I’m currently in the process of putting together a spec sheet for a T6 day van conversion and getting ready to approach a few companies for quotes.

The van will mainly be used for family trips—2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog—with lots of camping holidays. We’ll mostly be in a tent, but want the flexibility to sleep in the van for shorter breaks or when the weather turns.

I’ve already been doing a lot of research around electrics, heating, and general layout, but I’d really value some real-world input from people who’ve been there and done it.

What I’m trying to understand is:
What are the must-have, game-changing, or life-improving features you’d recommend including from the start?

Particularly interested in:
- Things you wouldn’t necessarily think of as a beginner
- Features that are difficult or expensive to retrofit later
- Small upgrades that make a big difference to day-to-day use

For example, I’ve seen a lot of people rave about the sliding door table as a simple but brilliant addition.

I’m trying to strike the right balance between keeping the build relatively simple/flexible, but also not missing anything obvious that I’d regret later.

Any “wish I’d done that” or “don’t bother with this” advice would be massively appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Badjamin]

I wish I'd hired a few with different layouts before going in all gung ho. Still undecided regarding U shape vs rock,n,roll with side unit.

I rarely use the bench swivel seat, but the folding bracket for my bench passanger seat is amazingly useful.

Have you already bought the vam then?

 

[And Away]

No, I've not bought the van yet. Scouring Auto trader as we speak

Layout-wise I’m pretty set — full-width bed on rails, no extra built-in furniture.

I’ve rented a few vans before and never ended up cooking or washing up in them, so I don’t really see the value in building that in. For me, it’s primarily a vehicle for moving the family around comfortably, with the option to sleep in it when needed.

One thing I’d be interested in hearing about is how people handle travelling with dogs. Are there any smart ways to keep them safely restrained when they’re on a floor bed while driving?

 

[Bigstu1965]

Hi. We are at a stage a bit further and have just got our date for conversion, 29th June. Exciting and can’t wait.

We had a larger Motorhome previously and are downsizing to a day van.

We are going down similar lines to you and our spec is as follows.

Full size RIB with built in cupboard doors front and rear.
No side kitchen (this will affect resale value but that’s not important to us)
Slimline high level cupboard along the (non door) side.
High level cupboard across the rear.
Pop top roof
Wind out Thule awning
High spec electrics with 230ah lithium battery and 2000w inverter.
Electric hook up and lithium charger
Diesel heater
Mobiframe double seat swivel
LED lights inc reading lights (with built in usb chargers)
Loc8 Table in sliding door
Curtains/blinds

That’s just our spec, sure others will add to it

 

[Sirrell85]

No, I've not bought the van yet. Scouring Auto trader as we speak

Layout-wise I’m pretty set — full-width bed on rails, no extra built-in furniture.

I’ve rented a few vans before and never ended up cooking or washing up in them, so I don’t really see the value in building that in. For me, it’s primarily a vehicle for moving the family around comfortably, with the option to sleep in it when needed.

One thing I’d be interested in hearing about is how people handle travelling with dogs. Are there any smart ways to keep them safely restrained when they’re on a floor bed while driving?

The bed on rails 100% if I was to start again. My dog sits on the seat in the back with a harness on which secures her with.

 

[TeeCeeJay]

One thing I’d be interested in hearing about is how people handle travelling with dogs. Are there any smart ways to keep them safely restrained when they’re on a floor bed while driving?

Thread 'Dog restraint' Dog restraint

 

[Bigstu1965]

On the subject of dog restraints.
We have a shock absorbing attachment that plugs into the seatbelt on the RIB seat. This is then attached to a full body harness.

We have a cocker and she will be in her basket on the floor.

It restricts movement but she is safe and comfortable.

https://amzn.eu/d/0eVyTfgt

 

[MWT6]

Similar situation here, and just finishing our day/weekend setup. We went for the u-shape to give us the full width bed and plenty of storage under the seats, and we love the sociable seating. Wife and 7yo sleep in the van and I usually sleep in the awning. Didn't go for hob or sink in the van as we mainly eat out or bbq outside. Do have a fridge though as the lad loves his milk still. For power we have a Bluetti power station and alternator charger which serves our weekends away perfectly.
As for the dog, I left one of the floor anchors in (nearest the sliding door) when I replaced the floor which we use to tether the dog on a long line when camping. When travelling, the dogs collapsable crate fits perfectly behind the front bench seat and he's perfectly happy travelling in that. (Or he likes to lay on the floor in the front footwell )