When it comes to DIY camper van builds, one of the most overlooked—but most critical—steps is planning your floor layout before you start cutting or installing anything. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to plan a camper van floor layout using the Ford Transit as our example. You’ll get tips from a real-world build that includes in-floor shower pans, flip-and-fold seating, parking heaters, custom cabinetry, and more.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you drill or cut anything in your floor, make sure you’ve mocked up your layout with the actual components—or use full-size cardboard cutouts if needed.
Why Floor Layout Planning Matters
Your camper van’s floor layout impacts everything: cabinetry fit, electrical and plumbing routes, seating clearances, insulation, and even your ability to access or remove components later.
Whether you’re doing a simple build or a high-end conversion with in-floor systems, advance planning will save you time, money, and frustration.
Tools and Kits to Help You Plan
One of the most helpful tools for our layout process was the AVC RIG paper floor pattern kit. This template lets you trace and cut precise plywood panels to match your Ford Transit’s floor dimensions.
AVC RIG offers two options:
- Pre-cut full floor kits
- Engineering-style paper patterns for DIY cutting
Using the pattern gave us the flexibility to customize the layout with components like:
- A TetraVan in-floor shower pan
- A VE Bato parking heater
- A battery system cage
- A flip-and-fold seat pedestal
Key Considerations for Planning
Wall Taper Awareness
Van walls taper inward as they descend. When mounting components like a kitchen galley:
- Expect it to touch the wall midpoint first—not the floor
- Account for this taper when trimming cabinets or designing floor cutouts
Component Mockups
Mock up your components before final placement using either cardboard or the real item:
- Kitchen galleys (Flatline Van Co. 24″ & 41″)
- Bed rail systems
- Fridge space (Isotherm Cruise 130 modded into cabinet)
- In-floor features (shower pan, heater)
Planning for Penetrations
When drilling into the floor for drainage, heater vents, or seat mounts:
- Check for crossmembers underneath the van
- Ensure there’s room for hose routing
- Prioritize aesthetics by aligning with other components
Tip: Drill a small 1/8” hole first to inspect below the floor before committing.
Floor Layout Walkthrough
Here’s how we broke down the layout during the live install:
Driver/Passenger Seat Area
- Checked clearances for flip-and-fold seat
- Marked and drilled pedestal bolt locations
Kitchen Galley Placement
- Positioned 24” and 41” Flatline Van Co. cabinets
- Straddled plywood joints for structure
- Notched rear of 41″ galley to accommodate van frame
Shower Pan Cutout
- Located between both galleys for symmetry and plumbing access
- Centered based on layout and chassis clearance
- Used inspection holes to verify safe placement
Battery & Power System
- 600Ah LiFePO4 system with Victron and Renogy components
- Positioned on driver’s side with airflow vents
- Incorporated aluminum battery cage and DC-DC MPPT chargers
Plumbing System
- All water tanks, heaters, and plumbing placed on passenger side
- Avoided routing water underneath the floor to prevent freezing
- Used a 7-gallon removable Panther RV Products gray tank under sink
Recommended Zones for Systems
Picking sides simplifies installation and maintenance. Here’s a recommended layout:
Electrical System (Driver’s Side):
- Battery bank
- Inverter charger
- MPPT/DC-DC chargers
- Fuse panel and subpanels
Water System (Passenger Side):
- Freshwater tank
- Shower pan
- Kitchen sink plumbing
- Gray water tank
Pro Tips for Smarter Floor Planning
- Use a drawing or diagram to sketch out zones and mark component placement
- Test fit components before final cuts—then uninstall and install permanently after insulation
- Leave access and removal room for items like refrigerators and cabinets
- Account for airflow and ventilation, especially near batteries and heaters
- Think about serviceability—can you remove, clean, or replace key parts easily?
Fridge Fitment Example: Isotherm Cruise 130
We modified a Flatline Van Co. cabinet to fit the Isotherm Cruise 130 fridge:
- Removed internal paneling and trimmed aluminum
- Scored and jigsawed the cabinet for a precise fit
- Preserved lower aluminum section for structural strength
The result was a seamless integration with clean lines and full drawer access.
Heating System Layout
We chose to install the VE Bato parking heater near the rear driver-side corner, not under the seat, because:
- It avoided routing fuel lines over the exhaust
- It allowed heat to flow under the bed area for improved comfort
- Controls and electrical were easier to integrate from that position
Planning Electrical and Plumbing Runs
Electrical Routing Tips
- Route all power cables along one side when possible
- Use vented enclosures for battery areas
- Plan for future expandability (solar, outlets, lighting)
Plumbing Routing Tips
- Keep all water lines on one side to simplify heating and maintenance
- Never cross water under the floor if you’re in freezing climates
- Vent gray tanks properly for proper drainage and odor control
Recommended Gray Tank: Panther RV 7-Gallon
We love this tank for interior installs:
- Vented screw cap
- Built-in brass drain port
- Easy to remove and clean
- Great for climates where freezing is a concern
Free Resource: The DIY Van Build Cheat Sheet
Want a shortcut to reliable van parts?
Download our free DIY Van Build Cheat Sheet, which includes:
- 250+ parts used across multiple builds
- Sections for electrical, plumbing, insulation, fasteners, and tools
- Direct Amazon links for quick ordering
Get it here: VanBuilderHQ.com
Final Thoughts
Planning your van floor layout in advance makes every future step easier—from insulation to cabinetry to electrical install. Whether you’re installing custom systems or using pre-built components, laying everything out ahead of time will help prevent costly mistakes and ensure everything fits and functions as intended.
Take your time, measure twice, and always test-fit before cutting.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or check out our latest builds and guides at VanBuilderHQ.com.
