Installing Walls in Our Ram ProMaster Van Conversion: Step-by-Step Guide
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I can’t believe how far along we are coming with this van build! If you’re new here, my husband Jason and I are converting our 2019 Ram ProMaster 3500 high roof extended van into our dream camper. This process has been quite the adventure, and today we're diving into a crucial part of the build: installing the walls.
Pre-Wiring Before Installing Van Walls
Before jumping into wall installation, let’s talk about pre-wiring. Electrical wiring is a critical step in any van conversion, and it’s essential to get this done before the walls go up. We had to decide on the types and locations of our outlets and run all the necessary wiring. For those following along with similar projects, make sure you have all your wiring figured out and in place because once those walls are installed, going back to fix things can be a real headache!
We chose to run some of our wiring behind the walls, but we also left others accessible through lower cabinets for easier maintenance. It’s all about planning and flexibility, which has been key throughout this entire build.
List of Materials Used for the Wall Installation
Framing the Van Windows: How We Did It
Framing our van windows was the next big task. We used leftover 1/2-inch birch plywood for the window frames. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Measure and cut the plywood to frame around the window edges.
Add furring strips on both the top and bottom to create a secure base for attaching the frame.
Use Kreg pocket holes to connect the framing pieces, ensuring a sturdy structure (this is similar to how we framed the walls of our van).
Pro Tip: Always double-check your measurements and ensure everything fits before securing it into place. We learned that precision saves time and headaches later on.
Wall Installation in Our Van Conversion
Now, for the main event: installing the walls! We opted for 1/4-inch birch plywood instead of shiplap for a cleaner, modern look. Here’s how we approached it:
Pre-cut the plywood into panels that would cover large sections of the walls with minimal waste.
Create stencils using craft paper to trace out areas around outlets and other obstacles. This method doesn’t need to be perfect, but it helps guide your cuts.
Fit and secure the plywood panels, making sure they align with the furring strips and window frames.
Prime and paint: After cutting and fitting, we sanded and primed the plywood with Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, which is great for high heat and humidity. We painted the final walls using Behr Ultra in Swiss Coffee, a warm, soft white that adds brightness without being too stark.
Lessons Learned: Tips for Your Van Build
Throughout this process, we’ve learned a few things that will make your van conversion smoother:
Invest in good tools: Electric sanders save a ton of time and effort, so they’re worth the investment. Good-quality paint rollers also make a big difference.
Plan for flexibility: Building a van isn’t always straightforward. Having a flexible plan allowed us to make adjustments as needed, whether that meant repositioning wires or changing our build sequence.
Celebrate the victories: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of van building, but remember to take time to be proud of ourselves and enjoy the big wins.
Final Thoughts
Installing walls in a van conversion is a huge milestone. We’re thrilled with how it’s coming together, and while it’s a time-consuming process, the effort is worth it. For those embarking on similar projects, remember to take your time, plan ahead, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
If you want to see more of our van conversion process, be sure to check out our other videos and subscribe to follow along. Up next, we’ll be diving into the details of our electrical setup and insulation, so stay tuned!
We're not professionals, but we're learning as we go and are excited to share our journey with you. If you found this post helpful, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram @adventurvan for more updates.
Also, be sure to check out our van build budget spreadsheet for a detailed list of all the materials we've used so far throughout the conversion process.
We’d love to hear from you—drop a comment with any questions or suggestions for what you'd like to see next. Your support means everything to us, and we're excited to have you on this journey with us!
