FAQ – VanLab

GREAT question! - and one that is potentially the biggest differentiator between VanLab kits and some of our competitors... We use only USA produced A1 Grade 9-ply Birch. The best there is! We source the strongest and most premium material to enable us to use 0.5" versus the thicker 0.75" ply which enables us to maximise strength but reduce weight load. If a kit with 0.75" is lightweight, then it means it's using poorer grade quality plywood. Some useful reading here: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/plywood-sizes-and-types/

We do sell panelling kits but only for install at our Simi Valley, CA shop as they aren’t easy to self-install, our kit on the other hand IS easy so anyone can do it. There are a lot of panelling kits on the market and we leave enough space to allow for them to fit or for you to do your own (1/4” plywood for example works well on top of your insulation) We recommend you insulate first, and then purchase a panelling kit from a 3rd party and be confident that our kit WILL fit with it - if you;'re unsure then just contact us and we can double check.

There are many different types of portable toilets and Showers that work well with the kits: there are simple portable toilets that work well and we have designed space for them to slide in and out of all our kits so they are tucked out of site. There are also self composting options that cost well over a thousand dollars, so really that choice is yours. We really like the Tetravans shower (see link here: https://www.tetravan.com/shop/p/the-tetravan-folding-shower-system) and we have designed the Sprinter and Transit kit to be compatible with this INTERIOR shower. It would be mounted to the front of the raised bed, in between the bench seat and the kitchen unit.

YES! But, the kit has been designed so that ANYONE can put it together, the same way you put other self assembly furniture together at home.

We are here for you though and do offer installation from our Simi Valley, CA location. The time taken to install for you will depend on workload but we recommend ordering your kit first and then booking your installation, usually within 2-3 weeks completion from order.

In addition we have some of our instruction videos and manuals which are enough to self-install and we are always available via email with any questions / concerns.

Although we use the most premium and hard wearing Baltic Birch available, you’ll still find several football, oval, or irregular shaped patches in either side of Baltic birch. Even the highest grade of Baltic birch allows for patches. While at first glance they might seem unsightly, they’re indeed correcting a worse problem that you wouldn’t like any better – such as knots or discoloration. Fortunately, patches are color matched, so they blend as best as they can to the surrounding areas.

You'll receive an email from us with tracking information about your kit.

Shortly before the arrival date, our delivery service will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment for your kit.

Some things to know:

Items will not be delivered without an appointment.
You must be at home to receive your kit.
Kits will be delivered to your home so please work with the delivery provider on the day to leave it in a suitable place.
Delivery appointments are available Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. Weekend delivery is not available.
Please make sure an adult 18 or older will be home during the delivery window. The delivery window may vary depending on your location. Usually there is a four-hour window, but sometimes it is greater.
Additional fees will be charged for missed appointments and last-minute changes to appointments.

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