INCREDIBLE Camper Van Sink with Running Water and AC Power!
Today I’m excited to walk you through my latest project: a super functional, compact kitchen sink box designed specifically for camper van living. This little box packs a punch! It features a tiled countertop, power outlet, vessel sink, rechargeable pump, fresh and gray water tanks, a spot for a trash can, three drawers, a removable magnetic spice rack and a colorful backsplash. I even added a ledge to mount a small TV. In this post, I’ll break down the build, share the dimensions and go over the costs involved so you can recreate this for your own setup. Let’s dive in!
Links to materials, products and gear featured in this video
The Sink Box Setup:
I started this project by adjusting my van seats to maximize the space upfront. This way, I have plenty of legroom, plus a spot to mount the sink module. This is actually the second version of my sink box—the first was a bit too heavy and wide, with a deeper sink and thicker wood. I realized I didn’t need a big pullout drawer for a coffee pot, so I redesigned it to be lighter and more streamlined. Now, it fits snugly beside the driver’s seat, allowing me to keep it in place while driving.
The sink itself? Just a simple mixing bowl with a drain hole drilled in it! It’s removable for easy cleaning and aligns perfectly with the gray water tank below. I use 3-gallon water jugs as my water source, which are easy to refill and store. The jugs weigh about 24 pounds each when full, and I keep extras on hand for drinking water. For a faucet, I have a USB-rechargeable water pump typically used on water jugs in office spaces. The pump has a wooden mount, and a blue hose connects the freshwater tank to the sink via a quick-connect adapter. A small filter sits at the bottom of the tank to keep the water clean.
Cabinet and Countertop Details:
The countertop is covered in a white, peel-and-stick tile for a clean and durable surface. I installed a waterproof power outlet for convenience—perfect for my electric kettle. As for the backsplash, I decorated it with stickers from various national parks. It adds a pop of color and a touch of inspiration, reminding me of all the places I still want to explore! There’s a ledge at the top that holds a small TV with cables tucked neatly along the back.
On the left side of the sink box, I installed a remote switch for an inverter, plus quick-connect power ports for the TV and Roku streaming player. It’s designed for flexibility: I can unplug the power and move the cabinet back if I need to use the passenger seat or remove it entirely if necessary.
Safety and Practicality:
Safety was a priority for me, especially with sharp edges near the seat. I attached folding shelf brackets to the backsplash so I can fold it down and out of the way while driving. The box itself is anchored to the wood floor using clamp-locking cam latches, commonly used on boats.
Features
The sink box has a slot for a narrow trash can, as well as a secret trash compartment accessible while I’m on the road. Below the trash can slot, there’s storage for essentials like foil and wax paper. The three pullout drawers are perfect for small items; two are dedicated to my coffee supplies.
Modular Spice Rack:
One of my favorite features is the removable magnetic spice rack. It holds my spices securely, even on bumpy roads, thanks to an extra magnet I added for stability. Below the spices I have plastic bottles for olive oil, dry rub mix and cinnamon. They’re held in place by shock cords. The best part? The whole rack is portable! I can take it outside to cook, adding convenience to any outdoor kitchen setup.
Building the Box:
If you’re interested in building this, here are the core dimensions: the main box is 28 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 17 inches high, made from half-inch birch plywood. It’s open at the front and back to save weight. The water jug section is 15.5 inches wide, with a support slot at the back to keep the jugs secure. For the trash can, I made a 4.75-inch-wide slot, with cubbies and slots for additional storage.
The countertop is 15 inches deep, extending 4 inches beyond the basic box. I gained that extra space by leaning the passenger seat forward. I cut holes in the countertop for the power outlet and the sink with hole saws, making sure everything was flush. The sink drain connects directly to the gray water jug below, which eliminates leaks. The back wall of the backsplash is 28 inches wide by 8.75 inches high, with sides made from 2x2 wood for durability. When cooking outdoors, the sink box is easy to move. It only weighs about 23 lbs. I set it up on a picnic table in a scenic spot and it works like a charm!
Cost Breakdown:
I spent a total of about $470 on this project. The most expensive items were the wood ($35), the waterproof power outlet ($25), and the mixing bowl set ($60). However, there are plenty of ways to cut costs if you’re on a budget. For example, you can opt for cheaper stick-on tile, skip the power outlet, and use a less expensive mixing bowl for the sink. These small changes alone could save around $180.
Final Thoughts:
Having the option to cook inside and outside the van has been a game-changer. The entire sink box can be removed if I want to cook in the open, and the modular design makes it easy to move around. I’m thrilled with how this setup turned out—it’s compact, functional, and adds a lot of comfort to van life.
So, if you’re thinking about building a setup like this, I highly recommend it! This sink box has everything I need in one place and can adapt to wherever my travels take me.