Any tips on how to make it easy to access the engine when installing a floor or sink near that area?
Honestly, don’t do it. Anytime you need to check the back of the engine, you’ll have to pull up your cabinets and undo those 10mm bolts on the cover. I’ve seen builds where they completely cover the engine access panel, but it’s a pain later.
Check out this setup: https://youtu.be/yvorpbX3rh8?si=c1ywCWUzXoIhFBOM
My Yokohama camper came with a really flexible kitchen setup at the back. I’m planning to tweak the bed a bit but keeping the kitchen where it is. Having the kitchen at the back with the hatch door is awesome, and it keeps engine access simple.
Don’t put a sink or anything heavy in front of the engine panel unless you can make it movable. If your van is right-hand drive, putting things behind the driver’s seat might be better if the bed is in the back. My van has a top-opening storage box in front of the panel, but it’s easy to clear out (I keep stuff in zip-up bags). Just a few screws to move it, and it’s about 62cm high. That height lets the seat recline fully for engine access. The box also turns my kitchen bench into a stepped L-shape while still leaving space to move between the back and the front of the van.
@Adley
Do you have a picture of your setup?
Try this: share.riseup.net
It’s not the most recent, but you’ll get the idea. I originally planned to put the battery in the box, but it turned out to be a better spot for other gear. The box isn’t as wide as it should be though—forgot to account for space to reach the inside door handle. It doesn’t have a right side either, to give access under the sink. It was tricky to level, but you’ll need to decide what’s more important to you: a level box or under-sink access. I went with the latter, as we store water jugs (2x 22L for fresh, 1x 22L for greywater).
We’re still working on the build, but I need to get a different van soon for an extra seat. I’m keeping the L-shaped kitchen but planning for a medium roof instead of a high top. I’ll add a 50L fresh water tank underneath the van and a 30L greywater tank under the sink. I won’t need to get to that area often, just for maintenance. I’m also thinking of redesigning the box to fit a porta potty or shrinking it to make room for the toilet.
Edit: Here’s an example of someone’s swing-away kitchen cabinet, scroll to the last van pics before the stove: VAN FITOUTS – VAN SYSTEM #13 - Drifta Camping & 4WD