Stealth Camper Van Built For Weekend Getaways "Super Cute" Mini Van Tour

TL;DR

A couple builds a customized 1998 all-wheel drive Astro van for convenient and comfortable van life adventures.

Transcript

my name's scott this is carla this is our 1998 all-wheel drive astro van we started building this early pandemic and got her ready to go now and come on and join me in my house uh on the top we put on an awning just a nice covered area for us to relax under the sun which is the smittybilt it's i think it's eight by six feet so in the back we have o... Read More

Key Insights

• 🉐 Convenience and readiness are major advantages of owning a camper van, as everything is set up and ready to go.
• 😄 The van has provided them with the opportunity to explore remote areas and snowboard hills with ease.
• 🪡 Building a van teaches individuals about their actual needs in life, helping them realize that they don't need excessive possessions to be happy.
• 🉐 Functionality should be prioritized over aesthetics when building a van for practicality during van life.
• 👾 Installing a sink may seem luxurious but may not be worth the space it takes up.
• 🏛️ Creative solutions, such as building a template from cardboard, can help achieve a tight fit when building in a van with odd shapes.
• 👻 Building a van allows for customization and adjustments based on individual needs and preferences.
• 👾 The couple recommends aspiring van builders to test out the space with cushions before building to determine the necessary functionality and storage.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the couple power their van?

They use a Jackery 1000 with solar power and wiring from breakers and outlets to power everything, including the fridge, USB charging, and lights.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced during the van conversion?

Building a functional bed that can be folded and stored efficiently was the most challenging aspect. They had to think creatively to make it work.

Q: How long did it take for them to build the van?

The actual build time was not extensive, but the entire project took around three to four months due to intermittent work and waiting for supplies.

Q: What are their future plans for the van?

They are considering using the van as a home base while they build their own place, possibly a container house or tiny house. They also have a desire to go on a cross-Canada road trip.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The couple built the van during the early pandemic and transformed it into a fully functional living space.

• The van features a comfortable bed, sink, fridge, solar power system, projector setup, and storage for all necessities.

• They primarily use the van for weekend camping trips, but have aspirations for longer road trips and an off-grid lifestyle.