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The Van Build

On September 27th, 2016 I started the process. I'd never even built a birdhouse. My gracious ex-boyfriend, now friend, gave advice and tools and did most of the wiring and solar. I did all the construction, insulation, flooring, paneling and cabinetry. I had a trip to Florida planned in November and I finished up (mostly) the day before I left.


Nasty! Carpet removed, lots of work to do!

Much better!


Two Fantastic fans installed, and two layers of insulation on the floor

Followed by plywood

Wall insulation

Paneling going up

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This part nearly killed me! Had to be perfectly straight going in or it bucked and almost took off my arm!

Bed goes in next

Battery box/clothes closet

Batteries and wiring, almost done

Solar panels done!
I finished everything but the cabinets, so once again, plastic bins to the rescue.
 After returning from a month in Florida I completed the cabinets.
Ikea copycat, built to their spec, their bins

Completed shots of the van.

Finished product....is it every really finished?

Kitchen area, fridge below


Some would call these girly colors, I call them happy!

View from the rear


Side view

Been lots of places, many more to go!


A couple of notes. I had originally built the back end as a "garage" and had planned to add an a/c, hence the 2x4 frame in the back. But after traveling I realized I was always following the 70-degree weather, and so far I haven't needed one. An a/c adds a lot of weight, not just the unit, but the gennie required to run it and extra gas. Having the frame allows the break from front to back and still gives me a separate area for tools, etc.
Secondly, people always ask about hygiene. I have a potty and a shower, rudimentary as they are, but hey, I'm a backpacker so I'm pretty low maintenance to begin with. :-)
Van life, and nomading, in general, has become increasingly popular with young and old alike and there are amazing builds out there. For me, it's not about the van, it's about the adventures. My van is uniquely me and it suites my needs perfectly.








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