Can You Believe It?
After creating four years of Christmas cards talking about Tim’s retirement travel plans, we are finally ready to GO!
Yes, this has been quite the in-our-driveway journey! We decided to convert a cargo van to a ClassB RV (a motorhome built on a van chassis) after looking at what seems like hundreds of options. We were a little like Goldilocks. Some van interiors felt too cramped. Some were too awkward for grown up persons who have to go potty at night. Some were gadget-filled. Some were bare bones. Most were outrageously expensive.
I told Tim early on I thought I could design a layout that would accommodate our needs much better than generic factory models. That was my design challenge. Tim’s challenge was learning tools and techniques (and being patient and flexible).
So what’s the actual status?
The electrical and plumbing systems are installed and working, the “furniture” is done. I still need to upholster seat cushions and sew front and rear curtains. Tim has some ceiling trim and finish work to do. Our portable shower system is plumbed and working, but we are waiting until spring to complete the system. For the first time in two years, we aren’t scrambling to get the next component built and installed. It is ready *enough* for its first trip.
Inquiring minds want to know….
Why did you choose to build a conversion van rather than buy a factory model?
Factory model vans (ClassB RVs) typically don’t have sleeping space that accommodates anyone over 6’ tall. Ditto for headroom. They also can either feel cramped as they attempt to include “comforts of home” or are too “camper-van-ish”.
We wanted to use marine-grade components wherever possible, hoping to avoid the “disposable” feeling many campers have.
Our end goal was to create a comfortable vehicle for road trips that we can stay in overnight if we choose.
Why not just stay in hotels?
We really enjoy state and national parks. Waking up in the morning inside the park where we can have coffee, eat breakfast, and head out for a day of exploration without having to drive and search for parking is a delight. Having had that experience in Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon, we were hooked.
The van can be off-grid or can take advantage of “shore power”. Since it is self-contained and doesn’t have a slide-out, we can stay in places we might otherwise not be able to camp.
It fits in normal sized parking places which make planning hybrid trips a breeze. Some nights in the van – some in hotels or park lodges. Our choice.
Why did the build take two years? I’ve seen folks on social media build out a van in 6 months.
Sure. ‘Cause everything on social media is true. 😀
Actually, experienced van build companies can churn out builds in a matter of months. They have cabinetry, bed configurations, and other components that are easily reproducible.
For example, some van builders may choose to square up the interior “walls”. We chose to follow the van’s contours giving us a little more space inside but also complicating every single measurement.
Other builders – especially diy-ers – utilize stock cabinets from big box stores. If it is in our van, it was built by us to meet our specific needs.1
Does it have a potty?
Yes. After much discussion, we decided to go low tech – it’s a diverter toilet from Germany that does not require a black tank.
What about a shower?
Truth is, for any small RV, the amount of water you have is limited. Showers are very short and efficient both to conserve water and reduce waste. So we decided on a portable system.
It will slide out when needed and be tucked away when not in use. We will also make use of campground facilities and our nationwide gym access on days when a quick rinse is just not enough (and/or when I need to wash my hair.)
You mentioned gym membership. Do you plan to work out while traveling?
Yes. We have a TRX system we will attach to the van ladder. We also have three gym memberships that provide nationwide access.
The reality is not all our travel will be adventure-driven and we need to move. So being able to go to the gym while on the road is very important to us.
Has Beth embraced camping yet?
No. But I love waking up within the boundaries of a state or national park, grabbing a cup of coffee, and heading out for a sunrise vista. What we did in Utah was such a wonderful experience, I’m willing to “camp” to achieve that. Besides camping cookware and stuff is just SO darn cute!
Seriously though, where do you plan to go?
We both have some don’t-want-to-miss national parks on our To Do lists. Now that the focus can shift from build to travel, we will be making that list and checking it twice. By the time you received our Christmas card, we were already on our maiden voyage. *fingers crossed*2
Do you plan to share your adventures on social media?
To be honest, we’ve been so busy with the build, we haven’t given that a lot of thought. We took lots of photos throughout the process and will take even more while we are traveling. I set up an Instagram account early on, but chose to not post until I knew for certain we were going to get to the finish line.
I’ve been sharing our family history story for 3 years on @artofrecollection and through that platform have made some really good friends who share common interests. I feel sure, as soon as we catch our breath from the build, we will be sharing a combination of process videos, travel realities, along with being on the older side of van-life.
If you’d like to follow along, check out @yesyouvan.usa on Instagram.
Our 2024 Christmas card
- The fact is, a van was my idea. During COVID I saw a photo of NomadVanz “Jupiter” and my imagination kicked in. Tim felt strongly a van wouldn’t have enough room and based on the factory models we had seen, I didn’t disagree. However, I saw opportunities to modify dimensions of components creating an illusion of more space (a van only has about 70 sq ft of cargo room). I was excited to try my hand at using paint, lighting, recessed areas, adding an inch here taking an inch away there, to see if it could actually work for us. ↩︎
- As luck would have it, I came down with the flu 4 days before our scheduled departure date. Having had bacterial pneumonia a year ago, I decided this first trip would take place without me. Disappointed that I won’t be experiencing the first trip along with Tim, I figure it’s more important to look ahead and conquer the flu. After all, we are ready to go – December, January, whenever. The first trip isn’t the only trip. ↩︎