New here, have no idea what I am doing.

After looking at various trailers for about 2 years, we decided to build our own RV so we could have it how we wanted. After some research, I decided a step van would be perfect. There was one for sale already build out a little and I got excited. Went to the bank, got the loan, and never could get a response from the seller.

So with some money in the bank, I started looking. I learned a lot once I started looking at them and narrowed my search to a 16' high roof box with a diesel. I lucked out and scored a wicked low mile ex Frito Lay truck that fit the bill perfect. 

I have had "Friita" for a year and have been building since Spring.I am about 30% of the way there, but she is totally usable as is and just gets better as I go. 

1978 Chevy P30.
400 watt solar
40A charge controller
1500w pure sign wave inverter
2 - 200ah batteries
queen murphy bed
2 burner cooktop
double sink
4.2 cubic foot fridge
gravity flush toilet

I added an RV side door with folding stairs and 2 RV side windows. I will put together a build thread soon. I would like to have her over 50% by Spring. Electrical will be all done (I hope) next weekend and then I start the plumbing. 

While I am a handy guy, I am a software engineer by trade and a gear head by need.

Welcome to the CRVL forums jimmydean! Sounds like you know what you're doing to me! Looking forward to the build thread.

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Over the years I've read a lot of DIY RV post and step van's tend to come up with favorable reviews.   Plenty of space and
more Truck ruggedness.   You can build the "domestics" more to residential home standards and enjoy safety and dependability as well as long term usefulness.   Even if you run the mileage up and decide to replace a motor, the vehicle lends itself more to that task than a standard Van.  If your step van is aluminum it could last and last.  Even if your only intent would be to travel a few hundred miles north or south each year to live in a 70 degree climate,  you could have a comfortable home in such a vehicle.   

While I'm with a Ford E 350 extended High Top where I'm on the road in it from time to time,  if I were to bail out of the sticks and bricks forever I'd put together a rig like you're working on and use it to snow bird.  I'd have a small piece of property in each state developed for parking there for a few months of the year.   But as I would migrate from north to south twice a year I'd travel slowly taking in side trips in a leisurely manner.  I'd plan on being in my northern or southern camp about 3 1/2 months total and wandering for the other 5 months. (using the 2-2-2 system)

Right after I got it, I noticed some driveline vibration, so I took it to a performance diesel shop that's local. It was a bad u joint on the trans. But they all commented on how fun it was to drive with the tilt column and Momo D shaped wheel. Without power steering,, it can be a challenge, but her size is perfect, very easy to park.

Here's a shot.

Jimmy you might want to find an old thread on here by Putts. He did a really beautiful job of his step van but I’m not sure where the thread is.

Here's my google album, I started a build thread in the Vans forum.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pat5AFWXjJZRP9Ka8

I think I saw some shots of Putts build while looking. I have some pretty big plans, but we will see if I can pull it off.

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