About to make the plunge into the StepVan world! Mobile Music Studio/Home

[mmr305]

Hey there, my name is Mendel, and I'm a music producer. This is my first post on this forum. It's cool to see so many people living FREE!
I've been dreaming of building a camper for about 3 years now, and now that I'm leaving school I finally have the chance! I was wondering if yall could please give me some advice. It would be super helpful!

Basically what I would like to do is build a mobile studio/off grid camper. I've been looking into this step-van on craigslist.
First off, is there anything specific that I should know/look into when buying a step-van for a project like this? I would like mine to be set up pretty similar to the setups yall have here, aside from the obvious addition of a music studio. The studio would require a desk big enough to hold a laptop, 2 speakers (the size of a shoebox), and a midi piano. I would also need a quiet room, which would require either; soundproofing the whole truck or making a small soundproof recording booth. I think the first option sound better, but it might be more pricey. Also is there a quiet option for ac units?

The next thing is the bed, I really like your idea, but it might take up too much space. Maybe I will go the murphy-bed route. I would also like some type of kitchen, ie a space to prepare a small meal, a fridge and a burner. Do you think I could power this whole thing with solar panels? Does this plan sound reasonable? How much do you estimate it would cost (roughly of course)? How much did your Stepvans cost in total, including the van(if you don't mind sharing)? 

Thanks in advance!!! It would be so cool if could help!

G-d bless!
Have a great day!

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the forums Mendel! Although he doesn't have a step van Glen (To Simplify blogger) has a music studio in his van. He's been working on it and fine tuning his design for quite awhile but it looks like he's about done. You might get some good ideas from his build - http://www.tosimplify.net/2016/05/in-review.html

 

[flying kurbmaster]

hi Mendle welcome, nice van you are looking at, it has a lot of potential. I have a very similar Kurbmaster, here are a few pictures of mine to give you some ideas. Good luck

 

[cyndi]

An old friend of mine is a voice over artist and also has a mobile studio. She was traveling in a Class C and the studio was in the rear bedroom.

She has since downsized to a van and pulls the studio which has been set up in cargo trailer.
https://sonofvoxmobile.wordpress.com/

 

[cyndi]

And welcome to the CRVL forums, Mendel! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[mmr305]

Thanks for all your help!

hi Mendle welcome, nice van you are looking at, it has a lot of potential. I have a very similar Kurbmaster, here are a few pictures of mine to give you some ideas. Good luck

Sweet rig, would you mind telling me roughly, how much $ you put into it?

An old friend of mine is a voice over artist and also has a mobile studio. She was traveling in a Class C and the studio was in the rear bedroom.

She has since downsized to a van and pulls the studio which has been set up in cargo trailer.
https://sonofvoxmobile.wordpress.com/

Just read ALOT of her stuff. I think I might go her route, as far a the vocal booth goes.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Thanks for all your help!
Sweet rig, would you mind telling me roughly, how much $ you put into it?

Thanks again everyone!

 With all the extras, heater, solar 180 watts, tv, stereos, vcr, toilet, and  maintenance over six years, new house battery, new brakes, rotor, front shocks, brake lines, radiator, hoses, u joints, complete exhaust system, oil changes, filters etc, the actual build out, insulation, panelling, fridge, water system, stove, scooter rack, including the initial purchase price, just under $6,000.00. I did most of the work myself except the U joints and the exhaust system. Parts for these rigs are relatively inexpensive. It had been a little neglected and was sitting for several years when I bought it so the initial price reflected that. It is in very good condition now. I think the big money has been spent so unless I have an engine or transmission issue I feel like I have several years of minimal outlay ahead. Those pictures are at least three years olds I am constantly improving adding and changing things, I should take a new bunch of photos, perhaps one of these days.