Well I have been reading these forums for a few months now and I'm am getting ready to take the plunge myself as a full time van dweller. Picked up an 05 dodge Caravan the other day. Planning on fitting her out in the next couple weeks with the basics and then adding on as I go. Thank you to all the forum regulars out there for the inspiration. And hello. I'm the new guy.
About to take the plunge
- Thread starter Surlygoat
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eDJ_
Well-known member
Welcome to the CRVL Forums 
Since you've been around you may have picked up on some of the regular welcomes and information offered
in them.
I would say that you are off to a great start with just an empty Van and a minimum of things to start with.
Putting down some plywood flooring and padded carpet will make a nice floor for you and deaden the sound
a lot. Then a simple bed and some kind of kitchenette will provide you with a place to sleep or relax and a means
to make food. I carry a 5 gallon plastic Jerry Jug for water and a 36 qt ice chest when it's just me. A 48 qt should I have a girlfriend along.
It doesn't take much to get started. An Awning for your rig is a nice early addition along with some folding chairs and small table. I've always wanted to carry a folding bicycle but so far I don't own one. It can extend
one's range in the camping area and with a small pack pack make a nice little grocery getter if you are close to a store where ever you are parked.
Good Luck !
Since you've been around you may have picked up on some of the regular welcomes and information offered
in them.
I would say that you are off to a great start with just an empty Van and a minimum of things to start with.
Putting down some plywood flooring and padded carpet will make a nice floor for you and deaden the sound
a lot. Then a simple bed and some kind of kitchenette will provide you with a place to sleep or relax and a means
to make food. I carry a 5 gallon plastic Jerry Jug for water and a 36 qt ice chest when it's just me. A 48 qt should I have a girlfriend along.
It doesn't take much to get started. An Awning for your rig is a nice early addition along with some folding chairs and small table. I've always wanted to carry a folding bicycle but so far I don't own one. It can extend
one's range in the camping area and with a small pack pack make a nice little grocery getter if you are close to a store where ever you are parked.
Good Luck !
AbuelaLoca
Well-known member
Welcome, New Guy!! ;-)
Congratulations on finding the van and going for it!! Enjoy your build and don't forget to take us along!!
Congratulations on finding the van and going for it!! Enjoy your build and don't forget to take us along!!
highdesertranger
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Welcome Surly Goat to the CRVL forums! 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. highdesertranger
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Welcome,
Since you have an 05' Dodge minivan, look up this guy on YouTube: stealthcampervan
He has the same rig and has 16 or more step by step videos posted, that take you through how he added electricals, built a bed, blacked out the windows and arranged the back, etc.
I watched them and got several ideas for a minivan conversion.
There is a woman from the east coast, in MA I believe, who also converted her Dodge. Several other YouTubers have also done it. That seems to be a common platform.
Since you have an 05' Dodge minivan, look up this guy on YouTube: stealthcampervan
He has the same rig and has 16 or more step by step videos posted, that take you through how he added electricals, built a bed, blacked out the windows and arranged the back, etc.
I watched them and got several ideas for a minivan conversion.
There is a woman from the east coast, in MA I believe, who also converted her Dodge. Several other YouTubers have also done it. That seems to be a common platform.
