Help Me With A Build

[Van Owen]

Is there anyone out there that has already converted their van into a living space that would like to earn some money doing it again for someone else? I bought a 1998 Dodge Ram Mark III van and need to get it set up for myself. I do not have tools or much knowledge on how to do it. I am located in Lake Placid, NY but would be willing to drive to you to do it. If you are able to or know someone that can, please email me at [email protected]<br><br>I am currently in a Chevy Astro van that has had some work done to it but I need more space. The guy that did the work for me in this van will not have time to do the same in the new van.<br><br>Thanks and happy travels.

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Please post what you want done.

 

[Van Owen]

Basically I am looking to put a bed in the back of the van, all the way towards the rear doors. Would like to put a microwave and camper propane stove behind the drivers side leading back to the bed. I hate being the guy that steals anyone elses ideas but I like how this guy has his van set up and wouldn't mind if someone can do something similar to this. My van is similar to his but a high top with windows along the sides. Thanks<br><br><a href="http://cheaprvliving.com/Steves_Van_Conversion.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://cheaprvliving.com/Steves_Van_Conversion.html</a>

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

The ideas here are meant to be stolen <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="bbc_img">&nbsp; I took ssome things from that build for mine.&nbsp; I like his better tho, i am seriously considering redoing mine with a bed across the back.&nbsp;

 

[Van Owen]

My Astro van has the bed going front to back and it doesnt leave much room. That is why I am going with a larger van. Sleeping wide to side will open up a lot of space for me. I may end up selling my current van with the stuff in it. Would be good for a smaller person.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

If its a awd astro you will probably have no problem selling.

 

[greybeard23]

I am far from you at the moment, I did my build while in New Hampshire.<br>Don't know if it helps, but here is my Van from a page on my blog.<br><br>http://davidswanderings.com/van/<br><br>I had no carpentry experience, but was loaned the tools and friends gave me most of the wood.&nbsp; Only had to by hinges and latches.<br><br>It will at least give you some ideas as to what can be done.&nbsp; It isn't real roomy, but most of my cooking is done outside under an awning and only necessities are done inside.&nbsp; Although with the front passenger seat turned facing back, it is quite comfy.

 

[Van Owen]

That is a sweet setup. I would make the kitchen area a little smaller for what I need. I will use your photos as well. Thanks.<br><br>If you are gonna be in this area again before the fall, there is $500 in it for you to come fix mine just like that. Yes, I am that bad at making stuff.

 

[greybeard23]

Well, if I was in that area I might take you up on it.&nbsp; Don't have any reason to head back east till April, presently enjoying the Arizona mountains.<br><br>You'd be amazed at what you can do, I just sat down and drew some diagrams, then taped together some sheets of copy paper and kept trying them out on the Van floor.&nbsp; Once I decided what I wanted, I just thought piece by piece how it should go together.&nbsp; My deciding factor on what I wanted in the Van was made from tent camping for a year with a ford explorer.&nbsp; By then I knew my needs and the extras I could get by having a Van.&nbsp; If I had seen this forum before doing my build, some things I might have done a bit differently.&nbsp; But all in all, so far it is working out well.<br><br>Good luck, just know, that if someone else has done it, so can you.

 

[Van Owen]

I don't blame you for staying out west one bit. Thanks for the photos though. Once I get the stuff done, I will post some pics.

 

[zemio]

When I was figuring the lay out of my camper (quite a bit bigger that made things both easier and harder) I had 2 absolutes: A permanently set up bed and a no&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> galley. I can and have lived out of a bargain basement tent and a cheap hiking type cartridge burner but the novelty wore off as the temps dropped. <br><br>A bit later my partner and I lived in a modern (but quite small) professional camper. The 1st taught me that it's quite possible to have hot food off one small burner and 2 pots and still eat well-ish if you are not too fussy. The second lesson was breaking down the dining table and rearranging the squabs to go to sleep is a royal pain with mid-day naps and general laying around more trouble than the job's worth. Besides, re-arranged squabs are never as comfortable a proper mattress. My current camper features a king single inner spring mattress-ed bunk and a Flavel B700 2 burner-grill-oven lpg stove. <br><br>I've learned the hard way not underestimate the moral maintaining qualities of being able to make a great meal, a draining sink to do dishes in then just roll into bed. The next time I build a camper of some sort, this is where I'll start.