Travel super light package "contest."

[Scout]

That is why I chose a Caravan as the model for this base design.
You actually CAN find several in the 5-7K range with 75,000 or less miles on them.
Most times, you can get to 125,000 pretty trouble free with them also...and they deliver good MPG.
But that lady, "Jerry" on Bobs video has a SWEET TC design. There are others out there also that have been done very well.
Bang for your buck though...if on a tight budget, it is going to be a Caravan.

____________________________________________________________________________________________


One thing I see that would make a huge difference in this project...one way window stickers.

If anyone knows where to buy this stuff cheap, it sure would be a good addition to this thread.

Simple curtains inside are needed at night...but to drive around, the one way stickers would be excellent.
Done without any design but the color of the van, they should be pretty cheap.
Stealth-wise, they have become common enough that service vans regularly use them...and they hide your curtains at night.  


I am trying to work out a "Jam Band Festival" van.
The $250.00 for a tent that wraps around the back is a full third of the budget...but if you were to setup for a week or more at a camping area in the State Forests...what a huge difference it would make for space. Nothing would remain outside the van during travel. Light weight. Etc.

I wonder...has anyone used one of these little gems?
https://www.amazon.com/Petforu-Cook...1521223815&sr=1-3&keywords=propane+camp+stove

I really like the "kit" format.

Not that exact brand but those little stoves are great. The only problem is they are not very stable

 

[crofter]

Agreed this is how i would do it. Maybe add a few luxuries if i was full time so it feels more like home but if i absolutely had to i could do this.

That and a good cooler that will keep for 2 weeks. A decent enough solar setup to power electric cooking, then you don't need propane all the time. Solar hot water bag shower. ~ crofter

 

[John61CT]

That and a good cooler that will keep for 2 weeks.

2 weeks? Sounds very expensive, custom.

> A decent enough solar setup to power electric cooking, then you don't need propane all the time.
Now you're way over budget, and a very big learning curve as well.

 

[crofter]

2 weeks? Sounds very expensive, custom.

> A decent enough solar setup to power electric cooking, then you don't need propane all the time.
Now you're way over budget, and a very big learning curve as well.

You are right, over budget. $400 for the Yeti cooler, and $400 for enough solar to run a few things including a cooking setup. That's $50 over budget before I add the 50 inch TV set. I already have the rest of my kit, so no need to buy it. And I already have the van.

Reality check: last time I built a custom vehicle I had $5,000 into it before I was "done".  ~ crofter

 

[crofter]

Not that exact brand but those little stoves are great. The only problem is they are not very stable

Looks similar to a jet boil jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com/flash-cooking-system. Those are nice, use a special gas canister. I didn't have a problem with stability, but I had a sheltered cooking area.  They are kinda tall when you get it all put together. ~ crofter

 

[vanman2300]

I started out adopting the general set up ideas like a van, wood platform bed, little desk for various uses, etc. But I figured I'd go with the pickup 4X4 I already had and within a few days and very few dollars I had a winner. 1) bought a 55 gallon container from Home Depot for 25 bucks and put it in the back seat area. Then 6 small containers from Walmart to fit inside the 55 gallon one about another 60 bucks. The small containers keep everything compartmentalized for easy access to what I want. 2) I put a memory foam on top of the 55 gallon container making it my bed. Further the container still left room for a cooler at the foot end. 3) bought a second 55 gallon container with the small containers and used it for storage in the bed of the truck. What's also nice the dual container set up keeps road dust totally out. 4) I bought two adjustable poles for 14 bucks and a tarp for 10 bucks. I stick each pole inside a book between the bed and cab of the truck attaching the tarp to them. Then I guy wire the other ends to a tree or the ground making an awning. 5) I bought blackout curtains and pen tubing from plumbing dept. The curtains fit over the tubing and the tubing fits in the grab handles in the back seat. So the tubing arches against the ceiling and pulling the curtains closed blocks viewing by outside people. With the window tinting and curtains the truck looks empty, just another white truck parked.

I do use many other tried and true stuff from other people like the shower, pop bucket, shoe rack organizer, etc.

 

[vanman2300]

Nook not book. Spell check!!!

 

[rm.w/aview]

The Caravan is a window van so a trip to the second hand store for some burgundy curtains with paisley of complimentary colors, and also a used office chair on casters while I'm there. Some 16" wide shelving for a counter top, some storage totes & jerry cans, sleeping bag, and a cot . Wood floor, solar lights, camp chair & table, and with the remaining money look into food storage.

 

[skyl4rk]

30" wide cot with 4" thick foam pad on top
4 bins to fit underneath
2 milk crates to hold 8 gallon water jugs
Folding chair
Small folding table
Washbasin or large bowl
Butane burner stove
Blackout curtain on rope behind front seats
5 gallon pail with Omni lid and trash bags, pee bottle
Tarp, two painter poles, rope, stakes
Reflectix jammed into windows, sun shield for front window
Rain guards on windows
I might add a roof vent because lack of ventilation is a problem with the caravans
2 sleeping bags, sheets, pillow and coverings
Frying pan, cook pot, bowl, cutting board utensils
Dish drying rack
On this budget I would skip the cooler and eat out, cook same day as purchase, and use canned or dry foods
Indoor outdoor carpet or mat
Towels, washcloths
Dirty laundry bag
Duffel bag or two for clothes storage
Charge an android phone on the starter battery
AA battery powered light

 

[crofter]

I started out adopting the general set up ideas like a van, wood platform bed, little desk for various uses, etc. But I  figured I'd go with the pickup 4X4 I already had and within a few days and very few dollars I had a winner. 

I did the same in my 4X4, but I built a bunk instead of sleeping on my stuff- had the wood all cut at Home Depot and built it in the parking lot. The benefit of the bunk left a reach through from the front seats to the back, so you still had access to everything in the middle from the drivers seat. I used smaller pull out bins for the sides, not the big bin like you used. I had a topper and cooked back there, so no moisture and smells in the front.
~crofter

 

[vanman2300]

I did the same in my 4X4, but I built a bunk instead of sleeping on my stuff- had the wood all cut at Home Depot and built it in the parking lot. The benefit of the bunk left a reach through from the front seats to the back, so you still had access to everything in the middle from the drivers seat. I used smaller pull out bins for the sides, not the big bin like you used. I had a topper and cooked back there, so no moisture and smells in the front.
~crofter

I cook off the tailgate for the same reason. Once you get smells from cooking in the cab it'll be real hard to get rid of them.

 

[crofter]

BUMP

So I have been working on my van build, being inspired by some great van tours - thank you all for sharing. My goal for the basic build is the $750 and I think I am still under that figure - but without solar. I already own a generator, so that is my seldom used alternative. 

Last time I was only opportunistically off grid, due to finding a free receptacle behind the change machine at the laundry. I charged everything up about once a week. Side benefit is clean clothes. To really be off grid you would want the solar, because the generator is just too noisy after you get used to the quiet. For lighting I have two luci lights. 

My main purchases are a new cooler and a camp chef range, 4 sheets of plywood and some 2x2's.  So far I have completed the floor and the bunk, and installed ribs for mounting the range and cooler. I will buy one more sheet of plywood for the bulkhead. 

I plan to use bins and paracord instead of drawers or cabinets (thank you Wren for that video showing uses for paracord).  On my last foray, I found mice to be my constant companions. The little guys made their messes, but were unable to do much destruction due to the covered bins.  They gnawed on the rubbermaid bins but never got inside. Lighter plastic bins would be nicer, but not sure how mouseproof they are.  The type that fold open on top are not mouseproof and they shatter. 

I have a garage big enough for the generator. I was going to put my water back there, but have concerns about weight distribution. I have a spot behind the drivers seat that is open, so I may put the water there. I have no plans yet for a sink, as I am accustomed to using plastic wash basin.  Range and propane bottle goes behind the passenger seat. 

I also plan to have a plywood bulkhead with rat fur for stealth (thank you stealthy guy for the great van tour). I put in a heavy rib to support the bulkhead, and also serves as my step into the cab (Promasters have a 7 inch step up from the cargo area to the cab). I will have some in-floor storage in the cab for long items under the step. 

No swivel seats due to having a bulkhead. 

~ crofter