Blake’s New Tiny House: It’s A Van!

Tiny Houses, Van Conversions, Van Dwelling, Van Life, Vans, Vehicles, Your Stories

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This is the story of Blake’s new tiny house which happens to be a van conversion.

Back in 2019, we told you the story of his original tiny house on wheels, but he has since sold it and moved on to van life. So here’s what happened!

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Blake’s Life In A Stealth Van Conversion

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Originally Blake was going to build out a stealth minivan camper using a Dodge Caravan.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

But instead, he ended up with this stealth cargo van build.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

When he ran into the already converted van on Facebook Marketplace, he couldn’t resist.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

It was, after all, his dream van. It was already converted with wool insulation and natural wood paneling.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

There was already a convertible single-double bed/seating area.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

It’s still stealthy, too. And unlike the minivan, you can stand up inside.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

So he made an offer and acquired the van. Then he proceeded to customize it with paint and other personalizations like a skylight, battery upgrade, and a bookshelf. Here is what it looked like when he first got it. Very nice find, Blake!

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Nothing quite like cooking in the open air with a fresh view. 🙂

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Now he’s enjoying one of the pleasures that van life can offer, cooking from your own kitchen from magnificent locations, with open air.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

We all know van life isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, but this part sure seems like it is.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

The stealth van features a solar system, hand-pumped pressure shower system, gravity-fed filtered water, all with no under-van plumbing.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Blake getting some work done outdoors.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Sunsets are a sure way to enjoy an evening and have something to look forward to all day.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Sometimes all you need is a good spot with a book. 🙂

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

Blake’s got a bicycle he takes with him too.

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

And another incredible sunset…

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Images via Blake’s Vanlife Adventures/Facebook

More Details of Blake’s Stealth Van 🙂

  • “Shower” is a hand-pumped pressure bottle system (water can be pre-warmed on the stove or by placing a shower bag on the front dash in the sun), and the shower drains into an oil drain pan located under the sink (gardenia quick-disconnect allows for its easy removal). It will hold 2-3 showers worth before needing to be emptied

  • cooking happens on a portable butane stove that can be used inside or out

  • Water is obtained by gravity feed via a Berky, refilled from a 28L container that stores in the cabinet behind the drawers

  • sink drains into a jug that can be removed and emptied when full

  • thus no under-van fresh or greywater storage tanks and water pumps requiring winterization and added maintenance

  • insulated, reversible silver/black made-to-measure window covers for front windscreen, passenger and driver side windows, from WeatherTech

  • 2x 100watt solar panels animate a liquid crystal battery that supplies 12V for 65L Dometic truck fridge/freezer, Maxxair fan, small negative pressure fan on the Nature’s Head composting toilet, and two USB sockets. When 110v is required (for recharging the laptop, shaver, etc), I use a supplementary Goal Zero 500X battery pack paired with a Goal Zero Nomad 100 watt foldable solar panels (that fit on the front dash) or charge from a cigarette lighter while underway (or at a coffee shop). The GZ500X was selected in part because it has a higher-voltage USB-C output so that the laptop can be charged from DC without the need for added power-draw of the inverter, and also because Goal Zero reportedly pays a living wage.

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.

6 comments

  1. How great that he has a super nice space to enjoy his adventures! I’m impressed a just a tiny bit envious~!!

  2. I did like those window covers a lot. The whole van is so pretty and the kitchen looks very useful. Really nice build, and it came ready made! Happy trails!

    1. Could alway use the, stainless steel, sink for No 1’s but number 2’s are a different matter. And before anybody goes “ew, gross” water eliminates all the so called “nasties” pretty much instantly.

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