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Blake’s New Tiny House: It’s A Van!

on August 10, 2021

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Blake getting some work done outdoors.

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

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

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

And another incredible sunset…

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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Our big thanks to Blake for sharing!🙏

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 6 comments… add one }
  • vee
    August 10, 2021, 8:12 pm

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

    Reply Link
  • Marsha Cowan
    August 10, 2021, 8:26 pm

    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!

    Reply Link
  • Giselle
    August 11, 2021, 12:00 pm

    No toilet for middle-of-the-night emergencies?

    Reply Link
    • Eric
      August 14, 2021, 12:02 am

      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.

      Reply Link
      • Cathy
        August 14, 2021, 1:27 am

        There is a composting toilet according to the article.

        Reply Link
    • Blake Poland
      September 28, 2021, 10:47 pm

      There is a Nature’s Head composting toilet on drawer slides so that I can “park” under the sink or pull out into the shower.

      Reply Link

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