Meet Frye — he and his dog have been living in his Volkswagen Westfalia now for four years. He gutted the van and turned the interior into a rustic cabin, complete with unfinished wood floors and a cast iron wood stove.
Frye has mainly used his home on wheels to explore the woods of the West Coast, getting closer to nature and learning to become his own handy-man. He added a cool wooden roof extension to give about 10 feet of head space in the van, which really opens up the space.
Watch the awesome video tour and interview with Frye done by FLORB at the end of the post, and follow Frye on Instagram here.
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Frye’s Van Life in the Woods with His Dog
Images via @Fryesvan/Instagram
From this angle you wouldn’t know this was even a van!
Images via @Fryesvan/Instagram
He cooks on the wood stove and has a 5 gallon water tank.
Images via FLORB/YouTube
Solar power lets him charge his camera batteries.
Images via FLORB/YouTube
What do you think of the roof addition?
Images via FLORB/YouTube
VIDEO: Budget Micro Cabin in the Woods Van Conversion
Highlights:
- Volkswagen Westfalia Van
- Log cabin interior
- Cast iron wood-burning stove
- 5 gallon water tank
- Bed & couch that makes bed larger
- Loft storage
- Rooftop access via ladder
- Solar-powered
- Fridge console
Learn More:
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- Wander Woman Go and Her Sunny Yellow Van Kitchen!
Our big thanks to FLORB for sharing! 🙏
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Natalie C. McKee
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This is really great! I love the cabin style look of the van. and so personalized for the owner.Looks like a proper cabin that could be out in the woods, at least from the inside :). Only thing that would concern me is the weight issue of the wood . But judging from the pictures of the outside , still looks like lots of wheel clearance. And all the heavy stuff, batteries , water etc is down low too for a low centre of gravity. Wishing you many more years of great traveling in your van!
I’m all about the cabin aesthetic.
Just hope he’s been able to stay well ahead of the wildfires. Stay safe!
Looks cozy and fun. I enjoyed seeing this. Nice guy.
Fascinating! Love the diggs! That tiny wood stove is precious! Where did you get that thing? As always, I have a couple of suggestions (not that you need either one of them–your home is perfect). A thin piece of plexiglass over that wooden counter would not show at all, but would keep fluids from dripping beneath. Are you familiar with Goal Zero solar company? They have portable solar equipment just made for what you are doing that is super efficient, and has an all-in-one battery/inverter/etc. box that fits in a small space with easy hookup. Being portable, if you find yourself in a shady place, but need to charge your battery, your can move the whole outfit to the sun. Used them for years. Just thought I would put that bug in your ear. You have a great place! I am impressed by your ingenuity and obvious respect for nature, beauty, and life. Safe travels!
It’s really awesome. Is it too heavy in curves from the extra height?
I do like the rustic look. A couple things I did notice. There does not appear to be a guard to protect the front seat or cabinet from excess heat. Adding a piece of stove board, like the ones designed for underneath wood stoves would help. Also in our experience, the chimney should be above the roof line to improve draft and reduce smoke from getting inside your vehicle. A fire would be a disaster for you should things get too hot. Safe travels. I hope the extra wood does not slow you down or cost too much in mpg. Put a hitch on the rear and take your horse along for some fun. Happy Trails to You!