When Sam Jacquette was paying $1100 a month in rent and working at a job that he didn’t enjoy just to pay his bills he decided he would make some changes.
He set a 2014 New Year’s resolution to stop doing things he didn’t enjoy doing and to start doing everything he wanted to do. And making this 1985 Volkswagen Westfalia van his home on wheels would be the first step.
After buying it, he got rid of his apartment, quit his job, and has been living in it and focusing on his New Year’s resolution. To do so, he’s decided to only keep his “top 5 favorites” of just about all of his possessions. His wardrobe, for example, is very minimal.
As for work goes, now he’s doing something more in line with his passion since he’s able to afford to make the decision after the drastic downsize. He now works for Hofmann Architecture helping to restore Airstream travel trailers. And Sam’s goal is to upgrade into an Airstream in the near future.
Young Man Moves Into 1985 VW Van to Create His Own Destiny
Images © Faircompanies
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Right now I’d like to show you a little van that has been rehabbed into a micro motorhome perfect for stealth van dwelling with a Japanese zen style.
I can see it being used for stealthy traveling but it can also serve a variety of purposes like a space for meditation, writing poetry, or just about anything else you might be able to think of.
Take the complete tour below because I think you’ll enjoy it and it’s definitely different than a lot of van conversions that I’ve seen before. And there’s a video tour, too. Enjoy!
Van Converted into Japanese Zen Van Dwelling Micro Motorhome
Images © YouTube/higuti itio
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A dedicated reader just sent me photos and information on his 1982 Chevy Step Van to RV Conversion that he was using for stealth van dwelling and traveling which is now up for sale. (SOLD)
It’s a 3/4 ton single axle Chevy P20 Step Van with a 350 engine. It’s been converted into a fully featured camper that can also be used as a mobile studio or office.
Inside you’ll find a fold down ‘Murphy’ style bed that fits a twin or full sized futon mattress. He’s including an inflatable air bed with a full price offer on the sale.
Man Converts Chevy Step Van into Stealth Van Dweller
Images © B. Justice
And now it’s for sale. Learn more below:
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Whether van dwelling and bus conversions are your thing or not I think you’ll still enjoy looking at Ryan Lovelace’s DIY 1948 Chevy bus to tiny home conversion.
He took this old funky bus and made it into a mobile micro home and you can see all of his personal touches inside.
With a tiny kitchen, a sleeping loft/pod and a small wood burning fireplace this is totally ready for full time simple living.
There are so many windows that bring in the natural sunlight and it looks like he even added an indoor gutter to hold various plants inside. Very creative.
Let’s take a look inside, shall we?
DIY Chevy Bus to Tiny Home Conversion
Images: The Cosmic Collider
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Today I wanted to show you a great example of how you can turn an existing cargo van into an inexpensive DIY camper.
If you’ve ever thought about van dwelling then you’ll probably love this van conversion.
The person who converted this van wanted to create something that she can travel with and go one or two nights without any hookups on her way to her destination.
The cool part about this one is that it has standing room thanks to the fact that it’s a high top van that she found on Craigslist.
Since it’s a high top she’s able to change clothes, shower, and even cook in there with comfort.
Here, let me show you the van:
Van Dwelling: Cargo Van to DIY Camper
Images: TinyCamper
When she first got it, it looked like this on the inside (see below):
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I’m so glad Deb Nardi sent me this article on Ken Ilgunas, a Duke graduate who is now telling all about how he lived in a van to stay out of debt while finishing his grad studies at the University.
By the way, before that, he had completed his undergrad studies in Buffalo, and ended up with $32,000 of debt because of it.
And he was turned down for 25 paid internships after that with his college degree. So he was working at Home Depot for $8 an hour.
Before he went back to graduate school, he dedicated two and half years to working and paying off the student loan debt he accumulated.
Even after all of this, Ken was NOT willing to give up on his education. In fact, he seemed to be even hungrier for it. But how would he afford it without getting another student loan?
His solution? To create his own “Walden on Wheels,” as he calls it.
Photo Ken Ilgunas
“The van was more than just a way to save money. I wanted it to be an experience, to see how little I could spend. I didn’t want to be borrowing money from my parents any time I had a hardship.”
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In late 2009 the downturn in the economy dramatically changed the overall substance of 30+ year business professional, Brenda Curtiss’s life.
In her words, “Even though I had always dreamed about and somewhat planned for the day I could be ‘free’ to full-time in a small RV or camper van, the need to do so financially, seemed to suddenly be thrust upon me when the once thriving Tax Planning Firm I managed for years, had to close due to the economic downturn.
I had bought a 2000 Astro High-Top Conversion Van with my meager savings and started my full-time vandwelling journey in it at a membership vacation community in the scenic North GA Mountains where I had bought memberships in better times.
When I started out I was on shore power (electric hook-up) the majority of the time and not very well equipped without it. It was a beautifully scenic area, but after I had explored it extensively, and entertained family and friends who came to visit throughout the year (staying in the cabins there) the excitement began to wane and the nomadic side of me that had always longed to explore God’s amazing artistry began to rise up in me once again.
Photos Courtesy of Brenda Curtiss
By the end of 2010 I was ready to hit the road to travel across the USA in my little campervan! Some good friends helped me get a good battery system set up and further ready my van to live more self-sustainably.
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I wanted you to meet someone who decided to turn to become a van dweller in his 1991 Volkswagen Westfalia.
Kidding about the down by the river part but seriously: he decided to move into his van while still working at his job.
His reason behind it is because one of his dreams has been to become a photographer. He didn’t have to do this, as you’ll learn in a moment.
So he got rid of his house payment by living in a van made for traveling. In the video he’ll show and explain everything, including his:
- $99 foam mattress for sleeping
- Sleeping bag to stay warm
- Dresser drawer underneath couch
- Electronics and accessories
Photo Courtesy of Living the Van Life on YouTube
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Your family minivan can double as a surprisingly comfortable camping shelter. With a clever hammock setup, you can sleep a family of four—two adults and two kids—without buying an RV or setting up tents in bad weather.
This technique works great for:
- Camping trips when weather turns bad
- Long road trips when you need rest
- Budget-friendly family adventures
- Spontaneous overnight stops
What You’ll Need
Before heading out, remove your middle row seating to create sleeping space. Then gather these supplies:
- Hammock – For the elevated sleeping spot
- Carabiners – To attach the hammock to door frames
- Tie-down straps – To prevent denting your vehicle
- Pillows – For comfort
- Sleeping pads – For floor sleeping
The Setup: Family of Four in a Minivan
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