Tori graduated from college and spent 10 months traveling abroad. Her friends were coming home to settle into 9 to 5 jobs, but she wasn’t ready to settle down quite yet. So she bought a van and converted it! When she started, she didn’t even know a drill could go in reverse, but she taught herself everything with YouTube videos.
Because she built her van before lumber prices started skyrocketing in 2020, she was able to do the whole thing for just $20K. It has a simple shower/bathroom setup, a long countertop with a small sink, and a beautiful fixed bed framed by hanging plants. Enjoy the tour.
Don’t miss other exciting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Simple DIY Van Build for Solo Travel
[continue reading…]
{ }
Tory has always loved Taylor Swift, but going to her Reputation tour set her life on a whole new path! She was inspired by Taylor’s resilience and honesty and ended up starting a jacket-painting business that raised awareness for self-defense and ultimately funded her van conversion.
While Tory is proud of the van she converted — entirely on her own — she is starting a second van build to perfect some of the problems with her first conversion. This time she might add some windows, although she loves the security her windowless van offers.
Don’t miss other exciting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
How Swift’s “Lover” Era Inspired This Van
[continue reading…]
{ }
Brittany had all the normal stuff — a spouse, a house, and a business she was successfully running. But she got divorced and later met a couch surfer whose life she was envious of. He called her out, saying she could do what he was doing and travel the world. So she sold her house, sold her share of the business, and took off on a backpacking world tour for two years!
Eventually, she wanted a little more stability and built out a van. The van had so many mechanical issues, however, that she decided to get a new one — and this time she got something newer and professionally built out by Dave and Matt Vans. The build is gorgeous! Enjoy the tour below.
Don’t miss other exciting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Her Professional Van Build w/ Tons of Storage
[continue reading…]
{ }
Tiff really wanted to get into vanlife, but it took a while to convince Eddy into it. Eventually, they agreed on the plan and spent a year converting their van with zero prior experience. They love that now they know how to fix anything that goes wrong with the rig.
While there are definitely some things about their conversion they would change, they’re proud of their hidden bathroom and extending bed. Their solar system is something to brag about too! So far they’ve only ever used shore power once. Check it out below.
Don’t miss other interesting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Longways Bed, Tons of Solar & L-Shaped Couch
[continue reading…]
{ }
Magnum, Kelsey, and their dog Ashe enjoy full-time van life in their 1999 Dodge Ram campervan with an aftermarket high top. It started out as a summer escape, but when they returned to their 3-bedroom home after their first big trip, something felt wrong!
So they decided to quit their brick-and-mortar education jobs and find remote work instead, and now they travel full-time. Their van has an excellent bed setup that extends over their seating area at night and then pushes back in during the day. Check it out below!
Don’t miss other exciting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
After Trying Out Van Life, They Decided To Go All In
[continue reading…]
{ }
Derek loved traveling and was tired of being tied to leases, so he got a short-top Chevy van and converted it. After a handful of months on the road, however, he discovered he missed the stability of having a home base, so he plans to move back into a city and keep the van for roadtrips.
He did a nice job on his budget conversion, including learning how to do epoxy/resin to make some really fun beach-themed cabinets/countertops. In the back, he has a fixed bed set-up — and just wait until you see his really gorgeous sink! Tell us about your favorite feature in the comments.
Don’t miss other interesting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Transitioning into Part-Time Van Life in Budget Van
[continue reading…]
{ }
For Francesca, travel was a part of life, and van life gave her the opportunity to *live* her travels. So she and her dad spent five months building a truly gorgeous van! You’d never know this wasn’t a professional conversion.
She chose a convertible bed in the back and while this layout is “controversial,” she did it so well! It allowed for an incredible amount of counter space in the kitchen, which makes cooking from “home” so much easier. Check out our Q&A with her below, and be sure to look at her amazing macrame creations.
Don’t miss other interesting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Her Van Conversion with a Convertible Bed
[continue reading…]
{ }
Dawn adopted the blind and toothless Daphne when Daphne was four years old. Their time together inspired Dawn to write a children’s book series about the adventures of a blind dog. Living in a van was a way for Daphne and Dawn to tour the country and promote the book. Shortly after their tour began, however, Daphne died suddenly.
While heartbreaking, Dawn opened her heart and van to another blind dog, Maxwell. She and Maxwell are continuing the journey she began with Daphne! The van is specially designed to be dog-friendly, and particularly blind dog friendly. Enjoy the tour of her unique space below!
Don’t miss other interesting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Office Space & Dog-Friendly Steps
[continue reading…]
{ }
Ryan has always loved outdoor activities and wanted a lifestyle that would allow him to do more of what he loved. Van life was the answer. But instead of rushing into a conversion right away, Ryan took his time, carefully planning out every detail of his future home on wheels, and spent a solid 13 months converting it.
You can see his care and dedication when you watch his tour. He has some great upgrades, like an induction cooktop, closet for hanging clothes, and a full bathroom with a self-cleaning door, Nature’s Head composting toilet, and even a clothesline for muddy stuff. But his pride and joy is his epic garage, which fits his mountain bike and all his adventure gear in a streamlined and organized fashion.
Don’t miss other interesting stories like this, join our Free Tiny House Newsletter for more
Full Bathroom with Shower and Composting Toilet
[continue reading…]
{ }
