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This is the story of a 23-year-old filmmaker’s cargo van tiny house conversion. His name is Zach Both, and over the last year, he’s been on a “creative road show” across the US.
Zach travels and lives in his cargo van tiny house conversion that also functions as his mobile studio so he can live and work while traveling. “Filmmaking by nature is a nomadic pursuit. It’s a constant migration to and from different locations based on what the storytelling requires,” said Zach Both. “With this van, I now have complete freedom to write a script surrounded by mountains, direct a shoot in a remote desert town and then collaborate with an editor or composer in Los Angeles—all within the same month. That would be impossible any other way.”
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23-Year-Old Filmmaker’s Cargo Van Tiny House
About Zach’s Van
- 10-year-old Chevy cargo van purchased through Craigslist.
- The interior was redesigned using contemporary influence.
- All the carpentry and woodwork was done by Zach who had no prior experience with construction.
- The living space features a futon bed and a kitchen with a stove.
- The van uses solar panels on the roof to power the fridge, wifi network, and a home theater system.
- The wood used on the walls and ceilings was reclaimed from a 19th century church in Cleveland, Ohio.
About Zach’s Website, TheVanual.com
- The site is a free online guide to give you insight if you’re interested in converting your own van and pursuing a mobile lifestyle.
- He created and shared a detailed step-by-step guide with photos of how he did it along with what tools he used to convert the van into a micro home.
- The guide also gives you tips for life on the road and even suggestions on how to work as a digital nomad.
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Resources
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Alex
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Fabulous job, Zach!!!
Nicely done.
That is one sweet setup. I’ve seen numerous cargo van conversions and just when I think there can’t be something I’ve never seen, along comes something like this. I love how the windows swing out wide for a great view. I also like how the burners are hidden under the countertop.
I’ll checkout Zach’s site, but I’m thinking he must be short since he can sleep in a bed aligned with the width of a van. I’ve looked at the specs for cargo vans and they are too small for my tall body. A high top like a Sprinter, Ford Transit, or the Nissan NV would be better for my needs.
Just looked at the photos above again and I’m not seeing any insulation in the van.
He has a manual on his site that shows what he did from start to finish. He did insulate the van.
Woh…that is one sweet site.
Wonderfully simple and elegant!
This blew my mind, what an amazing setup!
One of the nicest van conversions I’ve seen…
Bravo!! Good job! Gotta love artists!
Check me out over at thesunshack.etsy.com or on instagram @andreahardydesigns
Really nice job! What a great way to experience life.
I love it. Such a clean and simple interior, not like a “camper”, more like a modern apartment on wheels.
Really cool. But is the width of the car big enough to sleep in? (I’m 6 feet tall…)
This is beautiful! I love the windows, the woodwork. Does the sitting cube have storage in it as well? I think I’ve seen some that open up from the top. Is there also storage below the bed to keep dishes, cookware, cleaning supplies, clothing?
From a practicality standpoint, is there a second entrance to the van? I’m trying to figure out the reason for putting the bed at the back where it seems to block the entrance and not sliding it to the opposite wall. To cover up the wheel wells perhaps?
Just when I thought the sitting cube was dual purpose and had a little porta-potty! 8~)
Hi Ladies!
Based on his website, the sitting cube does have storage inside…he has a lined, removeable bin inside that is used for trash/garbage. The lined bin has a small plastic fitted garbage bag inside.
This van dwelling is absolutely genius & TOTALLY Beautiful!! Zach’s website/blog is extremely detailed (especially the tips on van dwelling in rutal and city life) and very well constructed as well. This young man is enormously talented!
Hands-down…this is the BEST van dwelling I have ever seen!! Excellent work Zach!!
Really a nice job. Looks very comfortable and well thought out! also looks like it does not take a lot of upkeep-a biggie.
Looks very nice, but is missing some major stuff like the toilet and a sink or shower.
I had already guessed the toity was in the box as I had done the same thing last year in my van. It contained the toilet, TP, shower bag, and a blow up toddler pool for a bath/base. I call it ‘bathroom in a box’ and it provided a seat for eating/working just like his.
I love the blackboards for storyboarding, are the windows open air when they are up or screened or have glass? Hard to tell from the picks.
Nice ride….! I like the way you fixed it up, it seems to work seamlessly… Good luck to you…!
Your web site is awesome in design and function! 10/10 easy.
I read through all of it and enjoyed everything your put out there. Honestly is great and the van is the best I’ve seen to date!
WELL done Zach, I checked out your webpage and kuddos to you! Keep up the good work, you did a great job! Love the van….
What is the blue thing to the right of the stove ?
Hi Duchess!
The blue thing to tyr right of the stove is a small cooler/refrigerator. It opens from the top (the blue portion you see is thd top of the cooler/refrigerator. Zach stated that the cooler/refrigerator only cools to 40° so he doesn’t store any meats or chesses in it.
Amazingly impressive van conversion, love the clean aesthetic inside and out despite all the amenities Zach had to cleverly incorporate. Website detailing the project is definitely worth some attention.
love the styling and functionality! stealing some ideas 🙂
Toilet? Shower? Sink?
Great job Zach. Love the site and all the details on how you did this. Most
importantly how you keep safe in your van and all the great tips.
Good luck on all your travels.
His tips are wonderful!
Very nice!. . .oh, and the van, too! Lol! Clever all around.
why did you close off the cab of the van from the living space? I saw in the BEFORE pic there was at least some opening.
Nicely done. Clean and clutterless. Easy to travel in, but some necessities needed to live….at least for me.