So last fall I had this grand idea to convert a standard cargo van into a two-person camper. I purchased a 2004 Chevy Express 1500 for $1,300. It is a great machine, other than some rust spots at the bottom of the doors (in Iowa, practically every vehicle rusts.)
I saw this open interior space and knew I could do some really creative things inside. I began by taking the plastic paneling off the walls and ceiling and exposing the skeleton. Next I framed new interior walls which could hold insulation and 110 and 12 volt wiring.
I planned ahead and framed a cubby in which I could conceal a 32 inch TV. (I am not much of a TV guy, but it can be cool to pop in a spooky movie when I am camping alone in the woods.)
After the framing was complete, I ran my electrical wiring, insulated the walls, and proceeded to cover one wall with aged barn wood and the other with drywall. (Sorry for the poor image quality--I had a troublesome phone at that time.)
I left an 1 5/8" slot open in the barn wood wall so that I could tuck the edge of the cot frame in there later for support. I also left openings for built in cabinetry, which will come later. I screwed plywood strips to the steel roof supports to "fur out" the ceiling and allow more room for insulation. I cut a 14" x 14" hole in the roof and installed a traditional RV vent.
So this is where the van project ends, for a time. While I was working on this project I was also starting a new remodeling and construction company, and we needed a work vehicle. So now the van is loaded with materials and tools. However, the story does not end here.
My plan is to purchase a new work truck at the beginning of next year, retire the van from service, and finish the project. I intend to build a two-canoe carrying rack on the roof, finish the interior, and use this for camping not only down by the river, but going up north to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which I try to do every couple of years. Boundary Waters is a topic all on its own. I left a piece of my heart and soul there, and I intend to talk about those experiences in the future.
I appreciate your interest in my work. I have a history of building campers, and each of them will eventually make an appearance here on Steemit.