You may or may not have noticed that I haven’t been writing much these past few months. There are a number of reasons behind that, all part of life. A major contributor is my purchase of a van last August. A van? Well yes, a van. Specifically, a 2016 Ram Promaster 2500, 159 wheelbase hightop.
A commercial/work van, and also one that works very well for conversion to a living van for travel. Mine had already been converted by a young couple who had been living and traveling in it for a year. They were selling it so they could pay off some debt and work on their next edition.
When I bought it, I knew there were a lot of things about this van and its conversion that I liked as well as a number of things that I wanted to change. And after driving it back to Colorado from Bend, Oregon, I discovered more things that I wanted to change. So, I’ve been building. Taking out that which didn’t work for me, and adding what I wanted/needed.
My “spare” time (and money) has been spent getting basic repairs done, new tires, licensing and inspections, all that good stuff that comes with any vehicle. The van is in good shape and should go many miles and years.
Thus far, I’ve removed some cabinetry I didn’t like and kept breaking loose from its moorings while traveling. I’ve made a new shelf for my inverter/battery (there’s solar on the roof) and have wiring to clean up and organize. I’ve raised the bed another 4 inches so I can store and transport bikes in the “garage” and installed the mounting hardware for the bikes. I replaced the broken slides on the refrigerator box. I now know that I need to do another replacement there, using locking slides, that suckers heavy and it’s a moving vehicle. I’m learning a lot.
I removed the seat/box they used to store their dog’s supplies and am in the process of replacing it with a multifunctional bench, which has been a complicated design, engineering and construction project. The bench will get its own feature down the road. I hope to get it finished in the next week or so.
I’m building more than blogging and learning and developing new skills. It’s pretty fun, and I look forward to continuing to learn on this project. By spring, I hope to be ready for some road trips. Stay tuned!
For today’s Ragtag Daily Prompt of Build.
Curious Steph 
I have noticed your absence. But so glad you have been engaged in such an exciting endeavor, which will lead to some fun adventure!
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Thanks.
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wow, I am very hopeful we will get to see the interior
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You will.
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My son has been converting his van for living. He’s talking about installing a high top but I cannot imagine how he’d do that.
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They do modifications that way, often adding a molded fiberglass top. Usually you have a shop do that so it doesn’t leak, etc. That’s why I bought one built high. Structurally more sound.
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I missed you but this is AWESOME!!! You’ll have to test it on a journey to the San Luis Valley. 🙂
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You may well see me come spring. A fine shakedown cruise!
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That would be great! 🙂
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I wondered what you had been up to, Steph, but you did say you would fill us in at some point. How exciting. I love the fact that you are doing it up yourself. I want to learn to build one day. My father was a carpenter. The urge is there. One day.
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When the time is right–my skills are rudimentary, but growing, and since much of it was done, it seemed a more manageable project than starting from an empty van, although that temptation exists as well. Maybe post-retirement.
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Yes, I have been missing your posts, now I understand – thank you, and how fabulous – you must put up some photos when you have time.
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I will, thanks.
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🙂
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Great to see you again Steph, this sounds like the beginning of a wonderful new adventure! 🤗💖 xxx
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Its an adventure for sure!
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Impressed by your skills! Enjoy your travels!
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I have always wanted to do that. Not one of those big monsters, but someplace where you can sleep and move about on any road. Congratulations on all you newly learned skills!
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I agree, Marilyn. Mobility and flexibility are key for me. Its a bigger vehicle than I normally use (honda civic), and it still fits in a standard parking space (20 feet long). Enough for comfortable enough travel, and still manuverable, and I’m not driving a bus!
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You are too cool. I’m so envious. This is something that my wife and I want to do after our kids settle down on their own. May you have many happy road-trips. Please, at some point blog about the interior and give us a photographic tour.
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It will happen, Jeff. (the interior and more posts). And I hope you and your wife get to take your own turn with this adventure.
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I was wondering why you hadn’t posted much lately! But the van looks great, and I look forward to reading about your trips in it.
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wow! your van sounds awesome! I can’t wait to hear about your travels. Plus since i want a travel, a van sounds more doable (meaning being able to get in the near future) than an RV which was what I was thinking before. thanks for the great idea.
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Noticed you were absent! So glad you are working on something that makes you happy! Keep us posted. This looks like a “great adventure” in the making.
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