I’ve continued to check out all my options for buying/building a van. It is sometimes hard for me not to become frustrated. I had hoped to be on the road by now, but my building has not sold and I don’t have an RV yet. I’ve decided that I should use this time wisely. I continue to look for Class B Vans, but I’ve pretty much decided that if there is any way to work it out, I will buy a cargo van and convert it. I met with my friend Kent and his friend the other night to discuss turning a cargo van into my home. They both agreed it was doable. We haven’t gotten into the specifics yet. I’m hoping to meet with them again to iron out some of the details and see if cost, time frame and timing can all be worked out.
In the meantime, I’ve started reading everything I can find about how to build a conversion van, and watch YouTube videos daily. Some just give me good ideas, like “Oh, that’s a nice kitchen counter top” or “Wow. That’s a really good place to put a bed.” Others are extremely detail oriented, like downloading the schematics for a van’s electrical system, complete with solar panels and lithium batteries, and how to connect them all together with solar controllers and inverters, etc. It is pretty daunting, but I think very doable with the help of a qualified electrician. I also watched a young man in Australia build his van, and it was a detailed step by step instructional video that showed every aspect from installing windows and vents, how to do the plumbing, electrical, bathroom fixtures, wiring, insulation, walls, ceilings and cupboards as well as the ins and outs of a 3 way refrigerator (did you even KNOW there was such a thing? Yup. RV refrigerators can run on AC, DC, or propane!), water filtration and much, much more. I followed along pretty good, and I’m convinced that with the right instruction, I could almost do it myself. But I wouldn’t. I know I’d not be able to do it to the perfection I’m looking for, and even if I did, it would take me years to finish it. But if I hire a van builder, and act as the assistant, I know we can make it what I want it to be.
I find my mind wandering throughout the day. Do I want the bedroom in the front or back of the van? Is there a way to put the composting toilet outside the shower to make a more functional shower, or would that just take up way too much space? Where will Cosmo ride? He likes to be between the seats on the console in my Kia. Can I build a box between the seats with a cushion for him? How much storage do I really need? Just imagine building a house from scratch, and then imagine that that house is going to be 6’x12′ and your bedroom will be a living room during the day, and your car’s driver seat will be your lazy boy recliner. It is pretty complicated with so many options. Options are good.
So I’m keeping an open mind. Another friend of mine invited me to meet her friend who is building his own conversion van. I’m driving there tomorrow to meet him and see what he’s building and get some feedback about a realistic time frame for building, how much would it really cost, and where did he purchase his van, and the many, many items that will make it his home. I can’t wait to deal with a real person who is doing this rather than just watching a video that shows the process.
So as of now all options are on the table. I have potential buyers coming tomorrow to see my building. If they want it, the process starts in real time and I’ll need to make a decision of what I want to do.