Why Build a Second Van?
After 4 years of traveling in my van, I decided to sell it and buy another one to renovate. This is why.
1. I outgrew it
When I built my old van I was 21 years old and I wanted the van to be very minimal. When I originally built the van there wasn’t an indoor shower, hot water, or a toilet. Over time I realized I really missed those luxuries and I eventually renovated it and added a hot water tank and natures head composting toilet. But I found myself still craving a change. I wanted to try living in a van with a different layout and build my dream home with all my newfound knowledge of what I did/didn’t like in my last build.
2. To challenge myself
I have ambitious ideas for this next van - like installing a convertible shower room, 70 gallons of fresh water, a unique floor heating solution and an incinerating toilet. During my last build I learned so many skills. I learned how to change the oil in a car, build a cabinet, use tools and set up electrical. In this build I want to take those skills to the next level to execute these unique innovations and share what I’ve learned with you
3. To have a bigger space
I am a minimal person but even so, I found myself needing more room in my last van (especially because I lived in it full time with my partner Tori.) My last van was a 2017 Ford Transit Mid Roof and my new van is a 2021 Ford Transit Extended High Roof. I have gained a couple feet length wise and extra height as well. That may not seem like much, but in a van every inch counts.
4. For a new experience
My last trip in the van was to Baja California, Mexico. It was during that time that my partner Tori started daydreaming about plans to build out a van of her own. I also started daydreaming about what I could build for myself, and that idea kept growing until I knew it was time to take the leap. In this van I want to try to do things differently than in my last build, purely for the sake of a new experience. I spent four years with a fixed bed, now I want to try a convertible bed. I spent four years without an indoor shower, now I want to see if I would like one. I spent four years with an induction cooktop, now I want to see if I’d like propane better.
This van is my biggest, most ambitious project yet. I’m so excited to take on the challenge and share everything I learn with you!