Info-heavy website reviewed by Kevin Kelly on his CoolTools:
“Roomier than a car, but cheaper than an RV, a retrofitted van makes a cool inexpensive house. Once popular during hippie days, the ancient American tradition of modifying a van is undergoing a resurgence as rents continue to rise. More folks each year commute from work and then park their home, instead of parking in front of it. On this lovely free website, you can find inspiring examples of cheap nomads, detailed instructions for conversions, gear recommendations, and lots of advice for living in a low rent or homemade RV from ‘them that’s doin’ it.’ -kk”
What vehicle to buy? If gas mileage and stealth are most important: Chevrolet Astro minivan–great mpg and super stealth
If room and stealth are most important: Full-size American van, especially the Dodge with a 318 V8
If headroom is most important: High-top American conversion van
For a couple, or if you need lots of room: Box van or Step-van, both with a diesel engine
If you want to go further into the back-country: Pickup with a camper with 4X4
Bedroom: I’ve seen three ways of laying out the sleeping area in conversion vans online:
The bed is a permanent fixture in the back.
It’s behind the driver’s seat lengthwise.
Or it’s an afterthought involving moving a ton of stuff around and moving
cushions every morning and night.
Thanks Lloyd! Great to see another blog on Vandwelling! For anyone who wants to talk about vandwelling, we have a Facebook Vandwellers Group. It's a great life!
~Heidi
http://www.vantramps.com