My Van
 

Sold my 1990 Silverado Blazer and got myself a 2001 Express van. Was camping in the Blazer for the last ten years with a matress in the back with the backseat removed. My wife wanted more room.

Attachment 34445

Attachment 34446

Attachment 34447

Built a bed frame in the back for the mattress. Next, I built a "kitchen unit" for it wired for 110 volts for our hotplate, thermostatically controlled space heater, and outlets for charging our iPad, cameras, & phones. I also put in a sink with two tanks for fresh water and gray water. Bottom middle door houses the coffee maker and a shelf above the water tanks on the right holds the hotplate. The other two doors are for storage. It took me about a month because I had no plans and had to shape it to fit the inside of the van. Now to head south to try it out, as it is too cold here in South Dakota.

Attachment 34448

Electrical Update
 

I finished the electrical connections for the camper van today. I made a wood box and spray painted it black to sit on the bumper step. Added a rubber step pad to the top, a coaxial tv connection on the back and a camper electrical outlet door for the electrical cord. Then I connected it to the bumper with automotive trim molding tape.

Attachment 34449

Attachment 34450

Console for Van
 

I made a center console for the camper van. The front has a slot for maps, tour books and campground guides. I added green canvas pockets on each side for various odds and ends. The top has edges so items do not roll off while driving and to hold the blue pillow when we use it as a seat in the camper van. The inside is storage for the Porta-potty.

Attachment 34452

Attachment 34453

Excellent planning. Porta potty with built in magazine holder. :seasix:

Glad to see that you picked up on that! Now all I need is to add some arm rests.
:dance:

You need a back rest, and somewhere to brace your feet for power pushing.

Not to mention a really good ventilation system!
:dance:

It's got windows and a motor, doesn't it? 2/60 ventilation :funny:

Cool RV, dude!

Take some pics when you go camping.

very cool, indeed

Trip to Scott's Bluff, Nebraska
 

Here are some of our first outing in November to Scott's Bluff National Monument with the van before I finished the kitchen unit

Attachment 34455
Chimney Rock

Attachment 34456

Attachment 34457

Attachment 34458

Attachment 34459

Attachment 34460

Attachment 34462

Attachment 34463

This is what greeted us when we got up on our last morning in Nebraska.
Attachment 34464

I got a 35 ft. Camper ill sell you cheap.

I've been thinking about a van for the same thing. Also, just to roll my motorcycle in and out of.

Camping in Custer State Park, SD
 

In February and March we had temps in the 60's and no snow in the Black Hills so I took my van camper on several camping trips to Custer State Park. That is what I love about the van vs. my 23 foot camper -- the van is ready to go at a moments notice with not much worry about winterizing for the cold weather.

Attachment 34465
Camping in Custer State Park in February.

Attachment 34466
Seen on Highway 14 between Pierre, SD and Wall, SD.

Attachment 34467
Ruts of the old Deadwood Trail.

Attachment 34468
Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park

Attachment 34469
The begging burros on the Wildlife Loop. Have carrots and crackers at the ready as they block traffic.

Attachment 34470
View from the road of Wildlife Loop.

Attachment 34471
Closer view.

Attachment 34472
Drive carefully. They have been known to tip over motorcycles and dent cars.

Attachment 34473
Another section along Wildlife Loop.

Attachment 34474
Hiking the 1 mile loop trail to the Rankin Ridge Fire Tower. Excellent views from here. Everything will be much greener this coming summer!
:dance:

Very cool pics! :cert: