Looking for a last-minute getaway? Want to see what it’s really like to “work remotely”? Headed to an out-of-state soccer tournament? This well-equipped, easy-to-drive, fuel-efficient campervan has you covered. Oh, and did I mention it’s pet-friendly too?
What Makes This Van Different?
This van was built for actual travel—not just to look good in pictures. It’s easy to drive, genuinely capable of spending a few days off-grid, comfortable for a small family or group of friends, and set up for everything from weekend camping trips to long road trips, sporting events, hunt camp, college move-in, or even a mobile workday. Best of all, your dog is welcome to come along for the adventure.
A couple of years ago, I set out to build the perfect campervan for me, my two teenage boys, and a bird dog that goes just about everywhere with us. It had to be easy to load up and go. It had to comfortably sleep all 18 linear feet of us. It had to be capable of spending a few days off-grid. And it had to double as a mobile office when I’d simply had enough of working from home.
Since then, it’s been to the Keweenaw, Rocky Mountain National Park, the beaches of West Michigan, Leelanau, college move-in, and three different hunt camps throughout Michigan—and I honestly wouldn’t change a thing.
Driving
Built on a RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis, the van is surprisingly easy to drive and fairly fuel-efficient, averaging about 18 MPG. At approximately 21 feet long and standard van width, it fits in most normal parking spaces. It is a high-roof van, though, so think twice before pulling into a parking garage or drive-through with low overhead clearance.
Sleeping
There is a permanent queen bed that is slightly shorter than standard at about 6'2" long. The couch also pulls out into a small twin-size sleeping area that is about 6 feet long when using the built-in “foot locker.”
It comfortably sleeps three people plus a four-legged friend. Linens are provided.
Power
The van is powered by an EcoFlow system with 7.2 kWh of battery capacity, 400 watts of solar, and an alternator charging system that replenishes the batteries while you drive. You can also recharge it from an electric hookup.
In normal use, it’s surprisingly difficult to run out of power. There are AC outlets and USB charging ports throughout the van.
Water & Waste
The van carries 7 gallons of onboard fresh water and includes an electric hot water heater.
In addition to the kitchen sink, there is an outdoor shower connection at the rear of the van—perfect for rinsing off the dog, muddy feet, bikes, or sports equipment.
I also provide an additional 5-gallon water container that can be used to refill the onboard tank when needed.
For those middle-of-the-night emergencies, there is a cassette toilet onboard. The kitchen sink drains into a removable 5-gallon grey-water container under the sink.
Climate Control
A MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe does an excellent job circulating outside air and keeping the van comfortable, even on warm summer days.
There is no built-in furnace. For colder-weather trips, I can provide a small electric space heater to take the chill off.
Refrigeration
There are two refrigerators: a standard RV refrigerator/freezer under the counter and a pull-out refrigerator drawer that is especially convenient when cooking or hanging out outside.
Storage
There is plenty of storage throughout the van, including the rear “garage,” overhead cabinets, and space under the couch. On a typical multi-day trip with three of us, we usually have storage space left over.
