Minimum Viable Camper

May 5, 2019

Welcome to our sub-site for documenting the build-out of our Promaster high roof van. Our intention is to use the van as a camping/biking/hiking support, and the goal is to keep it usable throughout the build process. It may not always be pretty, but it should be functional.

Upper L-Track and duffel cabinets

May 5, 2018

We didn’t want too much weight up high, but needed more storage. I really like Peter Masson’s implementation of soft-sided upper cabinets using simple duffel bags, so we copied it.

Bed Rework and Roof Rail install

Apr 4, 2018

The father of a friend is a retired machinist, and still has access to his friend’s machine shop, so we took all my T-slots pieces to the machine shop and counterbored all the required holes for the 80-20 anchor fasteners.

Airhead 'Composting' Toilet

Apr 4, 2018

A toilet was a key component of our build, since we’ll often be camping well away from amenities, and we liked the idea of a “composting” (more properly a separating) toilet.

Tern Eurovision awning window install

Mar 3, 2018

One of our key priorities for the van was more light and more airflow. We liked the awning window idea, and the best option we found for behind the driver was Eurovision windows.

Visit to WirlNet

Mar 3, 2018

At invitation of HarryN from the Sprinter Forum, we drove up to Livermore to check out his new shop. He does some nice work with prepackaged electrical systems, with all components built into a flight case:

Kitchen Progress

Feb 2, 2018

I haven’t had much time the last few weeks, but I’ve made some progress prototyping our kitchen cabinet and layout. It’s all 80-20 10-series.

Windshield Cover and Heater

Feb 2, 2018

I can’t remember where I saw the recommendation for this front windshield and window cover, but it’s great.

More Insulation

Feb 2, 2018

I got the bulk of our insulation completed before New Years, but some insulation and sound deadening dragged on. Today I made a bit of progress on the sliding door and rear wheel wells.

CAD: Coroplast-Aided-Design

Jan 1, 2018

I’ve ordered a toilet and a window for behind the driver, but haven’t decided how to lay out the rest of the van yet. CAD to the rescue!