Tag Archives: doityourself

Clever Stealth Camper Proves You Don’t Need Big Space To Build A Cozy Home

In nearly each do-it-yourself camper conversion we have seen, the automobile both already has a tall roof or gets one during the build. That’s not the case with Kath, the girl behind this ordinary-yet-extraordinary 2007 Ford E-250. She particularly wished one thing with a low roof for simpler maneuverability in cities, the place her house on wheels doubles as the bottom of operations for her jewellery enterprise.

The result’s a plain wrapper on the surface with a heat, cozy residing area inside. In a video from Tiny Home Tours on YouTube, Kath says she constructed the van herself, with about $20,000 invested. This is her full-time house, and he or she says it is essential for full-timers like her to construct a van that seems like a correct house. That’s why she has a mattress completely constructed on the again, so she will crash out for a nap anytime with out having to set issues up.

Ford E-250 Stealth Camper

It’s additionally why there is a everlasting two-burner gasoline range within the small kitchen. An 11-pound propane tank lasts about six months, and he or she makes use of about 5 gallons of contemporary water per week. It’s distributed by means of the tap with a easy foot pump, which helps her preserve water. A fundamental camp rest room serves as the toilet. The solely factor lacking is a bathe. But contemplating this can be a standard-length Ford van with a low roof, we might say she’s doing fairly effectively.

In the video, Kath confesses to liking antiques and domestically sourced artwork. Oftentimes we see camper builds that emphasize function over aesthetics, so it is good to see one thing that really appears to be like like a house. Knick-knacks are positioned across the range, artwork is hanging off the partitions, and the onboard electronics – a 100 amp-hour lithium-ion battery and a 1,000-watt inverter – are neatly saved beneath a rustic-themed bench seat.

And whereas we automotive writers aren’t all the time as artistic as we might wish to be, we adore Kath’s vintage typewriter (an previous Remington maybe?) being put to good use. Her kitchen desk doubles as a desk, pivoting over the mattress to create a snug workspace.

 

Kath says there’s simply 20 sq. ft of area within the van. Between the video tour and photographs posted to her Instagram account, she’s clearly achieved a improbable job of changing the out there room into a pleasant house.

Isuzu 4WD Box Truck Camper Is The Ultimate Stealth Off-Road RV

School bus camper conversions are quite popular, but there aren’t as many DIY box truck builds. At first glance, this plain white Isuzu looks like a regular work truck. That’s exactly what the owner wants people to think, because the interior is far from work-related.

Shared on YouTube by Tiny House Giant Journey, this camper is the full-time home for builder Luke and his daughter. It was built four years ago, and so far Luke has invested around $54,000 in it. This includes the 2007 Isuzu NPR, which is equipped with four-wheel drive. The cab is not luxurious, and it can be a bit noisy while traveling, but it has a simple 4WD system and an engine that’s easy to service. This makes it surprisingly capable in urban environments with tight spaces and off-road as a legitimate overlanding RV.

Isuzu Custom Camper

But the mechanical details aren’t the main focus here. Luke built the living space from scratch to make it an all-season home. He and his daughter love the outdoors, so he incorporated mounts for bicycles and skis near the front and rear doors. Instead of a garage space at the back, there’s a removable table and a futon that converts into a queen bed. The open space also features a massive glass door that’s revealed when the standard cargo door is opened. As an additional bonus, the electric lift ramp normally used for loading cargo now serves as a back porch.

Moving forward, the kitchen area makes use of a large toolbox that doubles as cabinet space with a countertop. An old-school entertainment center functions as storage for the refrigerator and electrical system, including a bank of batteries and a 3,000-watt inverter. Across from that is a sink and a two-burner gas stove with a hood vent. This is also where the wood stove is located, which adds ambiance and warmth to the camper.

The front of the camper serves as the main bedroom with two large beds for Luke and his daughter. It also houses a fully enclosed bathroom with a spacious shower and a toilet with a bidet. Three tank heaters keep the water warm in the winter, powered by a large propane tank that rarely needs refilling.

According to the video, maintaining the worn look of the Isuzu’s exterior is essential for parking in places where regular RVs wouldn’t be allowed. The downside is the lack of windows unless the cargo door is open, but Luke says that the stealth aspect is crucial for comfort in various locations. It’s definitely one of the coolest camper builds that combines both utility and a stealthy exterior.

Chevy School Bus Camper Conversion with Amazing Kitchen and Beautiful Interior

Over the years, we’ve seen various DIY camper builds using buses, but most of them start with a large bus. Recently, we’ve noticed more people opting for smaller buses, and this former school bus featured on Tiny Home Tours caught our attention. From the outside, it may look unassuming, but as soon as you step inside, you’ll find a dream kitchen for any vanlifer who loves to cook.

And there’s a good reason for that. This 2011 Chevrolet school bus was built by Racey and Zack, who have turned their van-building skills into a business. However, before that, Zack was a cook. As a result, this converted small school bus features walnut butcher block countertops and a three-burner propane stove with an oven tucked between the sink and a large wardrobe. In fact, the amount of counter space in this bus is probably more than what you’ll find in many apartments. It also offers ample storage space. The kitchen is equipped with a 21-gallon water tank that feeds the faucet. Across from the kitchen, there’s a small dining area that can convert into a large bench or a second bed.

Chevrolet School Bus Camper Conversion

The main bed is a queen bed, mounted sideways at the back of the bus. It fits neatly, with extra storage space on the headboard. The bed is placed high up to create room for a garage underneath, which houses the van’s power and climate control systems. The roof is equipped with 400 watts of solar panels, and underneath the bed, there’s a 200 amp-hour battery and a 50-amp charge controller. In the center of the bed area, there’s a 75-liter refrigerator/freezer that slides out for easy access.

Inside the bus, you’ll find a spacious interior adorned with unique custom touches. A skylight is cut into the bus roof, providing ample natural light. Copper pipes are used to secure shelves and keep items in place. Racey designed and created the wood patterns on the back doors in the bedroom area, and she also made the curtains that cover the kitchen windows.

One notable feature missing from this build is a bathroom, but there is an outdoor shower setup available for use when temperatures permit. The video states that this bus was specifically built to handle all four seasons, and last winter, the couple spent a few months camping in the snow without any issues. The dual rear wheels, along with the bus’s weight and torquey diesel V8 engine, helped them navigate through snowy conditions effortlessly. This camper truly delivered on their winter camping needs.

The video concludes by mentioning that this bus is now up for sale, but the comments reveal that it has already been sold. We’re excited to see what the talented couple has in store for their next skoolie build.

Tiny Off-Road Camper Built From Scratch Is A Tent On Tank Treads

This camper project is a DIY creation that may not be suitable for long trips. With a top speed of around 5 mph, it is not meant for traveling on roads. Additionally, due to its wooden frame and low ride height, it is not ideal for high-speed traffic. However, these limitations don’t make this homemade camper any less impressive.

In fact, what sets this project apart is the fact that it is entirely built by a YouTuber known as “Quiet Nerd.” The construction begins with a frame made of 2x4s, with additional support added through metal corner braces. The rear axle and 24-volt electric motor are connected using a single chain, and instead of traditional tires, small tracks are used for off-road mobility.

At the front, tires are attached to spindles and connected to a custom steering system. The camper’s “body” is a small plastic greenhouse that fits perfectly on the wooden chassis. This greenhouse design helps reduce weight and provides clear visibility, while a yellow tarp ensures privacy.

Essentially, this camper is a motorized tent on a wooden platform with steering capabilities and reverse functionality. It features front and rear lights, a roof-mounted fan for cooling, and is powered by a single 12-volt car battery with a safety shut-off switch. Inside, there is enough space to stretch out with a sleeping bag and storage bags for personal items, along with a simple propane stove.

Despite its limitations in speed and maneuverability, the camper is demonstrated to handle well in dense forests. While it may not be capable of navigating over fallen trees, it provides a unique camping experience for those who enjoy off-road adventures. Its simplicity and functionality make it an appealing option, especially when compared to larger, more traditional RVs.

The video showcasing the construction process and a night in the woods with the finished camper runs for approximately 40 minutes. It is a testament to the camper’s capabilities and highlights its suitability for outdoor exploration.

Overall, this DIY camper is commendable for its clever use of wood and resourcefulness. If the YouTuber behind it decides to create a larger version in the future, it would undoubtedly generate further interest and excitement among fans of innovative camper designs.