We enjoy custom-built motorhomes because each one is unique and reflects the owner’s individuality. For instance, Ryan Bell transformed a Ford Transit into a low-profile camper and has been living in it full-time for over a year. He gave the vehicle an unassuming exterior but equipped the interior with an impressive entertainment setup.
Bell named this camper Megalodon in reference to the massive prehistoric shark. This is his second custom project after selling all his possessions and constructing a Ford E-Series named Great White for $3,000.
Megalodon is still a work in progress. Bell mentions to Motor1 that he anticipates the total cost of the build to be around $35,000 upon completion. This cost is a fraction of what factory-built campers, such as the Transit-based offering from AEONrv for $219,000, would cost.
The Megalodon has some subtle modifications to its exterior, such as covering the side window with a decal that allows occupants to see outside the van, but prevents people from seeing inside. The roof is equipped with 800 watts of solar panels and fans for ventilating the cabin.
Upon opening the door, the interior transformation is revealed. The compact kitchenette is fully featured with a three-burner cooktop and an appliance that combines a microwave, convection oven, and an air fryer. It includes a metal sink, although Bell has not added a faucet yet. His plans for future upgrades include adding a pantry for storage.
The combined sleeping space and entertainment center occupies most of the van’s rear section. Bell has mounted a screen on the wall, and the desk has two settings to raise it, allowing him to comfortably work from bed.
Bell shares with Motor1, “My favorite aspect of the van is how comfortable it is for sleeping. It’s completely dark inside at night and quiet due to all the added insulation. In my previous van, highway noise would annoy me at night, but that is not a problem in Megalodon.”
Bell, a musician, managed to fit a small recording setup in Megalodon. A custom cabinet holds a guitar amp, and there’s a nearby microphone on a stand. For music enjoyment, he has a pair of speakers and a subwoofer, quite large for a van of this size. When it’s time to play video games, Bell uses a Steam Deck that can be connected to the TV. This setup allows him to play various modern and vintage titles from bed.
Bell has an ambitious plan to build a sliding closet in the future to expand Megalodon. Pulling it away from the wall would reveal a shower and toilet, amenities the van currently lacks.
He offers a piece of advice to anyone looking to build their own motorhome. “Insulation is the most important part of a build to make it as comfortable as a house,” Bell said. “The five-inch walls are not excessive, contrary to what many people in the video comments believe.”