Ep. 326 - Watch this if you're thinking about getting started with van life! Today, we're sharing our favorite 10 things about our van build after 5 years of van life. Our sprinter van conversion is simple with creative touches and versatile elements that we haven't seen in any other van builds and we're really happy with the result. We have no regrets after 5 years of van life!
TOP 10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT OUR SIMPLE FORD TRANSIT CONVERSION:
1) OUR VAN - We love the kind of van we have, a 2019 high roof Ford Transit with standard wheelbase (less than 20 ft) that had been an Enterprise cargo van prior to us owning it. We love that it can fit anywhere and is easier and more cost effective to maintain especially compared to the the Mercedes Sprinter.
2) OPEN LAYOUT - Compared to many other van builds, we have more floor space and a more open feel with nothing blocking the opening and view where our slider door is.
3) SIMPLICITY OF OUR UTILITIES - We especially love our simple plumbing set up with a foot pump and two 6-gallon jugs for fresh and gray water that helps us conserve water. Our power set-up is also simple and affordable - an Ecoflow Delta 2 power unit with three 100-watt flexible solar panels, and an inverter for faster charging while we are driving. We'll also share about our toilet, shower, fridge, and cooking set up.
4) TABLES & WORKSPACE - We love our DIY Lagun mount style table and another smaller table that is super versatile.
5) OUR BED - Our bed, with a 14" memory foam mattress, is super comfy! Our bed is also fixed on a platform with a garage beneath so we have lots of storage space. When we first started building out our van, I was convinced a bed that converted to a table with seating was the way to go but I'm so glad our bed is fixed instead.
6) OUR "GARAGE" - Lots of space for bikes, tools, a kayak, extra water, and more!
7) UNIQUE BACK DESIGN - Back bed ledge, "window" frame with screen insert, & finished back doors
8) VERTICAL CABINETS - More storage with unique design
9) SWIVEL SEAT - Opens our living space more and some more comfy seating
10) SPECIAL TOUCHES - We worked hard to make our van feel like a home with DIY art, salvaged wood, and things like regular electric switches.
☑️ SUBSCRIBE TO FOLLOW ALONG ON OUR VAN LIFE ADVENTURES ► https://bit.ly/2XvSth7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveandaudra
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveandaudra
☑️ BECOME A PATRON ► https://www.patreon.com/steveandaudra
Help put gas in our tank and get a few extra perks including our undying love and devotion! 🙂
☑️ SHOP OUR AMAZON STORE ► https://www.amazon.com/shop/steveaudra
Use this link to learn about our favorite products or support our channel when you shop on Amazon! (As Amazon Affiliates we get a tiny percentage of every qualifying purchase you make.)
☑️ SAVE 5% off purchases for your van or RV with coupon code: BMXJYUJ ► https://www.recpro.com/?referral=BMXJYUJ
☑️ SAVE MONEY ON GAS with GetUpSide! ► https://upside.app.link/3UJK2 - Get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase
👉 ABOUT US: We're Steve and Audra, a van life couple from South Florida who share a passion for cheap travel, nature, wildlife, DIY projects, and adventure! After about 2.5 years, we finished converting our 2019 Ford Transit high roof cargo van into a tiny home on wheels. We've been sharing our experience as we travel the country on a low budget with our cat Lady Gray Gray Gillespie Pinkerton. We invite you to follow along on our journey!
TOP 10 favorite things about our simple DIY van build after 5 years of van life
FILM DATE: April 2025
MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS:
Wooshs 02.wav by toyoto -- https://freesound.org/s/93758/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Light wooshes by florianreichelt -- https://freesound.org/s/447806/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Woosh_Low_03.wav by moogy73 -- https://freesound.org/s/425699/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Wooshs 01.wav by toyoto -- https://freesound.org/s/93757/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org
Camera Shutter by ThompsonMan -- https://freesound.org/s/166500/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
"Run Amok" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Woosh - Metal tea strainer 1 by Sadiquecat -- https://freesound.org/s/742832/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Small Whip 4 by Geoff-Bremner-Audio -- https://freesound.org/s/733944/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Dirt Road Traveler by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Birds Singing 03.wav by DCPoke -- https://freesound.org/s/387978/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
------
#vanlife #vanconversion #vantour