2019 Before conversion
DIY Shelter
People choose to sleep in their mini vans for various reasons. Since I started in 2019 creating a build and modifying my van over time I’ve seen various types of builds.
Stealth, natural lighting, closed private, tent, tear drop hybrid and the IKEA design,
Mini Van build? There is a simpler way
Pros and cons
As I said earlier my desire, in 2019, was to go camping and sleep in my van. I owned a 12 x 16 foot screen tent which made a great extension to my van. I can keep the gate opened or closed. Step out into the tent from the van to have morning tea.
Using the screen tent on the first three camping trips were great. I wanted to improve on the problems I encountered.
Pros:
- Lots of fresh air and sunshine
- I had enough room to entertain others
- I could cook in the tent area
- I could sleep in the screen tent or jump inside the van
- Assembly and disassembling was fast
- I could move the van and the tent stays in place allowing me to drive out of the the camp.
Cons:
- No floor. (bugs, rain, wind dust)
- Bugs often crawled underneath both the van or tent.
- No UV protection.
- No protection from the rain
- Hard rain cause leaks along the sides of the vans gate
- Had to dry set it up at home after camping trips to let it dry
The screen tent lead me to a different idea. What is I purchased a awning that I can mount to my van and add tent walls.
Amazon Suggestions
Space in a mini van is limited. To enjoy van life follow this simple technique to build your van.
Lights, overhead, reading, safety, kitchen
My final camper van conversion - 2021
Space in a mini van is limited. To enjoy van life follow this simple technique to build your van.