Easy no build van - 2021 Ram Promaster

I recently purchased an empty 2021 Ram Promaster 2500 EXT 159 wheelbase cargo van to create a comfortable no build conversion for now.

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IKEA Links:

Kitchen/prep sink

Bed Rail

Bed slats

[tamagotchiocean]

I might do a no build because i like the idea of less stuff =less breaking down. No plumbing =no plumbing issues. No electricity =no electrical issues. So i might just get a van and have my dad help me insulate floor, walls and ceiling and then put cool furniture from the thrift store. No need to spend thousands. People are paying 100k for some of this fully built out vans which is just nuts because this is supposed to be the cheaper alternative to actual housing.

[LindaFromMySelfCareStudio]

I love this so much! My husband and I are in our mid 50s, but we met in high school and always shared a dream of RVing around the country. Though it never happened, we have lived a beautiful life, have an amazing family, and we are very thankful.
Three years ago I was diagnosed with incurable but treatable cancer. When I was 38 I beat a different kind of cancer. And so I really want to make this bucket list dream come true while I can. Unfortunately having chronic cancer is not cheap, and we just haven’t been able to find a way to make it happen. Then I saw your video! I don’t know how my husband will feel about it because of my health and physical challenges, and him still having to work full-time, he may not think building as we go is feasible, but financially, it may be the only way, and I am really OK with that. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I’m off to binge watch your channel, lol.

[faceinthecrowd]

I have owned 5 vans over many years and have preferred to keep my van fully capable of doing anything. I have insulated and skinned the floor, walls, and ceiling with cabinet grade plywood. All of my camper furniture I have built to be modular and can be easily taken out if I want the full cargo option. If I want to carry additional passengers the removable rear bench seat can be used. My wife and I van camp many times during the summer and using plastic totes can simply store under the bed platform. Throw rugs can be easily taken out shaken off and boom done. I like the minimal and uncluttered interior because nature and the outdoors becomes our living space .

[robbblair]

I love this set up all you need to get started. Upgrade as you go. Not all of us were born with a silver spoon that can drop 150k every 2: years on a new van build.
I think this is the best way to approach it. What all these channels have forgot. Its not about showing off how much you dropped $$ on a van build. But how & where you go with your van. Its about not being tied down to 1 area. Roaming free & exploring & enjoying it, with the bare minimal.

[pali_aha]

Now THIS is the van build video for me.
I want to continue living rent free and don't know the difference between a hammer and screwdriver. Thank you.

[NoteFromSELF]

Great start.

A lady in one of Bob Wells' videos said she learned the most by actually being out there and is adjusting as she goes.

[TheRiverkayaker]

May I make a suggestion, I didn’t notice a fire extinguisher.i have known so many vans, and not just vans for that matter, vehicles, big rigs that catch fire for whatever reason. Please get one if you can, you may not only save your stuff but your life and perhaps be of help to others if need be. I pack in all my vehicles now, please be safe out there. Happy travels 🚐

[pammishful]

This is so amazing. I'm always looking at grand builds thinking people waste all their space and make it so crowded. This is perfect, beautiful, and rational. I love it!

[oORegularKevOo]

This setup is very impressive for a "no build" setup. Your ingenuity is admirable.

[kathykeene]

You’re set! I admire that you just bit-the-bullet and bought the van and are making do. Way to go. It will be a slow build, but it will be just what you want. The max air fan will be much appreciated when you get it.

[AlaynaJune]

Okokok.. I can do this… my bf gonna buy a van soon and said we’re doing no build to start with, I was like hmmm idk but after seeing your build I’m like ok that’s actually not bad. Besides it’s all about the nature we see and not the van!!

[R-cgon]

Yep, nice to know someone else isn't about
Great for a first build. ❤❤❤

[donwyates]

There's a LOT to be said for keeping it simple. Your van is an elegant example of that. Avoiding the temptation to completely build it out right away is smarter, more efficient, and cost effective. I did course amounts of measuring, drawing to scale, researching dimensions of different products, etc., but still kept my (SUV) build-out super simple. Yet, I feel the are things I should've done differently. Sometimes you just have to live it and feel it, before you "know it".
I like your home on wheels.

[nancyhainline]

Wow. Neat. I'm 81 and that looks very doable even for me. You go, girl!

[stevewright]

A bed, a fridge, a little cooktop thing, a big enough battery to keep things running, a toilet.. What more do you need...

[rustythecat]

I like your no build build because it clearly indicates what is necessary to have a good start as a nomad. One item you will find absolutely necessary quickly is an excellent two way ceiling fan to move hot air out and fresh air in you van. Second you will find it necessary to deal with condensation to be comfortable in all seasons. As well it is common to use easy to clean linoleum for flooring over a sub floor to deal with everything bad that happens from a cold steel floor. You have a great start to your new house! Wish you well.

[darnelltabor]

Fantastic idea. "They" say to start out with what you have & build once you know what you need. Good for you. Great build-out so far.

[ramblin.raanan]

That looks so good!! Very impressed. You have everything you need. Love that kitchen station and easy water system. Would appreciate it if you could post approximate costs so far and as you go. Interested in what kind of budget I'll need when I get ready to do the same. Get back on the road and have fun!

[ImTheManStan]

I don't 18 Wheeler over the road for a few years. If you can find a junk yard that has wrecked big rigs in it, there's so many cool cabinets that would fit perfectly in your van.

[laurenm]

Great video! Love the simplicity. I’m not even sure I would do anything else to it if it was mine lol.
So warm and inviting, thank you for sharing.