FRUGAL Dollar Store No Build VAN CONVERSION TOUR: I Hacked Items For My Van Build Camper

Whether you want a cheap, budget van build that's simple and easy or an elaborate conversion, your local dollar store can be a treasure trove of helpful things for your van life build for frugal off grid living - all at amazing, unbeatable prices! Building a camper van can be expensive and hard on the budget, so take advantage of cheaper items when you can find them. This build also follows the idea of a MODULAR, MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development approach: start with the simplest setup, do a trip, and then add ONLY what you find you need. this eliminates the common tragedy of overbuilding. Since it's very modular with little modification to the body, it's also very easy to change the layout as needed. Stop worrying, go simple, and you'll figure it out as you go!

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*This video description includes affiliate links which help support the channel at no extra cost to you! All opinions are my own. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

[SwellerVanDweller]

*Did you find anything great for your van build from a dollar store? Let us know in the comments* !

[AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Absolutely. I can't get my head around these super expensive ones, I would rather get a decent van, some insulation and then do whatever it takes to make it comfortable and cosy enough to live in.

[rashb]

That watering can as a shower is genius sir!

[StukHere]

For my 71 b’day, I am converting a 2001 Toyota Sienna to my Vamper!! Got everything I need and putting together. Found a warehouse in L.A. that sells open boxes, last years models, ect. Found Black out curtains, $3.00 panel. 1 panel, cut to size, covers 1 side van windows. So for $9.00 I covered all windows and space between driving area and ‘living’ area. Found a brand new, in sealed box, last years model 58 quart IceCo 2 way cooler with cover, for $200, normally way over $500.00. My EcoFlo power box and panel, cost a bit more, but worth the price! I bought miniature kitchen utensils and storage containers for clothing (fits under bed) at my local Dollar General, everything else, including wood for bed, was already around the house. Have appts all next week, but after that, Bye! 😂. I can hardly wait! Happy, safe travels everyone!

[stevesidare]

Helpful and entertaining. Can't beat that!

[equalityall]

Nothing crazy about not throwing tons of money around. Love your set up.

[marshajamison]

You are not a crazy lunatic! You are frugal!

[bodang]

I have been building out my van for over 2 years now. I'm more than a year behind schedule because I got in way over my head. Ive become so depressed thinking I'll never finish.
I need to finish it though because I need a safe, affordable environment to live in.
Thank you for bringing me out of the rabbit hole. I actually feel like I'll be able to figure it out after watching this. I'm looking forward to checking out more of your videos, especially how you took apart the lantern to provide light along the ceiling. Liked and subscribed.

[kizziesplace]

Great job on the frugal van build. I'd like more details about how you took apart the lantern and wiring. 😊

[onlyinparadise]

The bamboo window covers is genius! Great idea 💡

[yvettechristensen]

Very clever ideas. I just want a van for part time long distance travel. Nothing fancy, but functional and safe.

[karenjohnson]

Great ideas! You could even put a single days’s clothing in one bag. That way you only have to open one bag per day.

[buddy_bill]

I've watched probably over 16, 000 YouTube van build videos and this is the very best! It's about the journey...

[FrenchToastedz]

5$ garden watering can for a shower. Why didnt I think of that? Damn thats smart.

[thecorbettchronicles]

For my build, my inspiration is coming from the orient express trains/Belmond... I have the foam project boards and the wood grain contact paper (both from dollar tree). Making panels to tack up. I figure I could hit them with some high gloss lacquer finish from a spray can... I should probably film it but I find it to be a hassle. 🤷🏾

[hockeynutt]

Refreshing to know that you do not have to deck out your van walls just because..., you can enjoy life no matter what, Well done.

[JeffeysMom]

While I have found a lot of stuff at yard sales in on Facebook marketplace, I have also spent thousands of dollars over the last 10 years on Amazon and at Walmart and has accumulated way too much stuff for my minivan camper

I am a disabled senior that travels for suicide awareness since losing my son Jeff in 2016, in my wheelchair modified 2010 dodge grand caravan with my four Chihuahuas. I have a wire cubby in the Hatch area for storage. I also have a platform bed with some storage space underneath. I have kept the smaller section of the backseat as well as the two front seats for when my grandchildren travel with me. The rest of the floor space is taken up by my power chair. I am by no means a minimalist and definitely travel with too much stuff. And I still have more stuff for camping and emergency gear at home outside Palestine TX, for the day I can score a larger rig. Unfortunately, due to the wheelchair modification, I cannot have a rear hitch for a tiny trailer or even a storage box on the back, and being in a wheelchair it is hard to access anything on the roof. But I do have 2 100 watt solar panels and a roof box up top (for when other people travel with me). As well as a Bluetti EB70 n EB3a solar generators n a 100 watt Yargo portable solar panel. My dream vehicle is a short wheelchair Bus conversion with plenty of storage space! Safe Travels & Enjoy YOUR Journey
❤️🐾🚐👍🏻😁☀️🇺🇸🔥
FB Jeffeys Dawn A Burton

[TheJCompound]

bought my motox van for 500$ im in about 1300$ altogether now, gets me and the bikes all over the state. budget builds and dollar store hacks r great in this economy, nice vid bro 👍

[RyanNagy]

That was good man. And highly motivating. Thanks for keeping it real

[waynelast]

2:26 you can hang that jug from a branch or something and attach a rope or wire (connected to your foot) to make it tilt, then you have an automatic shower .