Our New Camper Van

It was an exciting day at the end of May, when after much planning and dreaming, we bought a used 2024 Ram Promaster 3500 Cargo Van, and dropped it off with a custom builder to be converted to an RV. Two months later we picked it up and made the above video.

Since then we’ve taken it on short excursions here in Central Texas and to the coast. Getting a new toy like this is really difficult when its triple digit heat almost every day. We have a camping trip planned in a couple of weeks and we’re hoping for cooler temperatures.

Before settling on a van, we had considered one of the bigger teardrop trailers, like the TAB 360, but our Subaru’s engine wasn’t strong enough to pull it. We considered buying both a vehicle and trailer, but that seemed like a bit much. After watching a lot of YouTube travel videos, we settled on a van for several reasons. It’s not really cheaper (unless you modify it yourself), but it is more maneuverable and a bit bigger than the TAB. We also liked not having to mess with all the set up and break down a trailer requires. And, in a worse case scenario, we could hop out of bed into the driver’s seat without exiting the vehicle. A quick get away, especially in remote areas where sasquatch lives (haha), is always a good thing.

Once we got the van home we had to register it in Texas. We went to the tax office within two days of having it but we still accrued late fees because the van was with the builder for two months and we were given 30 days to register it. We also had it registered as an RV, which required some documentation. We also switched insurance coverage from USAA to Roamly, which was more affordable. We also put it on our toll account. We are completely legal and ready for travel.

For the last two months, we’ve been making a handful of small improvements, adding storage and decorating! These are some of the projects we tackled.

Our Personal Touches

Added Shelves to Wardrobe
Storage space is always a big priority, so we decided to turn the “wardrobe” into a kitchen pantry for cookware and appliances, as well as our toiletries. We added two shelves, some storage containers for our toiletries, a mirror, and a fancier storage basket on the bottom.

Installed Peg Board
Ikea has many products that well suit an RV, such as the SKÅDIS Pegboard, that we installed in the kitchen. I felt like it added visual interest while providing some storage benefits.

Stained the Lagun Table
The table’s finish was not the same as the counter tops so we stained it to match a bit better.

Made a Room Divider
While camping in the heat, we determined it would be more comfortable if we could contain the cool air from the AC in the sleeping area instead of trying to cool the entire van. I picked out some thick fabric and my daughter-in-law used her sewing skills to bring my vision to life. We will give a try when we go camping next weekend. I also think it will come in handy if one of us gets up early and turns on lights.

Added Storage Options & Various Decor
Though we have not yet stayed many days in the van, I think we’ve organized our space fairly well with various bins, drawers and organizers. I’ll plan on doing a video about that eventually. We also bought sheets, pillows and a blanket. I also added some small wall art. I’m using Command brand velcro to hold up all of the items, including the peg board. So far, so good.

Additional Items
We bought a large, protective floor mat for the cab and new speakers for the doors. We also installed an easier-to-use handle on the sliding cargo door. Of course we bought all the necessities as well, such as:

• Water hose & filter
• Extension cords, power adapters, surge protector
• Tire repair kit (until we are able to get a spare tire installed underneath)
• Fire extinguisher and smoke/carbon monoxide detector
• Tool box
• Kitchen items for cooking and serving (came with gas and electric burners)
• Mirrors for the sun visors
• Light under the kitchen cabinet to light up sink area
• Fairy lights for the bedroom, for soft lighting at bedtime. Our can lights dim, but these are cuter!
• Bedside storage organizer for Dale’s side of the bed.
• Decorative floor mat
• Small, hand-held vacuum

Well, maybe they are not all necessities but they definitely make it more cute and cozy! We are still mulling over our toilet situation. For the most part we’ll be able to use park bathrooms, but when we are in the woods, staying at a Harvest Host, or stealth camping we will need to take care of business inside the van. Oh, and let’s not forget internet connection. We are planning on getting a Starlink Mini so that we can have access where ever we go. It also allows you to start and stop service easily so that when we aren’t traveling, we’re not paying for service.

I think this is enough for this post. I expect our next camping trip, which is two nights at Lake Belton, to be the most relaxing trip yet, because the temperature should much more enjoyable!