I’ve had this tiny house dream for a while.

Not to live in, but to travel in, taking trips across America and Canada to meet dog lovers, do shows and rescue events, have tiny house parties, share moments, and most importantly, to write about it all. First price became a stumbling block. Then the idea of driving something massive. Then having something so big it wouldn’t fit in the driveway.  How do you make something livable yet really small? I gave up on the whole idea.  Then COVID  hit, and with that a re-thinking of what I want to do moving forward with my life. My tiny house dream returned. I want an expanded vision and more interaction with humanity, and I want to have inspiring experiences to write about. ]

Research lead me to a DIY van conversion. I will do the work (mostly) myself. I love woodworking and crafting a space. Youtube videos demonstrate the steps (insulating, cladding, framing… I’m still learning). The plumbing and electric will be contracted out. 

This is what I’m aiming for:

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Step one: develop an overall plan

You need is an overall plan of attack to tackle something this big. Here is mine: (I named my van Fiver, after one of the Rabbits in Watership Down.  He was a special rabbit with unique emotional and psychological skills, and I really liked his courage. My main resource is Youtube for info and ideas.

 I’m still on step 1.

I found Snow & Curt . This couple converted a van they plan to live in for ten years as they tour the world, and their videos take you through the conversion and its costs. I got so much information from Curt as to the size of the task at hand, and they did an exquisite job converting their van. I want that aesthetic level of finishing. Then I found Overlanding Sophia . This couple offers a series of videos where they literally show you every step involved in the transformation. I scoured Youtube for conversion layouts that fit what I want and I found @Transonwheels . Their conversion had everything I wanted: a small enough van that I could park it like a car, yet big enough that it could house a bathroom, kitchen, and bed / sitting area.

So far I have decided to get the Promaster 1500 136 WB tall with swivel seats, and windows in the side and back doors. It’s got 10′ x 6′ x 6′ cargo space to work with.  Of course I need to see it in person and  drive it, but it’s big enough for my layout and small enough to fit in a parking spot.

Here is my layout:

Next up:

Hunting down and researching all the special space saving details. Stay tuned!