DIY off grid Camper Van full tour. See why this tiny home won BEST IN SHOW at Peace Love and Vans

The name of our van is Sweet Dreams. We built it in three months in our driveway in Indiana with basic tools. We didn't design this to be a "weekender" van; we designed it to live in for a month or more at a time.
At Peace Love and Vans, our van won "Best in Show", due to it's home feel, functional layout, bathroom with shower, 39 gal fresh water, 4 gal hot water, and a 24v 600ah battery bank, giving us 14,400 watt hours of battery which will let us run our 24V AC for 36+ hours on a single charge.
Come visit us at Peace love and vans 2025: www.peacelovevans.com/
If you would like to see videos of any of the components in detail, let us know in the comments below and we might make a video about it.
Below is a list of most of the materials and components we used to build this van. Some of these links are amazon affiliate links, and If you follow one purchase something, we earn a tiny commission which will support our channel and keep more videos coming. Thank you!
Aluminum Support Bracket for Table: amzn.to/49Bm5Nb
Adjustable Table Leg: amzn.to/4bLeTzu
4” Cooling Fan: amzn.to/49jSiIE
U-Shape Edge Banding: amzn.to/3ULHPkM
GFCI Outlet: amzn.to/3UItbL7
6 in 1 inverter Toshiba Microwave: amzn.to/3wmt4L9
Collapsible Microwave Cover: amzn.to/49DQXfm
Dirt Devil Central Vac: amzn.to/4bBNcJ8
Puck Lights: amzn.to/49EqfDf
Espar Heater: amzn.to/3T8S2Xm
Rope loops: amzn.to/4a1f0Fj
Teak board: www.lowes.com/pd/RELIABILT-1-...
Piano hinge: amzn.to/3IsGx6O
Magnets: amzn.to/4c1Jnxd
4” Cooling Fan: amzn.to/49jSiIE
Mess proof Dog water bowl: amzn.to/3zjQGRW
Sirocco II™ Circulation Fan: amzn.to/3Lnn9JV
Lippert Retractable step: amzn.to/4cPCWNk
Passenger Swivel chair Base: amzn.to/3Y2B6oi
Driver Swivel Base: amzn.to/4bGhbhS
Victron Buck Boost 24v charger: amzn.to/3W0lvmw
Nautilus 64"x36" RV Shower Door: amzn.to/3y2PNwI
GFCI Outlets: amzn.to/3W5Av2i
Bosch Hot water heater: amzn.to/465YIKI
Solo Stove Mesa XL: amzn.to/4cBtcGB
Aluminum telescoping ladder: amzn.to/4cC20Yd
Pendant Light: leonlite.com/products/leonlit...
Eureka! SPRK Portable Butane Camping Grill: amzn.to/4cuD7xL
Promaster sliding door stopper: amzn.to/4cBpcGk
Promaster door handle: amzn.to/3W3vaIR
RV Grab handle: amzn.to/3XZQ9Pi
VanEssential Magnetic closure Sliding Door Bug Screen: amzn.to/3Y0UUby
VanEssential Magnetic closure Rear Door Bug Screen: amzn.to/4eYKFdL
VanEssential Insulated Blackout FRONT DOOR Window Covers: amzn.to/3Wn4rr5
VanEssential Insulated Blackout FRONT WINDSHIELD Cover: amzn.to/3Lt8c8Z
TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven: amzn.to/3xULzHz
12V LED Reading Lights: amzn.to/3xTsDZQ
Water pump / water heater timer: amzn.to/3WiSAve
Recessed LED Puck lights: amzn.to/3W2Hucv
Gray water tank: amzn.to/3Y523rd
Gray water tank end: amzn.to/3zzhg9K
Motorized Ball valve: amzn.to/3zzhpKk
Water Hose Adaptor: amzn.to/3WjChyb
Shelf Brackets for folding cooktop counter: amzn.to/4cPI6Jc
Bed frame brackets for Ikea rails: amzn.to/4656pAB
14G marine grade electrical wire: amzn.to/3Lt9Ya9

[@firebird7479]

I like the cleanliness. The storage areas are organized and detailed. No clutter whatsoever. I see so many of these videos and people show their storage areas and they fumble and stumble through everything to get to what they want to show. For me, though, I have no ability to do this. I'd end up paying someone to build it for me.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks firebird, that means a LOT to us. I hate clutter as it makes me crazy. We're actually still working out the garage space to make it more functional. You might be surprised as to what you can build with basica tools. The great thing about building your own van is that you can change things if you want.

[@swiggityswooty6731]

Geniuses thought of this layout and then executed flawlessly! I'm just amazed and inspired, thanks for sharing!

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Ha ha! We're not geniuses but thank you. If you want to build a van like this, do it! YOLO

[@ronnjerremy5796]

Smoke detecter should be mounted up high in the area that it is monitoring since smoke rises. Nice build.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks @ronnjerremy5976 this is a combo CO2 / smoke detector so I mounted it low, but maybe I'll put a separate one up high.

[@dandewar4874]

You have created a masterpiece in 3 months, blows.my mind 💙

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

thanks @dandewar4874 that means a lot to us

[@JonBergman23]

Great build. Just perfect.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@@JonBergman23 Thank you for the kind words…do you have a van?

[@meridethhendry5733]

What an amazing rig! You have thought of everything and made it not only functional but beautiful as well.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thank you very much! That means a lot.

[@gylsky5694]

this is one of the best design I have seen among the mobile home setup. Aesthetically pleasant to look/live at and fundamental practical and well-thought pieces all over the vehicles.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Wow thanks for the great comment. That means a lot to us.

[@Legitmaryx3]

Love that shower

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@@Legitmaryx3 thank you! It was important to us to have a fully functioning bathroom. Do you have a van?

[@ibonechevarria-o7k]

Dang she's gorgeous.

[@reddyman6915]

Great legs 👍

[@lindajunglas8335]

You have the best van build I have ever seen! You put a lot of thought into it and it shows. ❤

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@@lindajunglas8335 thank you! Your kind words mean a lot to us!

[@TerryW5379]

I’ve been following van builds for over 4 years and your van is in the top ten. The warmth and practicality makes it feel like home. The solid bathroom door was a great idea, very unusual. Kitchen table with window and nice seating works well. Overall grade A+.Thanks for showing it!

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hey Terry that means a lot to us, especially since you've been following so many builds. Do you have a vna too?

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

Great job looks great.

[@sharimctiver8952]

Great build with high levels of funcionality!!

[@susankustich1720]

Luxury at it's best! Perfectly beautiful! safe travels!

[@arturoalcantar2669]

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!! GREAT BUILD!!! FOR A VAN ITS VERY ROOMY... GAVE ME TONS OF IDEAS TO BUILD OUT MY SONS 16' BOX TRUCK! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks and we are happy to hear you got some ideas from it.

[@franwatkins5934]

Wow very impressive

[@marymacgregor6952]

This van is lovely. Love the blue walls and the ceiling.

[@jeanhirsch2054]

Functional and lovely. Outstanding work done.

[@susanlynn6545]

Oh I ❤️ LOVE ❤ this van !

[@kimonk]

So much space for everything! Great job!

[@marybethmcclure5929]

Love the color of blue & the warm feeling in your van & how thoughtful & efficient your design is. Very impressive

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks marybeth. We spent about half the time building and the other half designing. Every inch counts when you're building a van. Do you have a van too?

[@citigirlcountrified1927]

I need a Tommy

[@theresarathe7808]

Yep agreed. Simply amazing! Great build!

[@lukekao8136]

Very fancy van, :)

[@jessys9868]

Gorgeous van.

[@lindamarie6574]

Awesome! Has all you need!😊very cozy!

[@eddman32]

Nice build.

[@cameragirl2663]

Beautiful!

[@annieoakley5075]

I really like your van. Thanks for the tour

[@felishagathright4013]

Beautiful build!

[@wandanichols1187]

Really nice and you guys thought of everything.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thank you Wanda for your kind words.

[@jessiegirl4ever]

Absolutely beautiful. Only dislike for me is the microwave on the floor, that would drive me crazy. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@jessiegirl4ever that's a great comment and I was torn as to where to mount it. If it's mounted high, it sticks out too far from the wall.

[@jessiegirl4ever]

@@SweetDreamsVanLife you did an absolutely beautiful job. 😘👍🏻

[@mauricemccoy4559]

Awesome build! Love it!

[@polo19681]

Loved this Van! The color is awesome! Keeping on Vanning!

[@littlerascal6112]

Looking forward to more videos!

[@dianaceliz3096]

Beautiful mobile home! 🤩👍🏻🌟🍀🌷💙

[@billdo4134]

When this van is rockin', don't come knockin'!

[@raktoda707]

Engineered to the nth degree.Excellent use of all spaces for every need fogs have a great dpace.Thsnjs for sharing

[@Dougster123]

Nice 👍🥂You have convinced me to consider building out a van. Well thought out. I especially like the electrical systems along with the large amount of solar 👍

[@bonriver9420]

Love this build. Great design and colour choices. The bathroom/shower is very well designed and functional. Love the bed with the window. Great kitchen also.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@bonriver9420 thanks for the comments. Angie picked the colors. I was hesitant to go with blue but it sure turned out well. Do you have a van too?

[@bonriver9420]

@@SweetDreamsVanLife No, I don't have a van but I love looking at all of the different van builds and how they fit everything needed into such a tiny space. I am retired and live in a small apartment and these builds give me so many ideas for small space storage, etc. Also, I can live vicariously through their travel videos, seeing places that I will never be able to go to.

[@Aquarevan]

Ah whaw, lot of great ideas ! Very inspiring! Thank you so much to share that here with all of us.

[@DavidV4444]

That’s an awesome build!

[@debrarobinson7511]

Lots of details. Thanks

[@jaytabac6525]

super design. Practical, and homey. well done. enjoy.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thank you very much Jay!

[@messenger4969]

well done!

[@mikeusery5552]

A job on the building of that van greatjob explaining the details of it to.

[@carolsakaguchi3739]

Wonderful, well thought out design

[@shirleylaracuente8021]

Great built. Love it

[@cboyle707]

Good job!

[@maangelacapon5470]

Nice van

[@bonnierodger7719]

Beautiful conversion. Pendent light…love it.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@bonnierodger7719 thanks for that comment and yes that light is a great find. We were not sure if it would work on 12v but it does. Here is a link: leonlite.com/products/leonlite-calvo-outdoor-pendant-patio-light-brass-yellow-2700k

[@dudley8671]

Angie, *excellent job* with the van tour!💙

[@sashanealand8315]

like the bathroom and dinette table

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

thank you @sashanealand8315, those are two of our favorite features as well. We love playing games or having dinner together at the table.

[@deshawniskeng-mixedmediatv]

Awesome van love it .. not to mention the wife gave a great tour not to mention she has very pretty toes your a lucky man Tommy ❤❤❤

[@DebbiAnn2]

Your van is seriously goals of mine. I am a 72-year-old woman that come this October my rent is going to increase to where I’ll probably be priced out of my apartment. So I really have been watching videos and seeing other peoples fan build hoping that possibly something could work for me. Would you mind sharing How much the renovation and van cost and all the extras? It would give me an idea what I need to shoot for! Thank you for sharing your beautiful van!🫶

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@debbiann2 thanks for your comment. The van was right at 50K (slightly used) and the build was about 30K, with about 1/3rd of that cost going into the electrical system. USD$ That said, you could start on a budget and add the more expensive items later.

[@PapaRocks]

Wow, makes my build look like a brownie scout picnic!😊

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

LOL. Thanks for your comments. Keep working at it. Take your time and you'll build something amazing.

[@lindamiller5489]

Beautiful van also new subscriber

[@colletter9900]

Beautiful van. I love the layout and all the details that went into designing it. I’d love to have one like it but it’s way beyond my husband’s and my skill set to build it. Lol

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks for the kind words. We love helping people build their vans so don't hesitate to ask questions!

[@firemarshal17]

Your carbon monoxide detector can be mounted at any height because carbon monoxide has a zero specific gravity. But your smoke detector needs to be within 12 inches of the ceiling because smoke rises. It should also be a photo electric type detector. By the time that smoke detector that you have mounted in its position on the floor,activates, you’ll be dead.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thank you for the comment. I thought that carbon monoxide stayed lot. I will mount it up higher now!

[@jimi55]

Would love to see a video of both of you and the 2 dogs co-existing in that space! We have the PM 3500 159-EXT, currently an empty shell, and we're trying to find a floorplan that works for 2 adults and 2 dogs (ours are 25 and 35 lbs and we are similar in size to you guys). A big hurdle for me is the narrow hallway. And BTW, great job!

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@jimi55 that is a great idea. Maybe we can do a video soon. Yes, a van is small, but the beauty of it is that you can park it in your driveway and just about anywhere. I had a 30' class A, then a 24' Class B, and now the 20' van is my fav.

[@HymnsingerHouse]

Nice build. Only suggestion I have is to unplug toaster when not in use. It is a fire hazard if anything accidentally presses down the lever and engages the heating element, which randomly happened to me one day years ago. (Thankfully we were home and caught it in time, but barely.)

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

That's a great suggestion, and yes we do leave it unplugged.

[@bassmonk2920]

Winnebago take note!

[@RoadsofLife]

Nice design... at about 12:07 you show a mounted swiveling fan, but I don't see it on the links. Any chance you could add that?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks! I have added that link to the description. :-)

[@jamesray3920]

Most people don't the correct fire extinguisher for different types of fires , h3r performance halguard clean agent fire extinguisher is best for electrical fires because it leaves no mess to clean up most people never heard of and buy cheap fire extinguisher this company company makes extinguisher for different types of fires 🔥

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks for that! I would love a link to buy if you have one. Great point.

[@DVaccarelli1988]

This Ram ProMaster 3500 with the high roof, the 159" wheelbase & the extended body has to be a 2022 model year, since it still has the previous style front end with the newly updated dashboard & steering wheel.

[@stephenino]

You could add that the custom widow cover helps with insulation from the cold. The one thing I could see you adding to your rig is in the garage area had you designed it a bit different is a long roll out counter/workspace, that also opened for added storage. You have space there that’s not being taken advantage of. Did I miss your tool shed?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Great comment! I have a big toolbox that goes in that open space and the other half holds random items like our guitar amplifier and wires. I would love to add something more clever in that area but this works for us for now. Do you have a van?

[@user-vj6co1hj7m]

Fantastic job! Well thought out and executed. I dont see your captain's chairs listed in your links in the decription. Can you please provide the info on those?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Yes! I just added them to the description.

[@Jmjamago]

❤️

[@ilyavb]

Спасибо! Очень интересно и функционально! Один момент, очень мешают просматривать видео фотографии, наложенные на видео. Лучше было их отдельно вставить в видео, а не накладывать поверх

[@espnmk]

Absolutely incredible build out with custom personal touches. How tall is Tommy? ceiling height fits him just right! Thanks for Sharing and happy trails...

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks @espnmk , I'm 5'10" and the van is about 6'2" tall. I can stand comfortably and just barely in the shower.

[@jerrytalley802]

Ya’ll did a wonderful job on the van. I need to check and see if you recorded the build process? The bathroom closet is one of the nicest I have ever seen. Did he custom build the doors?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Yes we built everything from scratch. We didn't record the build process but check our "shorts" videos and you'll see a quick video that shows some of the build pics. kzbin.infoIrmQTiYbMFQ

[@SherylKatz]

I love the central vac system. I found an electric suction, so can you tell me if you have a connector system or if it's where you can sweep into the suction out of the van? With a small space the suction, or power dust pan seemed great? Love your thoughts. You have the induction do you have a oven as well? I wonder about your security system? I am building now so ideas are crucial. I will have a partition for tomorrow control and noise reduction. Toilet should be tucked into wall on drawer slides. Great build!! Do you have temo control for your dog when you leave the dog??

[@gloriamoore766]

I would want a large refrigerator. Microwave is way too low for me. Everything else is great!

[@user-eo6bk9sg5y]

Nice 👍 van 🚐

[@cheri6174]

Thank you and love it. Can you please reply with the elevator bed name or company name Thank you. Great video

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi Cheri, I'm not sure I understand your question, but this is not an elevator bed. It is stationary. Is that what you're asking?

[@user-zk9de2hz6l]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@StopLossLOL]

Great van! Are you using the Promaster factory alternator and are you able to charge the batteries with the full 50A@24V that the victron DC/DC supports? Thx!

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

@StopLossLOL this is a great question. The buckboost is a beast but complicated to set up! I got criticized for buying it on Amazon but no one else had it in stock, and no dealer I've talked to has actually installed one. I asked questions about the buckboost directly to victron and the guys didn't know how to answer. lol. I had to figure out how to configure it myself. To answer your question, we have the 220amp alternator rather than the 180amp, so it is the beefed up version. We do get about 48amps @ 24v charging power. If you get one and need help with it, please reach out.

[@stevewright6290]

Perfect design.. Care to share what the build out cost was ?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi Steve, the van was right at 50K (slightly used) and the build was about 30K, with about 1/3rd of that cost going into the electrical system. USD$

[@nadines7175]

Great build out! I know the van is a Ram but you provide the wheelbase? TY

[@DVaccarelli1988]

It's the 159" wheelbase with the extended body.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Yup, that's right. If you get one, we suggest this RAM 3500 as it has the biggest weight capacity. We are about 700lbs under our limit.

[@franklealand1181]

I'm just watching this video and you say your smoke detector is down just above the floor,so does that mean the van has to fill up with smoke before the alarm goes off unless of course the fire starts on the floor.I'm not trying to be nasty at all I just really thought because hot air rises the van would have to fill with smoke .Please could you let me know how I'm wrong as I must have missed something.Thankyou I did enjoy the tour

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

this is a combo smoke detector / C02 detector. A C02 detector should be mounted low, as C02 fumes usually drop. I figure we can smell the smoke in such a small area, and we can't smell C02, so I mounted it low. Thanks for your comment!

[@Rocketscientist66]

Oops, forgot to mention total cost of the van & build. I‘d guess just materials and van 150,000. Money and time well invested! And the masterminds behind this build design should maybe start their own business. You could carbon-copy this model and really make tons of family‘s „Dreams Come True“

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi and thanks for your comment. The van was slightly used at 50K usd and we have about 30K into the build. You're correct, a custom van like this would be around 175K

[@theone-handedwench3307]

Can you please provide the link for the retractable step? I don’t see it listed.

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Yes! I've added that to the description.

[@celsobrunoe]

Hi. Can you please tell me where you purchased the retractable bathroom door?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Great question! I have added that to the description above. Are you building a shower in your van?

[@donnawalker5597]

Very nice build. Could you give an approximate cost of build and did you have any prior experience in building? Thank you

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hello @donnawalker5597 , The van was right at 50K (slightly used) and the build was about 30K, with about 1/3rd of that cost going into the electrical system. USD$ That said, you could start on a budget and add the more expensive items later. Custom build vans like this are usually twice this cost or more. This is my first van build but I have experience building other things.

[@donnawalker5597]

​@SweetDreamsVanLife You sure did a fantastic job for your first build! I am a widow and not sure I could accomplish all that alone but sure is tempting! Thank you for the information

[@susanlynn6545]

How Long is this van and how did you get the cooking burner to stick to the flip up table ?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi Susan. The Ram 3500 is 19.75ft. Good question about the cook top. I siliconed it in! It can be removed if needed.

[@JipseeGirl]

How well does your A/C work with your current solar setup?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi @JipseeGirl We have 750W of solar that produces about 500-600 in good sun (on average) that constantly charge the batteries. The AC uses about 400w in ECO mode, so if it's sunny out, the AC runs without even touching the battery.

[@ConcreteBlonde111]

🤍

[@user-ny2vg6lp3t]

I didn’t hear how many gallons of water you have and where it is?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi and thanks for your comment. We have a 39gal freshwater tank and 4 gal hot water tank. They are located on the passenger side under the bed. All water is filtered through a carbon filter before it goes in the tank. Check our other videos and shorts for a better idea of the water setup. Do you have a van?

[@user-ny2vg6lp3t]

@@SweetDreamsVanLife no I have a 39’ motorhome, but it would be convenient to have a smaller version. I love the home builds they are so unique and beautiful. Very custom. Love it!

[@David53D]

My least favorites are the dogs and my most favorite is the woman. Just kidding.

[@elainefuehrer5739]

couldnt watch, the racket in the back ground was terrible.. im sure your van is nice..

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Hi @elaine. When we first started recording, a big baja boat decided to fire up and it sure was annoying. Give it another shot, as the boat goes away in a few minutes :-)

[@user-fh4ts9qc3p]

Beautiful !

[@jenocean824]

Beautiful build!

[@user-vj6co1hj7m]

Fantastic job! Well thought out and executed. I dont see your captain's chairs listed in your links in the decription. Can you please provide the info on those?

[@SweetDreamsVanLife]

Thanks! I've added the links to the chair swivels in the description.