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

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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* !

[@CaroleFisher62]

And Goodwill!!

[@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.

[@miriamhawkins7825]

If you do a no build you can start all over when you figure out what works or doesn’t work. My sister and BIL have a nice Sprinter with no storage - I have more storage in my mini van than they do. But I don’t have a sink and a stove and a microwave. I use my back packing kitchen - works fine

[@NoteFromSELF]

Exactly. My reason for wanting to do a van build is to be able to save money - as in put money away. I don't want to participate in the rent trap NOW nor the mortgage trap LATER. So why throw a big chunk of that savings into a van build to impress strangers on the internet?

[@markeyosef1579]

​@@miriamhawkins7825For kitchen all you really need is a custom table you can make yourself​. You can make foldable or whatever. Place your cooktop on it and have very good counter space.

[@StukHere2]

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!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

This sounds absolutely fantastic! You are going to have a great time and I wish you all the best!

[@rashb3994]

That watering can as a shower is genius sir!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

It's so simple, but it's fantastic!

[@remirez2k3]

it really is but also another cheap option walmarts usually have a 1-1.5 gallon solar shower for 5-7 dollars a good alternative

[@equality4all]

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

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks so much!

[@marshajamison7463]

You are not a crazy lunatic! You are frugal!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Ha! Thanks so much!

[@stevesidare2493]

Helpful and entertaining. Can't beat that!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

That's my goal! Thanks for your kind words!

[@buddy_bill]

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

[@SwellerVanDweller]

I'm humbled... thanks for this!

[@FrenchToastedz]

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

[@SwellerVanDweller]

I now use a modified weed sprayer (there's a dedicated video on my channel about it)... but the 'shower head' on the watering can is sooo good, I sometimes still use it just because of that! Ha!

[@FrenchToastedz]

@@SwellerVanDweller I'll go check put that video! Great ideas! I'm not into instagram campers with 300$ faucets!

[@yvettechristensen8315]

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

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks! And good luck with your van. 😃

[@bodang158]

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.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

You'll get there! You might want to watch my video on the idea of a "Minimum Viable Build" to take the pressure off yourself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJqVdXeJo7SDg5o

[@solovantravel]

You SHOULD consult a psychiatrist... Such a weird comment

[@karenjohnson8483]

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.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

You're super organized!

[@RyanNagy]

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

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Any time!

[@onlyinparadise4613]

The bamboo window covers is genius! Great idea 💡

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks!

[@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 ❤️🐾🚐👍🏻😁☀️🇺🇸🔥 youtube.com/@JeffeysMom FB Jeffeys Dawn A Burton

[@scubaval08]

Hi Dawn. I just subscribed to your channel. Would appreciate a fb bc I’m just starting up my channel for my soon to be vanlife. I’d also be very interested in your suicide prevention work, possibly join you for some events.

[@havevanmusttravel]

Fantastic, clever ideas. Nice job!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thank you very much!

[@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. 🤷🏾

[@SwellerVanDweller]

That's super creative and I bet it'll look cool - all at a bargain price! 👍

[@josephineokujeni8414]

Same here. I just got a bus and very inspired by the Orient express trains. I’d love to see how you build yours!

[@vanrey6258]

what do you use to tack them up with? Sorry maybe a stupid question....newbie here with very limited budget and kiddos! I want to get on the road quick and with little to spend and want to use some creative ideas such as this! Thanks :-)

[@thecorbettchronicles]

@@vanrey6258 amazingly, 3M command strips. I cut some strips in half to see if they would hold well, doing great! Now, there's nothing hanging on the walls though... So the foam poster boards aren't supporting anything. But it looks cool 😎

[@Diogenesoruise]

First vid watching, and I’m in love, (metaphorically) I agree too many of these can builds are just boogie rich people flexing their expensive setups, I want to see more like this, since I’m working two jobs to save up and move out of my apartment and into a van.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks so much! And good luck on your pursuit of a van for yourself!

[@donnaheinz199]

I am set to start collecting SS, I will continue to work for a while, while I'm building my van ( serching for a good buy now) I'm so excited! I can't wait till I hit the road. Hope Ms Kitty will learn to live mobile- she hates to ride.

[@user-eo6bk9sg5y]

I like the cargo net

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, super handy... I think I'm going to try it up against the inside of the roof, next.

[@solovantravel]

Yeah. I'm not financially restricted and tye dollar tree has a lot of sketchy people who buy food from there. I purchased a few things that I modified. Looks fantastic too. I like the automotive section and I'm very creative but not often

[@adventureswithadrienne]

9.13.2023 OMG your video just made me super happy. I love this. You are awesome.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thank you so much 😀

[@waynelast1685]

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 .

[@SwellerVanDweller]

That's a great idea! I visited a backcountry ski chalet once that had a shower exactly like that.

[@Valosia]

Hey, I don't know how you feel about those solar lights you attach to a fence or the side of your house. (They have them even with magnets on the back, so you can have option of attaching with screws or using magnets. Placing them outside in the sun on sunny days and using them inside is a good way to have rechargeable solar power lights. (I mention that because, I have some and I like to put them outside in the day and bring them inside for light. Perfect for Power Outage lighting option.) I just mentioned that because it does save on batteries, trust me I have been homeless living on batteries as lighting and I know how often you have to replace those.. then there is this $8 rounded rechargeable tap light with magnet on the back... That I also got off of Amzn. It is so perfect for living in a van like that, because it is very magnetic. This light was $7.99 and you recharge it with type C cord. Then just tap it to turn it on. (I put it beside my bed, actually attached to my tall lamp.. lol) It even comes with this price you can stick anywhere and the magnet will stick to it if you do not have a place near by to stick it too. Just wanted to mention these options because they are options that I personally love and I have been telling everyone about. I am also making sure my family members get for either birthdays or holiday these things so they can use them. I personally feel that they have made my life better. And, I feel as if they work for everyone. (No matter who you are!) I was homeless and this is great options for those living in a tent, car/van, great for for those in a house.. etc. I just feel that I want to give people ideas and if you hadn't thought of something before and my idea helps you then that is great!!!! (Note: yeah those outdoor solar lights for the fence, house, yard etc. Those rechargeable lights are perfect for Car/Van Lifers expecially if you do it correctly.. and Perfect for Anyone Incase there is a Power Outage!!! ❤ Those rechargeable tap lights are super perfect because they save on batteries, they can be charged by the Car outlet and even a portable charger. They can be stuck to any place that a magnet can stick top. Their is also the peice you can stick to wherever you want it and it will stick to anywhere you want it (no matter if it is magnetic or not 😊 -- as long as that piece is stuck to it.) But, I love your ideas. I have lived in a stationary van for a couple of months. My sisters old van.. I have lived in a tent. Etc. Note: I also safe and use the bags the sheet sets come in.. lol. This is something many of us do. Yes, you can do the cheap way of living in a van.. most people do. Those who make these nice videos are not the most of the people who love like that. The majority of the people who live in their cars & vans live more like this!!! (But, those people aren't making it big on YT. Even those people wish they had more of a nicer place like these other people but realistically they can't afford it. --- they wish it even if they don't wish for it. But that is okay... I just wish more and more videos like this were popular. Because, this is more of how people realistically live in their cars & vans. ***Take Care & Stay Safe!!!!!***

[@dorcasowens8521]

Stop saying you are a lunatic. There is nothing "crazy" about what you are doing. I would call it ingenuity!❤

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks for your support!

[@jayburke1601]

I'm just getting ready for work and I found your channel I will be binge-watching later!! A couple years ago I did my no build for my 2009 Dodge caravan and I couldn't agree with you more it's not about the hundred-thousand-dollar build and all the glamorous Instagram shots and projecting some fake perfect life that wouldn't even be perfect anyways lol I made my van functional so I can enjoy going places and experiencing the travel the hiking to camping!!! But I never built it to live in it life happens outside. 💯

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Great comment, thanks for sharing! Sounds like you and I are on the same wavelength. Enjoy your exploring!

[@myriampierre7315]

Temu has portable camping shower 🚿.and portable solar lantern fans chargers .

[@ORIGINALCRESTED]

I like how you talk.

[@DEATHREBIRTHREPEAT]

I like you already from the intro. I hardly can afford a huge place like some of those vans. It's definitely a tool to me too. I'm looking to do something like this or a small camper type thing.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Nice! You'll have a great adventure!

[@DEATHREBIRTHREPEAT]

@@SwellerVanDweller Thank you! I hope your adventure is going great as well! ❤️

[@yolandakirtley8546]

Thank you for sharing.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

My pleasure!

[@hockeynutt9434]

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.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

And leaving my ceiling the simple white metal... one of the best decisions I've made!

[@Gabrielle499]

Omg so refreshing to see realism! 👍

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thank you so much 😀

[@giarivera5060]

This guy is very smart and ingenious, his idea very clever for saving money, time, and avoid extra weight to the van. Well done!!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks so much!

[@kizziesplace]

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

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks! Yeah, I was thinking of making a video on the lighting, but haven't got to it... but basically I just took the screws out and everything came apart... with the wiring, I just snipped each wire that I needed to make longer to place the light where I wanted and spliced in as much extra wire as needed.

[@norriewise9532]

What you did with the hanging lamp was awsome! Taking it apart like that. Smart. I don't know what those "coat hooks" are or what makes them able to hang on the hail of the van there, A close up pic would have been helpful. I'm going to try to look through your videos and see what that strip is that keep your tubs from sliding on the floor.

[@susanwoodman2996]

I love the dollar store and also second had donated items. I have a futon in my van for my bed and couch. It works well for me.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, the Dollarama chain of stores here in Canada is amazing!

[@thegreatinfinityfamily]

Great video ❤

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Glad you liked it!!

[@Amused-px6cr]

Excellent ideas. Even for us city dwellers that enjoy equipping our cars for small comfortable trips to mearby Parks your ideas are great. The point of it The freedom of travel

[@SwellerVanDweller]

My pleasure!

[@greygoosegranny]

Lookit at you go with that lantern. Don't forget about your local thrift store. You would be amazed at what people give away.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Ha! Yeah, just the other day I found a bicycle in the garbage. It's pink, but that didn't stop me from tuning it up and riding it into the backcountry on a 3 day mountaineering trip to summit three peaks... stay tuned, those videos are coming soon!

[@razor3003]

Everyone should stroll through a Dollar Store ($1.24 now) occasionally!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Absolutely! There's treasure to be found!

[@mistysierra4952]

I'm a bag saver too!!!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Ha! Nice! Welcome to the club... pull up a chair and hang around a while!

[@waynejordan7473]

I bought a 98 Sienna le right . Every single seat comes out without tools. I took the one middle seat and the bench and. Put a futon and some milk crates for storage and a few collapsible shelves an Uber customer gave my wife and no lie I really spent nothing to make it a camper van and it’s comfortable. And I not paid $750 for the van running and driving . Ac blows just no cold air . I think it needs a charge . But other than that I’m happy with my stealth camper but I only use it to go to the beach

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Nice! Sounds good!

[@abdelhalemshalaby7759]

Smart man

[@scubaval08]

I must be a crazy lunatic too - I’ve saved those zippered plastic bags for years! Now I’m prepping for #vanlife & already have several filled.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Ha! That's great! Van Life is a huge adventure!

[@N8dagr8t]

I like your crazy lunacy its only crazy cause in contrast people are wasteful.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@noodlepair.]

Great ideas thanks. I saw another video and a couple were using magnets to keep the window covers up. The covers looked like cloth place mats with magnets inside. They probably just added the magnets.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, make sure not to grab any old-style magnet - you really need to get neodymium magnets as they are MUCH stronger.

[@inesjailyss8743]

Love your crazy lunatics ideas !

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Glad you like them! Hope on board the crazy train because there's lots more to come...

[@bradprice9268]

I subscribed because your a crazy lunatic.😂 great ideas

[@eminbc]

I suppose spending & making it like home is ok for remote workers living in it full-time. I just want a place to sleep for camping safe from bears, cougars, mountain lions and up off the ground as I am getting older. Excellent ideas. Thanks.

[@therevolutionoflove8575]

Thanks so much for the advice and encouragement. Just got an '07 E-250 that I'll be living out of indefinitely.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Great news. Econoline is a great vehicle!

[@therevolutionoflove8575]

@@SwellerVanDweller I appreciate the reassurance, brother.

[@patslate6491]

Awesome😍

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks 🤗

[@miriamhawkins7825]

I built my van out with milk crates. After I folded it to size, I covered the box a water heater came in with fabric to go on top of the crates. Then I put a very nice air mattress on top. Then there is plenty of space for other stuff.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Milk crates are very versatile! Good job!

[@miriamhawkins7825]

It’s also pretty light weight

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, and that's key, too.

[@Terirn65]

I’m a crazy lunatic as well…. I use the sheet set bags as well. I must say I’m so disappointed that quality Rubbermaid containers are so damn expensive.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, they sure are expensive... and they don't really optimize space because the sides are not vertical so you're losing out unless you pack stuff right up against them on the outiside.

[@Terirn65]

@@SwellerVanDweller I have not been able to have a build or anything that I want as of yet but I’m enjoying getting ideas from people and I save those ideas for one day when my dream comes true!

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent minimalist living ideas!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thank you!

[@bluefm7370]

You are an effing GENIUS mate. Stay safe awesome message

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thank you, friend!

[@hazelamann2697]

Sometimes you can find those plastic bags with zippers at the Dollar Tree.

[@nancygee3137]

this looks simple and nice

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm trying to achieve!

[@dlcarbonneau3750]

Great ideas, thanks!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Glad you like them!

[@laurencecruz6819]

What's crazy is spendong to much on a van ❤

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Some people have lots of money and want/need lots of stuff, and that's fine - but some of us don't have a lot of wants/needs and don't want to spend a lot, and that's fine too - and van life is certainly still possible!

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

Not yet .. its my first watch ..

[@victoriadickens2827]

Love ur content..u have a great sense of humor!!

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks so much for your support. It means a lot!

[@A.TAYLOR]

I absolutely love this! ❤

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks so much!

[@gingerjones1954]

Can you please tell me how you made your bed? Thanks for your videos very helpful

[@SwellerVanDweller]

If you browse my channel, I have a dedicated video about how I built my bed!

[@annawajdy]

U such a great genius, lovers Ur van ❤

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks so much!

[@struswell1]

well, I do think you are a crazy lunatic... but it takes one to know one ;-) and I subscribed anyways! love the lantern take apart...

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Crazy lunatics unite! Take apart perfectly functional stuff... and upcycle it to something even better! 😆

[@struswell1]

@@SwellerVanDweller yeah, I just built a beer brewing tank out of an old Molson keg!

[@ronunderwood1118]

Dollar Store Van Life, LoL! Epic Van, Sweller… nice job! btw, mind if I steal some of your ideas?

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Go for it! And while you're in the Dollar store, if you find any other treasures, leave a comment about it! 👍 There's so much to be found there if you're a little creative.

[@strawberryroad1347]

Most people start vanlife by building themselves, because they want to save money. And expensive rigs in the back of a van, why not just buy a caravan? I buy second hand carpets, or when it's on sale, for covering the walls. I use pillows with zippers to store clothes and such. I reuse wood I have, to build in the car. Got an old desk at the thrift store, which is now in my car. I watch for items that are given away, to see if there's anything I can use.

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Sounds like you are great at finding deals as well... I love good deals!

[@ellennagle9207]

Gorgeous! What do you call this style cut?

[@jerigabbard6825]

No sound? What did you put under the totes to keep them from moving?

[@SwellerVanDweller]

There's nothing under the totes. If you watch my bed building episode, you'll see that there is a brace running right down the length of the middle of the bed. The totes are pushed right up against this brace and don't have room to move around. You'll also see in the bed build video that I built the cubby for the totes to be just wide enough to fit them so they can't move sideways, either.

[@CindyCaVANas]

😊🙋‍♀️✌🏼

[@priscillaparisi1882]

It’s a good start but not cozy enough

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, sometimes I think I should make it more visually comforting, but I'm only in it to cook and sleep... but if I hung out in it more, I'd definitely do some interior decorating - I've been tempted by all kinds of little touches at the dollar store! One day I'll cave in and work on it.

[@johnhanna5967]

What about moisture... You are breathing all night, and the metal roof is exposed.. What about mold growth?

[@SwellerVanDweller]

I realize condensation can be a big problem in certain climates. I reside in very dry climates that are neither too hot or below freezing for long so I've actually never had condensation.

[@Sam-gf1eb]

The dollars store.

[@Hindukushsailing]

🤘🤘👍👍

[@dianaechevarria2927]

I do to keep those plastic bags. It is a shame to throw them out. I recycle them and keep using them

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Yeah, such a waste to throw them out.

[@JP-fe2mv]

i bet the hanging basket was your idea and that is why we see it in more exspensive builds lol wtf ev er yup 6 k subs ur so famous lol

[@user-lw1ou7ek2g]

👍🫶👏

[@SwellerVanDweller]

Thanks for your support!

[@clairemeyer1851]

Vans you showed are like over 50 thousand dollars. I don’t understand why anyone would need a shower in their van. Are you really going to shower daily in this tiny space? Clothes and stuff would get moldy. There’s a problem with mold in small apartments and sure as hell there’s gonna be mold in your van if u shower there. It’s 21st century. There are portable sinks and showers, stoves, washing machines, composting toilets, solar panels, solar grill, portable heaters, LED lights, and even foldable/modular beds. You could even buy expensive stuff, and it would work out cheaper than converting your van into a crappy apartment with electricity and shower that you’ll hardly ever use. And let’s not forget that vans and caravans are a crappy investment. So unless you’re loaded and have 50 thousand dollars to basically throw away… It’s not a good idea to invest it in a van. Oh and the cost of maintenance of all of that stuff.