My budget van build ($6000 including the van) Full tour of my 2010 Ford Econoline

[@MaryTherese0]

You do beautiful work! This is what you need to do for a living is be a decorator because your eye is fantastic. I'm not kidding when I say you are the best on KZbin at making a vehicle feel like home. Thank you for your content. 😊

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

I totally agree

[@welawisdom]

RIGHT!!! ❤It’s the practicality, & function for me ❤

[@darlaseidel7767]

I agree!!❤❤ you have an incredible eye for what is needed and to make it usable but beautiful!

[@justrowan]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@maggiejames5626]

Love the design ❤

[@manzanitakatznellenbogen2870]

Thank you Rowan and Ruby for being real on here. So many of these van life videos are curated for clout but yours, I feel are actually the way you and Ruby live together :) Sure you get a few bucks off your content but overall, you are you x

[@kathleendambra2217]

Love the van - it looks so comfy and cozy. Reminds me of a little English cottage!

[@kellyhermann539]

I just love Ruby. So glad you adjusted to her size. In today’s society so many give up dogs that aren’t the size/color/energy level they were “supposed to be.” Ruby is a lucky girl to live this adventure life.

[@RebeccaGreen-jt3qk]

I bought a 98 ford Econoline cargo van. It has a new engine in it, 58 thousand miles, new starer, alternator, air bags, and new tires. Its on a 12 in lift. It has electric all the way through it. Its a beast and i love her. I'm making her into my new home. Im putting a cab top on pert of her, adding solar and a sky light on the back part. I am 63 and doing this all by myself and have made mistakes, but sometimes that happens. I cannot wait until my pitbull and my cat have our new home to go to different places and just explore. I may just buy a campground spot for the summer and when i want to park for a few weeks i have that to go to. Hipe you and Ruby have many awesome experiences in your new van.

[@casual454t1]

I love your channel and van build ideas. I had a 2007 Chevy Express 2500 and was able to trade it in last year on my current 2019 Ford Transit Hightop. I have a sticks n bricks and don't travel. I am 71yo. Well, I did travel until both my husband and sister died. I purchased these vans incase I was to lose my home so I would have a place to live. I have done no build builds on both. I purchased a bed, power station, potty, storage units, camp stove, etc. I do camp on my property during spring, summer n fall with my 2 Belgian Malinois Shepherds, lol. 😂

[@wendyholzinger7266]

Id be happy to help with any buildyyou do if you need it. Im always looking to help and looking for new destinations to travel to with my mini Aussie

[@wendyholzinger7266]

How do you power the water cooler?

[@robertcromer5411]

Hey - I recently purchased a 3 cup rice cooker, the consumes 250 watts. I use it to cook soups and stews. So far, I have made 12-15 different soup types. Average cooking time is about 30 minutes, ~125 watts. I mainly use pre-cooked meats, like lunch meat or canned meats/seafood. With the cold weather upon us, nice hot soup warms the soul... If you bye one, get the ceramic coated cooking bowl. Enjoy... Bob

[@weekendlovinggypsy1737]

One thing I'd like to add is that everybody should research the engine and the transmission to see how long these will normally last if they are taken care of, prior to purchasing any vehicle.

[@weekendlovinggypsy1737]

I'd like to also say I love your videos and your van is so cute.

[@twentyyy20]

I love all your builds, they are ALWAYS SO COZY. I often re-visit your Tornado watch video and the van was so warm and cozy! I love this build, you have a knack!

[@tami8027]

That was the first video I watched!

[@kimberpix4837]

@@tami8027 Mine, too!! 🤪

[@annnguyen1877]

Love it’s!

[@keenesepato4068]

I thought I was the only one doing that 😂❤

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@unleashedsky]

so cozy! the kitchen is like an optical illusion, the wooden table looks like hardwood floor and your kitchen looks like a full house kitchen with hardwood floors, the bread boxes look like bottom cupboards... very cool !

[@rachellane2836]

I don't know what it is Rowan, but your van is just the most cosy and aesthetically pleasing van I've seen, and I watch A LOT of vanlife videos! It is so simple and yet so very complete. You are an inspiration for sure. I watched you make out your honda pilot and this one and all the way through I felt 'Im sure I could do that' and I still do! Thank you for sharing your lives with us Rowan and Ruby. 🙏

[@lynnfiegl4953]

Your van is beautiful! You have made it very homey and comfortable and well functional! That picture of Ruby when she was a puppy is so precious!! She looks very comfortable in the bed!! Happy Camping and Safe Travels!! ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🐶🐶🐾🐾

[@UrbanRVLife]

yOUr van looks cozy and beautiful. Can you talk more about the bathroom situation. I know you have that little stool that stores your bucket but can you go more into that. I think it would be helpful for some who are looking at doing this out of necessity perhaps.

[@Green.heron24]

She may not want to share that. The challenge.

[@warmsmileforyou2]

Beautiful build I love how cozy and functional it all is

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@jshinanigans5471]

I have enjoyed watching all your builds! I like this video because it answered the questions I had about your van. Thank you for sharing! It’s always nice to see Ruby participating in the videos and I loved the sound of rain on the roof!

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@margieblair4511]

I appreciate your common sense approach!

[@dianebinns9905]

Love your kitchen. When you look at your video at first. It looked like, it was just a picture, not real. Like a picture of a county kitchen. I just love your van. You really did a great job. AAWW Ruby always cute as a button.

[@pprigge75]

Yes her kitchen makes a great background!

[@lisabarrios8235]

You have inspired me and my hubby to buy a van and build it up ,maybe not to live in, but we love to travel. It will save us money from renting at hotels! Thank you so much. Hugs

[@justrowan]

Awesome! Enjoy your travels!

[@cindianspach8126]

Hello Rowan and Ruby. You both have a beautiful home!!! It feels & looks so very inviting, warm, and most of all cozy!!! I really enjoyed your video and being so open with us on prices, your plans, etc. Thank you for sharing your own personal experience with all of us. I personally think you have a knack/skill of doing this and perhaps this could turn into a side business of developing ideas/plans for others, just saying, lol. P.s. It was a blessing coming inside after shuffling 1 1/2+ feet of snow, (and it's STILL coming down) to find this video. It was very enjoyable, thank you. By girls, stay safe and warm!!!!

[@EmiliaGarcia-sh1my]

Good morning Rowan and Ruby 🙋‍♀️ Enjoyed the video, very informative ❤❤😊 Very nice build ❤️❤😊 Have a great day ❤️❤️😊

[@mfalcon1459]

I absolutely loved your Honda Pilot build! One of my favourite builds in KZbin. But I also love your current van set-up, I can’t choose which one I love more 😅

[@phylisschavis4489]

I don't know why you're not at a million ! You and ruby are so sweet and wonderful to watch !

[@Stariana19]

Hi Rowan and Ruby. I really like your kitchen; especially all the glass. I recently bought a 13’ Casita travel trailer to camp in part time and it has a very small kitchen with very limited storage in the overhead cabinets. I’m thinking about how to store things in glass jars without them clanking and breaking. I’m definitely not giving up my glass items. You might like the idea of the Olympian Wave 3 or Wave 6 Catalytic heater instead of a wood stove for your van. Yes it uses propane but doesn’t require any electricity.

[@douglashoward5738]

You have great imagination and a true talent for communication and relating to your audience. Proud to be a part of the community. Stay safe extra snuggles for the Ruby.

[@angie-xy5sf]

Yes she does. Makes me feel like i am sitting next to her.

[@justrowan]

Thank you Doug! Awesome to have you as part of the community!

[@justrowan]

Thank you Angie!

[@championfortheunderdog]

You are awesome Rowan! You are practical and smart and motivated. You can do anything 💛Thanks for all the great advice!!! So appreciative. I’m grateful for you!

[@justrowan]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@angelagayehorn6362]

We have been following your channel for some time and really love watching your videos. We are an older couple living in South Africa and have been talking about switching to van life for years. It is getting closer for when we can do it and watching this video has got us SO excited again. The way you did your build is nothing short of genius! It makes it so attainable, plus we are minimalists so the elegant simplicity and beautiful touches really resonate. Thank you for your amazing videos, much love and many hugs to you and the Roobs!

[@justrowan]

@@angelagayehorn6362 Thank you! I’m glad I can help, it means a lot to me. Have fun with your journey towards van life, that’s very exciting!

[@rhondamckinley4373]

Thank you! Your home is beautiful!

[@staroceans8677]

If you like your van logically conversions are the best option and logically the most cost-effective. A lot of people just raise the roof even if it's just a foot or a foot and a half consider doing that it might be cost-effective and allow you to stay in a rig you like and still give you the stealthy feel you prefer.

[@donnadenault1707]

I've been following you since the beginning of your journey, and you've inspired me to car camp. I am 68-years-old and have converted my 2011 Toyota Camry into a no-bulid car camper that I also use when I'm not camping. My first trip was from Illinoois to Maine, on a visit to see my sister for her 80th birthday. I don't live in my car but enjoy camping now and then. My goal is to buy a van next. Thank you so much for your continued inspriational videos and shorts that I look forward to each time you upload! Happy trails, Rowan!

[@justrowan]

Thank you for sharing about your journey! I’m glad I can be a source of inspiration.

[@angelahicks8450]

Good to see you and Ruby! You did a pretty good job telling your process of building out your van. With that polar blast coming in you and Ruby be sure to stay warm! Since you have a power station you might want to get an electric blanket to use if you don't already have one.

[@tears-ran-dry]

TY, I love the kitchen the most, especially the glass water jug and the sink! Awesome design! Safe travels. Joy and peace 💖🙏✌

[@CathyBrooks9835]

Love your builds, Rowan! Cozy, smart and looks like home for you and Rubes!! Take good care 🥰🐶💕

[@belindaknowles7440]

Great van tour! Thank you for sharing. It’s good to know that the cost of a build can be so reasonable. 😊

[@janita7014]

Thank you for sharing your build and the tour. I’m retiring in a couple of years and this realistic, budget-friendly build is very inspiring!

[@karengoodeaux5926]

Thx for sharing. I’m dreaming about van life. Maybe one day. Whatever GOD plans for me.

[@jackiegaines3780]

Who wouldn’t want to live in there. Nice build, Rowan. You are amazing.

[@camy87]

Love your van & all you did to create a beautiful home for you and Ruby! Love your channel! So true that we're lucky to have a place to lay our heads in a safe place! Grateful

[@missroxanne7123]

Your build is absolutely beautiful! You are an inspiration and your willingness to share your knowledge is much appreciated. So thank you for all that you do and know that your videos are much appreciated! ❤

[@dennysdawgsrvlife]

I just loved the tour! I’d love to hear you do music with your guitar. I’m a retired entertainer and had several setbacks before and during Covid with my musicians that about broke my spirit… and the only place I can settle down is with my music. Even though I don’t entertain anymore, I still have my guitar sitting on my bed in my camper and that’s the only place I feel comfortable playing -- all by myself. You are such an inspiration and I look so forward to your videos! Hugs to that beautiful sidekick of yours, Ruby!

[@LittleMo777.]

It’s a nice build! So I thought it was a cargo van but it’s a passenger van so much nicer than a cargo van.

[@dianalund587]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I have been watching you for a while and love how you are able to make the van fit your needs and requirements in such a way that truly seems to reflect your style. Please tell me your bed dimensions. I have watched a couple of your videos hoping you would mention that. If you did, I missed it. Keep up the good work.

[@mccleslie13]

🥰 Such a cozy and good video Rowan! Loved getting to spend the day with you and Rubes!!

[@beckyleheny8636]

This is a really nice concise explanation of your build journey. Youve put in a lot of work and love into each of them. Love them all!❤😊

[@justrowan]

Thank you Becky!

[@longdogt6724]

Thank you for sharing this with us, I got a lot of useful ideas for my future build. I am part time in a an SUV, but aspire to a van . Blessings to you and Ruby!

[@maryross4488]

I love your van decor rowen. You are very gifted and I love how you find the smallest thing such as a hair tie to u for something. So comfy and ruby's spot is awsome❤

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@fallenstar23]

For those searching for something similar, that’s called a passenger van, not a cargo van. The same chassis and drive train as the cargo version, but with full windows, seats, and a finished interior in the rear.

[@gailalbers1430]

I thought a cargo van , was one where you can stand up in , but has no windows on the side, but in back and maybe on top. And in front of course…😮

[@geaknol]

I love your van❤ the picture of pup Ruby, soooo cute! Thank you for sharing🎉

[@JILL0704USA]

Cozy and comfortable; you have done a marvelous job! Love your videos and your calm and honest demeanor. It's delightful to hang with you and Ruby...she's a sweetie pie!

[@brendamaier5406]

I love what you did to the can it looks cozy and inviting and relaxing everywhere has a spot, and it's tastly done... I love watching you and Rubes I wish I could watch u everyday...have a great day...

[@CaryJohnson-d8y]

Beautiful, practical, comfortable build. I like your attitude of gratitude and positivity. Thank you for this video!

[@darlaseidel7767]

You have a well loved channel by many! My daughter and i love the positive vibe you have and your giggle!!❤ I love it!😅 You are a great pet Mom and Ruby gives you dedicated love! Great video!!❤❤❤

[@anitadeckard1216]

Thank you for the tour, good to see you both💕

[@pamelaschantz204]

I really enjoy, watching your videos and ideas, cooking, taking precious Ruby for her play time, and look forward when I turn on my KZbin, and see you've posted new ones...❤your so talented...thank you for the time you spend with all your up dates..🙏

[@deniseloomis729]

I love what you have done with the van. It was so great to watch it as you did each project. It was cool to watch this video. Ruby is such a blessing to you.

[@marycorbett1881]

Hello beautiful Ruby and Rowan.Stay well and enjoy your journeys.Love watching your videos and Thankyou for showing us around your home it’s a lovely cosy nest.🥰🌺🌹🌷🦅🦆🐕‍🦺🐕🦋🐝🦉🐕‍🦺🦮xx

[@lydiaredl9879]

I have been watching you for about 3 years and fascinated amazed in your positive attitude,life has thrown you some very hard losses I lost my little baby boy too,I am now 79 still going still doing.You Rowan are so brave so helpful to a lot of people from Melbourne Australia Happy new year Rowan from Lydia.

[@cindyb9104]

I enjoyed the video and van tour, as usual Ruby is adorable!

[@cindyabraham5503]

I'm not doing a van build but you have inspired me to get a French press coffee pot. I love my coffee now. Thanks

[@ChristineSeaman]

This was really helpful. I've been contemplating dipping my toes into the van life but have no idea where to start. New adventures can be both exciting and a little intimidating.

[@carolcopley3639]

What a lovely home you’ve created for yourself. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes for a wonderful 2025. I’ll look forward to seeing you and sharing your adventures in this new year. Take care of yourself and that pup 😊👍🏻

[@lisagrim3851]

6:18 cst Sunday 1/5. Love the build ❤

[@patriciabohmann5729]

I love your van! It reminds me of a cozy vintage cottage.

[@TravelingGamer_]

Love the warm tones of your van. Great video and great build. Happy Travels! 🤙🏾

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@FrancesJones-d5q]

Love your community 😅 & your making over the van. Take care safe travels and God Be With You. 😂❤

[@warmsmileforyou2]

This is one of my favorite videos that you’ve done everything so helpful Thank you Rowan & Ruby

[@BusterTheCockatoo]

Hey Rowan & Ruby, Thank you so much for the Christmas card. That was very kind of you to think of us. I hope you have a wonderful New Year! Cheers to you and your Gem, Ruby!

[@justrowan]

You’re welcome! Happy New Year!

[@libbylong9059]

You really fit a lot of things in that space and somehow made it very homie and cute! Good job!

[@MarnOlas]

RUBY IS SO CUTE 🥰

[@donnawisner1481]

You really did such an amazing job on your van as well as price. Nice. Ruby certainly is very comfy

[@deb7518]

Your set-up is so homey! I'm sending this video to another KZbinr (Wayward Abode), whose original van just died on her, but then she was gifted a shuttle bus from another KZbinr (Patti's Art Inna Van), and she'd love some of your ideas as she goes forward in setting up her new build. Happy New Year and Kisses to Ruby!

[@justrowan]

Awesome! I hope it helps with some ideas! Happy New Year to you as well!

[@SharonBell6123]

Rowan, this IS my Bucket List! It’s perfect and I love it!

[@helene1779]

Great video Rowan & Ruby! I always enjoy seeing you and Ruby! Take care and stay safe!🍓❤️🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼❤️🐕❤️🐾

[@justrowan]

Thank you! Take care as well! 🍓💖

[@helene1779]

@ Thank you!❤️🍓🐾

[@kimchandler2532]

You did a great job showing things Rowan.

[@springrussell1816]

I love seeing your van build! It feels so attainable compared to some of the massive fully built out vans that take tens of thousands of dollars and month to build whereas something like your build is so cozy and makes me feel like I could actually do it. Fantastic work! I love your kitchen area!!

[@DJones-graham5282]

Simple, warm, comfortable, and homey! I love your van.

[@sandradavis9775]

I picked you up while you were in the Honda. Just a lovely channel. That rubs baby pic ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Debra-d1x]

I love your van home. Beautiful.

[@mandyharrison3617]

I am 70 years young, and from the PNW, Also, I am looking to retire this year, so your video has been beneficial in pointing me in the possible best choice for me to navigate to/through this transition..

[@OwlingDogDesign]

Happy new year, Rowan & Ruby. I love the planning for what is important to 'me.' It's super helpful. We just have to remember that it's a process & doesn't happen all at once. For me, I need to consider a kitty. My Louise passed away over a year ago, but she traveled with me like a little trooper. I hope one day to have another little kitty to love & keep me company on the road, too. Thanks Rowan! Your van is gorgeous, it's organized AND beautiful.

[@VinnieJo]

Just love your van! It looks so cozy and the perfect tiny, tiny, tiny house! I hope your dream of upgrading to a tiny house vs. tiny, tiny, tiny comes true in the near future!

[@darlenesmith7680]

Excellent "home" building. Very cozy and comfy. And Rubes looks very happy with her travelings with Mama. Happy 2025! 🙏❤️❤️🙏

[@joeconniedonald1990]

Thank you soo much! My husband recently retired & we’ve been looking at a way to travel & visit children without breaking the bank. You’ve given so many ideas! New Years Blessing!🙏🏻♥️

[@tthomas6013]

I am IN LOVE WITH YOUR VAN! What a beautiful home you have designed for you and the "Ruub-ster", or more commonly none as Ruby ❤️! You are such a GEM of a human. Keep on keeping on and stay safe on your continued travels! Blessings ❣️

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@tcoleman6167]

I love this video! Thank you!

[@justrowan]

You’re welcome!

[@reebs7824]

Hi Rowan Im only 1/2way through the video but have to say how much i have loved your van build since day 1. It's lovely. I really like the way its practical & functional but you didn't skip any of the ambience or vibe. It's so homey. I also think the budget you did it in is amazing. I guess it just speaks to my tastes too. If i ever decide to do this, you are the 1st person i would reach out to, throw myself on your mercy, & beg for help. Lol Thanks for making this video!

[@debrahshumaker4125]

GREAT van tour! Thank you, I'm setting up my mini van and picked up some great info. Happy 2025 🎉I hope you and Ruby have a healthy and safe year full of wonderful adventures 💖

[@lindagonzales4559]

I love your videos and Ruby is an added bonus!💖🐶💖

[@JulieDerhak-w5m]

What a fun and informative video. Thanks Rowan!! I love your simplicity and style. Peace and love to you and Ruby. Julie 😊

[@paulaclark7989]

Thank you so much, very helpful information and I love how you did your van! I love Ruby ❤ I had a dog named Ruby, blessings to you both ❤

[@sylviaayala1571]

Hi Rowan, I enjoyed the van tour!! The van is so cosy. I love seeing your cooking videos and adventures! Thanks for sharing!! 💙

[@lindy2]

So helpful!! I just can't decide on how to do my kitchen so I'm taking a lot of your ideas for both my bus and van. It's energizing to have a basic plan.

[@Mist.Hawk13]

I love you and Roob's ( ruby) channel! Exceptionally inspirational. Uplifting and keep wonderful work! Much love to you two! Be safe! Have traveled to different states? Like Southern states. I love Washington ( as a Seahawks fan ) and have seen them! Love vans and cars. I rent out my home and travel in a toy hauler,

[@lindabarker7142]

It's pretty. It feels homey. I had my van totaled and I'm shopping for a new used one. Good info and inspiration.

[@jackiewiseman5840]

Love your home Rowan, it's so cozy

[@Ashlee1985]

Ruby says: "Enough talking mom. Hold me." 🤣

[@idahograndma9598]

Love your cozy kitchen ❤

[@RedWolf17]

Really enjoying your content Rowan. Very informative video and wonderful work on the cargo van. Hi Ruby doo!🐾🥰❤️🌺

[@justrowan]

Thank you!

[@ashlipope5079]

Just amazing! You really are so talented and brave! I think its wonderful that you can be such a free spirit and in such a beautiful place. Your dog has to be just the greatest companion! Thank you and stay safe!🙏🏻🎉🌺🌸🇺🇸

[@annabellegettingwell1531]

Nice job Rowan! Such a beautiful van build

[@Lulu5771]

You are so adorable !!! Love your Ruby too, good baby. It must be nice having the company and someone to love on. I really like your build and the colors you used it’s really homey. Thanks for the tour and sharing your process. It’s pretty overwhelming to get started and figuring out where to start. ❤