Greg's Step Van Conversion with Murphy Bed

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

You know, I’ve seen vans with beautiful cupboards, looking like homes and everything else but this one just blew my mind. Everything you need is there. Just not overdone. The kitchen is probably the most efficient one I’ve ever seen, and his Murphy bed wow yeah it’s the best van conversion I’ve ever seen

[@uncool13]

Every video I have watched people say "this is the best I have ever seen" Finally, I will say this one was the one I could see myself staying in the most.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

What a fantastic job you’ve done! I can’t imagine the time spent brainstorming on how to convert it for your desires. But it was well worth it! Great job!

[@DracoTheBlack]

Great layout, closest thing I've found to what I'm planning. Back storage section, Murphy bed, open plan, and big entertainment setup, all the important stuff IMO.

[@pringlized]

Amazing build. I'm a desk junkie, so I appreciate that too. Your bother painting in incredible. But for some stupid reason, I really liked your kitchen towel.

[@walleyeye]

WOW!!! I’m seriously impressed with the thought and layout of this van!!! Well done!!! I love the openness in the design!!!

[@NoName-ds5uq]

I love some of these ideas! The baskets to make everything accessible, the upward hinged rear door, the across the body stainless kitchen!

[@The-Growroom]

"I love coat hooks. You can hang... Backpacks... Gear... Fly swatters.. and even coats!" LMAO

[@kh8641]

LMAO I wasn't certain if I wasn't the only one who heard "and even coats!"

[@leeinwis]

people ?

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Great use of space! Nothing boring about the eloquent presentation of this creative, lovely gent. Minimalistic, slick, well organized! 🤔🤗😍 🚛

[@CountryComesToTown]

I absolutely love this van build! If I ever get to build something out, I would want a desk like that and many of those features in a compact space. Beautifully done!

[@s.j.2548]

Great design and layout! I really love the kitchen. It doesn't look as if it's crammed in to a small left over space that's in the way! Thanks for sharing.

[@allthingsharbor]

I think that is the best kitchen design I have seen in any of the 'nomad' vans. Love the baskets, the ventilation, and the huge counter space.

[@largemarge1603]

04:26 2003, we built our ExpeditionVehicle on a 1996 Ford CF8000 commercial truck. We engineered all our mass between the axles, zero over-hang.

[@sandrawilde1134]

I really liked the way you designed your freight liner home. The baskets for your cabinet space is was well thought out and it is better those cabinets that people in their truck living has been using and I like yours better. I agree with you with the Murphy bed and it would take a lot of room up just put in a regular bed. The good thing about using truck stop showers is you have more room in the shower to move around in and plus they washer and dryers available. I hope you're enjoying your retirement in your freight liner home and going places that never been to.

[@carlpayne6104]

I enjoyed the utilization of all the space in your home. Be safe.

[@starbubbli]

Greg has excellent truck. I love the Murphy bed and whole kitchen!!

[@alvenatgolden1781]

Oh I got good ideas with the bungee cords and hooks Thank You For Sharing.

[@christophkaiser]

That's got to be the best build I've ever seen of a step van!

[@ginabrandt6168]

What a wonderful build!

[@qaz9258]

YA! loved the kitchen cabinet idea. As well as the exhaust fan. Defiantly going to have to copy that.

[@starbubbli]

Im watching this again, for umph teen times. I just love it more so. Great job Greg!!! Thank you. We appreciate you...

[@CPIVCR]

I was bit worried when I saw your garage but the interior is impressive, especially the fan & AC. All makes sense when you go inside.

[@suesue1764-r8c]

you have a wonderful relaxed speaking voice and presence and I appreciate your build and helpful design. Safe and Happy Trails!

[@davidmurray1630]

Very nice layout and I really like the way the walls and ceiling are enclosed with panelling. I bought the exact same Freightliner van from a postal auction site several years ago... although mine is a 2002 with cummins 5.9. I use mine for a work van now, but dream of converting it into a camper in a few years when I retire. Would love to see the outside after it gets painted!! Great job on everything!!

[@chapter4travels]

Thanks. The walls and ceiling are made of the same shiplap boards. I added the rope reveal on the ceiling for more of a linear feel. My Freightliner has the 4.3L Mercedes 4 cylinder and I've been on some mountain climbs where I wish I had your engine. lol. I just have to be content at 55 mph in 4th gear on the Alison. The extra width these step vans have over cargo vans makes all the difference in the world as far as living space goes. What we give up is ride quality while driving.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Vey nice build. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@chapter4travels]

Thank you from sunny California. What are your daily temperature swings from nighttime low to day time high? Here it's been low 50's to high 70's.

[@thizizliz]

Simplicity and elegance in one. Love the baskets for the kitchen.

[@yoopermann7942]

now that is real darn close to what i was thinking about,, a murphy bed on 1 side and a murphy table on the other side both would be out of the way when traveling to my way of thinking,,, this sure was a beautiful build thank you guys for sharing

[@shortwing]

Very nice work. Well laid out. Step vans are my favorite.

[@ChrisHolly]

That interior is amazing! What a fantastic space inside and the desk looks amazing!

[@AF5UdxQSO]

You have great ideas. I guess we are on the same page. All that you have done makes sense to me.

[@helened6896]

I was impressed by how nice and orderly this van is. It had a great vibe and lots of space. Great guy. Good success to you!

[@rebapuck5061]

Well thought out. I like the esthetics.

[@VHPINC]

One of the more interesting and highly functional builds I have seen on KZbin! Very nice.

[@chellierhapsody2197]

Very nice! Great presentation

[@johnberryhill8106]

Very efficient ! and minimalist.

[@lynnwilliams7875]

Great build

[@Tony-123]

Nice van Greg !!! You did a great job.

[@leannadelone5696]

I agree with the kitchen being "elegant"!!! So much thought was put into this rig. I'm so glad you made your early retirement on your own terms: nomadic and ONLY what you need to enjoy life. Thank you for sharing.

[@yayaglass]

Seven, I've missed you! I'd love to hear what you've been up to. This is a great design! Love the kitchen in the back and the Murphy bed design! Peace! K

[@TeeTirado]

He was gr8! I love his design!

[@SolHersh]

super cool I have a 04 mt45 ex usps unit too with the mercedes engine (some have the cummins) great little thing i stripped the paint down and repainted,

[@chapter4travels]

Great choice! Lol

[@kabot4878]

Very nice interior

[@jemerie2176]

Looks amazing, & really comfortable, thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@nodanceswithwolves8425]

Totally love the idea of the basket storage wall. This seems like the perfect set up for you. As a female, I would want a teeny, tiny toilet/shower/sink setup. I know about all the tanks, etc ..living in an RV...but A girl thing I guess. And I like the Murphy bed idea as well. It is really nicely done.

[@kh8641]

No Darn Joke! Especially the kitchen! Makes it look like a true house. And the bed - I can't say enough! The exhaust is a plus major plus, especially with no cabinets/closets. I have the same similar desk from the DV. Heavy as heck but spaceless at the bottom. Probably won't have to bolt it down. And maybe a bit shorter, creating more space for my wheelchair and possibly a small/medium couch. I'm wondering about parking, especially in the cities with downtown areas or just small cities/towns?

[@chapter4travels]

All step vans are wide, a very good thing for a floor plan but harder to maneuver. However, they have a very tight turning radius, tighter than a cargo van like a Sprinter.

[@genedavis1196]

Best conversion that I have seen.

[@vivianhsiao1947]

He doesn't need air conditioning on the truck, the truck roof should put the sky air fan saves a lot of soder system & energy. Guys don't need to worry about shower or toilet, they can use a public toilet or showing. This guy has everything he needs, he has a nice building camp truck.

[@roadboat9216]

Yes, I do enjoy these set up’s. Creative and fun. PS. I use to own a furniture store that specialized in Murphy wallbeds.

[@straightarrow372]

I love that desk!! Sad that there's no skylight, but it's very well thought out and functional.

[@Fyrestare]

looking into getting a step van rather than a cargo van or a school bus and this is a really cool one

[@MikeBaxterABC]

10:33 .. I had to sell my house and live in a very tiny apartment with my 2 sons, none of have beds at all!! ... we sleep on the floor on futons, that we put away every morning.

[@alenna48sayros67]

Sad as it seems you've left KZbin, hope you're still alive and healthy Safe travels for the journey ahead

[@erickpeterman6349]

He should invest in one of those small portable hot water things that heat the water on demand. It could work for his kitchen sink as well as his shower.

[@martinbecklen6486]

Terrific conversion! I love it, and bookmarked it as one the very best. On the other hand, NHT, it would have been nice if the video gave the dimensions of the van and GVW; Kind of a big 'missing' to not have the owner talk about how much thermal insulation, drawer system under the stove, and to have seen him turn out his bed. Otherwise, thanks for getting Greg to share his wonderful buildout. Also, I'm curious about his experiences in parking the van in residential areas. Kudos to you both.

[@chapter4travels]

The van has an 11' cargo box to start with empty. I don't know what the GVW is but the built-out weight is 11,500 lbs and the GVWR is 14,140 lbs. The ceiling and walls have 1.5" and the floor is 3/4" rigid insulation. Drawers are just DIY and the bed is simply a mattress that flops onto the floor. The van maneuvers extremely well in the city but I never do any stealth parking, remember these step vans are very wide, so keep that in mind. I hope that helps.

[@martinbecklen6486]

@@chapter4travels Thank you. info is greatly appreciated. A terrific conversion.

[@waynecramer1260]

The fender wells are so large to be able to accommodate optional semi truck sized tires depending on load weights.

[@chapter4travels]

These are 19.5" wheels, I've never seen anything larger on a step van, especially on a class 2, light duty truck. Someone else suggested that it made room for ice and snow to build up and still not bind the tire. I didn't think so.

[@johnkrneta5627]

Nice van. Well thought out!

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Excellent build.

[@lorisullivan327]

Brilliant build! Love the hinged wire ledge and sense of humor

[@josettepaquette6240]

Finally - someone with a stainless steal counter. I don't understand why more people use them. Great built.

[@Fontashia]

I just found a 9 cube storage unit by the dumpster. Grabbed it so quick remembering this video 😊

[@millsupply]

Great tour of Greg's stepvan!

[@TheTwinight]

I so want to do a project like this.. Also the idea of a step van conversion has been a constant for me, to bad there not popular in uk, I think there is room for a dest at door opposite driver (maybe use a folding desk) to remove the need for a big best plus looking out on different scenery would be inspiring then a folding bed/couch for entertainment

[@StepvanDan]

Wow, that is a great use of space and very well thought out, thank you Seven for sharing this with us ,big hugs from MN

[@upotheke]

Great setup, very thoughtful interior and fantastic desk area.

[@alvenatgolden1781]

Love your Van good presentation. Would love to see how your Murphy Bed Works. Good Luck with your future Goals Enjoy!

[@etiennelouw9244]

Very nice job.

[@idontlikeit.7822]

The giggle pill sold me……

[@fireisle]

Nicely done. All that open space is wonderful.

[@atomicdmt8763]

good one - id still like a could of windows, somehow. Also would be get to have a strong roof platform

[@jamescarroll0615]

I love that build so much.

[@warren2255777]

Sweet setup ❤

[@TheOnlyOneStanding8079]

I love this van build

[@Mbuzisana]

Simplicity and very functional.

[@robertdellinger6471]

Love your setup nice and open

[@JohnSmith-xx1lx]

Crazy, I've seen a lot of builds but this one resembles mine the most. Except I have a 2008 GMC box truck. I did the same exact thing with the back door taking out the roll outdoor but I did awning double doors. I live in Florida so I did not seal them up purposely I left a tiny amount of space so air is constantly flowing through. I don't use it for storage so I like having those doors a lot of fresh air flows through the vehicle. I also put two vents in the top one on each side and another vent on the floor. Excellent air flow throughout even in the summertime. I got rid of as much wood as possible down to pretty much milk crates and Rubbermaid tubs to make the total weight as light as possible. I just use a 5-gallon bucket and some grocery bags as a toilet it's all the same crap anyways the other stuff they sell you is just a gimmick. I have the same ladder too lol. I decided not to put a bed in in mine. I use a thick role of foam very comfortable and doesn't take up any space it's easy to roll up. My next step is I'm shortening the box, I'm even taking out the passenger seat I realized I don't need it and it's just extra weight. I realized I've been living this way for a few years now and I really don't need all this space even though it's only a 10ft box. All that matters to me is I have something I can stand up and lay down. So I will be shortening it from 10 ft down to about five or six feet and use the cab area kind of like a semi truck. And use the back half as a truck. Since I'm on my own this really works for me. If I end up in a serious relationship or something I made make other adjustments but for now this is what I'm doing and I love it. Very impressed with this build though that's what I love about this lifestyle everybody has their own style personality and it reflects in their vehicle it's awesome 😎

[@scarlettoholly490]

John Smith, your words say you're content and have accepted, maybe even embraced your Solo Van life. I sincerely hope that is the case and you continue enjoying your early retirement, traveling, new friends and having no one to answer to but John Smith. I know you never asked for anyone's - especially my! - 2¢ but I'ma give them anyway. (a sad pitfall of posting anything the least but personal to the Internet 🙄🫤 When I read you've decided 10' iss too big and your passenger seat needs to come out for weighing too much, I totally deflated and a wave of defeat and sadness came over me. I had to choke back a sob. I believe you are systematically making yourself smaller, by making your surroundings smaller. I also believe you'll continue finding reasons to go smaller and smaller until you have nothing else to toss or remove...other than yourself. What do you think you'll do?? Now, I'm no therapist or psychologist; I'm not even a student hoping for a career in mental health care. I'm just really good with undertones and reading between a person's lines. That being said, I may very well be absolutely 180° off and if you even see this 1yr later, you're either on your way to an ER because you fell down your step --cos you were laughing so hard.....or you're angry cos somehow your friends saw my reply before you did and you weren't prepared for their concerned questions or angry accusations. Is THAT Why you gave me your grand mom's quilt in return for having you over for supper--ONCE?!? Well, I don't want it! It doesn't go with anything I have and it smells weird. HERE!!" And you are hit in the face with a large wad of admittedly odd smelling quilt, before you're shoved back from the neighbor's RV door, which then slams and locks. Because what you never realized is that so many people have either felt like you or experienced the pain of being left to mourn. And they are familiar with some of the behaviors that most people exhibit while they prepare to STOP. One of these is giving away one's own, very personal &/or prized possessions...like a quilt your grand mom had made by hand. (But considering that this entire interaction was made up by me as a possibility ONLY IF my theory proved true, I take FULL RESPONSIBILITY and apologize for any relationships that aren't strong enough to stand, as well as your probable loss of privacy as the world around you begins discussing you and your van, your mental health and your issues. I promise you won't be the topic of the day for very long before people find something new to rip to shreds or just second guess. I will cross my fingers and hope that whichever way turns out to be truth - your words taken as fact or my theory that there's trouble beneath your friendly smile - i hope you'll tell me which is true and how your life changed (or didn't change) after I replied. Hoping to hear from you as soon as you can take a breather and rest from your full, active life! 💕💕💕

[@memecats5698]

Very well thought out! ❤️❤️

[@oliviawitherspoon5588]

Great layout🍀

[@robertabrams8562]

Wow, absolutely brilliant buildout…very well done 👍🏼👍🏼

[@juliemac5604]

This is a great stepvan!!! Love the creative and simple solutions!

[@dsmenterprises6699]

Looks great happy travels.

[@kabuti2839]

Love the openness. Master of ingenuity!

[@margaretmoore3915]

Great and unique design! LOVED the Giggle Pill!!

[@patrickfrantz2466]

Job well done.

[@roxanecarr7419]

😮WOW...I LOVE it❤❤ GREAT job!!!!

[@dyannejohnson6184]

Love the kitchen…..

[@elizabethgigi8911]

Very nice!

[@bosse641]

So nice. Very liveable. Well done. Would love to have something like this to live in.

[@uksurthrival4613]

thats a great van, great ideas thank you for the video

[@Newfieguy]

I think it’s a great build. Would have liked to see how the bed came out for a future build that I’m thinking of doing.

[@chapter4travels]

It's simply a 6" memory foam mattress on the floor with enough room on the edge to walk past it. All the bedding and pillow sit on the driver's seat while parked. Not much to see really.

[@fishface6247]

He's a cool dude. Down to earth. Looks like he's pretty damn happy

[@regginaldwilliams9381]

Super cool build. I really wanted to see the Murphy bed in use.

[@chapter4travels]

It's simply a 6" memory foam mattress on the floor with enough room on the edge to walk past it. All the bedding and pillow sit on the driver's seat while parked. Not much to see really.

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Great home, nice and tidy, I like the option of floor space.

[@HolySpiritWantsYou]

I need to get me a Giggle Pal .. Lol 😂😅

[@ngoandrew8]

Holy cow! 2 Sono Speakers!! You really know how to enjoy music!

[@chapter4travels]

And a sub under the desk. I didn't buy them for the van, they were already in my house, and I couldn't part with them.

[@ebr1840]

Fantastic kitchen space!

[@carboyronald5958]

Most unique setup in small a space ever.... Impressive 👍

[@Jesussavedme]

I would love this over a stuffy apartment any day 🥺

[@dandowd9689]

Great job!

[@vonleyser]

Lots of great ideas, simple. I do like the flow thru ventilation idea. I am looking at a 1973 Chevy chassis, 350 motor, I believe the guy said there was just over 14 feet behind the seats. the storage area on drivers side footwell is something that looks interesting for a battery area ? nice clean open design = good job

[@chapter4travels]

I would want to do a frame-off restoration on a van that old. I've seen people do it and it's not that hard to do but you need somewhere to do it, that's the tough part. That's a good size and would be a fun project if you have the time and place to do it out of the weather.

[@RVingwithG]

Brother WHERE have you been.. Glad to see you and welcome back.

[@kevbjork1]

No info on the power train? I like the design, I might hinge that bed to swing up so not having to lie on the floor tho.

[@chapter4travels]

Hinge up instead of the usual down, not a bad idea, I'll look into it, thanks.

[@chapter4travels]

Mercedes 4.3L turbo diesel with a 5 sp. Alison transmission.