Step Van Custom Camper Conversion

[@wildsage]

What’s the coolest feature of the conversion?

[@TheCruisinCrew]

Love that rear view mirror with the integrated screen! I want something like that for our Class C! :)

[@wildsage]

The Cruisin' Crew hahah yeah isnt that thing badass? I guess it’s like $150 all said and done. Not bad!

[@nonamesioux]

The Cruisin' Crew so how much do you want for it ;)

[@wildsage]

matt monette lol you’ll have to buy it off the guy who hired us to customize it!

[@ChazEvansdale]

My favorite features is that the kitchen countertop doubles as a desk, and triples as access to the cooler.

[@saroyaking8757]

Love the addition of the extra cooler in the gallery space that's hidden. Genius.

[@wildernessfieldjournal8211]

Really nice work. Great conversion. My favorite part is the way the plumbing, toilet and stove are all independent units. Makes service and upgrade really easy.

[@wildsage]

Wilderness Field Journal that’s a really good point. Super easy to modify the individual spaces each has.

[@GCLehman]

LOTS of great ideas. Thanks for the video. I really appreciate that there was a little bit of explanation on how well things worked and why they were chosen (chest fridge/freezer, heater, power bank etc.) that is exactly the kind of information that gets overwhelming in some places. This was simple and to the point.

[@youneverknewme2466]

I'm drooling over this. This is the best conversion I've seen so far. It's perfect.

[@Alan62651]

This is the most practical step van conversion I have seen so far. I am impressed with your workmanship and design ideas.

[@wildsage]

Alan Land thanks! He’s got a head full of good ideas.

[@andreamurphy1126]

Alan Land .... You Need to see a lot more Videos.. This one has so many impractical things he did. Ex: that desk from the counter top.... Uh no, Why ? Because all sorts of things would be on the counter that would have to be moved, stored, put away. This is just one example of many.

[@wildsage]

Andrea Murphy what works for one person may not work for all.

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

I'm more into Class B vans, preferably the Roadtrek 190, but, I have to say this is the BEST step-van conversion I've ever seen! Very professional, clean, not bulky, and, just simply great. Congrats! The ONLY two downsides to this vehicle, imo, are (1.) stealth is out the window pretty much, unless, one would want to paint a 'business' sign on the outside, and, (2.) this vehicle is somewhat crippled when it comes to parking it just ANYwhere. Other than those two things I'd hire you in a heartbeat to build me one! Have a blessed day! (8:35am CST 4/2/2018 Houston, Tx)

[@LiveUthing]

My Stepvan will park anywhere your Roadtrek 190 or any other Class B fits, but I have way more living space. Nothing stealth about a Class B not even with a business sign, my Stepvan more so. Not that it matters unless you want to park in an industrial area. Any non camper looking vehicle parked along the road would look suspicious.

[@wildsage]

JIM BRIDGES JIM BRIDGES thanks man. Yeah it’s not a stealth camper by any means with an awning and shower on the outside. It actually does have a business decal on the outside still. Definitely not a rugged off-road vehicle but from what I know of the owner, it’s more going to serve as a studio apartment/travel truck than a camper.

[@andrewwilliams2193]

Really nice, I love the simplicity of everything, no fuss, no frills. Good job.

[@wildsage]

Less is more sometimes!

[@MakerMark]

Brings back memories!! I lived in one of these for a year when I was 16!! In Arkansas. When my dad and I moved from California. Great times

[@wildsage]

Maker Mark wow so fun!

[@thoughtsinpassing2968]

This is the best conversion in a step van I have seen online. Future suggestion that I saw on another was a piano hinge on the bed when in sofa mode, it raised up with storage underneath. Also it didn't appear there was a rail on the shelf above the sofa/bed. Also, the 'dresser' on the end of the couch could house hanging pants and shirts/jackets if there was a pull out hanger that is attached to the ceiling of the short closet. If not wanting to use that space for closet, then slats nailed to the side walls would allow for placement of shelves. The solar hot water pipe on the roof and shower and portable table is genius both of which I have never seen before ! The woodwork and finish looks very professional and I am sure once the wood is finished, tiled backdrop on kitchen area and the plentiful wall space decorated it will be beautiful. THANK YOU for sharing,

[@threeicys]

Hands down this is the best use of space in a conversion.>>> Award winning design

[@wildsage]

threeicys wow thanks!

[@Nana-by4ls]

This is PERFECTION!!! the Cleanest Step Van or Box Vans I've seen out of about 80 videos I watched. 👁👁🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐PERFECTION, PERFECTION, PERFECTION!!!!!

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it! Check out @gopherwood_db on Instagram. It’s my brother in law and the designer here.

[@shaunwallace81]

I've read all the comments on propane safety and keeping The heater covered. We've let the owner know and recomended the upgrades. Thanks everyone who mentioned these opportunities.

[@wildsage]

Shaun Wallace thanks for updating everyone. For anyone wondering, the commenter here is my brother in law and the designer of this build.

[@danieltigges8590]

For all the safety police, that means quit commenting and move on to another video

[@vincent6692]

Probably the nicest set up I have seen.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it.

[@Scrambler85]

Most of the bread truck conversions are purely ghetto looking. This one is very nicely done. A thumbs up for the video.

[@wildsage]

Glad you enjoyed it. My brother in law is a talented dude for sure.

[@georgecarr68]

Thank you for sharing your ingenuity, I especially liked the covered toilet. I will incorporate your idea onto my van soon!

[@wildsage]

George sweet. Glad you were able to take something from this!

[@ronammologist16]

Super clean design. Simple, but not simplistic. Well done!

[@blitzburghbilly7813]

Oh WOW, JUST GOT TO SEE THIS VIDEO THAT WAZ ON MY (YT TIMELINE) SUPER SHARP LOOKIN SUPER CLEAN & FUNCTIONAL TOO. WELL DONE HERE FELLAZ ! 👏🏼 ......

[@wildsage]

BLITZBURGH BILLY glad you enjoyed it.

[@houseportraitscalligraphy7474]

Love this build...magnetized gusset system table!!!!

[@JVONROCK]

The major explosions from propane tanks in RV’s is driving with tanks open and hooked to appliances, the connection breaks an KA-Boom. Turn off the tank. So new, nice ideas, what are you going to get dirty first. Mentions of gas dangers is important, with a carbon detector on the ceiling and a propane 12” off the floor. I’ve got the wave too, a real propane sipper.

[@bamkablam]

I love the finger hole cabinets. This conversion is totally badass in a sea of crappy conversions!!!

[@wildsage]

Glad you enjoyed it! My brother in law there is a talented guy.

[@bamkablam]

@@wildsage I know who Im calling if I can swing buying a bus to convert!!

[@michelevitarelli]

Great build! Thanks for sharing.

[@wildsage]

michele vitarelli glad you enjoyed it!

[@misterbojangles6205]

I'm really liking the simplicity of your build - well done lad.

[@wildsage]

Thank you!

[@24allnightmike]

i like your design choices that you made , the panel van is a great choice for taller people. LOVE IT!!!

[@annettefournier9655]

Very clean lines. Nicely done. Waxing the slats on the bed will make it pull out easier but not make it walk out on it's own. Those wave ceramic heaters are very good but dust will damage the ceramic wires in no time, a good dollar store shower cap to cover the front does the trick. The company will redo the ceramic element if it quits but if you cover the unit when not in use it last a for upwards if ten years. Again ,really nice job!

[@wildsage]

Yeah lots of people have mentioned how dust ruins those things. I'll mention it to the owner! Thanks!

[@BABYDOLL87LOVELY]

PRETTY IMPRESSIVE! IT DOES KINDA SUCK THAT THERE IS NO TV. BUT... THAT STORAGE SPACE NEXT TO BED/SOFA CAN FIT A SMALL TV. SO COOL AND I GUESS YOU HAVE TO HAVE A CURTAIN UP SOMEHOW TO SHOWER OUTSIDE 🤷

[@wildsage]

Yeah I think you could mount a tv somewhere.

[@petermashak3341]

One of the better conversions I've seen. Good job!

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it!

[@Scorpiomary]

They say you want to keep the heater elements covered. One man said his heater was 30 years old because he kept dirt and dust off heater. Cool conversion. Good vlog

[@wildsage]

Mary Cox thanks for the advice! Glad you liked the video.

[@anitafrieda]

Silent Bob has a nice camper.

[@JoePAcalaughs]

🤣😂🤣👍👍👍

[@jackryan4973]

Nailed it

[@Snailmailtrucker]

Great video.... love what you did with your Step Van...I just picked up a 2002 Chevy 6.5 Diesel 20' Workhorse Step Van (former USPS) ...getting started on a Conversion myself. The Noise Reduction looks like a Must Do ! Liked/Subscribed !

[@wildsage]

Screww Googlle nice dude! Enjoy the process.

[@ChristopherTrybus]

Dope. Im definitely digging the shower backup camera, and solar setup.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Very nice conversion. Clean and functional.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it.

[@dogcatparty7371]

The roof is amazing! Everyone should watch this video! May 2019

[@mumbolina]

Best build I've seen yet!....Simplicity and amazing design...just another level

[@eastcoastrailroad8209]

Excellent workmanship and fantastic design. Great video.

[@wildsage]

Thanks on all accounts.

[@energization]

Good job. Thanks for sharing! I’ve got the same van (older). I’m a carpenter and a very handy fella so I very much appreciate seeing all the options. Especially from the perspective of a tradesman. I have a much better idea of what I’m going to do with my rig after watching this video! Thanks again. PS: the coolest feature is the outdoor shower option. I spend winters surfing in Mexico and that set up is a must have!

[@wildsage]

Ah yeah the shower would be perfect for that.

[@janrebel3778]

Very talented individual. Love the build out.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Perfect! Excellent craftsmanship. Superb layout. And a very well done video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TIPTOESMOOTH]

Love it, doesn't have that typical cluttered feel. Think its perfect.

[@wildsage]

Yeah it’s a good amount of space.

[@tinlizzy39]

Great build! Like the table idea. Also like the counter space with additional cutting area. Well thought out.🙂

[@wildsage]

tinlizzy39 thanks man. Yeah he put a lot of thought into the design.

[@maggiebuchanan9369]

Nice conversion ! Your Brother-in-law is very talented. I'm sure the person who owns this will be happy with it !

[@johndcosta4484]

That's great... It is simplistic and has lots of space... That's what every camper van must have... Great job....🤘🤘🤘

[@wildsage]

John D'Costa thanks so much.

[@mikelee6936]

Best I have seen buddy. Nice and simple.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it!

[@Rainbowrobb]

This just seems like a genuinely nice person

[@wildsage]

robert hoffman he is! It’s my brother in law!

[@baskervillebee6097]

So much better quality than an rv.

[@wildsage]

It’s nice when you can make all the decisions to fit your specific needs.

[@jaimesanchez9207]

Nice build! An indoor shower would be a welcomed addition. For hygienic reason, the toilet could be relocated in a different spot away from the portable refrigerator. The unstained wood is fantastic.

[@blazen8630]

Propane inside of living space is fine as long as you have a gas carbon fire alarm in place. Nice build , bread truck I’m not a fan of but for what it is great job brother.

[@pyr8at40]

i love the bed and the sloped back when in couch mode....nice work fellas

[@patfenn2]

NICE CARPENTRY. WONDERFUL LAYOUT & DESIGN. CONGRATULATIONS.

[@tlynn7463]

I love the shower water tube atop the van. Save energy heat by the sun. Brilliant.

[@wildsage]

Yeah those types of showers are pretty cool. It won’t get super hot but it’ll get warm enough.

[@elainetreadwell5576]

Nice job. I liked the bed explanation. Thanks.

[@wildsage]

👍🏻👌🏻

[@toua916]

Love the van. And love the video. Make another video on this van pleased

[@brendaswann7292]

Good start. Awnings are best curb or right side, thinking cognito road stops. Like the toilet at the back with fold back cover. Next time think of diesel heater ... if running diesel. An exit curb or road side is safest. Good luck with your next project.

[@wildsage]

Brenda Swann thanks for the tips!

[@vrardis524]

Love this! I'm looking at a step van, and this walk through is just amazing!

[@wildsage]

Working From The Road thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@boboshop55]

Looking at a step van for less than a thousand bucks! Getting a lot of great ideas from this vid. Thanks!!

[@wildsage]

Glad you can get some ideas from it.

[@scoobydog411]

Very nice. Amazing wood working.

[@wildsage]

scoobydog411 thanks

[@brenpollard4714]

You did A great job on the truck.

[@wildsage]

My brother in law, the guy doing most of the talking, is super talented. Check out the other van he built for himself and my sister. It’s a vid I have called “Sparky the Firetruck”

[@artlife6210]

Very nicely thought out and built

[@wildsage]

David Goshorn thanks!

[@helened6896]

So well designed and functional. Love the stow away toilet and decent sized bed. Clean lines. Beautiful.

[@clawhammer704]

The cabinet work is the coolest.

[@wildsage]

Eastern Cowboy yeah. Great use of apace with the cabinets.

[@angelroe5133]

It's amazing what you can turn a vehicle into

[@wildsage]

Really is.

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Very clean build

[@danielmalone9742]

As an engineer, I strongly suggest that you have an analysis done on the solar shower pipe to determine if your mounts will hold during a crash. The forces generated on a massive object like that when the van comes to a sudden stop say in a collision are very large and if that thing comes loose you have a fast moving projectile flying down the road. Not only is the pipe heavy but the water in it is heavy add to that the slushy during a crash your pop that thing loose.

[@danielmalone9742]

Sloshing of the water is also a significant force.

[@shaunwallace81]

It’s got beefy thru bolts in to the struts. Not going anywhere

[@kayceegreer4418]

Great design features

[@wildsage]

Thanks.

[@ArbitraryExploration]

This was a really well done van! Your brother in-law is talented. I subscribed and am looking forward to more of your videos!

[@wildsage]

Arbitrary Exploration thanks! Expect more soon.

[@davevaughn7399]

Nice job I like your water on top that's what I am thinking doing but all round the top good job

[@margaretdevries8090]

Great things you built ! Super job! so neat !

[@wildsage]

Thanks!

[@donaldswink6259]

Absolutely beautiful conversion.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it!

[@madeinmichigan6773]

I think it's great in its raw state before paint. I just wanted to point out that the Wave 3 propane heater needs to have a cover over it 24/7 when not in use due to dust collecting on the flame material and eventually could cause a fire or stop working. They are not cheap as you know so to save $ in the future ....a simple dust jacket is great. Take care and great job with the entire thing 😊 There isn't anything about this conversion I would change 😊 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@wildsage]

Made in Michigan 67 yeah some other people mentioned that same thing! Apparently it’s a pretty big issue. Thanks for the heads up! Merry Christmas!

[@dkerris]

Got one with the swing out back doors, instead of the typical roll up door. Smart.

[@wildsage]

Yeah for sure. Roll ups are almost impossible to insulate and also take up head room.

[@mariawinzler]

So far I like this conversion over most conversions. My boyfriend is six foot six inches and most of the conversion only holds six foot, maybe.

[@wildsage]

Yeah a big trick like this is soooo roomy.

[@nancyfeddersen9118]

This is awesome. I would have done bunk bed style instead. Back of couch lifts up and lock in to make a bunk. That way you can still walk through if someone sleeps in. And if traveling with friend it gives them their own private bed to move about on.

[@TradShowTom]

Very nicely done. You put a lot in a small space.

[@wildsage]

Trade Show Tom thanks! Yeah it’s amazing how much fit in there.

[@johncichon9499]

Thanks for sharing your art! Very good!

[@wildsage]

Thank you!

[@noras.5355]

Very, very, very nice! Great job. Thanks for sharing~

[@Natschke_Family_Adventures]

AWESOME build! You have the awning and shower on the wrong side though.

[@wildsage]

BUCK MASTERSON 6363 lol. For the way this van is going to be used it won’t matter a ton. I think most of the time it will be parked on private property. So those won’t be facing a street.

[@carriedugan6769]

Very nice work!! Have fun!!

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

This trucks have so much potential to built a super RV Most people go to simple on them..but if you want to built a Badass RV this is the truck you need the best platform to build RV Definitely..

[@wildsage]

Yeah so much space.

[@puggysniffs9346]

Absolutely the best step conversion I have seen! Thank you for sharing this!

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it. My brother in law is super talented.

[@stephenhill2348]

You did a very clean job,I really like your work,very cool 😎

[@wildsage]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@miche.5146]

I love this so much😍 i wish they would show an update video for when its fully finished

[@wildsage]

Miche. I know some modifications have been made since. Paint has gone in and potentially some minor carpentry mods. I’m not really in contact with the current owner now to do an update.

[@ImperfectlyhappytobemeMichelle]

The whole thing is really smart especially the interlocking bed ... brilliant!!! The cutting board over the burners is good but better make sure it is turned off all the way or not turned on accidentally when putting the board over it. I like the blind spot camera too and of course solar.

[@wildsage]

Glad you enjoyed the build.

[@stevegrydzyn6038]

Oh yeah, on any sliding surface try French chalk, or any chalk. Wax does work, but not as well, plus it can leave a residue. Steve

[@helenmallazzo2870]

Very nice job, i love your home. The curtains on the windows make it look so cozy.

[@Standswithabeer]

VERY nice conversion. If I were to do a conversion, this is the way I would do it, and I am known as a critical S.O.B.; I do not like the over-emphasized faux "luxury" some van conversions provide. The piano-key style pullout bed is brilliant. Overall, it is very well thought-out and reliable, with good use of materials. Only caveat I would throw in, is to not trust the propane from leaking -- it is sneaky, lol. Nice.

[@wildsage]

Yeah I agree. I prefer utility over style but it’s always nice to have both when you can. Yeah the propane has been taken care of. Thanks!

[@leonardhosard6302]

Gorgeous!! Nicely laid out and good craftmanship!! I'd buy that!! Well thought out!!

[@wildsage]

Leonard Hosard yeah he does good work. I was fortunate enough to be able to work with him for a bit.

[@veliagarcia3606]

Very nice floor plan, Love it.

[@wildsage]

velia garcia thanks! He does good work!

[@GoTerry]

That was well done.. great cabinet work.. I'm not a friend of propane heating and I'd add some color but everything else is an A+...

[@ivanrivera1102]

You have a studio apartament in the truck well build and designed enjoy your ride and a fun

[@APar-yx1wl]

Like the drop leaf table and the hidden toilet..great work.

[@wildsage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LiveUthing]

Very nice. We have a 12' Ford 10 years older, with a Utilimaster body, but it will be our home.

[@wildsage]

You’re gonna love it. I just lived out of a converted Honda Element for 8 months and it was amazing!

[@cliftonmelonzon413]

It’s amazing the space you used, great build! Enjoy your hard work! Be safe!

[@wildsage]

Thanks!

[@queenlorea2094]

I love the updates you added to this van; excellent skills❣️💜💕♥️😍

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Pretty incredible conversion here. And it's a step van ! No getting out of the cab area to enter the living area like I see with box truck conversions. I think this box truck is fairly stealthy as well so possible to park it in industrial areas without raising too many eyebrows.

[@wildsage]

Yeh I think it’s stealthy too. Others disagree but it’s a helluva lot stealthier than getting a class b RV

[@bradgaerlan1004]

I like it, nicely done.

[@wildsage]

Brad Gaerlan thanks.

[@joyceyoungblood7927]

Beautiful build!

[@StepvanDan]

Very nice and neat love it, thank you for sharing hugs from MN

[@wildsage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@derykmacleod4979]

Love all the wood!

[@vanwhalen3719]

Totally rad! I’ve watched this a few times atleast

[@greenizgood]

EXCELLENT carpentry and very thoughtful build! Only suggestion I have is a larger water supply. Thank you for sharing this!

[@wildsage]

Yeah a jerry can is not a ton but I’m pretty sure the client was going to lately be parked in his workshop space where he had access to water so large storage wasn’t as necessary.