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.

[@joanndavis4843]

This step van conversion was a step up in carpentry, design, and comfort👍. I can see a lot more of these on the road for people who want to live in full-time. Makes sense to combat the cost of rent & mortgages, plus getting to see more this beautiful country. A Win-win situation for sure!

[@andrewwilliams2193]

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

[@wildsage]

Less is more sometimes!

[@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.

[@youneverknewme2466]

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

[@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.

[@threeicys]

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

[@wildsage]

threeicys wow thanks!

[@petermashak3341]

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

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it!

[@saroyaking8757]

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

[@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!!

[@misterbojangles6205]

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

[@wildsage]

Thank you!

[@jmrichsonsr]

Very nice conversion. Clean and functional.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it.

[@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.

[@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,

[@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.

[@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.

[@APar-yx1wl]

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

[@wildsage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@toua916]

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

[@mikelee6936]

Best I have seen buddy. Nice and simple.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it!

[@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.

[@vincent6692]

Probably the nicest set up I have seen.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it.

[@pyr8at40]

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

[@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!

[@helened6896]

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

[@mumbolina]

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

[@brianwillson7373]

Next conversion... how about a pontoon boat to a house boat!

[@wildsage]

I’d live in that.

[@patfenn2]

NICE CARPENTRY. WONDERFUL LAYOUT & DESIGN. CONGRATULATIONS.

[@ronammologist16]

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

[@helenmallazzo2870]

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

[@margaretdevries8090]

Great things you built ! Super job! so neat !

[@wildsage]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@artlife6210]

Very nicely thought out and built

[@wildsage]

David Goshorn thanks!

[@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!

[@michelevitarelli]

Great build! Thanks for sharing.

[@wildsage]

michele vitarelli glad you enjoyed it!

[@clawhammer704]

The cabinet work is the coolest.

[@wildsage]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jmrichsonsr]

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

[@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”

[@eastcoastrailroad8209]

Excellent workmanship and fantastic design. Great video.

[@wildsage]

Thanks on all accounts.

[@sogekingfromsniperisland7033]

Can this be used as food truck as is just by removing the bed?

[@janrebel3778]

Very talented individual. Love the build out.

[@scoobydog411]

Very nice. Amazing wood working.

[@wildsage]

scoobydog411 thanks

[@maggiebuchanan9369]

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

[@TIPTOESMOOTH]

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

[@wildsage]

Yeah it’s a good amount of space.

[@Rainbowrobb]

This just seems like a genuinely nice person

[@wildsage]

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

[@24allnightmike]

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

[@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.

[@davevaughn7399]

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

[@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.

[@houseportraitscalligraphy7474]

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

[@angelroe5133]

It's amazing what you can turn a vehicle into

[@wildsage]

Really is.

[@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.

[@donaldswink6259]

Absolutely beautiful conversion.

[@wildsage]

Glad you liked it!

[@dogcatparty7371]

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

[@gsdavis9553]

What engine is in there, and about how many MPG do you typically get?

[@elainetreadwell5576]

Nice job. I liked the bed explanation. Thanks.

[@wildsage]

👍🏻👌🏻

[@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.

[@stephenhill2348]

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

[@wildsage]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@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.

[@johncichon9499]

Thanks for sharing your art! Very good!

[@wildsage]

Thank you!

[@2drunksracing]

I really like your slat bed design! Very cool functional sturdy design

[@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.

[@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+...

[@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.

[@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.

[@kayceegreer4418]

Great design features

[@wildsage]

Thanks.

[@ChristopherTrybus]

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

[@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.

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Very clean build

[@carriedugan6769]

Very nice work!! Have fun!!

[@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.

[@cliftonmelonzon413]

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

[@wildsage]

Thanks!

[@jonathanhall7903]

Wonderful build. Perhaps consider moving the propane tank outside the rig in the nearest future.

[@wildsage]

Lol yeah that’s been mentioned a lot in the comments and the new owner has been notified.

[@jonathanhall7903]

@@wildsage New owner? Then they have a gem of a rig!

[@whatmynamemitch]

I like those hole cabinet handles. What type of plywood thickness are the doors and cabinet base made from?

[@wildsage]

mitch sheppard pretty sure all the cabinets are 3/4” but might be some spots where it’s 1/2” if 3/4” was overkill. Walls are paneled with 1/4” ply and most things have 3/4” poplar trim to hide ply edges.

[@whatmynamemitch]

I really like your ideas they match mine to some degree but I learned something for sure! Thanks dude!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@derykmacleod4979]

Love all the wood!

[@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!

[@anitafrieda]

Silent Bob has a nice camper.

[@JoePAcalaughs]

🤣😂🤣👍👍👍

[@jackryan4973]

Nailed it

[@snoopu2601]

Very cool I like how you took a work van and made it look like a camper and how you explain why you did the things you done to the step van. I think I would have did the stealth look so I could park anywhere so no one would know I was in the back of the van sleeping or in the back just in case I had to park on a back street

[@wildsage]

SNOOP U 2 the logo on the outside gives it potential for stealth camping but that thing would be a beast to park on residential streets.

[@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.

[@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!

[@leannaestep3066]

Incredible attention to detail. Great job.

[@ivanrivera1102]

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

[@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!

[@roundsout1557]

Nice ! I have a question about any modifications or rebuild for the motor and transmission undercarriage type things mileage Etc !?

[@wildsage]

As far as I know there has not been any form of rebuild or replacement engine. Not sure the likes on this one.

[@leilal8053]

Nice. Very spacious too. U.hit most of the nececities.

[@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.

[@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.

[@allyouneedisluv53]

nice job is there venting to outside in case of propane leakage?

[@wildsage]

During the recording of this video there wasn’t but it has since been added.

[@christinadejesus]

I absolutely love your channel!

[@wildsage]

Thanks!

[@amibrink]

Does he convert step vans for a living? Haven’t seen many as well done as this!

[@wildsage]

Ami Brink he does all sort of carpentry. This was his first step van. But he has been converting his own camper van for the last year or so and did a lot of research for that.

[@wildsage]

Junior Eluhu easiest way would be to contact him on Instagram. @gopherwood_db

[@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!

[@veliagarcia3606]

Very nice floor plan, Love it.

[@wildsage]

velia garcia thanks! He does good work!

[@cliftonmelonzon413]

I wish I had your talent, that is some excellent work!

[@wildsage]

Yeah he is pretty talented.

[@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.

[@joyceyoungblood7927]

Beautiful build!

[@lavsenoj1092]

Brilliant!! I wish you shared more sources.

[@wildsage]

Sorry. I wish I knew what all the items were from. Maybe I will try to get links for them.