The Dove - Camper Van Conversion - Ford Econoline E-150

Newly converted van designed and built by architectural designer and engineer couple. We lived full time in our own converted van for several years from 2015 to 2019 (not this van), and we designed this one with all of the upgrades we would have wished for based on our experience on the road. This build is brand new, we’ve just taken it on two short test trips to work out any kinks.
Vehicle:
- 2006 Ford E-150,
- V8 / 5.4L engine, RWD
- 57,030 miles
- Clean title in hand
- 20mpg fully loaded on the highway
- Tow hitch
- Brand new starter battery
- This van had carpeted protective panels professionally-installed when it was new, which kept it in great condition and virtually scratch-free from the inside (it was previously used by a private investigator who surveilled from the back while stationary most of the time, which is why it has so few miles)
- Drives very strong. This van will last a long while!
- Backup camera
- Power locks
- Manual windows
- A/C blows cold
Build features:
Living:
- Full-sized bed converts within seconds to double-sided couch without having to rearrange cushions or re-make bedding every night (new Linenspa 5” memory foam mattress)
- Convenient side-door access to sink for easy washing, water jug refill, and grey water emptying. Faucet has retractable hose and can pivot to be used at side door.
- Optional Thetford 135 portable toilet (unused)
- Push-to-open hide-away worktop table
- All drawers and cabinets easily and securely lock
- MaxxAir fan 5100 fan (has 10-speeds and reverse airflow option)
- Skylight above bed for natural light without sacrificing privacy and for a passive-airflow option
- Custom blackout back window curtains and cab partition curtain with easy magnetic attachments (made with insulating material)
- Cork board for customized decor
Cooking:
- Cooking drawer with new Eureka Ignite double burner stove, storage for pots/pans below, and fuel bottle storage compartment in back of drawer. Cooking drawer is designed to be used while sitting at the bench/table, but can easily be moved around to cook outside for example.
Plumbing/Water:
- Two new Reliance 6 gallon water jugs below sink (12 gallons total)
- Sink drains to grey water jug below sink
- Shurflo 4008 water pump below sink, controlled with switch above sink
- Hand pump sprayer in back for easy gear-rinse and/or showers (we found this incredibly useful and water-efficient in our past vanlife!)
Open storage:
- Several open storage cabinets (removable shelving in tall closed cabinet)
- Tall cabinet with removable shelving
- Flip-top deep storage to the right of sink (above passenger-side wheel well)
- Upper cabinet above sink
- Extra storage in toilet drawer
- Open middle drawer (between stove drawer and toilet drawer)
- Open drawer above fridge/cooler drawer
- If fridge/cooler is not needed, you can easily place bins in drawer for extra storage
- Open gear storage under bed (accessed from back doors)
Electrical:
- House battery: Renogy 100 Ah AGM sealed maintenance-free deep cycle battery
- Battery charges from a Renogy 100W solar panel with 30A charge controller while parked
- Battery charges from the van’s alternator while driving. Battery isolator keeps the house and starter battery isolated when parked.
- 750/1500W power inverter
- Fridge/cooler drawer designed (and wired) to hold either a 12 volt chest-style fridge (like Dometic CFX 35) or a 35-45 liter cooler (like Yeti or Rtic)
- 2-zone dimmable lighting, dimmer switch-controlled (8 puck lights total)
- 4 usb plugs
- Voltmeter shows battery health and current charging voltage
- All wire connections have been soldered and heat-shrinked so that they don’t come undone and cause electrical issues with the vibrations of driving
Located in Northern California - Auburn, CA.

[@mariec.9102]

Thank you for presenting this clean and functional van simply and straight to the point. I really like the silence. You let the van speak for itself.👍🏾🙂🌹

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Thanks! I'm glad you've enjoyed the silent approach!

[@user-bk7gi4kh8n]

@@ridewildcampervans9432 💯 thank u ..I started watching your video within 15 seconds I said this girl is my hero

[@debslifesimplified6406]

This van build is perfect. It has a toilet out of sight a full functional kitchen and plenty of storage. And I love how the water is set up.

[@crashjump1849]

Nice build, the interior has such a clean look . Thumbs up to the designer 👍 that came up with the layout.

[@MontenegroNoel]

I am absolutely impressed 😮 just when you think you can't make an original build this comes on! Incredible! I don't even miss the standing room... Please sell your build plans!

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Thanks so much! We have the 3-d model available in Google's modeling program Sketch Up. You would obviously still need to make final measurements when building the van.

[@mrmightydik]

@@ridewildcampervans9432 great video! where can download the build plan?

[@spartan076]

I’d be interested in your build plans as well! I have my eyes on a van that I hope to be purchasing soon.

[@mayank_unscripted]

​@@ridewildcampervans9432 yes, indeed a lovely build! Would love to reference your build plans and derivie further inspiration! Much love and peace to you all ~ safe travels!

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Guys let's face it. A beautiful woman like that makes you motivated to fix your old van up... She's so pretty and adorable.

[@ralphpernesiglio7118]

One of the nicest cleanest build!

[@johnnyhwang6929]

I love how stealth it was.. simple.. minimalist. Plan like it made for specific built.

[@CPB111]

This is so well-done.

[@bicyclerider8218]

Nicely done, I particularly like your simple/informative presentation.

[@thomasmalone6654]

One of the best utilizing of space I have seen yet, Rock!

[@robertbraden3889]

Great presentation, nice design for a low top van reminds me of a Westfalia camper.

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

That's a big compliment! Westfalia's are nice campers!

[@pajamaman2833]

oh my gawd. this build is NICE!

[@werenotfree4841]

I'm sure you will go far in this business. All the luck to you but you guys have skill.

[@1fuzzydickens2]

What a unique way to present your van. We were shown all parts, the potential for storage. So clean!!

[@melrichardson2392]

This is absolutely perfect simple and minimal I would like it more cabin like certainly like more details. Perfect

[@cathyshinn8100]

Wow you did an excellent job! What a creative way to arrange everything that a person could need to live very comfortably! Very clever!

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Thank you so much! I'm happy people can appreciate the thought that went into it!

[@kabysummit5801]

Stunning build. Less is more. Beautifully executed. And you look happy and healthy :) kudos. I might do something similar. Oh, this thing is stealthy!

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Thanks! Yeah, it would be awesome if you can get some ideas from this!

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

I keep watching this video. I love this build. My favorite part is the removable cooking box. Inside outside cooking...love it!

[@wildestcowboy2668]

Very beautiful lady. Her being so small makes it appear that u have ALOT of space. She's got my vote!

[@conversationswithme8601]

I love them, when they don't talk!....😊

[@vegasvampire66648]

This is perfect! So simple and clean. Versatile with everything you need. 👍👍

[@garybrown1619]

Great layout and design. I like the bed oriented that way, leaves room for cabinets. Skylight da nice touch

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

The skylight is one of our favorites too! It adds so much more natural light to it and is great for cloud watching!

[@patrickcrouse3905]

One of the best presentation I've seen so far, not to mention the build and layout.I would love to have a van like that.

[@yorotirb3941]

Lot of nice features for a regular van. Nice!

[@darrincambridge2377]

Excellent minimalist build because fancy always breaks 😉

[@davidshaul5265]

You are a genius ! Absolutely brilliant . ✔👍

[@michaelzma9102]

I love it because it's simple. Some people overdo campers. This is nice and practical. BTW, that girls in great shape. Looks like a yoga enthusiast or gymnastics maybe

[@rmsyster]

I love the way how you are explaining everything

[@Wheeets]

My love this is so well thought out and put together

[@AcrossTheMap]

Drivers seat MUST recline! Well done!!

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

We've angled the drawer unit at the top so that you can actually still recline the seat! 🙂

[@branhamphotos5354]

please show how you made the bed fold. thanks

[@jimmym2719]

Clean neat simple look..I like it very much. Well done, thanks for sharing your wonderful work.💕👍

[@brandonjoseph1489]

The best one I’ve seen. So simple and clean. Copying this!

[@DavidHuffTexas]

The woodworking "fit and finish" look VERY nice on this. 👍

[@billwilliams6827]

Good job . I like the position of your water bottles , easy to get at .👍

[@davefletch3063]

What a nice build. I love it

[@Sean2345]

Wow, nice set up!

[@regionsbeyond7336]

Thanks for showing off your camper robot girl!

[@TheHills7777]

I absolutely love this buildout!!!

[@jorgewilkins5162]

Very nice build, I'm definitely will like to do something similar on my van conversion. Thank you for the presentation!! Muchas Gracias!

[@kirelight6255]

Brilliant design and use of space!

[@patriciamuskevitsch8359]

Very nice build, can tell you have experience.

[@Martin-qg5kr]

Hello, amazing job 👌. Nice and practical 👍. I wish you beautiful experiences on the road. Sincerely, Martin.

[@SuperBajafresh]

Excellent presentation and what a beauty you are.

[@MeJaneEntrprsz]

That's what I'm talking about. Brilliant build & video. TY!!

[@seanlynthicum5881]

Very smart layout, all needs covered very well!

[@jamescarroll0615]

Very clean build. I love it.

[@roqueybarra7340]

Good God thank you for making such a nice video and your rig is a beaut!

[@Viajero69]

This was the most surreal van build video I've ever seen, lol. The music at the end shocked me out of the cool clinical atmosphere.

[@herschelpowers5086]

I really like this build it's simple and yet very nice

[@paulinedavis8734]

Brilliant Simplicity...brilliant 🚐

[@sayitloud3237]

Very functional and clean!

[@outlawbadge1]

Love your van set up, I am sure it is perfect for your needs. Our camper van is similar and of course, built for our needs. Have fun camping

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Thanks! Can we see your van somewhere? Have fun camping!

[@danjetee]

This is dope. I have an E250 and this is a great contribution.

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

It's a great van! I hope you got some inspiration from it!

[@cheflady9838]

Nice build!!

[@KETCHUPKING]

very nice build everything you need so convenient, Nice and clean

[@perezmaximus]

one of the best builds

[@philraz702]

Build is so clean!

[@wrongway100]

That computer desk is pretty cool you could pull that out and eat on it too

[@TheMagicDesign]

FANTASTIC design!

[@JohnDoe-fu4qd]

well made, looks cozy

[@vic70ria]

Damn seems to be already sold. Good job!

[@my2cents2u]

Clean lines, plenty of storage. Right up alley. Maybe someday. : )

[@rolinpincreston5009]

Tremendous setup !

[@porterfx]

Dove shack. Brilliant.

[@brandonsunadventure]

Nice setup!! 👍👍

[@jalexb915]

Amazing build!

[@salvatoreluisi3440]

Wonderful! Also with informal outfit

[@kj475]

It's the ultimate cubicle. Super efficient.

[@MeetDaveG]

Nice build. I like the simple aesthetic. For some that likes that bed layout, it's perfect. This was the first layout I had in my van. Now I prefer the bed lengthwise along the van, as it consumes less space.

[@mikefranks4528]

@Dave G I am thinking the same for my upcoming van build. I only need to put an internal leveler (like a shim) to make sure I am leveled when I go overnighting on a crowned street. If the other orientation my head would be at the high end for a better night's sleep.

[@MeetDaveG]

@@mikefranks4528 A lengthwise bed changes the entire feel of the van. If your storage cabinets are proportionate in relation to the bed, your van will feel more spacious and open.

[@MeetDaveG]

@@mikefranks4528 My head is towards the front of the van. Works great.

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

How tall are you? I was dreaming of putting the bed sideways since it opens up a lot of other opportunities, but my partner would not fit sideways. 😬

[@MeetDaveG]

@@ridewildcampervans9432 I'm 5'11 1/2 . I had to sleep on an angle with my first bed layout.

[@slredeemedbtb]

Nice build

[@ryanvanhazen2997]

Beautiful 🤗 the van is too lol

[@shahriyarkalhor]

Very neat.... Good 👍 job 👌👍

[@theroadglider8565]

So beautiful

[@KittyGirlTravelProductions]

Wow, that's clean!

[@ConnieJJ]

This is brilliant!!!!

[@sweetvonbettie1]

Very nice! Love it

[@factsgriffin1397]

Awesome build

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

I'm glad you like it

[@abbasalichinikamwalla7958]

Simple n functional....👌👌👍👍✌️

[@peterpacciani666]

A youtube channel for introverts 🤣.Fantastic

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Good observation skills!

[@paulajuranga9340]

Muy bonita y completa. Desde Tenerife Islas Canarias ESPAÑA muchas gracias.

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

De nada! Estas bienvenido cuando quieras!

[@pmag3200]

Very super clean nice build...awesome..you should find movable back windows you can open...i found some for my E250...

[@extramedium3920]

I have been looking for one for a while. Any leads?

[@sonjabraun2211]

Nice one🤩

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Thanks 🤗

[@extramedium3920]

I converted my 2006 E-250 and love it. Not sure how you found one with such low miles, but great! Still need to do the overheads cabs on mine, it's kinda tricky.

[@kristopheradams4235]

Excellent build, the van is nice also

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Clever! 🤪

[@kristopheradams4235]

Haha

[@limgoReisenundmehr]

Very nice, thanks 👍

[@MikeAndTheGreatOutdoors]

Nice job!

[@MikeAndTheGreatOutdoors]

ReLly nice!

[@WizzRacing]

Clean, Simple and Smooth.......Legs. And the van as well.....

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Clever 🤪

[@traderryan713]

Nice! I like it.

Buen vídeo 👌 gracias.

[@DJD8RR]

jolie van, bravo ...

[@laurentpfister2388]

Bonjour😃 Tout simplement magnifique félicitations 👍🕊

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Merci!

[@sharpridgehomestead]

beautiful, I just converted an e150 too. First time I've ever done that and i just started putting varnish on the insides last night so I am almost done. It takes a lot more time than people realize lol but it was a lot of fun with a lot of unknown challenges when I started because mine had a factory conversion and they cut a lot of the inner sheetmetal on the walls out in order to do the factory conversion. Made for a fun build to say the least lol

[@alvenatgolden1781]

Nice !How long is the Van?

[@sharpridgehomestead]

@@alvenatgolden1781 mine, according to online data published is overall 212 inches in length. But the usable area from the front seats to the rear door is roughly 6 feet wide and 10 feet long. I just finished the van recently and have a few videos online if you want to have a look. It has a few unique features.

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Isn't it amazing how much time you can sink in your conversion? 🤣

[@sharpridgehomestead]

@@ridewildcampervans9432 you are not joking, I think it was close to 300 hours

[@TravelGrandma]

Love your van build. I'd like to come and see you to discuss an idea I'd like o have done to my van build when I get back to California.

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Hit us up! We're in NorCal.

[@Cantworship2gods]

Nice. I have the same exact van. I just wish the back side was a longer bed. But it still works great for living

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

It's an awesome van for sure!

[@davevaughn7399]

Nice love it

[@marioimaz5585]

I pay more attention on the lady then the conversión van, its perfect.

[@patriciaburr4826]

I saw cooking and bathroom set up. Did I miss a fridge or cooler??? Other that that. Cool..

[@CoachNormanNYC]

Love you design and plan 11111

[@savanashaydensfuntimes3483]

Awesome van, didn’t expect to see so much inside when you opened the door have you thought of installing a swivel passenger seat 💺?

[@ridewildcampervans9432]

Yes! We definitely missed the swivel. We've added one later and it adds so much value to it.

[@peakbagger2014]

Awesome! Simple.