The perfect van conversion with collapsable bed and kitchen area!

This is a build-out I did on my friends Chevy Express Van. He wanted to have an area in the back that doubled as a bed/board storage box for multiple surf and snowboards. But was able to extend out and turn into a pretty much full-size bed which is 4ft wide and 7ft long. He also wanted some sort of cabinet with a countertop on the right to be able to cook or work on top of. From those ideas I was able to come up with this design that works perfectly for all his needs! The seat in the front is stock and removable if needed to create more room for a longer trip or moving anything!
If you are wondering what everything is covered in, it's a carpet material. Here is a video explaining what it is, how to get it, and how to attach it: • Lets talk van conversi...
Behind the build video: • Chevy Express Van Conv...
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ABOUT ME I grew up in a cabinet shop and was born to be a woodworker. In the past few years when work slowed in the custom cabinet industry, I converted a few friends Vans and SUV's so they had more storage for adventuring, work, or just the weekend beach getaway. Before I knew it I had my own business making people's ideas come to life. I design and build all kinds of custom woodwork and vehicles here at my shop in Huntington Beach, California! Please email me [e-mail] for more information.

[@davethesignguy4414]

Little tip if I may. Rub a candle on the parts of the drawers that are making contact when you open and close them. This will reduce the friction and make them work far better!

[@SolidWoodWorx]

I dont want to make it easier, because then the drawer will fly open and it contents will be all over the van any turns or bump he hits. Yes if this drawer was in a house that would be the case!

[@yonglaihuang]

This format is the best I have seen . You can sleep and sit in the bed . Much more freedom

[@raysills]

Very nice build. Not overly complex, but extremely functional and versatile.

[@SolidWoodWorx]

Thanks I appreciate that is what we were going for!

[@nadster76]

I'm building a bed tomorrow in the van and I had no idea what I was going to do, this is by far the best simple genius bed build I have seen and I'm doing tomorrow, you have saved my life dude 👍😀

[@Cantworship2gods]

Where you live ?

[@sikantis61]

Making a functional kitchen is the biggest challenge inside a van. One day I'll hit upon the perfect combo.

[@mariocooke5463]

you have so many things right. this is a smart, and economical conversion. it is practical, and doesn't come off as a luxury camper that thieves might want to break into. Congratulations, man. Your design is well proven and tested,

[@dirbab]

I've watched countless videos of different van setups and this is one of the cleanest builds I've seen yet. Really smart design and your craftsmanship is top-notch!

[@mrlepercon]

Someone says that on every vanlife video haha

[@grimuk3817]

@@mrlepercon Literally every time. And 99 times out of 100 its blatantly untrue. As with _this_ van.

[@johnsiu7217]

This came out great. One of the most practical builds I’ve seen.

[@georgepep1824]

I have to admit that is one the better looking camper/vans i have seen, great work

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Looks good. Build a small shelf or cleat system under the bed platform so you can slide the other flat piece in and out. This way you can store and use it no matter how much stuff you have in there.

[@selwyntracey3871]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@H.pylori]

Nice minimalist build. Just what I am looking for. Basically a place to sleep inside the vehicle an to store my camping gear. Wish you were in my neighborhood, you would have a new order now. Thanks for showing us your craftsmanship. Good luck!

[@bernicebrandes1610]

... “that’s what she said” Nice build. The 3-way drawer 👌🏼

[@tamaraweber3296]

Really like the build. The sleeping area and the hidden cubbies are great. Very neat, plenty of storage.

[@frybry01]

I like how you did the bed but, the piece you took out, could've easily been hinged and serve as the back to lean on of the bench and you wouldn't have to worry about putting away when there's already stuff stored under it.

[@logandavis2550]

that's sweet dude! when I first saw the bed taking up the whole back I thought that was dumb until you took that small price off and moved the bed, that's awesome man

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great looking van camper

[@doops920]

I have the same van and want to set it up like this because I have 3 kids under age 5 , so I need to leave at least the front bench seat , for getting them around As it is now each kid has there own row! Lol they love the van !!

[@michaeljung4398]

simple and sensible design, clean and functional carpentry. excellent.

[@toxichammertoe8696]

Great job.. Simplicity is key! A lot of people put sinks, toilets and closets in their vans and it's just too much, they roundup looking cluttered. The collapsible bed is awesome!!

[@Sig721Tau]

This dude is very talented. Too bad that he can't do my Van due to living in another state. Great wood work.

[@UnstoppableTramp]

Nice carpentry. When you did the little trick with the pull out storage, where it levers toward you and you pull it out too, I was thinking some black magic was at play. Turns out it detaches completely. Nice idea

[@SolidWoodWorx]

+Unstoppable Tramp thank you! Yes that was a little trick I got from a weekend warrior toy hauler trailer my family has!

[@ramolev]

Wow...functional, practical and I’m thinking economical. So far, the best minimalist set-up I’ve seen.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Great design! This is exactly what I’m thinking would work well for our family adventures. Would love to see more about how he uses it and hear about how the design functions for him. Great work as always Brian! -Mike

[@SolidWoodWorx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKi3op6If7d9rtk chexk this video its a follow up

[@danesworld]

It's huge ,tons on space🚀

[@prestonrenify]

Sweet!. Like retention of 2nd seat, and creation of easy conversion from daybed to sleeping mode. Plus can crash on daybed if more suitable. For my needs, I'd probably rob 2nd seat space to add more storage and enable more options for independent van life. Great job!

[@jimjohns6046]

Last summer I took out my bed added Coleman folding cot and chair with small end table giving me much more head room.

[@monkeynumbernine]

Very nice! I just got a Ford e350 super duty cargo van... I haven't done anything to except change the front tires and license it, which involved reclassifying it for non-commercial use.. I have a lot of materials I need for the build, and I am so excited about it!!

[@justrandomstuff3859]

monkeynumber nine did you build it?

[@lenaheller5789]

OKAY, YOUR BUILD IS THE BOMB, YES, BUT FOR ME I WOULD LIKE FOR WHERE YOU HAVE THE STORAGE PUT A FOOT PUMP SINK THERE LIKE 13 INCHES WIDE, AND ANOTHER 24 INCHES WIDE FOR A CLEAN WATER TANK, AND ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SINK, A SMALL TABLE PLATFORM THAT LETS UP AND DOWN TO COOK ON WITH A PROPANE OR BROTANE ONE BURNER COOK TOP.

[@Spintechfilms]

Ill give you an "A" for simplicity for sure

[@clovelly1946]

The best most sensible fit out...

[@slamboy66]

On the pull out hamper/storage bin you could spin it 180 and have a open air pull out.

[@SolidWoodWorx]

Ya imagine so.

[@nurseflora21]

Love your build, very neat and I think for me it's perfect! 😀🤩

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

Very talented young man. He'll always have a job. Period 👍

[@lindylund280]

Nice. The countertop turned out especially nice.

[@davefletch3063]

Very nice build. Looks very professional

[@kiwivanman9035]

Kiwi Vanman 1 second ago Hi from all us vanners in New Zealand, Nice van well done, safe travels, William

[@SolidWoodWorx]

Email me [e-mail] i have a question for ya

[@Exxeron-ob3tv]

Beautiful work.

[@jasonsmith6408]

I put that same floor in my 1990 Safari Serengeti class A.

[@SolidWoodWorx]

Good shit huh

[@xanderlander8989]

I'm digging this setup, pretty simple, good use of space, doesn't even block the windows. I dislike split mattresses because I end up in the crack, but with wood on either side I think it would be held together just fine.

[@steveg2509]

Really nice job on your conversion.

[@socaloutdoors7355]

i like how he left a row of seats in...

[@SolidWoodWorx]

+SoCal Outdoors73 yup its very handy with going on day surf trips and pretty easy to remove the seat for more room on longer trips or moving large items

[@nayashams6845]

Good job. Clean. Nice finishing touches. God bless you.

[@jackodell720]

Sweet​ job. Nice work and I really like the simplicity.

[@jmpmusva]

super clean design and execution.

[@gwho]

Very clean and good craftsmanship

[@gianttravelsbyvan9670]

I like the slat bed designs, but that board won't stow as easily once that storage area below gets filled in real world usage. I like the alternative that a board like that becomes the back rest when seated. The hamper "drawer" needs to be fastened in place to not slide around or bang back and forth on potholes. Also, having that much counter top space isn't too practical, since nothing can go there when driving. Better to have more storage and just a small counter area about 24" long. But, overall well crafted.

[@thomv2118]

That looks totally great and professional. Thanks.

[@GrizzWorks]

Very well executed, from layout to the craftsmanship! Nicely done sir!

[@nosnerd1967]

Exactly how I would do mine . Well done !

[@jenocean824]

Absolutely beautifully done! Well thought out in every detail!

[@ericsgranny8933]

Wow! This is excellent multi purpose vehicle!

[@refugiopoint]

guy's a stud, really nice

[@chasestratus9646]

Excellently built, I been looking into doing this my self and still making it function, but will definitely have to have a tv, and all the other stuff i need to make the trip more comfortable. overall, its perfect and neat. i esp love that you have the back seats in as well.

[@normnilsson7208]

SANO !!! thats what Im interested in doing to my truck build, maybe with a sink, excellent work !

[@AGilbert_81]

Looks real good man. Really like the full bed arrangement.

[@JLaurieRobinson]

You did a great job on that van!

[@RM-pq7vx]

Love the work you've done. Thanks for sharing. Good luck in your travels.

[@pterodactylptroll]

Nice work! I like the various storage spaces you worked into the build.

[@nicholebinz3204]

Very nice setup

[@seamars86]

Super clean and really well done. Saving this one for the remodel down the road! Great job man!

[@victorperez213]

Great design for work and play 👍🏽

[@starringchristopher]

allright great design!....i'll be "remodeling" my van this summer and probably do something very similar! thank you! ......c

[@nhlibra]

Very nice, very creative. I love the countertop and the 3 woods combined. :)

[@SolidWoodWorx]

+nh libra thank you very Mich I thought it would look nice to add some color and "real wood" amongst the ply and carpet haha

[@barretscott2191]

Frickin awesome. Has to be my favorite build I've found on KZbin so far. Cheers man, thanks for the great ideas!

[@odiesclips7621]

Very nice work!

[@wildmongoose7037]

Nice and creative.

[@tyee4u]

Nice work. I need a neighbour like you dude 😎

[@xenedraabourque1393]

I love the build!

[@mattmcmillan8920]

Now that looked real good.

[@D_Cali_Life]

Been watching all your videos and. Just realized your in southern CA too ! I need to have you work on my van.

[@SundryGirl]

Great job really really nice and layout is simple and gorgeous. I just bought a 97 Ford E-150 for under 2 Gs I want to revolve it around a cubic mini wood stove. The mileage is great I'm about a hundred and forty and you can get 300 out of those easily with basic maintenance. The back already had some wood insulated so someone started it for me looks like I'm going to finish it. Thanks for some great ideas and best of luck you have a very profitable Channel I will watch for sure peace and blessings from Jen and Chihuahua Javier 🙋🏻‍♀️🐕🚐

[@Jeep-Addicts]

Great work and very well designed. Great use of all the space!!!!

[@nosnerd1967]

It’s perfect for what I would do . Cool . Great work

[@evazkee7246]

Nice. Simple. Sweet.

[@OverlandCommand]

That is some outstanding work

[@johnnyringo6533]

Very nice Brian. I am very proud of you and think you are on to something. Good luck buddy!

[@SolidWoodWorx]

Thanks Mr. Ringo ;)

[@Newbeginnings4TyGrr]

@@SolidWoodWorx where are u locates n how much for Nissan conversion please?

[@Newbeginnings4TyGrr]

@@SolidWoodWorx also what is your website

[@Ren69359]

By far the best conversion I’ve seen yet and I’ve been watching a lot of van conversion vids lol well done!

[@PatsTreasuresNCrafts]

Very nice!

[@Coe1303]

Great build. Love the secret compartment.

[@VinVlogger]

This looks very nice! Very well done!

[@racrx7]

Pretty well laid out and functional 👍🏻

[@chrisperret8945]

Hey Brian! what's uppp? i just found your channel. There are quite a lot of Van build channels now. This one is the best by far. I look forward to watching and learning from your builds !

[@SolidWoodWorx]

+Chris Perret thank very much man. I am trying to be more in depth with explaining why and how I did certain things. There will be a lot more videos of different vans as well!

[@LaDayna04]

Very nicely done.

[@johnbergholm]

You do excellent work. Thanks for sharing.

[@annafernando6816]

Clever build!

[@Gypsymommarose347]

Wow very nice!

[@vantasticlifestyle5776]

Very nice. Love all of your work. You should try making one of those beautiful counters Lift Top with a hidden stove under it just like the Volkswagens

[@philipwolf1556]

you are really top notch, great ideas

[@MurphyArtPrints]

Nice. This gives me some ideas for my own build.

[@SolidWoodWorx]

+Sean Murphy thanks man, There will be more to come!

[@DollarStrawz]

THATS SICK

[@NoName-ur5yg]

Very cool design that’s an amazing camper van

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Nice build.

[@SummeRulz]

Very nice. My next best van will be a cargo van with half slider screened windows cut into sides for ventilation and a dc power outlet for dvd's and a small fan for sleeping at night and resting where it's hot. The area just inside the two side doors keeps a bicycle perfect and some racks up top for more storage. A thermarest on the floor is perfect I think. A man would buy that alright. Paint??

[@SolidWoodWorx]

+Reed Bailey what about paint?

[@SummeRulz]

I got excited, sorry. Those white Chevy Vans you know. Thanks for what you do. I have your gmail. Later

[@benjaminrush4443]

Nice & Simple.

[@cmonster6]

Beautiful work brother

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

Very nice I love it

[@Chieflywaze]

Fantastic job. Kudos!

[@BushRat253]

That is an awesome set up!

[@capeman10]

Great job and a very nice share

[@terradoes]

Love this may be the best I have seen so simple!😍