Ultimate Stealth Mini Van Camper

Marshall likes the stealth aspect of the minivan because it blends in with any other vehicles parked on the streets. The Van contains everything he needs while also being easily removable if he ever wanted to transform his home back into a minivan.
This is a well thought out build that utilizes the small space of a minivan really well. I was very impressed with how it functions and I'm excited to share this with you. What do you think of Marshall's Van?
Are you interested in Vanlife?? If so, check out @Mellow Nomadic Adventures and see how he built this functional Van!
• Mini Tour of Our Miniv...

[@pageroo9644]

By far the best stealth van build! 👏👏

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I agree 💯% ! Thanks for watching!

[@sorted.1235]

I can't even count how many mini van build vids I've seen, and I've also spent waaaaaay too much time on the road in a variety of vans, and I will easily say that this is SPECTACULAR. Right on, Marshall. Stay safe, have fun!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Awesome! Thanks 😊

[@BoxVanDee]

Marshall did a great job on his build. He always looks very comfortable when he is in it. He kept it stealthy so no one can tell it is a camper from the outside. The kitchen in the back is great!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes it’s super stealthy! Thanks Dee!

[@TheAmericanWanderer]

great interview... one suggestion for marshal... put the electric blanket under the bottom sheet... remember Heat rises.... I like the van

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Good suggestion JT! Thanks

[@rvingkeepitrolling8797]

Wow this guy went all out on this Van the set up best I've seen for a small Van. He could do this for work for other vanners and make some extra $$$.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes he’s very good it this! Thanks for watching!

[@beckyallen3195]

This was a great tour. You have the experience to ask good questions about the build; and Marshall has put a lot of quality work into his van. Thank you.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Becky!

[@maverickciao]

One of the best van tour that I have seen. Feels real and not excessive. Definitely feels cozy 👍

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks so much. Marshall’s build is one of the best Minivan builds I’ve seen.

[@seeouRView]

Marshall made his van cozy and comfortable as well as functional. Wow, nice ICECO refrigerator cooler! "MODEL No N6FA..." Very Cool! 👍 We have downsized quite a bit but it is still hard to wrap my head around "everything has its place" but in a van you sure better be able to do so and Marshal has done an amazing job of it! Thanks for sharing, Steve. ~ Tim

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes he’s got it down to a science for sure! Thanks guys!

[@JRZGRL55]

Awesome build! I would totally pay Marshall to build a minivan out for me. Thanks for the video!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

He would do a great job! @Mellow Nomadic Adventures

[@LadyBugout]

Nice tour of Marshall’s van!!!💪🏼🤗😎

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Dee!

[@jimmybonifacio6734]

Thanks for sharing! "ACTUAL" used and lived-in vans are the real deal!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Jimmy! I agree 💯%

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Hey Steve! So cool to see you and Marshall hanging out!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

He is easy to hang with and a great guy. Thanks Karen.

[@LivingtheSilverLife]

He did a great job organizing it to get the best bang for his buck for space.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

He certainly did. One of the best van builds I’ve seen!

[@vanlifewithGinaPayne]

Love the tour guys!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks for stopping by Gina!

[@johnsulliban1589]

I've seen many stealth vans . Love this one

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks John. I think so too! Marshall is a pro when it comes to building these. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bonnieboyle2030]

Best mini van I have seen. Enjoy your life and stay safe and well.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you Bonnie!

[@FindingMyMuse]

Love Marshall’s vanbuild…very smart and super functional! 🤗🤗🤗

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes - It’s one of the best Ive seen out there! Thanks for watching!

[@tracioceanfire7773]

Very nice tour, Marshall did a great job! Well thought out, nice colors.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes - he thought of everything and the color scheme is nice! Thanks Traci!

[@shuim_koreawalks3535]

So nice Ven camping car~~👍22

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you very much!

[@Fit4Expedition]

Very thorough tour of Marshall's van. Keep putting out the good stuff Steve! 💪🤠🚚👍

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Greg - The tour of your rig will be posted next Saturday.

[@Fit4Expedition]

@@DesertAdventuresinArizona Awesome!

[@michelle7352]

I've watched Marshall's channel before and seen how detailed he is. Maybe in my next life I can be that way. But in THIS life my motto is, "It's good enough". I had to let go of "pretty" and assemble quickly when I thought I was going to have to move in full time. Since then I modify, but I could certainly use more detail work and prettyfication. This was a great tour!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes, I think Marshall had time to plan, develop and build his Van before he left his sticks and bricks. I think most people jump in and build as they go while full time. Appreciate your comments and thanks for watching Michelle!

[@ReneaDooserider]

Love that secretary desk camping chuckbox for cooking. Also love blade runner. Great video thanks for sharing hey Marcia. 💙🦋💕

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you for watching!

[@menofairy]

Great job

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks so much 😊

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Nice van tour Steve!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Tim!

[@heathergrace7434]

I really like the frame around the front cab. A brilliant set up, I will be making my window covers more dense after seeing your work.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Happy to hear you got some new ideas Heather.

[@WhoaNellieRVAdventures]

Yep, Marshall has a pretty epic build in his mini van. Glad to see it again.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Lucy!

[@CBAmakingAusername]

It looks great, and so neat

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you for watching!

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

His kitchen is exceptional 👋🏼🇨🇦

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yup - It is well done! Thanks Karen.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Thank you Karen! 🙏Your videos about Canadian prairie life are exceptional as well my friend! 🙌

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Thank you Marshall!

[@steveedward7572]

Nice stealthy van

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@Rabswood296]

Love the bureau style cooking unit at the back. I might steal that idea for my mini van.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Michelle! Marshal did a great job didn’t he! Steve

[@HappyPlaceCamping]

He really has done an amazing job with the space. I know how touch it can be to cram everything you need in a small area. Lots of organization and thought go into the process lol. Marshall is a great guy too. We got to meet him last year. Great video, Steve.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Felix - Yes he’s a great guys and did a great job on his build!

[@yada-yadadragon1947]

I like this set up, including your own personal Easter egg on your kitchen. Did miss were you do your business and shower/bathe. Tweaks I would do: 1. Move the electric blanket under the sleeping bag, it would add a little bit more cushion and be more efficient heat wise since you wouldn't be losing heat off the top. 2. Cut a section of the floor out where your feet were sitting in the beginning for a more comfortable placement of your feet. The few things you have under that piece of floor could fit under the cooler. Safe travels.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

All great ideas! Check out @Mellow Nomadic Adventures. He has videos on his build and might have answers to your questions. Otherwise - I think he uses a bucket, sponge bathes and/or gym membership.

[@yada-yadadragon1947]

@@DesertAdventuresinArizona Thanks, I'll check it out.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

I use Planet Fitness for showers and I have a bucket with a seat and use bag method for #2. Great question! ✌️ Please watch layering on top of electric blankets. It seems logical, however manufacturers warn against this time and time again to prevent overheating of your electric blanket. Be sure to read all warnings and precautions before operating your electric blanket. Personally I’m not missing any floor space. I am only 5’ 8” though. That suggestion would make sense for someone taller for sure! Great insights, don’t stop thinking of ways to improve!

[@yada-yadadragon1947]

@@MellowNomadicAdventures To my short self (5.5') you're pretty tall. I do keep my electric blanket under my fitted sheet on my bed. I do not just leave it on for the time to run out. I only need it on for 2 to 5 minutes then I turn it off since I'm only using it to take the chill off and don't sleep with it on, ever. That way I use less electric. Been doing it that way for more than 10 years with the same blanket. Just thought it may have been a way for you to save on battery life. Keep doing you. Stay safe.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

@@yada-yadadragon1947 😂 Sounds like you have a great system and blanket that works for you! So glad to hear that. For those reading this thread, just be aware not all electric blankets are created the same. I rarely use mine however, it is nice to have and knock the chill off. 💪Great to have this discussion as that’s how we all learn. Are you in a minivan also? Safe travels ✌️

[@DestinationsDelight]

Amazing build a great guys as well What a great Tour of the van.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes I think Marshall’s build is one of the best!

[@Debrajoy]

Nice setup! 💜

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes it is! Marshall did a great job. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@carolynfairley8550]

Love how you converted your van. Looks like one of the best makeovers for the kitchen and cooking. It gives me hope that I can do this.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

You CAN do this Carolyn! 👍 Thank you so much for watching!

[@onlocationwithscott]

Marshall did a good job on that van. Very stealth!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes he did! One of the best I’ve seen!

[@lorrainenicoletti6232]

Thank you both. Love your Van kitchen in the back love the green wood design and angled wood pull down table. Talent thought out.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you so much!

[@VanessaMallia]

Might want to put the warming blanket under the sleeping bag ☺️. It traps the heat under the covers.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Good idea - thanks for watching!

[@joefarrugia7413]

Instead of the man who owns the minivan looking at and talking about his 5-layer window blackout curtains, WE, the viewer (d’oh!) should be getting a close look at them. How could you not give the audience a good, long look? 5-layer is unique! We would like a close look. Volume is good, unlike many interviews, sadly. Lighting is pretty good, unlike too many others. Good job. Glad YOU shot the video. So many shoot their own and it rarely works out good.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Good points - Mellow Nomadic Adventures Channel has a complete list of videos on his build including his window coverings. As far as the sound goes - I bought a double mic set that worked well for this tour. Thanks for watching!

[@bluskyodyssey]

Hi Steve, nice tour of that stealthy van. Marshall did a great job converting that minivan into a camping machine :) He gave some good tips too. The rope and lights make it homey. I am amazed how people make use of every square inch of space in these build outs. The outdoor kitchen is well designed too. And so cool that he has a piece of a movie set he built in there. Thanks for the tour and hope all is well with you and yours. Debbie - BluWave Odyssey

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Debbie! I think Marshall have one of the stuff builds out there on the road.

[@myljiyanah5493]

Love the simplicity of it and very functional 😍🌸💕💖

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you! Glad you like it!

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

This has to be the best thought out Dodge Camper layout. I love the kitchen setup, for anyone that doesn't have the building skills that could easily be replicated by using an old writing bureau (do you have those in the US or is that a UK thing?)

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

We do have all kinds of writing desks in the US, but finding just the right size is the challenge when building a van.

[@KampingKatie]

Marshall has a great rig and is a super talented guy. Excellent tour, thank you.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Katie! I agree.

[@notaennebodie531]

I like the storage under the floor, I too have a mini van and may look into that idea for some more storage yet leaving floor space for the dog. a thumbs up and will check out your channel :)

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes the under floor storage is a great idea. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@teresitap5778]

Great rig, so compact but effective.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes he did a great job! Thanks for watching!

[@OmOnWheels]

Great build and tour. Love all the use of snaps throughout the rig.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes the snaps work well. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lynnej.9357]

Well-done video of a great van build! Thanks!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks for checking it out! Marshall did a great job on his build!

[@Drmikekuna]

What a wonderful van build. Such an eye to detail...no surprise that he is a set designer! My hats off to Marshall.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you Mike! Yes, Marshall is one of the Best! Steve

[@ruthgard8390]

Very impressive Marshall! Thanks for sharing.

[@ScottOstr]

Love this van build ♥️ This is what my future EV van to basically look like but replace the stove with a microwave. Maybe add storage roof box and a ton more solar. 🤔 You figure solar panels on top of vehicles will be extremely common in the future. ☀️🔋

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes many builders are including solar and that will increase. If you put the microwave in you’ll need enough battery and solar to run it. The smallest microwave I’ve seen is 900 watts.

[@ScottOstr]

@@DesertAdventuresinArizona I'm assuming an all electric van would have a 110v plug 😉 If I went vanlife today, I would go with a hybrid with a large inverter. Of course, a hybrid van would be expensive. 💰

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes it would be expensive for sure!

[@hunddahunny8442]

Very nice and neat

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

i think so too! Thanks for watching!

[@keahithefieryone8513]

Like how he thought of everything, great job!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes he did! He also builds movie sets for movies.

[@barbarapadgett5538]

Great van build, very neatly done!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I thought so too - Glad I could bring it to you to see. Thank you!

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

I have that same van!! LOVE this cool build!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Awesome Lisa! These are great vehicles huh! Thanks for watching!

[@Bernimv]

Luv the well thought out build

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes, one of the best!

[@Seashellsbytheseashore21]

This man is meticulous! Looks awesome!!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@RVingwithG]

Great tour. I could ONLY WISH I could live that small...

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

It’s certainly a challenge down sizing! Thanks for watching G!

[@cindybell3694]

I just started doing that with a pillow, it does make a great difference!

[@stevewoods8116]

That's a great rig!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I agree! 👍 Marshall did a great job building it!

[@pgpluss1076]

Playing cards are always essential. I've packed 2 decks.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Good job. Some games require 2 decks!

[@angelaratzay9034]

This is very well done. Clever work. Great.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Angela!

[@MissEmmyluv]

Great build love the kitchen in back love it !

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Barbara!

[@dawnmiller5263]

Really enjoyed what your build means to you... Great job! I think the guy interviewing you thinks he knows everything!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks for watching

[@Darrick.DamitaJoBoy]

Excellent build! Love what he's done.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes - one of the best out there! Thanks for watching!

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Thank you so much! I just built to fit my needs and so far so good! 😊

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

Loved the tour. Thank you !!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@VanVida]

Fantastic tour with a lot of great ideas

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yup for sure! Thanks 😊 Paula

[@richardb4787]

I center many rechargeable items around usb: usb rechargeable phone, usb rechargeable lamp, usb rechargeable smart watch. I have a folding solar panel with usb output.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes Richard - I’ve also replaced older battery operated with USB charged devices. I believe Marshals @Mellow Nomadic Adventures water pump is USB charged as well. Love how technology advances make our life so much easier. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Great way to do it Richard! And you’re right Steve, the water pump is usb rechargeable. Along with a spotlight flashlight, power bank, fan, work lights and desk lamp. Super handy to have the USB recharge options. 😊

[@bambihargrove6499]

Wow, great build 👏 👌 👍

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Bambi! Glad you enjoyed it

[@RVAshsinApril]

That is such a great build! It looks very comfortable.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes- Marshall did a great job on it!

[@angelaratzay9034]

Beautiful so efficient.wish you lived near me. Attention to detail wonderful .

[@milomilano7679]

Well done!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank You!

[@bugsea54]

Nice job!

[@AvaPotterfieldandFriends]

Great tour!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@vanlifebiker]

Cool van. 😎👍

[@jannswoodbox]

Sounds like you borrowed my window shade / black out concept. I have not been able to join the community as of yet. I do like keeping an eye on your concepts. Stay safe

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Great minds think alike right? Thanks for watching!

[@busbyadventures]

Very cool build

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I think so too! Thanks 😊

[@hv1946FLUSA]

Very nice build. Enjoyed your video.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you 😊

[@plutoplatters]

I would have an 8x8 piece of carpet that could be used as a " porch " .

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Great idea. Thanks for watching!

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Hi @plutoplatters 🤗 That’s on my wishlist! Also looking at adding an awning! Thanks for checking out my build! -Marshall 🎸

[@marylouschubert2974]

Very nice video and great info. He did a really nice build !!!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I believe his is one of the Best! Thanks Mary Lou!

[@GilbertNichols]

Cool layout. Thanks for the tour. I'm a new sub from Orange Park, FL.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Gilbert! Marshall is the expert on these mini van builds. Appreciate the Sub!

[@andreawooten-mckinnon2982]

I really like this very much

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I'm glad you liked this - Thanks for watching!

[@c-historia]

wonderful video 🙌 well done

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thank you very much!

[@c-historia]

@@DesertAdventuresinArizona have a nice day 👍

[@ArtsyLadyCrafter]

Yes, this man is organized and neat! But then, what else could we expect from a set designer? I got some ideas. Thanks.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Glad you enjoyed watching! Thanks 😊

[@alallen2767]

great ideas

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@patrickjobling8676]

Excellent mr Marshall..😁pip pips

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@kennethwilson8633]

Nice van noticed you have a Colman gasoline stove does it make the van smell like gasoline? Have fun traveling and stay safe.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

I think so - but hopefully Marshall will jump in here and comment. @Mellow Nomadic Adventures

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Hi Kenneth! Great question, I have not used gasoline in this dual-fuel stove although it certainly is a possibility. I use MSR Super Fuel White Gas and the tank keeps all the smells inside when not in use. Also the can of white fuel itself has an additional rubber lid that helps seal in any odors. Thanks for the question!

[@clarebrant5305]

super build. top.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@sewgatormomm]

What an amazing and well thought out build. He is such a talented man. If he’s going to use the word “homage”, he needs to learn how to pronounce it correctly, though.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes Marshall builds movie sets and is very good at Van builds too! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jojo9820]

I love it

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks so much!

[@maureenblutekraus3561]

Buddha supervisors the cooking ❤

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes - I think so! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Ha! You’re right! Thanks for watching Maureen!

[@DrewMilesAway207]

Have u begun being a full time road warrier yet? Love your build

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks Drew! Marshall is currently part time but has traveled and lived in his Van for months at a time.

[@DrewMilesAway207]

Solo 59 yr Old Male VanDweller here, living in New England. Your videos are educational and inspiring. Thank you for sharing the realities, tips, tricks and hints.

[@RVingwithG]

Welcome to full time.

[@angelaratzay9034]

Put a mike on the van owner. He is interesting.great rig.

[@MsRotorwings]

Never knock on a Nomad’s Van. That is not proper etiquette. It can be very startling for the nomad inside. The 12v blanket need to be underneath another blanket or underneath you in order to retain the heat.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Normally that is true. We set up this script and recording ahead of time so he was waiting. Appreciate the comment!

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Beware of placing an electric blanket underneath other blankets as it increases the chances of overheating the blanket and rendering it just a regular blanket. While heat does rise, most electric blanket manufacturers recommend to NOT place an electric blanket under other blankets! Great comment MsRotorwings! Thanks for watching!

[@valerief1231]

@@MellowNomadicAdventures I’m glad you said this, I’ve been keeping my electric blanket under another blanket, I now know why my last one stopped working after a few months, great tip!

[@emmarentiad]

Cool

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks 😊

[@bluedog4619]

Question about your green kitchen galley in back. Do you have a template on how you made that? I’d love to have one.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Hello Blue Dog! I believe Marshall custom made the galley to fit that space. He is very good at custom work and actually builds sets for movies. @Mellow Nomadic Adventures

[@freeport36]

I'm confused. You have to open the rear door to cook and to get to all of that stuff back there. Plus, when it rains, you'll need to go to the drive thru...

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Yes- Open the back door and stand under it if its lightly raining. Marshall can also cook inside.

[@DisabledNomads]

Priss. If you know, you know.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@karenfranz7262]

👍👍👍👍

[@magomago7819]

What are the holes on the platform for?

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Not sure specifically, but maybe Marshall will jump in here and tell us. @Mellow Nomadic Adventures Holes are usually put in for access to storage areas and/or to save some weight. Thanks so much for watching!

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Hi Mago! The holes in the bed platform are likely overkill, however their true purpose is to allow some air circulation under the mattress so that mold won’t grow. I used a stain blocker paint/primer on the bed platform so I probably didn’t need the holes. Great question!

[@magomago7819]

@@MellowNomadicAdventures Thank you so much for responding and it makes sense now. I always hear about the moisture that is created inside the camping vehicles and the need for air circulation.