As long as you’re building, something’s being built

Caza Builds

Van Conversion

Camper Van Conversion: Design & Layout 101

When you build a custom camper, you’re free to dream up all the features, comforts and flair you want. After all, this is your home, built for your needs and to your satisfaction. It’s a lot of work to dream and plan to this degree of detail, but the good news is you don’t need a degree in camper van design to tackle this stage of your van conversion.

Camper Van Conversion: DIY Framing

The frame is the skeletal structure of your van build. Beyond structural design considerations, the biggest factors in determining the outcome of your project will be your approach; mindset, workflow, and degree of effort.

Camper Heat Sources: Mr. Buddy Propane, Diesel Heater, or Wood Stove?

Living off-grid in a camper during the winter requires preparation. The Vanlife Winter series is all about how to keep your rig functional and cozy when it’s frigid outside.

Camper Van Design & Layout Ft. Top 5 Van Life Comforts I Can’t Live Without (link in bio). These taco bowls in the making illustrate two crucial comforts for me; 1. Ability to stand 2. Ability to cook There’s many ways to live in a van down by the river. I had to be able to cook, and not just a can of beans!

Brand new tutorial all about DIY framing! (link in bio) My old and dear friend @mandingo_mike_ helps with the finishing touches. These braces added a ton of structural support, and I can now walk confidently on my roof without fear of it collapsing. It was great brainstorming and working with you buddy.

We wrapped up fire season 2020 on the biggest fire in California history! My heart goes out to all those who have lost something or someone to fire. I’m fortunate and grateful to have gained so much from this experience; Insight into the history and methodology of wildland firefighting. New skills with the chainsaw and other fire suppression tools. Friends and travel and a sense of camaraderie. Huge shoutout to the Billings IA Vet Crew and all the ass we kicked this summer!

Things are heating up for Billings IA. One of the sweetest things about this job is how much we get to travel. So far this summer we’ve worked in Utah, Nevada, South Dakota, and all over Montana. Next up, Washington. And after that we’re headed to Cali!

Excited to say I’ll be working in Montana this summer as a wildland firefighter! Our crew has been training hard in preparation for the fire season. Posts and van build tutorials will be a bit less regular over the next few months, but I’m still trying to work those during off time, so stay tuned😘

Blodgett Canyon & Holland Lake. A couple trails well worth exploring just a little ways outside Missoula. Big Sky Country got me at a loss for words!

Home gym, keep after it! COVID-19 is no joke, let’s stay strong and squash this menace (to be clear, clean hands & a mask in places like the grocery store are also great ideas to keep you, and all of us, fit af) Mankind ain’t goin out like a sucka! What’s your fitness routine look like now that all the gyms are shut down??

Want to learn about staying warm in a van through the winter? We compare the pros and not-so-pros of these three heat sources (swipe➡️). Check out link in bio for an in-depth breakdown🔥

Can you spot the van? I’ll give you a hint...

“Smile for the camera pal” - Very blessed to be able to explore this incredible state w/ John & @lexmostly

The latest: How much solar do you need?

Find out with our free solar energy audit calculator!

Van Conversion

Originally I intended on finding a sprinter to convert into my mobile home, but after much research and debate, a step van seemed better suited to my needs.

Learn more about how I’ve been converting a Freightliner MT45 into my off-grid boondocking rig over on the blog and Instagram, or holler at me for your solar set-up at RV Solar Connections.

Van tour with seven wanders the world

Ready to go solar? Visit us at RV Solar Connections