SOLO FEMALE VAN BUILD | Ram ProMaster Custom Build Under 10K
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- After 7 months of learning each skill, putting my patience to the test, and overcoming lots of mistakes, my home is ready to be seen.
Thank you to everyone who watched and cheered me on through this journey. I am excited to share more with you all!
Please consider supporting us on Patreon, every little bit helps!
/ linneaandakela
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We are Linnea and Akela. In May, 2020 I purchased our 2016 Ram ProMaster, Togo, to become our full-time home. With this van build, I am using my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan BY THEMSELVES and ON A BUDGET, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire. And, to GET OUTSIDE!
SUBSCRIBE for van build details, wanderlust travel, and the truth about van life with a big german shepherd!
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela
All I can say is I think you're really got it together girl I hope you have tons of fun with that beautiful dog of yours😊👍✌🐝😎
I did it~ after over a year of day dreaming and researching (which I thought was just a waste of my time Bc as if I would ever actually do it) I bought my van! After spending the last few months fixing the engine, I just dropped 2k on my solar system and am ready to start building it out 🤩
I've got to agree with you on all of your ideas. Building a van yourself makes it so much more enjoyable and appreciated, I know the blood, the splinters, the cuts and bruises that went into building mine and that is just a satisfaction on another level when you sit back and have a brew. Keeping things simple tool, like the electrics is great, I have gone a lot more simple without an invertor or panels as I have so little electrical usage that buying a solar panel is a waste of money right now.
I'm glad to see someone else using the passenger seat as a coat rail too..! I too have a very small van and getting a swivel chair completely changed the space.
You have done a cracking job on the van build, I have only just discovered your channel so I haven't yet seen the build itself so I'll have to get into that as I love a good build series.
A note on your security conversation. Having a German Sheppard with you is a very good addition, when a dangerous situation comes along she will be able to sense and protect.
My German Sheppard Husky has been traveling with me for the past 12 years, though he is the most friendly and loving dog to strangers and friends, on the few occasions when he felt I was in danger he warned me with a low guttural growl and on one very bad occasion he did go into attack mode, and the end of his leash was the only thing saving the bad guy from a few teeth marks. Though the leash did stop Jack from taking a bite out of the prowler, it did frighten the guy enough to send him running down the road and when the police did catch him he admitted that my dog kept him from coming back.
You are awesome and your van turned out incredible. Great job! I don't understand why the locks would be controversial, but it's all good. You do what you need to. It's your life. Happy adventuring!!
Thank you!!
With 62K followers not sure if you will see this message but just wanted to say you did a great job on your build and videos and deserve every single one of those followers. And now including me as a follower. I'm a 60 year old man that's pretty good working with my hands and I must say you taught me a few things. Looking forward to watching all your other videos soon as all I've seen so far is your build series. I just finished binge watching them all. Your an amazing young women and I applaud your tenacity to learn all you did to build such a nice van. The cabinets and drawers were a concearn of mine and you made it look very easy. All Hail the KREG JIG!! Congrats!!
You are literally beaming with pride, as you should be. That's a phenomenal accomplishment. I love that you put extra locks. The build is beyond beautiful, as is the builder. God bless you in your journey in all ways. 🙏💕
Linnea: I began watching UA-cam videos when I bought my Nissan NV2500 a couple of months ago, and am now in the middle of my build. I quickly began to sort out the useful, accurate videos from the ones that are done by people who really don't know what they are doing or talking about. Fortunately there are some great ones here, and I rate yours among the best. It is obvious that you really know your stuff. You are an impressive young woman, and I just wanted to thank you for inspiring and informing me.
Wow. Thank you so much for sharing this with me - completely warmed my heart.
Thank you❤️
I'm a city girl and I think the extra looks are a great idea. When I build my van along with a backup camera and dash cam. I'm going to install others, so I can see what's going on outside my van while I'm inside.
That’s a great idea!
Love your build and particularly love that you did it yourself 👍
Thank you so much :)
Hi Linnea, I just bought my van and I'm starting the floor tomorrow. I'm working from a friends house in FL to avoid the frigid NY weather we are currently experiencing. You were my inspiration to finally do it, so thank you!
Very cool. All the luck.
❤❤❤
I’m going to be taking this journey as well, and I learned early on not to share my goal of vanlife with ANYONE! I found that people are judgmental about the lifestyle, EXCEPT other vanlifers of course 🤭 So build on and hopefully we can share that experience with you if you record it.
Oh also if it’s not to late (I should check your page in case you have documented it) you can find a lot of stuff at thrift stores, I found a 6 pack of brand new, still boxed, puck lights for $15.00!!!
You did a gorgeous job, but truly the best part is how happy you are. ❤️ You are clearly a genuine, kind, and good human. Thanks for sharing the journey. 🙌🏻
I declare. I couldn't have said it any better.
I too am a female solo van builder. It was important for me to do everything so I could know how to fix any issue. I will be using primarily for travel, not living… Rock on sister!
ive watched every single video that you posted and ive been here since the beginning,
an i think that it turned out amazing! and you were the one who made me wanna do the same exact thing.
my dad and i made a deal that when im old enough to do the same hes gonna help me .
I've followed from the beginning...you actually took us from the beginning to the complete end!! What a journey and thanks for sharing. Like I've said before your a Trooper!! Hope to see more of your travels.
Wow, thank you for being along for the ride!
Ive been here since about the beginning and im so happy to see it finished, youve done amazing.
same :)
same :)
What a remarkable young lady you are. This van build is a real accomplishment. I've been watching since the first video and if you can do this, you can pretty much do anything you put your mind to. Enjoy your travels and time in the van.
You did a great job, I am 76 and travel in a small motorhome, I enjoy traveling a lot.
Your outdoor table idea is brilliant.
The outdoor table out the back is amazing
Stealing that.
this is amazing! it's so cool to see such a beautiful van on a reasonable budget.
Omg your an inspiration, frickin awesome. One of my new heroes. I'm building a 24' vintage trailer from scratch and will be my wife and my home when I am done. Thank you for your videos that are actually fun and informative 👍 you rock.
It's beautiful and love this ❤ An outdoor shower and a potty bucket would be all I need for a home . God bless your journey 🕊✌❤
Yes! Thank you!
Thank you so much for all your videos. You have given me the guts to get on with my own build.
You are a great inspiration.🙌
That is amazing! Thank you so much. And I wish you the best of luck with your own build :)
Beautiful shepherd I had a big boy he was about 125lbs but the sweetest boy but so protective of me... I miss him but I wanted he to have a better life he living on a farm now. Life changed for us when I lost my husband...
I am just blown away by 1) the axe hanging next to the coffee cups 😂👍 2) your nobody-ever-told-me-I-couln't-do-it-so-I-did mindset, and 3) your brilliant table in the back. Well those are just 3 of many things that left me in awe. Congratulations!!
My girlfriend Heather and I are building a Promaster 2500 WB 136 van now. We have 2 dogs and we love your build!
The air in / air out cheaper fan thing was super smart
Totally Awesome. I just posted my final Van Build with the same size & make Van. I watched all your videos & found much of the same things in common. However I LOVE that pull out table & how you placed it across the back. I will steal that idea. Right now I’m sitting at Alexander Springs Ocala National Forest with my van watching your video. Hitting the Florida Trail tomorrow. Thanks for all the great videos👍👍. Your an amazing young lady. ✌️
I know most truck stops have showers also. I am also very proud of u, such a inspiration to show that u don't have to be experienced in building to do what u want. Thank u for sharing ur home with us
Wow! That's incredibly impressive! I can't believe you didn't have experience. Well done 👏 💖🚙🇨🇦
Hi Linnea im from the UK, having watched quite a few of your van build blogs,Im most impressed, i enjoy camping caravaning in England I'malso very impressed with the way you've built your van, wish yo all the best john
You have every right to be proud of your home. I live in UK under lock down at moment in my van which I also dearly love. I’ve just discovered you to my joy - good luck both xxx
Thank you so much for this :)
I'm so happy to finally see the finished product! I loved watching your journey so much, and you make me so envious of building your very own home! (: maybe one day I will too
i have seen many solo travellers but , Believe me Linnea - YOU are the BEST ! i just love your videos.. keep it up !
I just watched like 20 of your videos lol, so amazing! Thank you for sharing! I am building out a 159 premaster with no idea what I am doing and your videos have been super helpful!
Brilliant and Beautiful!! Good for You Sister!! Congratulations and Happy Travels!! 😁🙏🏼💜💖🚙💨
Very late to the viewing party, just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this and took away many ideas if I plan to build a van for my retirement years. Thanks for this, both the van and the videos are jobs well done!!
Hi Linnea, I discovered your channel by chance, I am loving your videos, you are very nice, I wish you excellent adventures.
Greetings from Portugal
If you get lazy on cooking days, consider getting Mountain House breakfasts and dinners. Freeze dried that is made with just boiling water.
Also doesn't hurt to have a few on hand for true emergencies.
They have due dates at 2050.
Sold on amazon and walmart.
Biscuits and gravy as really good.
They also have freeze dried ice cream sandwiches.
Thumbs up for Samish leuku (big knife) in the garage! This series have been very helpful, thank you for doing this. Greetings from Lapland!
Best van build series I’ve watched. Thanks for everything and congrats! Also, that axe is 🤩.
So happy to see the finished product! 👏🏾✨
Thank you!!
I Love the axe hanging there...You should be so proud of yourself, you are phenomenal...
Thank you so much :)
You're such a badass! Thank you for sharing your journey with us all! Your hard work will be enjoyed for a long time. You'll be successful in everything you do!
Thank you so much!!
You did such a great job. Truly an inspiration. You’ll have to share your method for locating the spots that you sleep. I too want to keep away from the cities, and be able to soak up all the beauty that this country has to offer!
Absolutely! One of my favorite apps to use is called iOverlander. It is a great way to find free camping in beautiful areas, off the beaten path :)
One of my favorite features of these van builds are the pull out/slide out drawers/tables that really open up the space in the back. Having that access and table from the garage is a feature I’m looking for :) if I ever get to a build that is.
Yeah for sure! It is definitely nice to have :)
I’m still making my way thru your vids, great job! Love the details (incl butter pans). I discovered that jumping in the lake is something one gets acclimated to, start in summer and keep at it!
Linnea thank you for sharing your build. I have watched a lot of van videos but your videos are the reason I got a van. In particular, watching you install the electrical system was the moment when I realized I can do this. Watching you learn and figure out things was so important. I have a 159 silver HR and I am just getting started. I have been waiting for some warmer temps to begin the adhesion of the sound deadening and thinsulate. Thanks again!
Wow, this is so kind of you. Thank you for taking the time to write this! I wish you the best of luck throughout your build. Big hug!
Hello Linnea! I am doing research on camper conversion since I'm buying and building my own soon and I just found your channel! Thanks for the inspiring videos, they are more than helpful to make sense of the huge task at hand!
So love your channel! I am building my van (or planning to) 100% on my own to travel with my two huge Aussies. So I'll have to put some gadgets and setup tricks to maximize space when driving. Like collapsible seating that hangs from walls etc. Love the extra locks and the table that can double as outside. Brilliant. Keep posting! Can't wait to watch.
Wow. I could never have done this. I don't know one end of a wrench from the other end. You are awesome.
OMG I love the foot pump idea!
YAHTZEE!! Great job on all of it!!
Thanks so much!
We love following you! Great video and happy travels! 😊
I am so thankful for you and your videos. I have been watching you and now starting on my own build. Thank you for the work you put into this. Completely inspired ❤️
Doing it yourself teaches you new skills. Allows you to fix any issues that come up. As you know where it's at and how it works.
I still suggest a wireless security camera. You can use your smart phone or tablet as the portable screen.
i have spent the last couple days binge watching your build series and wow, i am so inspired! this was one of the best vanbuilds i’ve ever watched, can’t wait to see all your adventures✨
Wow, thank you so much!
I subscribed after watching you install the security locks and thought it was awesome that you were building your own conversion and taking us along on the journey. It has been a pleasure to watch and learn throughout your journey and your home turned out amazing!
It’s so cool to see the tour, especially after having the inside scoop to how you worked on each section. I wish you many great new memories!
P.S. Can we please have a tour of your brothers conversion, it was pretty cool as well.
Thanks so much! Yes, I think a tour of Noah's build could be something we do in the future :) Thanks for being along for the journey!
I remember when you where barely installing the windows 😭❤️ so proud of you!
I see you Whirley Pop!!! Love that thing!!! Nice build!!💞
You are grouse I love you and your gorgeous dog the van build is excellent you clever girl....
.......cheers from Melbourne take care 🌷👍
Wow supergirl your the 1st solo vanner I've seen that's done everything yourself
It was very fun, informative and just nice to see you create that van. Thanks for the beautiful time watching these! Subscribed for further videos about you two :)
So awesome to see how proud you are! I am in the middle of my van build, installed a bunkwindow today on my own by myself with help from your videos! Keep it up
Sorry to see the end but happy to see the final product. You've taught me so much!
That live edge table ...is pretty sweet
Thank you for letting us share your journey, sad that you have finished but more important super pleased you can now get into van life.
Kind regards Steve
Thank you so much!
How awesome. I didn’t start with your van build but I just finished watching the entire build.
Wow thanks for tagging along!
Impressive to say the least!! Be proud 💞💞💞
you are an amazing lady. the dog is pretty amazing also. thx you for all your work in making these videos available to the idiots like me. i am 79 yo trying to finish or redo a van. not too easy. have to tell you.....husband helped at first.....put 9 holes in the roof screwing up the ceiling in the van. not found until the leakage destroyed the whole ceiling....etc., etc., now i am fussing with myself trying to figure out how i am going to fix several problems of this magnitude......ah, life.
Looks great, Linnea! And thank you for the puck light tutorial. I followed it exactly and it worked perfectly!
That is so amazing to hear!! Great job, I know it isn’t and easy process 😅
Just happened upon this video. Really enjoy your positivity and encouragement!
Thank you so much!
theres a guy who installed a outside-fuel-door-fill for his heater. you should check it out! its just a camper type door fill port. easy to do and pull up to a pump. great build linnea!
Morning 2 U & ur hound dog,
I have enjoyed watching U and ur progress as well ur journey.
Ur funny, bright, adventurous a d cute.
B safe always, perhaps our paths we cross some day & some where.
You really impressed me throughout. Not easy to do. Hope you're REALLY enjoying it now.
i have the same van (except 159"). building it ryt now. 12:44 - also bought a Thetford Curve 565e porta-potty, doesn't smell all. (just put the right amount of chemical and proper water\waste ratio.)
Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it
What a journey it was ..... Love what u are doing.
Very nice! The place is awesome. What matter is that your happy with your work... have a good journey in life
Rock on!! I'm almost done with my promaster. Yes I have done 60% of the build. I'm glad I had carpenter help& pro tutoring for electric wire laying.
I have almost almost given up on my van over the last couple of days. Thank you for inspiring me to keep at it
I am so happy I was able to help a bit :) Good luck with the rest of your adventure!
you are fantastic/enjoyed it
Love your videos. Your a wonderful inspiration and very resourceful. Keep smiling it’s contagious 😀❤️🙏 God Bless
What an inspiration you have been!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantastic job. I think I've seen every video of your build.
I hope u still regular videos even if they just a day in the van life
Wow you go girl. I think you have done a fabulous job considering your experience and tight budget. Well done! I decided to do my own build as well, even though I have a much bigger budget, for the exact reasons you said. You look and you should be extremely proud with a huge sense of accomplishment.
New subscriber here..and I found this to be the most satisfying van build I have ever seen in that you broke down each project and made them easy to understand. I also love your music playlist and wish I knew where to find those songs. I plan to binge watch until I'm all caught up.
Well young lady I got to say it's very impressing of the work that you've done and yes I'm going to take some of your idea one of them is no toilet LOL
Keep up the good work
You should be proud of the van build, wonderful looking van. Your dog is awesome too
Thank you very much!
AMAZING job! My goodness! It looks so comfy - and love the little innovations you created in your build! Honestly... GREAT Job! You are way more HANDY than I am :) I play a mean guitar.. but i'm horrible with power tools! So -- you're a hero in my books LOL ... Happy Trails.
WoW!!! Excellent job.. Enjoy and stay safe. It is truly wonderful and inspiring,, Blessings!!!
I enjoyed your video. I will retire in 3-4 years and I am already planning my van build of a 136 Ram Promaster.
Hi Linnea I think you did a great job ,I love following you on the build,I found yo and instead of just jumping in I started at the beginning from day one
Congratulations on the completion of your build - it's gorgeous and comfy and really custom. The live edge table/bench is an idea I haven't seen before. I love how you weighed what's important for you and dropped all the rest. You've made good choices that will serve you and Akela well on your travels. Great job!
Can I just say, I LOVE how comfortable you are with saying the word "poop". LOL
I also say "poop" alot, but ppl always look at me weird
You did an excellent job. Very cozy. Be happy, have fun 👌🥳🚐
Thanks so much! 😊
Well done love your build you and your puppy be safe God bless you fun travels
You did a beautiful job on the van Linnea. Enjoy your adventures!
Thanks so much!