A simple(r) vanlife build for a Chevy Express van
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Because we use our tow vehicle -- a 2022 Chevy Express 3500 -- as our weekend getaway for vanlife, we were looking for a way to get our bed off the floor and increase the storage options.
We aren't looking to live in this for long stretches, so we didn't need to do a full #vanlife build. But after spending the summer in Utah using this van as our camper nearly every weekend, we did find the need to tweak our setup a bit.
You can see how we set the van up for our 2023 summer adventures here: • A tour of our van camp...
Our full Utah playlist is available here: • Utah
Our supply list for this build:
2 4x8 sheets of sanded plywood cut to 73 inches and 75 inches. (When building inside the Chevy Express, note that the van gets narrow by a fewer inches as you move from the midpoint to the rear doors.)
6 8-foot 2x3 beams. You can also use 2x4s, but the 2x3s offered us enough weight capacity while reducing the footprint of the frames a bit.
1 110-piece box of #9 2-inch multipurpose screws. (GRK Fasteners with a star-drive head were recommended and they worked great.) We didn't use all the screws, but with this size package we had plenty to spare and have extras should we need them to add or replace later.
#hikecampgo
Looking great! You've got some wonderful ideas. Very practical. Sure was fun meeting you both last summer too.
That was our goal: practical but simple enough to not be overwhelming. Thanks for watching!
Awesome van! Great build. Thanks for stopping by Graff for service! 🏕️
Thanks! Graff always does good work. We love the inspection videos. That's an awesome service. 😀
Hi from fellow MAC members in the TC area. We also tow our 25ft airstream with a van, GMC Savana 2500 passenger van that has no mods yet to make more efficient use of the space. You have some great ideas!
Hello! Jessi has family in TC so we try to get there whenever we're back in Michigan.
The van set up has worked great for us. We have changed out the mattress pad a few times but finally found one that works well.
Otherwise, our mods have stayed the same. Of course, I keep moving things around for different storage arrangements, but we do that in the Airstream, as well. I think that's a never-ending effort. LOL.
Thanks for watching! -Ari
Thank You. Upgraded the Roadtreks interior lights to LED thanks to your video a couple of years ago. What a difference. One of the UA-camrs I follow used a soft sided over head storage instead of cabinets. If you are interested I will try and find his build.
Glad the lighting upgrade worked for you. We loved ours in the Roadtrek. Overhead soft-sided storage might be nice. We'd like to see that. Feel free to post a link here or email us at trekersorg@gmail.com. Thanks!
Nice to have friends…. Especially when they know what they are doing 😊
Those are the best friends to have. LOL Alesha is great, too, because she is willing to help but wants to teach stuff to those she is helping, too, instead of just doing the work for them. Thanks for watching!
Good job! You guys had some great ideas! I hope it works out great for you.
Thanks, Mark! By the way, we're headed back to Texas for the winter... 🤠
That’s great! Hopefully you will come by central Texas and visit!
Looks like your A-Team van is shaping up nicely. Have you decided were your going to store your M-16 assault rifles and ammo? 🤔👍
HAHAHAA -- we might keep those compartments secret. 😉
Having done several custom pro audio installs in my younger days, I was taught to FASTEN everything to surfaces, be it floors, walls or other things that were securely fastened such as seat frames and wall ribs (when doing builds in vans) and such.
Here is the reason: In the unfortunate event of having a catastrophic vehicular event like collisions and roll-overs, anything that is NOT fasten down becomes a projectile. Imagine that 75lb tool box flying at your head... So be aware, be very aware!
Valid point - and we are always aware of the dangers associated with any loads. Things are strapped in and attached whenever possible, and moreso than we detail in this video. But yes, people should always heed your good advice about securing things properly or know the risk level of what they are doing. Thanks for watching and for your insightful advice!
I have a Roadtrek like the one you sold. You mentioned for this build you now have space to set up some chairs inside during inclement weather. What do you think of adding swivels to your front seats like what you had in your Roadtrek? (Some place to sit even to tie your shoes. Or, to change your clothes as mentioned)
Swivel bases could be a great addition. We're using our setup for a bit each step of the way and adding just what we need. But a swivel base could be on that list. Thanks for watching and sharing your idea!