Josh and Zach have built a lot of vans. We’ve used that experience to curate our catalog of products in the store. We only sell stuff that we have (or will be) used in our own vans (learn more). Road tested products that you can count on in your van conversion.  

**Sorry we do not build vans for customers at Vanlife Outfitters, this page is only for examples of our experience and to give you inspiration and ideas.**

August West

Zach’s Current Van

Zach’s fourth DIY build looks a lot like his past vans (Miles Van Camper v1, v2 and v3) but there are a lot of system upgrades like our secondary alternator power system, Mabru 12-volt AC and more. Also, the “garage” area under the bed was redesigned. These days our van builds are basically labs for road-testing all the products we sell in the store so you can be sure that anything you see in our catalog is vetted to be awesome.

Boondocker 3.0

Josh’s Current Van

This is Josh’s third and current van and it’s the culmination of over eight years of vanlife experience and knowledge.  The Boondocker 3.0 is an attempt at a juxtaposition of the balance between modern yet rustic, functional yet beautiful, and spacious yet practical.   Over the last seven years, Josh kept a list of all the inconveniences and idiosyncrasies that bothered me about him previous two vans and attempted to solve those issues in this van.

Boondocker 2.0

By Josh/Vanmakers

The Boondocker 2.0 is anything but a basic build. There are countless hidden upgrades throughout this van. It features a modern yet multifunctional floor plan. I designed this van to be rugged, sleek and modern based on 3 years of full time vanlifing. I took everything he wanted to change about my first van and fixed it on my second build.

Miles Van Camper

Zach’s Past DIY Vans

Zach built out three versions of Miles Van Camper but they have all been very similar. Miles v1 was built in 2016, Miles v2 was built in early 2019 and Miles v3 was built in late 2019. All three feature an clean and elegant design with a wet bath/shower, fixed bed in the rear, full galley with large refrigerator, rooftop air conditioning and heater.

The Boondocker

Josh’s First Van

The Boondocker was the van that started it all for me. I wanted something comfortable but rugged and minimal. I wanted something that could take me to remote campsites and allow me to boondock for 2+ weeks without a need for water or power hookups. I rhino lined the exterior to protect from branches and rocks. I added a roof rack to store my kayak and I added all terrain tires to take allow me to access even more places. I built out the inside with a tall cabinet closer to the cockpit to create a more open floorplan and I installed my sink in the doorway to double as an outdoor shower. Almost everything in The Boondocker serves at least two functions.

Shenandoah

By Josh/Vanmakers

Shenandoah has an open and multifunctional floorplan. We designed this van to be bright, open and Modern. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Diesel Heater, Maxxair fan, Isotherm water heater, Dometic cassette toilet, large sink, heated outdoor shower, a full size bed as well as tons of storage and outlets, we’ve thought of everything!

Gunnison Van

By Josh/Vanmakers

What else could you want in a van! This custom built 4×4 Sprinter has it all! Awning, AC, bike slide, outdoor shower, cassette toilet, heater…microwave! If you can dream it then we’ll figured out a way to fit it all into a van! We also love all of the finishes the client chose and the floorplan is an excellent use of space!

Zion

By Josh/Vanmakers

Zion has an open and multifunctional floorplan. We designed this van to be bright, open and beachy. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Diesel Heater, Maxxair fan, Isotherm water heater, Dometic cassette toilet, large sink, heated outdoor shower, bike slide, a full size bed and tons of storage and outlets, we’ve thought of everything!