THE BOONDOCKER

This is the van that started it all for me (Josh). I can’t wait to tell you more about my van. I built this van out in 2017 and spent 2.5 amazing years on the road before Covid hit pause on my travels. I took everything I loved and everything I would change about this van and used all that information as a foundation for creating all of my future van builds.ou see on the road today.

Mechanical
2014 159” Extended Ram Promaster 3500 diesel, 85,000 miles (diesel engines are known to last over 500k miles when properly maintained), computerized manual transmission, rear backup camera and sensors, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and doors, bluetooth, keyless entry.

Electrical
335 watt Panasonic solar panel, 300ah Victron Smart Battery, Victron 12/2000 Inverter/Charger, Victron Smart MPPT 100/15, Full Victron Battery monitoring, management and protection system, Victron Smart BMS CL12/100. You can charge this van via the solar panels while in sunlight, via the alternator while driving, or via the shore power outlet when parked at a campground or friend’s house.

Plumbing
The plumbing system starts with an energy efficient Bosch 4 gallon water heater. This van has a 20gal freshwater tank, 8 gallon greywater tank, ultra quiet Shurflo Revolution water pump, Ruvati sink and Vigo faucet that doubles as a bike wash/outdoor shower. Nature’s Head toilet under the dinette seat.

Climate
Josh’s insulation system involves sound deadener, Thinsulate, an air gap, Low-E reflective layer, another air gap and then the wall. It is a lot of extra labor to do the insulation and wall paneling this way, but he thinks that insulation and temperature control is the most important part of the build. The van also includes two Maxxfan Deluxe 7500k w/ remote and an Espar Diesel Heater that is fueled by the van’s existing fuel tank.

Carpentry
Josh’s vans are built with furring strips that are fastened to the van frame with rivnuts (not self tapping screws). This is a more labor intensive and costly method, but he builds his vans to the highest standards. High end custom cabinets, a heavy duty drawer in the garage (250lb capacity), reclaimed wood plank wall paneling, heavy duty vinyl wood planks, high end locking SouthCo latches throughout.

Features
Rhino liner paint job, roof rack, Fiamma F45S Awning, Upgraded wheels and BF Goodrich Ko2 AT tires, Duel Sliding Doors,

If you have any specific questions about this build just ask Josh