Vanette’s Story

When I got my little van, she was just a shell of herself. Although I had done quite a bit of investigation to figure out what to buy, I did not realize how much time I would need to spend learning everything I didn’t know. With limited skills, knowledge, tools, supplies and $$$$; I spent many hours trying to understand it all and figure out where to start.

As it was rather noisy, I started with noise reducing insulation: Reflectix. It did help with the noise somewhat and I was able to do it myself which was encouraging.

I really did not want to use up any space with thick wooden floors. I happened to find some sheet vinyl that covered the Reflectix, added a little more cushion and it didn’t look too bad. Plus it was soft and made a nice cushion when kneeling.

At the same time, I was accumulating items I would need. You can see my cooler in the picture below.

Then my friend Scott got involved. First he helped build a platform for my dog, Jay so that she had room to sit on the front seat. It also allows me to store quite a bit of stuff under it so increases my storage space too. It took Jay a while to get use to riding in the front seat but she also would not stay in the back of the van. I am still trying to figure out how to get her to use a restraint but she likes to move from back to front especially on long drives. The platform is easily removed and has ended up being useful for numerous things such as a stand for my solar panel or for drying clothes.

We came up with a design for my bed and some counter space. Then Scott really got to work. I helped him cut the wood out for the build. But then my dad broke his arm & I left my van with Scott while I went to NY to help my mom and dad.

I tried & tried to understand how to set up an electrical system to no avail. It was great to have someone that could guide me: Scott told me exactly what to buy. When I got back to Austin, Scott had installed the electrical system, the platform for my bed and the counter.

Some 3 inch memory foam made the bed into a bed, although I had to use bungee cords to keep the foam from sliding off initially. I have since added a small lip to the platform to hold the foam in place. Plastic storage bins that I already had worked for storage under the bed and counter.

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And then it was time for a road-trip.