How to Convert a Dodge Ram 2500 Cargo Van into a Cozy Camper

I bought a gray cargo van online and converted it into a camper.

Image created by Carol Seymour

It was back in February 2020 on a Saturday afternoon, when I began my online search for a van. After talking with a salesman from Dallas, he convinced me it was a foolish ideas to buy a vehicle online without test driving it.

He suggested I come in and let him demonstrate to me all the handy features the van offered. Since I lived 200 miles east of Dallas, time was my problem.

After a few passing days, I did a google search to compare prices and I found a wide range of vans for sale all over the U. S. While searching I stumbled upon a family-owner business located in St. Cloud, Mn who was advertising a Promaster 2500 Cargo van, previously owned by a real estate company.

I called and got a young salesman on the phone, who told me he had a google app which enabled him to demo the vehicle inside and out.

He proceeded to video all buttons, radio, ac, heater etc. and demonstrated each one for me. The app allowed him to give me a close up view of the tires and the outside paint job.

I was impressed.

I believed I got a better inspection with the video preview than I would have in person.

I bought this van online from St. Cloud, Mn

I filled out the credit application online, agreed on a sales price, gave them a $500 good faith deposit and they took care of all the financing with my bank of choice with a three day turnaround. I was pleased with their service.

The van was loaded onto a flatbed truck in St. Cloud, and delivered to me within a week. The decesion to shop online saved me close to $8,000 and I got good service.

When March came along, I got laid off from my job, because of Covid. I got lucky and hired a good carpenter who helped me build out the van. After watching numerous videos, I settled on a simple plan which included a set up for a double-size bed, a 48 inch counter top with a built in sink. We also built a 30 inch wide cabinet for storing food and my clothes. We built a 30 inch foldable writing desk.

After a year, I tore down the double-size bed and replaced it with a twin. And I unloaded a lot of stuff I thought I might need while traveling, but rarely need.

It’s a good idea to be prepared for the road, but I find we can get by nicely with less.

The bed is the most important item to consider in building out the van. Everything else can be centered around your bed. I do have a mini refrigerator, a portable cook stove, running water, a way to use the bathroom, a good heat source and air conditioning.

The Promaster is easy to drive, park and gets good gas mileage. I would suggest you buying a van if you want to camp on limited funds. I never regretted my decesion.

I like setting up camp and staying for about 10 days at a stretch. I can easily write on my novel and relax while enjoying nature. I don’t have any problem getting internet usually. I have a back up generator to keep my phone and laptop charged.

Take Away

Shopping online for a van is a great way to save money and time, while planning on creating your camp rig. I like the convience of the cargo van, because I can stand up inside, but the minivans are also nice and economical. You can still build out a comfortable bed, carry a fridge, stove, food and essential items you need.

I hope you’ve found this article useful. If so, please leave a comment below.

Kindly,

Carol