At 26, She Built one of the Most Beautiful Vans I've Ever Seen

Van-building lifestyle + approach

• Abby, age 26, has built multiple vans—this is her fifth build—and treats each project like an artistic process.
• If something isn’t right, she’ll redo it the next day, rather than compromising.
• She prefers slightly used vans over brand new and bought her 2023 van in cash after finding a great deal on Autotrader.
• Her builds take about a year, consuming her time and creativity as she designs, sketches, and thinks about the van constantly.

Key travel / travel-life highlights

• She started van life at 20 with the goal of traveling the country.
• Her first van trip took her to 47 states, helping her learn the country and also recognize van-building as a potential business opportunity.
• She camps using a rooftop tent and highlights the panoramic views from bed.

Interior layout + comfort upgrades (practical design tips)

Main entry / living area

• Uses a sitting area with “curve appeal” as the first visible design when entering.
• Keeps the front open (no partition wall) to preserve valuable space, but adds privacy in other ways:
  • Two swivel seats for driving and turning into a seating lounge.
  • An L-shaped bench with a table on a lagoon swivel leg that can move and lift off.
  • Curtains on a curved rail that encapsulate the seats at night for privacy (avoids storing typical window shades).

Storage + hidden functionality

• Prioritizes storage throughout, including:
  • Storage under benches with lift-up access.
  • A secret hidden compartment behind an inset circular window/niche concept.
  • Overhead archway storage for blankets/backpacks.
  • Built-in drawers/storage in the staircase and around the closet.

Upstairs / rooftop tent + solar + “deck” idea

• Rooftop tent concept:
  • Super Pacific rooftop tent, mounted by herself with a forklift.
  • Full-size bed with an air mattress.
  • 400 watts of solar mounted on the roof (secured with tape per the subtitle).
  • Screens on the sides; canvas can close for privacy.
  • Fan access remains possible even when closed (fan reaches a port hole).
• Access + extra hangout space:
  • An interior staircase provides easy roof access.
  • A recent addition: a welded roof rack (Baja lights) that inspired a small roof patio/deck with vinyl boards for sunset viewing.

Kitchen + energy + cooking setup

Kitchen appliances + meal convenience

• On the passenger side: full kitchen including:
  • Stove, sink, fridge, microwave
• She prefers a microwave over an air fryer because it’s more convenient in a van and reduces dishes.

Power / monitoring

• Serbo Touch controller panel to monitor:
  • Water tank level
  • Solar (sol) generation
  • Battery level
  • Inverter on/off and related energy functions
• Light switch panel controls multiple light zones.

Cooking + safety

• Two-burner 120V induction cooktop, chosen for being safer/easier than propane in a van.

Water system + filtration

• Tiny sink with style notes (brass fixtures mentioned).
• Separate drinking water faucet with three-stage filter.
• Water pump switch and a gray tank drain valve.

Refrigeration + storage

• Fridge/freezer: about 140L 12V, described as sufficient based on her experience.
• Separate storage compartments pull out; under-sink area includes pump/filter/trash.

Air conditioning

• Uses Cruis & Comfort: a 12V AC unit stored in cabinetry to avoid dedicating roof/ceiling space.

Kitchen storage design

• Includes a curved pull-out cabinet for efficient access.
• Staircase integrated storage:
  • Drawers / closet-like compartment for cleaning supplies and a vacuum.

Bathroom + shower tech

• Uses a similar shower approach to her previous van (if it works, repeat it).
• Tile:
  • Zelage Spanish real tile plus epoxy grout
  • Pebble mosaic stone used in niches
• Infinity shower (recirculating system):
  • Uses about one gallon to support an extended shower
  • Water drains into a system, filters, then recirculates back out for a continuous hot shower
• LEO dry flush toilet:
  • Bag cartridge spins/suctions waste into a removable bag
  • The toilet unit lifts out so the shower area can be fully standing
• Nautilus-style door:
  • Self-cleaning rolling door in “bone” color

Sleep / lounge + entertainment

Back living area

• Built for group hanging out with seating comfortable for up to ~6 people.
• Large table:
  • Swivels
  • Can collapse into the bed
• Bed comfort:
  • 5-inch memory foam cushions
  • Bed folds by moving back pieces into the center
• Entertainment:
  • Bose speaker built into the archway
  • Projector screen
  • Light strip on the archway for nighttime ambiance

Design aesthetic details (materials + craftsmanship)

• Signature look: flowy, harmonious, organic curves throughout.
• Mentions unusual materials for RVs (e.g., microment and plaster) to create seamless transitions between wood pieces.
• Ceiling transformation:
  • Takes her earlier “wave” ceiling concept (from “Luna”) and makes it fully continuous and seamless around the van
  • Uses multi-layered backlighting for cozy ambient light

Exterior + gear + storage

• Front:
  • CA tuned bullbar front bumper
  • Baja Designs LP6 lights
  • Worn Xeon 12 winch
  • Yellow accents as an homage to her earlier yellow van (“Luna”)
• Rear doors:
  • Expable storage lockers, including:
    • A ski box with a pop-top for more capacity
    • A locker for outdoor gear (gas can, propane tank, extension cords, etc.)
• Under-bed / under-stuff storage includes:
  • Possible stove under the unit
  • Two One wheels
  • Water tank mounted underneath
  • Long storage space nearly full bed length

Business mindset + advice for aspiring tiny / vanners

• Plan after finishing a van: enjoy it briefly, then sell it and roll profits into the next project.
• Cost/time:
  • Approximately $120,000 total build cost
  • Takes about one year
• Advice for beginners:
  • Rent first to understand what you truly need.
  • If building your own van, she recommends learning from others’ mistakes.

Book mention (resources)

• Abby wrote “Wheelhouse” (available on Amazon) covering:
  • Recommended materials
  • Building methods
  • How to choose/buy a chassis
  • Tips to save time and avoid mistakes

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Notable locations, products, or speakers (as mentioned)

• Vehicle: 2023 all-wheel drive Mercedes Sprinter 170 wheelbase
• Rooftop tent: Super Pacific
• Solar: 400 watts
• AC: Cruis & Comfort (12V)
• Kitchen / bath tech:
  • Serbo Touch controller panel
  • LEO dry flush toilet
  • Infinity shower (recirculating)
• Lighting / gear:
  • Baja Designs LP6 lights
  • CA tuned bullbar
  • Worn Xeon 12 winch
  • Baja lights
• Materials/tools mentioned: epoxy grout, Zelage Spanish tile, microment/plaster
• Speaker/creator: Abby (“My name is Abby,” creator/tour host)
• Previous van: “Luna” (yellow Sprinter)
• Book: Wheelhouse (Amazon)