Video summary

VAN TOUR | Full-Time Van Life

Main summary

Key takeaways

Lifestyle

Sarah’s Van-Life Upgrade

Sarah introduces her van-life journey and her new setup. After living full-time for 2.5 years in a 2017 Toyota RAV4, she recently upgraded to her “dream van”: a Ford Transit T350 built out by Boho Camper Vans—and now both she and her dog, Summit, live in it.

Key Upgrades & Van Features (Ford Transit T350 + Boho Camper Vans)

Vehicle Specs & Tech

  • 148” wheelbase, high roof, all-wheel drive, gas engine
  • CarPlay with a large navigation display
    • Uses Google Maps, so she doesn’t need to look at her phone
  • Dash upgrades
    • Shows speed limit
    • 360° camera views with multiple camera signals for safer backing/driving
  • Convenience
    • 8 cup holders (4 driver + 4 passenger)

Interior Privacy + Layout

  • A curtain divider separates front and back:
    • Keep it open while driving
    • Close when parked to separate spaces and reduce stress/visibility

Daily Lifestyle Routines & Practical Systems

Hydration Benefit

Since moving in, she’s been more hydrated, likely helped by:

  • extra cup holders
  • improved comfort/storage supporting routine consistency

Electronics & Power

Multiple charging options:

  • USB-C and USB ports near the driver area
  • additional outlet(s) near the kitchen

Core power/control via a control panel:

  • Starlink on/off
  • Wi‑Fi access “wherever we need”
  • Cruzen Comfort
    • Fan speed control
    • Thermostat with AC (“cool”) and heater (“check”/warm control)
  • Battery monitoring screen (she prefers reading battery percentage directly)
  • Light switch and an outlet near the control panel

Coffee Setup (Morning Routine)

Coffee is a major ritual:

  • In her RAV4, she made a latte every morning using an espresso machine.
  • In the van, she’s set up an espresso workflow again:
    • Coffee beans stored in the fridge
    • Beans go into the grinder
    • Espresso is made, then milk is added

Accessory storage

  • Espresso accessories are stored in a deep drawer (under a coffee-bar area), with plans to expand as supplies grow.

Dog-First Design: Summit’s Comfort Space

A major reason for choosing the build:

  • In the RAV4, Summit lacked climate-controlled space, making travel stressful and limiting.
  • Example stress point: waiting until nighttime to go places like Planet Fitness to shower, because she couldn’t leave Summit comfortably during hotter daytime periods.

In the van, Summit has a dedicated area to:

  • feel safe
  • rest (including napping)
  • have a private space

Lifestyle tip Sarah emphasizes: Dogs do better when they have their own rest/safe space rather than being forced to stay outside all day.

Work & Mealtime Space

Couch + Storage

  • Couch fits one person comfortably (could fit two)
  • Lift-up cushion reveals major storage for:
    • computer bag, hiking bag
    • Summit’s duffel bag, toys, hiking gear
    • dog food

Table

  • Used for meals and working (laptop-friendly)
  • Can be adjusted for working while eating in different positions

“Garage” Access via Under-Table Space

  • The kitchen area connects to a garage/storage compartment

Solar + Off-Grid Power System (Bluetti + Panels)

Sarah previously relied on Bluetti for full-time power in her RAV4 for 2 years, and continues the system in the van.

Favorite Power Station

  • Bluetti AC300 (3,000 Wh class)
    • Portable for full-time travel
    • RV port
    • Fast switching to restore power quickly during outages
    • Can be charged via multiple inputs:
      • wall outlet
      • car port/charger
      • solar panels

Solar Panels (Bluetti 350W Panels)

Setup process (as described):

  1. Take power station + panels out of the garage
  2. Unbutton/unfold the panels
  3. Remove wiring from a pouch
  4. Connect wires and plug into the power station
  5. After power-up, pack everything back into storage

Off-grid benefit: she can lay out panels and let the sun do the work.

Phone Control

She controls the power station from her phone (on/off, modes, battery monitoring, etc.).

Other Power/Storage Components

  • Battle Born van batteries (in the van’s battery compartment)
  • Rich Solar panels on top: 600W

Cooking Setup (Induction + Sink + Water Tanks)

Cooking was hard in the RAV4 because the space was cramped—food prep often required taking items outside. The van’s layout makes cooking more internal and easier.

Induction Stove

  • Compact size; fits two pots/pans (or one of each)
  • Requires magnetic cookware (safety feature):
    • stove won’t start unless it detects magnet-based pots/pans
  • Touch controls:
    • on/off + setting adjustments via touch bar

Sink

  • Deep sink to reduce splashing
  • Removable cover can act as a cutting board
  • Filtered water output for dishwashing and drinking
  • Water controls:
    • button to turn water on
    • separate heater control

Gray Tank

  • Holds 7 gallons
  • Dump process:
    • remove bungee cord, pull out, dump where allowed
  • Access:
    • reachable from inside or outside

Counter Expansion

  • A butcher block lifts up to increase counter space
  • Re-lowers when finished

Storage & Pantry Organization

  • Pantry cabinets open using three baskets for different items
  • Lighting:
    • puck lights with dimmers under cabinets
  • Drawer system:
    • Middle drawer: under-cabinet storage + refrigerator below
    • Top-right drawer: spices + garlic + onion
    • Top-front drawer: measuring cups + utensils
    • Baking staple containers: flour, cornstarch, brown sugar
  • Cleaning + supplies cabinet includes:
    • cleaning supplies
    • extra paper towels + toilet paper
    • wag bags
    • dish soap, sponges
    • straw cleaner
    • planned space for a mini vacuum + duster (dog hair management)

Bed + Ventilation + Sleeping Comfort

Bed

  • Extremely comfortable (smaller than queen)
  • She sleeps better than in the car, and the bed size is a key upgrade.

Cross Ventilation

  • Bunk windows:
    • one on the front/bunk area
    • bunk windows on each side with sliders
  • Cargo windows and window coverings for:
    • bunk
    • cargo area
    • sliding door
  • Front window covers aren’t installed yet, but she may add them later.

Fan + Lights

  • Fan above bed for airflow (helps reduce the need to run AC)
  • LED lights along the ceiling above the bed

Water for Showers (Outdoor-Only)

Sarah chose not to install an indoor shower/toilet.

Outdoor shower setup:

  • shower head stored in a compartment
  • place the head on top and turn water on
  • especially helpful when facilities (like Planet Fitness) aren’t available
  • water access via a nearby cubby

Notable Locations, Products, and Names (End)

Notable Locations

  • Found the exact van in Pennsylvania
  • Transported to Tempe, Arizona

Companies / Builders / Products

  • Boho Camper Vans
  • Starlink, Cruzen Comfort
  • Bluetti AC300 power station + Bluetti 350W solar panels
  • Battle Born batteries
  • Rich Solar: 600W on top
  • CarPlay, Google Maps

People / Animals

  • Speaker: Sarah
  • Dog: Summit
  • Named pet item referenced: Gertrude’s ball

Original video