Fancy life on the road? Then watch this epic camper van conversion story

Woman converts old van into a tiny home on wheels - and documents it on her YouTube channel

Ginevra Benedetti
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last updated

Fancy life on the road? Then do we have the tiny home on wheels for you...

A woman, known only as Chris, has transformed an old Chevy goods delivery truck into a cosy camper van and documented it all on her YouTube channel, Defying Normal.

The project took 34 months to complete between March 2013 and November 2015, and Chris has documented it all in a four minute time-lapse video.

Chris took on the project while working and looking after her father who has dementia.

van interior with pink seat

(Image credit: TBC)

With absolutely no knowledge or experience in construction, cars, electricity, solar power or plumbing, Chris enlisted the help of a few online classes and videos to complete the conversion.

The project cost over $20,000 was completed around her day job that helped fund the conversion.

lady with van interior

(Image credit: TBC)

The online video shows Chris and her boyfriend gutting the Chevy Express van of its car fixtures, such as seatbelts and chair brackets, before coating the shell in insulation strips.

Chris goes on to build a sturdy floor, kitchen cabinet, giant bed and valuable storage units.

lady with wood pile and tools

(Image credit: TBC)

Solar panels are then fitted to the roof of the van to ensure it is entirely self sufficient, and then comes all the complicated electrical stuff.

A cosy and spacious bed is fitted beside a snug shower space, before a lick of paint finishes the van off beautifully.

The result is a cosy and comfortable tiny home on wheels.

Seriously impressive stuff.

van interior with pink bed and projection screens

(Image credit: TBC)
Ginevra Benedetti
Ginevra Benedetti
Deputy Editor (Print)

Ginevra Benedetti has been the Deputy Editor of Ideal Home magazine since 2021. With a career in magazines spanning nearly twenty years, she has worked for the majority of the UK’s interiors magazines, both as staff and as a freelancer. She first joined the Ideal Home team in 2011, initially as the Deputy Decorating Editor and has never left! She currently oversees the publication of the brand’s magazine each month, from planning through to publication, editing, writing or commissioning the majority of the content.  

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