Express Van 1500

I converted a stock 6 cylinder Chevy Express Van 1500 into a RV camper.

2008-Chevy-Express Van 1500

Exterior: Exterior is stock with the exception of adding on the driver's side a 30 amp shore power port and a port for solar panels.

Interior: The interior is finished with a white panel board on the ceiling and standard underlayment on the sides. Ceiling and sides have been insulated with fiber glass batting in the ceiling and a foil backed insulation in the side walls.

Customizations: AC electrical power is supplied by a standard RV quality 30-amp shore power system with the entry port just behind the driver's door. The AC distribution panel is a marine quality panel box with AC outlets fore and aft. DC power is supplied by 2 lithium-Ion batteries that feed a 2000-watt full sine wave voltage inverter as well as the usual 12-volt lights and devices. Charging for the deep cycle batteries is supplied by an Epever 30-amp charge controller that is supported by a two 100-watt solar panels that are connected through an exterior port. The electrical panel has been constructed to support mobile ham radio operations.

Renovations and Repairs: Interior DC lighting is supplied by homemade coach lights that were fabricated using Ikea candle lanterns and high intensity LED automotive lights. A 12-volt map light was placed over the electrical panel to illuminate it and the outside of the van. The bed was constructed using a hollow core door and standard hard wood table legs trimmed to fit.

Favorite Camping Destinations: Grand Teton NP, Glacier NP, Superstition Mountains, Rocky Mountains and the Smokey Mountains.