AWD Chevy 1500 Adventure Van

SBaircraft

Observer
In this thread, I'll post pictures and details from my AWD Chevy 1500 project. I recently moved to northern California and I needed a camper van to support my weekend adventures. I also needed to preserve the original cargo function because I also use the van for work. The result has been a good work/play compromise.
 

Attachments

  • 20170312_093907b.jpg
    20170312_093907b.jpg
    553.5 KB · Views: 122

SBaircraft

Observer
I had a hard time finding an AWD cargo van so I bought an airline ticket to Duluth, MN. After looking at several vehicles, I bought a 2012 model that had been lightly used as an IT support vehicle. After getting it home, the first step was to remove the original shelving.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5289b.jpg
    IMG_5289b.jpg
    515.2 KB · Views: 122
  • IMG_5312b.jpg
    IMG_5312b.jpg
    472.9 KB · Views: 114

SBaircraft

Observer
Backup Camera

I installed a simple backup camera system which has been wonderful, now that the rear windows are covered. I used a cheap relay to turn the system on whenever the backup lights illuminate.
 

Attachments

  • 12998399_10110612785669334_9100432469767149780_o.jpg
    12998399_10110612785669334_9100432469767149780_o.jpg
    149.6 KB · Views: 105
  • 13063482_10110612787216234_901008215331334760_o.jpg
    13063482_10110612787216234_901008215331334760_o.jpg
    216.4 KB · Views: 106
  • 13002585_10110612787460744_2058815819048099259_o.jpg
    13002585_10110612787460744_2058815819048099259_o.jpg
    102.3 KB · Views: 105

SBaircraft

Observer
Electrical (Part 1)

The diesel version of my van comes with a second battery, mounted to the frame, just behind the driver seat. Sure enough, my frame was drilled for the same battery mount! I added a GM battery mount, Optima deep cycle battery and solid state isolator. I mounted a power inverter and fuse box to the bulkhead.
 

Attachments

  • 20161115_183038b.jpg
    20161115_183038b.jpg
    324.2 KB · Views: 148
  • 15025099_10112120066296874_3231879224437655910_o.jpg
    15025099_10112120066296874_3231879224437655910_o.jpg
    313.3 KB · Views: 142
  • 20161124_132538b.jpg
    20161124_132538b.jpg
    514.5 KB · Views: 130

SBaircraft

Observer
Fantastic Fan

The fantastic fan was really easy to install. My roof isn't flat so I made some plastic spacers for the low areas. The stock lid is dome-shaped and tinted. However, I ordered another lid that's flat and opaque. The new lid should be a little more stealthy but I haven't found time to install it yet.
 

Attachments

  • 13048047_10110646362496104_6332755162233879635_o.jpg
    13048047_10110646362496104_6332755162233879635_o.jpg
    98.5 KB · Views: 92
  • 13048248_10110646363374344_5974488145592721175_o.jpg
    13048248_10110646363374344_5974488145592721175_o.jpg
    53 KB · Views: 95
  • 13054973_10110646364966154_5516368423313731291_o.jpg
    13054973_10110646364966154_5516368423313731291_o.jpg
    111.1 KB · Views: 93

SBaircraft

Observer
Folding Bed/Couch

I'm not very tall (5'9") and I originally planned to sleep crosswise. However, I found this awesome bed and completely changed my interior layout. It mostly gets used as a couch while eating, working or hanging out. At night, it comfortably sleeps two. It even folds out of the way to make room for motorcycles and cargo.

The stock bed is 79 inches long which was a little too long for my needs. I called the manufacturer, near LA, and they agreed to make me a shorter bed for no additional cost! After test fitting the bed, I mounted it to a simple oak rail.
 

Attachments

  • 14242300_10111606453306424_8169599948484248114_o.jpg
    14242300_10111606453306424_8169599948484248114_o.jpg
    118.2 KB · Views: 165
  • 14305249_10111606452972094_4711840829016393298_o.jpg
    14305249_10111606452972094_4711840829016393298_o.jpg
    116.4 KB · Views: 159
  • 14324224_10111606453471094_7055962113021628375_o.jpg
    14324224_10111606453471094_7055962113021628375_o.jpg
    123.8 KB · Views: 158
  • Van3.jpg
    Van3.jpg
    87.5 KB · Views: 138

SBaircraft

Observer
L-Track

After a long debate between E-track and L-track, the L-track won out. Wow is it handy! I can't believe I got by without a proper tie-down system in my last van.
 

Attachments

  • Van2.jpg
    Van2.jpg
    211.1 KB · Views: 121

SBaircraft

Observer
Storage and Desk

For storage, I installed a shelving unit from Adrian Steel. I made a table/desk from 3/4" plywood and Formica. The table folds up when not in use and it helps secure items on the shelves while I'm driving around.
 

Attachments

  • 15252683_10112205231550024_3132612122800784800_o.jpg
    15252683_10112205231550024_3132612122800784800_o.jpg
    195.2 KB · Views: 175
  • 20161123_233335b.jpg
    20161123_233335b.jpg
    370.5 KB · Views: 181
  • 20161123_233501b.jpg
    20161123_233501b.jpg
    505.4 KB · Views: 178

SBaircraft

Observer
Awning

I installed a Thule roof rack and 8ft ARB awning. It's a very nice awning but I rarely use it. If I had to do things again, I'd probably skip the awning and keep the vehicle a little more stealthy,
 

Attachments

  • 20171124_160604.jpg
    20171124_160604.jpg
    546.2 KB · Views: 102

SBaircraft

Observer
Curtains

I covered the rear windows with reflectix. I found some that was black on one side, so it's pretty much invisible behind the window tint. I made curtains for the sliding door and bulkhead. The curtain material came from Walmart and I ordered plastic curtain track online.
 

Attachments

  • 17807589_10113403865967044_3022142603247345220_o.jpg
    17807589_10113403865967044_3022142603247345220_o.jpg
    134.7 KB · Views: 91
  • 15167588_10112159273240844_7295879040941320078_o.jpg
    15167588_10112159273240844_7295879040941320078_o.jpg
    126.6 KB · Views: 95

SBaircraft

Observer
Fridge

I was originally going to stick with my free (dumpster diving trophy) cooler. However, my girlfriend really cared about food so I purchased a Dometic CFX-65DZ. It's been surprisingly energy efficient and quiet. It's much larger than I need but the freezer compartment is worth it! Now every hike ends with an ice cream bar.

The fridge was a little too wide but it fit perfectly after replacing the handles with tie-down rings.
 

Attachments

  • 20543711_10114621636435264_533508667173055282_o (1).jpg
    20543711_10114621636435264_533508667173055282_o (1).jpg
    260.6 KB · Views: 115
  • 20170815_132859.jpg
    20170815_132859.jpg
    519 KB · Views: 110

SBaircraft

Observer
Electrical (Part 2)

After installing the fridge, it was necessary to beef up my electrical system. First, I added shore power. When the vehicle is plugged in, the fridge automatically switches to AC power and a Noco Genius battery charger trickle charges the house battery. It's also nice to run an electric heater when I'm plugged in at a friend's house.

I also installed a solar charging system. I used two Renogy monocrystalline panels at 100 watts each. I added a ladder so I can clean the panels regularly. Now I just need to add a second house battery...
 

Attachments

  • 21762584_10115008949910954_3260805246279321228_o.jpg
    21762584_10115008949910954_3260805246279321228_o.jpg
    136 KB · Views: 80
  • 20690185_10114719812848944_2831882424135502407_o.jpg
    20690185_10114719812848944_2831882424135502407_o.jpg
    141.7 KB · Views: 88
  • 14352463_10111610062433704_463396988475837506_o.jpg
    14352463_10111610062433704_463396988475837506_o.jpg
    186.5 KB · Views: 92
  • 20170910_204838.jpg
    20170910_204838.jpg
    539.7 KB · Views: 95

SBaircraft

Observer
Kitchen Pod

I found a sink/stove unit, water jugs and aluminum cabinet that fit together perfectly! The table top and folding leaf were made from 1/2" plywood and Formica. I also whipped up a 6" wooden base and mounted the kitchen pod to the L-track with threaded studs. It should quickly come out when needed.

I still need to finish the plumbing and wiring but hopefully I'll have running water by the end of the week!
 

Attachments

  • 20171204_123853.jpg
    20171204_123853.jpg
    520.2 KB · Views: 136
  • 20171220_132621.jpg
    20171220_132621.jpg
    544.1 KB · Views: 131
  • 20171220_142506.jpg
    20171220_142506.jpg
    485.6 KB · Views: 129
  • 20171221_191041.jpg
    20171221_191041.jpg
    540.7 KB · Views: 136
  • 20171221_193715.jpg
    20171221_193715.jpg
    530 KB · Views: 136

Corneilius

Adventurer
Nice build. Gotta love having a CNC. I especially like the adrian steel shelf/ flip down counter top. A buddy runs a similar setup, I sent him the pictures.

Im also a fan of the dedicated propane cubby, have you got anything in there to keep them from rolling? It would drive me crazy.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
185,528
Messages
2,875,548
Members
224,922
Latest member
Randy Towles
Top