As a full-time traveler, I’m fortunate to meet a wide array of amazing like-minded people on the road and rigs as diverse as their drivers. Every vehicle has its own unique charm but occasionally I’m introduced to a build that is quite simply extraordinary, and Slackervan’s 1988 Mitsubishi Delica L300 is one such example.
Owners Sam Salwei and Raquel Hernández-Cruz are two of the most wholesome, hard-working, and inspirational travelers I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Sam started life on the road living out of a 1988 Ford Festiva (the “Peace Love Car”) and did so for 12 years before making the transition to the more spacious and capable Mitsubishi L300. After years of hard work, the final result is a rolling home that for its modest external dimensions is the most well-equipped I’ve ever seen. In fact, this compact van would give many high-end, half-a-million-dollar luxury expedition trucks a run for their money. It was for these reasons that I featured the build on Expedition Portal back in October 2021.
In today’s video, Overland Expo provides an excellent interview and tour of the Slackervan, covering many (but not all) of the vehicle’s ingenious modifications. Just a small selection of highlights include 1,065 watts of solar, 400 amp-hours of lithium batteries, air-conditioning, an infrared forced air heater, a night vision system, heavily modified suspension, a multi-stage water filtration system, and 75 USB ports. The interior layout is modular, function-first, and upcycled materials are utilized wherever possible. It’s clear that the couple’s time living in the Festiva allowed them to develop an unparalleled talent for maximizing every inch of space and its evident throughout the L300.
As a long-time follower of this adventurous couple, I’m always struck by their positivity and fortitude when presented with difficult situations, and their relentless drive to run a successful business on the road (learn about their company: YogaSlackers). This video by Overland Expo is a great introduction to Sam, Raquel, and the Slackervan, but check out their website and Instagram for the latest updates.
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