Wicked Cool Vans rear windows install on a Ram Promaster Van. Follow Wicked Cool Vans on facebook at http://www.wickedcoolvans.com and check out our website at http://www.wickedcoolvans.shop Contact us today to complete your custom van build. Thanks for watching please like us and subscribe for more DIY videos.
For over a year we searched multiple listings of “Van For Sale”. We entertained buying new from our local dealership. Russell works for an automotive dealership. He works for Chevrolet GMC his company owns a Dodge and Ford store. Chevrolet/GMC’s were out. They do not make a high roof model. We needed to be able to stand up inside. His Dodge dealership had one in stock it was a gas engine and not the extended model. The Ford shop had high roofs in stock with the shorter wheel base. Ordering new was a possibility, the wait time was long. We decided to continue our journey for a used, new to us Van.
Never ending road
The road seemed never ending. We really wanted a diesel engine. With plans on traveling a lot. We really wanted the diesel. We are getting great miles per gallon.
The high roof was at the top of my list. I wasn’t going to budge on this one. We entertained all manufacturers. Mercedes was my favorite with the longest wheel base. We almost pulled the trigger on a couple of them.
I was going to hold firm on a high roof, extended wheel base with a diesel engine. Thinking a used van with a diesel engine can have higher miles. Buying used is always a risk. Russell is not a mechanic. We did not want something we would spend money to keep it running. All vehicles needs regular maintenance and upkeep. We just wanted to be able to focus on spending on the build.
We ended up with the 2016 3500 Ram Promaster extended. I have to admit I was in love from day one. The drive was three hours to get her. We did our research to get her history. She was not perfect. I mean if you think you will find a used cargo van in perfect condition, think twice. Just a reality.
The day she came home.
This is where it all started.
Our first Wicked Cool Van. It would be great to say done, we are always adding something. It will be that way with most vans.
Our current Wicked Cool Vans client changed things up a bit. Sometimes you just need to see it. Decide if it was what you thought. Change or add to it. Spending time in a small space you need to be comfortable.
Wicked Cool Vans current build
We decided to build Wicked Cool Vans #1 with a loft bed. We have pets and wanted it pet friendly. If we travel without our fur babies or use it for business that area is full of our stuff. I feel it was a good choice for our needs. We spend most of our time outside. Being able to just reach in slide out the fridge, grab a cold one is a game changer.
Slide out fridge easy access from in or out of the van.
These coolers should have lots of breathing room. Circulation is the key to keeping it running for a long time. It can be used as a refrigerator, half refrigerator half freezer or a freezer. These are great options. Here is the link to check it out on amazon https://amzn.to/2OURSod
No mater where we go people want to check it out. We are proud to show it off. Now we can just jump in and go, anywhere.
Here she is finished….
Wicked Cool Vans Maine
Thanks again for taking time to read our blog. We are happy to share our journey.
What to pack for your next trip. In a van every inch counts. Why bring clothes you will not need. We pack based on how often we will need to do the laundry. Doing laundry takes time away from our site seeing. Doing laundry can be an adventure. We like to find a laundry mat near something exciting. Maybe a restaurant or close to a supermarket. This way we can kill two tasks with one stone. Grab a snack while it is washing then pick up some needed supplies while it drys.
Shopping while you do your laundry
Even if we make doing laundry fun its something we don’t want to do often. We find using packing cubes helpful. They let us bring along more clothing. It also helps with organizing. We keep one larger one for the dirty clothes.
hanging packing cubes a great way to store your clothing
We installed bars on both sides of the bed to hang the packing cubes. The bars are from IKEA. They are meant to store kitchen items. In van life you look for creative ways to make use of the small spaces.
We also use the cubby above the drivers seat. This makes a great space for your extra blankets and clothing cubes. In our van we only have overhead cabinets above the sink. We find no need for ones over the bed. This gives us a more open feel.
See the perfect place for our packing cubes full of our clothing
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