DIY Astro/Safari Stealth Camper Van Conversion Build
DIY Astro/Safari Stealth Camper Van Build
In just 6 weeks, I’ll transform this ordinary Chevy Astro cargo van into the budget-friendly camper van of my dreams. Here, you can follow along and see how I converted this van into a camper van. I’ve broken the build project up into categories, and each has it’s own dedicated page to that part of the build process. Browse through the entire build project in sequence, or use the index below to choose specific parts of the van build you are interested in. Each page in the van build index contains a list of tools and materials for that part of the job, with links to buy them.
Table of Contents:
0 – Project Overview
1 – Strip & Clean
2 – Maxx Fan Installation
3 – Insulation
4 – Flooring
5 – Walls
6 – Ceiling
7 – Pull Out Slat Bed
8 – Lithium Battery
9 – Solar Panels
10 – Electrical Wiring
11 – Power Center
12 – Shelving & Storage
13 – Electric Cooler
14 – Swivel Seat
15 – Window Coverings
16 – Computer Monitor
17 – Media Center
18 – Cell Signal Booster
19 – Tool Box
20 – Repairs
Master Parts & Materials Spreadsheet
All of the parts and materials used in my stealth camper van build are listed in this spreadsheet
Above is my master parts & materials spreadsheet for my DIY Chevy Astro stealth camper van build. The total parts and materials for my camper van conversion was roughly $7500, not including tools and vehicle maintenance. You can also download your own copy of my spreadsheet to work with here: Chevy Astro Camper Van Build Part & Materials List by Seeking Lost
DIY Astro/Safari Stealth Camper Van Build Video Series
If you’d rather watch this van come together on your TV screen, check out my Chevy Astro Camper Van Build series on youtube. This video series details each step along the way for converting my cargo van into a camper van. The videos are an excellent supplement to the written information provided here. With both, I’m confident that you too can tackle a similar van build project. And if you’re not looking to build one, it sure is cool to watch this camper van conversion project come together!
Excellent job with your build! Much more detailed than a lot of the other van build tutorials I’ve seen out there.
November 24, 2022 at 5:35 pm
Hey man ! First off top notch job on the build! It looks amazing the craftsmanship is superb! Which is why I’m asking if you have the detailed measurements/ blueprints in a printable format. I’d love to build this into my astro. Unfortunately I am living in the mountains while doing this build and don’t have nearly the resources and or same materials but I’m making due. I’d like to stay in contact and include you and the build in my videos telling my story and going on this journey with me and my best friend Captain š! Again great job, and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you ! Dakota and the captain!
June 11, 2023 at 10:35 am
Thanks Dakota, I appreciate that! Unfortunately no, I didn’t put together any detailed measurements or blue prints for the build, sorry. But, I’m here if you have any questions, and since I’m living out of the van at the moment, I can take some measurements of things here and there if you need me to. Good luck with your build, hope you and the Captain can hit the road soon and all your travel dreams come true!
June 12, 2023 at 8:41 pm
what do you use as a heat source during cold months?
October 13, 2023 at 7:25 pm
I don’t have a heat source. I spend winter in southern Arizona, and move over to the Colorado River area if it gets real cold… only about 300ft elevation there and the warmest place to be in the area!
October 14, 2023 at 7:17 pm
Freaking sweet van! I am looking at one of these to live in for the summer, to avoid 2000 a month rent! It can haul my music equipment so play gigs anywhere :D. RWD and V6 so not bad on gas. The full size chevy express are gas hogs!
March 24, 2024 at 4:54 pm
want 12v. 120 ac. Beautiful van!
April 2, 2025 at 2:43 pm