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.
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
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!
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Excellent job with your build! Much more detailed than a lot of the other van build tutorials I've seen out there.
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 🐕! Again great job, and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you ! Dakota and the captain!
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!
what do you use as a heat source during cold months?
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!
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!