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A Year of Building My Dream Camper Van: This Week’s Progress
Ark
April 07, 2025
For the past year, I’ve been pouring my heart into creating my dream camper van, and it’s finally starting to take shape. This week alone, I tackled a slew of projects: an outdoor pull-up bar, a headliner shelf, Sumo Springs installation, framing my Max Air fan, building a drawer and control panel, and a handful of other random tasks. With just a couple of months left until I hope to finish this build, the to-do list is long, but the excitement is keeping me going.
The Pull-Up Bar: A Dream Come True
The first project I dove into this week was installing a permanent hangboard—a rock climbing-inspired pull-up bar. In my previous van, I had a removable hangboard that sat in the rack of my sliding door, but it had to come down every time I drove or closed the door. This time, I wanted something fixed and functional. I found a resin rock climbing hangboard with varying grip levels to strengthen my fingertips, plus solid jugs on top for easy pull-ups.
I grabbed some extra-long machine screws, spray-painted them black, and let them dry while I prepped the setup. Using six stainless steel bolts with nylon lock nuts, I mounted it securely—it’s rock-solid, even under heavy weight. I waterproofed it with tape, just like I did for my skylight and Max Air fan, and after testing, I’m thrilled to report no leaks. This addition isn’t just for climbing or pull-ups; after long drives, hanging from it stretches out my back, which feels amazing. Our bodies aren’t built to sit for hours, so this is a game-changer for both fun and function.
Safety First: The Nexar Beam 2 Mini Dash Cam
As a full-time traveler, safety is my top priority, especially when my van is my home. That’s why I installed the Nexar Beam 2 Mini dash cam this week as I gear up for a road trip. This compact camera tucks neatly behind my rearview mirror—so discreet you’d forget it’s there until you need it. Setup was a breeze, taking just minutes.
What sold me on the Beam 2 Mini is its advanced AI features and LTE plan with unlimited cloud storage. I can livestream remotely to check on my van anytime, anywhere, and it automatically detects incidents, storing footage so I’m covered if something happens. With parking mode, emergency alerts, and auto-uploaded clips triggered by motion, it gives me peace of mind whether I’m in the van or away from it. If safety matters to you as much as it does to me, I can’t recommend this dash cam enough—get one and drive those country roads worry-free.
Sumo Springs: Boosting Ride Quality
Next up, I installed Sumo Springs from Vanlife Outfitters to handle the weight this van will carry. When it’s done, I’ll have 70 gallons of water, a marble-tiled shower, six lithium-ion batteries, and more—all adding up fast. The Sumo Springs promise a smoother ride, so I got to work.
Using a 13 mm wrench with an extension, I removed the factory bump stops and measured the distance from the frame to the differential (5.5 inches). I opted for just the base plate, though the kit includes half-inch and one-inch spacers for different setups. With a few drops of the provided Loctite, I secured the rear springs, then moved to the front, wrapping them around the second and third coils like a dog collar. It took about 30 minutes total—a beginner-friendly project with a huge payoff. Even unloaded, I can already feel the difference, and I’m stoked for how it’ll handle the full build. (P.S. I’ve got a 5% off discount code for Sumo Springs—link in the description!)
Headliner Shelf and Beyond
I also started on my headliner shelf above the driving area. It’s not done yet because I want my shower installed first to gauge the shelf’s length. I did cut out the front pattern, though—it’s not a straight cut, so I’m taking my time. Right now, I’m working on a cardboard template for the overhead cab storage, which I’ll use to cut the wood later.
This week, I also framed out a drawer. It’s tricky since there’s no floor tie-in point, and it’ll be a heavy one needing solid support. In the back, I’ve got the structure ready for drawer guides, except for one spot near plumbing and my water pump—I’ll tackle that later. Meanwhile, I framed my Max Air fan with scrap half-inch maple, creating a lip to close gaps for an easier ceiling install down the line. A quick bandsaw cut finished the job, and it fits perfectly.
Random Side Quests
With plumbing parts still on order, I went on some random side quests. I caulked behind the water tank (no more lost screws!), tested paint samples from Portola Paints (Patagonia, Brooks, and a middle shade I’m leaning toward), and built a tiny box in the back. That last one’s just for fun—it covers the spare tire drop point on my Ford Transit while adding a cute storage spot for small items like crystals. It’s silly, but I love it.
Wrapping Up the Week
This week was a whirlwind of progress, fueled by a tightening timeline and Texas heat creeping in. I’ve been working harder than ever, and with my dad’s help planning the electrical system, it’s all coming together. Sharing this journey with you keeps me motivated—knowing you’re along for the ride in some small way means the world. If you enjoyed this update, please like and subscribe; I post weekly, and you won’t want to miss the big reveal when this van is finally done!
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