February 26, 2018

7 of Our Favorite Mobile Home Revamps

Whether it’s to pay off student debts or connect with their co-passengers, a large community of rolling homes has formed all over the world, with many sharing each step of their journey with us online. After months of planning, renovating, and driving, these individuals can travel every day from the comfort of their own homes (on wheels). Living out of your car has never been this glamorous.

Living in a van down by the river now has a completely different meaning.Living in a van down by the river now has a completely different meaning.

1. Divine On The Road

Divine on the Road’s van is cozy and homey. Image courtesy of Divine on the Road.Divine on the Road’s van is cozy and homey. Image courtesy of Divine on the Road.

Young couple Sydney and Edgar decided to live the #vanlife just a year after they met in Chicago at the hotel where they both worked. Sydney, the manager of the hotel, and Edgar, a chef, have resumed similar roles—just on wheels. Sydney manages her blog Divine on The Road (when she’s not practicing yoga) and Edgar takes responsibility of the kitchen and has created an Instagram showcasing his latest creations. Their cozy van boasts a king-sized bed, seating booths, a kitchen with an induction burner, mini fridge, and a sink attached to a fresh water tank. Their electricity is powered by batteries and solar panels fitted onto the roof, and they’ve installed a portable toilet for overnight comfort. 

2. Our Home on Wheels

Tired of the ocean-front view? No problem, take a drive to the mountains. Image courtesy of Our Home on Wheels.Tired of the ocean-front view? No problem, take a drive to the mountains. Image courtesy of Our Home on Wheels.

When outdoor adventurers Jace and Giddi had their daughter Juniper, that meant some changes needed to be made to their second home-on-wheels. This included a baby seat for their additional passenger, a bigger fridge and freezer, a larger bed, controlled heat and air conditioning, and some more windows to soak in the view. The duo has also been able to launch a small hand-made jewelry business that helps them fund their travels.

3. 188sqft

One couple, four pets, and…a 188sqft camper! After Kevin and Mandy decided they wanted to live a comfortable life free of student debt, they decided to embark on a journey living on the road. With some incredibly well thought-out interior decorating, the couple managed to transform this fifth wheeler into a bright, spacious home for less than $7,000. Their bedroom features a queen-sized bed with a vanity and sink while their hall includes a stand-up office, colorful kitchen, and plenty of comfy seating for their two cats and two dogs. The small touches like houseplants, throw pillows, and a chalkboard are what makes this camper into a home.

4. Fite Travels

The Fite family rebuilt their van into a home on the road. Image courtesy of Fite Travels.The Fite family rebuilt their van into a home on the road. Image courtesy of Fite Travels.

This family of three and their canine companion left their lives in Oklahoma to travel the contiguous 48 states. Lamar and Ashley implemented some very cool features to their 2016 Ford Transit van to make living on the road a little more comfortable and spacious. Their roof rack allows for bigger items to be stored on top of the van and a pullout deck (seriously, check it out!) makes for a great outdoor seating area. Other additions to the van such as the discrete toilet hidden behind their sliding mirror door contribute to the pleasant appearance. Our favorite part? The hanging bunk bed decorated with fairy lights designed for their daughter, Everly.

5. The Mayes Team

Designing the perfect home in a limited space takes some detailed planning. Image courtesy of The Mayers Team.Designing the perfect home in a limited space takes some detailed planning. Image courtesy of The Mayers Team.

Gabriel, Debbie and their four kids have never felt closer than after they began living full time in a 250sq ft converted school bus. After months of planning and renovations, they made the perfect home that gave everyone their own space but created areas to spend time together as a family. Their white bus includes a private master bedroom, 4 bunk beds (one for each child), an indoor shower and bathtub, and a fully functioning kitchen.

6. Fern Travels

Converting their bus into a mobile home allowed Ben and Mande to live simply and travel. Image courtesy of Fern The Bus.Converting their bus into a mobile home allowed Ben and Mande to live simply and travel. Image courtesy of Fern The Bus.

After a year-long renovation, Ben and Mande have added their finishing touches to Fern the bus, which was a yellow school bus in a past life. After stripping down its seats, flooring and signs, they selectively put Fern back together to have all the necessary features for life on the road. This includes plumbing, a heated outdoor shower, electricity/propane for charging electronics and cooking, a rooftop deck with hammock posts to enjoy their views at an elevated level, and even bike mounts to get to places where Fern can’t go.

7. Explorer Buddies

Florence, the transformed 1950 Fiat Ducato camper van, is the home away from home for the Morgans—a talented couple from the UK. Ellie and Scott Morgan are both photographers who make the most out of their travels by documenting their memories along the way at a variety of locations. The couple enjoy taking regular weekend trips to off-grid locations in Florence the van. With their blend of natural wood and white décor, the petite space is cozy, yet airy—a perfect homebase for their adventures.