We Bought a Van… Wait, What?! Our DIY Van Conversion Story Begins

Well… we did it. We bought a van.

I know what you’re thinking: you bought a WHAT? Exactly. Let me take you back to the beginning.

How It All Started

Back in 2017, Josh and I bought our very first camper. For nine straight summers we explored with our kids, lived small, spent our days outside, and hiked every chance we got. The camper life has always been our happy place.

But as our kids have grown into teenagers (wow, no one prepares you for that transition), our long summer trips slowly disappeared. Between sports, academics, and social lives that somehow rival our own, our family adventures shifted. Josh and I found ourselves traveling more and more just the two of us—which, honestly, has been pretty amazing. We built our family really young, so we never had that “pre-kids” exploration time together. Now we finally do.

But pulling a camper for just two people? It suddenly felt… like a lot. Plus, our camper has been parked at a permanent campsite for six years. So, the flexibility just isn’t there anymore.

The Trip That Sparked Everything

We’d been planning a getaway to a gorgeous Airbnb in Ronan, Montana. The original plan was simple: fly into Missoula, rent a car, fly home.

Then my brain got involved.

“Maybe we should rent a car in Cincinnati and drive to Montana so we can see more along the way… And then just fly home?”

So, I planned. And mapped. And realized: We’re SO close to SO many places we want to see.

Cue the next thought: “Maybe we should take the camper!”

Cue the next reality check: Absolutely not.

Then I thought: maybe a Class A motorhome?But they’re huge, bulky, and require towing a car. Also, hard pass.

Then it hit me: Let’s rent a van.

So, I did. And then I did what any normal, reasonable adult would do: I fell down the rabbit hole of van life videos, blogs, and builds… and I fell hard. It was over. I was obsessed.

Girl Math, Van Edition

The rental alone was $6,700. A used van I found online was listed for $24,995.

So naturally, in true girl-math fashion, it only made sense to buy one instead of rent one.

Obviously.

I canceled the rental, and we went to buy the van.

The Van That Wasn’t Meant to Be

I wish I could say this story has a smooth beginning… but oh no.

Let’s just say the first dealership gave full Harry Wormwood vibes. (If you know, you know.)

Here’s the timeline:

• October 14: I expressed interest online.

• October 16: Josh went to see it.

• October 18: We showed up to buy it.

We were ready. The universe… was not.

On the test drive, the check-engine light came on. They ran the code reader—glow plugs 1, 2, and 3 “open.” I don’t know much, but I know glow plugs aren’t open-heart surgery. So, we agreed to let them fix it, put down a $1,000 deposit, and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Every week was another excuse:

• “Our mechanic couldn’t do it, so we sent it to a specialty mechanic.”

• “The specialty mechanic doesn’t have the part.”

• “Our mechanic actually broke the glow plug… so now the whole head needs replaced.”

What mechanic breaks a glow plug?!

By the third week, my frustration was at Olympic level. We asked for a refund, wished them luck, and walked away.

I was crushed—but determined.

The Van That Was Meant to Be

Back to the internet I went. Our specs were clear:

• Ram Promaster

• Under 50K miles

• 159” wheelbase

• 2500 or higher

• High Roof

And then I found her. At Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet in Worthington—two hours away.

I requested info on November 11. They called immediately. They were kind. Responsive. Professional. Honestly, the opposite of Wormwood Motors.

On November 12, Josh and I drove up after work… and bought our van. Just like that. Two hours from arrival to departure.

Every single person was amazing. And the van? Perfect.

We named her Sue. And we are completely, ridiculously in love.

The Adventure Begins

So yes. We bought a van. We’re officially starting our DIY van conversion journey.

Our goal is simple: build our dream tiny home on wheels and explore this beautiful country one mile, one trail, and one campfire at a time.

This next phase of our life feels exciting and fresh and adventurous—and we can’t wait to bring you along for every step, mistake, triumph, and transformation.

Here’s to Sue. Here’s to new beginnings. And here’s to building a life we love—on four wheels.

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