A Home, Not Just a Van
Not a cookie-cutter build. This van has warmth and character. I re-milled cherry, maple, walnut, and oak floorboards from historic homes and paired them with antique drawer pulls and hinges to create a space that feels like a thoughtfully designed home. But beneath the rustic aesthetic, you’ll find a fully capable electric system that can keep you off-grid anywhere from 1-4 weeks—depending on your water usage.
The Van’s Story
The Panda began its life as a DHL delivery vehicle. I kept the bulkhead intact for security and privacy; honestly, the aluminum door against the cedar walls adds a ton of character.
For the Culinary Adventurer
If you like to cook, you’ll appreciate the functionality of the kitchen.
• A 2-burner induction cooktop hidden beneath a hinged chopping block.
• A slide-out convection oven is ready for baking or roasting.
• Multiple 110v outlets powered by a 2kW inverter.
• A farmhouse sink that combines practicality with style.
Mechanically Reliable, Ready to Roll
Despite its miles, I’ve replaced the major components.
• Engine replaced at 180k miles (current engine has 40k miles).
• Transmission replaced at 211k miles (current transmission has 10k miles).
• Four new all-terrain tires installed in 2024 (9k miles on them).
• Brakes replaced in February 2025.
• Oil just changed.
Every Element of This Van Tells a Story
• Re-milled hardwood from century-old homes in St. Louis.
• Kitchen cabinetry crafted from rescued walnut, mahogany, padauk, and purple heart wood.
• Chopping blocks made from bird’s-eye maple, salvaged from Wash U’s stadium flooring.
• Penny tiles, surplus from an old St. Louis factory, set with flexible swimming pool grout to prevent cracking.
• Hardware sourced from ghost towns across the western U.S.
Lighting & Ventilation
• Overhead puck lights and three gooseneck reading lights.
• Optional USB-rechargeable light strips.
• Rear windows with sliders for ventilation.
• There is a light bar on the roof for added illumination on dirt roads.
Ample Storage
• 8 kitchen drawers.
• A shelved cabinet under the sofa, next to the fridge.
• Closet and a large drawer for clothes and essentials.
• Space next to the bed for blankets and more.
• Spacious under-bed storage, accessible from inside.
• Two slide-out trays in the garage, plus d-bolts for hanging gear.
• I installed I-beams along the roof, which can be used to add rooftop storage, if you so desire. (They also serve to anchor a shade tarp.)
Power & Charging Options
• 300W solar panels.
• Cyrix alternator charger.
• 30A modular shore power capability.
A Few Things to Note
• I’ve added ceramic tinting on all windows to help keep the van cool in summer temps. There’s also a dash liner to reduce radiant heat.
• The van still has its original DHL jump seat. Not hard to swap out, if you want a standard passenger seat.
• There are some cosmetic blemishes on the outside of the van that I never cared to address, mostly minor scratches. A piece of the rear bumper was knocked off by another car backing into it in a parking lot. A more significant issue is the result of an attempted break-in in PDX that left one broken rear window. It’s secure, but I used packing tape to stop the safety glass from disintegrating, and it’s not pretty. The window replacement will cost about $250. I have a link for the part. This is the reason why I lowered the price recently.
• I’ll provide a detailed electrical system diagram and offer up to three video calls to help you navigate the systems after purchase.
• The van had a urinal installed, which I removed for hygienic reasons, but I left the port open if you want to install your own.
Optional Extras That Make Adventure Life Easier
If you’re interested, we can work out a fair arrangement for the following:
• Starlink dish and router for internet anywhere (you would need to establish your own service and switch the hardware over to your account).
• Convertible indoor shower setup.
• Shade tarp that attaches to I-beams on the roof with carabiners.
• Screens for all windows and doors.
• 4-season insulated blackout panels for all windows.
• Hidden combination safe.
• Big Berkey water filter and an extra 20L jerry can.
• Shore extension cord.
• Traction mats & air compressor, just in case.
