It May Not Look Like It, but This Compact Camper Van Can Cleverly Fit a Family of Four
Automobiles

It May Not Look Like It, but This Compact Camper Van Can Cleverly Fit a Family of Four


17 photos

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours

Some families struggle to make a mobile home based on a longer-wheelbase van, such as the popular Sprinter 170″, work. So, how the hell do you create a comfortable rig based on a shorter wheelbase model? Well, here’s how – I’ve got just the perfect example to show you.

What we have here is a Ram ProMaster 2500 with a 136″ wheelbase. It’s home to a family of four – even though they don’t use it for full-time traveling, it is a perfect addition to their stationary, conventional home. This detail is important since you’ll notice some missing amenities that most people can’t do without if they’re living in a camper van.

Like always, I’ll begin the van tour with the exterior. Two elements might reveal this van’s “camper DNA” to bystanders: a Fiamma awning on the vehicle’s passenger side and a large window the family installed on the sliding door. That’s about it regarding the exterior.

Step inside, and you’ll discover quite an uncommon layout: the lounge area and bedroom are at the front, followed by the kitchen. What’s more, it’s an open layout, meaning the driver’s cabin isn’t separated from the living space. In fact, the driver’s cabin completes the seating area, as the passenger’s seat can be swiveled to face the interior.

Regarding design, this family opted for a black, white, and grey color scheme, which helps brighten up the interior since there are only three windows in the living space: one on the sliding door, one on the opposite side, and one at the rear.

It May Not Look Like It, but This Compact Camper Van Can Cleverly Fit a Family of Four

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours

Various wood touches, such as the countertops and the ceiling, complete the look. Other notable details are a vinyl plank floor and a peel-and-stick wallpaper imitating white subway tiles.

What makes this rig even more unique is that its entrance is at the rear. By leaving the space open at the rear, the family can also utilize it for carrying cargo.

As you enter, you’ll be in the kitchen, which is split into two parts. The one on the passenger side of the interior features a long but narrow countertop (for more walking room), a removable side panel that allows you to access storage space, a swivel fan, two overhead cabinets, a tiny air purifier, and a sizeable, long drawer.

On the opposite side, the other part of the kitchen boasts a bigger countertop, two smaller overhead cabinets, two drawers, two cabinets, a two-burner stove, an electric kettle, a deep sink with a cover, and a slide-out Dometic fridge. Moreover, one of the cabinets houses a propane canister, while the other holds a greywater tank.

It May Not Look Like It, but This Compact Camper Van Can Cleverly Fit a Family of Four

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours

Next to the second part of the kitchen, you’ll notice a floor-to-ceiling unit integrating additional storage spaces.

Step further into the van, and you’ll enter the spacious lounge area. On your right, just by the entrance, the family installed a flip-up table that can also serve as a stool or a bench, as well as a baby gate. At the time the presentation video I’m checking out was filmed, this family’s kids were only one and three years old, so the parents needed a way to ensure they were safe while roaming around the van.

Here’s how this space was cleverly engineered – the top part of the lounge area is taken up by an electric, winch-operated elevator bed. Underneath, you’ll discover a long bench that can be transformed into a bedroom by folding out its top panels and rearranging the cushions. Naturally, the parents sleep up top, so the little ones don’t risk falling from there. This setup not only does the job for these parents and their two kids, but four adults could comfortably sleep here.

You’ll also see part of the floor in the lounge area is raised to make room for a large floor compartment, which offers extra storage space. There’s no such thing as too much storage in a camper van – every single inch counts. Other notable features in this area are a projector screen mount, a ceiling fan, and a swivel table attached to a removable mount.

It May Not Look Like It, but This Compact Camper Van Can Cleverly Fit a Family of Four

Photo: YouTube Screenshot / Tiny Home Tours

One thing I saw missing in this rig is a bathroom. The family didn’t mention any shower or toilet, but since they only travel for smaller periods, they probably make do without one. Personally, I would’ve replaced the floor-to-ceiling unit I mentioned earlier with a small and narrow wet bathroom, but I assume they preferred having some extra room to store their stuff.

All in all, it’s impressive to see how many creature comforts this family managed to pack inside this van, especially since it’s such a small model. Most people would look at it and think, “Yeah, there’s no way a family of four can live and travel inside there.” But not these guys – they made things work in an efficient and convenient way, so props to them.