ViewTube

It’s not the big things that make or break a van build… it’s the small details you will use every day 🚐 

Where your shoes go. 
Where the trash lives. 
How to keep everything in place when you drive. 

These are the things that don’t seem important while you’re building—but make the biggest difference once you’re on the road. 

Which one surprised you?

Follow along for practical van build guidance 🛠️

In a couple weeks I’ll be making my way south and chasing the warm weather again - to say I’m excited would be an understatement 😆

This time around I’m prioritizing better ventilation to combat the heat with passenger and driver window air vents from @eurocampers_usa 🙌🏻

These vents have a built in wire mesh and exterior louvers so you can enjoy fresh air even when it’s rainy and buggy outside 🦟 ☔️ 

Head to EuroCampers.com to grab a set of easy to install air vents for your camper van today ‼️

#eurocampers #vanbuild #ventilation #DIYCampervan #nomadlife

Starlink has been a great addition to van life, but lately I’ve been dreading the setup and tear down that comes along with it. 

So I installed the Trio Flatmount to eliminate those extra steps allowing me to connect to wifi faster.

This mount secures the dish to the roof with magnets and swivel hardware to accommodate the uneven surface ensuring all four magnets are flush to the van providing a strong connection when I drive. Depending on one’s wants and needs, the mount can also be secured with tape, screws or bolts. 

I also wired in a 12v adapter with a switch to change the router from 120v for better efficiency with my 12v battery bank.  

Now my Starlink is more stealthy on the roof, doesn’t take up storage space in my van and I can have service in motion with a simple flip of a switch.

Also, it adds to my safety on the road. Not only is it less obvious on top of my van, but if I need to leave a place quickly for any reason, I don’t need to worry about tearing it down.

At the end of 2023, I made the frames for my bunk windows, but I only installed the passenger side because I’d eventually be adding switches to the driver frame.

Well, a year later and that day has come. The driver bunk window is now complete!

The three 12v rocker switches built into the driver bunk window frame controls my floor heat pad, Starlink and electrical box fans. The frame is also removable should I need to access the wires running from my electrical box. 

Feels good to finally have that hole filled 😆

The first snowfall of the season gave me the kick in the butt I needed to do a few more van projects before heading south January 1st ❄️

After a year of shoving a mirror behind the driver seat and breaking two of them - I now have a permanent full length, pull out mirror. The best part - it’s only 2.75” wide and I still have plenty of storage space behind my driver seat. 

What do you think!?

EXCITING NEWS‼️

My website is officially LIVE 🎉

Check it out: LaurenLawliss.com 🤗

✨ Here are some website highlights ✨

1️⃣ My Van Life Story: How I found van life and why I decided to pursue this lifestyle, do the build myself and share it with others.

2️⃣ Product Links: Shop EVERYTHING I used in my van build for EVERY project… plus van life essentials for life on the road. 

Note, the product links are Amazon Affiliate links so I receive a small kick back every time someone makes a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you - thank you for the support!!! 

3️⃣ My DIY Van Build Breakdown: I know I am VERY behind on van build videos, so for the time being I’ve made a DETAILED breakdown of my entire van build, with pictures, for you to reference until I get more videos out.

4️⃣ Van Build Gallery: Check out pictures of the entire van build one project at a time. If you scroll to the end you’ll see pictures of the van’s current state. 

5️⃣ 1-on-1 Consultations: Perhaps what I’m most excited for is connecting with others who are looking for personalized guidance and support at any stage of their van build or van life journey. Book a time to connect and make your dreams a reality at any stage of your journey.

6️⃣ Connect: Support Lauren and stay up-to-date with her projects and adventures by giving her a follow on social media.

I’m so excited to be sharing phase 1 of my website publicly and want to thank each one of you for being here. I hope you find my website to be a helpful resource 💖

Fall time is here and I’m all for it 🍂

Yesterday I started a new project on the van after taking 10 months off from the build to travel.

Can you guess what project? That’s right, my final floor, which consists of a 12v heat pad and luxury vinyl planks! 

The heat pad is from Expedition Upfitters, a German company, and is going to keep my feet nice and cozy during the colder months in the van. 

I will say, it feels strange to be working on the van again after living in it’s current state for so long, but I’m also excited to be learning new things, working with my hands and problem solving again. 

Although I am going to miss seeing the subfloor which was covered in paint, measurements and notes from every step of the van build - going back to the very start over two years ago - I am excited to continue bringing my vision to life. 

I managed to get halfway done yesterday and hope to finish this project by the end of the week. Then I’ll be working on a step up behind the driver and passenger seat, as well as, a pull out full length mirror/closet!

Also, shoutout to mom for a yummy dinner and miss Paisley for supervising. 

What do you think!?

My cozy home on wheels 🫶🏻