March Progress (March 1 – March 31st)
March ended up being one of those months where progress wasn’t necessarily flashy, but it was meaningful. A lot of what got done directly improves how usable the van is day-to-day, which honestly feels more important than just checking off build steps.
Bed Platform + Mattress
The bed platform is now fully assembled, and the mattress is in.
One change I made here, pretty last minute, was going with a full size bed instead of a twin.
The original plan all along was a twin to save space, but I started thinking more long-term. If I ever rent the van out, most people are going to expect a full size bed. On top of that, it gives flexibility for the future, whether that’s a partner, a dog, or just having extra room to spread out.
It does take up more space, but I think it was the right call overall.
This was also a big turning point in general. The van finally feels like something I can actually live in rather than just a project I’m working on.
Behind-Seat MOLLE Panel
I also installed a MOLLE panel behind the seat along with several pouches.
This has quickly become one of those simple upgrades that makes a big difference. It’s now where I keep all of my day-to-day items—things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, extra chargers, and other travel essentials.
Instead of digging through bags or bins, everything is visible and easy to grab. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement, but a really effective one.
I could see myself adding a second MOLLE panel somewhere else in the van eventually once this one fills up.
Lower Wall Panels (Filler Panels)
I started working through the lower wall gaps using DIYVans ProMaster filler panels.
There are a surprising number of these openings throughout the van, and they’re basically black holes for anything that falls near them. Each one only takes about 4–5 minutes to insulate and patch, but there are enough of them that it adds up.
The goal is to have all of these completed by the end of April.
Walls (On Hold for Now)
One decision I made this month was to hold off on putting up the main wall panels.
Before closing everything up, I want to be 100% certain that I don’t need to run any additional wiring behind them. I’m still considering adding more USB-C outlets and possibly a few additional 120V outlets, and once the walls go up, that becomes a much bigger project to change.
So for now, the walls are paused until I’m confident the electrical layout is finalized.
Kitchen Plans (Now in Motion)
I ordered the first of two lower kitchenette cabinets from Van Wife Components.
I went back and forth on building everything myself, but with time and experience in mind, pre-made van-specific cabinets just made more sense. They’re definitely more expensive, but they should save a lot of time and simplify the process.
The plan:
- Order the second cabinet within the next month or two
- Follow that with a butcher block countertop
This should start turning the van into a much more functional living space.
Power System Note
I ran into an issue with one of the solar input ports on my power station, which I’ve stopped using for now.
I’ve been in contact with Bluetti to get it evaluated, and I’m currently working through their process to determine next steps. In the meantime, the system is still usable through alternator charging, so it’s not a complete setback—just something that needs to be resolved.
Trips This Month
I took a short trip to Omaha, Nebraska, and another to Indianapolis.
One of the biggest takeaways from both trips was how incredibly useful having a fridge in the van is. Being able to keep drinks cold, store food, and save leftovers made a huge difference. It’s one of those things that quickly goes from “nice to have” to essential.
Other Work + To-Do Items
A few additional things on the list right now:
- Sand and paint the upper cabinet
- Cut, paint, and install the lower divider between the garage and living space (under the bed)
- Diagnose and fix the Webasto heater fuel pump issue
None of these are massive projects individually, but together they’ll help clean up and finish out some important areas of the build.
Looking Ahead (April + Early May)
With the weather improving, April should be a much more productive month.
I have:
- A short weekend trip coming up
- A potential 2-day camping trip in May
The goal is to have the van in a fully livable state by that May trip—even if it’s not 100% complete.
That means:
- Bed is done (already there)
- Basic kitchen functionality in place
- Power system reliable
- Storage reasonably organized
It doesn’t need to be perfect... just needs to work.
March was less about big milestones and more about making the van usable in real-world scenarios. Between the bed, storage, and early kitchen progress, it’s starting to feel less like a build and more like something I can rely on. With a couple more key pieces in place, April and May should be where that really starts to show.