Ford Van With a DIY Raised Roof Proves You Don't Need a Fortune To Build a Proper Camper

What we have here is a custom high-top camper van built by Ken and Laura out of a 2000 Ford E-350. Before we go into detail, let's talk about the cost of this rig. The couple spent $2,600 (€2,450) for the base vehicle and invested an additional $10,000 (€9,425) into the conversion, bringing the total price to $12,600 (€11,876). Compared to many campers out there, this is a very fair price. Let's see what you get for it.

On the exterior, the first thing you'll notice is the massive roof rise, which enabled the couple to stand up straight in the van. They used a steel frame for the extension and covered it in aluminum. They also built a custom roof rack and added a basket and 375 W solar panels to it. It took Ken about two years to complete the conversion because he only worked on it during the weekends.

At the rear, they built a custom bumper complete with a spare tire carrier and a bicycle holder. You'll also notice a sizeable storage box, a shovel, and a water heater. The components can be swung out to reveal the rear doors, which can also be opened.

Moving inside, you'll notice there's a spacious feel to the area even though it measures a mere 10 x 6 feet (3 x 1.8 meters). As you enter, you'll have the driver's cabin on your right – both the passenger's and the driver's seats can be swiveled, and there's also a storage space above.

The kitchen takes up a lot of room in this van. Because of the roof raise, the couple managed to equip it quite well. It features a fridge just by the vehicle's entrance, two large countertops, a two-burner stovetop connected to a propane bottle in the rear, a full-size sink with a drying rack, a spice rack, and an overhead microwave.

There are many storage spaces throughout this rig. Most of the kitchen essentials are stored in cabinets and drawers underneath the countertop. Furthermore, you'll find some extra cabinets above, near the microwave, which serve as a pantry. On the opposite side, Ken and Laura had a tiny bookshelf and more overhead cabinets, one of which hides a coffee machine.

Even with the roof raise, there was no way the couple could fit a bathroom inside. Instead, they mounted a Porta Potty on a drawer slide right underneath the sink. When they need a wash, they can connect a shower faucet to the heater and install a shower tent when it's not too cold outside. They said that when the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), they go to a gym to care for their hygienic needs.

Continuing to the other half of the living space, you'll notice a large couch that has storage both behind and underneath. Next to it, there's a table that can be extended to fit two people.

On the opposite side of the couch, Ken and Laura devised two cabinets that store mainly pantry items. Right beside, a tiny door leads to the couple's laundry chute.

A subtle detail you might've missed is the two side rails mounted on each side of the van – they allow the sitting area to be turned into a bedroom. There are four panels that lock on the rails, creating a spacious bed.

Of course, it was impossible to set up the bed side-to-side due to the lack of space, so the couple installed it from the rear to the front. Anice touch is a large window mounted in the back part of the roof raise, which allows plenty of light to shine inside. The window is almost level with the beds, so the couple can take in the surrounding views from the comfort of their own bed.

All of the van's utilities can be controlled via a panel installed on the side of a kitchen cabinet. You'll see propane on/off switches, light switches, and controls for the Renogy and Victron electrical systems. About that, the van is equipped with two 100 Ah Renogy lead-acid batteries mounted underneath the vehicle, as well as a DC/DC charger.

The best choice when it comes to camper batteries is lithium-ion. Even though they're the most expensive option, they're well worth the investment, as they hold more energy, last longer, and require very little maintenance compared to lead-acid batteries. Ken and Laura said they also wish to upgrade, as the sole reason why they opted for lead-acid batteries was the lower price.

All in all, this is an amazing custom conversion. When you consider the budget-friendly price tag, it makes this rig even more special. My favorite features are the raised roof and the office/bedroom setup.