DIY camper van conversion
Their Instagram: / abe.and.mel
Their YouTube: @abeandmel
Check out Abe and Mel's custom expedition truck!
With years of experience building and customizing rigs for their nomadic lifestyle, Abe and Mel showcase everything that makes their expedition truck the ultimate overland rig.
Exterior: Abe and Mel made significant upgrades to the exterior of their truck, starting with a custom 14-foot bed mounted to the chassis. Equipped with 35-inch all-terrain tires for improved ground clearance and a unique Subaru Autumn Green paint job, the truck boasts a rugged aesthetic. They added a roof rack for extra storage, a Nilight light bar for nighttime driving, and mounted All Top traction boards for off-road support. Their glow-in-the-dark retractable Torklift steps make getting in and out of the truck a breeze, regardless of the terrain. One feature they knew they needed for extended off-grid stays was a dedicated trash storage area, allowing them to remain off-grid for up to four weeks.
Off-Grid Power: The rig is equipped with 1,000 watts of solar power, courtesy of Signature Solar, ensuring Abe and Mel have power no matter where they go. The roof system includes solar panels, Nomadic Cooling AC, WeBoost for improved connectivity, and Starlink for internet access. Inside, their complete electrical system features two 400 amp-hour server rack batteries and a 3,000-watt inverter, enabling them to run everything from induction cooktops to air conditioning and microwaves. They can monitor all aspects of their energy usage, ensuring the rig is perfectly suited for long-term off-grid living.
Interior Design: Step inside Abe and Mel’s rustic, minimalist little house on wheels! Inspired by Norwegian design, the interior features dark wood finishes and inviting lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Large Tern Overland windows flood the space with natural light, complementing the sleek, modern aesthetic. The kitchen includes an induction cooktop, a large 8-cubic-foot Thetford RV Norcold refrigerator, and ample storage. They also opted for a stylish black granite sink, which blends seamlessly with the overall design. Their 42-gallon water tank, along with a hydronic water heating system, ensures hot water is always available for both cooking and showering.
Living and Dining Area: Abe and Mel prioritize comfort in their living area, which features custom-built storage beneath a 49-inch sofa. They added an RV table stand that can be transformed into a dining table, workspace, or play area. Their art wall displays photos from their travels, coordinating perfectly with the wood, black, and gray tones seen throughout the RV. To gain extra workspace, they installed a pop-up desk area, perfect for remote work while traveling.
Bathroom: This is Abe and Mel’s first rig with a full shower setup, and they’ve made it both functional and stylish. The wet bathroom features a custom Ogo composting toilet, complete with venting and a protective toilet cover for use during showers. The bathroom is compact yet fully functional and perfectly suited to off-grid living.
Bedroom and Garage: The north-south bed configuration allows for extra storage space underneath. Their Zinus queen-size mattress is a staple from their previous builds, and the custom barn-wood wall mimics the shingles of old Norwegian churches. An installed Nomadic air conditioner keeps the space cool, while the black lap barn and wainscoting finishes from Woodplank.com create a cozy atmosphere. The under-bed garage houses motorcycles, one of the main reasons they upgraded to a larger vehicle. Easy to load and unload, these motorcycles allow them to explore new places with ease.
Abe and Mel love to stay active, so they included a pull-up bar, an adjustable bench, and power block dumbbells for their workouts. Their compact training area allows them to keep up with their exercise routine, even while living off-grid.
Filmed by: / abe.and.mel
Edited by: / sagetraveling