Converting a van in the United States is easier than you might think – and it’s the key to an unforgettable road trip.
After buying our Dodge Grand Caravan in New York, we transformed it from an empty shell into a cozy mini camper with a bed, storage, and all the essentials for life on the road.

Part 3: Converting Our Dodge Grand Caravan

In this post, we’ll show you which materials and stores we used, how we built our setup, and the practical tips that’ll help you create your own road trip-ready van across the U.S.

What you’ll learn:

• 1. Why we chose the Dodge Grand Caravan
• 2. Our full van conversion process – from empty to homey
• 3. The best U.S. stores for your van build
• What We Learned from Our Van Build

1. Why We Chose the Dodge Grand Caravan

The Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most popular models for DIY van conversions in the U.S. – and for good reason. It’s reliable, easy to repair, and features an incredible “Stow’n Go” system that offers tons of hidden storage. The seats fold completely into the floor, leaving a perfectly flat space for your bed and gear.

Many travelers actually search specifically for “Dodge Grand Caravan Camper Conversion” because it offers the best value for long-term travel across the U.S.

Interior dimensions (behind the front seats):

• Length: approx. 228 cm (7’5″)
• Width: approx. 162 cm (5’4″)
• Height: approx. 137 cm (4’6″)

That’s plenty of space for a full-sized bed and storage – ideal for minimalist travel for two. Despite its compact exterior, we managed to fit everything we needed for three months on the road.

2. Our Van Build – From Empty Shell to Cozy Camper

We completed our van build in just two days. With good planning (and a few well-timed Home Depot runs), it’s absolutely doable – and you can always tweak things later on the road.

🧹 Step 1: Clear Out & Clean

Start by folding or removing all rear seats (depending on your model). Then give the interior a deep clean – dirt, sand, and dust can become a real nuisance once you start living in the van.

🪚 Step 2: Design & Build the Setup

• Mattress: We went with the Meistervik Full-Size Mattress from IKEA USA – it fit almost perfectly across the van’s width. To make it fit snugly, we trimmed one side slightly using a bread knife (the perfect budget-friendly hack).
• Bed frame: Our bed base was built from a simple shelving unit from Home Depot. It was easy to assemble, flip upside down, and strong enough for two people. Depending on your floor height, you might need to shorten the legs slightly – a small saw will do. We secured the frame with zip ties for extra stability.
• Storage: Under the bed, we stored everything – camping gear, cooking equipment, clothes, groceries, and toiletries – in IKEA storage boxes.
  We also carried an Ozark Trail cooler, three 1-gallon water jugs, and our suitcase. Everything was organized, accessible, and easy to grab without unpacking the whole van.
• Curtains & privacy: We bought DIY tint film for the five rear windows at a workshop on Long Island – easy to install and perfect for privacy. For extra darkness, Reflectix insulation panels, cardboard inserts, or curtains work well. We didn’t tint the front side windows (illegal in most states). Instead, we used mosquito nets so we could sleep with the windows open in summer. Behind the front seats, we added a privacy curtain by attaching an IKEA throw blanket to a tension rod with staples – a quick, cheap, and effective fix.
• Bedding: We found pillows and a duvet at Target. If you have room in your luggage, it’s worth bringing your own duvet cover from home – it adds comfort and saves time during setup.

3. The Best Stores for Your Van Build in the USA

You don’t need specialized camper workshops or fancy tools to build your van in the U.S. – just a few well-chosen stops at America’s big-box stores.

• Home Depot: shelving units for the bed frame, basic tools
• IKEA: mattresses, storage boxes, kitchen items, curtains, tension rods
• Target: textiles, decor, dinnerware, small household essentials
• Walmart: camping stove, cooler, water jugs, shower bag, gas cartridges

Tip: If you’re starting in New York, hit Home Depot Brooklyn and IKEA Brooklyn right away – both are easy to reach and perfect for stocking up before your road trip begins.

Good items to bring from home: microfiber towels, bed linens, cutlery, power bank, car charger, headlamp, hammock, picnic blanket, universal mosquito nets, front window cover (optional), and small tools (like a folding saw and zip ties).

Bonus: Download our Van Build Checklist (PDF) for your U.S. conversion.

4. What We Learned from Our Van Build

Our DIY van build was one of the most rewarding parts of our U.S. road trip – and far easier than we expected. The key? Keep it simple, smart, and functional.

• Keep it simple: You don’t need a luxury camper – comfort and organization matter most.
• Measure carefully: The IKEA Full-Size mattress fits perfectly in a Grand Caravan with minor trimming.
• Smart storage: The space under your bed is your best friend – use bins for clothes, food, and gear.
• Privacy & airflow: Tint film and mosquito nets are worth their weight in gold. Always keep air flowing while sleeping.
• Stay powered: A power bank and a 12V car charger are usually enough to keep your devices running.
• Cooking & hygiene: A camping stove, cooler, and a Planet Fitness membership for showers will cover almost everything.

➡️ Our DIY van build proved one thing: you don’t need a fancy camper to experience America – just a bit of creativity, planning, and the right tools. In the next parts, we’ll show you what daily life in our van looked like, our favorite apps for vanlife, and the best hacks we discovered for saving money and finding incredible overnight spots across the U.S.

Have you ever built your own camper – or are you planning your first vanlife adventure through the USA?
Share this guide with your favorite road trip buddies and leave us a comment below!

USA Road Trip Behind the Scenes: