Miles Van Camper (v3)

Miles Van Camper is an a versatile, off-grid capable camper van with a modern design built on a 2018 RAM Promaster (2500, 159″ wheel base, high roof, gasoline). This is my third Promaster conversion. You can read about the first one here (v1) or the second one here (v2).  Miles v3 uses the same floor plan as the first two but with minor improvements and tweaks.

Miles Van Camper has everything you would want in an adventure van all in about 65 square feet! Only high-quality materials were used. Check out all the materials I used for the build here.

I developed the unique floor plan after years of research and experience with other many other van campers. The layout effectively creates two separate “living spaces” in a small van footprint. In addition to the primary living space and galley located directly behind the cab, there is a bed/loft area in the rear that features a standard full-size memory foam bed, two windows and a powerful Maxxfan vent fan directly overhead. One of my design goals is to have everything work without much effort. For instance, since the bed is “fixed” you don’t have to make the it every day or store the bedding during the days. It’s very nice to be able jump into a comfortable bed whenever you want while someone else occupies the front living space or galley. If you need to use the bathroom you don’t need to pull the toilet out of a drawer or deploy curtains. Just step in and use the toilet or shower.

Photo Gallery
Materials and Parts I Used
Why I Picked The Promaster

This van was sold in January 2023

Features

Electrical

  • 2x 100 amp hour Renogy lithium batteries for a total of 200 amp hours of capacity.
  • 2x 100 watt Renogy solar panels on the roof with a 30 amp MPPT solar controller.
  • 2000 watt Renogy Power inverter/charger with 4000 watt surge capacity that automatically switches 110 volt AC loads from inverter to shore power when available with remote control panel and charges the batteries when connected to shore power.
  • 30 amp shore power inlet with 30amp to 15amp adapter when 30 amp service is not available.
  • Progressive Dynamics load center with 5x 110 volt AC circuit breakers and 12x, 12 volt DC fused circuits.
  • Three distinct charging methods to keep the batteries charged up: from vehicle alternator when driving (via a Renogy 40 amp DC to DC charger), from the inverter/charger when connected to shore power and from the solar panels during daylight hours.
  • Victron battery monitor shows state of charge, voltage, charge/discharge rate in amps and watts and estimated battery life in hours with bluetooth capability.
  • 110 volt AC, 12 volt DC and USB charging connections in various places throughout the living space to power everything you need.
  • Download a detailed wiring diagram.

Galley

  • Stainless-steel, two-burner propane stove and sink.
  • Pull-out faucet with standard or spray pattern.
  • Quartz countertops.
  • Tons of storage and ample counter space with deep 24″ drawers.
  • Vitrifrigo refrigerator (5.3 cubic feet) with separate freezer compartment (1 cubic foot).
  • DeLonghi  espresso maker (runs perfectly off inverter).
  • Stainless steel flush-mounted microwave (1 cubic feet).
  • Elegant and durable brushed aluminum backsplash.
  • Swiss-made Lagun table system with stainless steel surface swivels over the galley when not in use or can be positioned as an extra work surface for the galley or working/eating surface with the swiveled cab seats.
  • Integrated paper towel dispenser, trash and recycling bins and intelligent storage.

Comfort / Safety / Convenience

  • CR Laurence “t-vent” window installed on slider door.
  • Two Motion Windows with screened openings installed into each rear cargo door.
  • Coleman Mach 8 Cub 9200 BTU rooftop air conditioner. This is the lowest profile unit on the market, and only consumes approximately 11.5 amps making it easy to operate off a standard 15 amp outlet/service (no need for 30 amp service). This unit will run off the battery bank/inverter but not for long!
  • Webasto gasoline-powered heater that runs off van’s fuel tank.
  • 10-speed Maxxfan vent fan can pull air into the living space or exhaust air out and features an rain hood so you can operate the fan in any weather, remote control and adjustable thermostatic control.
  • Combination propane gas and carbon monoxide detector.
  • Fixed full size memory foam bed in loft area
  • Isotemp SPA 20L marine-style, 5.3 gallon water heater that heats water while you drive with the engine’s coolant. It’s very well insulated and keeps the water at temperature for a long time. When you’re not driving, it has a 750 watt electric heating element that runs off the inverter and is controlled by a switch in the galley. The water is heated to up to 190 degrees in the tank and then mixed with cold water to a specified temperature when leaving the tank. This extends the 5.3 gallon capacity significantly and speeds up recovery time.
  • Thetford “cassette-style” toilet in wet bath provides odor free convenience without the need for a black water tank. Cassette empties easily into a standard toilet, campsite sewer connection, etc.
  • Comfortable, clean shower with flexible shower head with integrated soap and shampoo dispensers, waterproof toilet paper holder and mirror.
  • Extensive LED lighting with dimmers.
  • Extensive noise dampening (Noico) and insulation (3M Thinsulate) for quiet ride and to keep the van cool or warm in any climate.
  • Easy-to-use and clean roller shades provide privacy and light control while virtually disappearing when not in use.
  • Insulated privacy shades for windshield and driver/passenger cab windows deploy and store easily with suction cups and provide comfort and privacy.

Utilities

  • 33 gallon fresh water tank with gravity drain underneath driver’s side bumper.
  • 30 grey holding tank with standard 3″ connection – mounted underneath passenger side sliding door.
  • Lockable fresh water fill and city water inlet on drivers side.
  • Fresh water tank and all plumbing installed inside the vehicle to protect from damage and freezing for all-season camping.
  • SeeLevel 2 tank monitor provides easy-to-read tank capacity information for fresh water and grey water tanks. Monitor also allows turning on/off the water pump.
  • Curt class 3 hitch with 2″ receiver (6000 lb tow capacity, 600 lb tongue weight) and standard 4-pin and 6-pin trailer connections.
  • Swing-away bike rack that allows us to bring along two bikes but swing away the rack to access the back doors.
  • Roadlink Togo for internet connectivity and local network. This dome is installed on the roof of the van and can either pull in a distant WIFI connection or use an AT&T unlimited 4G data plan.
  • Amazon Alexa connected to van stereo and Bluetooth speaker.