Outdoors

Ram Promaster cargo van converted into a multi-purpose camper

Ram Promaster cargo van converted into a multi-purpose camper
Professionalcarpenter and wood worker Ryan Wells has recently turned his hand toconverting utility vans into smart campervans
Professionalcarpenter and wood worker Ryan Wells has recently turned his hand toconverting utility vans into smart campervans
View 12 Images
Professionalcarpenter and wood worker Ryan Wells has recently turned his hand toconverting utility vans into smart campervans
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Professionalcarpenter and wood worker Ryan Wells has recently turned his hand toconverting utility vans into smart campervans
The Ryda Van boasts beautiful bespoke woodwork
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The Ryda Van boasts beautiful bespoke woodwork
There is enough space for occupants to walk around and cookcomfortably in the compact kitchen
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There is enough space for occupants to walk around and cookcomfortably in the compact kitchen
The Ryda Van has been executed for optimal floorspace
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 The Ryda Van has been executed for optimal floorspace
Bespoke wall features a bookcase and lots of storage
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Bespoke wall features a bookcase and lots of storage
Allof the interior furniture elements fold up and out of the way
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Allof the interior furniture elements fold up and out of the way
Bespokefeature wall, complete with a large flip-down dining table and twoflip-down chairs that sit either side
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Bespokefeature wall, complete with a large flip-down dining table and twoflip-down chairs that sit either side
Seattle based motor-home enthusiast Ryan Wells recently converted a 2015 Ram Promaster into a multi-purpose adventure van
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Seattle based motor-home enthusiast Ryan Wells recently converted a 2015 Ram Promaster into a multi-purpose adventure van
The 60-sq ft (2.15-sq m) interior features a double fold-down Murphy bed
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The 60-sq ft (2.15-sq m) interior features a double fold-down Murphy bed
The Ryda Van accommodates two occupants and boasts beautiful bespoke woodwork, smart fold-away furniture and rooftop solar panels
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The Ryda Van accommodates two occupants and boasts beautiful bespoke woodwork, smart fold-away furniture and rooftop solar panels
TheRyda Van conversion was designed to suit Wells needs as a cargo/workvan in conjunction with using it for weekend getaways
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TheRyda Van conversion was designed to suit Wells needs as a cargo/workvan in conjunction with using it for weekend getaways
Overall the Ryda Van took one year to complete
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Overall the Ryda Van took one year to complete
View gallery - 12 images

Professionalcarpenter and wood worker Ryan Wells has recently turned his hand toconverting utility vans into smart campervans. The Seattle-basedmotor-home enthusiast recently converted a 2015 Ram Promaster into a multi-purpose adventure van. Dubbed the Ryda Van, theconversion accommodates two occupants and boasts beautiful bespokewoodwork, smart fold-away furniture and rooftop solar panels.

"Theidea started out with a few ideas to combine a weekend adventurevan, a weekday cargo work van, and also a place to showcasewoodworking," Wells tells New Atlas. "We tested theSprinter, Transit, and Promaster and liked the size and feel of thePromaster best. We also chose this van because of the 136 inchwheelbase that fits in most parking spots. We also wanted some keyfeatures such as a reverse camera with sensors, windows in the rearand a color that wasn't contractor white."

TheRyda Van conversion was designed to suit Wells' needs as a cargo/workvan in conjunction with using it for weekend getaways. The 60-sq ft(2.15-sq m) interior features a double fold-down Murphy bed, fold-awaytable and chairs for two, bookcase, hidden storage, compact kitchen,320-W solar system, hardwood oak floors, cedar accent ceiling, butcherblock counter-top, dual propane burner, 33-quart (31-liter)refrigerator/freezer, LED lighting, curly maple veneer and walnutcabinetry.

Overall the Ryda Van took one year to complete
Overall the Ryda Van took one year to complete

"Idid the build when I had free time, so it took quite a while, about ayear all up," says Wells. "Once I installed the Murphy bed,we were able to use it for trips while it was still being finished.The 320-watt solar system setup was new to me, so that took a lot oftime and research."

One standoutattribute of Wells' design compared to other campervans and DIYconversions is that the Ryda Van has been converted with the goal of optimal floorspace. The large, open and central space allows Wells to pack the van with work materials, or serve as a multi-purpose zone whentraveling with his wife. All of the interior furniture elements foldup and out of the way, while there is enough space for occupants towalk around and cook comfortably in the compact kitchen.

TheRyda Van conversion was designed to suit Wells needs as a cargo/workvan in conjunction with using it for weekend getaways
TheRyda Van conversion was designed to suit Wells needs as a cargo/workvan in conjunction with using it for weekend getaways

Wellsreveals that his fold-down bed is the most asked about feature of thebuild. The bed is built with a piston lift system and counterbalancing to ensure smooth operation, and is only 16 in (406 mm) wide when packed away in the up position. Opposite the bedwall is another bespoke feature wall, complete with a large flip-downdining table and two flip-down chairs that sit either side. The unit also features a bookcase and lots of storage.

"Ilike the intimacy and challenge of small space design and storage," says Wells. "Ifyou design properly, you can fit all your essential items. We areable to fit everything in our storage while traveling and still nothave anything on the floor."

The Ryda Van accommodates two occupants and boasts beautiful bespoke woodwork, smart fold-away furniture and rooftop solar panels
The Ryda Van accommodates two occupants and boasts beautiful bespoke woodwork, smart fold-away furniture and rooftop solar panels

Sofar Wells has taken the Ryda Van to Alaska on a trip that was over5,000 mi (8047 km); a three week Southern California coast trip;two week Rocky mountain mountain bike trip; a winter snowboard tripfrom Washington State to Colorado, and countless local trips inWashington, Oregon and British Columbia.

Dueto the popularity of the Ryda Van build that cost Wells US$5,000 in materials all up, he has redirected thefocus of his woodworking business to van conversions and has beeninundated with requests. We look forward to seeing his future builds,so stay tuned.

"Iam currently working on two builds now and plan on a new build for mywife and I in the future. We are having a child in December, so Iplan on making a kid friendly design."

Source: Rydawell via Treehugger

View gallery - 12 images
3 comments
3 comments
Leonard Foster Jr
No Restroom or Shower
Bob
This is a beautiful design but I'm afraid it lacks on comfort unless you spend almost all your time outside. Its only real advantage is that it does have some room for cargo when not being used for camping. It is definitely limited to two people. Nothing was said about a restroom or storage tanks. Having tried everything from a truck camper, cabin cruiser boat, camper van, various motor homes and travel trailers, I have a definite set of requirements for a comfortable camper. It must have a sofa and/or comfortable chair to seat all the occupants inside when the weather is bad. It must have room to move around when any feature is in use. It must have an adequate bathroom and shower. It must have storage for outside furniture and an awning. It must have storage for fishing gear, bicycles, and other recreational equipment. It must have its own power supply along with a good air conditioner and furnace. It must also have a way of taking along alternate transportation for those quick trips to town for forgotten items or entertainment. The pickup camper and van camper fail miserably. The most versatile, smallest and cheapest alternative is a 19-22 foot travel trailer pulled by a full size pickup with a truck bed large enough to haul an ATV or motorcycles with room for bicycles, kayaks, and a small generator. If you have the money, the real Cadillac of travel is a nice motor home pulling a small car, boat or utility trailer capable of holding the ATVs, motorcycles and kayaks. If you like to really rough it, a simple pickup with an adequate bed length can probably haul everything you need.
Martx
Wow! Great Van. But I have to agree with Bob that it is not necessarily suitable for camping. The van looks absolutely great, even the effort should be appreciated, but something like a toilet should really be installed. Currently I think that the van is more suitable for mobile office than camping. Perhaps my view will change, if anything changes. But personally I would add more shelves and a larger table, and use it for mobile office. By the way mobile office: I am currently looking for a way to store my documents, materials (for example notepad, pencils and laptop) properly. So far, I’ve only encountered so-called auto-assistants (e.g. https://www.sortimo.com/products/mobile-office/ ) But I have not had any experience with it yet. Has anyone already had experience with it? Or is there any other article which can help me with this? Many thanks in advance.