Last Updated on March 20, 2025
Alisa, the adventurous owner of this charming campervan, decided to leave her conventional life behind in pursuit of a more affordable and fulfilling lifestyle on the road. Inspired by her best friend and a growing community of van lifers, Alisa took the leap, quitting her job, ending a long-term relationship, and moving out of her apartment.
"Van life had just started to become popular, and my best friend really pushed me," she shares. With a deep love for travel and a desire to escape the rat race, Alisa found her perfect home in a 1992 Dodge Ram campervan.
Her story is a testament to the freedom and joy that comes with embracing a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle. In a video from Tiny Home Tours, we explore our favorite 10 things about Alisa's van.
1. The Inspiration
"Van life had just started to become popular, and my best friend really pushed me," Alisa recalls. Her friend's encouragement and examples of affordable van living inspired her to make the leap. It's funny how sometimes peer pressure can lead to the best decisions—like swapping a cubicle for a campervan!
2. The Kitchen
Alisa's kitchen is a delightful blend of retro and modern elements. "The previous owner redid the counter and put in this Butcher Block," she explains, showcasing her favorite feature. Her adorable wallpaper adds a personal touch that makes the space uniquely hers. Who knew that a little bit of wallpaper could turn a kitchen from drab to fab? It's like HGTV on wheels!
3. The Living Room/Dining Room/Bedroom
This multifunctional space is a marvel of compact design. "This is set up like a little miniature RV, which I love," Alisa enthuses. The space transforms from a living area to a dining room to a bedroom with just a few adjustments. It's like having a Transformer, but instead of a robot, it’s a cozy home. Now if only it could make coffee too!
4. The Bathroom
Alisa's bathroom setup is both practical and charming. "I love not having to take my toilet out and dump it like some toilet setups," she says, highlighting her RV-style toilet. Her use of original curtains for privacy and warmth is a clever touch. It's amazing how something as simple as a curtain can make such a big difference—like a magician's trick, but with more comfort and less rabbit.
5. The Entryway
The entryway of Alisa's campervan is both inviting and functional. "I have the ability to just have one door open or have them both open," she mentions. The custom Welcome Mat with daisies adds a personal touch that ties the whole space together. It's like rolling out the red carpet every time she steps inside—except this one is way cuter and doesn’t require a vacuum cleaner.
6. The Bedroom Setup
Alisa's bed setup is both practical and cozy. "These flip down into the middle, and that's how this whole space turns into a bed," she explains. Though she sometimes wishes for a stationary bed, the versatility of her current setup is undeniable. It's like having a Murphy bed, but with more personality and less wall.
7. The Storage Solutions
Storage is a crucial aspect of van life, and Alisa has maximized every inch. "I've got storage up here, a little cubby underneath the floor, and some storage underneath this seat," she details. Her efficient use of space ensures she has everything she needs without feeling cramped. It's like playing a game of Tetris, but with pots, pans, and dog toys.
8. The Dog Space
Alisa's campervan is also home to her beloved dogs. "I built a wooden box that's even with the seat, and there's a lid to that for all of their clothing and gear," she says. The setup allows her dogs to roam comfortably while keeping their things organized. It's like a doggy penthouse on wheels—complete with room service!
9. The Custom Decor
Alisa's love for thrifting shines through in her campervan decor. "I am an avid thrifter, and most of the things in here I slowly thrifted," she shares. Her unique finds, like the vintage National Park postcard fabric pillow made by her grandma, add a personal touch. It's like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, she finds cozy, one-of-a-kind pieces.
10. The Coffee Maker
No home is complete without a good coffee maker, and Alisa's van is no exception. "My favorite purchase in my van is my coffee maker by Bellman," she says. The compact, stove-powered machine allows her to enjoy her favorite white chocolate mochas every morning. It's like having a coffee shop on board—minus the long lines and misspelled names.
Check out the video tour below:
