This Stealthy, Off-Grid Camper Van Boasts a Fancy Interior With a Hidden Shower

The only scenario in which buying an already converted van might be worth it is if you get a good deal for it and its living space isn't radically different from what you'd like your dream interior to be.

If not, you'll spend time taking it down and still spend time and money building what you want to have. So, why not do that in the first place by getting your hands on a bare-bone van? There's also the matter of insulation and the foundation of the interior – it could be useful to have them already set up. Ultimately, it depends on the exact deal you have. By the way, here are some of the most reliable vans suitable for camper conversions.

Meet Leanne and Dan, a South African couple known online as "The Buddymoon." They purchased the van I'm discussing today in Scotland, made a few changes, and turned it into a full-time tiny home on wheels.

What we have here is a 2015 Ford Transit with a medium wheelbase and an extra-high roof. Keep in mind this is a UK van, so the driver's side is on the right. As usual, I'll begin the tour with the exterior.

To be frank, there's not much to tell you about this rig's outside part. In fact, the lack of visible exterior accessories makes it quite stealthy. What's more, it's finished all around in red paint, with the exception of the hood and lower back trim, which are black. On top of the vehicle, you'll see two 100 W solar panels.

Slide open the main door, and a hand-crafted, modern interior will greet you. Among other elements, Leanne and Dan opted for dark cabinetry, a slatted ceiling with a black backer board and two recessed LED strips, as well as matte grey walls.

This van's interior has a partly open layout, meaning the driver's cabin isn't separated from the living space, although moving from one part to another isn't that easy, as you'll have to climb over the kitchen countertop. However, in case of an emergency, the couple can still quickly hop behind the driver's wheel.

Dead ahead of the entrance, you'll find an L-shaped kitchen. It features a spacious and beautiful live-edge countertop, a stunning tiled backsplash, a two-burner propane stove with a canister in the cabinet underneath, a tiny 43-liter fridge, a large sink, a spice rack, and a tea and coffee nook.

Regarding storage, you can use three large two-part cabinets, one of which holds a safe, two overhead cabinets, and the headliner shelf above the driver's cabin. Leanna and Dan use a ceiling vent for ventilation.

The next part of this camper van is the seating area, which has a simple arrangement similar to many other rigs. It consists of two benches and a swivel table in the middle, which can also double as an additional countertop. What's more, you'll discover two USB plugs, two outlets, light switches, a switch for a water heater, and a diesel heater controller integrated into the side of the cabinet next to the driver's side bench.

Although the setup looks quite standard, there's something hidden away that gives an extra purpose to the seating area. If you lift the cushion and top panel of the passenger side bench, you'll reveal this rig's bathroom.

There's a Thetford Porta Potti chemical toilet (reserved for emergency situations), and the inside of the bench has been waterproofed with tiles. Setting up the shower isn't the most convenient process, but it's definitely better than not having an interior shower at all.

First, you have to remove the toilet by lifting it. Then, attach a shower curtain to hooks on the ceiling. Since the only water connection is at the rear of the interior, you'll have to pull a 3-meter (118-inch) hose over the bed and attach it over the curtain.

To create a sense of separation for the bedroom, Leanne and Dan devised two relatively small partition walls, one on each side. The one on the left, as you look at the bedroom, holds a decorative time that the couple takes great pride in: a YouTube Silver Creator Award, which the platform award when you reach 100,000 subscribers. Funnily enough, it can also serve as a tiny mirror.

Finally, we have the bedroom at the rear, which has cut-outs on both sides for extra space. Its double-sized mattress is designed to accommodate you from side to side, measuring 190 centimeters (almost 75 inches) by 138 centimeters (54 inches). Other notable features in the bedroom are four cabinets (two on each side) and two curtains covering the two rear windows.

Underneath the bed, Leanne and Dan devised a spacious garage that houses cables, hooks, a laundry basket, and the water connection I mentioned above.

Safety and security are something all van dwellers should seriously consider. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry, right? In this regard, the couple installed a carbon monoxide detector, as well as simple door latches to the rear and sliding doors. By the way, if you want to learn more about how to protect yourself while traveling in a mobile home, check out a recent article I wrote that covers this exact topic.

There's only one part of this camper van I haven't discussed: the utility systems. Leanne and Dan installed most of the electrical system underneath the passenger seat to make extra room in the living space.

Its highlights are two 115 Ah batteries, a charge controller connected to the 200 W solar panels on the roof, a kill switch, and a split charge relay, allowing the system to charge while driving.

The rest of the components, namely a 3,000 W inverter and a mains box, are installed underneath the safe in the kitchen cabinet. Moreover, the duo added a water pump and an Espar heater underneath them, while another cabinet holds a boiler. Regarding plumbing, this van is equipped with an under-mounted 70-liter (18.5-gallon) freshwater tank.

All in all, this Ford Transit was cleverly transformed into an off-grid mobile home. In this case, it was the right decision to buy a rig that was already converted, and this couple added their personal touches that made this van stand out, both regarding aesthetics and practicality. My favorite ones are the hidden shower and the striking L-shaped kitchen.