I’ve Visited 23 National Parks in My DIY Campervan. Here Are 5 Things I’d Change About It.

GeoffreyMorrison/CNET Withacampervandesigninmymind,Iboughta2014FordTransitConnectinDecember2022.Tothismagnificentvehicle,Iaddedsolarpanels,200Ahworthofbatteries,afridge,LEDlightingandevenbuiltabedandadesk.AndIdidafewYouTubevideosaboutthebuildprocess. Sincefinishingthebuild,I’vedrivenover30,000miles—coasttocoast,toCanadaandbackandthrough23nationalparks.It’sbeenafantasticroadtripmachine.Ibuiltitasatentreplacement,notforfull-timevanlifeoravanlifetrialrun.Itwasmyfirstcampervanbuildandfirst-evervanconversion.Withtwoyearsofhindsight,IcanseeIgotalotright—buttherearedefinitelyafewthingsI’ddodifferently. WhatI’ddodifferentlyIdesignedthevaninmyheadformonthsanddidtonsofresearch.IfIwastodoitallagainfromscratch,thisiswhatI’dchangeknowingwhatIknownow. OverdoingovercapacityWheninthevastemptyspacesofWestTexas, WhenIinitiallystarteddesigningthepowersystemformyvan,Iwantedtoerronthes