Building on the success of last year’s Van Slam at the end of the season, YuKonstruct decided to kick start the 2016 camping season with the second edition; and what a kick start it was! With a sunny 22 degree backdrop, Van Slam 2016 was another great success. Over 80 people came out to see 10 vehicles, ranging in size from a dodge caravan to an ambulance, a RAV4 to a lifted monster of an overlander.
Lots of great ideas and innovations were discussed and shown off and it might be safe to say that everyone attending was able to learn a little bit about the DIY world of campers, conversions and 4x4s.
From how to create a customized mosquito net to fit onto a car window, to the variety of customized awnings and bed systems, lots of great ideas and innovations were discussed and shown off. Not only was there a tour of the vehicles, but we were able to get some new faces into the doors of YuKonstruct and show off the space and equipment available to members, some of which has been used for the very same conversions.
A big thank you to all the vehicle owners and the volunteers that helped plan and organize the event, as well as all the people coming out for the tours.
Feeling inspired? Here are some links that can get you started out on the right track to either getting yourself a vehicle or basic foundations on converting a van from scratch (even for beginners!)
Some auction sites to find your own van or ambulance: bcauction.ca govdeals.com gcsurplus.ca
Great blog posts and purchasable ebook: http://vandogtraveller.com/
Plans for Allison and Chris’ cargo van bed: http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Bed-in-the-Back-of-your-Van/
All Smith Overland’s blog: http://www.allsmith-overland.ca/the-ground-truth-blog
Finally, now that you won’t be using hotels on your next road trip, you might enjoy Andrew’s tips for the best places to find showers on the road: http://www.instructables.com/id/Finding-a-good-shower-while-on-a-road-trip/
Leave a Reply