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Minivan Build Manual

July 11, 2019

There have been requests for more details on the prototype minivan build just completed by HOWA. The attached manual covers the basics of the materials and tools used, with photos and descriptions of how it all went together.

The manual covers the build on this Ford Windstar minivan. Dimensions will vary depending on the make and model of the van you are building as well as the next van that HOWA builds out. But the basic design, materials and tools used and listed in the manual will provide a good foundation for what is needed to accomplish a build like this one. 

Many thanks should be given to the volunteers that came together for three weeks in June to work together as a team to create this minivan home. Nomads brought their skills, experience, energy and tools to build together with compassion and thoughts of the person that will travel in this home on wheels.

Additionally, there were generous donors that purchased items from the Amazon Wishlist that was set up to outfit the interior of the minivan with living essentials such as the mattress, stove, totes and so on. 

There were MANY people that put their kindness and compassion to work to bring the minivan home into fruition.

Together We Are Changing Lives and Building Community!

Minivan Build Manual June 2019

Comments(11)

  1. Phyllis says
    July 13, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Thank you Stevie!

  2. David says
    July 19, 2019 at 10:42 am

    Where are the videos?

    • Phyllis says
      July 19, 2019 at 11:04 am

      You can see some videos of the build on the blog page of the HomesOnWheelsAlliance.org website. They show daily updates on the build event.
      There are no other build videos to accompany the manual.

      • David says
        July 21, 2019 at 11:36 am

        Do you have a link?
        I don’t find any videos except from about a month ago.

        • Phyllis says
          July 21, 2019 at 12:34 pm

          Here are the links to Bob’s YouTube videos on the build:
          Day 1 Vlog
          Day 2 Vlog
          Day 3 Vlog
          Day 5 Vlog

          These videos are from about one month ago because the build took place at that time and that is when the videos were recording the daily progress.

  3. Enid says
    August 2, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    You guys did a great job.

  4. Dee says
    August 6, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    This is sooooooo awesome!

  5. Phyllis says
    August 18, 2019 at 10:11 pm

    Hi Tony! It is great that you are finding the manual useful. The cooler did not actually have a location to be tucked into. It primarily resides in the aisle or could be stashed near the side sliding door when sitting on the bed. Good luck on your van build and safe and happy travels.

  6. Diving Cyprus says
    January 10, 2020 at 10:46 am

    We love your content. Regards from Pissouri Bay Divers from Cyprus.

  7. Dan Wil says
    July 27, 2021 at 12:23 am

    Hello, Im New to Site’ i hava Kia mini van” me 61, Retired, M, Fixd income’ Thanks for ‘ Info. & videos” Building something more Comfortable’ being living within my van” Currently ‘ Same when got’ 1 yr. Now’ except’ Tubs/sleeping bag/ixe chest/ Great to see Others About & Good People As This Site, Sharing ‘ Making More Comfortable Living

  8. Lisa McMillian says
    September 21, 2022 at 5:11 am

    Am looking for van so I can start van life ,I need help picking good reliable van so I can sleep and go to work,so I can start saving cause my body breaking down I won’t be able to keep working.please I need help

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HOMES ON WHEELS ALLIANCE, INC. 1970 N. Leslie Street #297 Pahrump, NV 89060 USA

Homes on Wheels Alliance, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization registered with the Nevada Secretary of State, pursuant to Title NRA 82A.200. Its purpose is to assist seniors and the working poor with unconventional housing as shelter. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to provisions of Sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C.§170(c).

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