Dan's Vans

Dovetails aren't something you see on van conversions, however they are perfect joint for strength and saving weight. They are not only bombproof compared to standard kitchen furniture company drawers, they show off the real beauty of wood in its natural state.

We've been doing some hunting for the next project, and have finally found her. Think we'll leave the stickers on, been a while since anyone called me that 😁

Campervan for hire

Zela is ready to hire from 5th August. 2 Berth luxury Mercedes Sprinter camper, with fold out super confortable bed, home from home kitchen, sound system, a/c, cruise control, designed for relaxation. Perfect for Dorset camping or local touring. Please ask Dans Vans for details and to book.

We are now doing Merch, give us your size, or send us your t shirt and you'll get your new style back. £8 for a sticker
£15 for a New T
£10 for Upcycled

I'm coming to the US someday soon for places like this. Roadtrip Dans Vans

Slide Rock State Park In Sedona, Arizona, USA

📷 / IG

We are now also on Instagram , come and check out pics and more over there

The bed build.

This 3 way pull out spllit design has worked out well for Elen for a few reasons. The aim was to reduce the effort pulling the bed as well as providing accessible storage. I toyed with a few ideas but this was the best compromise for buildability and space.

The cushion layout evolved even during foam fitting. Wayne from BoatyBits delivered foam and checked against the bench to see how it would fit with bench up and also with the bed set out. The sofa shape appeared to us as we decided whether to stack the 2 backrest cushions next to each other but found they made perfect arm cushions due to the proportion of seat depth vs backrest height and seat width.

Velcro on the undersides, which fixes to the movable slats holds the bench seat cushion down and acts as a stop for the other cushions when the bed is set up. The box lid stays hold each section separately while you reach into the storage compartments.

And how many small vans have loos fitted? A definite Brucey bonus 😄

We are growing fast, we are now transatlantic. Our sister company Dans Vans MT is in the US. Hit them for some american wood 😉

Day 3 of Dorset Volksfest 2023 was less of a washout, the clouds parted and kept the rain away from all the polishers, including me, trying to get some well deserved attention for their dream builds in the Show and Shine, good excuse to give Elen a full valet before handing over. Favourite for me was the red T2, sorry didn't get to meet the owners.

Elen was a true star performer, loads of people loving the quirky layout. Plenty of new ideas and innovations in the pipeline for the next build.

Thanks to S J Bowler for being our neighbours on the trade stands and showing us how to really do old school campers. Beautiful custom VW T2?

Shout out to Nightmare Customz, love you Stig, great metal work, I wish i had your skills with a welding gun.

Richie Rivera, yoh are a local legend and a top man. Thanks for an amazing festival, will be back next year. Let me know about hosting the Upton Bike Hub at Rivo's Hub.

Back next year for sure, new friends, new inspirations, what a journey.
🤩

Building your dream van...

Before you ask, Elen has been sold since project day one.

I build vans for people with specific requirements for a custom, personalised style and bespoke furniture fit and finish. Each build is different so I don't price packages. If you want a certain look we can work out a deal to suit you.

Design is based on clear ideas on how you'll use your van and developing layout around your needs. You'll be updated and involved throughout the build with shake down testing at the end to iron out snags before handover. By that stage you'll be itching to start travelling with your new companion. This weekend at Volksfest was Elens shakedown (and show down) and she certainly created waves.

Contact me so we can talk through your needs and decide how we can work together to achieve your vision, your partners and your families too.

Dan
('s Vans)

Day two of Dorset Volksfest 2023, rain didn't dampen spirits despite nearly getting washed away. Sunrise was awesome, would have missed it if I hadn't heard that lovely car alarm at 4am 😅😡. Elen looks great in pink

Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute kicked ass.

Thank you Richie Rivers for organising this amazing event.

T shirts now available. Send me a Messenger if you'd like one. We can upcycle your t shirts if you have ones lying around you aren't wearing and we'll send them back to you.

First day of Dorset Volksfest 2023 has been amazing as always. So many beautiful .

Snow Hawk are genius, acoustic prodigy why not? OK, you've got a new fan.

Surf Shack Ltd, well what they're doing with inflatables is awesome. Going there for our first paddleboard and inflatable floating roof tent. Again GENIUS!! Great to meet you Brian, top man.

Van Cab inflatable beds (https://vancabinairbeds.com/) for the front of your van, 1 extra blow up bed and a 12v pump for zero hassle, no brainer.

Elen, our first build is complete, enjoy the photos, let us know which bits you're interested in
Come and see her in person at Dorset Volksfest 2023

This is just one thing you can do in the lounge when you're with your true match and they're cool with it all 😎

We're going to Volksfest!! Bring on the Chilis tribute and Brandon Block in the dance tent.

Dan's Vans are out of this world!

Siruisly good camper conversions, and artwork too.

If you want your van captured in this style then it's £333 for a 3ft x 2ft board

The devil's in the detail... or should it be there's beauty in the creation

Burning the midnight oil at the creation station

Today's challenge : see if you can guess which hem was done by me
Well proud of the stitchwork

Front end respray is done, and the results are looking good, not bad for a second go with the spray gun.

It's been an awesome journey with 'van Elen', on the final stages now. Furniture cushions supplied by BoatyBits, super quick turnaround, reliable, and bonus is Wayne's a totally nice bloke to deal with. thanks shipmate 😃
Also thank you beyond words to my girlfriend Lisa (of Conkers fame) who has been with me through this build and more. Love you 💙

Windows in, feels good to have some light in the van,and looks good from the outside.

First van conversion day 1, 'Elen' is getting a full clean out. Bulkhead removed, metal work ground out and panels removed ready for insulation, carpeting and window fitting. 'Frida' is inspiring this build and is watching as her sister van comes to life.