Couple Go Viral As They Transform Their ‘Home on Wheels’ Together

A young couple has gone viral after sharing a video of their campervan renovation, turning a standard van into a home from scratch, and without any professional help.

In a video shared on TikTok last Tuesday, the couple, known as Coconuts and Camels, explained that in April 2021, they bought a 17-seater Ford Transit Minibus, and after stripping it out and cleaning it up, they started turning it into their “home on wheels.”

The couple took care of every little detail, “from insulation and soundproofing to wiring in lights and building out living space, adding walls and a ceiling, a Maxxair ceiling fan, storage cupboards, seating and our bed to go at the back, and our kitchen of course!

“Plus we designed, built and installed our power setup which made switching on the lights for the first time feel so amazing! So come say hello to our home on wheels… Stan the Van!”

In further comments, the couple explained that electricity is supplied by “two 400 amp hour lithium leisure batteries in the back and the three solar panels on the roof (575w) + a btb charger.”

According to research by travel blog Truly Experiences, since late 2020, “millions of people” have discovered that RVs are the best way to experience the outdoors. The American forecast for the end of 2022 RV shipments ranges between 567,000 to 587,400 units, with a most likely year-end total of 577,200 units.

In a news release, the U.S. Recreational Vehicle Industry Association states that U.S. RV industry growth is expected in 2022, with shipments between 586,300 to 614,100 units, with a likely total of 600,200 units—a 4 percent rise over 2021.

The couple, who will be traveling Europe in their campervan, said their campervan cost a total of around $10,000 to $15,000. They said they got a special vehicle insurance, specific for a self-built campervan, which quite a few companies offer nowadays.

The couple said they had to get a C1 license—a type of driving license that allows people to drive vans up to 7.5 tonnes—for it as it’s plated to 5 tonnes.

The video, titled “Our van build story. Follow for more of our vanbuildseries & travels around Europe,” has so far received over 599,000 views and more than 17,000 likes.

Newsweek has contacted coconutsandcamels for comment.

Most TikTok users loved the video, with CenaB writing: “I love people who can build stuff.”

Another user, Robbie, asked: “Looks great, was the electric side of things difficult? I think I could do everything else.” And Dommers2 added: “Would absolutely love to do this. Have you had it calibrated since? I don’t understand how they work afterwards… as in with all the weight?”

Another user, Howard Joanne, commented: “Well done, looks amazing. Might bump into you when we’re out in our conversion.” And Pranav Patel added: “I would love to do this but unfortunately I do not have the skill set to figure it all out.”

Shadow-Felt Fusion said: “Looks amazing. I throw an airbed on the floor of our van and have a cold box and camping stove.” And Neil Andrew Wothersp wrote: “Phenomenal.”

Alex Lohier said: “Love this looking to do it on a slightly smaller scale! Fair play, keep up the amazing videos.” And user2033151222272 added: “Epic build! Sore subject—how much did it cost all in? Need to start saving.”

“Fantastic job” said Pearl Lawrie. And The Minibus Camper commented: “Looking good guys, first one we see exactly as ours. We are in the final stages of finishing now. We are starting to show the stages little by little.” Maggie said: “I never would’ve thought to get a minivan/multi seater to convert but it’s genius!”