The Plan

Let’s talk about the plan for the Yellow Submarine.

If you gram, youtube or google vanlife builds or anything of that nature you will get a literal shit ton of posts, videos and pictures of conversions. Most of which are in the double digit thousands for the buildout in an extended cab with elevated ceiling.

We have two big dilemmas factors that are dictating our plans.

First, our budget. We started with a total budget (van+build) of $10k. Six of that went to the vehicle and another 500 to legal stuff (smog, titling, etc). That leaves us with roughly $3500 for our build, def not double digit thousands.

Second, our space. The Sub is a standard cab and base height. We have roughly 53 sq ft of space to fit our lives into. Oh, and we can’t stand up inside either.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and options for a build online. It’s also easy to get overwhelmed by the small space and lack of basic amenities you take for granted in a traditional living space (ie, running water, easy electrical, closet space, toilets, etc). While Jake and I were crazy excited about purchasing the Sub, the reality hit us this week and we have both been feeling overwhelmed.

So instead of focusing on what the end goal would look like and picturing/planning/mapping it out. We are taking it one step at a time. We know at worst we can throw our mattress in it and fall asleep. We have ideas on what would be super awesome to have. But at the moment we are focusing on the current step, and that step alone.

First step: gutting and cleaning.