Mike’s Van Build: A Vanlife Outfitters Podcast

In the final episode of Mike’s Van Build Podcast, Mike and Amy return to Site Seven for the big reveal of their completed adventure van.

After months of design, fabrication, and anticipation, they finally step inside their new home on wheels — complete with fold-out bed, upgraded power system, gorgeous ceiling, and thoughtful touches throughout. It’s a look at what happens when craftsmanship and creativity come together to create a van that’s ready for life on the road.

Perfect for anyone dreaming about vanlife, building their own camper, or just curious about the process from start to finish.

Produced by Vanlife Outfitters.

vanlifeoutfitters.com

In this episode of Mike’s Van Build Podcast, Mike and Amy share what it’s really like to design and live in a camper van for two. From choosing flexible furniture layouts to finding ways to make a small space feel warm and personal, this episode is full of practical insights and design inspiration for couples planning life on the road.

Whether you’re dreaming of vanlife with a partner or already living it, this conversation explores how thoughtful design choices can make a van feel like home — together.

Produced by Vanlife Outfitters.

vanlifeoutfitters.com

A van build isn’t complete without the right exterior upgrades. In this episode of Mike’s Van Build Podcast, Mike shares how his Sprinter went from a plain metal shell to an adventure-ready rig thanks to a full suite of exterior modifications.

From a custom roof rack with solar panels and Starlink, to powered side steps, a Fiamma awning, exterior lighting, and all-terrain tires — every choice adds both style and function. These are the upgrades that make the van safer, more capable, and more comfortable for real-world travel.

If you’re planning a camper van conversion or just love seeing how the details come together, this episode is packed with insights on building a van that’s ready for the road ahead.

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Episode 6 – Custom Camper Van Interiors: Smart Layouts, Hidden Storage & Bike-Friendly Design

From framing to function: How custom van design transforms space into livable vanlife comfort.

In this episode of Mike’s Van Build, Mike takes us deep inside the customization phase of his Sprinter van conversion with the Site Seven team. From clever storage solutions and bike-friendly pullout trays to space-saving benches, convertible beds, and multi-purpose layouts, every detail is designed for real vanlife adventures.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a camper van both functional and comfortable, this episode shows exactly how thoughtful design turns limited square footage into a home on wheels.

Listen to learn:

• How to maximize garage space for gear and bikes
• Why small tweaks in cabinetry and bed design can make a van feel spacious
• The importance of planning storage, seating, and workspaces for long trips

Perfect for DIY builders, future vanlifers, or anyone curious about professional van conversions, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration straight from the build floor.

vanlifeoutfitters.com

The framing stage of Mike’s Sprinter van build — structure, systems, and space planning revealed.

In Episode 5 of Mike’s Van Build, the transformation takes a major leap forward. Mike and the Site Seven team move into the framing stage, turning the empty Sprinter shell into a structured foundation for everything to come.

From precision cuts to careful layout decisions, framing is where the van starts to feel real. It’s also the perfect time to plan ahead — running wiring, prepping plumbing, and making sure every hidden system has the access it needs for installation and maintenance.

Mike shares his hands-on experience with this stage, from lessons learned in past builds to the excitement of finally seeing his adventure rig take shape. If you’ve ever wondered how to go from bare metal to a van that feels like home, this episode gives you the inside look at building the bones of a camper van conversion.

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From layout to lighting, discover how smart design transforms a small van into a cozy home for two.

In Episode 4 of Mike’s Van Build, the focus shifts to one of the most important stages of any conversion: design. How do you fit a kitchen, bed, workspace, and storage into less than 80 square feet — and still make it feel like home?

Mike shares his priorities for this build, from garage space for bikes to a smarter kitchen layout and windows for natural light. With help from the Site Seven team, he pulls ideas from other vans, blends textures and materials, and works through custom solutions like angled cabinets, hinged bed frames, and exterior-access storage.

If you’re planning your own camper van conversion, this episode is packed with practical tips and lessons on how to design for comfort, usability, and personality in a small space.

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In Episode 3 of Mike’s Van Build, the journey reaches a major milestone: the handoff. Mike delivers his brand-new Sprinter to the Site Seven shop, where the pros will begin turning it into a fully customized adventure rig.

From the whirlwind of buying and moving to the excitement of seeing the Site Seven team in action, Mike shares what it feels like to hand over the keys and start the real build. Along the way, he talks about choosing the right builder, spotting craftsmanship that lasts, and making key design decisions that will shape how the van feels and functions.

If you’re curious about what happens when you go from dreaming and planning to actually starting a professional van conversion, this episode is packed with lessons, inspiration, and the excitement of seeing a vision begin to take shape.

vanlifeoutfitters.com

In Episode 2 of Mike’s Van Build, Mike heads into the Vanlife Outfitters warehouse for the ultimate shopping spree. From flooring and insulation to a massive battery bank, rooftop AC, fridge, and more, he picks out the gear that will transform his Sprinter from a blank shell into an off-grid adventure rig.

Along the way, Mike explains why he’s upgrading from his last build, what he learned from living in Willow, and how each decision shapes a van that’s rugged, comfortable, and ready for the road.

If you’ve ever wondered what gear you really need for a van conversion — and what you can skip — this episode is packed with insights, product ideas, and plenty of laughs from Mike’s behind-the-scenes haul.

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What happens when you buy a brand-new Sprinter van… and hand it over to pros without a single plan?
In this first episode of Mike’s Van Build, VLO’s own Mike Lyons shares his vanlife journey — from childhood camping in a VW bus, to 14 months in a Eurovan named Althea, to commissioning not one but TWO custom Sprinter builds.

Along the way, Mike gets real about:
✅ The mistakes he made with his first build (and what he’s doing differently now)
✅ Choosing between Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster
✅ Why your electrical system might be the most important part of your van
✅ How to pick the right builder for your dream rig
✅ The creature comforts worth splurging on

Whether you’re planning your first van conversion or just love hearing real-world stories from the road, this episode is full of practical tips, lessons learned, and plenty of laughs.
🔗 More photos, links, and product info: vanlifeoutfitters.com/podcast
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