Inside My Log Cabin on Wheels

Long road trips were a big part of my upbringing. From a young age, I loved the feeling of covering thousands of miles, passing through unfamiliar landscapes and biomes. That love for travel stayed with me through adulthood, fed by books like Into the Wild, Blue Highways, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and the more grounded humor of Bill Bryson. These days I try and be outside as much as I can, and Disastrovan v2 is such a healthy enabler of that core need.

Disastrovan v2 is a 1996 all-wheel-drive Chevy Astro camper van project that has become my little log cabin on wheels. I’ve spent over a decade building out different camper vans; each one teaching me something new through trial and error, road trips, and the occasional full rebuild. This camper is the result of all of that: a cozy, minimal, log-cabin-style van that feels like home no matter where it’s parked. From the beetle-killed blue pine interior to the Twin Peaks-inspired details: this is easily my favorite build yet.

I’ve shared tutorials online for anyone who wants to build something similar, and this article goes hand-in-hand with those videos. So, here’s everything you need to know about how it all came together. This article breaks down what the van is, how I use it, and walks through the core systems I’ve built; from sleeping and storage to cooking and comfort. If you’re looking to build your own rig or just want to nerd out over small-space solutions: I bet you’ll feel right at home in the Disastrovan v2 project.

Why a Chevy Astro?

Chevy Astro vans were, for a long time, America’s workhorse. Tradespeople across the board (painters, electricians, woodworkers, and folks in construction) relied on them daily. They were built on a truck chassis and came with a legendary V6 Vortec engine, known to push well past 350,000 miles. The Astro has a footprint about the size of a Subaru Outback, but enough interior space to haul a riding lawnmower. Because it’s a Chevy, parts are widely available; AC Delco stuff is easy to find and most mechanics know their way around one.

Some models came with all-wheel drive, which makes them perfect for camper conversions that needed the added traction and control on dirt roads. The stock clearance is decent for off-road maneuvering, and if you need more, they can be lifted. They’ve got a pretty low-key, stealthy exterior that doesn’t draw much attention, and the inside is about as straightforward as it gets; basically a blank slate for a full build. For one or two people it’s a great camper platform.

Disastrovan v2 is built to be road-trip ready; a low-profile, comfortable little cabin I can stay in for long stretches without needing to plug in, hook up, or rely on campgrounds or RV infrastructure. For my needs, it’s the ideal tiny home on wheels.

Core Use Cases

When landscape photography came into my life, my passion for road trips shifted into something deeper. Road trips were now about chasing light, seasons, and the raw beauty of remote places. Disastrovan gives me the ability to get deeper into the backcountry. I can camp at trailheads for early morning backpacking starts, stay warm and dry in the Pacific Northwest’s worst weather, and still could live comfortably off-grid for months at a time. The build is simple but thoughtfully packed with features that make it completely self-reliant.

After a ten-hour haul, I can crawl into the back and rest in solid comfort. It’s a place I can call home, whether I’m parked at a trailhead, visiting friends, or passing through cities. The van handles mud, snow, and most of what the outdoors throws at me. It’s my chariot into wild spaces, and the kind of travel home I always hoped for.

Design Philosophy for Shelving: 3 Core Concepts

Disastrovan is built around a simple goal: striking a balance between minimalism, comfort, and function. It isn’t overbuilt, but it’s not stripped bare either. Every aspect of Disastrovan is designed to make the most of the available space without adding unnecessary bulk. The goal was to create something that feels like a home, not just a shell, and the shelving system was designed to be open, accessible, and strong enough to carry gear for two people over extended travel. It features an open modular layout with dedicated spaces for clothing, food, camera gear, books, and more.

In the article linked below, I walk through the major design choices I made when it comes to shelving: what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d recommend if you’re planning your own build.

READ: How To PLAN Your STORAGE & SHELVES: 3 Design Concepts for Van Life & Campers

Expandable Bed System

For my next tutorial I introduce the expandable bed system: a design that seamlessly transitions between single and partner modes in under a minute. This bed offers ample storage beneath and features spaced slats to prevent condensation, mold, and mildew. Retracted, it’s ideal for solo use; expanded, it accommodates two mattresses side by side, measuring 75 x 55 inches (the dimensions of a standard full-size bed). Top-access storage and a front-facing cabinet provide additional convenience. This design embodies the balance of minimalism and functionality I aimed for. With the bed retracted, there’s space to haul 10-foot lumber or store a bike. In inclement weather, the open floor space allows for indoor activities like stretching after a long backpacking trip.

For a step-by-step guide on building your own expandable bed system:
READ: HOW TO BUILD an EXPANDABLE BED SYSTEM for your Camper van

Back Barn Door Covers

The back of the van features custom wood-paneled Dutch doors, built for durability, insulation, and aesthetics. I used pine slats and tongue-and-groove boards to create a cabin-style finish inside the barn doors. They are insulated with foam board and Reflectix, and add warmth, sound dampening, and visual appeal to the build through a pretty simple project.

READ: How I built the Custom Wooden Dutch Doors

Outdoor Kitchen Setup

Cooking inside the van is something I’ve learned to avoid. Over time, I realized that cooking outside solves a lot of problems that cooking in a vehicle can bring including moisture buildup, oil vapor, lingering smells, and fire risk. It also gives me more room to cook; I can prep food more easily, run multiple burners if I need to, and stretch my legs while I’m at it. This outdoor setup works in most weather conditions, and I can do this all while standing under clear skies or tucked beneath the awning in a downpour. Keeping the kitchen outside also helps protect the interior. The van stays clean, dry, and free of oil vapor that could damage the woodwork.

READ: Here’s Why I Don’t Cook Inside

PORTABLE KITCHEN: All-In-One WATERPROOF Chuck Box Kit!

​Incorporating an all-in-one waterproof chuck box kit into my van setup has significantly enhanced my outdoor cooking experience. Utilizing a repurposed Pelican 1510 Hard Case, known for its durability and compact design, I’ve created a portable kitchen that efficiently stores all essential cooking gear. The addition of a lid organizer optimizes storage space, allowing for categorized organization of utensils, cookware, and cleaning supplies. This setup not only streamlines meal preparation but also ensures that all items remain protected from the elements, making it an indispensable component of my vanlife adventures.​ It also happens to be my most viral video to date.

READ: PORTABLE KITCHEN: All-In-One WATERPROOF Chuck Box Kit!

Want to Follow the Build?

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