Meet the Gink and Gasoline Intruder.
I’ve always wanted a camper van to make extended fishing trips easier and more affordable. The problem is, the rest of the world wants one too and prices have gotten out of hand. So I set out to design and build a DIY camper van that gives me everything I need to live comfortably on the road, without the six-figure price tag.
I bought my 2008 Sprinter Van several years ago, fortunately before used vehicle prices went through the roof. It has a few years on it but only about 60K miles when I bought it. I built all the improvements myself for around $2500. I’m in a super comfortable camper for right around $20K total. It took some luck and some work and a lot of head scratching but none of it was really difficult. If you can use a circular saw and a drill, you can do it too!
Check out this video for a complete tour!
Justin Pickett
Gink & Gasoline
hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
Really nice, Louis. I am impressed by your carpentry, but even more impressed by your design. One question:when you arr ready to move, where’s the wet waders go. The rear view mirror doesn’t seem practical.
Hi Steve, I roll them up and slip them beside the bed stand in the back. Although, now I really want to try driving with them on the mirror!
If you are going to do that, I suggest you put your rod on the roof as well
Of Course!
Awesome Louis! Well thought out and thanks for sharing. Maybe one day I’ll try a van project.
Thanks Robert!
Very nice. With the price of motels I’m always wanted to do that. You’ve inspired me.
Right on!
Nicely laid out. I espeailly liked the shower pump idea. Where did you get the cabinets/drawers?
Thanks Brian! I made all the cabinetry myself using mostly sanded plywood from the Home Depot.
That is awesome, Louis! Is your guitar stored in there somewhere?
You know it! I carry an old Republic Miniolian, a parlor size resonator. It travels in it’s case and straps into the back seat via the seat belt while driving.
That is traveling in style. Really nice job on the slide out drawers! I made my first drive to Colorado from Atlanta to fish in the San Juans this year sleeping in my 4Runner with a homemade sleeping platform. Your van would have made that trip much more comfortable.
Delicate question. How do you transport bags of poop back to civilization for proper disposal?
If the question is delicate, the answer certainly isn’t! I put the bags in another bag and I use one of those A shaped spring clamps to clip it to the back door handle and drive it to an appropriate spot to dispose of it. That way it never comes inside. So, if you see me driving along with a trash bag clipped to the back door, it’s best to leave it alone!
Thanks.. I do the same. Very nice build btw. I’ve spent a lot of time on the diy van sites as well. Yours is primo.
Thanks Betty!
Louis
I am hoping that this camper means you are back in the saddle again and have most of the eye problems in the rear view mirror.
Great Job. Best of luck on the road!!!
Hey Larry, Great to hear from you! I wish I had better news for you man. I’m coming up on surgery #10 soon. Hoping to push it back with meds land enough to get through my Bonefish season. Not going to let it stop me from living the life I want. Just means I have to work harder. Thanks!
A list of the different items you used would be helpful. Like the heavy duty drawers with latches, and some of the products (brand) you found most useful, etc…
Thanks for sharing, great job!