Dora’s Exploras Modular Builds

Every piece has its purpose! Van building 101. The inserts can transform into a date table, u shaped couch, single bed, love seat, and work desk. Allowing you the most usable living space!

When designing the van I wanted a social aspect to the build. So I made it a conversion bed. Blending the lines between living room, dining room, and bedroom to add the illusion of a more modular livable space.

The ceiling I went with pine with inlaid grooves. The lines give the van more space and takes away head height claustrophobia by giving lines to the horizon. @ Oceanside, California

After you install the T&G it’ll need a little love. Wood needs to be sealed and finished to protect it! I used cedar paneling and sealed it with . It’s all about the natural grain!

T&G installed! Certain parts of a build you can’t do alone. When in need phone a friend. Make a trip out of it and have fun! I phoned and . Drove up to Georgia and we cranked it out. Thanks for the help ole buddy! Homie price for you always!

When framing on a curve you can eye ball it and make 20 cuts or you can learn to scribe and nail it first try! When in doubt scribe it out. Closet framed and paneled. T&G cedar next!

So after insulation and running wire I framed the side walls with 1/4 in plywood for multiple reasons. One being and additional sound and insularity barrier. The other, a surface to glue and pin nail the tongue and groove cedar paneling. Pro-tip always leave more wire than you need at the end of your run and label everything! If you don’t and you can’t trace it to its source you’ve created way more work for yourself.

So I wasn’t too keen on the two tone style on the van...so I changed it. Amazing what a little research and prep can do.

So after finishing up the insulation and adding an extra reflectix later around all surfaces for sound proofing and insularity effect I secured the subfloor. In construction take the time to prep and your life will be a breeze. Get a chalk line and have a straight edge. Here I chalk lined the ridges in the floor then used self tapping screws to secure the floor to the frame.

After three attempts at framing the windows. Finally nailed it. Van building is a process. A lot of factors go into play because you’re not building in a perfect square. Never be afraid to say you did it wrong or used the wrong material and start fresh.

Even though you’re building a box, you have to think outside it. @ Oceanside, California

After the insulation went in I started feeling confident. So I cut a 14x14 inch hole in the roof of the van to install my fan...