A couple converted a $20,000 Ram ProMaster van into a tiny house while in lockdown, and they are now road tripping across the country — take a look inside

Frank OlitoAug 8, 2020, 00:54 IST

Deanna Dunn in her converted sprinter van.Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

While in lockdown in New Jersey, Deanna and James Dunn bought a Ram ProMaster van for $20,000.
For another $15,000, the couple renovated the van and converted it into a tiny house on wheels, with a full shower, toilet, and a projector screen.
The couple is now traveling to California in their converted van.

As most of the country spent the first two months of lockdown inside, one couple used that time to completely renovate a sprinter van.

For two months, Deanna and James Dunn worked on turning a Ram ProMaster van into a tiny house. Now they're embarking on a cross-country road trip from New Jersey back to their home base in California.

Keep reading to learn how they did it and to get a peek inside their modern, second home on wheels.

Last summer, Deanna and James were looking for innovative ways to travel on a budget, so they bought a vintage camper — but it didn't go as planned.

Deanna and James and their '50s camper. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

In March, they moved out of their Los Angeles home and planned to stay on the East Coast for a couple of weeks while figuring out their next move. Then the lockdown went into effect.

Deanna and James. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

In March, they moved out of their Los Angeles home and planned to stay on the East Coast for a couple of weeks while figuring out their next move. Then the lockdown went into effect.

They bought a Ram ProMaster van for $20,000 and started renovating it in Deanna's parents' driveway.

The Ram ProMaster van. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

Deanna said the best part of converting their camper was implementing everything she learned from the previous builds.

The van before remodeling. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

"It was definitely different doing a renovation during quarantine," Deanna said. "We just had to order so many things online. There were a few things we had limited options on."

Deanna in the van. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

"It was definitely different doing a renovation during quarantine," Deanna said. "We just had to order so many things online. There were a few things we had limited options on."

After two months and $15,000 in renovations, their home on wheels was complete.

The finished product. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

The first feature you see when stepping into the van is the luxury shower, which isn't too common in van conversions.

The shower. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

Next to the shower, there is a small kitchen counter, which is equipped with a sink.

The kitchen. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

At the back of the van, there are two couches and a table that doubles as a place to eat and work.

The seating area. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

When it's time for sleep, the table efficiently converts into a bed.

The bedroom. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

The couple even built a hidden projector screen in their van for entertainment.

The projector hangs above the bed. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

For added entertainment, they crafted a cornhole board that pops out of a drawer at the back of the van.

The cornhole drawer. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

After completing their van, the couple set out on a cross-country road trip to head back to their home base in California.

James and Deanna. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

"We've been opting for outdoor activities in the national parks and trying not to come in contact with anybody," she said.

The converted sprinter van. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

Once they arrive in Los Angeles, the couple will be renting out their van when they're not using it, but Deanna warned that life on the road isn't always easy.

The van is on the road. Courtesy of Deanna Dunn

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A couple converted a $20,000 Ram ProMaster van into a tiny house while in lockdown, and they are now road tripping across the country — take a look inside

Last summer, Deanna and James were looking for innovative ways to travel on a budget, so they bought a vintage camper — but it didn't go as planned.

In March, they moved out of their Los Angeles home and planned to stay on the East Coast for a couple of weeks while figuring out their next move. Then the lockdown went into effect.

They bought a Ram ProMaster van for $20,000 and started renovating it in Deanna's parents' driveway.

Deanna said the best part of converting their camper was implementing everything she learned from the previous builds.

"It was definitely different doing a renovation during quarantine," Deanna said. "We just had to order so many things online. There were a few things we had limited options on."

After two months and $15,000 in renovations, their home on wheels was complete.

The first feature you see when stepping into the van is the luxury shower, which isn't too common in van conversions.

Next to the shower, there is a small kitchen counter, which is equipped with a sink.

At the back of the van, there are two couches and a table that doubles as a place to eat and work.

When it's time for sleep, the table efficiently converts into a bed.

The couple even built a hidden projector screen in their van for entertainment.

For added entertainment, they crafted a cornhole board that pops out of a drawer at the back of the van.

After completing their van, the couple set out on a cross-country road trip to head back to their home base in California.

"We've been opting for outdoor activities in the national parks and trying not to come in contact with anybody," she said.

Once they arrive in Los Angeles, the couple will be renting out their van when they're not using it, but Deanna warned that life on the road isn't always easy.