This was a van based on a 2020 Dodge Promaster 159" wheelbase. The vehicle design was based on the need for the van to operate as both a mobile construction van and housing for it's owner to participate in Habitat for Humanity projects across the USA.

We designed this van with the primary ability to operate as a mobile work vehicle and a class B RV. This meant a bed design that opened up to provide front to back cargo space of 144" length of the entire length van to a with of 48". We added a slide out 48" tool cabinet that can accomodate up to 200 Lbs of storage. At the same time we had the the requirement to provide year round living accomodations when connected to shore power. We designed a custom 12V, 200 Watt water heater that operates from solar or the van's alternator, dual chest refrigerators/freezers, 600 BTU AC unit, and a custom electrical system that could connect to a 3500W Ecoflow battery generator. Because Bendiga will be used at construction sites with readily available AC shore power, a large roofdeck replaced what would normally be used for a solar panel.

Another goal was to eliminate the complex internal electronics with a removable power supply. In place of over $4,000 of custom electronics we integrated a 3600 Watt Ecoflow generator system that can be installed quickly by plugging in just three power cords. The system can be charged from a 220 Watt solar panel on roof, van's alternator, 120V shore power, and EV charge stations. An internal 600 Watt AC to DC converter permits the removal of battery system when connected to shore power so the can be used year-round for guest accomodations or at a work site that has AC power. Because we did not need to build a complex electronics system involving multiple batteries, inverters, custom cable 100 amp 12V harnesses, solar charges, and more we reduced the overall labor by over 100 hours, or $5,000.

To free up space on the roof for two solar panels and two skylights we designed our own two-fan ventilation system. Two low cost DC fans replaced two Maxxair units at a cost saving of over $900. In addition to the costs savings, the fans use ony 10 Watts (versus 80 Watts)of power permitting 24 hour operation. Because the roof vents are low profile we can install them beneath the rooftop solar panels permitting operation regardless of the weather. Since they operate with one as an intake fan and other as exhaust fan,the entirre volume of air in the van is replaced every five minutes.

Design philosphy:

This van was designed for seasonal use. Although walls, floor, and ceiliing are all insulated, the van has numerous windows. With Bendiga, the owner wanted the ability to take long-distance works trips in the van, employ it to move cargo, and use it as a daily work vehicle. Because of the large cargo space and living accomodations the owner found it more practical to commission the van rather than to purchase a new $60,000 to $70,000 pickup truck.

• 220 Watts of solar
• 120V, 15 Amp AC power system with circuiut breakers
• 600 Watt, AC to 12V DC power converter
• 3600 Watt Ecoflow Generator
• 12V, 200 Watt hot water heater
• 22 gallon fresh water tank
• Fully insulated with 1/2" to 1" thick rigid insulation on walls, floors, and ceiling
• Pressurized water system with indoor and outdoor shower
• 120V portable room-type AC unit
• Portable diesel heater
• ;Appliances: two refrigerators,12V hot water heater
• Cassette toilet
• 800 x 500mm skylight
• Queen size foldout bed

Project Photos

Download Van build Brochure