Van Life meets Sim Racing in this DIY camper van that features a solar-powered gaming device
Today an idea came to my mind: “What if you combined truck life with sim racing?” Being passionate about both topics, I was curious to know if anyone had acted on this idea and created a tiny house on wheels with a sim racing setup. I did a quick search on YouTube and found Dan and his toy cart.
Image: YouTube screenshot/DansGamingVan
If you’re not familiar with simulation racing, known as sim racing, it refers to playing driving games that simulate real-life racing. The basic simulator racing platform consists of a steering wheel and pedals, usually mounted either on a desk or in a private cockpit. This means it takes up quite a lot of space, so I was intrigued how someone would fit such a setup in a campervan.
Dan used a 2015 long-wheelbase, high-roof Ford Transit with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine to convert his camper. Starting in the truck garage, you’ll notice that everything has become quite a mess. To be honest, I appreciate when truck dwellers give a real picture of what truck life is like for them. It usually involves a less presentable, unplannable appearance and a disorganized aesthetic.
If you look past the clutter, you’ll notice there’s plenty of space in this garage. Dan was able to put together two bikes, two RC cars, and a whole bunch of other tools and equipment.
Once you open the door, you’ll discover that Dan’s racing simulator is strangely blocking the way. You’d have to go over it to get to the truck – an inconvenient solution, to be sure, but there wasn’t anywhere else it could fit.
Image: YouTube screenshot/DansGamingVan
This section is for sim racing geeks like me. His setup consists of a Next Level Racing wheel mount, a Moza CS V2 steering wheel attached to a Moza R9 V2 cradle, and Moza SR-P pedals. The steering wheel features a direct-drive system, which can replicate forces better than a low-profile belt-driven system.
You’ll notice that Dan also added a shifter and handbrake. Furthermore, it uses the swivel passenger seat as a “racing seat.” The final part of this platform is a 30-inch ultra-wide Scepter display with a 200Hz refresh rate mounted near the ceiling. Overall, this is an excellent setup for sim racing, although there is plenty of room for upgrades.
Oh, I almost forgot – another important component of Dan’s gaming setup is a WiFi router. It provides around 100MB/s, which is more than enough for gaming, web browsing, and even live streaming.
If you look around, you will notice many touches that make this interior unique. For example, Dan used 100-year-old barn wood throughout the truck and built a beautiful hardwood floor. Another distinctive element is an epoxy-treated live edge wood countertop. However, my favorites are the old skateboard decks that serve as backrests and the car license plates scattered throughout the interior.
Image: YouTube screenshot/DansGamingVan
The kitchen takes up quite a lot of space but is well equipped. It features two massive countertops, an overhead cabinet, a huge sink with extendable faucet, an oven with a three-burner stovetop, a Dometic refrigerator/freezer box, and an 800-watt microwave. There are also plenty of storage spaces in the form of cabinets and drawers under both countertops.
There is a window on the wall behind the kitchen. Dan can use multiple windows and two Maxxair vents to make sure the interior stays fresh.
Next, we have a small seating area consisting of two chairs. One has storage space underneath, while the other doubles as a laundry hamper. At the top, you’ll notice a large rack extending toward the back of the truck, which holds three baskets of Dan’s clothes. It also houses an Xbox One and a PS4, connected to the screen via HDMI cables installed under the floor.
Finally, we have the bedroom. Dan cut down the body of the car and installed two large windows with bug screens. If you look directly above, you’ll notice that Dan has nailed a map to the ceiling.
Image: YouTube screenshot/DansGamingVan
One thing I think Dan could have added is an extra shelf or storage compartment above the bed, on the other side of the existing shelf. I feel like there is some dead space that could be useful.
When it came to amenities, Dan made sure to provide everything he needed for a comfortable life on the road. You’ll discover a diesel heater and an electrical system made up of Renogy components. It features a charge controller connected to two 300W solar panels, two 100Ah lithium-ion batteries, and a 3000W inverter. Dan said it has enough power to operate all the electronics in the truck without having to worry.
I’m glad someone actually developed a transport truck with a racing sim platform. Props to Dan for an excellent DIY conversion with lots of practical features and personal touches.
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