By Cheri Sicard
In this video, we join Patrick Botticelli of New Jersey Outdoor Adventures as he introduces us to Hunter from Green Valley Vans, a man with a vision. I say that because the step van in question had been sitting empty and rotting in a bog for over 50 years before Hunter got his hands on it. You’d be hard-pressed to find more impressive before and after photos.
Hunter wanted a retro camper but with all the amenities of today. He started with a 1953 vintage Grumman Kurbside step van, the kind that was used to deliver bread. After sitting in a bog for 50 years it had no doors, no windows, and no frame. This is as much a vehicle restoration as it is a camper build.
Hunter began by building a tube chassis to fit on the step van’s wheelbase. He added heavy-duty suspension and rear duallies, and a 7.3-liter power-stroke diesel engine. The sturdy front frame carries an 18K winch. With everything he added, Hunter’s vintage step van camper now drives like a brand-new vehicle.
He completely reskinned the exterior in shiny aluminum, replaced all the glass, all the door seals, and most of the roof. Of course, the interior is completely new. A master woodworker, Hunter’s mahogany- and maple-paneled interior creates a warm and inviting space.
The galley is gorgeous with a hammered copper sink and butcher block counters.
Be sure to watch the video for innovative ways he designed the step van camper’s two sleeping areas.
Hunter added lots of other great amenities to the step van camper build, including:
- Hydraulic rear tailgate
- 1100 watts of rooftop solar
- Large shower with a wood-lined shower pan that’s built into the van’s floor
- Marine vinyl upholstery on interior furniture
- Marine vinyl flooring
- High-efficiency air conditioner that can be run off solar
- Ducted diesel heater
- Victron electronics
Hunter says he worked on the project for about two years on nights and weekends. Wow, that was a whole lot of work! What do you think of Hunter’s creation? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. [This is absolutely amazing!!! —Diane]
##RVT1138
Once again, Cheri, you find the most off-beat (but COOL!) RV builds. Thank you!
This guy is amazing. A one-man RV manufacturer. Forest River could use this genius.
Thank you, Cheri! Yes, that was an amazing build. That guy is so skilled that he has skill dripping from his fingertips. 🙂 Wow!
I totally agree, Neal! Hunter does amazing work and is soooo detail-oriented. But I did get a kick out of his untied shoelace. Just sayin’.🤣 Sorry, Hunter.😉 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Great planning, space utilization, access and super high quality workmanship! Rv manuf’s. listen up!
Wow! What talent, innovation, and workmanship!! Thank you for sharing it Cheri!
Do not visit California without fenders over those rear tires or a fix it ticket might be one of your souvenirs.