Janet’s RAM Promaster 1500: A Cozy, Capable Van for Her Next Chapter

As Janet approached retirement, she had a clear vision for what came next: more time on the road, more of Canada to explore, and a van that felt like a comfortable, dependable home base along the way.

An adventurous spirit from Burnt River, Ontario, Janet had spent years learning everything she could about van builds, van life, and solo travel through YouTube. When she came to Overland Interiors earlier this year with her Ram Promaster 1500, she knew what she wanted her van to feel like: cozy, functional, safe, and thoughtfully laid out for real travel.

The Customer

Janet is part of a growing community of women choosing to travel independently and create their own adventures. The van community is close-knit - especially among solo female travelers - and word gets around when someone has a great experience.  Women like Janet come to us because Andy’s work is known for being exceptionally thoughtful, durable, and tailored to how women need to actually use their van (there is a difference!).  We understand the details that make a compact space feel practical, comfortable, and easy to live in.

The Challenge

Janet wanted to make the most of her Promaster without making it feel crowded or overly built-in. Every component needed to earn its place: providing meaningful storage, supporting off-grid travel, and making daily routines simpler.

Her beautiful Mexican and maple live-edge countertops became the inspiration for the whole interior. They were statement pieces from the beginning, and the rest of the build needed to complement their warmth and character while maintaining a refined, timeless feel.

The Solution

Andy created a custom interior that balances Janet’s need for storage, comfort, and flexibility with the warm, quiet-luxury look she envisioned.

The build includes a custom kitchen cabinet with an extended flip-up maple live-edge countertop, giving Janet extra prep space when she needs it and a clean footprint when she does not. A platform bed with custom trim and a built-in divider creates interior access to the garage, where Janet stores her Nature’s Head toilet.

We also built a custom storage/fridge cabinet with dedicated space for a Webasto heater, along with a large pull-out drawer fitted with 400 lb heavy-duty slides to securely hold her ICECO 55L chest fridge. Every drawer is dovetailed - a small but important reflection of the craftsmanship and durability that goes into every Overland Interiors build.

A compact custom 48-inch upper cabinet adds storage without overwhelming the space, while a new bunk window brings in natural light and makes the sleeping area feel more open.

To complete the interior, we insulated the walls and ceiling, finished the walls in Duramax Toast fabric, and installed a simple white ceiling panel. The lighter ceiling helps create the illusion of more space, while Baltic birch plywood trim ties the entire van together with a warm, polished finish. Janet’s existing floor was already in place and became part of the finished palette.

All electrical work was completed by our trusted partner, Off Grid Overland, ensuring Janet’s systems were designed and installed with the same level of care as the furniture and finish work.

Favourite Features

• Mexican sink and maple live-edge countertops that set the tone for the entire build
• Extended flip-up kitchen countertop for flexible meal prep and daily use
• Platform bed with interior garage access allows Janet to grab important items (like her Nature’s Head toilet) without going outside her van
• Custom cinnamon mattress and cushion by Shady Lady Window Coverings
• Custom cabinet with pull-out fridge drawer for Janet's ICECO 55L chest fridge, room for a Wabasto heater, and home to her off-grid electrical system
• Dovetailed drawers throughout for long-term durability and strength
• Custom 48-inch upper cabinet and bunk window for light, storage, and comfort
• Insulated walls and ceiling, Duramax Toast fabric, white ceiling panel, and Baltic birch trim for a warm, elevated finish

Janet’s Promaster is a perfect example of what happens when a van is designed around the person who will use it. It is not just a collection of cabinets and components, it is a carefully considered space that supports independence, comfort, and the freedom to explore Canada on her own terms.

Thinking about building a van for your next chapter? Contact us today and let Overland Interiors create your custom or modular van interior, designed for real travel so you can Adventure In Comfort.

Designed for One.  Built for Yours.