I’ve been exploring a lot of caravans lately, trying to find one that meets my needs as a good base. My key requirement is an Office on Wheels that can also function as a caravan.

However, what I’m finding is that many brands offer 10-12 foot hybrid vans with pop tops to keep the weight down, but the cost is staggering—over $90k! These vans are equipped with all the camping essentials, but the price tag makes me question their value for money.

In my research, I’ve noticed that several brands introduce these shorter, lighter vans only to remove them from their catalogues a year or two later. I can only assume they didn’t sell well, likely because the compromises that come with a shorter van with a pop top are hard to justify at such a high price.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are cheaper brands out there, but they often come with impractical add-ons like flimsy kitchens that won’t last more than a few years. They just don’t seem worth the money.

So, I’m wondering if there’s a DIY caravan option out there—something with good bones that allows a home hobbyist to build what they want from a basic trailer with a box on top.

This is where my head is at this weekend as I ponder how to find or build something that suits my needs within a budget.

Note, the photo above is of my brother and I when we travelled around Europe in 1978.