Swiss Army Knife Van! So Many Great Ideas & Moving Parts

Dan and Rachel might have the most innovative van dwelling design on the planet! As full-time van lifers, they certainly have gotten creative when it comes to expanding their space. Their van dwelling has so many flipping, sliding, collapsing, and altogether moving parts – I lost count while filming their video tour (below)! I even started calling their van the swiss army knife van because it seemed like literally everything moved while serving multiple purposes.

Watch a Full Tour of Dan & Rachel’s Ingenious Van Dwelling:

It’s amazing what people can do when they are given a challenge. And living in a van is definitely a challenge! Dan, obviously, took that to heart. Since he and Rachel downsized into their van, he has redone the layout several times. He is always coming up with innovative ways to conserve space and accommodate their specific needs as they arise.

For example, when his wife got an online job as a customer service representative, he made sure that she had a comfortable space to work in the van by creating a sitting desk space. He also installed a monitor that flips down to plug into her computer. Rachel now works during the day in the van, while Dan volunteers for non-profits and takes paid jobs on the road. Their lifestyle is definitely not conventional, but it’s exciting and comfortable, thanks in no small part to the clever design of their van.

List of Moving Parts in this “Swiff Army Knife Van”:

1. Sliding Compost Toilet (read my review of this toilet by clicking here)
2. Flip-Up Kitchen Countertops (two of them)
3. Pull Out Dining Table that Seats Five
4. Flip Down TV Monitors (two of them)
5. Full-size Bed that Pulls Out and Folds Up (with the help of an actuator)
6. Sliding Closet
7. Rooftop Deck with Hidden Storage Compartments
8. Outdoor Mounted Folding Table & Monitor for Exercise

And, even though it’s not a moving part, I want to point out that Dan & Rachel designed a custom coffee pour-over. That’s what I call: PRIORITIES!

Follow Dan & Rachel’s Swiss Army Knife Van on Instagram & YouTube

For more innovative design ideas, check out these articles & videos:

• 7 Multi-Purpose Furniture Ideas From Tiny Housers
• 14 Awesome Tiny House Space Savers
• My Favorite Products & Appliances for a Vintage Camper Remodel
• Full List of Materials & Appliances Used in My Tiny House
• The Best Van Dwelling I’ve Ever Seen
• All Van Life Articles