Your name: Hailey Sullivan
Location: Road tripping the USA!
Nickname: The Sulli Van
Make & Model: 2013 Automatic Ford Transit Connect
HEST products: Dually Long and HEST Camp Pillow
Critical dimensions for your bed platform: I have the Dually Long, and it is a bit longer than my bed frame, but it is extra toe wiggle room.
Length: 68 in
Width (at narrowest point): 27 in but can pull out to about 52 in
Height: 15 in
Is this your daily driver or getaway car?
Daily driver & every day home.
What do you like most about your rig?
I love that I can comfortably sleep on my bed in its small couch form, or pull it out and have a bunch of space to stretch out!
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you? How did you navigate gear storage needs into your rig set up?
I have my HEST Dually, HEST Camp Pillow, bike, longboard, and all my climbing and hiking gear. As I have such a minimal build, storage has been tricky! I have used a ton of bungee cords to hang up my gear, and netting to hold my clothes. I also found that door organizers work well for quick storage (mine were intended to organize diapers). Under the bed I have a little 12v fridge, and a small electric generator. I have a little portable solar panel to recharge the generator, and keep the beers cold. Then I have little storage tubs with my cooking gear. I also have all my gear to work from the road, so putting the Dually in couch-mode with my little desk is a must.
Any cool custom details you’re proud of?
I made a slat bed! I am pretty new on the tools, having only built one little camper bed before when I drove around Australia in an SUV. This is my first van, and wow it is nice to be able to sit up without hitting my head.
Dually Long in 'Couch Mode'
Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?
I am just starting my van life adventures, but so far the coolest place the Sulli Van has brought me is to Mud Spring in Welaka State Forest, FL. First of all, I got out of the van and a big snake jumped out at me, then continued on, and so did I. On to the beautiful clear spring!
Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?
My current goal is to have an attempt fixing up the Minnesota rust and building a slide out drawer for my outdoor kitchen.
Biggest challenge in your build out?
My current build was all I could manage to do in the freezing temps and blizzard conditions in Minnesota before I left. It was parked outside, and it was so cold that adhesive wouldn't stick, and I would have to go inside and run my hands under warm water every ten minutes or so each step of the way. I was hoping to get permanent storage and walls built, but I have ended up with more of a backpacker style van, but it is really growing on me.
Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?
I would say that even though I rushed a bit and didn't get to do all the fancy things to my rig I was imagining, I am so happy to be back on the road. It doesn't have to be perfect to get out there, plus you will want to make changes as you go, so get a feel for it and you will make it work.
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