Meet Yotchi: the luxury conversions taking van life to another level

Looking for an example of a high-quality van build? You’d do well to take a peek at these four Yotchi vans. Julia and Josh, who own the vans, have spared no expense fitting them out to feel more luxury glamper than budget backpacker. We asked Julia what inspired them to design their own fleet of vans and what she considers to be the essential ingredients of a quality build.

What inspired you to take on your first van renovation project? And how long did it take?

We felt like the vans we were seeing weren’t making good use of the space, and that there had been a lack of innovation to keep up with how people wanted to live, work and play. And while it was a lot of hard work to build from scratch, we loved the creative journey. It took about seven months of pure blood, sweat and tears, though there were a few laughs in there, especially at the beginning. The ability to build something that has never been created is rewarding and we get so much satisfaction when guests and onlookers first see the set up.

You’ve now converted a number of vans – how much does each renovation cost?

It depends on the power system, quality of materials and whether the van has a short or long wheel base. Generally speaking, the cost of our builds tends to sit somewhere between $60,000 and $110,000. We build with brand-new Mercedes Sprinter vans, which are at the top of the price range but unbeatable in terms of quality and capability. And we really wanted to bring luxury to what has long been perceived as a budget holiday option or something for backpackers. Now each of our vans can generate between one and two thousand dollars per week, depending on location and season.

For you, what are the essential ingredients of an epic van build?

Building a van is about choices, personal preference and what matters most. A bathroom can take up a lot of the space, as can a kitchen with lots of appliances you may not need on a regular basis. We’ve chosen to build welcoming and open spaces that are multipurpose and allow you to feel comfortable. Our short vans have an outside shower with a portable toilet that can be removed and the kitchens come with portable gas stoves that can be packed away when not in use. A fridge is a must, while the media system and projector were things that we wanted to add for that little touch of luxury.

Can you tell us a little more about your vans?

Our vans have all been styled with a glamping feel, from the linen and colour compilation to the Hampton-style carpentry and vintage fixtures. Our signature feature is a queen bed that rolls out the back of the vans, allowing you to sleep outside (with a custom roof cover) and stargaze while also creating an open and spacious lounge room. They also have a sky deck, or roof platform, which is great for sunbathing and picnics, as well as air conditioning, a cinema system and an indoor shower and toilet. Before we built, we lived in an empty van with the bare minimum to work out how to use the space. Now that we have a fleet, we spend as much time as possible in the vans when they are not hired.

You’ve probably noticed the amount of wood on the walls - we've chosen to use Oregon for this build and give back to the environment by using upcycled wood. So, there was no chopping down trees to build this van. This does make the build more costly, however recycling is costly. I've done two trips to Casino so far, to the The Northern Rivers Recycled Timer yard to collect the stash of custom cut Oregon. We are lucky enough to work with a builder who took on the job too and who is able to do it the right way. Our builders team and craftsmanship is the best in the business and we are lucky to have them!

What’s the best part about owning a van?

The lifestyle and generating income! Owning a campervan gives you a lifestyle of flexibility and lets you experience living off the beaten track. And with apps like Camplify, you’re able to generate a significant income when you’re not on the road yourself.

Keen to live van life in the lux lane? Check out one of Yotchi’s vans: The Baltic, The Tasman, The Adriatic or The Cortez.