Building Upper Cabinets for Our Ram ProMaster Van Conversion
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Welcome back to the blog! If you're new here, my name is Lauren, and my husband Jason and I are converting our 2019 Ram ProMaster for full-time van life with our two dogs. We're about 75-80% done with our build, and today, we’re tackling one of our last major projects—installing the upper cabinets!
Planning Our Upper Cabinet Layout
Originally, we planned to install upper cabinets across one side of the van and a smaller one on the opposite side. However, once we started measuring, we quickly realized our initial plan wouldn’t work as expected. Instead, we came up with a new design that we love even more!
Here’s our updated layout:
Driver’s side cabinets: 14 inches tall and 14 inches deep.
Passenger’s side cabinets (above the kitchen area): 14 inches tall but only 12 inches deep to prevent the cabinets from feeling too intrusive while cooking.
Open shelving in the middle: We decided to connect the bottom edges of both cabinets in the center, leaving an open space for books or other storage.
Shorter cabinet above the bed: To avoid a cramped feeling while we sleep, we opted for a shorter cabinet rather than extending it all the way across.
Cutting and Assembling the Cabinet Frames
Once we finalized the layout, we moved on to cutting and assembling the frames using 2x2s and 3/4-inch support beams. Our key steps included:
Measuring and cutting all the wood pieces needed for framing.
Assembling the cabinet face frames, making sure they fit properly against the van’s curved walls.
Using Kreg pocket holes and Gorilla Wood Glue for strong and secure joints.
Adjusting for the ceiling angle—we realized that our ceiling wasn’t perfectly straight, so we made some modifications to get everything aligned.
Priming and Painting the Cabinets
Before installing the cabinets, we made sure to sand, prime, and paint them. If you've been following our build, you know we love using KILZ Mold & Mildew Primer to prevent any potential moisture issues. We’ve heard horror stories of mold in van builds, and we’re not taking any chances!
For the paint, we went with Behr Ultra Exterior in Swiss Coffee (eggshell enamel finish). This finish is perfect for van life—it’s easy to clean, not too glossy, and resistant to wear and tear (especially with two dogs!).
What’s Next?
We’re so excited to see these cabinets come together! Next up, we’ll be adding faces and hinges to the cabinets as well as closing off the sides.
If you’re building your own van, let us know in the comments—what’s been the most challenging part for you? Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more van conversion updates!
