JESSICA and “THE MANEATER”
Interviewed November 2019.
Name, age, where you live:
Jessica Anderson, 33, Long Beach, California.
What kind of van do you have?
75 Dodge Tradesman B200.
Tell us about any customizing you have done on on your van.
The inside was gutted. I added plywood and rubber flooring. I added insulation and fabric to the walls to match the seats in the front. Early on, I bought a bamboo cabinet from OfferUp for $40 that kind of set the theme to tiki style. Going on that, I cut some wild bamboo, torched it, and used it along the ribs to keep the fabric up. I added a sink to the cabinet and an inverter to charge all my stuff. It's ready to live in if I ever wanted to, everything included the kitchen sink, lol.
Any future plans in the works for the van?
I got the van in June and pretty much spent every weekend of three months working on it so I hope to be done with it for a while.
Have you ‘rocked’ your van?
Oh, most definitely have rocked it, lol.
Any past vans you’ve owned?
This is my first van actually but maybe there are more in my future.
Are you in a van club?
I am not in a van club. Only friends of different onces.
Do you go to vanning events?
I do go to some. I started with the Scodes campout and then did the Pilgrimage. Before this year, it was only on my bike though.
What are your favorite places to take your van?
I just finished the build so I don’t have an answer for this yet but ask me again in a year and I’m sure I’ll have a whole list.
How and when did your lust for vans begin?
I ride a motorcycle and wanted a way to bring my bike and my dog camping. My van was my solution.
What do you think about the current van ‘scene’ today?
I think its cool. I like seeing people get excited about this and express themselves. Whatever makes you happy, right?
Any other van-related things you do?
Not really. I am a noob to the scene and not super into all of it so I can’t comment here.
What other kinds of wheels do you roll?
I have a 74 CB750, an 08 Dyna, and a Hyundai Sonata as my daily driver. Skateboards and my accident prone self do not mix.
Sky’s the limit, describe your ULTIMATE wet dream van.
I think I made my wet dream van. I fall more in love with it every time I see it. I had a blank slate so that made it easier. I’m sure there will be small changes and upgrades as needed in the future though.
What are some must have tunes to crank while cruising in your van?
Well every time I take the van somewhere, Hall and Oats “Maneater” comes on. It’s always been that song for me when it comes on, you gotta bump it. So with that, and the fact that it’s a big grey shark with red interior, my van has been dubbed “The Maneater.”
Ford, Chevy or Dodge?
Dodge.
Ass, gas or grass?
All? Lol. I am not picky. Share the love!
Plether, shag or tuck-n-roll?
I always liked the look of the tuck-n-roll but I have none of the above.
