Help Estelle & Thomas Build Their Van: A Solidarity-Powered Roadtrip Project

Article angle: practical inspiration / project spotlight (campaign + what contributors get back).

Wanago is a platform that helps fund the conversion of a van, panel van, or motorhome—in exchange for future rental access. The idea is simple: you support a build financially, and during the first year after the conversion, contributors can book the vehicle when the owner makes it available. For anyone dreaming of a van roadtrip without taking on the full cost of buying and fitting out a vehicle, this model opens a very real door—community-backed, flexible, and built around shared use.

If you want the short overview in video format, Wanago presents the concept here: http://wanago.fr/#videoyt.

Wanago, in one sentence

Wanago is a collaborative van conversion platform: you help finance a vehicle’s build, and in return you can rent it after completion—without losing the freedom that makes a roadtrip in a van so addictive.

The platform was created by Maël and Kyle. Beyond the funding logic, Wanago highlights three points that matter on the road:

• Total freedom of route: you’re not locked into a predefined itinerary.
• Online support via a live chat (useful when you’re booking, planning, or sorting practicalities).
• Insurance managed with MAIF, presented as “complete coverage” within their model.

The first project: Estelle & Thomas, and a VW Combi T2

The first project launched on Wanago is led by Estelle & Thomas, who met the founders during a VW Combi meeting over the summer. Their vehicle: a Volkswagen Combi T2—a true van icon, and also a machine that requires a serious, well-thought-out approach to reliability and fit-out if you want to travel comfortably.

They didn’t fall into van travel by accident. This year, they discovered the van roadtrip lifestyle while transporting the Esprit Combi stand to several VW aircooled gatherings. Over two and a half months, they clocked 6,000+ km and attended 7 events across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Enough time behind the wheel to understand what makes a trip sustainable: pacing, sleep quality, simple meals, and the joy of stopping where the view tells you to.

Estelle’s highlights capture that perfectly:

“The Jura, the Swiss Alps, and the Savoy and Maritime Alps offered the most beautiful views for our morning wake-ups. The Charente and Var beaches were our best picnic spots! And the surprise encounters with roe deer, rabbits, wading birds, raptors—and more—brightened our days.” — Estelle

The campaign: funding, progress, and what it pays for

To move from “taste of van travel” to long-term ownership, Estelle & Thomas launched a fundraising campaign on Wanago: http://wanago.fr/campaign/showC/82.

At the time of the original publication, the project had 51 days left and was funded at 21%. The goal isn’t just aesthetic: the campaign is meant to cover a full, coherent build including:

• Custom conversion work combining practicality, comfort, and personality
• Vehicle servicing and mechanical adjustments (critical on older vans)
• Electrical installations to support real roadtrip use (charging, lighting, autonomy)

Inside the planned conversion: comfort + practicality, without gimmicks

The fit-out is described as custom-made, designed and decorated with the distinctive creations of Esprit Combi. The layout aims for a balanced van setup—simple, usable, and ready for weekends or longer loops:

• Comfort zone: a mattress for real sleep (the difference between “fun trip” and “fatigue spiral”), plus a small desk area.
• Power/charging area: a dedicated space to recharge electronics (phones, cameras, navigation).
• Storage: multiple drawers to keep gear stable and accessible (especially useful on winding mountain roads).
• Foldable table: for quick meals without turning the van into chaos.
• Water reserve: basic autonomy for cooking and hygiene.
• Gas burners: practical cooking, fast setup.
• Portable shower: a small comfort that changes your end-of-day routine—especially after beach days or dusty backroads.

Planet Ride pro tip (pacing): on a van roadtrip, plan your day around real driving time, not distance. Mountain regions (Jura, Alps, Black Forest) can turn “short mileage” into long hours. As a rule, keeping most days within 3 to 5 hours of driving helps protect energy, attention, and enjoyment—especially when you’re also hunting for a sleep spot and cooking.

What contributors get: renting the Combi after completion

Once the project is fully funded and completed, the Combi is planned to be available for rental from May to October 2018 to those who contributed. Pickup is set from Belfort—a smart launch point for several roadtrip playgrounds within a few hours’ drive, including:

• Alsace and Burgundy (rolling routes, villages, food stops)
• Franche-Comté and the Jura (lakes, forests, quieter backroads)
• Switzerland (high-impact scenery, but plan for regulations and costs)
• Germany’s Black Forest and the Vosges (curves, viewpoints, dense nature)

The original video can be found here: https://youtu.be/WWPNN86TeKY

Why this project speaks to would-be van travelers

If you’ve always wanted to hit the road in a van but the budget is the wall you keep hitting, this kind of campaign is a concrete alternative: you support a build you genuinely want to see exist—and you can live the result by renting the finished Combi during the first season.

Want to help Estelle & Thomas make it real? The campaign page is here: http://wanago.fr/campaign/showC/82.

Mini-FAQ

Is a classic VW Combi realistic for a first van roadtrip?

Yes—if the vehicle is properly serviced and the conversion is designed for real use (sleep quality, storage, basic water/power). Older vans reward simplicity and good preparation.

What’s the best season for a van roadtrip starting from Belfort?

Late spring to early autumn is the easiest for comfort and road conditions in the Jura, Vosges, Alps, and Black Forest—especially if you want to avoid cold nights at elevation.

What’s the one thing people underestimate on a van roadtrip in mountain regions?

Driving time. Curvy roads, passes, traffic around scenic hotspots, and frequent stops make days longer than the mileage suggests—plan shorter hops to keep the trip enjoyable.

À savoir aujourd’hui

The spirit of the project—community-funded van conversion with rental access—remains relevant. What should be checked before taking action is the current status of the Wanago platform, the campaign availability, and the up-to-date rental/insurance terms, as these can change over time.