Built for Adventure: Part One
04/15/2025 11:58AM ● By Haley Watkins
MJ LaBenne built her A-frame camper herself over the course of a year. Photo by Gavin Liddell.
Steamboat Springs locals are always ready for adventure – and these three in particular have homes to prove it. Sharing a desire for freedom and a strong call to the outdoors, MJ LaBenne, Bran Happell and Joel Roscamp each built their dream home – on wheels. They’re ready for anything, at any time, and they showed Steamboat Magazine around. First up: MJ LaBenne.
MJ LaBenne: I probably thought about this idea eight years ago. I started out in my Hyundai Elantra, traveling around the West with my buddy. We just put the back seats down, pulled our legs in, and slept in the car while road-tripping through Colorado and New Mexico. I realized I really enjoyed traveling but needed more space, so after a few years, I thought, ‘Why not get something a little bigger?’ I’ve always had this dream of owning an A-frame cabin, but for me, that kind of felt out of reach, so a camper A-Frame was the next best thing. I love building things, and this became a fun test of whether I could actually build something myself.
SM: What was the build process like?
MJL: I did most of my build in a relative’s garage, and it took me about six weeks. Before starting, I spent nearly six months drawing plans, researching and watching as many build videos as I could. It was a full year of figuring out what I wanted before I even bought materials. I’ve met so many people in the van community that helped draw inspiration, and I learned a lot from what they have done on their own builds. During the building, I ghosted almost everyone I knew, so I could put my head down and stay focused. After my build was finished, I had a carpenter compliment my gabled roof and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.
SM: Where have you traveled?
MJL: Some of my favorite spots have been in New Mexico, where I worked at Philmont Scout Ranch near Taos Ski Valley. The mountains there are pristine and untouched – like a mini version of Colorado. I also love the West Coast, especially Big Sur and Oregon. Being able to pull right up to the cliffside and hear the waves crashing all night was incredible. I also spent a lot of time exploring Routt County and Rabbit Ears over the summer. We have such amazing land all around us, I feel so lucky.
SM: How do you handle the winter?
MJL: I insulated my van with one inch of foam board, which helps with the cold. I also have a diesel heater, which keeps the space warm even in negative temperatures. The A-frame design also helps with warmth, and I have a -10 degree sleeping bag. Living in the van full time can get tough in the winter, but I’ve built such a strong community of friends here that they really help keep me grounded. We help each other out, and that’s been my rock during the colder months.
SM: What is your daily routine?
MJL: I start my day by getting my ski gear on. If I’m not out ski instructing, I’m out skiing myself. Getting ready for the chill and mentally preparing for the day ahead is key. My day is a mix of skiing, cleaning and cooking. I like to keep my space organized, so I’m constantly tidying up. I make sure everything’s ready for the next adventure, whether that’s packing gear, cooking a simple meal or organizing my van. At night, my priority is security and making sure I feel safe and comfortable. I check that all exits are accessible, doors are locked, and there’s no one around my van. I keep my eyes peeled for any potential risks, making sure no one is looking at me or my truck. I turn off all the lights, do a quick check around, and make sure everything is secure.
SM: Any challenges you’ve faced?
MJL: As a solo female traveler, safety is always top of mind. I make sure to follow a safety protocol every night; I know that I put myself through a couple more extra hoops and feel comfortable and safe because of it. One time, I was getting gas on a solo trip, and a guy tried to break into my car. That was a really scary experience. It’s important to always stay aware and never feel too comfortable when you’re traveling solo.
Steamboat Springs locals are always ready for adventure – and these three in particular have homes to prove it. Sharing a desire for freedom and a strong call to the outdoors, MJ LaBenne, Bran Happell and Joel Roscamp each built their dream home – on wheels. They’re ready for anything, at any time, and they showed Steamboat Magazine around. First up: MJ LaBenne.
MJ LaBENNE
Steamboat Magazine: What inspired you to pursue van/camper life?MJ LaBenne: I probably thought about this idea eight years ago. I started out in my Hyundai Elantra, traveling around the West with my buddy. We just put the back seats down, pulled our legs in, and slept in the car while road-tripping through Colorado and New Mexico. I realized I really enjoyed traveling but needed more space, so after a few years, I thought, ‘Why not get something a little bigger?’ I’ve always had this dream of owning an A-frame cabin, but for me, that kind of felt out of reach, so a camper A-Frame was the next best thing. I love building things, and this became a fun test of whether I could actually build something myself.
SM: What was the build process like?
MJL: I did most of my build in a relative’s garage, and it took me about six weeks. Before starting, I spent nearly six months drawing plans, researching and watching as many build videos as I could. It was a full year of figuring out what I wanted before I even bought materials. I’ve met so many people in the van community that helped draw inspiration, and I learned a lot from what they have done on their own builds. During the building, I ghosted almost everyone I knew, so I could put my head down and stay focused. After my build was finished, I had a carpenter compliment my gabled roof and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.
SM: Where have you traveled?
MJL: Some of my favorite spots have been in New Mexico, where I worked at Philmont Scout Ranch near Taos Ski Valley. The mountains there are pristine and untouched – like a mini version of Colorado. I also love the West Coast, especially Big Sur and Oregon. Being able to pull right up to the cliffside and hear the waves crashing all night was incredible. I also spent a lot of time exploring Routt County and Rabbit Ears over the summer. We have such amazing land all around us, I feel so lucky.
SM: How do you handle the winter?
MJL: I insulated my van with one inch of foam board, which helps with the cold. I also have a diesel heater, which keeps the space warm even in negative temperatures. The A-frame design also helps with warmth, and I have a -10 degree sleeping bag. Living in the van full time can get tough in the winter, but I’ve built such a strong community of friends here that they really help keep me grounded. We help each other out, and that’s been my rock during the colder months.
SM: What is your daily routine?
MJL: I start my day by getting my ski gear on. If I’m not out ski instructing, I’m out skiing myself. Getting ready for the chill and mentally preparing for the day ahead is key. My day is a mix of skiing, cleaning and cooking. I like to keep my space organized, so I’m constantly tidying up. I make sure everything’s ready for the next adventure, whether that’s packing gear, cooking a simple meal or organizing my van. At night, my priority is security and making sure I feel safe and comfortable. I check that all exits are accessible, doors are locked, and there’s no one around my van. I keep my eyes peeled for any potential risks, making sure no one is looking at me or my truck. I turn off all the lights, do a quick check around, and make sure everything is secure.
SM: Any challenges you’ve faced?
MJL: As a solo female traveler, safety is always top of mind. I make sure to follow a safety protocol every night; I know that I put myself through a couple more extra hoops and feel comfortable and safe because of it. One time, I was getting gas on a solo trip, and a guy tried to break into my car. That was a really scary experience. It’s important to always stay aware and never feel too comfortable when you’re traveling solo.