About The Mighty Zen Den
MZD as the family calls her, is my home away from home. One day soon, she will be my only home.
The Search:
Once I decided I really wanted to make my dream come true, I researched campers and vans for almost five years. I joined countless Facebook groups, scoured the internet, perused the bookstores, and meandered RV dealerships.
The Mighty Zen Den in northern Maine September 2021
After determining I wanted a van sized home, I seriously contemplated and investigated building my own. I almost did just that. At the last minute, I decided I would feel safer being on the road with something professionally built. The thought of being responsible for electrical wiring and the time necessary to build dissuaded me.
Back to searching for the best fit for me. I had again made a decision to buy a Pleasure Way, but a Facebook post from I don’t know whom, directed me to the Coachmen Beyond! My dream vehicle. I actually bought MZD without seeing her in person!
The Mighty Zen Den is a 2021 Coachmen Beyond 22D
She sits on a 2019 Ford 350 Transit High Roof Chassis with a V6, 3.5L Ecoboost engine.
The two clinchers for me were and still are the following. The “house” is powered by 3 lithium batteries and two solar panels, which means I do not have to hook up to electricity, although I do have that option, or run a noisy, gas generator, which I do not even have. As I drive, the batteries are charged. Insulation alongside internal and heated water tanks make this a 4 season vehicle, which is what I wanted for my trips to Connecticut and Maine. I have a small propane tank to warm hot water and provide heat.
Betsy on a slightly messy bed. June 2021
In my kitchen area I have a microwave, one burner induction stove top, a relatively large refrigerator and freezer, and a kitchen sink. My bathroom is tiny, but I have a toilet, sink and shower; it’s what is called a “wet bath”.
My living area can be configured two ways. I can have two twin beds with a table in between to function as both a dinette and bedroom. My mother and I used this layout as a picnic area frequently during the summer of 2020. The other layout provides me with one large bed. So far, this is how I prefer the area.
Other amenities inside the Mighty Zen Den include a television, Jenson stereo/dvd combo, a wifi booster, heat, air conditioning, and really cool lights. Both the side door and back door have full screens. Outside amenities include a lighted awning, electrical plugs, solar plugs, and a spray shower.
Links:
RV Class B and Camping Coastie on YouTube belong to Gardner and his wife Debra. Gardner is a fabulous guy who is incredibly knowledgeable about RVs in general and the Coachman Beyond. He actually went to a Walmart to take a picture of something for me when I first bought MZD. I am looking forward to the day we actually meet!
MZD meets my sister’s home in Maine! August 2020