Van Storage of Camping Gear

Consider a Thule Hullavator Pro or similar lift mechanism, takes almost all of the effort out of getting the boat up and down, if you're fit enough to paddle you should be able to use one.

Toedtoes, that sounds interesting. I will play with the measurements needed for the kayak and see how that would work in my situation.

I boss of mine has a sprinter and he built a bed platform inside. Under the platform, he can store the kayak (he did have to create a "niche" in the back door for the very tip of the kayak. The mattress sat on top of the platform at the back. By the side door, the platform tapered off to the driver side, providing a place to put "messy" items that he didn't want on the bed.

Since you don't need the bed, how about just making a platform to fit over the kayak? You can slide the kayak in the back doors. Everything else can be storedabove the platform and within reach from the side or back doors. You might want to add some tie down rings to the top of the platform to hold things steady with bungie cords.

On curb side of most vans, you can stand in the opening. Even if you had to carry step stool, it would give more storage.
Step stool

Bud, thanks for the suggestion. My first thought is the roof is so high - getting to the carrier might be problematic for an old man like me. But, I will look into it.

Why not look into a roof top carrier for some of the gear and maybe kayak?
Cargo carrier