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Smart Van
United States
Registrace 14. 04. 2018
Video blogs, reviews, and how-to videos on living in a camper van powered with smart automation.
3 Years with Cascade Camper: Honest Review.. Is it worth it?
I've had this conversion for 3 years now! Here are my thoughts on the design, new price, durability, and community. Thoughts? Leave a comment!
Index:
0:00 - Intro
1:41 - Price: Is $8k still worth it?
5:32 - Design: Things I like and dislike
9:09 - Durability: How have things held up?
10:33 - Community: The other Cascade Campers
12:02 - Outro: A note from Zach and how to try before you buy
Van tour: czcams.com/video/1_Yq4XlZLCQ/video.html
Cascade Camper features: czcams.com/video/hO--o7ds1D8/video.html
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Music: www.bensound.com
Index:
0:00 - Intro
1:41 - Price: Is $8k still worth it?
5:32 - Design: Things I like and dislike
9:09 - Durability: How have things held up?
10:33 - Community: The other Cascade Campers
12:02 - Outro: A note from Zach and how to try before you buy
Van tour: czcams.com/video/1_Yq4XlZLCQ/video.html
Cascade Camper features: czcams.com/video/hO--o7ds1D8/video.html
---
Music: www.bensound.com
zhlédnutí: 26 214
Video
Heating Camper Van with Temperature Sensor + Remote Start
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 3 lety
Building on the remote start I installed last episode, let's add a temperature sensor and use it to keep the van warm! Links below to hardware and software in this video: New Hardware: * Sparkfun TMP117 www.sparkfun.com/products/15805 * Qwiic cable www.sparkfun.com/products/17257 * JST/Dupont connectors (available on amazon) Software: * Smart Van software is open source on Github: github.com/Sm...
Remote Start Camper Van over the Internet from my Phone w/ no Monthly Fee
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 3 lety
It's been awhile but I have a new project to share! I want to be able to lock/unlock/remote start my Promaster City camper from my phone, anywhere in the world. This project builds on top of the LTE router I installed earlier so there are No extra monthly fees! (How to install an LTE router: czcams.com/video/9FBb5L7QWxw/video.html ) Timeline: 0:00 - Demo 0:14 - Intro and Motivation 3:44 - Build...
Dangers of CO2 Buildup Living in a Van
zhlédnutí 5KPřed 5 lety
New research is showing the negative effects of CO2 on sleep and mental health. When I measured CO2 in my van I measured a huge spike at night from 500ppm to 3000ppm. 2016 study: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26452168 the original Gwen article: www.gwern.net/zeo/CO2 another collection of info: medium.com/@joeljean/im-living-in-a-carbon-bubble-literally-b7c391e8ab6
A Typical Day of Van Life
zhlédnutí 4,3KPřed 5 lety
I've been living in my van full time for several months now and I have some routines. In this video I recorded some moments of a typical day of living in my van, from waking up and driving to work, to where I shower and where I park.
Adding Wayfarer Insulation to my PMC Camper Van: Thermal Imaging and Review
zhlédnutí 15KPřed 5 lety
I purchased the insulation kit from Wayfarer Vans to keep myself warmer during the winter months. Here's my thoughts and review of the kit, along with thermal imaging of my van. Link: wayfarervans.com/wally-camper-kit/ Panels are half inch closed foam and install with magnets. They're resistant to moisture and mold.They're a bit pricey, but they definitely work.
How to Install an LTE Antenna and Router in a Camper Van for Fast Internet Everywhere
zhlédnutí 14KPřed 5 lety
All about my project to install an LTE antenna router into my camper van so I can have internet everywhere! This video will show you how to do it in your own car or van. Parts: - Verizon Grandfathered Unlimited Data Plan - Router: Cradlepoint IBR1100 - Antenna: 5-in-1 MIMO by Panorama SHKG-7-27-24-58 - 2x short wifi, 2x short cell cables: C29-SP-1SJ, C32-SP-1-5SMARV I got the router and UDP on ...
First 30 Days of Van Living
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 5 lety
It's been 30 days of me living in my van full time! Here's the first update talking about what my day-to-day life is like, as well as upcoming videos.
Subwoofer in Ram Promaster City Camper Van
zhlédnutí 216KPřed 5 lety
Walkthrough on how to install the JBL BassPro SL in a Ram Promaster City, followed by some sample music, and finally my thoughts and review. Links to Products used (affiliate): Subwoofer: Amazon: amzn.to/2Kuj84q Ebay (usually $30 cheaper): ebay.to/2nguKi9 Other: 12ft 12 ga wire 12ft rca cables 20A fuse Tools: Crimper and various connectors
30 Days Until Full Time Van Life
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed 5 lety
Only 30 more days! In this vlog I discuss everything I'm doing to prepare for the jump. What is a Smart Van? czcams.com/video/pc4aUUZV_D0/video.html
What is a Smart Van? Channel Intro
zhlédnutí 14KPřed 6 lety
Join me on my quest to build the ultimate smart van by packing the technologies used in smart home automation into the small space of my Promaster City. Featuring a combination of off the shelf products and custom hardware and software, I'll post video blogs, reviews, and tutorials so you can follow along and even bring them to your own car.
Why Pick a Commercial Roof Rack for your Stealth Camper Van?
zhlédnutí 4,5KPřed 6 lety
Instead of getting a Thule or Yakima roof rack, I choose to get a commercial roof rack by VanGuard. I discuss why you might want to choose a commercial roof rack as well.
Replacing RAM Promaster City Door Speaker and Tweeter with JBL Club Speakers Van Audio Walkthrough
zhlédnutí 41KPřed 6 lety
0:57 Build Starts 11:10 Final Thoughts This video is all about audio: replacing the stock door speakers and tweeter in the Ram Promaster City with speakers by JBL. The Parts: JBL Club 5020 Door Speakers JBL Club 750T Tweeters Optional Parts: Dynamat Extreme Roller Thinsulate Also Consider: Dynapad as an alternative to Thinsulate 3M adhesive for bonding insulation to door frame Tools: Panel Remo...
First Time Camping in a Camper Van: Experience, Thoughts, and Upcoming Video Schedule
zhlédnutí 9KPřed 6 lety
First van update. Intro 0:00 Thoughts on Design 2:19 Upcoming Videos 4:08
$6k RAM Promaster City Camper Van Conversion Tour by Zach from Cascade Campers [4K]
zhlédnutí 265KPřed 6 lety
The tour starts at 0:53 Update: Apparently the van is now $8k, I think it's still good value though! I looked at a variety of conversion kits, and even saw some in person, and this is the one I liked the best. It's got great build quality without the high cost. Their website: cascadecampers.com/
How to Install a Backup Camera into the RAM Promaster City
zhlédnutí 8KPřed 6 lety
How to Install a Backup Camera into the RAM Promaster City
How to Install Custom Radio Pioneer AVH1300-NEX in Ram Promaster City
zhlédnutí 19KPřed 6 lety
How to Install Custom Radio Pioneer AVH1300-NEX in Ram Promaster City
Why RAM Promaster City for a Camper Van?
zhlédnutí 17KPřed 6 lety
Why RAM Promaster City for a Camper Van?
I love it! Simple but beautiful .
What size are those speakers?
Succulents don't release oxygen at night though. Your best bet is bamboo, that releases oxygen 24/7
Next time you need to show how you got the stock radio out of the car
Cool vid - thank you. How did you secure the sub to the floor? I have the playact floor with padding underneath. I'm stumped.
What is the best setting for the sub? The xover bass control etc at the back?
Did you make the bed or buy it?
I am looking for a radio that will fit my 2022 promaster 3500 Thor camper van does anyone know of a radio we want a larger screen with navigation
This is extremely enlightening, thanks! Yes, CO2 reduces cognitive ability, which to me is amazing. Now I don't know how that translates into productivity or ability to study. CO2 being high is a problem in many buildings, maybe not getting quite that high as you have but it still has a bad effect. In van life even cold environments, it's still very important to get sufficient air flow and I've heard this confirmed by van lifers in Finland. They have RV open air vents in the bottom of their van in several places. They are never closed. They do have a a small mesh cover that prevents insects and animals getting in. The main purpose of venting is to prevent moisture build up but other strategies must be used for water that is still there even with vents and fans. The heat cost goes up with more air flow but it's the price we pay for lower humidity and CO2.
The thermal image really helps with insulation weak points. IT was wise to purchase a camera or at least find someone who can do the image for you. I bet it's a fairly cheap service some shops may provide.
So, after you drilled out the old riveted speaker, there was magically a new speaker mounting bracket installed lol Where did you get the new mounting bracket for the new speaker ?! Thank you great video
If I recall correctly, this is the stock mounting bracket that happens to fit this speaker that I was able to re-use!
You do not find many mini vans like a Promaster City able to have a full counter with a sink and still get a decent size bed into it. Very nice and a great job building this small little beauty out.
I wash my water bottles with baby bottle steriliser
I'd imagine certain types of succulents would fix more CO2 than others based on their rate of growth, for example the san pedro cactus can grow over one foot a year and thus would absorb much more than a slower growing variety. (As a bonus, it's a legal medicinal cactus! 😁)
Good job buddy👌
What's the simplest way to set an auto remote start time?? Say I set run time for 10 min & set auto start every 30 min.. What do I need to do this?
Really cool stuff! Wish I could do this on my van but it's quite extensive & I want to get things done asap.. All I need is a remote start timer so I can set my temp & how long I want it to run for.. What's the simplest way to do this?
$9300 now, lol.
Where is the best and easyest way to feed a #6 wire throug the fire wall? I'd like to place my two amps under the seats, and finally, what tools you used to pull out the oem unit? Thank's. 🤙
Hi, nice video! Do you know if tweeters have a dedicated outputs or they are just plug in parallele with the front speakers ? By the way, what is the actual size of those oem speakers? 5 1/4 i guest... I saw that you re-used the oem door braket, i can see that their is a void surounding the braket and the door frame. Does it affect the sound quality. I kniw that a after braket without any void, that exist on metra to fit 5 1/4" after market speakers, wonder if this would sound better?
im trynna get one of these compact ones. what do you recommend if you’re looking for the low tones?
I have a Promaster City as my locksmith van. I absolutely love it! I chose it because if the business ever goes under or when I retire, the van will be converted like this one! Great video!
How does it do offroad? dirt/bumpy roads? Thanks!
I would run my drain line closer to the front wheels. That way people will think I have a busted coolant hose. 😂😂😂
Even four years later, in February 2023 now, there still remains a strong demand for these wonderful Promaster City vans. What a crying shame the maker has cancelled this fine product.
An $8,000 van conversion, with no toilet, no space for a toilet. ?
Why did you have blue masking tape on all your open seams, and on your fuel tank door?
so it comes with all the wiring?
Ditch that van before the junk Fiat motor dies.
Haha! I don't know about their quality but I remember a joke for what Fiat stands for: 'Fix it Again, Tony'
any update? thank you for making this video!
Nice job after watching your video I was able to fit 6x8 speakers. Instead of the 4 inch. Thanks
Good job. I wonder if the door panel can suport a 5.25 speaker. Or modify it to fit a 6x8
I love this! Forgot to show the little table though!
Hey can this be my only sound system? Im planning to put it in a convertible. Would this be enough? Right now im just using a portable flip 5 on my convertible
Nice share! Great work on your dream!
Nice rig!
Short Answer IS that it's probably STILL A BARGAIN today, 7/20/22 ! Especially against Apartment Rents in So Cal !!!
Hi there. Enjoying your videos. Have a question. I like the little "pillowed covers" you used for the back 2 sides....did you make them? Did Wayfarer make them? Piano Girl
You shoulda put a smaller fan in. One that runs quietly. Simple fix.
How much for that exact conversion?
no antenna is limited to any modulation or signalling standard
Very nice 👌
Love your channel. Would love to know the rest of the story!
Confused about something… In your medium post you said >The video cable also includes an extra wire which can be used to send the backup signal to the aftermarket radio, but the Promaster City already includes that signal in the wiring harness, so we won’t be needing it. Which wire gets tapped for this? And if there’s a video cable that runs to the back can we use that instead of snaking the video wire?
I spent a couple years living in this same van in the PNW. Good little van. But Smart Van left out the hardest thing about van life: finding a place to poop.
Hey What’s the model number on the harness you use to do this install?
How well do these vans handle cold weather environments / wet environments?
I might’ve missed it, but did you say what size speakers you installed? Want to make sure I order the right size, planning on doing this to my PMC this weekend.
When you sit on the bench, can you sit upright? If so, how much clearance do you have? Many thanks.
Loved the thermal imaging! Very interesting. Keep warm. 😁😄👍🏼😎🐾