Engineer shows how to convert a van in 7 days and a $1000 budget

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  • čas přidán 11. 11. 2017
  • 🚀 FREE Training - Zero-Cost Vanlife & More: bit.ly/3UO7hUT
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    I met Mark in Yosemite. He is an engineer from the UK who had built out a van for a 9 month climbing trip. It was cool to meet him because had used my van conversion how-to info to help him with his project.
    FYI: I am Insured with Shield Insurance: bit.ly/2MPCrs1
    In this video Mark explains how he converted this van on a tight budget (buddha?!). He tells you about the tools he used and the techniques building the bed, shelving, drawers and kitchen units... also a few other hacks that made his vanlife an enjoyable experience.
    I particularly liked how he created his quick-to-use folding bed that created a seat which he could also cook from. His ingenious use of cheaper materials where it doesn't matter - and better ones where it does - ensured he kept his build cost (and time) down.
    This van is a great budget road-trip van - it focuses on the main things; storage, sleeping & cooking. It features a great water system and some great carpentry.
    It is great meet people from all over the world who have used my guides to do their van conversions and in-turn share their creations with you!
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Komentáře • 2,4K

  • @richlondonrich
    @richlondonrich Před 5 lety +1571

    Loving this. Was getting sick of the fancy van life videos I've been watching. This is exactly my approach. Cool guy.

    • @muirallie
      @muirallie Před 4 lety +33

      richlondonrich Yes there’s some really over the top videos out there. Mobile homes crammed into vans. Got to way up the amount of time added gear is actually used to the amount of space lost. Half of them end up with no space to chill out in all for the sake of stuff that’s hardly used.

    • @mont5584
      @mont5584 Před 4 lety +11

      Living in Greenville, SC. Looking for someone to help convert my van. Pro Master high top. I'll pay a reasonable amount. Need bathroom, kitchen, stove, TV, Entertainment system, solar, the whole nine yards. Similar to a irok or a crossfit 22d. 9546051241. Do my share of helping, decent with tools. Can't afford those high price rigs. They mark them up 200%. Outrageous!

    • @joanne1898
      @joanne1898 Před 3 lety +19

      @@mont5584 i will suggest you convert it by hand, given if u have the time of course. Imagine having a little piece of yourself in every furniture. It will be so worth it.

    • @cubanheelsbeerbelly
      @cubanheelsbeerbelly Před 3 lety +2

      It's CHILL DUDE

    • @racheltucker8054
      @racheltucker8054 Před 3 lety +19

      Right! Van life isn't for the materialistic. Kind of the point.

  • @maddygutierrez7985
    @maddygutierrez7985 Před 5 lety +539

    CEO's of company's trying to do van builds and designing of motorhomes need to absolutely pay attention to this young man and LEARN and LISTEN to what we Nomads are looking for!...well done!!!!

    • @biffbinford8767
      @biffbinford8767 Před 4 lety +23

      Never heard of a VW westfalia? This design and layout has been around over 50 years.

    • @spikeeus
      @spikeeus Před 4 lety +8

      biff binford lol that’s what I was thinking whenever people were saying the design is revolutionary and they’ve never seen it before. I agree it’s a pretty great design, but it’s nothing new.

    • @davidalexander6533
      @davidalexander6533 Před 3 lety +6

      Yeah propane explosions is just whar you need.

    • @Pat10Ireland
      @Pat10Ireland Před 3 lety +1

      @@davidalexander6533 what are you talking about?

    • @MizzCupcake244
      @MizzCupcake244 Před 3 lety +6

      exactly, those boujey ass vans aren't what van life is about. Like they might as well just get an rv.

  • @pandemelocoton9685
    @pandemelocoton9685 Před 4 lety +414

    This must be by far my favorite van conversion. I like how simple, practical and on budget it is.

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper Před 4 lety

      Yeah, I like how simple, yet practical it is. The only drawback to it I see is that the left-s suspension might need a bit of an upgrade, but one side or the other is practically guaranteed to be a problem in van conversions.

    • @wownewstome6123
      @wownewstome6123 Před 3 lety +3

      A van conversion is simple if you don't add a bathroom, and don't make a safe place for the propane tank. I respect that people complete their build-outs, but propane tanks are not supposed to remain in a vehicle - period.....
      .....except for with windows down and tank secured up-right while taking to be filled or exchanged.

    • @ThouArtOfWar0724
      @ThouArtOfWar0724 Před 2 lety +2

      @@wownewstome6123 You forgot unless the vehicle is specifically designed for it. Nothing about a propane tank is natural so they don't belong anywhere but places designed for them.

    • @wownewstome6123
      @wownewstome6123 Před 2 lety

      @@ThouArtOfWar0724 "unless the vehicle is specifically designed for it." RVs have them mounted outside and vented well on the bottom even if they appear to be in an exterior cabinet. Travel trailers have them mounted outside, secured to the front of the trailer.
      If under a plastic shell, the bottom is non-existent since propane gas is heavier than air and must be allowed to vent.
      Do you have a law to cite allowing them inside any enclosure or vehicle? It's actually prohibited.

    • @15packman
      @15packman Před 3 měsíci

      What are you worried about? He has an alarm!@@wownewstome6123

  • @cosmic_seabunny
    @cosmic_seabunny Před rokem +26

    Now *THIS* is what I’m talking about! No unnecessary drawers or closet, no led lights or anything else extra for aesthetic! Just the basic needs and it looks great! I’m loving the rustic look and wood! 😊❤

  • @davidavi8554
    @davidavi8554 Před 4 lety +307

    Dude, I was sold on your concept in the first 5 seconds. I've watched hundreds of Van life videos and yours is very impressive.

  • @jen4492
    @jen4492 Před 3 lety +37

    His bed design was probably the best I’ve seen. I can’t imagine converting the seating area and table to a bed every day the way most vans are designed. His design was much simpler and smarter, like a futon. Then when you’re sitting up you’re right next to the kitchen area which is perfect. I’m guessing he just uses a gym for bathroom needs. So many people say they have toilets and showers and then don’t even want to use them, it seems like a waste of space, imho. He did a great job!

  • @devilsfancy
    @devilsfancy Před 4 lety +82

    I've been watching van conversion videos for 7 hours straight. Take my money already.

    • @gogussie
      @gogussie Před 3 lety +2

      Great job ..I agree;)

    • @andrewcruz8273
      @andrewcruz8273 Před 3 lety

      Right!!

    • @j.r.walden9937
      @j.r.walden9937 Před 3 lety

      😂😂I'm supposed to be shopping for Vans online, but I can't stop looking at conversion vids.

    • @wownewstome6123
      @wownewstome6123 Před 3 lety +1

      @@j.r.walden9937 Are you going to convert a van? If so, you might consider a "step truck/bread truck" instead. In this vid, a guy built a space saving bathroom in a unique way: "Full time living in fully custom SMART city STEALTH van- story from idea to execution."

    • @j.r.walden9937
      @j.r.walden9937 Před 3 lety +1

      @@wownewstome6123 I would if the step truck is a little gas friendly. I have a 2hr round trip for work. I often have to spend the night in my car if I get off too late. I want something that gets me at least 15mpg. My dream Van is gonna be that electric GM ev600 Brightdrop when they make it available to the public. Supposedly will get 250 miles electric. The only stealth thing that really consumes my mind, is having any light showing whatsoever at night from inside the van. But that's just my own paranoia, here in So Florida, no one really seems to care about people chilling with their vanlife.

  • @thankyouJESUSkingofkings
    @thankyouJESUSkingofkings Před 4 lety +110

    Great video, I am homeless and wish I had something just like this. Awesome setup, thank you for your video sir. Hope you have a blessed and awesome life!

    • @mchangmi
      @mchangmi Před 3 lety +21

      Hey "Thank You"...I want to speak life into your situation...of thinking creatively of how you could get your dream van...where there's a will there's a way...I wish you well!!!!!!!

    • @777superlightwater
      @777superlightwater Před 2 lety +15

      Hey I’m homeless too I just bought a van for $1200 and I’m gonna convert it like this I think you can too

    • @Jaike57
      @Jaike57 Před 2 lety +8

      @@777superlightwater good luck mate! Looking forward to your video 👍

  • @royhinkley6234
    @royhinkley6234 Před 6 lety +403

    I normally avoid reading the comments section, because there are too many mentally ill people out there whose only purpose in life is to destroy. It's obvious many other people very much liked your van. I agree, strongly. Please don't let the bad remarks get you upset. This video was unusually enjoyable to watch. By now, you're home in the UK(?) and hopefully had a good time here in the states. Americans can be a handful at times, and it seems we're getting worse. Don't let that be a reflection on you. Your van job was efficient, good looking, interesting and normally creative. Hopefully, I speak for the majority in saying that I wish you a good life and I hope you keep your enthusiasm in things you do. So many critics out there are people with empty lives, lashing out at anyone who succeeds. Ignore them. I, for one, sincerely wish you well. Your efforts have been noted🤗.

    • @lancebaker1374
      @lancebaker1374 Před 5 lety +3

      15,000 thumbs up votes, 564 thumbs down. typically, You tube votes 5 to 1 thumbs up, no matter how terrible is the video.

    • @GameOver-ei8ui
      @GameOver-ei8ui Před 5 lety +4

      This guy is a major kiss ass. Judging on the replies, the van owner didn't even read your comment.

    • @cachi-7878
      @cachi-7878 Před 5 lety +6

      Well put, Roy!

    • @Pusfilth
      @Pusfilth Před 5 lety +2

      Roy Hinkley you’re fucked hahah

    • @LoriCor-
      @LoriCor- Před 5 lety +5

      Europeans can be a handful, too. Lived there several years. Loved it, though. :)

  • @the6ix665
    @the6ix665 Před 5 lety +596

    Dude start a company selling those trucks I’d buy one in seconds

    • @brandyb9527
      @brandyb9527 Před 4 lety +11

      me too

    • @melimelon8
      @melimelon8 Před 4 lety +7

      Me too

    • @whyjustwhy2168
      @whyjustwhy2168 Před 4 lety +8

      Yep

    • @ammmusic2882
      @ammmusic2882 Před 4 lety +6

      Yes sir please !! :)

    • @walsh7008
      @walsh7008 Před 4 lety +22

      ive planned to buy conversion vans and turn them into campers for a while. Was planning to begin building Summer 2020. Let me know if interested

  • @Inkdraft
    @Inkdraft Před 4 lety +202

    So the way he pulls that bed up into a couch it looks like he has a couch in back of it that faces out the back door, right? So that's extra seating for company even though it's facing out the back door. I like that bed design.

    • @wealthbuilder9690
      @wealthbuilder9690 Před 3 lety

      How much would you charge to convert my van?

    • @JeffFreemanPresents
      @JeffFreemanPresents Před 2 lety +2

      It’d be great to open the back doors and hang out on the couch like you would on your porch. Not very stealth, so I’d reserve that config for a more vanlife-friendly place, but how cool is porch seating?!

    • @F-J.
      @F-J. Před 2 lety

      Yes and great views !

  • @OnlyFuns88
    @OnlyFuns88 Před 3 lety +47

    I really appreciate him going all out and taking apart his van for us. I know it wasn’t super easy to place everything back. Sorry haha I Appreciate the small things ;)

  • @lejink
    @lejink Před 6 lety +160

    As a single guy living near Vancouver Canada... where every house is worth over a million, and rent for a tiny 1 bedroom basement is over 1,000 a month.. This looks really awesome!
    Plus I'd cut down on any commute to work (traffic sucks here)
    Probably would travel n find short term jobs along the way
    Not having all this *stuff* would be such a relief, let go of all this furniture and bills, simplify my life.. Ahh daydreams

    • @Alex-zx3pv
      @Alex-zx3pv Před 5 lety +9

      DJ do it!

    • @thefarmersdaughter8235
      @thefarmersdaughter8235 Před 5 lety +12

      Listen to yourself and do it. Watch the housing market crash.

    • @freshbreathofcarson
      @freshbreathofcarson Před 5 lety +7

      I’m in Vancouver as well, I feel you mate. This is the way to go!

    • @MaximC
      @MaximC Před 4 lety +2

      Did you do it?:)

    • @jacobjorgenson9285
      @jacobjorgenson9285 Před 4 lety +15

      The Farmers Daughter House prices are going no where, population rises every year and Vancouver is a nice town to live in. I bought in London UK in 2008 and everybody said it would crash, it didn’t even drop during the 2009 crisis and now it’s double. I’ve rented it out since 2010 to fund my travels which included a 3 year road trip from NYC to South America. So be clever and use a no rent time in your life to work, save and BUY something, it will pay of for the rest of your life.

  • @Friendsshare
    @Friendsshare Před 3 lety +11

    You can tell he is soo proud of his work when he smiles a little after he leans back at 1:33 great vid!

  • @celticmugwump
    @celticmugwump Před 3 lety +43

    this is an honest conversion and well designed, this guy was totally honest about the tinyest detail. it may not be the best camper I have seen on CZcams but its def amongst my top 10 faves and if I was to do a conversion myself this is the guy I would come to for advice.

  • @lhasaapso3360
    @lhasaapso3360 Před 3 lety +47

    Hey Nate, here's one I AM SAVING!!! Sending a round of applause and A+ for the absolute simplicity you used in creating a livable space. One that doesn't look like you opened the doors and threw in a sleeping bag and a bunch of stuff, yet has a well thought out arrangement.

  • @iReturnV1deotapes
    @iReturnV1deotapes Před 6 lety +359

    And because the bed folds up on both sides instead of just the one, you can even use it to chill with your girlfriend while having the rear doors open parked on the beach watching a sunset. How perfect is that? Better engineering than even the VW Vanagon!

    • @TheDuchessRN
      @TheDuchessRN Před 6 lety +10

      I need the plans for this bed/ futon chair. So easy and practical. Impressed

    • @lancebaker1374
      @lancebaker1374 Před 5 lety +2

      How perfect? You need to read the definition of perfect. Like "FULL", it can't be more or less.

    • @GameOver-ei8ui
      @GameOver-ei8ui Před 5 lety +3

      You're assuming he is straight and has a girlfriend. How arrogant!

    • @thefarmersdaughter8235
      @thefarmersdaughter8235 Před 5 lety +19

      @@GameOver-ei8ui your the minority dude...dudet whatever!

    • @soundtheshofar
      @soundtheshofar Před 4 lety +1

      @@thefarmersdaughter8235 he's just trolling you 😜

  • @cheriemonami
    @cheriemonami Před 2 lety +3

    I loved the window by the sink. I loved how the design was simple but not crude. He is self-contained. Hope it all worked out for him.

  • @geewiz8253
    @geewiz8253 Před 4 lety +44

    Love this guy’s attitude and humor 😆 👍 👍

    • @tarawells7590
      @tarawells7590 Před 3 měsíci

      No kidding.. my fave talking about the gas alarm "I haven't died...that's good." 🤣

  • @SkyGrizzzley
    @SkyGrizzzley Před 3 lety +39

    I've been looking through hundreds of van videos searching for the nicest
    most practical luxury feeling layouts and saw the title of $1000 budget as sort
    of a pfft, how good can it be but was thoroughly impressed. This had the
    practical aspect to it that so many specially crafted vans lacked.
    Great work!

  • @cindydo8781
    @cindydo8781 Před 5 lety +85

    I'd pay him to convert my van. I'd decorate it differently, but the layout I like. Clever. :-).

    • @miketroup847
      @miketroup847 Před 5 lety +1

      That's kind of layout is common in europe

  • @blairhawkins7490
    @blairhawkins7490 Před 6 lety +164

    Carbon Monoxide Detector. As you said....it's not 15 feet away from fire source. Moisture, dust & grease will clog the airflow through the detector. Carbon Monoxide is heavier than air, usually below 3 feet or below waist level. Probably the best spot is back of passenger seat at level of the bed. If there's a leak, the CO will pool here. Some van campers have their propane in a wooden box with a hole cut to outside of van so fumes can spill down & out.

    • @mommahil4323
      @mommahil4323 Před 6 lety +13

      Gas is heavier than air, carbon monoxide is lighter than air so gas detector needs to be low, the other higher than appliance. The leaflet with the carbon monoxide detector in my hand says "a small caravan may not have suitable vertical services available, the two most important considerations are (1) not mounting directly above source of heat or steam (2) mounting 1-3m from potential source.

    • @LatinDanceVideos
      @LatinDanceVideos Před 5 lety +11

      This is important. Regulations exist for a reason. It's worth reading them, understanding them and complying. Then having it audited by a licenced installer. save your life.

    • @jimstanley_49
      @jimstanley_49 Před 5 lety +5

      CO is actually slightly lighter than air and diffuses fairly evenly through an enclosed volume.

    • @lancebaker1374
      @lancebaker1374 Před 5 lety +3

      In my apartment, the powers that be have mounted the CO detector at the ceiling.

    • @wvadam
      @wvadam Před 5 lety +3

      good point about the height. Also you can get monitors now that also detect propane in case there is a leak or you forget to turn the gas off.

  • @TMNT3388
    @TMNT3388 Před 4 lety +48

    Ha! I've learned that simple designs take alot more thought ( for us non engineers) good job on the van and video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Lechonadobo
    @Lechonadobo Před 3 lety +64

    Budget friendly. Straight forward. Functional. Thanks for the great walk through!

  • @lindzee924
    @lindzee924 Před 6 lety +36

    Mark is adorable. Soft and candid approach, yet a perfectly clever builder. Sweet.

  • @CommanderRick
    @CommanderRick Před 6 lety +1448

    Best van layout I've seen and I've watched over 300 van tour videos. Very practical and makes use of all space very well.

    • @RETIREMESOON
      @RETIREMESOON Před 6 lety +37

      Maybe this engineer can tutor other pros on use of space and cost $ 120,000 of chipboard.
      Maybe do vans for people and call it poor mans vans.
      BRILLIANT CREATIVE MIND.

    • @eternitywithjesus777
      @eternitywithjesus777 Před 6 lety +6

      I agree!

    • @zohairkader6670
      @zohairkader6670 Před 6 lety +11

      Yes, this van and cycle cruza's bug out moto are my two favourite thus far.

    • @VanderingAbout
      @VanderingAbout Před 6 lety +12

      Commander Rick
      Best? Nice but best? Is there a build series for this or just the tour? Says this was built in 7 days?... Impossible. Under $1000?...Impossible. Great tour and final reveal. Well done!
      😀 🤘 😎

    • @firecrow7973
      @firecrow7973 Před 6 lety +19

      he is a European engineer so its no surprise

  • @owaiszamir
    @owaiszamir Před 3 lety +9

    I love the simplicity and modest approach he had. I can see hear the engineer within in the way he explains everything

  • @lindaszewczyk8186
    @lindaszewczyk8186 Před 3 lety +9

    The best conversion I've seen...This guy that is a great problem solver . Impressive!

  • @L4WNY..
    @L4WNY.. Před 4 lety +127

    "I wanted something simple", said no engineer ever!! 🤣

    • @philhealey449
      @philhealey449 Před 4 lety +12

      No, most old engineers crave simplicity, but young engineers usually crave excessive complication. In this respect our man here is very positively thinking 20 years older than he is ! Bed hinge geometry very impressive, but hope he's bluffing about his safe's location!

    • @SlyDz420
      @SlyDz420 Před 4 lety +15

      Engineers always want it simple. Architects want it to look crazy.

    • @NorthernKitty
      @NorthernKitty Před 4 lety +31

      Actually, my experience around engineers my whole life is that they say that all the time. But what seems "simple" to them makes heads spin for the rest of us. "I wanted something simple, so I used a carboflux thermal capacity garbometer interfaced with a mechoptimized oxysymeter and ran that though a byzantinium arc spanner. Now, I could have gone with a nucleocide differential titulator running off a potassamite reflex synchomatic gadgetron, but that seemed a bit overkill."

    • @philhealey449
      @philhealey449 Před 4 lety +6

      @@NorthernKitty No, a 3/8 inch bolt should be enough. Maybe a hydraulic marvelspring also, but we'll try and avoid it.....

    • @SA-cx1gk
      @SA-cx1gk Před 3 lety +3

      @@NorthernKitty I was married to an engineer. Your comment pretty much sums it up.

  • @leighpetersen3947
    @leighpetersen3947 Před 5 lety +260

    You should set vans up for other people who arnt as crafty. Just charge a reasonable price and boom your in business. Nice job. That's what I wanna do with a van and hot the road.

    • @user-wp1ot4zt8t
      @user-wp1ot4zt8t Před 5 lety +17

      I'd pay for a service like that!

    • @genesawr
      @genesawr Před 4 lety +3

      Same

    • @rayray8389
      @rayray8389 Před 4 lety +3

      Was thinking the same thing.

    • @melimelon8
      @melimelon8 Před 4 lety +1

      I concur

    • @grantsoutdoor
      @grantsoutdoor Před 4 lety

      Makes me want to do the same to my van but i can’t get it to pass inspection.So it’s just sitting for about a year

  • @zoyakaufmann7922
    @zoyakaufmann7922 Před 4 lety +16

    7 days 😆. That's incredibly impressive. Each component of that would take me an entire weekend!

  • @HarrimusPrime
    @HarrimusPrime Před 3 lety +11

    Finally! A legit build! And a mention to having a fire and carbon monoxide alarm! So important!

  • @bengunns9500
    @bengunns9500 Před 5 lety +16

    Best no nonsense video, straight to the point, excellent thanks fkr posting.

  •  Před měsícem

    The simplicity of this finish out makes it worth more than money can buy.... I love it and want something similar just to do some road tripping.

  • @marvalousmetanoia9139
    @marvalousmetanoia9139 Před 4 lety +9

    This is incredibly impressive! This is the most practical and well-thought-out Van build that I've seen. I really like the design and can't believe everything was able to fit into that van. 7 days and under $1000 is amazing!!!

  • @MsVintage61
    @MsVintage61 Před 5 lety +26

    I especially like how you did the bed so it converts into a practical seating area

  • @Guest-rh9pl
    @Guest-rh9pl Před 6 lety +339

    0:07 that dude look 15 and 47 years old at the same time

  • @trex6142
    @trex6142 Před 3 lety +3

    Nice to see a quick and simple approach for a change. Not everything has to be a $30,000 buildout.

  • @unexplodedbombshell3998
    @unexplodedbombshell3998 Před 3 lety +7

    Excellent van design. I love the way the bed converts to a seat too. 👍🏻

  • @eriknichols4509
    @eriknichols4509 Před 5 lety +17

    This is the best conversion I´ve seen so far. I love the ability to have secret compartments. Where you can hide things just in case.

  • @gipsytraveler
    @gipsytraveler Před 6 lety +6

    One of the more intelligent presentations I have seen. Gives me the idea to build a secret or secure storage in my build for a laptop, the most important thing most van dwellers own.

    • @singmysong1167
      @singmysong1167 Před 3 lety

      True, one Rver couple said they got all their cameras, laptops, etc. stolen when they were hiking or shopping or something.

  • @davidgriffiths7696
    @davidgriffiths7696 Před 11 dny

    This is roughly how I’ll be doing mine. Have lived in the woods for 30 years, built own house out of salvage/second hand picture windows etc for 1/10 the cost of everyone else near enough. Probably will put in some extra battery capacity have surplus pv components and wood etc lying around. Got nearly all what is needed for what you did here. I figured 100 hours should get this job done, not months or a year like some people who apparently must have no diy/pro experience and have no clue how long things should take.
    Most useful camper vid award 🥇 pay attention this guy understands how to do a job like this unlike nearly all the rest of them.😎

  • @ninjanerdstudent6937
    @ninjanerdstudent6937 Před 6 lety +22

    This is an amazing lifestyle. I hope more people do this in our society.

    • @pattyreed2011
      @pattyreed2011 Před 5 lety +1

      Whole Food Plant-Based Man No because then they will make it illegal.

    • @evgenywow
      @evgenywow Před 5 lety +1

      More people started flying "drones"with gopro footage on drone becoming popular and suddenly all RC pilots got f****d. Now FPV capabilities are so strict and long range flying is illegal. need to be in line of sight of aircraft with it being visible to naked eye. Thanks droners. Now imagine everyone started to live in vans. oh damn it would be illegal so quick, or very heavily regulated. In Canada here, there is already nowhere you can park a trailer, almost no spots to boondock in a trailer. And many places are not allowing you to park on streets... You could imagine countless amount of bylaws that would prohibit van life. Definitely want it to stay minority.

  • @Brasaussie
    @Brasaussie Před 3 lety +7

    I was delighted to watched your simple lay out, designed for your needs.
    Congratulations.

  • @karlbe8414
    @karlbe8414 Před 3 lety +3

    Clean, budget, no nonsense and functional build! I think you know what you really want after using it a while. I had a ' 71 VW pop top for 35 years and it had the same bed idea, a table and nice storage/chair on the other side of the table. Sink and stove unit were removed before I got it, but made for a nicer open space. I most cooked outdoors, but I could do inside if need be. Had same 2 burner Coleman propane stove with a slightly smaller tank..lasts forever. Solar bag shower and good to go. The poptop was nice for being able to stand up, store stuff on the roof and get ventilation, an important consideration on the Baja...back in the day.

  • @cloudten8489
    @cloudten8489 Před 2 lety +2

    Great set up, and I know this was uploaded some ago but I have to mention that the gas detector probably needs to be installed lower as gas is heavy and falls to the lowest point.
    Laying in bed he may be overcome before the detector set off.

  • @lost.cause.adventures424
    @lost.cause.adventures424 Před 3 lety +4

    Dude... I was thinking about buying an SUV next spring but you are really selling me on this simplistic van conversion. Nice work!

  • @myactualnameisjacob2699
    @myactualnameisjacob2699 Před 4 lety +221

    "I haven't died yet so... it's good..."

    • @christiemaerker6693
      @christiemaerker6693 Před 4 lety +7

      Woke up this morning so we good!!

    • @MR-xf8xg
      @MR-xf8xg Před 4 lety +1

      That's the thing about dying.

    • @airmidia7100
      @airmidia7100 Před 4 lety +1

      Science

    • @dyanaromero4093
      @dyanaromero4093 Před 3 lety +6

      That’s just a very British thing to say actually 😂

    • @s.z.6200
      @s.z.6200 Před 3 lety +3

      He should get a second CO2 detector as backup in case the first one fails

  • @kevinstefanek8903
    @kevinstefanek8903 Před 3 lety +2

    Idk if anyone has mentioned it to you yet, but a lot of people say to never store your propane inside, especially if you are sleeping next to it. Those tanks are notorious for leaking, even when the top is closed tightly apparently. I saw someone build an airtight box for theirs. Other option is a carbon monoxide detector. Love the build!!

  • @chitownbangin
    @chitownbangin Před měsícem

    I'm not smart enough to build it, but I really like your folding bed/couch. One of the best van mods I've seen.

  • @efrenvelazco1877
    @efrenvelazco1877 Před 5 lety +8

    Great job !!!
    Maybe a roof vent above the stove and you can put this van as one the best ones in you tube. Looks great bro.

    • @singmysong1167
      @singmysong1167 Před 3 lety

      And the front seat(s) with the capabilities to swivel towards the back is a must-have for me, that is.
      Also, no toilet shown.

  • @plutoplatters
    @plutoplatters Před 6 lety +43

    the "bed chair" is fantastic.... nice

    • @recoveringsoul755
      @recoveringsoul755 Před 5 lety +1

      It would be better if it was safe enough for passengers when driving...seatbelts and more than one bolt to keep it in place. But I do like it

  • @LucysVanAndale
    @LucysVanAndale Před 4 lety +3

    I really overlooked how simple yet full purpose this is. The bed is 👏 wonderful idea. I want something similar so I can have a couch/bed

  • @gnarbeljo8980
    @gnarbeljo8980 Před 2 lety +6

    One of the best videos I’ve seen about this! The details you share, the solutions, methods and materials, brilliant stuff and really budget friendly!
    Not everyone is aimed at an expensive long term full time fancy mini house on wheels with a zillion technical systems to maintain their first time around. Especially as everyone doing this keep saying the main thing is to get out there and try it out and know it’s doable!
    Thanks man, this really is acheivable for most people, and very smartly done!
    🙌🙏❤️

  •  Před 5 lety +4

    The thingy to hold the cabinets is simple and genious!
    A lot of vans have that couch/bed display but i think it takes space..

  • @allanb52
    @allanb52 Před 6 lety +126

    Unless you are staying in one place for more that a week you don't need an auxiliary battery, solar or any of that stuff. I have a voltmeter and a jump start pack, just in case. All my lights are LED which use nothing, and charging phones use nothing too, have to careful of charging my laptop. But correct, you don't need all that stuff, just turn the gas off when you are not using it...Engineer too but a little older...ok a lot.

    • @allanb52
      @allanb52 Před 6 lety +17

      It depends on what electric appliances you are using. Forget about your water pump, over period of a few seconds it is nothing. We have 5 small LED sets, so if you work out the consumption it is a tiny amount, even over a few days, charging your phone again such a small amount too. The problem arises on higher consumption items, constantly charging a laptop batteries over a few days, running a TV and worst of all a fridge/coldbox. We have two circuits and only power the fridge when the engine is running and keep an eye on the voltmeter when charging the laptop. If you have a well insulated chest type cold box thawing shouldn't be a problem and if you are wild camping forget about TV, you won't die without it. Finally I haven't bothered with electrical hookup, I have a good extension lead with RCD protection, which is 100% safe. Remember too that if you do make a mistake you still have the starter pack. This system is designed for shoestring budgets and works well because it is not complicated at all and saves space, weight and money.

    • @peterlamont647
      @peterlamont647 Před 6 lety +7

      Panasonic DVD-LS850 is a good option for "TV" in the wild. 6 hour battery life unplugged, and has a power draw of 1200mAh. So, if you charge it while you are charging up your other stuff with the van on, you'll have 6 hours of DVD/DIVX content per day, and it will play DIVX, which means you can put tons of youtube vids on one DVD, which you can stock up on by pilfering some place's wifi. He is right though, if that LED pulls even 100mAh, it would take a very _very_ long time to drain a car battery with it. Many cars have LEDs that run while the car is off anyway, and you can't switch them off(at least my car does). Anyway, if I did do this van living thing, I would shove around 4, 1000 amp batteries in there lol. I would also install a remote ignition and wire it up to a controller, so if the charge is getting low, it automatically starts the engine, and then has a relay to turn it back off again after an hour or so [555 timer monostable hooked up to some 4033 ICs, driving a mosfet to drive the relay]. I am a total technophile. I would just make up the battery weight by designing everything else with minimalist/lightweight design features. Such as a barracks style bed, and plastic storage areas etc. I think I would even put slotting holes in the sides of whatever wooden cabinets I had just to half the weight of those, and then cover the sides with shower wall material to cover the holes. I would also use shower walls to cover the insulation.

    • @FBPrepping
      @FBPrepping Před 5 lety +2

      Engineers....Engineers all over the place...(insert Woody and Buzz Lightyear picture here)...LOL

    • @ceeweedsl
      @ceeweedsl Před 5 lety +3

      We travel with a 12v refrigerator. If you really live out of your vehicle, it's the most important thing. I'd take a fridge over a bed as long as I could throw down some pads. Ice chests are for weekend warriors. Only other real option is learning to live with dry foods and limiting to long lasting produce. To have a fridge you need a house electrical system. All very do-able these days.

    • @fredmartin3117
      @fredmartin3117 Před 4 lety +1

      @@ceeweedsl "house battery" to run the fridge and use a battery isolator, then run the vehicle every couple days to charge the house bat.

  • @teebee7000
    @teebee7000 Před rokem +4

    Great concept, pragmatic approach, well executed. Props to this chap, there's a lot to be said for the engineering mindset! Looking to do something like this with a similar size or smaller van when I return to UK. Main thing I would want to add would be a downward venting gas locker for the propane bottle. My first (aborted) van conversion project was a Fiat Ducato L2H2 former ambulance - too big (long & high) for UK city use & country lanes, a lot of work to build and very heavy built with DIY materials.

  • @jeffgoldsmith1679
    @jeffgoldsmith1679 Před 2 lety +1

    As you Brits would say absolutely "Brilliant". The guy from CheapRvliving needs to interview you for his followers. You do have the perfect storm of skills for this build. Your Intellect, education and experience is perfect to do what you did diy and no, not many others will be able to replicate so hats off to you. I have a full cabinet shop in my garage, own a brand new Sprinter adventure van which I will sell my when my new Storyteller arrives early next year, but still have nothing but but admiration for what you did. Highlights: The sink! Advice: move the detector to a vertical surface just above the floor.

  • @bhumikapundir5040
    @bhumikapundir5040 Před 5 lety +9

    love it , love his simplicity and originality when he speaks about his van . you have done a good job in a very economical way. thank you for inspiring people

  • @aguerra1381
    @aguerra1381 Před 5 lety +19

    How can anyone give this a thumbs down???!!! Great job!
    Simple, well thought out.

  • @traida111
    @traida111 Před 3 měsíci

    haha this came up in recommended, this is the birth of a van building guru. lol. nice, i like how you've done a budget camper and you're so raw back then, love it Nate.

  • @konysa3641
    @konysa3641 Před 2 lety

    I love the sink! All the other van life videos show various drainage, gray water, ect. Then this guy is like, dude I just toss the used water out. You know at most he's just rinsing organic veggies, so its not like the 'gray water' is really that gross/harmful if tossed, and if he really does have something hazardous he can just take that bowl into the proper wash/disposal area. No crazy water dump stations, or complicated hoses/pipes to get clogged. No plumbing videos to figure out, just a man with a bowl. Genius!

  • @leswilliams9565
    @leswilliams9565 Před 4 lety +20

    And engineer doing something for under $1000? I’ve got to see this!

  • @radulacatusu4154
    @radulacatusu4154 Před 5 lety +31

    Well done! I hope you had a lot of fun in America!

  • @MarikaMeos
    @MarikaMeos Před 3 lety +1

    This is the best built camper van I've seen so far! I don't understand why most campers are build to resemble home with "home looking" kitchen etc. It shouldn't look like home and that's the whole point. It should be easily maintained, simple design, minimalistic as possible and you should be able to leave some conveniences behind 'cos it's all about adventure when you're on the wheels and the great outdoors! So massive thanks for that video!

  • @eraserewrite
    @eraserewrite Před 8 dny

    1:32 If I made this mechanism, I would be pretty happy too. This is the face of someone who knows they made something cool.

  • @KTM625Girl
    @KTM625Girl Před 5 lety +10

    This is the best layout I've ever seen! Well done man!

  • @litotesone
    @litotesone Před 3 lety +4

    So impressive... from the concept to the execution. Thank you for making the time to share it with us. I hope you sold it, and I suspect the new owner is thanking you everyday! I sure hope you had a great time touring the USA and are doing wonderfully back home. Your friend doing the video work did a good job helping us to see your excellent craftsmanship.

  • @Tezzzaaa
    @Tezzzaaa Před 2 lety +1

    Just a note for anyone else positioning a carbon monoxide alarm. It needs to be as low down as possible to give adequate eatly warning as the gas is heavier than air. Fantastic 'no nonsense' build. Mark would do well with a channel too.

  • @lnicoletti4096
    @lnicoletti4096 Před 3 lety +1

    what a great build. he said “ it was pretty easy to do”
    maybe for some but it STILL
    wouldnt look as “tight” and professional as your build!
    your craftsmanship is admirable wooden yacht finishing. love your skills and intelligence and humor

  • @jsmith5101
    @jsmith5101 Před 6 lety +20

    Very nice! This is one of the best budget builds I've seen.

  • @Eddie-xz9bz
    @Eddie-xz9bz Před 5 lety +5

    Outstanding work for a month, nevermind a week! Holy moly

  • @BaskingInObscurity
    @BaskingInObscurity Před měsícem

    For the sink, nesting bowl and colander sets work really well, too. Use the biggest bowl as the sink, and the nesting parts keep whatever you're washing or rinsing out of the water in the bottom.

  • @suzy8109
    @suzy8109 Před 2 lety

    I knew any van tour by a British traveller would be succinct, eccentric, and full of dry humour. Lol. Love this guy!

  • @enzolopez9362
    @enzolopez9362 Před 6 lety +38

    Man dude this one of best setups I ever seen in all these vans nice work 👍👌

  • @bobbyrod123456
    @bobbyrod123456 Před 4 lety +3

    You should use the silver reflective bubbly wrap thing on your windshield and front windows as well! I'm sure it would keep it even cooler and block out even more light.

  • @thierryroufosse2857
    @thierryroufosse2857 Před 2 měsíci

    Loving this, my favorite van conversion, practical, simple, good budget, all we need to have good time, thanks a lot from Belgium.

  • @RonRay
    @RonRay Před 6 lety +36

    Excellent build! I really like that bed design. Gives you a good sturdy bed at night, but then you can push it up, out of the way in the day time. Perfect!

  • @athertonx5779
    @athertonx5779 Před 3 lety +4

    Well done..takes me back to my days when I studied design at uni. Innovation is the key.

  • @bobjackson3346
    @bobjackson3346 Před 6 měsíci

    This is way different than the normal van build videos. So refreshing, "look I am a dude this is way nicer than a tent $1k and a weeks time and I will be more than fine" Not that those were his exact words, but my interpretation. .

  • @aprilfullz9972
    @aprilfullz9972 Před 3 lety +2

    I love the simplicity and smart ideas of this guy😍

  • @zaiohellgren9266
    @zaiohellgren9266 Před 5 lety +14

    This is by defenite one of the best if not the best van convertions ive seen, ill defenitly nick some ideas from here when i build mine. Cheers

  • @FirstLast-my6ke
    @FirstLast-my6ke Před 4 lety +6

    mate, that bench is brilliant.
    some "door Ease" on the sliders would work a treat
    thanks for the inspiration.

  • @mikewood8680
    @mikewood8680 Před 25 dny

    The sofa/bed combo is brilliant!! No fuss… and agree that moving bits around constantly is not functional.

  • @KookieCooks
    @KookieCooks Před 5 lety +3

    I love the bed/loveseat convertible. One of the best layout I’ve seen so far.

  • @BikeTall
    @BikeTall Před 5 lety +3

    I wasn’t considering a low roof van until i saw your build. Nice job of maximizing space 👍🏼

  • @skyblue9991
    @skyblue9991 Před 5 lety +217

    "Ran out of paper towels"
    *Opens cabinet full of paper towels*
    😂

  • @KarlsLabReport
    @KarlsLabReport Před 3 lety +4

    WHO would downvote this?? This is an excellent video of an excellent build!!

  • @rhondadines3287
    @rhondadines3287 Před 4 měsíci

    This ranks #1 Your build is awesome. And it looks so cozy. You made it both affordable and functional. Wow

  • @diggingfordinner
    @diggingfordinner Před 6 lety +72

    You given me so much inspiration, absolutely brilliant job

  • @diystarms6550
    @diystarms6550 Před 4 lety +3

    Watched once last year, come again 2019, still love it.

  • @WaveHeartSoulArt
    @WaveHeartSoulArt Před 3 lety

    A friendly and lovely guy. Feels good to find such people. Blessings

  • @lynnecharles
    @lynnecharles Před 5 lety +2

    this is perfect. Wish I'd seen it earlier and couldve bought it from you when you departed. Not very handy myself and working two jobs at present, but appreciate the technical savvy and the inexpensive practical designs that went into this.

  • @leonardoluga5434
    @leonardoluga5434 Před 3 lety +7

    THIS IS GOOD SIMPLE VAN BUT ORGANIZED

  • @mick6384
    @mick6384 Před 6 lety +13

    That seems like a really well made van, awesome job!

  • @debraperkins4448
    @debraperkins4448 Před 4 lety

    This is Awesome, if I get the Rear Main Seal Fixed on my 2009 Chevy Conversion Express Van, I wanna Have it like YOURS!!
    At 62 I've become acustom to a Flushing toilet-loo, and a Bathtub, but in 2016, I was living in a 8x12 Storage shed, for 9 months, I had Electricity, and a Water supply around 6 feet from the storage shed. You are ingenious Sir!!
    Come to New Mexico and See Our State!!
    Lot of places to Repel/Rock/ Mountain Climbing Here!!
    Vaya con Dios! !

  • @matty741
    @matty741 Před 3 lety +1

    Love hearing someone from the UK that has been in the states a little while, the twang is so funny. Thanks for the vid bro, picking up my van next week wooooop.

  • @leonorcancelceron1231
    @leonorcancelceron1231 Před 5 lety +4

    Love the van!
    You did an awesome job. It’s simple and very well organized. I like that you didn’t spend a ton of money on it.

  • @pu2396
    @pu2396 Před 5 lety +3

    Yours is the best on you tube. Has a comfortable living area. Yet very functional. Good job😁

  • @clairewyndham1971
    @clairewyndham1971 Před 8 měsíci

    Man, I WISH I could afford that Van class, but I'm a Senior on a tight budget. I JUST bought a van and can't wait to get started! This is on my "Bucket list".