FULL DIY VAN BUILD from Start to Finish | Our Epic Van Life Conversion
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- See our DIY camper van conversion from start to finish! We converted a used 2015 Ford Transit with a high roof and 148" wheelbase. We used all-natural materials and non-toxic materials like hemp insulation, cork flooring, low VOC paint and varnish, and a lot more! We wanted our van to be as comfortable and functional as possible so there's a bed that transforms into a couch and dinette, a bathroom with a privacy wall, loads of accessible storage, and more! We hope you enjoy seeing behind the scenes of our off-grid tiny house on wheels being built. It was a lot of work! Please keep in mind that we're not professional builders and we experimented with this build quite a bit. Definitely do your own research before building your own van!
SHORTCUT LINKS
01:35 Planning and Prep
03:29 Roof Vent
04:02 Subfloor
04:46 Framing
05:34 Window Frames and Inset Shelving
05:58 Insulation
10:07 Wiring
10:38 Walls and Ceiling
11:52 Furniture
15:35 Bathroom
16:59 Solar Power
18:14 Bed and Dinette
20:28 Overhead Storage
21:41 Floor
22:07 Finishing Touches
PRODUCT DISCLOSURE
We received the Inergy Apex solar power generator, Inergy solar panels, Separett urine diverter, and the Oru Haven Kayak for review. Only the Inergy link is an affiliate link, which means we earn a fee when you make a purchase from Inergy.
Inergy Solar Power Products
glnk.io/p5q/exploring-alterna...
*please note: a discount will be applied at check out
Separett Urine Diverting Toilet Seat
canadianecoproducts.com/shop/...
Oru Kayak
oru-kayak.kckb.st/exploring
Whale Marine Foot Pump
whalepumps.com/marine/product...
Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Water Container
relianceoutdoors.com/collecti...
MAXXFAN Deluxe Roof Vent
www.airxcel.com/rv/maxxair/pr...
Roof Vent Flange Adaptor (Ford Transit)
www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Transit...
Dometic CFX-35US 12-Volt Fridge
www.dometic.com/en-ca/ca/prod...
Berkey Water Filter
Canada: berkeywaterfiltercanada.ca/
USA: berkeyfilterwater.com/
Hemp Oil:
www.homesteadhouse.ca/product...
Hemp Insulation:
naturefibres.com/produits_engl...
Cork Insulation (recycled granulated):
www.corkstore.com/Products/Gra...
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO
Our Full Van Tour
• VAN TOUR | Tons of Sma...
Swivel Table by Back to Reality
• GGC - 61 - How To Buil...
Toilet Fan by Vanessa & Adam
• Video
Our Solar Power Setup Video
• Simple Camper Van Sola...
Our Cheap & Easy DIY Plumbing
• Cheap & Easy DIY Campe...
Far Out Ride Ford Transit Conversion
faroutride.com/ford-transit-c...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
-------------------------------------------------------------
STAY IN TOUCH!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
-------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------
We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and to contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to CZcams
-------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORS
-------------------------------------------------------------
We occasionally include paid sponsor messages/integrations in our videos to help fund the channel. We do our best to work with companies and organizations that offer products or services that are in line with our values, and that we think would be interesting and useful to you, our viewers.
We will always disclose if we’re promoting products that were given to us for free, or if we’re including a sponsored message in a video.
For business or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at danielle.is.exploring@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS
-------------------------------------------------------------
Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives - Jak na to + styl
![Sprinter 144 Full Build [Extended Narrated Timelapse]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1sDkQbekzsk/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for watching! The full tour of the finished van is here if you want to take a peek: czcams.com/video/4p-GG5eenUk/video.html
This is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
use the spray foam barrier around the windows, and use the hemp insulation everywhere else.
U should share your information with the school bus rentervators
I really enjoyed this build!-!
Re: the gray water odor:
instead of installing a p-trap you might want to look up
a Hepvo self closing drain. It is available in most plumbing stores and on EBay and its around $25
What a great artist!!! Have you sold any of your art work before? Really lovely drawings.
first time i've seen hemp insulation in one of these... awesome build i love how clean and precise everything turned out this is one of my favorites so far
It’s great to see the build process. Ever since your tour video I’ve felt your van is the most practical/functional build I’ve ever seen. Element after element is brilliant. Stunning too!
In order to properly insulate your van. I would recommend covering your entire van with a butyl rubber adhesive mat. Such as second skins or dynamate. The problem you are having during the winter months is that the warm moist air coming from your sweat and breathing is coming in contact with the cold sheet metal. Thus causing those areas to condensate. You need to regulate that moisture with a dehumidifier or directly insulate the the surface of the metal. Make sure you drill some breathing holes in your walls, so the moisture is allowed to vent out. I suggest you should watch a video on how to use a psychometric chart. They are used in HVAC field and it will allow you find at what temperature the moisture in you van will start to condensate.
Do you put the rubber in front or behind the insulation?
Or a textured coating like Lizard Skin to act as a thermal break
I am thinking of lining the metal with 3 mil cork glued to the sheet metal body and then using hempflax batts.
In a van though not 100% of the body can be reached.
Okay then wise guy
Thank you
One of the best and most interesting van build videos I've seen. Kudos.
funkyjones agree.
funkyjones it’s shite!
@@MarkWright1963 Lol...I've found that criticism is usually a reflection of the opinion a person has of himself.
@@funkyjones No he’s right it’s shite
Aight
This was really informative and helpful, makes building a van like this seem real and obtainable rather than a farfetched dream. Thank you!
I've watched dozens and dozens of van conversion videos -- this is THE ONE that really resonates with me. A great mix of clever design (my favorite van bed design on the internet, bar none), beautiful aesthetics, and great functionality. The one extra-cool thing on the bed would have been to somehow also make the foot of the bed be able to swivel up at an angle (like the head of the bed does), so that if you ever wanted to lie on the bed "sitting up", looking out the open rear doors (at a sunset, the ocean, whatever), you could. But this is a nit -- your design is beautiful! I want!! :-)
Those magnetic screen curtains for occasional use would be neat. Otherwise just sit outside in camp chairs & enjoy. Moonlight in bed though...
So you are claiming you have watched every van conversion on the internet? LOL
I much enjoy the more introverted presentation style and attention to detail. Most van vids have loud music and amusing, but sometimes annoying, chit chat. This is exactly what prospective van lifers want to know.
splendid job! you get extra points for adding a bathroom, the inset shelving, the mechanical plumbing the pivoting tables, and the natural product use
While it's really no surprise...the attention to detail and craftsmanship is SO well done!
Why is that no surprise to you?
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath I see a lot of people that make these kinds of things
@@user-ec6ue8jy7p I figured probably the honest answer was “we are friends with them” and since there’s no reply I think I’m right.
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath ?
Finally a high quality production van build 👏🏾
Thanks so much! Happy you enjoyed checking out our van build video :)
@@ExploringAlternatives I love you guys! I want to make a video of my tiny house soon and post it with you :)
@@ExploringAlternatives I love you guys! I want to make a video of my tiny house soon and post it with you :)
Agree, I've seen some online that were hilariously bad, and they have the audacity to ask for 65k for a pos on wheels. Lol
OK. Is no one going to talk about how he freehand a humpback whale drawing?
Spermwale
Julian still awesome tho
He is an artist. (Even Michelangelo used drawings that he traced from, but they were his own sketches too).
@@glumGlumm no 😑
What about Daniels mom for the sewing?
So far it's the only van that doesn't make me feel claustrophobic. Excellent work, very well thought! I love it!!!
Thank you for explaining the condensation part so well! Most people underestimate the impact of condensation and subsequent mold buildup in van builds!
Shout out to Danielle's family. Some real MVP'S in that family.
definitly man so true
Love the inset shelving idea!! The entire build is BRILLIANT. Thank you for providing the reasons for the clever design ideas. I love this video.
The FIRST video that shows in detail what to do without being boring! VERY GOOD!
Indeed
I'd been contemplating a similar design/concept for a van bed. Seeing how well executed yours is has definitely made me think I should follow through!
This is so nicely done, enjoyed watching it. It makes sense to me that ventilation and insulation are the most difficult factors to balance, as you face similar issues in a tent since these are small space living areas. What I also liked is that all was explained with the notion that there are pros and cons to each approach and that you mention the things you would have done differently in hindsight, and no "we did it this way so it has to be the best" which is what many people do. Safe travels!!
The ArtWork inside your Van is Mindblowing !!! Love the HEMP insulation as well HEMP oil effect !!! Bravi !!! Its compact and really beautiful and looks super functional!!! Great job !!!
This is like my favourite transit van conversion!!
We have a 29' class-C RV.
You thought of everything even experienced RV'ers may not think of.
Seriously, congratulations on an awesome design and you both can be proud of your accomplishment. Dawn
This is great. It's so good to see the whole journey in one video. I always enjoy your videos and this one was especially useful. Thank you!
It's wonderful to see a van conversion under the focus of using natural materials - very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
You have proven that low tech is not the same as cheap. You’re little home is beautiful! What a great job. Your artistry shows on the whole build, not just on the walls.
Your roof leak is likely the rubber washer/ grommet thingies. I have the same van and covered all them with Dicor. No leaks. Great video! ☺
Gets pulled over
"Any drugs or alcohol tonight?"
Well no, but my van has this insulation you see
liked for the use of hemp !! :)
Do NOT confuse the Bears!
Yes! LoL...exakt my thoughts! 🤣
I'll probably "age" myself here- but it reminds me of the van in the Cheech & Chong movie "Up in Smoke"......the part where they get pulled over by the cop, haha.
You came up with some great ideas. One thing you might consider doing if you build another, use 3/4 plywood to build everywhere you used 2x2. A box made with 3/4 plywood and no frame is crazy strong.
The overhead cabinets are great. The magnet and wire brace🤯, simple and light
Please make a video of your daily life living in this genius van conversion pleaseeeee....like how you cook and work and lounge and stuff. Pleaseeeee love your vids always! 🤗
Times are tough when you want to watch someone hangout in a van lol
@@JPARKERZ28 lol 😂 damn straight it's tough.... 😂😂😂
I am amazed at the details they put into the van.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🤣😂
Out of 50 or so van builds your has every thing I have wanted. The bed configuration and privacy area for the toilet are two things others just don't have. Plus your art work is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
By far the most unique build I've seen.
Great job going through the whole thing without it being too long. Also nice to see just some real simple options instead of spending a lot of money
SO COOL to see the whole conversion process!! Thanks for sharing this ✌️
The ingenuity people display always amazes me. We are on our second
transit Van and we would still make changes. We had the water problem you described but cured it in our second van by adding a vapor barrier. I think you have covered the flow through vents by the rear doors. All vehicles have them somewhere to allow your vehicle heating/ventilation to work. We like what you have done. Great Job.
Thank you so much for this video!!
I didn’t know that transits tended to leak. I found 7 holes, including my reversing light and trims! I was just about to put my insulation in, you have saved me a world of trouble.
I also love the inset cupboard idea, give extra storage and less space to fill with my insulation!
Such a massive help, honestly, thank you so so much
This was very interesting. Enjoyed
listening to how carefully you
organised everything. Not a dream to have water pouring
in anywhere. Enjoy your van
and have many happy days.
"We are not professionals" yet looks better than commercial class b vans
So eco friendly. I'm so proud of u kids. And know Dani's Mom is too.Carry on. Great job.
Spectacular build. Absolutely love how simple you made things without being too clever about it. Pointing out mistakes and realising you’d buy something instead of going through the balls of making it is something I do a lot! You have a fantastic van guys. See you on the road. 😎🇬🇧💪🏼
Amazing attention to detail and thoughtful planning. So impressed!
I haven't finished watching the video yet - saw the intro and had to come comment immediately.
Thank you for the clear, concise and honest approach to the video along with the incredible organization you put into the shortcuts! I can already tell this will be an amazing video. Thank you for documenting your process and sharing with us!
Your conversion has many things about it that are 🎨 ART. I love using the murals as deco instead of things that catch dust. Great job very creative
This is by far the best van conversion video I have seen, and I have watched lots. I have just retired after a lifetime of teaching science and really want to hit the road in a van. You gave tons of clear information without pouring out your feelings about how you feel and what you had for breakfast today. (I hope you feel great and had a lovely breakfast today, it just has nothing to do with the van conversion). Keep up the good work.
Pat Duff
Dublin, Ireland.
one of my favourite over all van builds...so visually attractive as well
Thank you for giving us sustainability nuts a look at some alternative ways to approach tiny living! Honestly so sick of seeing that toxic foam insulation everywhere 😱
BS. What toxic foam insulation are you taking about? Be specific. Is plastic toxic too? How about the vinyl seats? LOL
Speaking of non-toxic and low odor insulation, you might try Havelock sheep wool batting that wicks moisture and dries fast.
It is all natural and sustainable. I saw this on YT video. Google Havelock sheep wool.
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath Tyvek? I'm concerned about mold, myself.
Thank you for taking your time to show a van build, I appreciate your narration of what works, didn't work, how to make it better and all the consideration.
Incredible! Hadn't seen the hemp insulation until now! Thanks so much!!!
I didn't realize you were building out a van. Good job, your home looks great!💪🏾⚘👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you! 🤗
Such a great build! The ideas, execution, the wood working, materials and finishes are all perfect. Also nice to hear " in hindsight" comments too, the things we learn along the way. Really well thought-out and minimal fit out, haven't seen a few of the ideas in this video in any other van video and it's great initiative on your behalf.
This is truly the most helpful van building video I’ve ever seen. Most just show the process of the build, but you actually explained everything perfectly. Thank you!!
It's so great to see these guys making another mobile house! Love their insulation and just whole mentality of the materials used. Go team Hemp!
Finally!! Stay safe you guys. 😘
Great video. FYI: You wont have an issue with condensation at the front if there is not an air gap. The condensation is an issue because the area is not totally filled with insulation. Fill it without a gap and you wont have the moisture.
Thanks for that information. I was wondering about that.
Best bed in a sprinter I’ve seen
I loved it when I saw the tour, but now I still love it more! It's the best van conversion I've ever seen! Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
I love the design, as well as how you though through things.
This is awesome. As a side note I dont think I've heard a single video from a Canadian where they don't use the word process haha. It only sticks out to me because of the different pronunciation. I love you guys!!!!
🇨🇦 Ottawa On
I say pro-cess
How else to say it
@@007nadineL Americans pronounce it with a hard o.... Prah - ses
Wow thank you SO much for mentioning about check the Transit for leaks! I have been thinking about going with a Transit and had not heard about the leaking thing at all! I've seen other Transit builds and no one mentions it. THANK YOU! A very important step.
I apprecaite y'alls honesty. Wise folk learn from other's mistakes. I just got me a 2020 Transit. I'm going to live in it as well.
You inspired me to start my own channel Just want to say thank you for all the hard work you put into making such great content and inspiring me and others like me to change our lives for the better thank you
@ Mel's Van World
😁😍😁😍
Subscribed
Nice job guys! I'm living in a tiny house now but this makes me want to buy a fixer-upper van. Cheers from Santa Cruz :)
Ooooooo!
This is the best interior anywhere!
Inviting and beautiful!
This is so beautiful. I have the same van, and have done a "no build" set up in mine. Thank you for such a detailed video with your processes so well detailed! I would love to perhaps have mine done like this one day! I have a question, it seems like the wood would be very heavy. Does it cause any issues with the um, driving strength of your van engine? (I hope that made some kind of sense) and does it lower gas milage? Thank you if you get the opportunity to reply.
Though I watched the tour awhile back, there were several things I don’t remember seeing on the tour. The wire props for the cabinets, for example, are a neat touch that is made even better with the magnets. I have a roll of 12ga wire that could work (and it is handy) and I would like to borrow her idea. I was ready to rip out the cabinet doors and use bungee but it would not have been as effective with spices and small things. Plus, the cabinet door fronts are a cleaner look for my herbs, spices and randomness like metal tea filters that can’t seem to get along with forks. Is it possible to insulate the metal to such a degree that it is not effected by heat in the interior to minimize the temperature differences and thus minimizing the condensation? Thanks for the tip on the leaky transits. I was always ruling out the Ford because the upfront costs of ordering one was ridiculously expensive. But kept eyeing them and wasn’t sure that I liked the slope of the roof but did like the height. I don’t have the resources I think you might have to give me detailed issues with each manufacturer but haven’t searched in awhile. I have an E150 that is only okay for my needs. Have even been looking at something bigger for a few of our specialized requirements. But I really like what you have done and will borrow a few ideas with your permission. Thanks for the detailed follow up. I keep liking your van more and more!
It's amazing. Really ecological, warm and beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
This is amazing. Thank you for the explanations and lessons learned. I love the ingenuity of the cabinet holding wires and swiveling table.
That was interesting. You did a great job. It looks as nice, if not nicer, than a ready made camper van.
It is amazing the job you did on this one ! Ŧhank you to share it with us
So glad to see you guys made such an awesome van. The bathroom is awesome. Looks a lot more convenient to live in than your older van! Great work !
FINALLY someone figured out the benefits of a north south facing bed. No climbing over each other at night or morning to get out of bed. Excellent designs! 👍
Can you say how expensive the interior design was? Kind regards ❤
10:00 How about combine hemp and put perlite on top of it and also pipes with holes in them where you can circulate air with a fan/compressor.
Top notch, some low tech options take up so much less space, and less to break! Fabulous art too!
Great that you took the time to describe your thought process and decision making. One of the most interesting van build videos I’ve seen.
SHORTCUT LINKS
01:35 Planning and Prep
03:29 Roof Vent
04:02 Subfloor
04:46 Framing
05:34 Window Frames and Inset Shelving
05:58 Insulation
10:07 Wiring
10:38 Walls and Ceiling
11:52 Furniture
15:35 Bathroom
16:59 Solar Power
18:14 Bed and Dinette
20:28 Overhead Storage
21:41 Floor
22:07 Finishing Touches
You and Danielle did a beautiful job on your van ! It looks soooooo goooooood !!! Thumbs up & Ty4Sharing. Blessings2Yall, Wolf from Dade City, FL.
Nice job i just finish my van as well just a tip for the solar there is a plastic cap you can buy to feed the wire in to the van but krep them separate so they can't short when one breaks. Also the leak in the front comes from the 1 seal cap on top of the roof i had the same issue just use same roof seal around all the plastic caps and you issue is gone.
I do like what i see and i am glad to finally see an honest video of this proces.
It really makes it sound bad, but hearing and possibly learning from the tiny downsides of the methods used for this build might actually mean someone else learns that maybe they will make other choices or come with improvements.
Probably the best DIY van build I've seen. Great job you two! Would be nice to see an update video in a year or so to see how everything is holding up and if you would change anything. TFS!:)
I agree with this! :D
Tip: use 1.5x speed
This is a great vid still 😍
thanks juliane!
FANTASTIC! Thank you for making and sharing how you built everything. Absolutely love it, and the reasons why you picked what you did.
appreciate the thoroughness of your first few steps
Honey you cannot run from condensation from those windows. We just broke down and got a dehumidifier....😭😭😭
We love the cork idea! What size granulated cork did you use? And, how much did you order?
Our van should be delivered in August and we will be getting started on the build.
Great videos!
Did you get an answer? I'm wondering how much I should use for my Promaster 136" thank you.
@@rebecca6405 No, I never got an answer.
i haven't seen them reply to anyone... hmmmmmm
@@kandislarson5023 Nope...no answer to this question. And, too late now for us. The van is almost finished!
BY FAR THE BEST conversion video we have EVER seen! We absolutely LOVED it guys! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Well done!!
Wow, you’re van build is so beautiful !!! You thought about everything, and the artwork is priceless. We love nature, and simplicity of life, so everything really appeals to us. Love your channel and thanks for all you do for us to bring us real amazing videos. Peace ✌🏽
Very nice! However, dont fall into the ”natural” trap. All that is natural is not good, and all that is unnatural is not bad.
Great content as usual! Loved seeing your whole process and how transparent you were about issues you had. The end result is beautiful and I hope you can find good solutions for the condensation issues
Amazing job. I learned some new things. Thanks. For me the look of the van are the paintings. What a beauty.
I can see a lot of issues with this van that probably already started happening. No pea traps for your sink and toilet which means your van is gonna stink to the high heavens and that little computer fan won't save you. I don't want to sound disrespectful but that entire toilet system is awful. Your subflooring probably isn't attached properly because you were blindly trying to screw it to the studs. Also a screw wouldn't hold onto the insulation stuff that you use. Another thing is the walls will probably fail over time from the constant moving around while driving as it's mostly held up with pl premium. Otherwise everything else actually doesn't look bad.
Awe the van looks terrific Mat & Danielle. It’s great to see Mat’s signature artwork. Congrats on your beautiful home! x
I love the bed-dining area idea! You did a beautiful job painting and designing the the van. You should be very proud of the job you did!
Congratulations on your efforts! Excellent work!
I've been looking some van projects for inspiration and this is one of the best ones I've seen so far! Great toilet solution and very nice result overall!
Wow. Thank you sooooo much for uploading this all as a single video. It was amazing to watch it all. Congrats on the end result :)
I love this build. It’s so savvy and eco friendly! It’s beautiful too.
I like the low power approach and the simple bathroom .
Beautiful little cozy tiny home on wheels. Looks amazing!! Great job.