VAN BUILD | FRAMING a RAM PROMASTER
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
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Framing out your van is arguably one of the most important steps in building a camper van. You must know what layout you are going with and what areas of the van are going to need the most support. For this van I needed to maximize the space for my RV Queen mattress so not wasting any space there was super important. I also needed to add addition support for future overhead cabinets. Also making sure the walls and ceiling have a seamless transition from front to back.
I hope this information was valuable to you and assists you guys on your build! If you have any questions about how I did something leave me a comment!! I respond to each and everyone!
Thanks for watching!!
INSTAGRAM: / ankeneyvanbuilds
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PRODUCTS in this VAN: (The amazon links bellow are connected to an affiliate program that allows me to receive a small portion of your purchases. Thanks for supporting the channel!)
SOLAR
-Renogy 100 watt 12v Mono Solar Panel: amzn.to/2U1bhWN
-Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station: amzn.to/3lnOHTR
-blue sea systems SR blade fuse block 12 circuts amzn.to/2UBt9HN
-max output cable :www.goalzero.c...
INSULATION
3M Thinsulate Acoustin/Thermal Insulation: amzn.to/2TOwYcN
Spray adhesive: amzn.to/3wwQWpy
MAXXAIR
-Maxx Air 00-07500K MaxxFan Deluxe with Remote - Smoke : amzn.to/2VtWZhY
SWIVEL SEATS
Ram promaster driver/passenger side swivel seat adapters sprinterstore.com
WATER PORT
-suction cup shower head holder: amzn.to/36qwWKT
-Waterport dry tank, bed rail mount, and pump cap
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HEATER
webasto airtop 2000stc petrol gasoline kit 12v: amzn.to/3k9O6Er
BED:
excel sleep 6' memory foam mattress: amzn.to/3kd5Lei
SINK:
SINK MIDNITE Quartztone Series Granite Dual Mount Bar/Prep Sink, Black" : amzn.to/3hVxayM
SHURFLO 1/2 " pipe strainer amzn.to/2TWVl86
SHURFLO 2088-45540144 fresh water pump 12v 3.5: amzn.to/2TWdW49
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Drain: amzn.to/3AQ41ha
soap dispener: amzn.to/3hVxAFm
STOVE:
Induction Cooktop: amzn.to/3e2CrDK
FRIDGE:
Dometic crx-65 12v dc compressor www.amazon.com...
FLOORING:
Applewood laminate flooring (outlast) www.homedepot....
I just had to pause the video to say god daaamnn i like how u explained everything!!!
Hahahah hell ya! Glad it helped!
Good system of framing. You can also "gang cut" multiple strips of ply. Saves a lot of time. The Kreg pocket screws is a great idea.
This guy has the best van building videos I’ve seen. It’s surprising all of his videos don’t have this many views. Thank you Ankeney!
Hahah thanks Blaine!! I wish they did 😂
As an infant in the learning curve of van building and an almost-senior lady doing something so far out of my comfort/knowledge zone, your video (which I've watched 3 times so far) has been so helpful! I'd appreciate a parts list so that I'm sure I'm purchasing what you're suggesting. I've never heard anything but the plus nut/riv nut route with is more complicated and more expensive, so your approach is something much more easily achieved by me. Your tips are worth their weight in gold! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in detail! Tremendous video!
Thank you! Happy to hear that my videos have been helpful! That’s why I started this channel in the first place!!!
I agree with you about the plus nuts, those are probably a stronger option but more complicated and expensive. Self tapping screws with construction adhesive is plenty strong and in my opinion easier to install!
Good luck on your build! And congrats on stepping out of your comfort zone and learning something new!!! Cheers 🤘🏻
I keep going back and forth with nut/riv too. Is there any other benefit to riv, like rust prevention and removal? I am doing your video this weekend 😬😁
@@suzettecsutton The biggest benefits to riv nuts is it’s strength and remove-ability. It’s cons are that it’s more expensive and more difficult to install!
You are a great teacher.
Thank you for the kind words Barbyl!
I have watched 100’s of framing vids over the past 6 months... this is by far the best video I have watched!! Very detailed! 👍 I now feel confident that I can do this!! Thank you very much for posting this video!
Thank you Julie! I’m happy to hear that! Good luck on framing out your van!!
Yes...I watched it 2 times
Finally! A fellow Carpenter that speaks Promaster, lol! Been going crazy for a month trying to teach myself electrical/solar systems so I could have my order list & price together and then I went looking for framing/insulation videos... uugghh. Everything was either sprinters and transits, even bought one of the so-called DIY guides; CRAP (IMO). Was about to just freestyle it when the time came but I lucked up across this video and the wood/screws heavens opened up to me, lol. Appreciation from a career carpenter (almost 20 yrs and I'm 38). This really helped me wrap my mind around what specifically needed to be done as a frame and finish carpenter. Much love and keep these videos coming! My new go to van-build channel! Definitely do an exclusive on the shower because I designed for a 32x24 right behind the driver seat as well... #weirdscience
Comments like these make my day! The main reason I started this channel is because in a lot of videos I noticed people would skip over the difficult or awkward parts of the van and I would be left figuring it out myself. Also people try make their van build videos a cinematic film and don’t really teach you anything lol. I’m so glad you enjoyed my video! I hope the rest of my videos have been helpful too. Good luck on your build!!!
I agree. I like all your build videos. They are solid educational and informative explaining the details.
Leave the cinematography for the finished tour IMO.
I’m going to to be using all your videos for my Prom Master build too. Keep up the great work!
@@1lifewanderlust thank you! Glad you enjoy my videos! You’re Exactly right. Cinematic shots are for the tour only! Cheers
If you're a career carpenter, why *didn't* you just "freestyle it", as you say?
Getting those extra couple inches for the bed is gonna be CLUTCH!!
Right!! Took me a little bit to figure out how to maximize that space as much as possible. This is going to work out great!!
Here because I saw your channel sticker on the back window of a van downtown an hour ago in the 208.
That’s awesome 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 hahaha
the most instructive and practical van build series yet. thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Just bought a used ram promaster and im using your videos as a guide to get my build going. Your the best i have found for people learning to do this for themselves. You are totally awesome! Keep it coming.
NICE!!! Good luck!!
Notification bell gang!!! Thanks for watching. Links to everything in this van is in the description. If you found this helpful, LIKE THIS VIDEO AND LEAVE A COMMENT! That is the best way to help my channel out!
I’m trying to figure out if the Promaster is tall enough for me. How tall are you?
@@joeblow1942 6’2”
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Cool. I’m only 5-11 so I’ll be good. Thanks.
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I just came inside after staring at the walls of y 2019 promaster trying to figure out how to frame out everything in prep for walls floor and ceiling. Yours is the first detailed video I'm watching, it' very good! Can you tell me, what year is this Promaster? Did you have to do any shimming anywhere or is all your framing really flush up against the van walls/framing? Do you have any gaps at the location of the screws, between the wood and the van walls/frame or is all the framing in contact with the metal of the van (with the exception of the very end where you pointed out a gap at the gate end of the van)? Thank you for anything further you can share. I'm feeling a bit intimidatedat this point, I can't find any corners, angles or anything that seem to be the same inside this van- it's mind boggling!!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I saw you invite people to ask questions, I'm following your video to do my framing right now, and hoping you can tell me, did you use actual Kreg self tapping screws along with your Kreg jig, and what length were they? And by any chance can you estimate how many screws in total it took to frame out and install the interior wall and ceiling covering? I'm trying to count up how many screws to buy in various sizes and it's looking to me like I'm going to need at least 500 screws just to get the walls, celing, and floor in- that's before any cabinets or constructing the bed frame- does that sound right? I'd be very grateful for your reply, and thanks for the excellent video! Happy New Year to you!
This is one of the best videos I've seen on framing.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it
I agree. Well thought out and explained.
Same here. Saving this video for my build
@@crystalkoontz844 awesome! Good luck on your build 🤘🏻
I'll echo the comment below about how well made your framing video is. I was thinking about ripping plywood for framing and you've convinced me. Very well done sir and I'll continue following your progress.
Thank you so much! Means a lot! Good luck on your build
I just put a deposit on a Promaster today. So glad I immediately discovered your channel !
Perfect!!! Good luck :)
These are great tips I need to know because I want so bad to be able to do this on my van by myself & I have zero carpentry skills but all the desire to learn & get to work. Being almost completely paralyzed from the waist below I am going to have to get creative myself.
Lol! I am going to have to use my little ole jigsaw for this project. Unless lowes would let me use their saw! Haha
Well, I hope you show the close up in the future what you have in you hand screw wise and how and where you are placing it that is what I want to see to make sure I know where to drill. Yes beginner people need the detail where the screw is going into the metal. Fear of screwing up pun lol good video your the only one I have found showing details in framing. Thank you
I did show the products I used in the beginning of the video! I used 1-7/16” wood to metal self tapping screws and construction adhesive.
As far as the placement of the screws, it is fairly straight forward! There’s about a 10% chance your miss since there’s random gaps and holes in the structure, and if you do find one of those it’s simple enough to back the screw out and find a different spot!
Hope that helps!
Enjoyed watching your video, I am a contractor with a Promaster and I like your ideas and craftmanship!
Thanks James!
Thanks for posting
Thank you for commenting!
Excellent framing video. One of the best DIY show and tell demos I've seen. Thanks.
Wow thank you for the feed back! Glad I could help!
This video has excellent instructions for framing. I have watched hundreds on this topic. Your method with the 2x6 at the ceiling is the best for using wood.
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Man I cannot tell you helpful this video is along with your wisdom from the previous build really shines bright. Thank you so much man.
Thank you Kyle!
Nice video with plenty of helpful tips. I do find it interesting how one builder will only use plus nuts and paint all firing strips with Killz while others choose to just use raw wood and drill straight into the van. I guess it really comes down to personal choice. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! You’re Exactly right though. One of the most common questions I get is why I don’t use the plus nuts. I used self tapping screws and construction adhesive for my first van two years ago and it’s still working out great! I also find it more more efficient and less time consuming!
Thanks for the comment. Cheers!
@Cascade Yoga Co. Depends on how meticulous you want to be. I chose to use rivnuts, painted all drilled out holes with auto primer/paint, and used mildew resistant Kilz on both sides of all lumber. Seemed to make the most sense to me.
Thank you so much for your videos. They have been the best tools in my chest. I'm converting a 2021 Promaster 159 and you have so many great ideas. A real craftsman. Just getting to the ship lap is a real chore but you have made my project more enjoyable, since I've seen it done before. I had a neighbor think that all this was in my head and I'm freestyling. I gave you a big plug. You deserve it. Thank you Thank You THANK YOU!
Wow, comments like these is what it’s all about! Thank YOU so much!! And I feel you on the shiplap part, there’s so much prep work that goes into just getting walls and ceilings in haha. But makes it that much more rewarding!!
My whole family thought I was in over my head when I started my first van. I had NO experience, but I learned so much and really really enjoyed it. SO REWARDING! Haha good luck on your build!!!
This is great! I’m not a builder but I’m a teacher and I can tell you that your teaching is excellent! It all makes sense to me and now I’m not afraid to do it. Many people have skills and abilities, but to teach those skills to others is an art. Can’t wait to get started!
Aw that was the nicest compliment!!! Thank you so much:) good luck!
Nice work Colton! The van is going to be set!!
Thanks!! I’m excited. This frame work should work out great 👍🏻
Best build video I've seen to date. I'm building a Promaster, and have been scratching my head so far, on how to do tricky parts. The passenger side, behind seat, has me freaked out.
Are you talking about over the slider door?
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Yes. It has that area above the slider that is narrow and comes to a point. I with I had your skill.
@@splash1152 check out my “finishing touches video” I talk about how I covered that area up! You got this
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Thanks a lot. Your the man.
@@splash1152 you’re welcome 🤘🏻
This is the most informative easy to understand video .. maybe it's the way he talks lol
Thank you Kaiya! Glad it helped !
Thank you for your detailed video. I just got into a Promaster 2500 136 WB recently… I’ve been kicking around a lot of ideas on how to install the support system / structure. This is a huge help.
People pay attention to what that man just did at the back of the van by covering up the back eaves that contain the wiring. Anywhere there's wiring you're better off can put magnets in the back of the wood panel so that it can be removed when you have a light bulb go out😂
Very well done! Pretty much every build I see puts untreated / unsealed wood in the floors, walls, and ceilings. You don’t want to do that. There WILL be moisture and that plus raw wood in an enclosed space can lead to mildew (usually) and mold (rarely). Good idea is to seal (primer or sealer) all the raw wood before installing it.
Just about to dive in to my framing process. Perfect! Thanks for the tips and doing the thinking for us.
You’re so welcome. I’m hear for you 😂
Thanks bro...good job. I bought a sprinter van and I'm learning by watching u.
Wow!
🤘🏻
You’ve just got another subscriber. I’m now binge watching all your videos!!!
I hope they are in order of building out the Van. As I’m not experienced but my Dad has building experience finishing 3 basement builds from scratch. So he and I hope to tackle a Van build project.
Not sure where or how to start. Framing, electrical, plumbing ... as this is definitely different from a house.
Thank you!!’ Glad you like them! I filmed and published these videos in order of how I’ve tackled the van build! Good luck on you build 🤘🏻
I'm starting to build out my ProMaster 2500 and this tutorial was excellent. Thanks so much!
You’re so welcome! Good luck on everything
So good! Watching you makes it look doable. Thank you for all the tips. Looking forward to watching more of your informative videos.
Thanks Kerry!
Damn I wish I saw this before I built my van 3 years ago!
the word you were looking for is quintuple!
I LOVE your videos! You are a great teacher 😊
Thanks Mark!
Hey nice work! We tried to maximize the space by the bed too. We got a short queen mattress and it fits perfectly👍
Thanks!! Yeah the short queen mattress is clutch!!
Very glad I found this video. I was just staring at my walls and wondering what I was going to do for framing. I think I am going to completely replicate your process. I really love the upper 2x6 idea and the way you framer the bed sleep area. Thanks!!!
Great!!! Glad you liked it. Good luck Joe!!
Thank you 😊 now I can't start the framing. Hello from oregon state
You’re welcome!! Good luck on framing! Hello from Idaho 👌🏻
Think this is one of the most helpful videos!! Really appreciate it and keep up the good work!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! Thank you 🤘🏻
Awesome job brotha! You gave me some great tips in this video. Thanks!!
Thank you!!! Good luck on your build!
Alot of people block off area above rear door like that? You NEED THOSE HOLES! That is how u access those ligbt bulbs! When they burn out u might say Doh!
"fivetuple" = quintuple 😉 thanks for the video!
Shhh 🤫
Well done!
Thank you!!
You are a good teacher! I really like your attention to detail, and how you show booboos and how you correct them!
Thank you Susan!
Excellent video!
Thank you very much!
Thank you.
Good ideas with framing - especially along the ceiling transition. Your method of ensuring everything is on level is something I should have done.
One technique that might cause problems in the future, though is using self-tapping screws and glue. I understand the desire to make everything rock solid, but some areas - such as the space over the rear doors, and the electrical chaseways in the upper wall sections - need to remain accessible for future repairs. By screwing & gluing those areas, it will be a nightmare to do any electrical repairs or additions in the future. Instead of using self tapping screws directly through the metal + glue, use rivnuts or plusnuts in the holes already present. This makes an incredibly strong structure that does not rattle, and can be removed for any repairs or upgrades.
Otherwise, nice build!
Thanks for the feedback! That is good point. I think either way if you have to go back and fix those it would be a night mare haha
@@natureloversadventures7335 yeah you could totally do that!!!
I just watched it for the third time, it’s amazingly complete. But it is a fairly daunting process for a beginner. How about this idea, since it’s a gift from the gods of automotive heaven that all these pro master 159 wheebase vans are quite similar, how about you design a series of laser or CNC cut side and roof ribs that can be installed to the walls as a base for cedar siding. I bet you could figure out a way to do it with your very clever indentation in the sides where the bed is to make the bed longer.
In my crazy mind, anyway they would be like the ribs on a kayak, maybe only five sets per wall/roof allowing for all the ins and outs and difficulties. You might lose a tiny bit of size in the van but it would be worth it for us newbies. The beginner builder could attach them at prearranged points on the van wall/roof. Then simply stuff in the insulation and just start nailing up the siding ignoring all that blocking and challenging transition from roof to walls. I would buy something like this in a HEARTBEAT for a high price. Particularly considering how much money anyone will save on hiring an expert. You could ship them all flat in cardboard boxes w accompanying videos.
Anyway just off gassing over here looking for the easy way. Keep up the good work man, you are a wonderful craftsman and a fabulous teacher.
B
Wow that’s something I have never thought of! Interesting concept!!! Thanks that you for the ideas and compliments
Thank you for your van build series. It's thorough and easy to understand. Have you tried building a shower/bathroom in a van?
You’re welcome!!! Glad I could help! I have not built a full stand in shower in a van before. I’m more of an outdoor shower kinda guy 😏
Another great video. You made the framing look so great. I have the ceiling and horizontal boards done! Uprights go in tomorrow. I wish I was young, strong, and tall...
Awesome 👌
Thank you 🙏🏻
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds...
I just purchased my Promaster April 13th and I'm very pleased to have found your channel...cannot wait to get started. I'll go to the beginning of this build, because I see the fan is in..should the fan be the first thing? ...I'll search the first video..👍
@@CindyCaVANas the fan is a great place to start! Good luck with the build! Feel free to ask any questions!
Love it😎👍 Subscribed, i just sold my unused Sunray 109 today, because I decided to buy a promaster van, cant wait to have you build it out for me, whens a good time 🤔🤔🤔
Thanks for subscribing! I’m actually not accepting any more custom builds at this time, sorry!
U rock brother
Thanks dude!
Great video! So many helpful tricks for a first time builder!
Glad it was helpful!
DeWalt is underrated, I've also used that impact driver trick for many things
haha yeah I love my yellow tools lol
Great info Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
super helpful thank you!
You’re very welcome 🤘🏻
AWSOME build just bought me a 2020 Pro Master gonna do a work/Vanlife build your video was very helpful thank you keep it up 👍🏽
I’m glad I watched this because my bed will be 74 inches as well and I was freaking out haha
Great! Glad I could help!
Hi, Just to have an idea of floor to ceiling dimensions, how tall are you? Out of all the van framing videos I have watched, your framing method seem to be the best I've seen. Thanks for posting.
Hi! I am 6’2”. So with the 1/2” framing and the 3/4” ceiling boards I still have about an inch of clearance!
I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Hope it helps you with yours
The best video I've seen on the subject, very well done. Could you post a link to the exact wood to metal screws you used please? Key info. I've looked all through the HD screws and still not sure. Was that Liquid Nails? I've used self tapping exterior 1" galv wood screws extensively in a marine environment and they've been perfect after 10 years. Thank you, I've just subscribed.
Thank you!! I appreciate it.
For the wood I used:
Ceiling: 1/2” plywood ripped at 2.5” wide
Angled ceiling piece and bed frame: 2X6 lumber
All of the wall studs: 3/4” plywood ripped at 2.5”
The screws are 1-7/16” wood to metal self tapping screws (the brand is Teks)
The construction adhesive was from the Gorilla brand!
I’ve read that you’ll need nice insulation in those empty spaces to prevent moisture build up that cause rust.
Sure!
Great video, I agree with a lot of the comments that this is one of the best tutorials on framing a van out there. One questions I had, are you drilling the pilot holes with the 5/8th bit for the self-tap screws after you mock the joist in place with the construction adhesive vs using a self drilling/tapping screw? I can see the benefit of using a pilot hole especially when using a bit with a countersink on it to lay the self tap screws flush against the board. Thanks for all the information and content!
Thanks Nolan! If you have a good impact driver, pilot holes aren’t totally necessary!
Genius!
Thank you :)
Does it really matter on the ceiling boards if I’m using 3/4 pine I know u mentioned 1/2 not sure ? if I have to trim them down I’m using fascia 2/6s it’s actually 1-3/8 thick does it matter upper top so where they meet I’m actually building it right now after watching your videos which is very inspiring well explain your doing a awesome job thanks for your time that u invest
I used 1/2” to save some space for head room. Nothing wrong with using 3/4”
Thank you for this great advice
For the ceiling.. I would think a piece of luan would be good…. Unless your hanging heavy stuff from it. But luan is so easy and light
Nice. Good idea
amazing video and such great content
Thank you Anew!!
This is so helpful, thank you!!!
great video!! anything to be gained comfort and noise wise by filling by the ribs with foam or stuffing insulation in them ? i assume you are using flat board style insul behind the open parts of the walls? thnx,
Becarful filling the rips and stuff with spray foam ir that "great stuff" insulation. if you spray too much it'll start to expand, since the outside of the van is just thin sheet metal, it can warp the outside!! don't want that to happen!! I have a video where I show my insulation techniques!!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds have heard to be careful w the foam, , also that winnebago and all the highend conversions use it thnx for the help.
@@joeymyopic you’re welcome! Hope I helped! Good luck!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds was quoted C$1200 , US$ 950 to foam a promaster 136" high roof walls, roof, and backdoors , does that sound reasonable to you? appreciate your help, i'm in the logo'd apparel business, can supply anything u need at dealer cost.
@@joeymyopic I spent close to $700 on doing the insulation myself with the 3M thinsulate!
And that’s awesome. Send me an email @ ankeneyvanbuilds@gmail.com with some info about the logos!
Ive watched so many framing videos and I think I like the way you did yours the best! Are you still happy with it? Also, Are your vertical supports 3/4 in ply strips? And what size screws did you end up using for securing the 2x6s? Thanks so much! Because of this video I may be able to do this myself without paying for assistance! I don't have any wood working experience lol Thanks again! -RR
Edit - Reading through the comments and I see 2 1/2 or 3in screws will work for the 2x6s. And that the wood sizes are: The ceiling pieces are 1/2" ply.
The walls are 3/4"
and the transition from ceiling to wall pieces are 2X6s.
the bed frame is also a 2X6
So now the only question remaining is are you still happy with how it came out or would you do anything differnt? Thanks again for all the great info!
Thanks for the comment :)
I would not change anything. This (in my biased opinion) is the absolute best way to frame this van out!
Great video. I’m wondering if I use 1x3s which are 3/4” thick if that would throw off ceiling using the 2x6s? I don’t have a way to rip plywood.
It looks like it would have been better to put your electrical wires in the hollows in the metal frame prior to cover the holes with your studs, or insulation but I have no experience in this area. Very good video and thanks for sharing. Peace
Both ways work!
I am glad that I stumbled onto this channel because framing is one of the most difficult steps (for me) and this vid is an excellent resource for leaning How To. One furring/framing issue I have really struggled with is thermal bridging where, just to re-explain what some are already aware of, the (hypothetically) uninsulated van metal ribs that your framing is attached heat up in direct sunlight and transmit that heat through the framing as wood is also allegedly a poor insulator. To combat this somewhat, I have seen some install furring strips front to back and insulate between them, though this primarily on a cargo trailer with a flat roof. Am I overthinking this, or have you experienced any heat build up inside the van and thought of giving up precious inches for more insulation layers? Thanks a lot for these great videos!
Interesting concept!! If you framed it out length wise would you run your ceiling panels width wise of the van? If you have available headroom I’d totally try to insulate it
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Good question on the ceiling panel direction. In order to achieve the desired "thermal break" by ensuring that a "continuous layer" of insulation covers the van metal frame, some have installed yet another set of furring strips width wise (after installing the lengthwise furring w/insulation and wiring) so that the ceiling panels can finally be installed lengthwise. Others have used rolls of closed cell foam that has flexibility and can curve with van contours and put it right overtop the van metal before any framing/furring.
@@ojorojo8283 ohh I see what you’re saying about the ceiling.. interesting!
Hey, love this build, it’s been super helpful framing out my Promaster. I’m curious why you frame the ceiling along the beams instead of just screwing straights into the beams and adding framing at the front and the back? That’s what I am planning on and curious if there is any reason I would need the extra frames along the existing beams.
Great question. Since this was going to be a tongue and groove ceiling the framining needed to be perpendicular to have enough places to attach the ceiling.
But the vans that I’ve used wall panels for I run the framing boards front to back!
After watching this several times I have to say that this is the best framing method for the Promaster I have seen! I do have one question. Do you perhaps know how much room length wise along the driver side wall there is behind that pillar that caused you to use 3/4” instead of 1/2” strips on the wall? I ask because I am going to frame out slightly different on that wall because I am going to install a Murphy bed and I thing that pillar is the best looking framing point. For the bed box frame.
Thank you so much!! Murphy bed will be a great idea! I don’t remember off the top of my head unfortunately.... sorry
Hi Colten, I have read through all the comments and answers. You are amazing fir answering everyone, including me. Thank you so much! I'm such a newbie! I have even had to buy all the tools as well. I live in a 55+ apartment complex. No garage. I am trying to figure out exactly how much and what to buy. When you say "I made a ton of strips 2 1/2 inches wide", I'm like...whaaat? I'm jealous of peeps who have a garage and lots of wood laying around, but I know I'm not alone when I say, I'm starting from scratch. How many 2x6's ?, 1/2 inch plywood sheets?, 3/4" plywood sheets?, did you use 2x8's for the sides? I've watched your videos multiple times and am using them for my van build. I have a 2019 Ram Promaster 149" wb. Thank you for any help.
Hahah hey thanks! Oh let’s see, I’m estimating but I’d say 3- 2x6s, 1 sheet of 1/2”, maybe 2-3 sheets of 3/4.
I didn’t use any 2x8s
Let me know if you have any questions
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds thank you...I know you used 2x6 on the frame. And on the head and foot of the bed. What did you frame the sides of the bed with? That's what I thought was a 2x8.
Btw, your van was one of the best I've seen yet and I've watched many hours of you tube videos!
@@barbarabilodeau1323 2x4s!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I was referring to the beautiful 2x8 walnut board you put on the outside edge of the bed. The one you cut out for the sliding table. But I don't know if you added one to the garage side as well?
@@barbarabilodeau1323 ahhh yes. I believe that was a 1X8
Love this framing idea, I’m going to try to replicate.
Just curious, did you use the same 1 7/16 self tappers on the 2 by 6s up top too?
No those were 2-1/2" screws!! good question!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds To clarify, you mentioned 3" screws on the video when screwing the bed studs. Will 3" work for the cabinet studs as well?
@@jennypatacsil9821 yes! 3” will work for those too!
Is the 1-7/16 screws needed since the strips are only a 1/2 inch. Seems like a 1 inch would do just fine. I’m not looking at an actual van, so maybe I’m missing something. Thanks
I have never worked in construction or built a campervan so excuse my very basic question - what kind of plywood do you use for the frame and in the video about making the bed? I made a very rookie mistake following another site's instructions on installing my floor and I first laid down regular plywood and treated it for mold - it promptly warped and I learned there are different types of plywood and I didn't need to treat the wood if I had the right plywood. By the way - your video on installing the floor also helped me solve the issues I was having. Love your videos!
I just used the standard plywood. Typically made of Pine. It’s important when sealing wood to seal it on both sides. All wood is going to expand and contract in some way! I used birch plywood for all my cabinets. But regular for the framing and bed frame. Glad my
Flooring video was helpful :)
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Thank you for your quick reply!
@@kellyhaas1194 always :) feel free to ask as much as you want
I didnt frame my walls at all! Wastes too much space! When i bought the van used tbey had already filled all the areas of are sheet metal so i just went with that, ot concerned about flat walls like a house? With tables, beds cabinet u dont even see much of the walls anyway? U did Great job . To me that was way too mu h work that i do t care to do! Id dather be out Using my van! And i only have hand and batt tools not table saw ect.
Glad that worked out for ya
Suuuh dude sick vid
Ahhh suhhhhh dude
Great video! Thanks for posting. I like how you list the tools you are going to use at the beginning of a video. Can you add your Kreg jig to the links? I am having trouble deciding which one to get.
amzn.to/3z6Lkno
heres the one I use!
Love your videos! Will you be doing any how-to’s on electrical?
I have a video about the Goal zero and solar set up! Also in my ceiling and 12V light video I talk about my electrical set up!
I did my bed framing just like yours- metal screws straight through 2x6 to the van . But I'm seeing alot of van builders use riv nuts. I'm nervous this won't hold up. How is your van doing? Any loosening feelings? etc? Thanks much. I'm solidifying my incoming bed frame now. I'll go check out more details on your bed video too. But this is the area I'm mostly concerned about since it's the most founding.
It’s been 3 years and everything is as secure as when I installed it
Thanks for the video! You attached the half inch plywood studs with self-tapping screws. I've seen many other van builders use Riv-nuts. I would prefer to use self-tappers as it seems easier. I would like to know if you've had any issues with any of them coming loose over time as you drive your van. Appreciate any insight or guidance you can provide. Thanks!
Never had any come loose!
Thanks so much for the reply! One more question I was hoping you could answer. The van I purchased has a floor made of MDF. The MDF will be covered with Vinyl and I will be screwing cabinets and other fixtures into the floor, but before I do is there any type of waterproofing solution you would recommend. e.g. Thompson's water seal? Thanks!!
Hey Colton, really enjoying your van build series! I am currently converting a Peugeot Boxer (same as your van) here in Europe, so it's very helpful. Just a question about the wood you have used as the structure of the van: do you protect them with any type of oil/varnish/paint so it doesn't get any mold or things like that? Or do you feel like it does not really matter? I see that you have used primer/paint on the wheel boxes and other furniture you have built, that's why I am wondering. Thanks for your help! You're killing it
Hey Logan! Congrats on buying a van and building it out! I didn’t put any oil or finish on the structure frame pieces. I figured since you don’t put any finish on framing pieces of a house. It’s the same concept in a van. I painted the wheel boxes because you’ll be able to see those on the finished build!
Incredible video. Man, this is so clear and a very good strategy. Got a couple quesions: Is this the Promaster 136WB High Roof? How long are those two sets of vertical studs with the pocket holes? Did you stick with 55 inches for the horizontal frames as well? Tough to find decent diagrams online and I have no stores to check the Promaster dimensions in my area. Living in Germany right now and about to move back to the USA in March, but I am trying to get a plan ready.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! Hope it helps. This is the 159” high roof!
I don’t remember exactly how long they were. But the upper cabinets I put in were 12”!
The horizontal frames I just measures and cut. Don’t remember the exact size! Sorry
Hi Colton. This is such a great video. I watched it a year ago, and have watched several other framing videos since, but this is the one I keep coming back to. I have already cut my furring strips and 2x6 pieces and got the 1st furring strip on the ceiling today. In a couple of other videos, people complained about needing different thicknesses of furring strips for the Promaster to get a straight edge across the ceiling, but it looks like you are using 1/2-inch strips for all the support beams. Is that the case?
Made the same move with the bit in the impact driver. Getting around the cargo space is a pain.
That’s the joys of working on a van!
Only curiosity is why you wouldn’t insulate the channels along the top before putting the 2x6 framing up. I’m gonna be transitioning to a pro master later this year hopefully for a pilot/escort video. So I’m studying different methods as I work towards that end.
I could have/ should have. So you should!
Hi, super cool and clear video. Thank you. Do you have a video on how you did your floor... tks again, merci
I do!!!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds , do you have the link please. I did a conversion of a sprinter with my budy who is a great carpenter and i was the help... now i want to do it by my own, with a Promaster 118 in a simpler way, less luxury, i really like your teaching, thank you.
@@marc-francoisrouleau6630 yup! We have a website and an email
Ankeneyvanbuilds.com
Ankeneyvanbuilds@gmail.com
Great video! Thanks so much... Questions please:
1) For the cross members, you added 1/4 on driver side so it was 3/4 total and was then 'level'. What about all other cross members? 3/4 or 1/2? From looking it appears to be 3/4...
2) For attaching studs using the pocket holes what screw length/size did you use? I'm not wanting to split those cross members.
Thanks again!
All the ceilings were 1/2 and the walls are 3/4
And for pocket holes I use 1-1/4”!!!
Hey dude so did you use 3/4 in ply for that driver side middle horizontal column and then 1/2 inch for the passenger side?
3/4 for all the walls!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Thanks dude!
Good build info here! thanks
if you dont have a table saw like yours, can you ask HD to cut that sheet wood into 2in studs ?
thanks
You can always ask! Or you can get a skill saw and a straight edge!