Van life, lots of people have dreamed about it and few have done it. Take a peek in my van build at the amenities that are available in such a small space.
I loved that Astro van. I ended up selling it to one of my buddies and when I got rid of it, it had almost 500,000 miles on it. I bought a ram pro master and build it into a camper and done a van tour of it also.
@@JasonHelmandollar I saw your promaster! It's nice. Our friend has one that is built out and it's wild how much more space there is in there compared to the astro.
I lived full-time in the Astrovan for about six months and I loved it, but I got to say I enjoy being able to stand up now lol. The Astro was definitely easier to maneuver than the pro master.
Shout-out from two counties away, Marysville oh full-time vanlifer. I wanted an astro. I think it's the perfect platform for a solo vanlifer. finding them was easy, finding a liveable one turned out to be much harder lol. Nice van Jason.
Looks good. Some good ideas, I'm looking at getting into truck/van camping and backpacking myself. Thanks for sharing. I'll subscribe to keep up with your adventures.
Yea I wanted to start small and see if van life was right for me. Even with it being cheap I was very nervous cutting holes in the van, I’d assume I’d be even more nervous if it was new and expensive.
Wow do you great quality video really enjoying it I believe it’s 4K also I love the information you put out and I have an Astor by myself so thanks man
Jason you absolutely correct social media can consume all your time. That's why I focus only on CZcams and I love my subscribers and answer every comment. Tom Walker at Following Walkers World is presently doing a van conversion. Just thought you might be interested. ATB
Your are correct about spending time on social media I have donated 20 years of e kayak videos in my spare time on CZcams but I didn't let it consume other things in my life
Bruh, awesome build. You are ready for anything! I love what you did with this. Hope to get out at some point and see it in person. Maybe on a future car camp trip
That Hiking Guy appreciate it man. Your the one that got me interested in a vehicle build. We definitely need to get out on a car camping trip soon. I’m pretty open on weekends so just let me know.
Very nice and simply put together. Im building out my chevy astro. Its a 1998 conversion van with a high top. I love it. Im looking to hit the road soon so I can do some packing trips as wel,.
Jason, glad to see you back. I've learned much from your older hikes and I can definitely see how this awesome van could complement your ultra-light hikes--just gives you options and a base camp. Thanks for taking the time to film. Any hikes you been on lately you really liked? I did Zaleski North and West loops on a two-night solo recently. Keep us posted on the van life. Thanks again, Terence.
Truly appreciate your comment, makes the process of making videos worth it. So far I’m loving the van lifestyle. Zaleski is an awesome place, definitely want to make it back there soon. Any plans for any other Ohio backpacking trips coming up?
I have 405,000 miles on mine and it’s still going strong. I’d drive it anywhere. Perfect size for me. Good luck on your search. Really appreciate the comment.
Can't believe you got that for such a low price! That body is sweet! I have '99 Astro..been battling leaks for almost a year. Mostly from the back doors. I've considered sealing them off too.
Yea I got thinking about van life and it kind of fell in my lap and I had to buy it. From what I hear from everyone the rear doors are the worst part of these vans. Hated to seal them up but couldn’t locate new weather stripping for them.
Yea that was a huge concern for me as well. I made sure to put new bulbs in prior and gonna hope for the best. If it didn’t have so many miles on it I probably wouldn’t have done it.
You’re very welcome. I have made some changes in the van and re-designed a little bit since this video. I still didn’t go all out like some people do and spend $100,000 mine was all done pretty cheap. I will make an update video here soon
Nice van set up! Why did you seal the back doors? Security? Just saw your post on The Old Crow Hiking Show and wanted to show some support. Now following #868!
Unfortunately my rear doors leaked water really bad and I can’t find seals for it so I didn’t have much of a choice but to seal it shut because it would drip in on my bed.
@@JasonHelmandollar got it. Sorry to hear that happened to your ride. As you continue your travels, there is a ton of places to explore on my channel that might interest you. Would live to hear your feedback. Keep up the videos
You should have opened the engine up took off the engine cover from the inside give us a little look in there underneath and I think that would have been a wrap but you got a really nice band there and I like the way you did all that weird electrical stuff to those things on the side of the van white boxes and well you did a pretty good job you can put up cellular towers easy I know I seen some people doing it once and all you'd fit right in
I have a Chevy astro I just put a futon inside for now .. I'm going to be doing van life until I get a place with my job transfer in really nervous about it we'll doing it alone anyways
Gotta do what you have to do. It’s a little lonely at first but then you start to enjoy the freedom and peace. I hope the job transfer and all goes smoothly. Any questions feel free to ask.
@@JasonHelmandollar how do you survive the heat?? I'm going to Alabama I have a membership with anytime fitness they were agreeable to let me park there providing I was a customer
I have a roof vent/fan I use to bring air in or take it out. I also keep a fan blowing on me while I sleep. It’s easier if you have solar or some way of keeping power because you don’t want to run your van all night. I have kicked my van on for a bit and ran the ac to cool it do men a lot. You will run into uncomfortable times in the can for sure but it’s a trade off for no rent and freedom from the normal life. Ventilation is gonna be your key to staying somewhat comfortable.
Getting ready to start drawing out my plans. What are you using for the interior paneling, can't make them out on the video. Thanks for sharing those ideas.
I actually probably would not just because they look so generic looking and stuff. I was trying to build it as cheaply as possible and I shouldn’t have use those but they worked in a pinch I may upgrade them later
I actually probably would not just because they look so generic looking and stuff. I was trying to build it as cheaply as possible and I shouldn’t have use those but they worked in a pinch I may upgrade them later
Width is 4ft and length is 5’10”. I lay at a slight angle so I can stretch out. In hindsight I might have ran my bed down the side and had it open on the other side for other stuff. Live and learn I guess.
There’s a 2003 Chevy Astro near me for sale in what looks to be great condition with only 53,000 miles on it but it’s $8000 obo so I’m trying to research whether it’s worth it or if I should hold out for something else. Do you have any regrets with this van? Hard to regret a $500 purchase that you can live in really but I’m very curious about this type of van.
I have no regrets at all with my van, I only wish it was in a little better shape with less miles. I have almost 406,000 on it right now and wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. When this one dies I’ll probably look for another one. I won’t lie and say a little bigger van with more room might be nice but I have so regrets whatsoever.
@@JasonHelmandollar holy shit, that things a tank! Thanks for the response. I’m about 5’2 and live in a tiny apartment as it is so it honestly would feel good I think to go to something sorta compact and get rid of all my stuff and my rent and I also haven’t ever driven anything larger than a small car so I’m thinking it’s a good investment honestly. The amount of mileage you have on yours makes me hopeful about the lifespan. Thanks!
I’m honestly telling you if you take care of it the motors are pretty bulletproof and will probably outlast the van. I’m 5’10 and the way my bed is I fit perfectly that way so with you being 5’2 you would have plenty of room. Also depends on how you want your bed setup also. Some people run them down the side but I opted for the back.
@@JasonHelmandollar wonderful, id probably do the same. I do have a big dog so I’d rather have a bigger bed area than extra cooking space and stuff. Thanks again for the info.
No problem. I’d definitely do a diesel heater if you will be doing vanlife in the winter. So much safer and more efficient. I done the cheap Chinese diesel heater and love it. Much better than paying $1000 for a name brand one.
Thank you. I am actually 5’10” and I am literally from wall to wall, I usually have to sleep at an angle to really be able to stretch out. In hindsight I probably would have ran my bed down the side of the van and just made it a little skinnier but that would have gave me all the stretch room I need. I feel like it would have opened up more room in the van also for other stuff. Live and you learn I guess.
I make sure I am extra careful when I fill my tank because I won’t lie to you and say I haven’t dripped some before and I smelled it for a day or two. My bed is directly above the diesel fuel tank and even in the heat and all that I don’t smell it at all.
Nice build! Honestly, astro vans are the best.
I loved that Astro van. I ended up selling it to one of my buddies and when I got rid of it, it had almost 500,000 miles on it. I bought a ram pro master and build it into a camper and done a van tour of it also.
@@JasonHelmandollar I saw your promaster! It's nice. Our friend has one that is built out and it's wild how much more space there is in there compared to the astro.
I lived full-time in the Astrovan for about six months and I loved it, but I got to say I enjoy being able to stand up now lol. The Astro was definitely easier to maneuver than the pro master.
Shout-out from two counties away, Marysville oh full-time vanlifer. I wanted an astro. I think it's the perfect platform for a solo vanlifer. finding them was easy, finding a liveable one turned out to be much harder lol. Nice van Jason.
I’ve been to Marysville many times. I’m so sorry for the very delayed response I actually didn’t even know I had a comment LOL
Thx4video ... from another astro vanlife
I will be making an updated video here soon as I have redone the inside of the van. Thanks for checking it out
Looks good. Some good ideas, I'm looking at getting into truck/van camping and backpacking myself. Thanks for sharing. I'll subscribe to keep up with your adventures.
Nice van
I like that you did not spend a lot and you can try out all these things. I bought new so am reluctant to cut holes anywhere.
Yea I wanted to start small and see if van life was right for me. Even with it being cheap I was very nervous cutting holes in the van, I’d assume I’d be even more nervous if it was new and expensive.
Awesome, man. Loving the van life concept. Doing some similar overlanding style stuff now myself and having fun with it.
I’m really enjoying it so far. We need to plan a weekend and just car camp or something.
Finally getting around to watching this vid. Love that quilt! ❤️ But the van is looking awesome man.
Appreciate it buddy. Yea man I love the quilt lol.
Wow do you great quality video really enjoying it I believe it’s 4K also I love the information you put out and I have an Astor by myself so thanks man
Appreciate the words buddy. I love my Astro. Thank you for watching.
Jason you absolutely correct social media can consume all your time. That's why I focus only on CZcams and I love my subscribers and answer every comment. Tom Walker at Following Walkers World is presently doing a van conversion. Just thought you might be interested. ATB
Senior Hiker 77 I will certainly check him out. I try to respond to every subscriber as well, have developed some great friendships from it.
Your are correct about spending time on social media I have donated 20 years of e kayak videos in my spare time on CZcams but I didn't let it consume other things in my life
Thank you for no ads 🙏
Bruh, awesome build. You are ready for anything! I love what you did with this. Hope to get out at some point and see it in person. Maybe on a future car camp trip
That Hiking Guy appreciate it man. Your the one that got me interested in a vehicle build. We definitely need to get out on a car camping trip soon. I’m pretty open on weekends so just let me know.
Very nice and simply put together. Im building out my chevy astro. Its a 1998 conversion van with a high top. I love it. Im looking to hit the road soon so I can do some packing trips as wel,.
I was going for simplicity and functionality, I’ve updated the inside a little so I’ll make an updated video here soon.
Dude!! Love the van setup 😍
Glad you like it. I’m really loving it, been a fun process to build also.
Not bad, some good ideas in there 👍
Jason, glad to see you back. I've learned much from your older hikes and I can definitely see how this awesome van could complement your ultra-light hikes--just gives you options and a base camp. Thanks for taking the time to film. Any hikes you been on lately you really liked? I did Zaleski North and West loops on a two-night solo recently. Keep us posted on the van life. Thanks again, Terence.
Truly appreciate your comment, makes the process of making videos worth it. So far I’m loving the van lifestyle. Zaleski is an awesome place, definitely want to make it back there soon. Any plans for any other Ohio backpacking trips coming up?
Awesome build Jason!
Thanks buddy. We need to get out on a backpacking trip soon man.
Looks comfy
It is quite comfortable.
Awesome! Im looking for a Chevy Astro AWD, hopefully I find me one🤞
I have 405,000 miles on mine and it’s still going strong. I’d drive it anywhere. Perfect size for me. Good luck on your search. Really appreciate the comment.
@@JasonHelmandollar 405k miles? Holy crap lol those things are amazing 👏
Yep lol. I’d drive this thing anywhere. These motors are pretty bulletproof.
Can't believe you got that for such a low price! That body is sweet! I have '99 Astro..been battling leaks for almost a year. Mostly from the back doors. I've considered sealing them off too.
Yea I got thinking about van life and it kind of fell in my lap and I had to buy it. From what I hear from everyone the rear doors are the worst part of these vans. Hated to seal them up but couldn’t locate new weather stripping for them.
@@JasonHelmandollar Hey...here's why I WON'T be sealing my back doors...can't get to taillights without opening doors!!
Yea that was a huge concern for me as well. I made sure to put new bulbs in prior and gonna hope for the best. If it didn’t have so many miles on it I probably wouldn’t have done it.
this vid helps a bunch! more realistic! thanks for sharing! 🤗🙏🏽
You’re very welcome. I have made some changes in the van and re-designed a little bit since this video. I still didn’t go all out like some people do and spend $100,000 mine was all done pretty cheap. I will make an update video here soon
Glad to see you are alive!!!! Congrats on the van. It's on my to-do list by next spring. Looking forward to seeing some of your adventures:)
Yep I’m still here lol. I’m loving the van thing, been a fun project to do. We need to get out on a trip soon.
@@JasonHelmandollar Hell yeah we do!!! Offline conversation but let me know your availability.
Trail Cat for some reason your email isn’t in my contacts so I guess send me an email if you still have mine.
easy and sober van ,good one I adding your cannel , adding mine 👍😉
Appreciate it. Adding you now.
Thanks @@JasonHelmandollar 👍
They are nice Van's I own a 98 been a good one
Absolutely. I’m happy I chose the Astro van for vanlife.
Nice build very easy!
laura j phillips was trying to make it as simple as possible for a first build.
Looking good buddy!!
Thanks man. Been a lot of work.
sweet build my dude!
Thanks buddy, I actually changed up the interior design a little so I’ll make an updated video here soon.
looks good. nice to see another video.
Felt strange to make one lol.
@@JasonHelmandollar better keep at it then
Pretty sweet
Thanks buddy. Been a fun project.
Good looking rig! Rob/2005 Astro AWD
Thanks brother. I think the Astro was a perfect pick for me.
Nice van set up! Why did you seal the back doors? Security? Just saw your post on The Old Crow Hiking Show and wanted to show some support. Now following #868!
Unfortunately my rear doors leaked water really bad and I can’t find seals for it so I didn’t have much of a choice but to seal it shut because it would drip in on my bed.
@@JasonHelmandollar got it. Sorry to hear that happened to your ride. As you continue your travels, there is a ton of places to explore on my channel that might interest you. Would live to hear your feedback. Keep up the videos
You should have opened the engine up took off the engine cover from the inside give us a little look in there underneath and I think that would have been a wrap but you got a really nice band there and I like the way you did all that weird electrical stuff to those things on the side of the van white boxes and well you did a pretty good job you can put up cellular towers easy I know I seen some people doing it once and all you'd fit right in
Wow, cool ,nice build..😎👍
..... nice van Jason.......🙋♀️
carla ifera thank you very much.
damn youv;e put a lot of work into that, you must be knowledgeable
Cool
Van looks good man. Nice job! Good deal on the price. How many miles on it? Have fun out there!
Appreciate it buddy. I bought it with 394,000 miles and I have 405,000 on it now. Still running great.
@@JasonHelmandollar hey how many miles do you think you can put on it?
you should put that tank under the van.
Jason!!!
I have a Chevy astro I just put a futon inside for now .. I'm going to be doing van life until I get a place with my job transfer in really nervous about it we'll doing it alone anyways
Gotta do what you have to do. It’s a little lonely at first but then you start to enjoy the freedom and peace. I hope the job transfer and all goes smoothly. Any questions feel free to ask.
@@JasonHelmandollar how do you survive the heat?? I'm going to Alabama I have a membership with anytime fitness they were agreeable to let me park there providing I was a customer
I have a roof vent/fan I use to bring air in or take it out. I also keep a fan blowing on me while I sleep. It’s easier if you have solar or some way of keeping power because you don’t want to run your van all night. I have kicked my van on for a bit and ran the ac to cool it do men a lot. You will run into uncomfortable times in the can for sure but it’s a trade off for no rent and freedom from the normal life. Ventilation is gonna be your key to staying somewhat comfortable.
I’m assuming your coming from a colder climate or one that has actual seasons to a place like Louisiana?
Coming from north Carolina where it was snowing 9 degrees over the weekend and today a high of 59 lol
No windows in the back is the best
Absolutely. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great build. Would you be able to provide the name of the diesel heater you used?
Diesel Heater,12V 5KW Diesel Air... www.amazon.com/dp/B07VT24CLK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Getting ready to start drawing out my plans. What are you using for the interior paneling, can't make them out on the video. Thanks for sharing those ideas.
It’s actually the cheapest paneling I could find at Home Depot.
@@JasonHelmandollar So if you had to do it again, would you use those same panels?
I actually probably would not just because they look so generic looking and stuff. I was trying to build it as cheaply as possible and I shouldn’t have use those but they worked in a pinch I may upgrade them later
I actually probably would not just because they look so generic looking and stuff. I was trying to build it as cheaply as possible and I shouldn’t have use those but they worked in a pinch I may upgrade them later
@@JasonHelmandollar Highly appreciated ur input and honesty. Thanks again, and safe travels to you.
What's the length and width of your bed?
Width is 4ft and length is 5’10”. I lay at a slight angle so I can stretch out. In hindsight I might have ran my bed down the side and had it open on the other side for other stuff. Live and learn I guess.
There’s a 2003 Chevy Astro near me for sale in what looks to be great condition with only 53,000 miles on it but it’s $8000 obo so I’m trying to research whether it’s worth it or if I should hold out for something else. Do you have any regrets with this van? Hard to regret a $500 purchase that you can live in really but I’m very curious about this type of van.
I have no regrets at all with my van, I only wish it was in a little better shape with less miles. I have almost 406,000 on it right now and wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere. When this one dies I’ll probably look for another one. I won’t lie and say a little bigger van with more room might be nice but I have so regrets whatsoever.
@@JasonHelmandollar holy shit, that things a tank! Thanks for the response. I’m about 5’2 and live in a tiny apartment as it is so it honestly would feel good I think to go to something sorta compact and get rid of all my stuff and my rent and I also haven’t ever driven anything larger than a small car so I’m thinking it’s a good investment honestly. The amount of mileage you have on yours makes me hopeful about the lifespan. Thanks!
I’m honestly telling you if you take care of it the motors are pretty bulletproof and will probably outlast the van. I’m 5’10 and the way my bed is I fit perfectly that way so with you being 5’2 you would have plenty of room. Also depends on how you want your bed setup also. Some people run them down the side but I opted for the back.
@@JasonHelmandollar wonderful, id probably do the same. I do have a big dog so I’d rather have a bigger bed area than extra cooking space and stuff. Thanks again for the info.
No problem. I’d definitely do a diesel heater if you will be doing vanlife in the winter. So much safer and more efficient. I done the cheap Chinese diesel heater and love it. Much better than paying $1000 for a name brand one.
Can you do something to my Chevy Blazer? I will buy all the stuff to do the build.
im about to buy an astro van and put a bed in the back of hit how did you measure the bed platform and how many inches did you subtract
Hey man, I'm just wondering how tall you are... Do you think a 6'0 person could fit in that bed? Great job BTW👍
Thank you. I am actually 5’10” and I am literally from wall to wall, I usually have to sleep at an angle to really be able to stretch out. In hindsight I probably would have ran my bed down the side of the van and just made it a little skinnier but that would have gave me all the stretch room I need. I feel like it would have opened up more room in the van also for other stuff. Live and you learn I guess.
@@JasonHelmandollar thank you for the feedback. Have a long and exciting life brother. Good luck on your journey. Subscribed
Hope it helps brother, appreciate the support.
Bud Light in not beer.
Better than water though isn’t it?
I was afraid you were parked on the tracks for a second.
Why would anybody put a diesel tank inside of a van ?? Why not mount it on the outside of the van . I bet it smells like a gas station in ther😮
Actually doesn’t smell at all. I put one inside my brand new van also.
@@JasonHelmandollar really
I make sure I am extra careful when I fill my tank because I won’t lie to you and say I haven’t dripped some before and I smelled it for a day or two. My bed is directly above the diesel fuel tank and even in the heat and all that I don’t smell it at all.
I to own a astro van
I love my Astro. Would like to find another one after this one but they are becoming harder to find in good shape.
Nice, looks great and thanks for sharing! Will / can you poop in your new traveling abode? Bucket? ;)