DIY CAMPER VAN KITCHEN BUILD: The Perfect Solution for Small Spaces

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  • čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
  • This video will teach you how to build a 'kitchen' cabinet for a DIY camper van conversion with a sink, an induction stove top, and drawers for storage.
    In this van kitchen build, we were able to construct the cabinets outside of the van, install the sink, stove top, and fridge, all on our workbench before moving the entire DIY campervan kitchen into place. We secured our kitchen cabinet to the van using the L-track on the walls and on the floors. We are so happy with how this kitchen build turned out and even found some creative solutions for extra storage around our sink drain!
    ➤Fridge: sovrn.co/1nwiv02
    ➤Sink: amzn.to/40yFwS9
    ➤Stove: amzn.to/3KsmxDg
    ➤Plans: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-...
    ➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
    ➤Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=explorist_bb67
    ➤Binge the Transit Van Build: • The Ultimate Camper Va...
    Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
    ➤DIY Sprinter Camper Van Electrical Install - Full Tutorial: • DIY Sprinter Camper Va...
    ➤DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist.life/solarwirin...
    ➤How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
    ➤Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
    ➤How to Cut Wire: www.explorist.life/how-to-cut...
    ➤How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
    ➤How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
    ➤How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
    ➤How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
    ➤How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
    ➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...
    00:00 Introduction
    00:10 Cutting/Assembly
    01:31 Edge Banding/Finishing
    01:53 Drawers
    03:22 Latches
    04:12 Under Cabinet Lighting
    05:27 Back Panel/Door
    06:13 Refrigerator Vent
    06:26 Butcher Block Countertop
    07:04 Drain Install, Sink Assembly
    07:33 Brackets
    07:52 Extend Refrigerator Wires
    08:15 120V Outlet
    08:48 Attach Sink
    09:04 Attach Countertop
    09:30 Fasten to L Track
    09:41 Install Induction Cooktop/Complete Wiring
    10:30 Install Grey Water Tank
    10:42 Outro
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 89

  • @kvdme
    @kvdme Před rokem +6

    You do the most expensive stuff. You use victron stuff. I don't have room for a victron multi. Come on. Do a budget build someone really can afford.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem +37

      I don't really do 'the most expensive stuff', no:
      ◾I could have shipped in bamboo ply for this project, which would have cost 4x as much.
      ◾I also chose the least expensive Isotherm fridge (least expensive model of a high-quality brand, mind you) to make this more approachable for everybody.
      ◾I'm also saving money by doing these projects myself rather than hiring them out.
      If you want to do things differently than I do, that's totally fine. You should be able to use the information and education I teach on this channel to build within your budget.
      If you are looking for channels that build 'as cheaply as possible', they are out there, but... ❗this isn't one of them.❗

    • @kbell101
      @kbell101 Před rokem +7

      Some of us want to 'Buy once, Cry once' and have it work well, so we buy quality. I bought Victron Multi before I know who Nate was, because I didn't want it to break down on me on the road and cut my trip short or leave me in the dark for the rest of a trip. You can buy cheaper.... or smaller to save room, as you seem to indicate. I'm not following Nate's build directly, because I've already built most of my van my way. I'm watching him to get some new ideas, like I do from many other builders.

    • @dodgeplow
      @dodgeplow Před rokem +5

      @@EXPLORISTlife You did a nice job. I don't think the choice of your materials is unreasonable. You can't please everyone. He can go to a budget builder channel if that's what he's looking for.

    • @VinceBadovinatz88
      @VinceBadovinatz88 Před rokem +2

      ​@@dodgeplow I agree. You get what you pay for also. The other person should be able to use these videos to get an idea of what he wants and then he can go for the less expensive solar controller setups. But I do believe you get what you pay for

    • @tomwilliam5118
      @tomwilliam5118 Před rokem +2

      Building with quality products means you'll have quality performance and reliability. The way he assembles his cabinets they won't come apart after long term use. I think if we take the time and learn how to build something properly it will be only beneficial. learning something new will take time but afterwards you will be proud of what you have achieved. And who knows you may be able to get some clients and build quality items. It's not bad to learn a trade nowadays. Like Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs says "a four-year degree is not for everyone"

  • @BeCinema
    @BeCinema Před 6 dny

    Thanks for showing your process. 🙏🏾💡

  • @marlon7806
    @marlon7806 Před rokem +14

    Love the work! Just a little tip from a fellow wood worker. Always stain both sides of the wood. In this case the butcher block. Otherwise it likes to warp in the direction of the oil :)

    • @johnsharpe2351
      @johnsharpe2351 Před rokem +2

      😯I didn't know this. Thanks for the tip! Glad that I haven't installed the countertop just yet. Will flip it over and stain the other side as well.

    • @marlon7806
      @marlon7806 Před rokem +2

      @@johnsharpe2351 great! Glad It helped. If it was mine I also would stain the sides that have been cut to make an opening for the sink. Protects the wood from any water that may gets trapped there when used

    • @johnsharpe2351
      @johnsharpe2351 Před rokem +2

      @@marlon7806 yep, I did stain the inside cut-out area.

  • @samnapier4594
    @samnapier4594 Před rokem +3

    You guys should do a sketchup tutorial for van builds!! It would be so helpful.

  • @sambarker1245
    @sambarker1245 Před rokem +1

    Love this build. Having watched all of the past videos i love how all the ports and switched points are pre-planned and already in the right place.

  • @pau1phi11ips
    @pau1phi11ips Před rokem

    Impeccable build as always Nate!
    I'm a fan of making the toe kick a bit higher than standard and having that section as a draw to store canned goods. Makes good use of otherwise dead space.

  • @manubisbee1
    @manubisbee1 Před 9 měsíci

    Loved this one. Thanks for the details. Love the access of gray water from the back

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před 8 měsíci

      Hey @manubisbee1, Thanks so much! Cheers!

  • @timdunmyer4549
    @timdunmyer4549 Před rokem +1

    Turning out nice. Can't wait to see what you guys do for a bed and table sitting. I'd like to see the rear doors covered like the sides with completely covered panels with smaller window openings.

  • @themcpeters
    @themcpeters Před rokem +1

    Loving the timing on these videos. Ordering parts today to rebuild our drawers/cabinet build and am very thankful for these videos. Did you think about using push to open drawer slides vs. marine latches? I like the look of the latches, and I'm sure they are more reliable long term on the, "not flying open while driving down washboard" front 😅

  • @lylestavast7652
    @lylestavast7652 Před rokem

    nice work result and production video, as always...

  • @bikesbeersbeats
    @bikesbeersbeats Před 7 měsíci

    Amazing build and beautiful quality. Unfortunately I dont have wood working skills or a workshop space and tools like this, it wouldnt make sense to acquire everything for a one off build. So that means it’ll be 8020 for me!

  • @Monstufpud
    @Monstufpud Před rokem

    I have been dreading doing the cabinetry in my van for the last year

  • @maggiebrattoli383
    @maggiebrattoli383 Před rokem +1

    👍 I’m terrible with math, so the use of spacers makes perfect sense to me. Thanks for explaining everything in so much detail.

  • @timf6916
    @timf6916 Před rokem

    Nice

  • @Alex-yy4zl
    @Alex-yy4zl Před rokem +1

    Hopefully you see this one Nate! Got any tips for installing the slam latches?
    My measuring for doing these in the past has been sporadic and mostly guess work.

  • @brianchetelat6601
    @brianchetelat6601 Před rokem +1

    Nate, are you up to sharing the make/model of your LED strips? There is a myriad of them out there.

  • @Phil-dg1yg
    @Phil-dg1yg Před rokem

    nice job , love plywood construction nicedone! not the case for some other guys

  • @TylerMillieWood
    @TylerMillieWood Před rokem +1

    Looking to do something similar and was curious about approximate weight of the unit not including sink and fridge? Thanks! Looks really nice!

  • @josephwhitty7245
    @josephwhitty7245 Před rokem

    Another great project; thanks for sharing. As a matter of fact I just bought one of your electric plans. Very nice-thorough. I am liking this cabinet build and have the same refrigerator. Can you provide the overall dimension ie. L x W x height. Thanks in advance.

  • @VinceBadovinatz88
    @VinceBadovinatz88 Před rokem

    Gosh you guys are great

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem +1

      Hey Vince Badovinatz, Thanks so much! Cheers!

    • @VinceBadovinatz88
      @VinceBadovinatz88 Před rokem

      @@EXPLORISTlife
      My pleasure I really enjoy your videos and all the help

  • @davecutherell6346
    @davecutherell6346 Před rokem +2

    Where did you get your butcher block countertop??

  • @madisonbusman7688
    @madisonbusman7688 Před rokem +1

    Nice! Taking a lot of notes as we are getting ready to build out our skoolie kitchen. Thanks for making us a well documented video!!

  • @madcow3417
    @madcow3417 Před rokem +2

    This is a question for Nate, or anyone else. I'm looking for a built-in induction cooktop. The one in the video is the perfect size. My question is whether or not it pulses at low power. The cheap portable one I have now pulses max power for lower power settings: 1000W on for 1 second and off for 9 seconds at level 1. on for 2 seconds/off for 8 seconds for level 2... This is weird to see while cooking, water boils for a second, then stops for a while. It can't be good for the inverter, or other adjacent electronics whose input voltage probably varies because of this. The really expensive induction cooktops don't do this. No manufacturer documents whether or not they do this.
    So, my question is: Does this Empava cooktop pulse on/off at low power settings? Does anyone else know of a single or double built-in cooktop that does not pulse? Thanks!

  • @GeorgeLavrov
    @GeorgeLavrov Před rokem +1

    Hey Nate, nice work! But I noticed - your floor shows some air bubbles? I am asking because I started to get the same issue on my build and trying to figure out how to fix it without removing my cabinets. On another subject, the cabinets you installed, have you ever did the math on the relationship for the cabinet weight, dynamic force and strength of those wood screws to the floor brackets? I am curios because there are some eye opener youtube research videos shows impact effects in even 20-30 mph crashes, especially for wood based cabinets. Knowing your thoroughly style for everything you do, interesting to know if you had some numbers before the build. Thanks and god speed :)

  • @sPGgwUxYrSd7Cf5H
    @sPGgwUxYrSd7Cf5H Před rokem

    You do amazing, high quality, well though out work! Keep it up. Do you offer build out services?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem

      Thanks! We don't offer build services, no. Making these videos is our full time thing.

  • @quinkrisik3278
    @quinkrisik3278 Před 8 měsíci

    Great build and video! Wondering if you did anything to account for the fact that the L track sits proud of the flooring a little bit. Placing a cabinet on top would only contact the L track and not the floor? Thank you!

  • @bpersons14
    @bpersons14 Před rokem +1

    How much does this kitchen setup weigh?

  • @yduRteKh
    @yduRteKh Před rokem

    I like it about you, that everything is so cleanly worked, professional. We have something to learn, this is also your goal.

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem +1

      Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

  • @amythinks
    @amythinks Před rokem

    Damn son, where'd you get all the birch? That's like flashing salt in the ancient world, chocolate in the 1500s or toilet paper in 2020.

  • @davidmcdowellactor
    @davidmcdowellactor Před rokem

    Hi Nate (and gang)! If I have skipped the large fancy power system and wanted to plug my mini fridge into the Ford supplied 400W inverter... oh, it sucks, NOT pure sine! - Do you sell a Victron Phoenix 500VA (375W) which could potentially replace that inverter under the passenger seat? And would you?

  • @johnsharpe2351
    @johnsharpe2351 Před rokem +1

    Great job as always! I hope one day you guys would make DIY kits for these cabinets and sell them in your online store. Surely there is a market for this service! Thanks for all your videos!

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem

      Thanks! So... we sorta already do. We have the 3d models and cut lists available in our store (link in video description). This will give you everything you need to get going on this project. The cut list lets you go from 4x8' sheets of plywood down to individual pieces of wood with just a circular saw.

    • @johnsharpe2351
      @johnsharpe2351 Před rokem +1

      I saw those plans and was getting ready to hit the "buy" button but then saw they were sketch up files. Is there any way you could add pdf files to your store? Don't know if the sketch up file can easily be converted to pdf, but it would save those of us who are "sketch up illiterate"😁

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem +1

      Well, the cut list is a PDF. The 3d plans have to stay as a sketchup file since a PDF can't really be a 3d view. Looks like a good time to learn a new skill around navigating sketchup?

  • @politikopinoysaamerica
    @politikopinoysaamerica Před 10 měsíci

    what is the length of the drawer slide did you use? can you please give us the link.

  • @billcoleman7316
    @billcoleman7316 Před rokem

    What a great job. 💯💯💯💯💯💯

  • @OnRappel
    @OnRappel Před rokem

    Nice work!

  • @dorsetrocks
    @dorsetrocks Před 11 měsíci

    hi! question im really hoping you can help me with! so the grey water tanks you have seem to have tose great caps that the water pipe connects directly into. our current tanks just have the cap taken off and the sink pipe dangling in which i really dont like. cannot seem to find your ones anywhere! please you you put a link for us or just let us know the name of the manufacturer! thanks so much, great build quality all round in this video. attention to detail is mesmerising!

  • @csteutterman
    @csteutterman Před 11 měsíci

    Do you have an affiliate link for the drawer slides you used? I'm overwhelmed with all the different options, so hoping to piggy back on your research.

  • @dodgeplow
    @dodgeplow Před rokem +1

    Can an induction top be counter sunk a bit to make the surface level?

  • @vinceocratic
    @vinceocratic Před 6 měsíci

    What did you use on the walls?

  • @georgeconvertvan6890
    @georgeconvertvan6890 Před rokem

    hello, your video is very interesting and clear, and I thank you. I wanted to know what type of plywood you use and how thick it is, I think it is 18mm?

  • @JogBird
    @JogBird Před rokem

    how do these hold up over time or with heavy loads, there is no internal frame/skeleton

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem

      Holds up great! 👍 I cannot imagine a frame and thinner panel type of construction being stronger.

  • @batukeskinbora7257
    @batukeskinbora7257 Před 10 měsíci

    Fancy video , can you share the sketch up sketch up drawings and the sizes for Sprinter ?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před 10 měsíci

      Yeah, those are in the video description or pinned comment.

    • @batukeskinbora7257
      @batukeskinbora7257 Před 10 měsíci

      @@EXPLORISTlife can you share again , I did not find.

  • @coreyscysen1705
    @coreyscysen1705 Před rokem +1

    Curious why you used super glue for the sink instead of silicone?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem +3

      Super glue was for the stove so it could be removed if it broke. Silicone would have made it much more permanent.

    • @coreyscysen1705
      @coreyscysen1705 Před rokem

      @@EXPLORISTlife thanks for the quick response. Coffee hadn't kicked in yet.

  • @MrBrohoward71
    @MrBrohoward71 Před měsícem

    Did I miss the part that shows the cabinets attaching to the floor track ?

  • @gattaca5911
    @gattaca5911 Před rokem

    nice work as always...butcher block is worth the extra weight...how many people helped you get that into the van without dinging your beautiful work...?

  • @donnaknox4111
    @donnaknox4111 Před rokem

    Where can I find the plans and parts list and where to buy them from thanks

  • @unimog404
    @unimog404 Před rokem

    Such a nice kitchen unit. But why a 20L jerrycan as graywater tank? With this level of build I expected a different solution.
    I put a 36L graywater tank under my camper and made an easy dumpvalve

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem +4

      A built-in tank means we would need to be able to find an RV dump any time we needed to empty. With a removable tank, we can empty into a toilet as necessary. A built-in tank under the van also means a drain holt through the floor, which we were trying to avoid for the sake of making the kitchen modular and easily removable.

    • @unimog404
      @unimog404 Před rokem

      @@EXPLORISTlife also true. I can easily dump my tank into a bucket if I need to dump it. I think interior space is premium and under the floor by the chassis you have some space. So everything that can go there is great. ☺️

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem

      Neat! Sounds like you've found a great solution for your own personal wants and needs just like I have. 🙂👍

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem

      ...and the cool part about these DIY projects is that is my needs/wants change and I want to add a tank underneath and mess with keeping it from freezing in the winter, I can do just that.
      We had this similar setup in our sprinter we lived in for 4 years and it worked well enough to do it again.

  • @ArturZagaj-Izraelita
    @ArturZagaj-Izraelita Před 4 měsíci

    47 kilogramowa kuchnia do busa/kampera to za dużo? Myślę że tak, ale czy ciepło nie jest tego warte?

  • @oscardyremyhr1800
    @oscardyremyhr1800 Před rokem

    IS there a reason why you did not install a water filter for the sink?

    • @EXPLORISTlife
      @EXPLORISTlife  Před rokem

      Not really. Would probably have a hard time getting it to fit.