brit & mike
brit & mike
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VAN TOUR: DIY transit van build for remote work, w/shower & huge kitchen (1 year on the road)
Welcome to our home!! We spent 1 year self-converting this 2021 Ford Transit cargo van into our own home, and now we've just finished up our first year of living in this van full time. We spent 2 months living on the beach in Baja Mexico this winter and we decided it was finally time to film our full van tour in the most beautiful place we had been so far.
Follow along with us on IG: @brit.and.mike
Timeline:
0:00 - intro
0:38 - our van kitchen layout
2:58 - sideways van life bed design
4:55 - van life air conditioner, water level gauges & dirty laundry
5:55 - clothing storage
6:21 - van wet room design with shower and toilet
7:10 - bench seat and lagun table
8:36 - headliner shelf
9:54 - garage
10:08 - van life battery and electrical system
11:49 - van life water and plumbing setup
12:12 - other garage details
12:54 - the roof: rack and side ladder, starlink mount, and solar panels
13:58 - undermount propane tank & remote fill
14:14 - outro
Tags: #vanlife #vantour #vanlifereality #vanlifediaries #vanlifers #fulltimetravel #bajavanlife
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Some links below may be affiliate links.
-- VAN BUILD --
TOOLS
DeWalt Impact Driver + Hammer Drill Combo Kit: amzn.to/3KDvqXQ
Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3LxZmFO
DeWalt Brad Nailer Kit: amzn.to/35Qtmg8
BATHROOM/SHOWER
Bathroom trash can: amzn.to/42VUe6A
Composting toilet: amzn.to/42p9053
PLUMBING
Water pump: amzn.to/3zJA6IP
Accumulator: amzn.to/3bmPPUP
Fill Hatch: amzn.to/3bgjlfd
Water heater: amzn.to/3znZAKs
40 gal water tank: amzn.to/3cN1FYJ
Water level gauge: amzn.to/3zZCcn7
Grey water tank: amzn.to/3bvMC5h
Showerhead: amzn.to/3DX0hOO
Mixer: amzn.to/3RcfheL
Electric ball valve: amzn.to/3xT2YfS
Greywater level gauge: amzn.to/3nhjGQT
Water tank fill hose (inlet to tank): amzn.to/3RueB4s
KITCHEN
Fridge: amzn.to/330Ifv3
250 lb drawer slides: amzn.to/3UCIZMK
12V outlet for fridge: amzn.to/3O4eong
Propane tank: amzn.to/32jc2Pq
Drawer pulls: amzn.to/3r9xgbg
Magnets: amzn.to/3eK45bu
Filtered faucet: amzn.to/3rlXeZ9
Sink faucet: amzn.to/3Sx5lxY
Soap dispenser: amzn.to/3rlmhvo
Tip out tray: a amzn.to/3C77oTE
Tip out hinges: amzn.to/3xUpcyJ
Stove cover hinge: amzn.to/3SwP6kf
Pop-up brackets: amzn.to/3rmK65N
RV propane alarm: amzn.to/3W73D8X
BED
Mattress: amzn.to/3xUojX4
Reading lights: amzn.to/3v4NB2k
Water level gauge (white): amzn.to/3MsqbO8
Water level gauge (black): amzn.to/3Ict9E1
48" hinges: amzn.to/3xz4DIJ
Rubber Trim 20 ft (bunk windows): amzn.to/3GBcJkR
Magnetic hooks: amzn.to/3Ob0OBU
Magnetic bin: amzn.to/3BuTtp2
UPPER CABINETS
25lb magnets: amzn.to/3krXgen
Hinges: amzn.to/3F1calv
Gas struts: amzn.to/39n7gmV
Puck lights: amzn.to/3zEycrz
ELECTRICAL
12V 3-way dimmer switch: amzn.to/3I2Y7w9
12V 3-way on/off switch: amzn.to/3GWL4eF
Triple switch faceplate: amzn.to/3H2Z0na
120V outlets: amzn.to/3v3phhu
120V GFCI outlets: amzn.to/38tP1M6
12V outlet socket: amzn.to/374YoBH
12V outlet insert: amzn.to/3LRVGhz
Shore power inlet: amzn.to/34fAzFB
Lynx distributor: amzn.to/3aHGXZI
Distribution Center: amzn.to/3ARECGl
ELECTRICAL WIRES
8/3 AWG Triplex Wire 6ft (shore power inlet): amzn.to/3qYW1q5
12/2 AWG Duplex Wire (12V outlets): amzn.to/3n9c9E4
12/3 AWG Triplex Wire (120V outlets): amzn.to/3HTn8d1
2/0 AWG red cable (for BIM): amzn.to/36qrk6y
6/3 cable: amzn.to/3ck2yYP
6 AWG cable: amzn.to/3yIZY6c
Circuit breaker: amzn.to/3PsMEt6
Terminal fuse block kit: amzn.to/3uVPyPj
Mini circuit breaker (solar disconnect): amzn.to/3QJS2Je
Circuit breaker box: amzn.to/3PpbXfs
HEADLINER SHELF
Headliner fabric: amzn.to/3LBP2fd
Angled aluminum bar: amzn.to/376emv0
FLOOR
3" hatch cover (spare tire release): amzn.to/3zP4aUb
CEILING
Puck lights: amzn.to/3zEycrz
Wood Conditioner: amzn.to/368xW9r
Wood Stain: amzn.to/3CDaUDH
CLIMATE CONTROL
CR Laurence VW1033 windows: amzn.to/3rYqDde
Kilmat: amzn.to/3CbG8jI
MaxxFan Deluxe with Remote: amzn.to/3Ca7w1d
3M Thinsulate: amzn.to/3ymvGFM
3M High Strength 90 Adhesive: amzn.to/3yqQJac
Windshield shade: amzn.to/3JCGuoK
Side window shades: amzn.to/3JyXlsB
Переглядів: 3 892

Відео

Our FAVORITE part of Baja (spend the day with us!)
Переглядів 8956 місяців тому
Follow along with us: IG: @brit.and.mike Timeline: 0:00 - intro 1:45 - visiting Cerritos Beach Dogs Cafe 4:00 - beach day at Cerritos Beach Tags: #vanlife #vanlifereality #vanlifediaries #vanlifers #fulltimetravel #bajavanlife We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by adv...
Baja Mexico van life is just not what I expected...
Переглядів 2,8 тис.7 місяців тому
Baja Mexico van life is just not what I expected...
What to expect at the Mexico border crossing (Baja van life FINALLY begins!)
Переглядів 7067 місяців тому
What to expect at the Mexico border crossing (Baja van life FINALLY begins!)
9 Steps to Prep our Van for a Move to Baja, Mexico (car insurance costs how much?!)
Переглядів 6767 місяців тому
9 Steps to Prep our Van for a Move to Baja, Mexico (car insurance costs how much?!)
Van build storage tips + changes we're making after 1 year on the road
Переглядів 1,8 тис.8 місяців тому
Van build storage tips changes we're making after 1 year on the road
We have a lot to tell you...
Переглядів 8058 місяців тому
We have a lot to tell you...
What our "van life" really looks like
Переглядів 2 тис.9 місяців тому
What our "van life" really looks like
Everything went wrong.
Переглядів 2,6 тис.9 місяців тому
Everything went wrong.
Meeting Van Life Friends! (a weekend in Moab, Utah)
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
Meeting Van Life Friends! (a weekend in Moab, Utah)
Van Life in a Beach Town & Is Starlink Slow in Towns?! | Van Life Vlog
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
Van Life in a Beach Town & Is Starlink Slow in Towns?! | Van Life Vlog
We Needed to Make Changes After 2 Months of Van Life (Starlink mount, extra storage + trim!)
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
We Needed to Make Changes After 2 Months of Van Life (Starlink mount, extra storage trim!)
We've Waited Over a Year for This Day
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
We've Waited Over a Year for This Day
What Harvest Host Camping is Really Like + Thoughts on Our Van Build So Far! | NorCal Van Life Trip
Переглядів 1,6 тис.Рік тому
What Harvest Host Camping is Really Like Thoughts on Our Van Build So Far! | NorCal Van Life Trip
Taking Our Van to an NFL Game! (PNW Van Life Road Trip)
Переглядів 1,5 тис.Рік тому
Taking Our Van to an NFL Game! (PNW Van Life Road Trip)
VAN LIFE AT THE GRAND CANYON (our dog's first national park)
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
VAN LIFE AT THE GRAND CANYON (our dog's first national park)
Van Life: California to Texas | First Trip in Our 2021 Ford Transit Van Build!
Переглядів 2,9 тис.Рік тому
Van Life: California to Texas | First Trip in Our 2021 Ford Transit Van Build!
Finishing Our Van Kitchen! Installing a Countertop, Sink & Faucets | Ford Transit Build Ep. 41
Переглядів 3,6 тис.Рік тому
Finishing Our Van Kitchen! Installing a Countertop, Sink & Faucets | Ford Transit Build Ep. 41
How Much Does a Converted Van Weigh? + DIY Custom Memory Foam Mattress | Ford Transit Build Ep. 40
Переглядів 3,7 тис.2 роки тому
How Much Does a Converted Van Weigh? DIY Custom Memory Foam Mattress | Ford Transit Build Ep. 40
We Built a Closet in Our Camper Van! | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 39
Переглядів 2,7 тис.2 роки тому
We Built a Closet in Our Camper Van! | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 39
Tiling our DIY Custom Shower Pan & Installing FRP Shower Walls | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 38
Переглядів 3,1 тис.2 роки тому
Tiling our DIY Custom Shower Pan & Installing FRP Shower Walls | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 38
Freshwater Plumbing & Garage Finishing Touches! | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 37
Переглядів 3,3 тис.2 роки тому
Freshwater Plumbing & Garage Finishing Touches! | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 37
New Van Window Shades & Finishing Touches on our Bench Seat | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 36
Переглядів 1,8 тис.2 роки тому
New Van Window Shades & Finishing Touches on our Bench Seat | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 36
Starting Freshwater Plumbing in Our Van Build! | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 35
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Starting Freshwater Plumbing in Our Van Build! | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 35
Starting our FRP Shower & Testing Our A/C & Heated Floor | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 34
Переглядів 3 тис.2 роки тому
Starting our FRP Shower & Testing Our A/C & Heated Floor | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Ep. 34
Our Van Build Has Power! Finishing Our Electrical System | 2021 Ford Transit Van Conversion Ep. 33
Переглядів 7 тис.2 роки тому
Our Van Build Has Power! Finishing Our Electrical System | 2021 Ford Transit Van Conversion Ep. 33
Finally Setting up our Electrical System! Part 1 | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Conversion Ep. 32
Переглядів 4,6 тис.2 роки тому
Finally Setting up our Electrical System! Part 1 | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Conversion Ep. 32
Plumbing our Shower & Sink Drainage for Van Life | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Conversion Ep. 31
Переглядів 10 тис.2 роки тому
Plumbing our Shower & Sink Drainage for Van Life | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Conversion Ep. 31
Undermount Grey Water Tank Install for Van Life | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Conversion Ep. 30
Переглядів 16 тис.2 роки тому
Undermount Grey Water Tank Install for Van Life | 2021 Ford Transit Van Build Conversion Ep. 30
How to Install Remote Fill Kit for Undermount Propane Tank | 2021 Ford Transit Van Conversion Ep. 29
Переглядів 4,1 тис.2 роки тому
How to Install Remote Fill Kit for Undermount Propane Tank | 2021 Ford Transit Van Conversion Ep. 29

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @Cam-u1v
    @Cam-u1v 8 годин тому

    I'm about halfway through my van build and "mostly good" is so true, haha. It will all be covered up at the end, right?

  • @TRUMP4LIFE1359
    @TRUMP4LIFE1359 23 години тому

    20 minutes down the road is not in the backyard

  • @TroyD-vo1bz
    @TroyD-vo1bz 2 дні тому

    You may want to review your plumbing terminology. The tapered cone shape fitting is known as a flare fitting. The male pipe thread that is tapered is known as national pipe thread or NPT. Male pipe thread is not tapered. The fittings from Nash may be compression fittings, but otherwise, you're misusing the terms. Despite the confusion in terminology, it was a great video and very helpful. Many thanks!

  • @bbrmar1973
    @bbrmar1973 4 дні тому

    Hi guys from Spain, good job, I copied you the fridge system, thank you a lot to share so much.

  • @orlandorodriguez4387
    @orlandorodriguez4387 14 днів тому

    The spiders control the flies n bugs.they won't hurt you

  • @mrgcav
    @mrgcav 15 днів тому

    The problel with your paneling and ceiling is tht they are flammable and then you put Stain in to increase the woods flammability. NEVER install Flammable materials in a vehicle.

  • @mikesgarage394
    @mikesgarage394 15 днів тому

    Just starting my Transit mid roof. glad I found your channel.

  • @mrgcav
    @mrgcav 16 днів тому

    This amount of framing is excessive and unnecessary. Wall then insulation then paneling . Bolt the paneling to the wall directly with rivet nuts. Framing wastes valuable space. You only need framing in places where there is no van frame. Studs need to be vertical not horizontal.

  • @mrgcav
    @mrgcav 16 днів тому

    Use 8mm Hexagonal Rivet nuts. They do not spin. Bolt depot.

  • @ajgolz1594
    @ajgolz1594 16 днів тому

    I’m having trouble drilling new holes through the brackets. What type of bit did you use?

  • @katrinawellborn7663
    @katrinawellborn7663 18 днів тому

    Were you extorted by Mexican police on your way down

  • @AMARImtn
    @AMARImtn 19 днів тому

    Does he not work? I don’t mean to insensitive, just curious. Can he work? Or does van life demand do much that one of you needs to not work? Can this be done solo?

  • @user-lx5lx5vc7y
    @user-lx5lx5vc7y 23 дні тому

    Great video. But i have a question. Why couldn’t you just not remove the headliner at all, and just cut out the area where you put the brackets up and attach the brackets that way. Or is there a way to just attach brackets right over the headliner!

  • @HighLifeJUGGZ
    @HighLifeJUGGZ 23 дні тому

    What type of van is that, and how tall is your man?? Because I need to build a set up alike but I’m 6ft 3 and worried

  • @Sanjuk0522
    @Sanjuk0522 24 дні тому

    Nice video! quick question is this passenger van or cargo? Or did you put those windows up in the sliding door and rear?

  • @strifex-suspension-works
    @strifex-suspension-works 26 днів тому

    Hey! What was your reasoning for using battens instead of directly screwing plywood walls to the metal walls of the van?

  • @DonnaCombs-f9b
    @DonnaCombs-f9b 27 днів тому

    Carpenter here 58/years you do not need such high quality lumber. You would be much better rips g down plywood of your choice and thicknesses.

  • @simonburger4616
    @simonburger4616 Місяць тому

    All things i do not need😂

  • @chartmann43
    @chartmann43 Місяць тому

    I’m trying to figure out how to put the walls up and hide the wires without having a big bulge in certain places? Any suggestions? Thanks so much

  • @rebeccaliebenberg6251
    @rebeccaliebenberg6251 Місяць тому

    Hi! Thanks so much for your videos. What kind of plywood brand did you find that was marine grade?

  • @MichaelWogamanGolf
    @MichaelWogamanGolf Місяць тому

    Since you ended up with so much extra, how much Low E would you buy if you bought it again? I think your link said you got the 40 linear feet.

  • @scottmalan1223
    @scottmalan1223 Місяць тому

    Aren’t your complaints what some might call first world problems? Just saying.

  • @donerickson7155
    @donerickson7155 Місяць тому

    I like it. Thanks for this. When I do mine I will install the shelf under the aluminum angle to hide it.

  • @joeblow1942
    @joeblow1942 Місяць тому

    24:04 Connecting puck light wires in series with 24:55 Wago Lever-Nuts. Good for 8awg to 24awg. He used 12awg wire. 30:05 The 3 1/2” x 1/4” T&G ceiling planks are ‘Euro Pine/Spruce Edge V Planking Reversible by GPS Design Innovations. Cost was about $150 for an extended Ford Transit. I think he bought them from Lowe’s.

  • @joeblow1942
    @joeblow1942 Місяць тому

    A couple questions, please…. 1) Did you glue the ceiling planks to the “beams” or just pin nail them? 2) Have you had any issues with the planks coming off the “beams” in the last couple years? Thanks

  • @3AmThoughtts
    @3AmThoughtts 2 місяці тому

    What about tampons

    • @britandmike
      @britandmike Місяць тому

      They sell tampons in Mexico!

  • @XXAnthonyCarmineXx
    @XXAnthonyCarmineXx 2 місяці тому

    Gross

  • @KristalynLiving
    @KristalynLiving 2 місяці тому

    My family plans to hit the road to begin a year trip that ending in Baja 2025! Thank you for this video!

  • @comeconcon569
    @comeconcon569 2 місяці тому

    I'll be adopting the Gypsy lifestyle in 10 years from now and will finally get rid of landlords and live rent free.

  • @r9tcc271
    @r9tcc271 2 місяці тому

    where you get the water tank

    • @britandmike
      @britandmike 2 місяці тому

      On Amazon! amzn.to/3bvMC5h

  • @davepriddle2968
    @davepriddle2968 2 місяці тому

    Just started my ceiling….. it did not go well. So I’ve now watched your video. That’s exactly the info that I needed! I’ll start again next week, fully armed with ideas. Thank you.

  • @gunner8226
    @gunner8226 2 місяці тому

    Save the scrap wood for other things…you never know when you’ll need a perfect piece….also might sound funny but save the sawdust too in a bucket…when you cut or drill holes in any piece it’s mini particles of the same exact wood that you can use with titebond and fill the holes back so you never see the screws and it all looks finished with some minor sanding in the end. Happy building. Floor looks great❤

  • @thecorbettchronicles
    @thecorbettchronicles 2 місяці тому

    Man, I was really hoping you would’ve asked that neighbor to borrow their leaf blower to get that sawdust 😂🤣😭

  • @rocksaltcomando
    @rocksaltcomando 2 місяці тому

    Where do you find month long campsites for $100, bite me with that blatant lie 😂😂

    • @britandmike
      @britandmike 2 місяці тому

      I said we only paid for a campsite once and it was $100. We typically do not pay for campsites and the rest of the month was free. But go off with your comprehension skills

  • @MLA..
    @MLA.. 3 місяці тому

    Drilling a hole in the top of a tank, flip it upside down and drill from the bottom up to help prevent plastic from falling into the tank.

  • @hunterluxton5976
    @hunterluxton5976 3 місяці тому

    Paint the yellow cap black to make it less obtrusive.

  • @AnnCastro-r2j
    @AnnCastro-r2j 3 місяці тому

    Your DIY transit van build is incredible! Love the spacious kitchen and shower setup. We sent you an email, take a look.

  • @Stevenwyattcsdar
    @Stevenwyattcsdar 3 місяці тому

    Where did you find your tongue and grove ceiling wood? I too am building out a Ford Transit and appreciate your videos .

  • @DeniseHlavaty
    @DeniseHlavaty 3 місяці тому

    Take a trip to Keys down to Key West. Beautiful places!!

  • @jacquelynallen488
    @jacquelynallen488 3 місяці тому

    What kind of remote work? I work remotely and the thing holding me down is that I don’t know how to get around having to plug into an internet box. Any advice?

  • @MisterHolaMan
    @MisterHolaMan 3 місяці тому

    all that's missing is the government cheese lol

  • @GuyNamedRy
    @GuyNamedRy 3 місяці тому

    I hope that all states will be more van friendly I know Portland is legal to sleep anywhere! I think NYC is too but parking and st cleaners! CA I think it’s illegal? Unless it’s BLM land, and Walmarts? Idk it just doesn’t seem as easy? Could be wrong haven’t done it before

  • @kimmiedickson9885
    @kimmiedickson9885 3 місяці тому

    Where do you stay? Do you guys stop at camp sites or rv parks or just parking lots? We are planning on traveling after my kids get out of school this summer but until then we are at a rv park and it still adds up on cost.

  • @lovingme1st973
    @lovingme1st973 4 місяці тому

    You also saved your life leaving the bay area .

  • @bts_officially
    @bts_officially 4 місяці тому

    if youre from cali or especially L.A then youd save a lot

  • @FTFSupremacyROBLOX
    @FTFSupremacyROBLOX 4 місяці тому

    TAX EVASION!!!!

  • @user-fy7ru4ii1i
    @user-fy7ru4ii1i 4 місяці тому

    VAN LIFE isn't for everyone. If you have found a way to make it work for you, well done...regardless of how much you've saved.

  • @tsk3us
    @tsk3us 4 місяці тому

    Thank you Brit & Mike. Dug back into your videos to find the seal you used around your windows. It’s that time in my build. Completely helped me not guess and get the wrong thing. Happy travels

  • @anarizmoore
    @anarizmoore 4 місяці тому

    You would be great as a flight attendant ❤

  • @jamesotto9530
    @jamesotto9530 4 місяці тому

    😊The new hippie's are starting to save,I lived in A van when I was young,19 years never worry about money my boss was shocked,when he seen I save lot's of money, I like when these greedy landlord's are loseing now,they bought up all the houses.Good for you young hippie's,save thatmoney😊