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vanlifemeow
United States
Приєднався 9 вер 2021
No Fluff. No Drama. No Sales Pitch. Just Real-Life Van Build and Travel Vids.
For the past few years I've been road tripping my old Buick out West, exploring and making videos. I just recently got rid of all my stuff, moved out of my apartment and bought a box van from U-Haul. I am currently building it into my off-grid-off-road home to live in and roam North America with my cats. #vanlife #vanbuild #roadtrip #travel #camping #exploration #explore #nomad #mentalhealth #nature #freedom
For the past few years I've been road tripping my old Buick out West, exploring and making videos. I just recently got rid of all my stuff, moved out of my apartment and bought a box van from U-Haul. I am currently building it into my off-grid-off-road home to live in and roam North America with my cats. #vanlife #vanbuild #roadtrip #travel #camping #exploration #explore #nomad #mentalhealth #nature #freedom
Why Did I Buy This? - The 10ft Box Van Explained
In this video I explain why and how I bought my box van and explain the Chevy Express and GMC Savana.
#boxvan #vanbuild #vanlife
#boxvan #vanbuild #vanlife
Переглядів: 24 504
Відео
Chevy Express / GMC Savana Brake Booster Replacement
Переглядів 8 тис.14 годин тому
Welcome to Van School! In this video I demonstrate how to replace the hydraulic brake booster on a 2012 Chevy Express Van. Commonly referred to as the hydroboost unit. I purchased the booster from rockauto.com it is a Bosch and cost approximately $180. The repair took about 2 hours to complete. This is the first in a series of videos that I am making on how to work on Chevy and GMC vans. #diy #...
Tile! and Stuff... - Box Van Build Part 17
Переглядів 24 тис.День тому
In this video I finish the wall behind my kitchen and install a "tile" backsplash. I then finish building the alcove that my wood stove lives in with tile and a heat reflecting surround. #vanbuild #boxvan #vanlife #diy #rv #diyvanconversion #campervanconversion #carpentry #carpenter #woodworking patreon.com/vanlifemeow vanlifemeow vanlifemeow@gmail.com vanlifemeow.com
The Last of the Upper Cabinets! - Box Van Build Part 16
Переглядів 17 тис.День тому
This is the last one I swear! In this video I build a cabinet above the kitchen of my DIY box van conversion. #vanbuild #boxvan #vanlife #diy #rv #diyvanconversion #campervanconversion #carpentry #carpenter #woodworking vanlifemeow vanlifemeow @gmail.com vanlifemeow.com
Working Late into the Night 🌙 - Box Van Build Part 15
Переглядів 18 тис.14 днів тому
The upper cabinet building in my van has now become a 3-part mini series within a series lol. The next video will be out this Wednesday, 1-15-25. #vanbuild #boxvan #vanlife #diy #rv #diyvanconversion #campervanconversion #carpentry #carpenter #woodworking vanlifemeow vanlifemeow @gmail.com vanlifemeow.com
My Buick - The End of an Era
Переглядів 8 тис.14 днів тому
This is the finale' of my Fall 2024 road trip. Happy New Year! #buick #roadtrip #camping #travel vanlifemeow
Building a Big Cabinet - Box Van Build Part 14
Переглядів 25 тис.21 день тому
In this video I build a large cabinet over the passenger side of my box van diy u-haul rv conversion. #boxvan #boxtruck #vanbuild #diy #campervanconversion #campervan #rv #vanlife #carpentry #carpenter #woodworking vanlifemeow vanlifemeow@gmail.com
1880 Town - South Dakota
Переглядів 4,1 тис.21 день тому
Part 6 of my October 2024 road trip. I left the Badlands and headed East on I90 to 1800 Town. #history #1800s #roadtrip #southdakota #travel vanlifemeow www.1880town.com/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_F3
Having a Fun Time in South Dakota
Переглядів 3 тис.Місяць тому
Part 5 of my October 2024 road trip. I continue my tour of the Badlands and surrounding areas and I meet 3 adorable kittens! #roadtrip #travel #badlands #southdakota #kittens vanlifemeow
The Solar is DONE and I Made a Bedroom - Box Van Build Part 13
Переглядів 30 тис.Місяць тому
Part 13 of my box van u-haul conversion. In this video I show you the solar panel installation and then I continue building the interior, specifically the rear bedroom area. #vanbuild #vanlife #boxvan #rv #diy #rvlife #nomad
Exploring Around the Badlands
Переглядів 2,9 тис.Місяць тому
Part 4 of my October 2024 road trip. I leave Pine Ridge near Chadron, NE and travel to the Badlands of South Dakota. On the way, I check out a cool museum and a Ghost Town. #roadtrip #badlands #camping #travel #museum #history #ghosttown vanlifemeow www.furtrade.org/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scenic,_South_Dakota
Working on the COMMAND CENTER - Box Van Build Part 12
Переглядів 32 тис.Місяць тому
In this video I begin building my office/studio/command center for the van. Wouldn't some nice music be better than the cutting, sanding and drilling sounds? #vanbuild #boxvan #vanlife #diy #conversion #rv #nomad #rvlife
I Should've Stayed Here Another Night
Переглядів 3 тис.Місяць тому
Part 3 of my October 2024 road trip. I left the middle of nowhere Wyoming, and ended up in a beautiful forest near Chadron, NE. Also the Buick got involved in a cattle drive....going the opposite direction! #roadtrip #cattle #nebraska #nationalforest #camping #travel vanlifemeow
I'm EXHAUSTED. And So Is My Wood Stove... Maybe - Box Van Build Part 11
Переглядів 33 тис.Місяць тому
In this video I struggle to make some sort of exhaust for my wood stove. Then I rough-in all the wiring for my lights, fan and solar and install the ceiling permanently. Note: Do not install a wood stove in a van with b-vent. It's made for water heaters. I'll probably end up replacing all of this with something more appropriate. #vanbuild #vanlife #boxvan #conversion #diy #rv #camper
A Remote Location in Wyoming
Переглядів 2,9 тис.Місяць тому
This is part 2 of my October 2024 road trip. I didn't want to pay $32.16 tax to camp in a Wyoming state park, so I boondocked next to an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere. #roadtrip #wyoming #west #abandoned #trains #trainspotting vanlifemeow
Doing Oregon Trail Stuff - vanlifemeow
Переглядів 6 тис.2 місяці тому
Doing Oregon Trail Stuff - vanlifemeow
This Van Has TOO MUCH PINK - Box Van Build Part 10
Переглядів 29 тис.2 місяці тому
This Van Has TOO MUCH PINK - Box Van Build Part 10
The Best Wednesday I've Had in Months! - August Camping Part 2
Переглядів 2,5 тис.2 місяці тому
The Best Wednesday I've Had in Months! - August Camping Part 2
Fabricating Custom Parts With My Friend Tom - Box Van Build
Переглядів 24 тис.2 місяці тому
Fabricating Custom Parts With My Friend Tom - Box Van Build
Random Weeknight Camping in August
Переглядів 4,3 тис.2 місяці тому
Random Weeknight Camping in August
Plumbing and Wiring the Kitchen - Box Van Build Part 9
Переглядів 40 тис.2 місяці тому
Plumbing and Wiring the Kitchen - Box Van Build Part 9
A Bunch of Miscellany - Box Van Build Part 8
Переглядів 46 тис.2 місяці тому
A Bunch of Miscellany - Box Van Build Part 8
It's Time to Go Build The Van - "Pulling Teeth" Part 5
Переглядів 3,9 тис.2 місяці тому
It's Time to Go Build The Van - "Pulling Teeth" Part 5
Blueprints? Never Heard of 'em - Box Van Build Part 7
Переглядів 49 тис.3 місяці тому
Blueprints? Never Heard of 'em - Box Van Build Part 7
Making Friends in Beautiful Places - "Pulling Teeth" Part 4
Переглядів 2,1 тис.3 місяці тому
Making Friends in Beautiful Places - "Pulling Teeth" Part 4
I Made the Right Choice - "Pulling Teeth" Part 3
Переглядів 3,3 тис.3 місяці тому
I Made the Right Choice - "Pulling Teeth" Part 3
Finally Starting the Interior - Box Van Build Part 6
Переглядів 58 тис.3 місяці тому
Finally Starting the Interior - Box Van Build Part 6
Somewhere I Actually Want to Be - "Pulling Teeth" Part 2
Переглядів 3,4 тис.3 місяці тому
Somewhere I Actually Want to Be - "Pulling Teeth" Part 2
Roof Fan and Insulation - Box Van Build Part 5
Переглядів 66 тис.3 місяці тому
Roof Fan and Insulation - Box Van Build Part 5
Wednesday Travel Videos Are Back! - "Pulling Teeth" Part 1
Переглядів 6 тис.3 місяці тому
Wednesday Travel Videos Are Back! - "Pulling Teeth" Part 1
Much much better with the paint . About getting robbed...I have spent the last 9 years in my RV travelling the whole of North America from coast to coast. I'm 70 now and NEVER even came close to any thefts, robberies or any bad stuff other than a R Front tire blow out and a seized brake caliper. Sleeping in WalMart parking lots and truck stops and rest areas and campgrounds. I've done it all. Trouble free all the way. I just mind my own business and be polite when required!
You know those plumbing wraps.They use to keep pipes from freezing.Would that give you hot water in your shower
Oh dude that is sick. Leave it like that with the snakes on the side. Super score 👍
Is can you just ground it to a battery
I had a steering gearbox go out awhile back and it dumped all the power steering fluid out just trying to get home lol. I never paid much attention to what fed that hydroboost because I’ve never had to and after I lost all my power steering fluid then my brakes went out too. I was able to get home and rebuild the steering gearbox (output seal was damaged), and bleed the system by myself. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. If you lose your power steering belt you’ll lose your brakes as well. Keep that in mind and always keep spare belt(s) and power steering fluid. I don’t remember if I did a big video on it when I did it (I think I did) but thanks for sharing your experience!
I hated riding in the back of these vans while I was in the AF.
If you build it, they will come
The snakes are way cool!
Cosmetics are fixable - they keep excellent maintenance records no engine no driving !
Oh no worries haters gonna hate and you know there are so many so called experts out there haha. You have a skill - not everyone has this ability it takes hours and years of mis cuts sliced fingers (I like duct tape more than the black electric) those who criticize can make their own podcast. bOh but they won’t. I love your mistakes because we all have made them and learned- but few have the fortitude to unravel the process on film . You rock - keep going
Pretty good job young man.
Nice job on the door.
Sometimes in tricky smaller spots I make an exact card board template- saves on costly mistakes- it’s like a dress pattern when you sew.
Lighter fluid removes that decal glue easily. Excessive noise and heat will result from removing the "carpet" in the cab. That's GO FAST paint on the hood. The faster you go, the more the paint comes OFF. Frame looks good.
go fast paint haha love it. im insulating the floor with silkaflex and putting new regular carpet so it can dry out plus a floor mat for my feet
Did they give you a rubber gasket that goes around the edge of the sink
yeah
pocket holes are the best makes such a tight connection
I would put them in line with each other but that's me
HELLO FROM SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA JUS WANT 2 SAY GR8 VIDEO ALOT OF GOOD NFO. HAV A GR8 DAY AND ENJOY THE CRUZ.
Use galvanized steel in back of stove 22 gauge would work well perhaps use a thin fire retardant membrane between insulation and steel plate !
Will the rake change when you get a lift kit
i hope so, i want it more level. i think it is because it has obnoxious heavy load rear leafs on it now. im going to downgrade to 3/4 ton springs
What kw is your stove man ??
8500-18500 for the wood stove and my diesel heater is 8k
Where did you find your Smallwood stove at?Is it possible I could find a link somewhere for that
www.capybarastoves.com/product-page/capybara-mini-stove
Do you plan on continuing?Making videos after the van build is done
yeah for sure. i made road trip vids for 3 years before i started the van build
Are you going to build a woodbox to keep dry wooden for your wood stove on the outside of your van
im going to have a wood storage bin under the stove and a rear hitch cargo carrier for trash and wood
My kitchen counters are thirty one and a half inches deep
Are you going to run your solar panels to where they will charge? The rig battery as well
nah but i'll have it wired where i can jump the van battery in a pinch
No regerts! haha ❤we’re the Millers. classic!
If you have to crap in a bucket, you made the wrong choices in life.
everyone is entitled to their opinion
Excellent points.
When you said "best day ever" my heart melted and they way your voice changes when you talk to them reminds me of my son. He rescued a kitty when he was out of the military and it was the best decision to help him with stress and anxiety. I'm 67 and this ending is so awesome. You sound like a kind soul. So glad I stumbled on your video. Continue who you are. Love this.
It looks really good
That dam on the opening shot. When I was a kid, my dad was taking us on a road trip in WY. We were near a dam like that when he shared the story of passing by there during WWII. He said there were guys patrolling the dam with rifles, and they wouldn't let anyone tarry near the dam... they were protecting the water source from enemy sabotage. As an adult, it doesn't make sense to me why anyone would think a dam in the middle of WY would need to be protected from attack, but he wasn't a fibber.
interesting. there was a lot of paranoia about spies back then
I dont get it, progressive said straight up no when i called them about a box truck conversion into an rv. Maybe it's cuz im im virginia?
i did it online. maybe you got a fussy agent
The backsplash is nice, I used stainless steel stick on tile. Sold it now though. I like how budget conscous you are.
Looks good
In Arizona I had my ambulance classified as an rv just by putting burners in and a bed
Wow finally a channel that gives you good information without music in the background. New subscriber here and I’m glad I found your channel. Can’t wait to start watching all year build videos.
I haven’t finished watching it yet but as soon as I saw your paneling I thought it looked like paddle boards or surfboards. Since you’re an outdoorsy kind of guy you can use that to explain your choice!😂
I appreciate your educating us. This helps should I decide to invest in something like this. You gave us great information to run with. Thank you. I am sorry there are people out there that need to blow off steam. You did not deserve that. You handle yourself well. ❤
Great information. I guess I will find out later you must have gotten the side door from Morgan?
i got the door from lippert
It was a box truck but you turned it into a box van. In a truck, even a pick-em-up truck, you can't walk from the cab or driver's seat to the back or the box or bed of the pick-em-up truck. In a van you can get up from the driver's seat and walk all the way to the back of the van and open the back doors and walk out. By taking out the wall and making a pass through, your turned your box truck into a box van
Great video. Loved it!
Love this guy
woah cool bus. i like the purple! 🐱
I realize I'm just hearing you for the first time through, but now that you've lived with this for a little while do embers from your wood stove damaging your solar panels?
i got a spark arresting rain cap for the chimney. i'll show that in the video the saturday after next
I think you are doing a great job ,but I would recommend you loose the wood burner that's not a good idea !
this video is why i'm buying this van. i have been contemplating it for so long now, and you just reassured all of my questions and worries. See you on the other side, bro
hope it works out for you!
You might want to try eating a small red apple everyday until you feel better. Then after you feel better, eat a couple of the same apples every week. Every 3 or 4 days, eat an apple. You'll notice the difference.
i heard that keeps the doctor away 🐱
@vanlifemeow It can keep the doctor away but a person can get burned out on apples. Two apples every week is good preventative maintenance, small ones. They don't have to be large. A person can get to a point in time where everything you do, working a little, a lot, or not at all will make you tired and you will not feel good. It just happens sometimes. Thought I'd share that with you, remind you of that one.
i feel that
I've been looking at these as well, 4.8 ls style engine, about 280hp, not sure if they used the 4l60 or 4l80, but if it's the former it will grenade at some point and it won't get you back home, so maybe look for one with records that show the trans being rebuilt or replaced. I haven't seen anyone upgrade to some nice alloy factory take offs from a truck but that would totally change the look. If you are short you can create a false ceiling for the back door to go up into so that you can lock down everything and keep the box truck stealth look, if you are taller than say 5'8 then there's not enough height.
i'm 5'9" mine has a 6l90e. the 2500-3500s have that after like 2010, before that it was the 4l80e. uhaul's website shows service records and some of them do have recent transmission replacements. mine doesn't. i'm going to hit the road with like 3500 bucks just for that whenever it happens.
@vanlifemeow 6L90 is sweet to have, I wonder if doing a 4wd swap is any easier than the Fords. I've looked into those and the kits are a berserk level of expensive.