Life of Lenja
Life of Lenja
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This is what I pack for fulltime vanlife + bad news...
I just finished the second van build phase and I'm moving in again. I thought it might be interesting to see what I'm packing so I'm bringing you along! I also jump forward in time and give a little life update about what happened in the meantime. And there is bad news...
-------------------------- Credits -----------------------------
Music by Jason Shaw
Intro song by Silent Partner
-------------------------- About -----------------------------
I've been living in my 1979 Mercedes-Benz James Cook Campervan for two years now. I loved that van, but it was itching me to do my own conversion; alone and without any experience. I sold my old van and started my very own van conversion!
In this Van Build Series, I will take you along my journey of building my own home on wheels. I will do everything from insulation, cladding, and furniture to the water and electric system. And all that while I'm learning how to do these things on the way. I will go through many hours of work, frustrating moments, and defeats in order to achieve the experience of creating things with my own hands. I hope you're enjoying this series and maybe you can even learn something from my ideas & mistakes. - Lenja
#vanbuild #movein #ruinedplans
Переглядів: 8 243

Відео

FIXING more of my MISTAKES | Van Build #29
Переглядів 4,9 тис.3 роки тому
The door panels were a fail in almost every way; The cladding didn't stick to the doors, the carpet became loose, ugly, and moldy, and I never finished the window frames... But I, again, learned from my mistakes and now I'm fixing all of these by basically completely redoing the side door and the two back doors. What I used in this episode: *Tools* Electric screwdriver Spatula Paint Roller Chop...
OVERHEAD CABINETS 2.0 I learned from my mistakes | Van Build #28
Переглядів 6 тис.3 роки тому
Last time I ripped out my old overhead cabinets so now I'm trying to rebuild them. They are going to be roughly the same size but BETTER! No fiddly and complicated frames, single and solid but lightweight doors, and some beautiful trim pieces to make them feel, work and look better! I'm also adding a little decorative but functional shelf between the two cabinets and a railing to hold stuff in ...
TEARING DOWN my cabinets! Mistakes were made... | Van Build #27
Переглядів 6 тис.3 роки тому
In this episode, I work on a lot of different things. I start by adding some sort of protective wall to keep the bedding from falling onto my wood stove. I then disassemble the overhead cabinets that I had built before. They were not very well constructed and I need to access areas behind and around them. I then continue by carpeting the back of the van with a new and better car carpet and fina...
Will it BURN? Installing my WOOD STOVE | Van Build #26
Переглядів 13 тис.3 роки тому
In the last episode, I prepared the space around where the wood stove is going to go. Now it's time to actually install the stove itself! But that includes a scary operation where I have to, somehow, get a hole into the ceiling cladding, insulation, metal of the van, and roof rack. It also has to be big enough so that it provides enough clearing for the stove pipe. Not only does this task turn ...
FIRE-PROOFING my van | Van Build #25
Переглядів 5 тис.4 роки тому
After living in the van just ANOTHER winter without a heating system, I am finally tackeling the installation of the wood stove I already got a few months before. But before I can install the stove, I need to prepare the area around it so that my van isn't going to catch on fire! THIS VIDEO WAS EDITED BY MY POTENTIAL FUTURE EDITOR JOHANNES! Let me know what you think in the comments! And show h...
LENJA IS BACK!!!
Переглядів 3,5 тис.4 роки тому
Hey everyone, I'm back from my hiatus! In this video, I'm going to share what's coming up on my channel! It's also a little sneak peek of the finished van and what my videos are going to be like after the build series is complete! I look forward to what's coming and I hope you are too! Let me know if you like the plan and what things you're gonna want to see! Thanks and see you on Sunday! music...
VAN BUILD REGRETS? WHAT'S NEXT? I'm taking a break. | Q&A #02
Переглядів 4,3 тис.4 роки тому
I asked you to give me your questions and as a 5000 subscriber special, I am going to answer them! Thank you sososo much again for everyone that has subscribed and watched and commented on my videos! Okay, here are the timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:36 When did I finish my van? Explaining the timeline. 03:36 Travel plans for this year? 04:49 Top 5 van destinations? 08:35 Slow or quick travel? 09:27...
MY LAST DAY and I'm not done. Can I finish it? | Van Build #24
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
It's my last two days of building the van and I'm running out of time. I can only stay at my aunt's and uncle's place for the summer and now I need to move in. But there is still A LOT to do. So what can I do? Focus on the functional parts (and not so functional, but the ones that make the space livable). Will I be able to make it? What I used this episode: *Tools* Chop saw Table saw Jigsaw San...
I need your help again
Переглядів 3,9 тис.4 роки тому
My channel has reached 5000 subscribers!!! This is a little welcome to all new faces here and a HUGE thank you to all of the new and old supporters! Let's celebrate with a Q&A session! Make sure to leave your questions in the comments and like the ones you want to be answered. I'm super excited to read the questions! #5K
Cheap but effective DIY COMPOSTING TOILET | Van Build #23
Переглядів 28 тис.4 роки тому
Here comes the DIY composting toilet tutorial and for once I actually know what I'm doing! I built a very similar toilet for my old van and I was super happy with it. My new van needs to have one too, so here I go! It is actually super easy and cheap to build (especially compared to the commercial composting toilets), and a great lightweight, eco-friendly, water-saving, and easy to take care of...
Easy DRAWERS for ANY van conversion | Van Build #22
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode, I show you how I built my drawers. They were much easier to build than I thought and I was able to use my leftover reclaimed wood for them! I also talk about my drawer tracks and how I used them to install my drawers. Those were just the opposite; much harder to install and a lot more expensive than I thought! But it wasn't really the tracks that made them hard to install... Wh...
FOSSIL FUEL FREE COOKING in a van! (+ easy install) | Van Build #21
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
In this episode, I talk about my stove, why I chose this model, and how I will install it. It's an alcohol stove and it has many benefits; it's easy to use, it doesn't need gas lines and it runs on non-fossile fule. After talking about the stove, I show you how I build the drawer that I then install the stove into. What I used this episode: *Tools* Table saw Chop saw Electric screwdriver Pocket...
How I built my OVERHEAD CABINETS for my van | Van Build #20
Переглядів 10 тис.4 роки тому
I'm showing you how I built my overhead storage. I start with building a storage space over the driver's cab and then move on to building the overhead cabinets over the kitchen and bed. Making blueprints out of cardboard proved to be essential in these tasks. The cabinets were a little bit more difficult then they could have been because I wanted to build them in the same style I used for the r...
Recycled foam for my VAN BED matress | Van Build #19
Переглядів 13 тис.4 роки тому
I'm finishing my bed! It's only a few little steps to complete the bed, including building the slatted frame, installing a big trim piece and cutting the foam for my matress. I'm also installing some minor little details that make the van look really nice and somewhat polished for the first time... What I used this episode: *Tools* Scissors Electric screwdriver Insulation knife *Materials* IKEA...
Super simple RUNNING WATER for your van | Van Build #18
Переглядів 117 тис.4 роки тому
Super simple RUNNING WATER for your van | Van Build #18
Dark wood finish for my CEILING CLADDING | Van Build #17
Переглядів 10 тис.4 роки тому
Dark wood finish for my CEILING CLADDING | Van Build #17
CEILING CLADDING with NO HEIGHT LOSS? | Van Build #16
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
CEILING CLADDING with NO HEIGHT LOSS? | Van Build #16
Quick and easy SLIDE-OUT TABLE for your van conversion | Van Build #15
Переглядів 36 тис.4 роки тому
Quick and easy SLIDE-OUT TABLE for your van conversion | Van Build #15
Building my van KITCHEN COUNTER | Van Build #14
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
Building my van KITCHEN COUNTER | Van Build #14
Detailed TOUR of my ELECTRIC SYSTEM! | Van Build #13
Переглядів 25 тис.4 роки тому
Detailed TOUR of my ELECTRIC SYSTEM! | Van Build #13
Why it takes SO LONG to do my electrics... | Van Build #12
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
Why it takes SO LONG to do my electrics... | Van Build #12
SPECIAL GUEST comes and helps! | Van Build #11
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
SPECIAL GUEST comes and helps! | Van Build #11
How do I get SOLAR WIRES THROUGH my VAN ROOF? | Van Build #10
Переглядів 24 тис.4 роки тому
How do I get SOLAR WIRES THROUGH my VAN ROOF? | Van Build #10
I'm FINALLY building FURNITURE! | Van Build #09
Переглядів 18 тис.4 роки тому
I'm FINALLY building FURNITURE! | Van Build #09
Was GLUING MY CLADDING a big mistake? | Van Build #08
Переглядів 16 тис.4 роки тому
Was GLUING MY CLADDING a big mistake? | Van Build #08
Installing WOOD CLADDING on my van walls | Van Build #07
Переглядів 12 тис.4 роки тому
Installing WOOD CLADDING on my van walls | Van Build #07
TRAVEL PLANS for after the VAN BUILD? | Q&A #01
Переглядів 3,3 тис.4 роки тому
TRAVEL PLANS for after the VAN BUILD? | Q&A #01
1K SUBS!!! I need your questions!
Переглядів 1,1 тис.4 роки тому
1K SUBS!!! I need your questions!
Building a HUGE ROOF DECK on my van | Van Build #06
Переглядів 29 тис.4 роки тому
Building a HUGE ROOF DECK on my van | Van Build #06

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @VeronicaManjarrez-qu4xk
    @VeronicaManjarrez-qu4xk 2 дні тому

    Hi couls you please share the link of the water containers, as I can not fond them BAUPROFI

  • @rachelavil6598
    @rachelavil6598 Місяць тому

    I can't wait to get my van to try to convert it. I will be on my own building too. No experience. LOL But if I did my kitchen and livingroom remodel, I think I can do this.

  • @danielledegutz5800
    @danielledegutz5800 2 місяці тому

    i want to do exactly this in m short bus! How much electricity does the pump use? I dont have a proper electrical system set up so I was wondering if i could wire it to a little portable battery with a usb charger?

  • @nathanmciver6496
    @nathanmciver6496 3 місяці тому

    Love the upside-down metal

  • @fotokinolive8607
    @fotokinolive8607 4 місяці тому

    3 years gone. I was waitimg for You , where are You Lenja now ??

  • @simpleme5719
    @simpleme5719 4 місяці тому

    The white tube that drains your gray water, where did you get it?

  • @lifeonretreat
    @lifeonretreat 4 місяці тому

    Nice work chick, super helpful

  • @anitasantoro-xq5ow
    @anitasantoro-xq5ow 5 місяців тому

    Loved this video!

  • @MaxMcCalley
    @MaxMcCalley 5 місяців тому

    What faucet did you use??

  • @itsme.dajaaa896
    @itsme.dajaaa896 6 місяців тому

    I came to see the install on the pump and u didnt show it. Can you please show in detail?

  • @hilaireoloughlin
    @hilaireoloughlin 6 місяців тому

    Brilliant. Great job. Try to bend your flexible down pipe into an S shape. This would create a syphon and stop nasty smells coming up from your used water tank.

  • @chairfitcamp
    @chairfitcamp 7 місяців тому

    Excellent

  • @KevinFord-bo4fg
    @KevinFord-bo4fg 7 місяців тому

    How did you connect up the water pump? Sorry new to this but trying to work out what i need?

  • @darlenewillbrandt1628
    @darlenewillbrandt1628 8 місяців тому

    Good job ! I am converting a shuttle bus into my adventure before dementia bus. Plans are to explore national parks and other places in the lower 48 states.

  • @craftymulligar
    @craftymulligar 9 місяців тому

    I might use some type of bucket for a simple setup. They are selling a 1000 to 1500 water element ring at tractor supply. Plug it in to ecoflow for a little while to get some hot water. Then a pump will bring out hot water

  • @ElectroFriedRiggin
    @ElectroFriedRiggin 10 місяців тому

    I hope she's okay haven't seen a new video in 3 years

  • @rexlinville8606
    @rexlinville8606 10 місяців тому

    Wear safety glasses

  • @benjaminkeefer6883
    @benjaminkeefer6883 Рік тому

    Lenja, come back. We love your videos and want to support you!

  • @cldub2cw
    @cldub2cw Рік тому

    Good job

  • @alutious
    @alutious Рік тому

    eye protection!!! Even working with wood you need it. Especially if you are underneath it.

  • @almich-s1v
    @almich-s1v Рік тому

    Me and Ken really like the vid. GREAT WORK

  • @adam091080
    @adam091080 Рік тому

    a but you didn't show the wiring! ???? why not that's the bit I wonder about the most!

  • @timothythegreat6294
    @timothythegreat6294 Рік тому

    your amazing 😊🎉

  • @K1GBD
    @K1GBD Рік тому

    I just built a portable pump system using this pump for my overlanding rig but it came in VERY handy recently when we had a water main break at the house and didn’t have running water. I appreciate your expression of how really amazing it actually is that we “just have” water at our houses! When you DONT have it you really appreciate how amazing it is! And it makes it even that much more exciting to be able to recreate that even in a small way when you’re on the road! Great vid and I hope you’re travels continue to be rewarding!

  • @najibamoradi5601
    @najibamoradi5601 Рік тому

    How much it cost to get all the stuff like insulation and lamentation?

  • @southcoastghosts9775
    @southcoastghosts9775 Рік тому

    No room under the sink with that waste, why not go comet london tap and a submersible pump ?

  • @foxystravels
    @foxystravels Рік тому

    Nice vid. Thanks.

  • @stregaone4471
    @stregaone4471 Рік тому

    👍👍💖👍👍

  • @davidclark3147
    @davidclark3147 Рік тому

    That thing will drive you crazy You better carry about 20 gal if you eat a meal twice a day It stinks and there's a rubber pad you

  • @imightfixit
    @imightfixit Рік тому

    I'm curious, it's a diaphragm pump. Why is there a switch?-

  • @SaiPhet
    @SaiPhet Рік тому

    Wish I knew where to get those white pipping and fitting you’re using

  • @venomocheef1907
    @venomocheef1907 Рік тому

    Great video, I love your voice, I'm building a box truck home too, It's a stressful job😢but I have to do it

  • @photerm7320
    @photerm7320 Рік тому

    I'd be willing to step on the pump while you'd shower and wash dishes if I could find a lovely woman like you. Love how you have no limitation on what you are capable of learning and creating. 😅😮😊

  • @robertmazzella8121
    @robertmazzella8121 Рік тому

    Great job!!

  • @sacredtools.netclairvoyant1573

    Please be careful of sheets and blankets from your bed hitting that woodstove pipe! I can't tell how far away it is.

  • @ethelperry4529
    @ethelperry4529 Рік тому

    Perfect ‼️

  • @mkzshogun
    @mkzshogun Рік тому

    Just one question, where do I find a woman like you, so practical 😂😂😂😂

  • @coiorr8370
    @coiorr8370 Рік тому

    Thanks

  • @tyrelldwyer5368
    @tyrelldwyer5368 Рік тому

    I love the series of videos! So clear, so concise. Really inspiring Lenja! I'm glad I found you channel. Can't wait to convert my van really soon. I hope travelling is all well! Kind regards Tyrell :)

  • @jonnytacooutdoors
    @jonnytacooutdoors Рік тому

    Great video! Thank you. I have the same water pump and I’ll be doing this same kind of setup 🎉

  • @nilsroth4221
    @nilsroth4221 Рік тому

    Hey, nice video! Which glue did you used?

  • @gerlandkent6377
    @gerlandkent6377 Рік тому

  • @gerlandkent6377
    @gerlandkent6377 Рік тому

    nice, looking job / I wish that I could do the samething that you did to you're van / I, bought a 97, Dodge Ram 2500 conversion high top van / thank, you for you're video

  • @aswewonder8805
    @aswewonder8805 Рік тому

    Really enjoy your videos, but I just noticed you stopped making videos. That's too bad.

  • @pvdd1
    @pvdd1 Рік тому

    Hi Lenja Just discovered your build from a link from Mi-Heat when you installed the floor above. I have to say that of the many builds I have watched regarding the Radiant floor install you were the only one to show the install of the sensor. It may have taken you a few tries however, I would rather that you have to do it twice instead of me :-) We all make mistakes and I appreciate that you are willing to not only admit yours but go back and repeat your steps. I am ordering the Mi-Heat flooring from Germany for the build I am currently doing and can't wait to try them out. Looking forward to watching more of your videos and best of luck from Canada. Tom

  • @someoneelse7629
    @someoneelse7629 Рік тому

    My solution would have been to remove the inner burner and have the inspection done with a fixed one burner stove.... Alcohol stoves are great but slower then gasstoves, and you get some moisture in the van from burning alcohol. For anyone intrested, they are still used a lot in boats, and there is new ones to be found at boat supplyers.

  • @aquious953
    @aquious953 Рік тому

    I agree with other commenters about your cieling fittings. Should be a double walled and insulated pipe where it goes through the cieling, cut a much wider clearance through that upper wood deck and add another 2' of pipe on the roof.

  • @tinrat1742
    @tinrat1742 Рік тому

    come on , barefoot too!

  • @tinrat1742
    @tinrat1742 Рік тому

    cuts herself then says wear gloves, proceeds to hand and use drill and rip super sharp metal out with no gloves, wear gloves always sweetie

  • @tinrat1742
    @tinrat1742 Рік тому

    im from canada come visit cutie