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Laura Collins
Приєднався 4 чер 2022
Hey there, I’m Laura! I recently purchased a Nissan NV2500 van to convert and I'm documenting my progress every step of the way. I love anything and everything outdoors and will be spending a lot of time at my family property in West Virginia doing all of the things I love; hiking, shooting, camping, etc. I created this page to have a place where I can be free to be authentically myself. This is my second UA-cam channel as I am a hairstylist and have a haircare blog. I hope you enjoy my videos as much as I enjoy creating them!
Tour The Old Abandoned House Before We Tear It Down (Bonus Log Barn Tour)
In this video I give you a tour of the old house and barn on our 72 acre property in West Virginia. We have plans to tear this old house down and rebuild a new one that we can utilize when we come over to the property. We are going to keep the old barn because it is still standing strong and is beautifully built with large old logs. Do you think this log barn was once a house, or was it made as a barn?
IG: laurakcollinss
If you’re interested in haircare content, check out my other channel at: www.youtube.com/@haveagoodhairday
#abandonedhouse #logcabin #acquiringland #westvirginia #abandoned #logbarn #history
IG: laurakcollinss
If you’re interested in haircare content, check out my other channel at: www.youtube.com/@haveagoodhairday
#abandonedhouse #logcabin #acquiringland #westvirginia #abandoned #logbarn #history
Переглядів: 781
Відео
Tour Our 72 Acre Property In West Virginia (There's A Graveyard!)
Переглядів 24414 днів тому
In this video I give you a tour of our 72 acre property in West Virginia. This property is the reason why we bought the van to begin with, so we had somewhere to stay when we came here as well as something to travel in. The property features an old house and barn, several hay fields, a pond, old foundation stones from the original house, as well as the graves from the original owners. IG: insta...
Building The Side Step For My Van (The Floor Is Officially Finished!)
Переглядів 42221 день тому
Building The Side Step For My Van (The Floor Is Officially Finished!) In this video my dad, boyfriend Arlan, and I customized the side step for the back of my van. This was extremely detailed and I am thrilled with how great it came out. We ran into a number of issues, but as always my dad knew what to do to find a solution. My floor is officially finished, and I couldn’t be happier with my cho...
Installing Aluminum Trim To The Floor In My Conversion Van
Переглядів 341Місяць тому
In this video my dad, boyfriend Arlan, and I customized aluminum trim to fit the flooring in my Nissan NV conversion van. We bought the aluminum from a metal superstore and custom made the dimensions to fit different areas of the van. Building Box Covers For The Wheel Wells: ua-cam.com/video/czS8dyWNsaQ/v-deo.html Metal Supermarket: www.metalsupermarkets.com/ Since I’m sharing the products that...
Building Box Covers For The Wheel Wells (Nissan NV Conversion Van)
Переглядів 1 тис.Місяць тому
In this video I build boxes to cover the wheel wells to clean up the garage of the van as well as create some organizational space in the back. This video was filmed simultaneously with my next 2 videos where I finish the trim of the van and build the side step, so stay tuned because those are coming up next! Since I’m sharing the products that I love to use with you guys, this page includes af...
Installing Polyvinyl (Rubber-Like) Flooring In My Conversion Van
Переглядів 1,2 тис.2 місяці тому
In this video I get one step closer to having my flooring completely finished. I begin by taking the sub flooring out and treating all of the wood in the van with a polyurethane sealant to protect the wood from moisture. After I reinstall the sub floor, I begin the vinyl flooring application process. This was very difficult to do and required a bit of prep work. The vinyl should be heated up be...
My Electrical Set Up (4Patriots Vs. Bluetti Power Box)
Переглядів 1,9 тис.3 місяці тому
In this video I talk about what I’m currently using in my van for my electrical system. Since I’m far from an electrician, I ended up choosing the power box method of powering my van rather than wiring it all myself and using a fuse box and inverter. Eventually I may end up switching over, but this is working well for now. My next upgrade to the electrical system will be purchasing solar panels...
Building A Bed Frame In My Nissan NV (Full Size Mattress)
Переглядів 3,6 тис.3 місяці тому
In this video my dad and I built the bed frame and fit the mattress for my conversion van. I purchased everything off of Amazon for this bed and everything is linked below. My dad did end up adding a few more wood slats than what came with the slats I’ve linked below. I’m out adventuring right now, and plan on giving updates on what’s working for me as well as what isn’t! Thanks for following m...
Maxx Air Fan Install (& 12Volt Conversion To Power Box)
Переглядів 3,5 тис.4 місяці тому
In this video I install my Maxx Air Fan AND convert the wiring to 12 volt so I can plug it into my power box. I was definitely terrified to do this since I have absolutely no experience and I was cutting such a large hole in the van. I also couldn’t find a ton of content on how to wire this fan to a power box, so I wanted to include that in my install video. I hope this was helpful! Affiliate l...
Building The Subfloor In My Nissan NV2500
Переглядів 3,7 тис.4 місяці тому
In this video I build the subfloor for my van with some help from my dad! I am extremely grateful for his help and expertise with woodworking because I couldn’t have done this without him. We first built the framing out of one piece of wood, insulated it, and then topped it with plywood. If you have any questions for my dad or I on anything that we did here, leave them in the comments! IG: inst...
Van Build Step 2: Patching Holes & Treating For Rust
Переглядів 9195 місяців тому
After removing all of the old equipment from the van, it was time to patch the holes in the floor and treat the interior scratches for rust. I was lucky because there really wasn’t any rust at all, just some exposed metal. So I sanded over the previous scratches and began the rust treatment process. Along the way, I became slightly concerned that some of the bolts I removed were needed for stru...
Day 1: Intro To My Van Build (Nissan NV2500)
Переглядів 4,2 тис.5 місяців тому
Take a look at my latest project! I’m building this van into a camper and am documenting my progress for those interested. I don’t have any experience with van builds or building anything at all for that matter, but I will likely have some help from my dad for some of the woodworking. I would love to hear any recommendations you may have for me and I hope you enjoy watching my progress! IG: ins...
It's not an air conditioner it's a coal and wood burning stove from what I could see. If not it's a propane stove but I think wood burner. Probably worth around 800 to 1200 depending on how the firebox looks like inside.
Good to know! We’ll have to check if it’s propane or not
Very cool old place. We share the same last name. I am originally from Eastern Kentucky.
Awesome, nice to meet a fellow Collins!
@@laurakcollins likewise. I subbed your channel
Thanks!
The deer was a skinwalker
That’s what it felt like! Scared the 💩 out of me
I don't know if I missed this or not but....did you secure the Subfloor to the van or is it floating?
Good question! We did a floating floor because the access to the spare tire is under there and I may end up doing heated floors in the future so I didn’t want to make it permanent. It doesn’t move at all since it fits like a puzzle piece
@@laurakcollins Perfect! I was on the fence about a floating subfloor. Thank you!
Beautiful property, love knowing the history behind it. As a dad and a grandpa, please keep its exact location kinda secret if possible, sadly these are very troubling times we all live in. Born and raised here, always be cautious.
How I'd love to call such a huge property my own!! Congrats🥳 Unfortunately in Switzerland even in the cheapest areas an acre of land would cost upwards of a million USD😭
Thanks so much! Gosh owning even a fraction of an acre in Switzerland would be incredible!
Outstanding looking property.
Did you not use adhesive to bond the frame to the floor of the van, other than the bracket?
Nope! We wanted it removable. It fits like a puzzle piece. The access to the spare tire is under it and there are a few other reasons we decided to do it this way!
Daddy did a good job
Didn't say he didn't. However, I would use 2 layers of wood. Glued with construction glue. The final layer/finish layer, will NOT be any fake wood strips, etc., I will custom make the floor. Oh yeah, I stopped going to Home Depot after about the 3d trip there, and have shopped at Lowes since - and am pleased with Lowes.
You might also want to have a way to get into the boxes you put around the wheels, as that would give you some hidey spots!
That’s a great idea! I’m sure my dad could easily make a little secret door
We added insulation into all the walls we could. When cold outside, the metal conducts that cold really well into the van. I wish we had insulated the floor, as well.
I actually have insulation that I planned on sticking inside of these boxes, and of course I FORGOT to put it in there 🤪
We have this van we built into. You will LOVE this van. Best on the road!
Awesome!! So far, I do LOVE IT! I wasn’t expecting it to do so well on hills, but it really has some get-up to it!
@@laurakcollins Yes... this is the best van. Wish it was about 2 feet longer, but, she is a doer!!
I see all those nail blow outs.
Yeah like I said I chose the wrong material to use! We removed them when we glued the wood into the seams
This is awesome Laura!! I'm so following this build, just seeing this and this is exactly what I'm trying to do. Thanks!
Good morning Ms Laura. The build is coming along nicely and taking shape and looking good. My dear old granddad woulda been proud, measure twice, when in doubt thrice and then cut. I was glad to see you gluing the joints/seams as well. Definitely will make for much more durable and lasting joinery indeed. Good to see you are able to recruit some help as well. Always makes job go by better and much more enjoyably as well. Really enjoy your videos and the way you present yourself on on here. Thank you for being such a joy to watch. Take care, build on and see ya next time around👍🏻🙏🏼😃☺️
Thanks so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoy the content. I have a lot planned so stay tuned! 😄
You’re very welcome and I’m looking forward to seeing the progression thru, really like that your vehicle choice. No matter how exactly the van builds go, all basically the same I think. Nice yes, but generally alike in form and function. Yours on the other hand is intriguing to me. Take care, have a good day and see you on your next video👍🏻🙏🏻😃😊
This was perfect. I am installing my fan this weekend and I don't have the electrical done, so I am going to do the same thing with my power box and was wondering if it would work. Now I know! Thank you!
That ladder rack is over $2000 new. Ask me how I know.
Dad is a blessing.
She needs to figure out the dead center of the van ceiling and surprise surprise, it’s right just the middle of the center groove of the vans ceiling. Who’d have thought.
I measured to be safe! I was cutting a massive hole in the ceiling, it doesn’t hurt to measure the entirety of the van ceiling to be sure 🙂
@@laurakcollins you know what, ur absolutely correct and you are light years ahead of me, it was an ashole comment I’m sorry! If I’m lucky my build will get closer to yours.
just a bought a nv2500 2012 with 106k miles on it for $3400 its the cargo high top version with the v6 but i still think i got an excellent deal. I am going to convert it but what I want to do is create a Van conversion that can be easily removed or installed. For instance, think of the back of this van like a Drawer and the drawer will slide in and out freely and be able to be removed completely in i want to use the van for something else.
Congrats on your van! Making it removable is a great idea. That’s why I didn’t seal the flooring to the ground. You may need to access the bolts from the inside floor to remove the spare tire so removable is necessary!
@@laurakcollins thank you! theres a video on youtube called: My Old - Tricked out van with slide out tool storage by Dettmore101 that basically has the idea solidified.
You shouldn’t put the knife with the gun. Should pick a separate spot. Back or front pocket. Just in case
This was just for the video to show what all I can put in here. I don’t carry 2 magazines either!
Nice work mom!
Nice ♥️ I’d go with this floor too!
Builds coming along nicely. Really like your choice of flooring, Should be low maintenance, easy to clean and durable. Be careful traveling and see ya on your next video 😊
Thanks so much!
You’re most welcome😃
Really helpful vid, thank you! Your dad has amazing skills!
To each is own. My high top van supposedly has 7 foot headroom, inside. So I don't worry about headspace. But definitely will not do the floor as you did.
What other way is there even?? No framing or insulation?!
try the last 100 miles. not like that AT ALL. steep, craggy, slick, and mean.
So no monsters or weird sounds just a good time....okok 😅
Bahaha no not at all! I think those stories were made long ago to try to keep people away from it.
I live in Florida and in my research your floor will always be colder than the rest of the van so I installed my plywood directly to the floor. Me being 6’3” my head really appreciated that. Plus I was really attentive to how I insulated and did the wood ceiling giving be great insulation while giving the me the most head room possible.
4 Patriots is taking advantage of their “customers”. They are pure junk.
I have the Bluetti Ac200MAX and I use it for power outages or running AC too cool down my living room for my frenchies.
I use a Bluetti AC200Max (similar but older model) in my 27' boat, and I have the wall charger and a big folding solar panel, but I can 100% recommend that you look into a DC-DC charger for your van.... It's essentially a "fast charger" for your Bluetti that runs off the alternator while you're driving around (up to five times faster than the 12v cigarette lighter cable they give you). I got a Pecron 500w one from this video ua-cam.com/video/NqnYaqMwktE/v-deo.html but there are other brands. No more hauling it in and out of the boat for charging is AWESOME!
I have heard of this but didn’t know exactly how it worked. Thanks! 👍🏻
Why not use the back door ? When undoing to the shelfs ?
👍dads
Yeah 4Patriots gives me big scammy vibes
Bluetti isn’t bad at all. I have an EcoFlow Delta Pro, Anker F1500 and a 521 for backup power. The “powered box”/solar generators are a great all in one option. 4Patriots products are dumpster juice.
I think the wrap is cute! I would’ve kept one shelf for storage
Get panels. Cigarette charging would take you 20 hours from 0 to full. Also pecron would give you more power for cheaper. You can use more solar with pecron
I want to do an NV, but single bed north/south. I think that would l3ave more room, but I haven't done any measurements.
I was going to do a north/south first but ultimately changed my mind once I started measuring and laying out the van. I felt like I was wasting space in the center/back of the van where there’d be a long isle. If you do choose that option look into a Murphy bed that folds into the wall!
@@laurakcollins Your dad is awesome!!
Totally confusing for me too, no matter how much I read about it....
Why a Nissan and not the Promaster or Transit?
Nissan is super reliable and the Promasters are not! I also got a smoking deal on this that I could not pass up!
@@laurakcollins so many mixed opinions... I'm still driving a 2012 Nissan Murano. Smoking deals are always always a bonus. So far so good Laura, I don't get all the technical stuff either, without alotta effort.. I've watched too many builds now and it really comes down to knowing your priorities.... Amazing what choices young people have now. Seniors like myself too but it sure is nice to have started out young even if the eventuality is a home base as well which Ii think makes a big difference. 👍🇨🇦
What guy is not going to help a tiny blonde.... lucky!
If you ever decide to install a hard electrical system in your van, let me recommend that you take a look at this video from Explorist Life. . . ua-cam.com/video/E5q7_4FH4LQ/v-deo.html. The guy knows his stuff and can make it real simple to understand what is going on. Another guy you might look into for electrical help is Will Prouse . . . www.youtube.com/@WillProwse
I greatly appreciate this! I definitely will be doing that in the future so I will save this. Thank you 🙏🏻
Max Air fans are woke.
Lol how
@@laurakcollins The white wire is the negative.
Your dad is the man! Subbed
Dad is a resourceful guy. Soak up all you can from his years of experience. Just subbed. We're about to start a build on a Promaster. Looking forward to watching your journey 👍
He really is! I love that I’m able to film his help with this project. Thanks for the sub and good luck on your pro master!
Nice job. We are just about to do the same thing on a Promaster
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing what else you do.
Honestly this is one of the best step-by-step demos that I’ve seen. Thank you for being SO detailed!
Of course!! So glad it was helpful!
random af but I could not help but to notice the ADTR tattoo, heckyeah! lol
this is clean! have been considering doing this on my first gen nissan xterra but still unsure where to start lol
Getting started is the hardest part!!