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10 Beginner VAN BUILD TIPS to Get You Started | DIY Van Build Series
In this video, we share some beginner van build tips to help you get your DIY van conversion off to a smooth start. It’s a collection of tips we’ve picked up along the way, covering a range of topics that are helpful to know on van build day 1. In upcoming posts, we’ll delve into several of these topics in more depth.
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Telescoping washing pole and mitt: amzn.to/3lnSvlS
Facebook Van Build Groups:
Sprinter Group: groups/SprinterBuild
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▬ Disclaimer ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Please remember that this is our first van build (and our first van conversion window installation) and we're sharing our experience to provide a newbie's perspective. Please do your homework and conduct thorough research before starting your van build project.
That said, we are not professionals. The information provided on this UA-cam Channel is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of any information presented on this UA-cam Channel. Any action you take upon the information communicated is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of this UA-cam Channel.
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Переглядів: 5 302

Відео

Van Swivel Seat Install | Driver + Pax | Low-Profile | Alpine Mechanisms
Переглядів 7 тис.3 роки тому
In today's video we walk you through our Sprinter van swivel seat install. Why install swivel seats in our van? We want to get as much living space out of our van as possible and the best way we can think to do that is to maximize the seats we already have installed in our van. And for us, the Alpine Mechanism’s swivel base is an awesome option for Sprinter vans. There are several swivel seat o...
Easy, Turn-Key Sprinter Van Solar Install | Step-by-Step Guide | Van Build
Переглядів 28 тис.3 роки тому
Easy,Turn-Key Sprinter Van Solar Panel Installation How to Paint Solar Frames In our latest van build project, we install solar panels on our Sprinter roof (and paint our solar frames black). When combined with our roof tracks and mounting towers, it’s an affordable, quick, and easy turn-key solution to solar installation on a van. We provide an overview of our solar setup including our thought...
How to Install a Van Window | CR LAURENCE | Step-by-Step | Van Build Series
Переглядів 14 тис.3 роки тому
How to Install a Van Window | Step-By-Step Guide | CR Laurence | Van Build Series We walk step-by-step through our Sprinter van window installation for an OEM style window (CR Laurence Clamp Ring Style Window, in our case). Along the way we'll share some useful tips, which we hope will make your van window installation a little easier. Also, at the end of the video, we’ll discuss what we would ...
How to Install a MaxxFan | Van Build Series | Van Life
Переглядів 28 тис.3 роки тому
How to Install a MaxxFan | Van Build Series | Sprinter Conversion. This is the second installment in a 3-part series that covers everything we've installed on our Sprinter's roof. The other two videos cover our Roof Rail Installation and 525 Watt Solar Install that you can view here: Roof Rail Installation: ua-cam.com/video/wcpJbO S_I/v-deo.html 525 Watt Solar Install: ua-cam.com/video/jcOXnIoy...
How to Build a Floor in a Van + DIY Van Floor Insulation (Havelock Wool 🐑) | Van Build Series
Переглядів 78 тис.3 роки тому
How to Build a Floor in a Van DIY Van Floor Insulation (Havelock Wool)| Van Build Series. This week the van build gets real. We start our first major project on a beautiful day in Truckee, CA - the van subfloor build! With absolutely no carpentry skills, and after doing A LOT of research, we're quite happy with our result. The subfloor is rock solid and there’s no more “slip ‘n slide” action wh...
How to INSTALL ROOF RAILS on a Sprinter Van | BUDGET-FRIENDLY OEM Alternative
Переглядів 25 тис.3 роки тому
How to Install Roof Rails on a Sprinter Van | Budget-Friendly OEM Alternative This is the first installment in a 3-part series that covers everything we've installed on our Sprinter's roof. The other two videos cover MaxxFan installations and our 525 Watt Solar Install that you can view here: MaxxFan Installation: ua-cam.com/video/0ekQGe1IWxM/v-deo.html 525 Watt Solar Install: ua-cam.com/video/...
Sprinter Van Gas Engine vs Diesel ⛽ - Which is the BEST Sprinter for Your Van Build???
Переглядів 109 тис.4 роки тому
Without question, the Mercedes 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel is popular among van builders & 4WD has been the go-to for adventure van builds. But, aside from a handful of years where Mercedes offered a 4 cylinder diesel option, it’s also been the only choice for several years. This begs a question: Now that Mercedes offers a gas alternative, is the V6 diesel still the best choice for a Sprinter van build...
How to Apply Sound Deadening in a Van | Sprinter Van Conversion | Van Life
Переглядів 12 тис.4 роки тому
How to Apply Sound Deadening in a Van | Sprinter Van Conversion | Van Life It’s van build DAY 1 and we’re tackling our first project of many to come - applying sound deadening in our Sprinter van. To kick things off, we’re dipping our toe in the water by taking on what could possibly be the easiest project of our entire build. Our Goal is simple: MAKE OUR VAN QUIETER. In our latest vlog we shar...
Pre-Build Van Tour with Van Build Overview + Van Layout Requirements | Sprinter 170 | Van Life
Переглядів 5 тис.4 роки тому
Pre-build Van Tour with Van Build Overview Van Layout Requirements - Van Life. Since we purchased a new Mercedes Sprinter 170 to convert into our new van home, we've been working long hours on our van build layout. After we briefly discuss our van build requirements, we head out to the van to tape out the layout and give a pre-build van tour. We're very excited and eager to get underway! ▬ Soci...
EXCITING NEWS!! Our New TINY HOUSE on Wheels | VANLIFE
Переглядів 2,6 тис.4 роки тому
Exciting News! It's time to build our new tiny house on wheels | Vanlife. Right now, we thought we'd be somewhere in Siberia, driving our Land Cruiser Troopy east for Mongolia and the Stans. But like almost everyone, this year hasn't exactly gone as planned. With the coronavirus serving up an unexpected fork in the road, we now find ourselves back in the US on a very different sort of adventure...
A VW Syncro ☮, an Off-Road Adventure, & a Search for Cocaine Flats | Van Life
Переглядів 11 тис.4 роки тому
Van Life - 4 friends, a 31-year-old VW Syncro, and an Off-Road Adventure to Cocaine Flats. Ever since friends invited us over to their VW Westfalia Syncro for sundowners at an overland expo 11 years ago, we've been fascinated by this van. So when our friends Christian and Persephone invited us to join them in their newly renovated VW Syncro for a mini overland trip into the Nevada Desert, it wa...
Quarantine Day in the Life | From Global Travel to Backyard Adventure 🚲
Переглядів 4644 роки тому
Quarantine Day in Life: From Global Travel to Backyard Adventure. Since our last vlog, we left our tiny cabin in the woods near Yosemite to spend the summer at a friend's house in Truckee, California - only 10 miles from Lake Tahoe. After our motorcycle trip to Alaska ended in 2016, we stayed in Truckee and instantly fell in love. A beautiful mountain town, it's the perfect place to self-isolat...
Van Life Interrupted | From Life on the Road to a Tiny Cabin in the Woods
Переглядів 5584 роки тому
Van Life Interrupted. From Life on the Road to a tiny cabin in the woods. Two weeks ago we were living life on the road as we traveled across South America in our Land Cruiser, Maggie. Then the coronavirus forced us to abandon van life and retreat to the U.S. Now we find ourselves quarantined in a tiny cabin in the woods outside Yosemite National Park facing an uncertain future. In our latest v...
Van Life South America During a Pandemic 😷| Ride it Out in Argentina or Evacuate?
Переглядів 1,1 тис.4 роки тому
Van Life South America During a Pandemic: Ride it Out in Argentina or Evacuate? Heading north for Bolivia, we're faced with the Coronavirus' rapid advance into South America. Episode 3 covers a stressful week where we're forced to make a difficult choice. With borders closing, quarantine's going into effect, and flights being canceled, we can either try to ride out the pandemic in Argentina or ...
Overlanding Argentina | Beauty, Boulders 🚧, & Bushcamps on Ruta 40
Переглядів 2,7 тис.4 роки тому
Overlanding Argentina | Beauty, Boulders 🚧, & Bushcamps on Ruta 40
After 24 Years of Travel 🌍, We're FINALLY starting a Vlog!
Переглядів 3,6 тис.4 роки тому
After 24 Years of Travel 🌍, We're FINALLY starting a Vlog!

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @MrStroller4u
    @MrStroller4u 6 днів тому

    Why not just use a drill bit to the right size and drill the factory plastic plug? And use PPG PS870 sealant.

  • @nemethygroup
    @nemethygroup 13 днів тому

    Which brand of window did you use for the side of your sprinter?

  • @TheAllSeeingAye
    @TheAllSeeingAye Місяць тому

    Vermont Natural Coatings said "We would not recommend using ANY product that contains any mold/mildewcide. This product is not designed to have anything else coated over the top of it. This product allows the wood to naturally grey/age, while also protecting it from water damage." What are your thoughts on this, would you still use the Caliwel on top of it?

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 Місяць тому

      @@TheAllSeeingAye that's interesting. They didn't tell me this when I inquired about using both. It's worked fine for us, but I would just go with their current advice.

  • @ezekielbreedlove7698
    @ezekielbreedlove7698 2 місяці тому

    Diesel fuel is artificially higher in the US; other countries still have it lower than gasoline. Diesel goes further before a breakdown. Diesel gets way better MPGs. In cold places diesel will stay liquid while gasoline gells up. Diesel converts to propane much easier than gasoline.

  • @ezekielbreedlove7698
    @ezekielbreedlove7698 2 місяці тому

    That lots of extra stuff you can carry in a two wheel drive translates to that much more stuff to unpack, drain, and dismantle when you get hopelessly stuck in the middle of nowhere!

  • @paulcabeen2307
    @paulcabeen2307 2 місяці тому

    Also to mention that when you are doing the PAN AMERICAN highway gas is better, due to the inability to get ULTRA LOW DIESEL IN central and South American

  • @javabean215
    @javabean215 2 місяці тому

    In your cost breakdown you specified how much cheaper 87 octane is compared to diesel. However, I believe Mercedes recommends 91 octane for the turbo 2 liter gasser. I have a 2017 Sprinter 2500 144" with the 3 liter diesel and wouldn't consider anything else *for my needs* (<important caveat because MY needs aren't the same as everyone else's....bless free enterprise and options!!). However, I've been working on Euro diesels since before Dieselgate was a twinkle in Piech's eye, so doing my own maintenance and sourcing parts from other than the expensive 3-pointed star dealers are a non-issue for me. Otherwise I agree with everything you said, except the Santa Cruz. I'm a Pivot fanboy. ;) (Don't forget how much interior space you give up if you DO go with the 3500 with dual wheels!)

  • @RagnarokGenesis00
    @RagnarokGenesis00 3 місяці тому

    would the sprinter frame hold weight if say we added rail frames, the perpendicular rails to hold solar panels as well as rails that extend past the width of the sprinter for a hammock/ drying clothes

  • @wayne8268
    @wayne8268 3 місяці тому

    both junk, go transit

  • @sandybeebee6511
    @sandybeebee6511 3 місяці тому

    So what's the van lookin like nowadays?

  • @cynthiagarcia3582
    @cynthiagarcia3582 3 місяці тому

    Did u drill in the extra holes in the roof at the ends?

  • @jrochoa161
    @jrochoa161 4 місяці тому

    I understand for converting to van 4 cylinder in btter deal but what bout working van with 1 to 3 pallets of product ? What your opinion ?

  • @MrAustin602
    @MrAustin602 4 місяці тому

    Why does the largest benefit to a diesel get completely ignored. Diesels go well over the life expectancy than a gas engine. Is this fact? I regularly see 400k on frisked, never gas engines.

  • @totorishop
    @totorishop 4 місяці тому

    Thank you!! For this video

  • @jennyroth6583
    @jennyroth6583 4 місяці тому

    Where did you guys disappear too?

  • @tedjob21
    @tedjob21 4 місяці тому

    Why don't they make a straight/inline 6cyl diesel?

  • @chax2004
    @chax2004 5 місяців тому

    Please give us an update.😊

  • @TheBostonVan
    @TheBostonVan 5 місяців тому

    Don’t even have to watch the video . The obvious choice is diesel.

  • @vinceocratic
    @vinceocratic 6 місяців тому

    There’s a lot of garbage on the net but I have to say you guys crushed it with the instructional.

    • @vinceocratic
      @vinceocratic 6 місяців тому

      What brand and type of fasteners did you use to secure the subfloor plywood to the furring strips?

  • @wetwaterfish
    @wetwaterfish 6 місяців тому

    Hi. Would it be possible to send me a picture of how the burglar bars worked for your Troopy's sliding windows. I want something I can take off easily

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      Hi. We unfortunately don't have a photo of them and no longer own the truck as we just sold it.

  • @robinhoodloom5795
    @robinhoodloom5795 6 місяців тому

    I was about to not watch this, cus for the Apocalypse, u Need a Veggie Diesel. But, the Interior Build, interested me

  • @tomhocutt2013
    @tomhocutt2013 7 місяців тому

    Awesome. Can a lift gate be put in? I’m looking to possibly get one of these to haul products for a vending business

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      I'm not sure. You can contact a dealer to ask.

  • @mjhawkes1ifly
    @mjhawkes1ifly 7 місяців тому

    How far apart did you place your maxfans? I am trying to determine where to place the fans

  • @StarK-9Training
    @StarK-9Training 8 місяців тому

    What type of Birch plywood did you use? The link didn’t work for me.

  • @user-go6cj3zw9m
    @user-go6cj3zw9m 8 місяців тому

    Regarding gas mileage, did you do a comparison between actual calculated gas mileage vs the vehicle's computer generated values? I have never seen a vehicle accurately provide a gas mileage value, as they are always optimistic in my experience.

  • @harryridley2714
    @harryridley2714 9 місяців тому

    Hi from Australia guys I’m currently debating selling the 1hdt 80 series and buying over here in Oz a hzj78, which has the 1hz naturally aspirated motor , how did you guys feel when you went from the 80 to the stock 1hz for touring and highway cruising , any info would be fantastic, hope your both well .

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      Ha, well, it's noticeably slower. The 1HZ engine is a great, reliable engine but slower than the 80 turbo charged engine. It was fine for us, but something to consider for your use case.

  • @doityourselfvan
    @doityourselfvan 9 місяців тому

    Butyl based noise control products are not the healthiest substance. You don't need heavy stick on noise control if using 3M Thinsulate. Wool contains residual pesticides from treating sheep for lice.

  • @TKO-wu2uw
    @TKO-wu2uw 9 місяців тому

    This might be stating the obvious but why did you not space the furring strips the exact width of the insulation wool?

  • @XPRoller
    @XPRoller 10 місяців тому

    How many miles have you covered? Is the tower still solid?😊

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      We're at 60k miles and the tower is very solid!

  • @wildtodd
    @wildtodd 10 місяців тому

    Hey guys! Excellent video, very helpful for my build I'm starting now! Not sure if I missed it in the video, but did you do any additional flooring on top of the sub floor? Like wood planks or vinyl? Also, are there any non-toxic or natural glues that you would recommend?

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      We put down lonseal flooring. Unfortunately I couldn't find non toxic glue, but lonseal makes a strong double sided tape which I believe is much less toxic than glue

  • @wjess3569
    @wjess3569 10 місяців тому

    Why series wiring vs parallel? I see the question was asked a couple of times. In series isn't the voltage accumulative? Three panels would be 36v? Hoping you can help here.. Thanks.. I'm a subscriber now. :)

    • @Johnthreesixteen00
      @Johnthreesixteen00 19 днів тому

      Series When solar panels are wired in series, the positive terminal of one panel is connected to the negative terminal of another. This increases the voltage of the system and is suitable for high-voltage applications. However, series connections are sensitive to shading and produce optimal output at the beginning and end of the day. Series connections also require less equipment and use smaller gauge wire, which can be less expensive.     Parallel When solar panels are wired in parallel, the positive terminal of one panel is connected to the positive terminal of another panel, and the negative terminal of one panel is connected to the negative terminal of another panel. This increases the amperage of the system and is better suited for mixed-light conditions and low voltage systems that can handle higher current. Parallel connections also provide better shading tolerance and allow for the use of smaller, more cost-effective wires and equipment.      In some cases, a combination of both series and parallel connections may be used to optimize performance. For example, you can connect two panels in series to add together their voltages, and then put those two series strings in parallel to double the current.  

  • @fredzuccarelli
    @fredzuccarelli 11 місяців тому

    Binge watching ALL of your informative videos. Waiting to see you add a motorcycle hitch to your van so you can take along a bike!!! 😁😁😁😁

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      Ha, we might start carrying motos inside the van!

  • @fredzuccarelli
    @fredzuccarelli 11 місяців тому

    As a motorcycle enthusiast I'd love to hear your thoughts on the different engines knowing that my future van will either hitch-carry my bmw gs......or load it directly into the rear of my sprinter 170. I'm retiring this year and will have a van built to travel North America!!! One of my motorcycles will always accompany me....either my bmw gs....or my triumph speed twin. What are your thoughts if you were in my shoes? Diesel? Gas? Love your channel....will continue binge watching your stuff later today!!!! Subscribed to follow along on your adventures!!!!

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      Congrats on retiring! Sounds like you have fun plans ahead! We've driven ours 60k miles and get 20mpg. We've loaded it up with lots of stuff and are very happy with the engine performance. No problems at all (touch wood!) I'd still go with the gas. We'll actually start carrying motos in the van soon!

  • @orlandoavillegas
    @orlandoavillegas 11 місяців тому

    Hello. Thanks for videos. I want to install an awning and some solar panels on my sprinter 4500. What kind of crossbars do you have? Thanks

  • @deirdre444
    @deirdre444 11 місяців тому

    By far the most precise and detailed MaxxAir fan installation video I've seen yet. I LOVE the way you made the wooden frame. I've never seen it done that way before. I will be copying your technique.

    • @deirdre444
      @deirdre444 9 місяців тому

      I just recently saw a video in which the installing couple used white, paint-on Flexseal instead of Dicor lap sealant for the same reason, for a finer, nicer outcome avoiding the melted ice cream look of lap sealant. Yours looks very nice just the way it is (with the 3M product). I think using only butyl tape invites problems later on; butyl tape cracks over time. Again, nice job.

  • @daveolson1092
    @daveolson1092 11 місяців тому

    To grind the metal edges you could use a die grinder, air powered they cost about $70 CAD. They run at 25,000 rpm and can trim a window in about 3 minutes. Once again you need that darn compressor.

  • @1980vinnieg
    @1980vinnieg 11 місяців тому

    I’m not listening to this beta

  • @Nimrodvids
    @Nimrodvids Рік тому

    I know you have taken a break from posting the van build, but how has the Mercedes gasser been doing up to this point? Still happy with your choice? Even as the weight of the build is added into the equation? Thanks for all of your content so far.

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      We love the gas engine. We've had no problems at all. We're at 60k miles now and have loaded it up with lots of stuff.

  • @area351
    @area351 Рік тому

    I wish i would have seen the tip about predrilling the pilot holes. I just installed 2 awning windows in the back of my Sprinter and the screws were really hard to get tightened all the way without them but they're done!

  • @MegaLeonidovich
    @MegaLeonidovich Рік тому

    Watching your vids from Sacramento California : ) currently building 2016 Ford Transit high roof and this vid is good example for me to use to build my van to travel California and other amazing states and parks

  • @jared101502
    @jared101502 Рік тому

    Thanks for the info.

  • @remnl
    @remnl Рік тому

    nice how to. small rip when cutting the roof you have the issue the roof ribs are higher so you have to balance the jigsaw. when you use a some wood on the other side you level it out and you don't have to balance the jigsaw

  • @lillihiggins6567
    @lillihiggins6567 Рік тому

    Definitely watching this after having my fan as the first big project ... DEFINITELY wish I had started with subfloor! Completely agree with your points at the end of the video. I can't wait to keep following along! I'd love to hear if you've had any issue with moisture getting under the subfloor - did you seal it off?

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 Рік тому

      No problems with moisture under the subfloor. It's not sealed off.

  • @jamestaylor8860
    @jamestaylor8860 Рік тому

    You guys are teachers! Love ur channel!

  • @pocketchange1951
    @pocketchange1951 Рік тому

    , 👍👌❤️🇨🇦,,

  • @AZRockRunner
    @AZRockRunner Рік тому

    Ditto. I just installed my Maxxair this morning. I used butyl tape to build up a thick stack to compensate for the ridges of the roof. Before I apply all the screws, I realized the screws will compress the plastic flange onto a pile of..mud. So my engineering mind kicks in, this is not structurally sounded... stop. Now I just saw you used an adapter plate. But the link does not work any more. Hmm. I may have to rig up something. Could you verify the link for us. TIA

    • @AZRockRunner
      @AZRockRunner Рік тому

      Never mind. Found them with new search. But $60 geeze. I can make one out of alum, or plastic, or hardwood.

  • @WizzRacing
    @WizzRacing Рік тому

    Where was the 3M windshield adhesive..As that thing will leak without it..Trust me.. Friend of mine built these Vans.. As that 3M also holds the window in place from vibration and blowout....The screws will vibrate lose over time...

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 6 місяців тому

      We followed the manufacturers instruction and have never had any leaks in 60k miles

  • @VidiViciVlog
    @VidiViciVlog Рік тому

    Thank you for your video. Does your floor wiggle a little. My floor drops down on the outer edge an I can’t get it to level

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 Рік тому

      No, it doesn't wiggle. It's really solid.

    • @VidiViciVlog
      @VidiViciVlog Рік тому

      @@wanderlibre4434 thank you. Maybe it’ll change once I screw it down. My outer edges are causing it to be unleveled

  • @PatriotNomad
    @PatriotNomad Рік тому

    I notice on all builds I've seen the Kilmat is minimal on the sides and is not used to fill the entire sections. Any particular reason for this? Seems like more would help. Is it an issue of added weight? Great video and thank you for sharing.

    • @wanderlibre4434
      @wanderlibre4434 Рік тому

      It's not necessary to cover the walls - it adds unnecessary weight and expense.

  • @JonChristley
    @JonChristley Рік тому

    Really great video! Thank you.. We are early in our research so this really helps!