Good work Bob. I am a journeyman carpenter. Building a new house we can cut it right the 1st time because the foundation is level. In remodeling, it is often put it in, take it out ,trim, try again. Boats and vans are essentially remodeling. We can't use plumb and level , just square. Knowing that going in, minimizes the frustration. You and Terry are helping a lot of newbies out there. BIG thanks! By the way people, just like working on computers, there are many different ways to do a task. It's ok to do it the way you feel most comfortable.
You make some of the best "How To" videos I've seen. You seem to cover every aspect and then the input of your viewers help with tips. Thanks Bob! Keep the videos coming sir...
Thank you Bob and Terry. Thanks for showing when things go wrong too cause it made sense the way you first laid it out and apparently the template didn't match the interior and who would've thought a van interior mat wouldn't work as a template. Since you shared that this didn't work for you, now we know that dry fitting every step is crucial unless you want an unpleasant surprise. Best regards and thank you both again.
You're probably right about the thin linoleum Bob. I used cheap thin carpet on my floor in my van and it rolled and curled all the time and I eventually tore it out and just used my rubber floor mat as my floor. My bed runs down the driver's side front to back and is only 30" wide so I just used a 24"x70" runner rug in front of the bed and called it done and that works out quite well for me...
Super video again. Terry you rock. You do such fine work, you are a true craftsman. Great to see a job well done and not just slopped together. I am excited to see the finished project. Looking good so far. thanks for sharing. Joyce
Just an idea for If you're on an extreme budget just get some porch paint and paint that subflooring, paint the ACX plywood maybe just sand it a bit and stain it or paint it with a semi-gloss enamel porch paint, that you can keep washed and especially using Pine-Sol or bleach keep your van smelling good and as a mold inhibitor.
Heard a bit of Terry the teacher today. You didn't show any of the frustration when things go wrong. Liked how Terry focused on moving forward. You are doing a great job- or rather you did a great job.
I am infatuated with these build videos! Learning so much Bob and your honesty is appreciated. Terry is turning you in to an expert, professional builder...lol! Thanks very much! 🚐💨
Really great job! Thanks for sharing. I built a coop/shed for my chickens a few years back so I know I can do this when I'm ready, but I know little about vehicles and am recently building my knowledge in that area. Thsnks so much for sharing!
I used cheap lino in a van a few years ago, I managed to create 2 rips without too much effort! Went for hard wearing industrial lino after that and it was bomb proof!
Nora Steel agree and when it's glued into place you really have to let it dry good because it rips even worse with the glue on it wet. plus side is they are in a dry climate so it should dry really fast
I found you channel while looking for information in rv living. Since my daughter is buying a used 5th wheel to live in. Thanks for all your information!
Bob, I'm reminded of these two words of wisdom from the past: I love work so much, I can sit and watch others do it for hours! And, You know why women say us men are like linoleum? Cuz if they lay us right, they can walk all over us!! ..... I have no idea if you will let this comment stay, but just wanted to make ya smile...
I have been following your UA-cam videos and enjoying them very much. I am ready to start living the life a nomad. But I want to live in my horse trailer that has living quarters that I installed with help. I also want to bring my horse and 2 dogs. I'm very interested in the camp hosting in the rural national forests . that's were I camp most of the time up to a month at a time. enjoying being away from people and the city. I was wondering if you could direct me as to were to look for these positions with a horse. I want to be in the western states.
I watch you constantly and enjoy your down to earth, valuable facts, type of video. I am almost in my new home, a 21 ft bus (this wednesday is moving day) and have used so much of your information to help with the build, the set up and the plans surrounding it all. Thanks so much. I would love it if you could make your sound consistent, but Iimagine it is not as easy as it seems to a non vlogger like me. I am constantly lowering and raising the volume when I watch your videos. Dont know if you know or if you care, but just letting you know. Still think you are great!
Bob, You have done a great job with these videos! I only wish you'd started a couple of weeks ago, or that I had waited a couple of weeks, because I'm doing the exact same thing with my van, and started wrong! I have the pink fiberglass insulation, and 1x3s to screw the paneling into, and even made a frame to hold the insulation in the ceiling and screw the paneling to there. Oh, how I wish I'd used that foam sheet!! I'm leaving it all up now though, because my budget won't let me redo. I haven't done the floor yet, so at least that'll be done better! Thanks, and keep up the good work!
I drop stuff, and have found that my current, cheaper linoleum gets gouges and rips far easier than my former kitchen's floor where I put in a higher quality floor. Just sayin'..... That said, I want to add how much I'm enjoying watching your build.
I know cost is a major factor in your build but longevity is also a factor in overall cost so you might consider bamboo matting as area rug stocks they give and are incredibly durable and are readily available.
It sure would be awesome if someone would come up with pre-made templates for all the common vans being built out there. Have you posted a follow up video since this video is 2017 that tells how you think this type of job worked for you? Thanks for all you do.
Bob: Did you insulate the floor? Does one have to keep the top of the floor mat orientated so that the floor cut out will be correct? Will the plywood seams flex and cause the floor laminate to crack? Thank you.
CheapRVliving thanks for your reply I wish you well. We are about the same age so do what you need to. You are a good man taking care of her so safe travels went you get back on the road.
I'm glad to see the goods and the efforts necessary for the job you're doing day by day. And I think it is helpful to have someone to help you out and bounce ideas back and forth between you and him. Terry sounds like a knowledgeable person to help with this project. I can't even imagine how long it would take and how frustrating it would be to try to do this alone. Are you going to glue or use someting to adhere the plywood to the floor? And it seems you have decided against insulating the floor?
Good job men...couldnt have done better myself. This van insulation stuff is new to me but interested to know how just in case I ever look at a van in the near future. Take care
Looks great Bob. I was a little confused as to why you said you had to start the wood all over again but you seem to be saying the rubber mat what can with the van was not a good template overall (didn't fit well)? That was a shame! Hard lesson but it helps me (us)... be sure you have a good template before doing the outlining for the cutting. Thanks... look forward to watching the next one.
Did u put any underlayment or some kind of cushioning between the plywood and the linoleum? I'm getting ready to insulate my van..just curious as I see others do that..seems like without any the floor would be really hard?? Well tho..my mobile home had linoleum over plywood and I guess I never noticed or thought about that til just now🤣🤣thanks much Bob..will be watching your series as I build out my van👍..its a minivan tho..so a little diff needs I'd say✌❤😊
OMG ! amazing so far, you are doing a great job, bwa ha ha , it will be beautiful if your friend is helping till the end, u have a good friend and u deserve it
can't wait to get that so longed for summer tan that bob and dessert people have :)..... thank you for making this video...this is how i was fantasizing about doing it too now i can do it right. :>)
Floor tile heavy duty grade. Works well and can be replaced. Sheet goods are hard to repair. Sand and rocks in hiking boots will damage sheet goods. Heavy coat floor sealer or wax will help.
Ah, I love Lowe's. I've had carpet for years since house living made it easy to vacuum. Got a piece of linoleum, perfect size, 1/2 off. Your price not far off my mark.So easy to sweep & hand mop.
@@vmoonbeam6571 I think that there is significant heat loss through the floor. The 1/2" poly iso being used for insulation can stand quite a load if the load is spread out. So, I think 1/2" poly iso next to the metal floor, then plywood over.
Bob, You recently posted that you were going to stop making videos for a while (at least those here in the Southwest as you've been doing) because you needed to go back East for "family reasons" -- but that you'd then be making occasional videos of short trips you'd take while in that area. But now you have this van-building series going on and are still in the Southwest (AZ?)... Are you leaving after the van is finished? That would make sense, of course, if you'll be living in your van back East (and not staying in a family-member's house) it DOES need to be finished and livable. -- BR
I'm new to UA-cam. How do I get all episodes of the van build in one place so I can follow them in order? I was watching insulation, lost my cell connection, now I can't locate again to finish watching. I learn a lot in the videos, thanks for posting! ☺
jack neufeld He was working as a camp host and using a smallish motorcycle to go from one place to another. Wrecked it and tore up his arm. Good thing is workman’s comp paid for the surgeries he needed, etc. it’s okay now
Bob I'm confused. How come the original rubber mat that you used as a template didn't make your new floor fit right the first time after you traced it? Can you explain why and how that happened? Any tips or advice how to get the template of the floor done right the first time?
Bob, our home base is in Texas where it is incredibly hot. We are redoing an old 1991 Ford Econoline. Would you suggest putting some insulation on the floor prior to installing our floor due to the heat. Thanks!
I had made the exact same mistake in my Chevy Express! Right, the rubber mat from the factory is larger than the floor itself as it curves up wall a bit.
If you watch videos of building RVs in factories that is how the floor is put on. The modern tools and materials available make it quite efficient to do what you are doing. Battery power tools, various fasteners and glues and of course the insulation material.
Love your videos but PLEASE invest in a wind sock for your mic. They are cheap, virtually take up no space and would make a HUGE difference in audio quality.
You said before on another video you don't like the Dodge Promaster and the Ford Transit hasn't proven itself. What are your thoughts on the Nissan NV cargo van? It does have a better warranty (5 yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper & powertrain). Thanks in advance !!!!
Bob, did you leave the plywood as a floating subfloor or did you use adhesive or screw it down? I'm at this point in my van build and I'm thinking about leaving it floating since there will be a bit of weight on it. But I am wondering about putting down vinyl on the plywood. By buddy said to not use adhesive between the plywood and vinyl and it will be fine.
Good work Bob. I am a journeyman carpenter. Building a new house we can cut it right the 1st time because the foundation is level. In remodeling, it is often put it in, take it out ,trim, try again. Boats and vans are essentially remodeling. We can't use plumb and level , just square. Knowing that going in, minimizes the frustration. You and Terry are helping a lot of newbies out there. BIG thanks! By the way people, just like working on computers, there are many different ways to do a task. It's ok to do it the way you feel most comfortable.
You make some of the best "How To" videos I've seen. You seem to cover every aspect and then the input of your viewers help with tips. Thanks Bob! Keep the videos coming sir...
Love your attitude! "I don't really care". I like it because there are so many perfectionists out there. Good enough truly is just that! Go BOB!!
I love your positive outlook. You may be an introvert but you are an optimist. You’re a pleasure to listen to. Thanks Bob Wells
Thank you for sharing the minute details of this build. My back and knees hurt just watching. 🤕
Lori Smith I
Thank you Bob and Terry. Thanks for showing when things go wrong too cause it made sense the way you first laid it out and apparently the template didn't match the interior and who would've thought a van interior mat wouldn't work as a template. Since you shared that this didn't work for you, now we know that dry fitting every step is crucial unless you want an unpleasant surprise. Best regards and thank you both again.
You're probably right about the thin linoleum Bob. I used cheap thin carpet on my floor in my van and it rolled and curled all the time and I eventually tore it out and just used my rubber floor mat as my floor. My bed runs down the driver's side front to back and is only 30" wide so I just used a 24"x70" runner rug in front of the bed and called it done and that works out quite well for me...
You and Terry make it look so easy.
Just watching you guys makes my back hurt. It is a blessing to have friends like Terry for sure. Love the channel Bob.
It's good to see simpler conversion some ppl spend so much they could have bought a house in alabama
Bob, with all you do for others I am so glad to see you doing something for you! I can't wait to see your finished product!
+Linda Rapp
+Linda Rapp thanks Linda
Super video again. Terry you rock. You do such fine work, you are a true craftsman. Great to see a job well done and not just slopped together. I am excited to see the finished project. Looking good so far. thanks for sharing. Joyce
Just an idea for If you're on an extreme budget just get some porch paint and paint that subflooring, paint the ACX plywood maybe just sand it a bit and stain it or paint it with a semi-gloss enamel porch paint, that you can keep washed and especially using Pine-Sol or bleach keep your van smelling good and as a mold inhibitor.
Heard a bit of Terry the teacher today. You didn't show any of the frustration when things go wrong. Liked how Terry focused on moving forward. You are doing a great job- or rather you did a great job.
I am infatuated with these build videos! Learning so much Bob and your honesty is appreciated. Terry is turning you in to an expert, professional builder...lol! Thanks very much! 🚐💨
LOVE this series. Watching for a 2nd time 🌺💗🌺
Really great job! Thanks for sharing. I built a coop/shed for my chickens a few years back so I know I can do this when I'm ready, but I know little about vehicles and am recently building my knowledge in that area. Thsnks so much for sharing!
Love ur vids on van life and this build. Your friend Terry is an angel 😇.
I used cheap lino in a van a few years ago, I managed to create 2 rips without too much effort! Went for hard wearing industrial lino after that and it was bomb proof!
My experience with 'cheap' Linoleum is exactly like you said...it eventually rips. Am having fun watching you Bob! Good work!!
Nora Steel agree and when it's glued into place you really have to let it dry good because it rips even worse with the glue on it wet. plus side is they are in a dry climate so it should dry really fast
I found you channel while looking for information in rv living. Since my daughter is buying a used 5th wheel to live in. Thanks for all your information!
ah, you decided on a floor after all. cool. I've been fearing I could not do this, but hmmm, this looks doable!
Thanks for showing such details. It will help so many when trying to complete their own van build!
Bob, I'm reminded of these two words of wisdom from the past:
I love work so much, I can sit and watch others do it for hours!
And,
You know why women say us men are like linoleum? Cuz if they lay us right, they can walk all over us!!
.....
I have no idea if you will let this comment stay, but just wanted to make ya smile...
tx2sturgis 😂
tx2sturgis exactly These videos are great
tx2sturgis hahaha
So timely:)
I have been following your UA-cam videos and enjoying them very much. I am ready to start living the life a nomad. But I want to live in my horse trailer that has living quarters that I installed with help. I also want to bring my horse and 2 dogs. I'm very interested in the camp hosting in the rural national forests . that's were I camp most of the time up to a month at a time. enjoying being away from people and the city. I was wondering if you could direct me as to were to look for these positions with a horse. I want to be in the western states.
Terry is such a cool dude.
Van is coming along nicely Bob. Following with interest.
I watch you constantly and enjoy your down to earth, valuable facts, type of video. I am almost in my new home, a 21 ft bus (this wednesday is moving day) and have used so much of your information to help with the build, the set up and the plans surrounding it all. Thanks so much. I would love it if you could make your sound consistent, but Iimagine it is not as easy as it seems to a non vlogger like me. I am constantly lowering and raising the volume when I watch your videos. Dont know if you know or if you care, but just letting you know. Still think you are great!
Bob, You have done a great job with these videos! I only wish you'd started a couple of weeks ago, or that I had waited a couple of weeks, because I'm doing the exact same thing with my van, and started wrong! I have the pink fiberglass insulation, and 1x3s to screw the paneling into, and even made a frame to hold the insulation in the ceiling and screw the paneling to there. Oh, how I wish I'd used that foam sheet!! I'm leaving it all up now though, because my budget won't let me redo. I haven't done the floor yet, so at least that'll be done better! Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Good job! And thanks for keeping the mistakes in too...we all make them...and showing the 'recovery'.
BIG thanks to Terry for donating his time and skills to help Bob on his new home.
+Cargo Camping Dan Terry is a great guy I'll be forever grateful
I drop stuff, and have found that my current, cheaper linoleum gets gouges and rips far easier than my former kitchen's floor where I put in a higher quality floor. Just sayin'..... That said, I want to add how much I'm enjoying watching your build.
I know cost is a major factor in your build but longevity is also a factor in overall cost so you might consider bamboo matting as area rug stocks they give and are incredibly durable and are readily available.
i really appreciate watching you guys doing this on the ground. so many videos show work rooms & such. my workroom is the driveway!
Bob, you and Terry make a great team! Although you guys made some mistakes, you persevered and got it done. Thanks for sharing!
+mrbr549 no guts no glory! Yes
It sure would be awesome if someone would come up with pre-made templates for all the common vans being built out there. Have you posted a follow up video since this video is 2017 that tells how you think this type of job worked for you? Thanks for all you do.
Lovin' these van build videos ! Gonna look nice !
That van is looking sharp! Thank you so much for these videos. I want to live like this some day soon. Great Job!
Very very neatly done! I see u guys took ur time doing it. Good Job!
Love this channel, I'm learning alot. Thanks for all your doing. Great job!!
Yes I do.
Glad Terry was there to keep you doing the best job!
+Pamala Peterson me too!
Bob: Did you insulate the floor? Does one have to keep the top of the floor mat orientated so that the floor cut out will be correct? Will the plywood seams flex and cause the floor laminate to crack? Thank you.
I know nothing about carpentry, so this is interesting for me. Thanks for all the tutorials!
Best of luck Bob hope you are having safe travels and your mother is doing as well.
+Forrest Stinnett I'm with her now and she's doing as well as can be expected
CheapRVliving thanks for your reply I wish you well. We are about the same age so do what you need to. You are a good man taking care of her so safe travels went you get back on the road.
You give me hope that I might be able to do this.
I'm glad to see the goods and the efforts necessary for the job you're doing day by day. And I think it is helpful to have someone to help you out and bounce ideas back and forth between you and him. Terry sounds like a knowledgeable person to help with this project. I can't even imagine how long it would take and how frustrating it would be to try to do this alone. Are you going to glue or use someting to adhere the plywood to the floor? And it seems you have decided against insulating the floor?
Good job men...couldnt have done better myself. This van insulation stuff is new to me but interested to know how just in case I ever look at a van in the near future. Take care
Nice to be in touch with you through all these miles away. Thankyou/Tony
Looks great Bob. I was a little confused as to why you said you had to start the wood all over again but you seem to be saying the rubber mat what can with the van was not a good template overall (didn't fit well)? That was a shame! Hard lesson but it helps me (us)... be sure you have a good template before doing the outlining for the cutting. Thanks... look forward to watching the next one.
it's coming together. Thanks for showing us.
You make it look easy
Did u put any underlayment or some kind of cushioning between the plywood and the linoleum? I'm getting ready to insulate my van..just curious as I see others do that..seems like without any the floor would be really hard?? Well tho..my mobile home had linoleum over plywood and I guess I never noticed or thought about that til just now🤣🤣thanks much Bob..will be watching your series as I build out my van👍..its a minivan tho..so a little diff needs I'd say✌❤😊
NICE JOB BOB 👍👌😎
OMG ! amazing so far, you are doing a great job, bwa ha ha , it will be beautiful if your friend is helping till the end, u have a good friend and u deserve it
can't wait to get that so longed for summer tan that bob and dessert people have :)..... thank you for making this video...this is how i was fantasizing about doing it too now i can do it right. :>)
Good show. Can't wait for more!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Looks great Bob! Thank you for sharing!
Fascinating stuff! Good job Bob😃👍🏼
Would there be any value to put the rubber mat down first to help insulate the floor? It would also help to reduced road noise ?
John Simone Gosh, no one replied, but it sounds like a good idea!
You can lay down reflectix for insulation
@@sarahlanders5353 , He’s been talking constantly for years that reflectix reflexes not insulates.
Maybe the Matt using for template?
Maybe the template they are using.
So many people have mentioned you. You're a great resource to the community! Would be cool to link up and do a vid with you. 🤙🚌💨
Floor tile heavy duty grade. Works well and can be replaced. Sheet goods are hard to repair. Sand and rocks in hiking boots will damage sheet goods. Heavy coat floor sealer or wax will help.
I enjoy watching very relaxing and Knowledgeable. To say the Least .
Thumbs up. ENJOY... THE SIMPLE LIFE
Still, very cool to see that it is a little more work than you think it will be.
GREAT JOB AND TY FOR YOUR CHANNEL GOD BLESS YOU ALL
It's looking so good.. great job!
good job. I'm new to your channel and I am learning so much, for my new transition.
Ah, I love Lowe's. I've had carpet for years since house living made it easy to vacuum. Got a piece of linoleum, perfect size, 1/2 off. Your price not far off my mark.So easy to sweep & hand mop.
Well done, Sir!
woulo c ad
Nice Job
Hey Bob, what do you put between the plyboard and metal floor of the van?
Wondering same thing
@@vmoonbeam6571 I think that there is significant heat loss through the floor. The 1/2" poly iso being used for insulation can stand quite a load if the load is spread out. So, I think 1/2" poly iso next to the metal floor, then plywood over.
Very smart men!
Thanks!
Bob,
You recently posted that you were going to stop making videos for a while (at least those here in the Southwest as you've been doing) because you needed to go back East for "family reasons" -- but that you'd then be making occasional videos of short trips you'd take while in that area.
But now you have this van-building series going on and are still in the Southwest (AZ?)...
Are you leaving after the van is finished?
That would make sense, of course, if you'll be living in your van back East (and not staying in a family-member's house) it DOES need to be finished and livable.
-- BR
I put tar paper under mine because it wasnt as thick as the more expencive linoleum,that worked for us.
I'm new to UA-cam. How do I get all episodes of the van build in one place so I can follow them in order? I was watching insulation, lost my cell connection, now I can't locate again to finish watching. I learn a lot in the videos, thanks for posting! ☺
Hey bob, I am 15 years old and you have really inspired me, but I am curious what happened on your right arm, I see a scar
jack neufeld He was working as a camp host and using a smallish motorcycle to go from one place to another. Wrecked it and tore up his arm. Good thing is workman’s comp paid for the surgeries he needed, etc. it’s okay now
Always use cheap wafer board on van floor and cover with thick plush carpet combo it provides excellent insulation.
Damn a ten minute video that fast forwards. Every 5th video now has useful info.
Great job
Do you have a video tour of Terry's accommodations - if so, would you provide the link? Thanks.
Bob I'm confused. How come the original rubber mat that you used as a template didn't make your new floor fit right the first time after you traced it? Can you explain why and how that happened? Any tips or advice how to get the template of the floor done right the first time?
Looks Good...
nice job Bob...prayers to your mom...are u heading east soon
+Jerry Pinel I'm in Lady Lake Florida right now.
Cool bob..prayers to your mom
looks great
Bob, our home base is in Texas where it is incredibly hot. We are redoing an old 1991 Ford Econoline. Would you suggest putting some insulation on the floor prior to installing our floor due to the heat. Thanks!
I had made the exact same mistake in my Chevy Express! Right, the rubber mat from the factory is larger than the floor itself as it curves up wall a bit.
Thanks for this. Very interesting
Working on my van this week (-:
Thanks for sharing.
awesome job
If you watch videos of building RVs in factories that is how the floor is put on. The modern tools and materials available make it quite efficient to do what you are doing. Battery power tools, various fasteners and glues and of course the insulation material.
Man terry is more wholesome than unskimmed milk
Love your videos but PLEASE invest in a wind sock for your mic. They are cheap, virtually take up no space and would make a HUGE difference in audio quality.
So, you kept and re-trimmed the lino, but had to redo the plywood using the scribe and cut method you used for the wall panels, correct?
I would love to see how you make the template to cut around the gum etc-- I don't quite understand how to do that part
Clean the under body and spray some bedliner for three fold rustprofing, insolation , sounddeadening.
Great video! Question do you insulate under the plywood floor or is insulating the floor not needed? Many thank
Thanks good information
You said before on another video you don't like the Dodge Promaster and the Ford Transit hasn't proven itself. What are your thoughts on the Nissan NV cargo van? It does have a better warranty (5 yr/100,000 mile bumper to bumper & powertrain).
Thanks in advance !!!!
Bob, did you leave the plywood as a floating subfloor or did you use adhesive or screw it down? I'm at this point in my van build and I'm thinking about leaving it floating since there will be a bit of weight on it. But I am wondering about putting down vinyl on the plywood. By buddy said to not use adhesive between the plywood and vinyl and it will be fine.
Hey Ron, what did you end up doing?
good job Bob 🤔🤔