if you have some handy friends and patience / time my suggestion would be to do it yourself. i’ve helped 4 friends build and honestly with all the great videos out there. If you have the time and you have a place you can put the van while you’re working on it. I would do it that way. The whole van thing as far as people working on them has gotten ridiculous and it’s nobody’s fault it’s just kind of happened that way. It’s because there are some really good builders out there but honestly, the prices are crazy and it’s totally understandable given labour and everything and not just because of inflation and stuff. It’s just that it’s expensive to do that but my point is is that if you can do it yourself and you have the time I would go for it. If you ever have any questions, ask me, I would be more than happy to help, but I will say if you can, I would. The reason for me saying that is that you’ll learn so much in doing this that you’ll be able to know when something isn’t right versus always having to go back to somebody the other way, but again you’re gonna have to have some time and patience and I did voice texting. So sorry if there’s errors but you probably get the idea.
Jarrod... Have used vans for a self build become hard to find? If I do find a cargo van, they want 50K-60K which seems like a lot. I always see UA-cam van builds that say that they bought their van for 9-10K. Theses seem to be unicorns. I'd like to find some old electrician's work van (Long tall Sprinter, Transit, etc.) and do my own build, but can't find one.
I could go down that road in videos but that’s tricky for me. I’m friends with a lot of them so I need to make sure they are all ok with constructive criticism, which I’m sure they are. If it helps I am scheduled to tour the Van Craft shop in a couple weeks so everyone will see that when I post it. I do plan on doing that more, which is show more of build companies. Then that way the viewer can make their own opinions :)
Another great video! Thanks for the comparisons. It really helps have a better understanding of what’s out there and what you may be saving by doing it yourself.
Great video. Very honest and clear. Makes me appreciate professional builds and quality equipment that’s going to give less issues in the long run even though I’m building my own.
Love the remote control van on the desk next to you bro lol. Any advice for a solar power company that would do credit? Disabled and about to be homeless and bought a nice old used fire truck search and rescue box truck. 4x4. Sure could use some advice. I am diabetic, insulin dependent so I need to have power for a refrigerator.
Great video! Would love more details about what makes good and better cabinets. I get CNC vs handmade. But what about materials? What about edging etc? What are the things to look for quality?
I've heard you mention "good batteries" vs better batteries. What does a battery that's better than Battleborn or similar provide that a "good" battery does not? Perhaps you have a video you could point us to?
Truthfully it comes down to how it’s assembled and the BMS which is the system that manages, or the brain of the battery. Small things that most don’t know, including myself which is why I’ll consult with so many or as many as I can to get opinions
That MB Sprinter was overpriced but 170 4x4 don’t go for 65-70k out the door these days a lot of places. Local MB here quoted me and printed out a price sheet for 25K over MSRP for a 170 Ext 4x4 and 12.5k over for a 144 4x4. New AWD models end up being even more. They’ll come down in price depending on how motivated managers are to make a sale but still. I thought about finding a rural dealer with less mark up but in the end decided to go used.
Hate to say this but the market and consumer is driving that price. I understand that’s how it works but if I was in the market for a MB sprinter and they dealer was asking 25k over then I’d simply laugh and move on. There are plenty of dealers out there. I understand that most dealers are doing that and I think that’s just robbery. That being said if someone spent 25k over msrp and then went to “flip” the van after the build then I believe that cost shouldn’t be added, but that’s just me. MB isn’t the only 4x4 option out there either
The one in the ad was used. Not new. Had quite a few miles too. Just a different market. Used vehicles.. vans included are dropping. And not many dealers are asking that much over for new ones now. Only the few trying to rip someone off.
i think you nail it every time when you explain the difference between a diy finish and professional and it was black and white with that vans open plumbing and electrical. it was almost to good to cover up. as for the used natures head. i think if it looks and is as clean as new that's fair game but if it doesn't look like new i think it could de-value the van as much as the toilet is worth and the cost of fitting or even more {dirty toilet dirty van} i built my van and love it.. but i wish i had the skill of some of these professions. mark
Thanks for telling it like it is, Jarrod! Suggestion/request: don't apologize. If you're gonna say it, stand by it. If you don't want people to be hurt or whatever and want to avoid that, don't say it in the first place. Once it's out there, own it. If you were wrong, then sure, apologize and admit your mistake and explain how it came to be so we can learn from it. If it's the truth, it's silly to apologize for facts.
Hey Jarrod I would love to see your reaction to fords new Transit Trail from their Pro department. They have a 15min video talking about it on UA-cam and it would be nice to see some incite, and easy content for you to create.
Owning an older second hand Winnebago Travato, I assure you the construction is matchsticks and staples, no BS The comparison of a custom build (even by backyard builders) to ANY major assembly line brand is esp. difficult because the quality suffered during the huge rush & popularity explosion The ONLY thing they have in their favor is a brand name, that comes with extra pricey cheaply made replacement parts
Great informative video, thank you. Does Nomadik Vans ever have a finished custom van for sale that is unsold? Never hurts to inquire. Thanks! Huge fan btw.
Another awesome video Jarod - thank you for this inside perspective. Very curious to see your perspective of ModVans and their 'full floor' battery system. Would love a review at some point. Thank you again!
Having CNC cut wood isnt a negative its a positive. Its the holy grail of anyone with a wood shop. Far more accurate and clean than any human with a circular saw.
I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I love CNC cabinets and I’d use them too if I could. But if a company orders a “kit” then they should disclose that information. If they make their own kits then that’s fine
How did you miniaturize that while van and the guy in the blue shirt? Parents could miniaturize their children and save on food bills! Thanks for posting again. #12
I can’t see spending more than 80k for a van. I understand all the time, brand names, etc. but when you start going into 100k or more. Maybe just consider buying a regular house. $250k for a van is insane in my book.
Rv, camping, travel industry has been around a while and only getting bigger. High priced? Yes lol, but people keep paying it so people will keep building them. Best analogy I’ll say is why buy a 10 million dollar condo in NY when you can get massive amounts of land and many homes for that 10 million in Texas, New Mexico, and many more places. But people do it, right 😉
These prices are ridiculous, its why I went with a box truck, twice the space for half the price. Twice the roof space for double the solar, much easier to build in, big enough to use mostly house appliances so your build is half the price as well....Vans are the only option if your doing a lot of miles of course but for everyone else with more brains than money.....
In my opinion that statement is not true. I guess one could argue the “worth” of something is different than the “value” of something. However when it comes to van builds it’s very similar to real estate. A person can think their property is worth more because they feel that but truly the market will dictate the value. Problem here is there are “builders” comparing their builds to others that have been building many years before them, have worked through the issues, have business insurance, warranties, etc. A lot of these “over priced” builds don’t take into account type of wood, materials, SYSTEMS/Components. The things that are NOT seen in photos and video. So yes, there is a way to understand the value of van builds and truly what they are worth. Lastly if that was the case what’s stopping me for selling a van for 1 million. Someone wants to overpay, be my guest but I’m out here trying to stop others being taken advantage of
These are great market dives. Sort of off topic but mentioned in the video... Roam cases , racks, etc. Known for high quality but loathed for horrible customer experience and service based on opinions posted on social media platforms and van life forums. Don't look at their bbb rating. I would not be comfortable representing, buying or selling their products. Why is it in today's market that a company would not care about customer service?
Some companies only focus on B to B services and therefore their B to C takes the hit. They make so much money selling their products to successful builders then why care about customers. That being said I think that’s bad business but I also don’t work for them so I don’t have much say haha
Blue Book value on Jarrod's advice.... priceless! I always watch his videos with a notebook and pen.
"Jarrod's Blue Book" lol
Way over my price point BUT I do love your expertise on all this material--
Aren’t the Flares on that Sprinter 170 installed backwards?
Thank you very much for this video...I am not sure if I want a pre built van..or do it myself (with no skills) (but with helpful people)
if you have some handy friends and patience / time my suggestion would be to do it yourself. i’ve helped 4 friends build and honestly with all the great videos out there. If you have the time and you have a place you can put the van while you’re working on it. I would do it that way. The whole van thing as far as people working on them has gotten ridiculous and it’s nobody’s fault it’s just kind of happened that way. It’s because there are some really good builders out there but honestly, the prices are crazy and it’s totally understandable given labour and everything and not just because of inflation and stuff. It’s just that it’s expensive to do that but my point is is that if you can do it yourself and you have the time I would go for it. If you ever have any questions, ask me, I would be more than happy to help, but I will say if you can, I would. The reason for me saying that is that you’ll learn so much in doing this that you’ll be able to know when something isn’t right versus always having to go back to somebody the other way, but again you’re gonna have to have some time and patience and I did voice texting. So sorry if there’s errors but you probably get the idea.
I just want to know what van is your desktop background
Would love to know where you got the Sprinter RC van from
Great video. We need more of this. Camper conversion prices are all over the place.
Very informative. I enjoy how you break it down. Your videos are great. Thanks for the work you put into them.
Thank you
I like the comparison
Where can I get that Sprinter Van RC?
Overland Van Project is the company that sells the RC van
Jarrod... Have used vans for a self build become hard to find? If I do find a cargo van, they want 50K-60K which seems like a lot. I always see UA-cam van builds that say that they bought their van for 9-10K. Theses seem to be unicorns. I'd like to find some old electrician's work van (Long tall Sprinter, Transit, etc.) and do my own build, but can't find one.
Would love your opinions on different van builders such as VanCraft or Tommy Camper Vans.
I could go down that road in videos but that’s tricky for me. I’m friends with a lot of them so I need to make sure they are all ok with constructive criticism, which I’m sure they are. If it helps I am scheduled to tour the Van Craft shop in a couple weeks so everyone will see that when I post it. I do plan on doing that more, which is show more of build companies. Then that way the viewer can make their own opinions :)
@@JarrodTocci Rad man! I look forward to seeing the Van Craft tour!
Fantastic video! Appreciate you sharing your insights.
What about the plug-in hybrid that they’re supposed to be or the fully electrical
Another great video! Thanks for the comparisons. It really helps have a better understanding of what’s out there and what you may be saving by doing it yourself.
Great video. Very honest and clear. Makes me appreciate professional builds and quality equipment that’s going to give less issues in the long run even though I’m building my own.
Are they registered as an RV so you can get RV financing?
All depends who does the build
Love the remote control van on the desk next to you bro lol. Any advice for a solar power company that would do credit? Disabled and about to be homeless and bought a nice old used fire truck search and rescue box truck. 4x4. Sure could use some advice. I am diabetic, insulin dependent so I need to have power for a refrigerator.
Tbh I’m not sure. I bet there are companies willing to do so but might have to call around to a bunch to find them
Great video! Would love more details about what makes good and better cabinets. I get CNC vs handmade. But what about materials? What about edging etc? What are the things to look for quality?
I've heard you mention "good batteries" vs better batteries. What does a battery that's better than Battleborn or similar provide that a "good" battery does not? Perhaps you have a video you could point us to?
Truthfully it comes down to how it’s assembled and the BMS which is the system that manages, or the brain of the battery. Small things that most don’t know, including myself which is why I’ll consult with so many or as many as I can to get opinions
That MB Sprinter was overpriced but 170 4x4 don’t go for 65-70k out the door these days a lot of places. Local MB here quoted me and printed out a price sheet for 25K over MSRP for a 170 Ext 4x4 and 12.5k over for a 144 4x4. New AWD models end up being even more. They’ll come down in price depending on how motivated managers are to make a sale but still. I thought about finding a rural dealer with less mark up but in the end decided to go used.
Hate to say this but the market and consumer is driving that price. I understand that’s how it works but if I was in the market for a MB sprinter and they dealer was asking 25k over then I’d simply laugh and move on. There are plenty of dealers out there. I understand that most dealers are doing that and I think that’s just robbery. That being said if someone spent 25k over msrp and then went to “flip” the van after the build then I believe that cost shouldn’t be added, but that’s just me. MB isn’t the only 4x4 option out there either
The one in the ad was used. Not new. Had quite a few miles too. Just a different market. Used vehicles.. vans included are dropping. And not many dealers are asking that much over for new ones now. Only the few trying to rip someone off.
i think you nail it every time when you explain the difference between a diy finish and professional and it was black and white with that vans open plumbing and electrical. it was almost to good to cover up. as for the used natures head. i think if it looks and is as clean as new that's fair game but if it doesn't look like new i think it could de-value the van as much as the toilet is worth and the cost of fitting or even more {dirty toilet dirty van}
i built my van and love it.. but i wish i had the skill of some of these professions. mark
I learned more about van builds from watching this one video than watching 100 others. New subscriber.
Thank you! I'll do more of these for sure :)
Thanks for telling it like it is, Jarrod!
Suggestion/request: don't apologize. If you're gonna say it, stand by it. If you don't want people to be hurt or whatever and want to avoid that, don't say it in the first place. Once it's out there, own it. If you were wrong, then sure, apologize and admit your mistake and explain how it came to be so we can learn from it. If it's the truth, it's silly to apologize for facts.
Hey Jarrod I would love to see your reaction to fords new Transit Trail from their Pro department. They have a 15min video talking about it on UA-cam and it would be nice to see some incite, and easy content for you to create.
Owning an older second hand Winnebago Travato, I assure you the construction is matchsticks and staples, no BS
The comparison of a custom build (even by backyard builders) to ANY major assembly line brand is esp. difficult because the quality suffered during the huge rush & popularity explosion
The ONLY thing they have in their favor is a brand name, that comes with extra pricey cheaply made replacement parts
congrats on the win for gutted s1!!!
Thank you 😊
Great informative video, thank you. Does Nomadik Vans ever have a finished custom van for sale that is unsold? Never hurts to inquire. Thanks! Huge fan btw.
You’d have to reach out to them to find out
What is that a 4" lift on your toy van? HA! I appreciate the comparisons of the vans for sale, Jarrod. Thanks!
Another awesome video Jarod - thank you for this inside perspective. Very curious to see your perspective of ModVans and their 'full floor' battery system. Would love a review at some point. Thank you again!
Having CNC cut wood isnt a negative its a positive. Its the holy grail of anyone with a wood shop. Far more accurate and clean than any human with a circular saw.
I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I love CNC cabinets and I’d use them too if I could. But if a company orders a “kit” then they should disclose that information. If they make their own kits then that’s fine
How did you miniaturize that while van and the guy in the blue shirt? Parents could miniaturize their children and save on food bills! Thanks for posting again. #12
Awesome..ip
🎉
I would pay more for Van 1 than Van 2... If I can see the metal work it's a rental van with some cabinets slapped in, not a home.
Battery list videos would be cool
Looking at CarGurus prices since 2015 is depressing. I'm waiting. Buying this summer was literally THE TOP
I can’t see spending more than 80k for a van. I understand all the time, brand names, etc. but when you start going into 100k or more. Maybe just consider buying a regular house. $250k for a van is insane in my book.
Rv, camping, travel industry has been around a while and only getting bigger. High priced? Yes lol, but people keep paying it so people will keep building them. Best analogy I’ll say is why buy a 10 million dollar condo in NY when you can get massive amounts of land and many homes for that 10 million in Texas, New Mexico, and many more places. But people do it, right 😉
By far Benchmark are amazing van builders.BUT are the most expensive van builders to.
These prices are ridiculous, its why I went with a box truck, twice the space for half the price. Twice the roof space for double the solar, much easier to build in, big enough to use mostly house appliances so your build is half the price as well....Vans are the only option if your doing a lot of miles of course but for everyone else with more brains than money.....
I wud easily buy a used compost toilet
.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
It is worth any amount someone is willing to pay.
In my opinion that statement is not true. I guess one could argue the “worth” of something is different than the “value” of something. However when it comes to van builds it’s very similar to real estate. A person can think their property is worth more because they feel that but truly the market will dictate the value. Problem here is there are “builders” comparing their builds to others that have been building many years before them, have worked through the issues, have business insurance, warranties, etc. A lot of these “over priced” builds don’t take into account type of wood, materials, SYSTEMS/Components. The things that are NOT seen in photos and video. So yes, there is a way to understand the value of van builds and truly what they are worth. Lastly if that was the case what’s stopping me for selling a van for 1 million. Someone wants to overpay, be my guest but I’m out here trying to stop others being taken advantage of
You should comment the link to the video and pin it so people can just click to it easily
Never ever would I buy a used toilet . Gross . I’ll get my own
If people would just take the time to do a little research they would save alot of money doing things themselves.
Agree. But doing yourself sometimes isn’t possible. I love doing builds myself but I also know pro builds are much better than my quality
These are great market dives.
Sort of off topic but mentioned in the video...
Roam cases , racks, etc. Known for high quality but loathed for horrible customer experience and service based on opinions posted on social media platforms and van life forums. Don't look at their bbb rating.
I would not be comfortable representing, buying or selling their products. Why is it in today's market that a company would not care about customer service?
Some companies only focus on B to B services and therefore their B to C takes the hit. They make so much money selling their products to successful builders then why care about customers. That being said I think that’s bad business but I also don’t work for them so I don’t have much say haha
@@JarrodTocci 😆 Roger that.