The Realest and Cheapest Van Build on the Internet
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- This is NOT another van build video, at least, its nothing like the ones you've already seen. Before I started on my van I couldn't find a single video where people didn't spend over a thousand dollars on just looks, (If that is what you're into that's totally fine by the way, you do you, i'm just trying to show another way) so I decided i'd just make one myself as me and a friend converted my new van into something we could live it.
You could argue its worse than the other videos of its kind, but id argue that its just more real.
This is not a how to video but feel free to fire questions my way on Instagram if you want, id be happy to help.
I don't necessarily encourage you to do any of the things me or my mate do in this video, but think of this as like a resource, you still have free will haha, at least i'm not gonna stop you. But theft and not wearing safety goggles or ear muffs while using power tools is frowned upon.
Stay tuned because the next year is going to be out of control, things are about to get real.
Finally....someone with a bit of sense who doesn't spend unnecessarily. Love the concept. Love the budget x
Thanks so much, I’m glad you appreciated those things because that was the goal aye
Yes!! Totally agree!!
Kiwi ingenuity
Yes BC it's never been done before eh lol
I'm so happy you made this video, I'm so sick of watching these 70k van build.
You and me both, and im really glad you liked it
No kizzy 😭
I know!!!! Some Van Life Video Title: LOOK AT MY HUMBLE VAN and it’s a god damn 50k pro build 😂
i guess I'm kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good place to watch new series online ?
@Stanley Reyansh i watch on flixzone. You can find it by googling =)
People out there spending $4000? I recently watched a video where they spent over $40,000. on the van build, NOT including the van!
Yea it’s pretty crazy how much people spend, but if that’s what they want that totally ok, but I just wanted to make a video for people that didn’t want to spend so much haha
If they can afford it I don't see a problem.
@@meme852369 its not that it is bad but for some who want to try this alternative way of living, they dont have the funds to spend tons of money on a reliable vehicle and then everything else. I personally watch vids like this for ideas for when i decide to make the jump. But i dont want to go 45k+ in debt for it.... In that case for the same amount I could build a tiny house, or for a few thousand more I could buy a small ranch style house with land. I find it to be refreshing to see more builds on the lower end of costs.
i mean ... well each person is different and if they want to spend that money let them but i think the whole purpose of van life is kind of lost if you spend too much money on the conversion because also vans are not gonna last that long anyways. So I am all for cheap conversions. I would include at least insulation and solar panels though.
@@vanessaruiz4705 I agree, I wasn't putting down anyone who wants to spend a ton of money, I was just commenting on how much some people are spending. I personally wish I could do that too 😃 But I do love these videos on how to convert vans on a budget, people are really creative and even innovative in their ideas.
This is what I'm looking for when it comes to a van build- functional and free, just the way life on the road should be. Anything others can do, you can do realer and cheaper that's for sure. Look forward to seeing where you travel with it- drive safe man!
Thanks for that man, because that's exactly what I was thinking aye, like I just couldn't find anything relate-able on youtube or instagram so I just thought Id do it as a resource for people like you that just want to see something legit. Thanks dude, I appreciate it
Dumpster diving for materials!!! I love it!! Classic! 😂
haha I just had to aye. Glad you liked it :D
Dumpster diver here!🤚🤟
Smart dude!!
I hate getting all hyped up by these camper van builds that only discorage you after the end result. I cant run wire, build cabinets, or insulate. My hat goes off to u mate, this is true van living.
Thanks so much. I'm glad I could make a video that inspired you more than discouraged you
This exactly what vanlife is supposed to be about. Building it out as you go with goodies you find along the journey. Ending up with a uniquely crafted home on wheels! BRAVO 🎉
Hey Mathieson, I’m a kiwi living in Scotland, lived in Dunners for a bit.
This video gave me a laugh, you’ve got the right idea, keep it simple eh.
I do the same, camping in my car. The whole point is to get away from the trappings of life and enjoy the great outdoors.
All the best for your next adventure. Cheers 👍
Oh sweet glad you liked the vid and I hope Scotland is treating you right. I'm living in my car in Whistler atm haha and its a lot smaller than the one in this vid and probably even more simple haha
Gotta love the dumpster diving! My Dad would love this kid! Unnecessary spending and no cutting a hole in the wall because we can go to a camper outfitter place later to buy a decent toilet which is just as sufficient as the one that plumbs in place is pretty cool, too! I'm just loving anything having to do with reduction of excessive hurting of our environment. Our children deserve a good future!
Thanks a bunch man, I fully agree and im glad you liked the video
Ain't nothing like a good friend to help you do crazy things you 2 are wild and I love it. Much success on your new adventures and I'm incorporating some of your ideas in my van build. Thanks
Too right, and thats awesome to hear, I hope the vid helped, you are so welcome
u r silly as heck and i like ur attitude bout keepin it simple
Haha thanks a bunch glad you liked it
That was a MASSIVE dump wow that cat was waiting for this moment to shine.
I know right !
🤣
I love this!! this is literally the cheapest build ever I'm glad I found something realistic!!
Thanks so much, im really glad you liked it
This is a good way to start for someone wanting to start living the van life full time. By starting simple a person could save enough money while still working and build something more suitable with all the rent/utility money that they aren't spending.
For sure man, I agree
Heat rises which causes condensation. That’s why you want a fan at the top for ventilation. Most people cook in the van 😁
Teri M That is right actually, if you were cooking inside it would probably be a decent idea. We just have our door open while we are cooking and it seams to be alright, pros and cons to everything I guess aye. Hope you liked the video though 😁
Exactly
I think its important to have a fan on the roof - maybe two if you are in a warm climate area. Also some might not want all those see thru windows if you are wanting to be stealthy and not allow people to be looking in on you living in your van. But if it works for you then more power to you.
@@MathesonBrown I like your energy!!
Two minutes into the video and I'm hooked!! Lol. My kinda guy with your hilarious personality. I've been collecting free stuff for my van for months!! Although they outlandish van builds look nice, I want my first to be wild and FREE!! You are freaking HILARIOUS!!! That stealth walk to the dumpster with those rubber boots... CLASSIC MAN!
Thanks man, and good on you, I hope you have a lot of fun with your van. Hahaha thanks again dude, i'm glad you liked the stealth walk too
The engine not starting is the “Realist” opening ever. Rotfl. love the vid and van.
I couldn't believe that aye hahaha but the batteries get drained if they sit too long before someone buys them, thats what happened to me at least
Love 💕 the dumpster diving & dry camping simplicity. Camping & Van life should be fun, inexpensive and adventurous.
I couldn't agree more
Finally someone with a bit of sense, sadly youtube is full of videos titled “my van life build for cheap” and then they spend 50k on the interior of the van, for sure 50k is cheaper than buying a full house but for many people that can’t afford a house 50k is equivalent to 5-10 years of rent
yeah and u need to consider the fact that a van is not gonna last that many years. I find kind of a waste to spend too much money on the conversion but to each their own!
Yea I agree with both of you guys, I thought that it was wrong to see all these videos saying cheep and then being way way more than anybody can can afford, so I wanted to change that.
just find the cheapest van put madress and some pillows and hotspot. the cheapest way of getting food is boying food from fast food and for electricity is cheap using solar panels or if you have van that runs on gas then go to the best place you could that has about half a hour ride to get to fast food and you have everything. you have gas,electricity,wifi,bed and food. van life is still really cheaper then houses since house costs alot and same with the bills but in van life its a bit cheaper. if you want to have van life in cheaper way then try this. remember that van life isnt for everyone. i hope you understand and that you have a nice day. you will thank me later.
Cant say I agree with all of that as fast food is a lot more expensive that regular food and so are solar panels, but I agree with the rest of what you said, its not for everyone but if you like it.....you love it. All the best buddy
@@MathesonBrown thx
There's nothing wrong with people spending thousands on a van build. However it can send the message that you can only do Van life if you spend a sh** ton of money, not everyone has thousands to spend building a van.
Yea for sure, if people want to spend loads, that's fine, but I thought it was a problem when it made people think they couldn't afford it for themselvs when they really could.
A bed platform should be slatted to allow for aeration otherwise you can end up with mold and/or mildew issues from the moisture.
And instead of stealing wood / dumpster diving - you can usually just go to a Lowes / Home Depot / Rona / whatever home improvement center lumber yard and ask them for scrap wood. They always have some.
I didn't know home depot &/or Lowe's gave away wood.Thanks for that info. Just to let you know, most contractors are happy to let you have their scrap wood.
Cheers guys. Yea I had to air out my mattress every now and then because of the base but next time I think i'll vent it a bit better.
@@carrieanneb4220 I've found it depends on the location. One Rona I went to let me take whatever I wanted. Another one told me "no" and wanted me to buy their "scrap" wood which was placed in a bin outside the store by the front door. So your luck may vary there, I guess.
idk if its the realistic van build, the adorable fat cat, or straight nail tutorial but I subscribed after watching just this video.
Oh thanks, that's super nice of you, I'm glad you liked it
Chrome on VanCity VanLife showed same thing build in 4 hours and like you fellas ....just do it no excuse not to. Loved your humor .... good job and have fun.
No way? Man thats quick good on those guys. Glad you liked the humor :D As for the fun..... Always
He even reused the nails.. I think I’m in love. 😍
Glad to hear you appreciated that ;)
Yes!! About time for the real deal! I picked up scrap wood at a home renovation site, with permission. Built my minivan with kitchen in back dumpster dived the cabinets and used stuff in the house I bought over 10 years ago.
Oh thats awesome, good on you for getting permission and im stoked you built out a sick van, well done and I hope its been going great for ya :D
See for short weekend trips, I need something simple like this. Just a bad, a small desk to put my tablet on, and a little storage space for clothes and a cooler. I mean the nice camper vans are nice because many people put TVs, toilets, dry baths, etc, in them, but I just need something inexpensive and cheap. Actually thought about getting a small cargo trailer (versus a van) and converting that into a simple travel trailer with basic things like a bed, table and small counter with some storage (and of course an opening to add an AC unit if I want to for summer time at camp grounds with electricity...
Yea for sure I can definitely see where you’re coming from, I hope you figure it out and can then go wherever you want in it
That was awesome on so many levels..and hilarious..loved it
Thanks a bunch, im glad you liked it so much.
Now that’s a shaggin wagon if I’ve seen one
Hahaha this time with a double bed
Nothing but restful sleeping right. Lol.
If you ever decide to redo it, then I would put the bed a little higher because you won’t have very much storage with that height
We had some plastic tubs that fit perfectly under it aye so it worked out well for what we wanted, but yea, there are a few things i'd change if I was to do it again
You're a F#ucken LEGEND! best sense of humour!! and love that you went diving for the materials. I work at Bunnings and am thinking I'll just use pallets and junk from work. Thank you for this vid!! Can't comprehend how people send $70k on vans and fit outs.
Cheers mate, and yea thats a sick idea, I hope it works out for you. You are so welcome, and all the best for ya
I had my van done with 100% craigslist free stuff.
great job guy
Good on you dude, I hope ya van is going great, and thanks a bunch
Enjoyed your video, and shenanigans. Enjoy your adventures. Where there is a will there is a way.
Thanks a bunch im glad you liked it. Oh for sure I will do :D
Great video mate, hopefully I can start my van adventures next year. I thought you were an aussie until you said 'chilly bin' instead of esky haha lol
Hey good luck with it im sure you'll have an awesome time. Hahaha oh man, I guess working in Australia for 6 months changed my accent a bit :0
Luckily you can always tell when someone says chilly bin :D
As soon as you said chilly bin I knew you were Kiwis. When I was 17 a boy very like you came around to take me out, my Dad didn’t Like his van with a mattress in the back. You boys will go far.
Haha every dads nightmare I imagine. Shooting for the stars :D
When I was traveling in San Francisco, I stayed at this BnB place in the Ashbury hipster area called Red Victorian. (I was doing adventure photography after law school) I ran into a lovely young man(Felix) who was modeling his new van using recycled woods and nails. He helped me a lot with checking-in even though he was just another guest, so I shot a video causally documenting his process of remodel while lending a hand for his work on the van. Sadly he left quite early in the process and I didn't get to see what the van eventually turned out to be but your video reminds me of that cool experience lol. Although your video is much more fun to watch! Great job!
Oh that sounds pretty awesome, glad this could remind you of that, maybe my van turned out like his would have. Glad you liked the video :D
Simple and Clean thats all you will ever need . Looks sick milo
Thanks a bunch Henry, everything we need nothing we dont, thats the way to be
Subscribed as soon as I saw you "sneak" 😂 great video!
Haha glad you liked that
Yep, dumpster diving is the answer for many projects that need to be kept affordable. Construction dumpsters are a huge resource since the waste is extremely high in some cases. I started doing that at about your age. Its been about 6 years since then and I've found many things like lumber, stone flooring, full new 5gal buckets of quality paint, bundles of copper wiring, my current computer (intel xenon proccessor w/ 12gb ram), even medical machines and a medkit from closed down clinics. The list goes on. That said if you, the one reading this, is thinking of doing it you need to be good with your senses. Trust those spidey senses and be confident. Also, be like a ghost (be clean). I have never got in trouble but I am friendly if I ever deal with police and I don't dive areas that make it look too much like I could be stealing. I either hide my presence or make myself look as non threatening as possible. I also dont recommend going behind fences to dive and dont think you should collect anything and everything because your possesions can start to weigh you down in life. It can get addicting after a good find. You also need to know how to use what you find efficiently which takes more mental energy than just throwing dollars at a project alone. Also be aware of the 'paranoia level' of an area during a given time of day. Use those spidey senses!
Haha I couldn't agree more man, I do the same for the most part
The best critic of your craftmanship was your cat...Haha!
haha I know aye
I had to pause to comment. My guy gets into the front of the van and it doesn't start...I'm crying. Now that I positive you're definitely not doing just another van build, I'll get back to watching the video. (He's 22, should he have the keys to this vehicle? Should he have the keys to any motorized
Hahahaha fair enough dude, glad you liked the video,
Kitty is holding a grudge 😂😂 Very odd for them to 💩 where they can't burry it. 😂
You gave us inspiration mate! We found some stuff on the side of the road and a few boards from Louwes. Cheap and nice.
Thats awesome dude, im so happy to hear that. Thats what its all about. Good on ya
That was hilarious and definitely the realest thing I've seen on UA-cam 😂😂💀 thank you! Subscribed 🥰
Aw thanks a bunch I’m glad you liked it
Hinges to allow the bed to lift up for storage would be good, and air the mattress often to avoid mold.
Oh yea, i'll keep that in mind for the next van maybe, good idea.
Best conversion! Love the intro about the fan. Hilarious!
Haha thanks im glad you liked it :)
the cat probably shit in your car because you dont clean it's litter box... cats dont normally do that unless their box is full of shit
vermili0n He’s actually an adopted wild cat so he doesn’t have a litter box, he’s outside mostly, but yea normally you’d be right.
The realest video!!
Van does not start: sooooo real !!!
Hahaha glad you liked it
Best video just what I was looking for: cheap af, fun, DIY and without fancy showers or cookers. A bed and some cardboards
Thanks a bunch, i'm glad you liked it so much, super simple but it works so well.
Thank you for the simplicity
You're welcome, glad you liked it
2 minutes in and I love this video already.
"How to make a van build for 15 bucks"
Step 1: Theft
Hahaha we prefer to use the term "Recycling"
Love the video! Any update videos on the van?
Hey glad you liked it. So I actually ended up selling it to my friend so he owns it now, but I think he kept it the same actually
Best van video ever !!! Where are you guys from ?
Thanks man I'm glad you liked it, and I'm from New Zealand
@@MathesonBrown
I am a woman xD
And I thought you are from australia !
@@Christine-qx5ce Hahaha oh sorry about that my mistake, and nope its NZ, close though
@@MathesonBrown No worries, I traveled to Australia, but haven't been to New Zealand so far :)
Good luck on your travels! Look forward to more videos! Just a matter of time before your channel blows up!
Cheers man, yea there will definitely be more videos, and I guess we will just have to wait and see about the channel blowing up but i hope you're right.
Finally, a realistic and not instagramable van conversion!
Haha that is exactly the comment I’ve been looking for, thank you
Are those perfect looking pieces of wood really thrown away? Oh I wanna live in America
Hey yea they were just in the trash. I'm in New Zealand though not America but i'm sure its the same over there too
i mean, yeah it's very cool, but for full time living you'd need some insulation and solar panels, and possibly some kind of portable toilet, but yeah it's pretty cool regardless, depending on the use you gonna give it.
Two-three of us lived in it for 6 months full time and it was great, but the winters here aren't as bad as other places, but yea if I was gonna have it for a lot longer I would probably add a few things haha. Glad you liked it :)
If the bed plate is not perforated it will begin to rot
We just took the mattress out on sunny days to dry everything out and then didn't have any problems, but yea I think if we didn't it might have started to get pretty bad for sure
this was such a fun AND helpful video to watch!i loved it
Thanks a bunch im glad you got something out of it
I like it. Just my style. Mine is similar. Two twin beds in an L shape. Mostly from repurposed materials.
Great stuff, I bet its awesome
You two are funny as hell ,great job on your van ,even reusing the nails now you made my day , Happy travels 😄
Haha thanks, glad you liked it
The only reason I hit the like button on your video is because I couldn't find the Love button! It does my heart good to see material coming out of the dumpster and going into something useful. You even reused nails! I'm not the only one!
Thanks so much for this comment Im glad you liked it so much. Good on you mate
you two giggle so much...i loveeeee it !!!!!!! really nice vid
Haha thanks a bunch, I’m glad you liked it
Subbed immediately after intro Lol! I dig your style man.
Awesome! Thank you for that man, im glad you liked it
I laughed so many times at stupid sh*t. Neeeeeded. I was highly amused! Appreciate this. 🤘🏻
Haha glad to help
Thanks for this video, absolutely loved it 👌🏼
So glad to hear that
Very informative and helpful. Thanx.
You are welcome
Your videos are some of the best and most entertaining.... could watch them all day~
Thanks for that man, im glad you think so thats really nice, I should be making way more in the coming months so let me know what you think
Good job, I’ve lived minimal af in an off road vehicle. Only way to go is minimal. Noise? Wear earplugs. too much light? Eye mask. Why weigh down a vehicle? (and a lot of vanlifers claim to be crunchy but then they weigh down their vehicles which uses more fuel)
Yea I totally agree, you are speaking my language with this comment for sure. Keep up the good work
Alright, now where the hell do I get a van
haha that is the hard part for sure
Hi, I never understand how and where u bolt the first beam? How is the beam holding up? Surely you do not make a hole in the van???? Nice van and great idea! Keep going, doing videos like that. Not everybody has a ton of money to waste.
Dor Bue Hey yea really sorry that isn’t that clear. There are threaded holes in 4 places in the van for the seatbelts to be bolted down so we bolted the frame to them.
But glad you liked the video, thanks 😁
That is the best recycling
project I've seen
Thank You for this hack
Haha you are very welcome
Cool video. But, Breaking and entering normally gets you in the bad part of a horror movie or a murder mystery. 🥰
hahaha cant argue that one
@@MathesonBrown omg! Thank you 🥰
This guy is a legend
Cheers hommie, you're too kind
Love the cheap functional perspective! Thanks, safe travels.
Im glad you liked it, its just a perspective that is hard to find sometimes aye. Cheers
Hilarious ...you guys are cool.... thank you the laughter dancing in the fields on the way to gather wood...
Hahaha thanks so much im glad you liked it, and I hope that part made you laugh as much as I did
Spend $100 on insulation at the very least half inch foam boards and foil tape. You will thank me when its hot.
Haha it has been getting pretty hot lately actually, but we will be selling the van soon so i'll just have to sweat through it unfortunately. Good advice though
Thanks for sharing! Love your vid. Immediately subs!
Thanks a bunch, im glad you liked it
I subscribed and followed you all last year but, I dropped you over this summer because of no content. I'm glad to see that you are back. I resubscribed. Are you from NZ or Australia? In the 70s, I crossed the US twice with a Chevy station wagon with a twin mattress in the back. It worked great. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick
Yea sorry about that man, I should have more regular content pumping out from now on so I hope you like it. I am from New Zealand. Oh thats sounds like an awesome trip, good on you, thanks Rick, catch you soon
Half dome? KC now. I miss the west and Nevada. In a old rusted van near the river.
When you get a little older you will love watching this video in your NEW "simple van conversion."
Hahaha you're probably right
Funny as when you were getting the wood. Keep the vids up and that north face sponsor ship should be easy👌🏻
Thanks dude, that was my favorite part too. Hahaha thanks man, im trying my best
Buying my first car!! Which is a van n I’m very excited thank you
That’s so awesome, I’m excited for you, have fun
Cats are good judge of character. You are mean to him he will repay you.
mike Jenkins True man, don’t worry I’m not really mean to him, haha he still sleeps on my bed
This is epic!! Very inspiring! ✌️
Thanks a bunch man, I'm stoked you found it inspiring
I don't exactly remeber when I subscribed, but I don't regret it.
I'm definitely taking that as a compliment haha
The video was entertaining to watch which I really liked. Started watching out of curiosity, but stayed for the comedy lol. I thought about doing a van home build, but I feel like I’m too high maintenance. I don’t need a shower as I have a gym membership, but having a toilet I consider a necessity. Yeah there’s Mother Nature’s great out doors, but also not too fond of being surrounded by my own feces. At the same time...I’m not too fond of sleeping in close proximity to a toilet...so maybe no toilet 😭😭. I’m also somewhat claustrophobic, so I’d feel trapped in small places. Honestly, the biggest thing is I’m a gamer & streamer so it’s not ideal to live in a van with a setup. I’m still thinking about it tho.
Glad you liked it so much aye, but yea it isn't for everybody. Im sure you could figure something out that could work for you but again, its totally up to you. Good luck either way though :D
Ive got a solution for the shitter; chemical camping loo or a bucket with a seat and plastic baggies
I want to sneak walk with him! 😆 🤣 🤎
Hahaha sometimes you just gotta do the sneak
This is exactly what i was searching. Awesome work.
Glad to be of service, hope you liked it
Why did your cat take a dump under the steering wheel in the front floor board?... 😆... Did it get locked in the van w/o a literbox ?.... Bravo on the basic build👏👏👏💪👍✌️
It was in the garage overnight but it doesn't normally shit in there haha. Glad you liked the build :D
lol some of that plywood and 2x4s looked a little nice to be coming out of a dumpster
You'd be amazed what gets thrown away from building sites. Seems a bit wasteful
Not gonna lie... Thats pretty neat
Haha thanks, glad you liked it
put on a high vis jacket and carry a clipboard, walk with purpose, and hope for the best lmao
Hahaha too right
Loved y’all and the cat y’all cute and funny 😂
Haha thanks, im glad you liked it :D
What a deluxe garage you have to work in! ...me..drag my mattress outside and throw in the back of the van.
Yea I went to my parents place for that one haha
My idea as long as you bring a bucket lined with a trash bag with a toilet seat on top some fresh water for drinking and washing hands. 😊 a heat source is recommended.
Very true, as for the heat source I just use my mountain sleeping bag to keep warm haha
Matheson Brown that will work till a hard freeze but maybe you can stay away from them.
Kathy Fann I will try my best 😁
I recommend a wool hat and coat possibly a wool blanket inside the sleeping bag. My heater quit and I picked up 2 wool blankets and 2 down comforters and a wool head and neck cover. It’s not pleasant. When I get back to my home I will have a furnace installed. Don’t need all the time but when you need it at least you will have it.
Great vid
Thanks dude I appreciate that
you are a goober but i loved this! so funny! great build out.
Haha thanks a bunch, I'm glad you liked it
Love the Van!! I thought mine was a budget build, but it doesn't compare to $15!!
Haha yea we went on the extreme budget for this one but there’s a budget for everyone
If you live in a hot climate, like we do in Florida, you need that roof fan to get through the night. Js.
Ahh yea I can imagine it gets pretty sweaty down in Florida. So far being in NZ i've managed to get away without it.