Seriously? You hope we don't mind? THANK-YOU so much for documenting all the different parts of your build - been meaning to go through all of them when I get the chance. It's a terrific resource for those of us with little - no build experience. It means the world to me that you were able to take the time and effort to help educate and inform me. Great cost breakdowns too -- really helps others to figure out what they might be looking at spending in a way that's truly practical, by category. Even if it is out by, what? 10% on the total -- sounds like a big chunk when said that way, but, per category, it's not a lot and they are just estimates for some other builder to gauge what they can expect -- I'd say it's a near perfect gauge! Can't wait for Mexico!!! You two aren't frozen stiff just yet? I look forward to your excellent videography as you continue exploring!!
I thought you would be about 5 thousand higher. It's a very nice van. I'm half way through this build and already planning the next one. Always a thumbs up 👍
Thanks for sharing. With the pandemic, materials costs have been skyrocketing especially more and more people prefer to travel with their mobile house. The van build experience and accomplishments are something money can't buy. I am glad you guys have achieved what you dreamed and enjoy it. I love to watch your blogs and channels, very detailed. Keep it up!!
How big is the gray water and freshwater and black tank? Sorry, I don’t recall from the videos. Thank you so much for doing this fabulous video!Forget all the qualifiers on the KO 2 tires. People should just buy them and there is no explanation needed. Great video! I bought an airstream 19 and I love it but I put $10,000 into the 525amp/hr battery pack and it is way superior to battle born, sorry everybody! It is from Lithionics in Clearwater Florida and it can literally take a bullet. It has a heater built in and it is programmable 26 different ways and you can use an app to monitor it. Totally highly recommend it.
@@MathersOnTheMap how do you use the 2 grey tanks? Do you have one for sink and one for shower/toilet? I just realized I could watch your plumbing video again but I'm lazy 🤣
Wow that's an awesome price point. I've been looking at custom built ones through a few different companies and the cheapest I found was about $55,000 with less features. This gives me hope!
You guys did an amazing job with this van! I'm assuming everything in your build was brand new materials and components. If others wanted to do a similar build they could save a few thousand by finding recycled materials at Habits for Humanity stores or looking for free wood and flooring on marketplace. I personally live in a new community that's building houses everyday and I'm not afraid to dumpster dive, lol. Sometimes I'll use the chopped up lumber to make and sell crafts, then use that money to go buy materials for upgrades around the house or new tools. It helps to get permission from the site manager, and clean up around the dumpster when your done they really like that. Thanks for the share, my goal is to do one similar to yours but come in at less than 15K with recycled/free materials.
Good job! It’s not an easy task to keep & go through all those receipts!! What window covering company did you use? I’d love to see a video of the things you’d change & things you love about your build.
Hi there, I am enjoying your channel a lot. I was trying to watch your build series in chronological order but broke down and watched your stuck in the snow episode that led to this video about the cost of the build. I was wondering if you would contemplate doing an episode on reflection and what you had dilemmas about and what would you change in hindsight if you could. You guys did an awesome job, and the van looks sleek and cool! I really like the kettle timer idea.
Really nice build. I'm very interested in doing my own build (as I'm sure a lot of your viewers are), and I was wondering what do you do for money when you travel for extended periods? Do you work from the road? Also, this may be a silly question, but do you have insurance on the van and all the build components? I've heard stories of van-lifers not being able to insure their vans (or at least the insurance being ridiculously high) because the vans were considered as as a vehicle/home type of thing (similar to an RV) from an insurance standpoint.
Do you have some type of heater for when your in cold areas? Also what did you do before the van life for a job? Where is your income coming from now? Do you still have a house, where your from?
Yes we have the airtronic espar s2d2 diesel heater I think I forgot to include that. I was in corporate america IT / Taylors a nurse Now UA-cam is our main focus, maybe we’ll do a video on it
Great build, open and airy. I was wondering the reason behind doubling up on battery cables. I viewed your electrical video and they were all single cables (positive and negative). Thanks.
Hi there! After living in the van for a few months how do you feel about the electrical system do you feel like you went over board? Not enough? Or is it pretty adequate? Love the work you all have done here!
Hi! Love the videos! What are your thoughts on installing a Nomadic/Dometic A/C unit versus a Maxxair fan? I live in the North East and I know you know how hot and humid the summers can get. This is a tough decision for me because cost wise, it's quite a difference. -Scott
If you go max air bunk windows are a must, need ventilation by the bed to create a steady breeze. If you do that I think you’d be alright. USB fans help. If you go AC you need a bigger battery bank as well
If your plan is to head to Mexico; skip the winter in the north and be comfortable In Mexico. With no cabin AC you may not enjoy your time in Mexico. It depends on how far south you intend to drive, but southern Baja (Todos Santos/Cabo) is comfortable NOW.
@@MathersOnTheMap I forgot about the editing delay and was thinking you may not head down till mid April. Glad to here you are able to feel the warmth and sleep comfortably.
what was the cost of your van itself? were there any other modifications to the van before you started the build...was the van heater extra? thank you.
Yes, they are. I didn't pay anywhere near MSRP, but your build is still about half the cost and better in many ways. Building it yourselves is also much more rewarding, which makes it priceless. I don't have that much time to dedicate to it and after watching your videos, I want to get out and explore NOW! HAHA
Using more expensive items for the purpose of resale is smart! I'm planning to do a cheap build with cheap materials because I know I'll probably keep this van and at the most rent it out for a little side cash once I get my upgrade van. Thanks the video guys !
Wait...does this include the 8 extra cans of truck bed liner...and the practice can that was used to get the right spray technique? 35 dollars...really? More like 42
You can see the angst in his face every time they give a dollar amount. If you could read his mind it would most likely be (this UA-cam thing better work). Have fun in Mexico!!!
Seriously? You hope we don't mind?
THANK-YOU so much for documenting all the different parts of your build - been meaning to go through all of them when I get the chance. It's a terrific resource for those of us with little - no build experience. It means the world to me that you were able to take the time and effort to help educate and inform me.
Great cost breakdowns too -- really helps others to figure out what they might be looking at spending in a way that's truly practical, by category.
Even if it is out by, what? 10% on the total -- sounds like a big chunk when said that way, but, per category, it's not a lot and they are just estimates for some other builder to gauge what they can expect -- I'd say it's a near perfect gauge!
Can't wait for Mexico!!! You two aren't frozen stiff just yet? I look forward to your excellent videography as you continue exploring!!
Thank you Adrian!! Appreciate it, mexico is amazing can’t wait to share the vids with you!!! Highly recommend van life here
That's a pretty great price you guys did well I think. Nice craftsmanship in it too. Thanks for the layout of everything this is useful.
You got it!
Yay team lefty girls! 👊🏻
Thanks for the breakdown, it’s very useful! 🤔🤗🚐
I thought you would be about 5 thousand higher.
It's a very nice van.
I'm half way through this build and already planning the next one.
Always a thumbs up 👍
Thank you Jackie!!!! I was surprised a bit too
Very informative and relevant as it gives a good idea of how costs would pan out here in the UK. Thank you, Kevin and Taylor. 👍😊
you got it wendy!
Thanks for sharing. With the pandemic, materials costs have been skyrocketing especially more and more people prefer to travel with their mobile house. The van build experience and accomplishments are something money can't buy. I am glad you guys have achieved what you dreamed and enjoy it. I love to watch your blogs and channels, very detailed. Keep it up!!
Thank you Chris! Really appreciate it!
Beautiful build which is providing a whole lot of great adventures and memories!!! Way to go!!!
thank you!
Way more brave than us, I personally blocked out the cost and was in complete denial 🤑
👍👍👍
Me too though I still have all the receipts 😉
hahaha gotta keep it real!
0:07 cool to see you're left handed...💓
I could totally see you guys later in life owning a big RV.
Haha preferably a sail boat!
How big is the gray water and freshwater and black tank? Sorry, I don’t recall from the videos. Thank you so much for doing this fabulous video!Forget all the qualifiers on the KO 2 tires. People should just buy them and there is no explanation needed. Great video! I bought an airstream 19 and I love it but I put $10,000 into the 525amp/hr battery pack and it is way superior to battle born, sorry everybody! It is from Lithionics in Clearwater Florida and it can literally take a bullet. It has a heater built in and it is programmable 26 different ways and you can use an app to monitor it. Totally highly recommend it.
Fresh tank 33 gallons I think he said and two 5 gallon grey tanks
that's right! 33 and two 5 gallons. I'd definitely go bigger on the gray tanks though, do you have a link to lithionics?
@@MathersOnTheMap how do you use the 2 grey tanks? Do you have one for sink and one for shower/toilet? I just realized I could watch your plumbing video again but I'm lazy 🤣
Yep! One on each side of van!
@@MathersOnTheMap how much bigger for gray tanks?
Wow that's an awesome price point. I've been looking at custom built ones through a few different companies and the cheapest I found was about $55,000 with less features. This gives me hope!
This doesn’t include any labor though!
@@MathersOnTheMap True! But I have a family full of carpenters, so a case of beer will take care of that!
Can I hire them?! I’ll happily pay a case of beer haha
You guys did an amazing job with this van! I'm assuming everything in your build was brand new materials and components. If others wanted to do a similar build they could save a few thousand by finding recycled materials at Habits for Humanity stores or looking for free wood and flooring on marketplace. I personally live in a new community that's building houses everyday and I'm not afraid to dumpster dive, lol. Sometimes I'll use the chopped up lumber to make and sell crafts, then use that money to go buy materials for upgrades around the house or new tools. It helps to get permission from the site manager, and clean up around the dumpster when your done they really like that. Thanks for the share, my goal is to do one similar to yours but come in at less than 15K with recycled/free materials.
Thank you so much and true that! you can do it!!!
Good job! It’s not an easy task to keep & go through all those receipts!!
What window covering company did you use?
I’d love to see a video of the things you’d change & things you love about your build.
thanks Sherry! I think it's called Van Made Gear. Maybe we'll do that in a future epsiode!
Hi there, I am enjoying your channel a lot. I was trying to watch your build series in chronological order but broke down and watched your stuck in the snow episode that led to this video about the cost of the build. I was wondering if you would contemplate doing an episode on reflection and what you had dilemmas about and what would you change in hindsight if you could.
You guys did an awesome job, and the van looks sleek and cool!
I really like the kettle timer idea.
Hey Thom! Thank you! I’ll add these ideas to the backlog and maybe put something together!
Thank you for watching!!
$20-$25k in materials. $50k+ for the VAN, how many labor hours? Actual labor hours cost, van , plus materials, PRICELESS
a ton of labor hours!
How much did you buy the van for? Did you buy it new or used?
Belive it was 34000 for the van. It's a 2017 or 2018 I think?
35k 2015 we bought in 2019 (check out of other vids :) )
Really nice build. I'm very interested in doing my own build (as I'm sure a lot of your viewers are), and I was wondering what do you do for money when you travel for extended periods? Do you work from the road? Also, this may be a silly question, but do you have insurance on the van and all the build components? I've heard stories of van-lifers not being able to insure their vans (or at least the insurance being ridiculously high) because the vans were considered as as a vehicle/home type of thing (similar to an RV) from an insurance standpoint.
thanks Saagar! UA-cam :) and yep we're insured with statefarm as a camper van for the cost of van and build
Great information! Thanks 😊
Thanks James!
Do you have some type of heater for when your in cold areas? Also what did you do before the van life for a job? Where is your income coming from now? Do you still have a house, where your from?
Yes we have the airtronic espar s2d2 diesel heater I think I forgot to include that.
I was in corporate america IT / Taylors a nurse
Now UA-cam is our main focus, maybe we’ll do a video on it
@@MathersOnTheMap Awesome! Thanks for the reply, I’ve been binge watching your van-life series for the past few days! I like your content, keep it up!
Thank you guys. How much you paid for the van?
You got it! 35k!
Great build, open and airy. I was wondering the reason behind doubling up on battery cables. I viewed your electrical video and they were all single cables (positive and negative). Thanks.
Upgrade from 2/0 to 4/0 instead of buying new 4/0 wires I just added more 2/0 to become 4/0
Victron recommends 4/0 for 3000 watt inverters and up
Hi there! After living in the van for a few months how do you feel about the electrical system do you feel like you went over board? Not enough? Or is it pretty adequate? Love the work you all have done here!
Adequate! It’s perfect for our build!!!
Hi! Love the videos! What are your thoughts on installing a Nomadic/Dometic A/C unit versus a Maxxair fan? I live in the North East and I know you know how hot and humid the summers can get. This is a tough decision for me because cost wise, it's quite a difference.
-Scott
If you go max air bunk windows are a must, need ventilation by the bed to create a steady breeze. If you do that I think you’d be alright. USB fans help. If you go AC you need a bigger battery bank as well
Awesome van guys. Are you working remotely on the road as well?
Thanks Mike! We’re now mainly working on our UA-cam channel!
How much was the Ivy behind you, every time I see it I realize how it softens the look of the inside, brilliant idea.
cheap off amazon, under $10!
How much was the Van itself?
Yes I was wondering that and age of ban snd mileage too
Is the fridge for the vehicles different from those for houses?
Yep! It runs of DC power instead of AC
Beautiful build! But no heating or air conditioning? Maybe I missed it😁
forgot to mention heater (which is included in total) airtronic espar s2d2, we haven't had a need for an AC
If your plan is to head to Mexico; skip the winter in the north and be comfortable In Mexico. With no cabin AC you may not enjoy your time in Mexico. It depends on how far south you intend to drive, but southern Baja (Todos Santos/Cabo) is comfortable NOW.
We’re here now and it’s absolutely perfect! 63 at night!!!
@@MathersOnTheMap I forgot about the editing delay and was thinking you may not head down till mid April. Glad to here you are able to feel the warmth and sleep comfortably.
That's pretty good considering a Winnebago Revel is $175 thousand!!
Right!!! They’re crazy!
thanks for the estimate
what was the cost of your van itself? were there any other modifications to the van before you started the build...was the van heater extra? thank you.
35k with 15k miles on it, no modifications just a standard crew van. We installed the Espar heater ourselves!
Wow, prices really did go up! I just bought a 2014 SPRINTER WITH 85000 miles 4-cylinder for 38,000. November 2021. Kevin you got a good deal on yours.
just done mine on the cheap, £200, got a few extres , so now £250,
Much less than I thought! What price tag would you put on your labor? (I just ordered a Revel and need to justify the huge price difference. 💸😅)
a ton of hours but it was my first time. Revel's are soooooo EXPENSIVE!!!
Yes, they are. I didn't pay anywhere near MSRP, but your build is still about half the cost and better in many ways. Building it yourselves is also much more rewarding, which makes it priceless. I don't have that much time to dedicate to it and after watching your videos, I want to get out and explore NOW! HAHA
what was the price you had to pay for the van
in 2019 we paid $35k for our van which is a 2015 and only 15000 miles on it
Using more expensive items for the purpose of resale is smart! I'm planning to do a cheap build with cheap materials because I know I'll probably keep this van and at the most rent it out for a little side cash once I get my upgrade van. Thanks the video guys !
you got it Lala, good luck with your build!
Wait...does this include the 8 extra cans of truck bed liner...and the practice can that was used to get the right spray technique?
35 dollars...really? More like 42
They spent 20-24k...$7 isn't that serious lol but I feel you!
maybe?!
You can see the angst in his face every time they give a dollar amount. If you could read his mind it would most likely be (this UA-cam thing better work).
Have fun in Mexico!!!
haha amen to that!