A VERY UNUSUAL VAN BUILD.. THE START OF SOMETHING BIG.. VAN LIFE EUROPE
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
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In today's video, we head home after the great result from last week of getting our campervan legal in Spain, it's been a hectic few months after collecting the van from Germany and lots of unexpected stress to get to this point, now its all done and we can focus on the important task of making this van the ultimate home on wheels for us and our doggies!
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As a tiny channel I'd just like to compliment on the production quality you guys are putting out - as someone who has an inclining in to how hard and how much work is involved - wow, just wow - respect 👍
Wow, thank you so much for the appreciation 😊.. Hopefully we can make some great travel films in the new year😊
I really can't understand why there aren't so many more followers to this channel@@theexPAWers
@@theexPAWers what do the original owners think about this gutting and redesigning of their gift. Would they have handed it over if they thought this was going to happen?
Hi, another brilliant episode! Personally I think that access from and to the cab without having to go outside is essential for security reasons. Two windows each side of the bulkhead and an access doorway in the middle without removing it completely.. you would still be able to use each side of it to bolt onto.. as a couple in a campervan going outside at night might not be a problem, but if you have to move in a hurry or Sarah is by herself for some reason it's essential.. x
Thanks for the tips.. Definitely would be having a large hatch/window in the bulkhead if we keep it in, something we can all get through quickly 😊
Mad? No! Crazy? No! Stark Raving Bonkers? Definitely!!!!! I needed a tranquilizer after watching this episode! How on earth you both keep so focused and cheerful is beyond me. And this is why we all love you. I can't wait to see your vlogs each week. 😍
😂😂.. Love this! Thankyou ❤
A pass through door in the bulkhead is a good access and security (quick getaways!) option. Good luck with the rebuild, I love the flip-up shower cubicle idea.
Totally agree. They need to be able to access both sides of the bulkhead from the inside. Security…good thinking there Roy
Essential imho, also creates a lot more useable space
Totally agree. The bulkhead is certainly a good solid structure to build on to, but it's a good idea to leave a proper opening that you can get through quickly and easily, with doggies. Even something as basic as a sprained wrist can make it hard to climb through a hatch.
Just stick what you have straight back in again with a twist is my advise, cheaper / quicker / makes sense
@@pearlupthejunction also, some insurance demand access from front to back, Best keep all aspects in mind
Who knew van life could be so complicated.You two deserve a endurance medal .
Good luck going forward.
Get some cardboard and tape to mock up the shapes to see how they feel in the space. Work put where to put your desks. I like the idea of fold up bathroom. If it folds back against the wall is probably simplest way. A full height bathroom is good for hanging wet coats up if your somewhere wet and cold. Over head cupboards above counter space or anywhere you don't walk around.
Hi guys we have some practical and space-saving ideas for your camper van conversion! Let's break down each point:
Also put a kitchen window in the van.
We would remove the Bulkhead and put a curtain up for privacy or the silver screen magnetic window covers for vans.
Pros: Quick access to the front, potentially useful for emergencies or quick getaways, and opens up the van giving a much bigger space. Putting in a permanent bed (not too high). Convenience and time-saving when tired. Little doggies can snuggle all day on the bed. You can prop yourself up and do your computer work, relax, eat, sleep. If you have the bed at the back you can open up the doors and read, drink coffee, or have a glass of wine whilst looking at the scenery. Nice and cool in the heat and you can put a small homemade awning up when the doors are open. Izzie and Charlie always have a comfy place to stretch out. We have a four-berth caravan and leave the beds up all day and we lounge on them during the day. Our two doggies love it. Also as long as the bed is low enough for the doggies to jump on you will still get storage space under the bed accessible from the back of the van. We eat outside the van whenever we can but we can always put the portable table up and a folding chair and eat in the van too.
Portable Gas Cooker/heater
Cooking flexibility, less condensation inside the van, and the ability to cook outdoors. You could have two or three of those depending on how many pans you are using. Can I also mention an "air fryer". Everything tastes amazing with a drizzle of oil and spices and it is done in minutes. fruit t-cakes cut in half and buttered on one side takes seconds and tastes so much better than under a grill.
No Shower/Toilet Cubicle:
Creates a more open and spacious feel inside the van. We have a shower/toilet tent that folds away like an umbrella. There is a shower head and tube that leads into a water container and the hook above the shower head with compartments for sponge, and soap. We also have a large plastic bucket that we stand in to collect the water which can be used to bath the dogs.
Compost Toilet:
Pros: Odor control with sawdust, no need for plumbing. These toilets don't leave a smell like the others. Considered acceptable for campers as long as they dispose properly. You can also use the toilet/shower tent if you have one or one of you could take the doggies for a walk which I am sure you have had to do in Vinnie.
I would then have cupboards and a sink and a couple of desks for you to do your work. I wouldn't have a wardrobe as it takes away the space outlook in your van. Imagine how big your van would look without heavy boxy cubicles. When camping one doesn't need wardrobes. Usually, campers are more casual anyway. When we are away I rarely see anyone in a dress.
If you want the shower inside then take a look at
"I Ride" Tiny House Adventures" I Ride" Tiny House Adventures. It is such a tiny van but amazing giving you a bed/loo/shower but still part of the van.
Looking forward to what you guys do to the van. Love to the little doggies.
🤗🤗
Thanks for all the great advice! We will keep all this in mind for sure.. Still thinking the bed up front as we like to use the back door for coming in and out 😊.. If we keep the bulk head there will be a big enough window cut to get through easily and let lots of light in.. Have a good Sunday ❤️
Sounds good. @@theexPAWers 🤗🤗
You really are the best Van lifers on UA-cam, my wife always wants to watch you guys as I religiously , your down to earth and genuine beautiful people .
Keep up the good work and never stop being you .
Love you guys see you next time here on your channel.
Every week … when it’s Thursday… it’s doggie day !!!
Guys don’t use washing up liquid on your van, it’s probably the worst thing you can use as it’s very alkaline & will strip any bit of protection as well as make the paint dull.
I REALLY like the idea of having swivel chairs at the rear end....that has a lot of soulful/spiritual value in it.
.... wondering if you could put a mount on the floor in between the two chairs that you could quick drop a pedestal in and from the kitchen countertop workstation you could flip up a leaf and convert new added work space and (double flip out) the table area to eat at..... Temporarily blocking out your entrance from the back, but if you weren't eating or needing the additional counter space for the kitchen -- it could be put away.
Love a pass through!! Creates two separate rooms so you can work separately or take phone calls without disturbing each other❤ Could you put in a lift bed, those look like a game changer concerning convenience and use of space!! So fun and exciting 👍😁
Definitely a pass trough for safety. Maybe think about a Murphy bed. Don’t skimp on the bathroom shower area. Buena suerte
Keep it simple, don't make it difficult for yourselves. X
So lovely to see how outrageously happy you guys are now the van registration drama is over. You four are so entertaining. I have a little camper too! Love all you do! Hi from NZ ❤
awwwww, Thankyou, yeah we are so relieved that the van is finally legal here after everything that’s happened☺️xx
Great to see you working out the new layout, it's safer to have a hatchway to the cab through the bulkhead in case you need to get in the front to leave in a hurry one day without going outside.
Tweak the layout & make it lighter if you can with less heavy pieces of wood.
Exciting days, big hugs to you all, look forward to seeing you next week.
❤🏴❤ X
That’s the plan Annie❤.. Once we figure it all out in our heads we can get to work and are confident it’ll be a great build 😊
A crawl thru space is best that way you can move to the back to get snacks and stuff while your driving.
Think about arriving somewhere in howling wind and rain; with the bulkhead being retained, you and the dogs need to go out into the miserable weather and then re-enter the habitation side of the van, taking rain and mud with you. I would remove the bulkhead. I also got a flashback of being in a ?Carlight caravan when I was about 8 years old and being fascinated by the box-in-a-box extendable toilet. It was a three-sided box that slid out from the toilet room, doubling the size and giving plenty of room to use the toilet.
The silent smile whilst 'having a poo' made me laugh so much!
We've got behind with videos while we've been on our NZ adventure but home again (😢) and catching up with our fave channels!
Your relief is palpable 😂 🎼🎶 Happy Days Are Here Again ... tra-la-la-la mmmmmmm ... 🎶
Hi guys, Eamon and Becs showerr was pretty fab and there loo!! Check out the design!
Goidluck xx
You can relax and enjoy Christmas now.. Lots to look forward to with the can build
I cut our bulkhead horizontally so we can have the seats there but still climb through in an emergency, then another bit left along the top so we could hang the curtains for privacy it works really well .
For safety reasons, I would take the bulkhead out. In case you need to make a fast bugout in the middle of the night because of some bad people outside. You don't want to go out of the van to get to the drivers seat. That's why us vandwelers own vans, and not campers on back of pickup trucks.
Aww not crazy or mad … it’s a big decision. We are just converting our van and have removed the bulkhead and built a new one in wood … with a space for a door … we have covered it in stretchy carpet to match the cab side… and will do whatever matches on the other side …eg we will have a shower etc. Such big decisions creating a unique individual space that functions optimally! You guys will do an awesome job .. ♥️💙
Have you considered using an induction hob (maybe with a little flat portable gas one as a back up) That way there is no gas locker needed. You already have plenty of lithium, solar, and powerbanks. A garage at the front under your bed is terrific.
Keep the bulkhead and insert a big window. Was my thought when I saw you put it back in. Good luck with the rebuild.
Ditch the bulkhead for easy access to the back from the cab
Start point: get rid of the bulkhead.
Design at least one side window.
Design the rest based on the above 2 factors.
Outside paint job before you start sticking things on the roof.
Just a thought guys. Why not use the Vinnie shower curtain in the new build save weight and space. You need easy access to front also ...
Do what you thinks best guys. The old layout gave you a chance to change it more for your needs. The portable gas stove is ample too. Looking forward to seeing it when it’s all finished. 😁
Thanks so much ❤😊
Some may decry the Spanish system, as an ex mot tester and engineer, I like the system.
I have seen some self builds that my best judgement would be to keep well clear of being a passenger in
Well done your not only brave your wiser than others may consider
I too am an ex MOT tester and VOSA trained inspector. Some of the self builds I have come across have been horrendous but equally some have been very well done. Any process that forces self builders to follow some source of tested items in the build is a good thing.
So exciting, can’t wait to see how the van evolves. Just love Thursday evenings, thank you xx
😘😘❤
I love my swivel seats! They add so much usable space. A great space to relax and read.
Please consider removing that bulkhead!
I have a portal gas barbecue... It's tabletop and works fab.. Recommend. Small gas cannisters only required
Removing the bulkhead gives you a way to move about without exiting the van. This is handy in bad weather or if there is something shady going on outside, and you need to make a getaway.
Fiat Ducato peeling paint...welcome to my world! Lol
I agree..keep the bulkhead in but cut out a hatch for a window/hatch
Shower - Eamon and bec had a shower like this in their second van x
It’s all very exciting, and it’s going to look great.
If your going to have a sitting area in the back I'd cut windows into the doors. For those rainy or cold days.
I'm looking forward to watching this come together!
Hi again. Interesting to hear all your ideas, if only life was easy, but then we'd complain that it's boring haha.
Personally I'd at least have a pass through the bulkhead for security, but also perhaps window in to let the light through from the front. You could have drop down screens to block out the night, but also as tables during the day. Would make a great workspace.
But if you're undecided how to plan it all out, why not do it a bit at a time, and work it out as you go, that way you're adding it as you find a use for it, not putting things in and regretting it later.
Looking forward to tonight's installment. Have a good week.
I would perhaps keep the bottom half of the bulkhead as a frame but remove the top for access in case of an emergency and also it will allow more light through. Excited to see what you do and watch you create your very own bespoke van build. Making it lighter is definitely a great idea as it will cut down on fuel consumption and allow you to take more away especially if going for a long trip or need winter weather gear etc. So much too look forward to in 2024.
As you’ve found out using a pressure washer on these vans will literally strip the paint clean off, the top coat doesn’t seem to adhere to the primer they use, it’s crap & I’m not sure why after all these years Peugeot/Fiat/Citreon (PSA Group) haven’t improved this. I’ve found even a standard hose with a hozelock attachment will remove the paint 😮 Also bare this in mind when it comes to a repaint or respray as these vans are well known in the trade for being troublesome, had my bonnet resprayed recently and it had to be taken back to the bare metal as that awful dirty beige primer they use kept reacting with the new paint. 🤬
I had the paint peeling off the bonnet and the roof on our Ducato. The roof was rubbed down and primed with industrial / narrow boat primer, then it was treated with a special Australian Heat Reflecting paint which has proved to be both robust and effective. The bonnet was completely rubbed down, primered, then polyester filler primed and rubbed down until smooth. I used colour matched enamel paint for a tough, chip resisting finish. It was a lot of work!!! All of the other parts of the van were painted with normal car paint.
Put your toilet or shower under the seats facing each other at the back door for easy drainage or emptying of the toilet
Being able to use the back area as a space you can also hang out/ sit comfortably would be great ~ you now have the room for one person to still be in bed while the other can use the back . Makes things versatile: one of you might need to sleep at a different time , eg. if unwell. I don't get the short toilet area, though; and ivf its tall why not use it as a wet room, too? Good for dirty dogs shaking in the shower/ hanging wet suit etc.
Hi we have water and waste tanks under the van , very easy to fit and are really good 👍
Just the build to do now guys , at least your doing it in good weather ,bloody freezing in blighty 🥶 anyways take your time ,get chrimbo out of the way 🎉
Sarah and Nick , You have lots of work to go, but you will have a wonderful travel living space !
Hi guys make sure you insulate the roof before you go somwhere cold else it will be constantly dripping condensation on you ..
Regarding the bulkhead, it means that the dogs would be left unattended and with Charlie’s seizures, it could be really awful
If you're intent on keeping the bulkhead in put the kitchen down there across the van, put a serving hatch in the bulkhead, two swivel seats and a table in the cab to make it a diner.
Just saying🏴🏴🇪🇸❤❤🫂🫂❤️❤️🏴🏴🇪🇸
Remember how much you loved the big space. Safety purposes at least cut a door in it.
Hi. So glad you are through your registration trials and tribulations. You are going through a lot of the design challenges I went through with Pint Pot, our L1H1 Fiat Ducato. It had the dreaded peeling paint to the roof which I cured with a NASA inspired Australian insulating paint. I also have a toilet and shower with a folding wall which becomes a work surface. This is my fourth camper over a period of 35 years, so a lot of thought and experience has been used formulating Pint Pot's rear bench which allows full rear door access as well as a full rear U bench seat and full sized bed. If you want more info let me know and I will email you. Love the channel, keep it up.
Love the name Juan the Van - really catchy!
Please be careful with the portable diesel heater and make sure you fully seal the exhaust outlet
Try using boxes as a mockup.
If you're going to keep the bulkhead put a door in it instead of a window with a door you can get through quicker incase of an emergency
Security for me, is a must have easy access to the cab and all doors without getting out of the van. So whatever that entails. No bulkhead (which is adding weight to your van as is) or a decent cut out, which then begs the question, why not just remove it. Personally I would totally remove it.
You will get there one day guys!!
Back to the lovely roof terrace 😊
I have seen someone with a low level toilet/shower solution and it actually works quite well....
Have a look at the True Blue Travellers, they have just converted a Sainsburys delivery van, and instead of wall cabinets they have shelves with plastic baskets for storage, it makes the van seem more open. Also remove the bulkhead and replace with a wall with and a escape door so you can drive off if you don't feel safe where your parked.
Great output, love it. If the bulkhead stays in place it means exiting the van to access the cab, not always a good thing on an icy or wet morning. If reusing old framing timbers on the new build, trim them in size radically and save weight. Some of those timbers were construction dimensions !
If we leave the bulk head we will cut a large window so we have access in and out of cab… The old build was definitely too heavy and although we like the layout we will make it lighter on the rebuild 😄
Juan deVan ! Yes!!!!
Guys, I once, many years ago had a self build Merc W/. Spanish Plates, that the previous owner managed to get Homologated. I believe there is a Company called homólogo sur, that homologates
Great job
I like the idea of having a smaller shower area - it would make the van feel much more spacious. I imagine that you're planning on having a circular shower rail attached to the ceiling and the shower head and taps tucked away under the countertop, so when you want a shower, you flip open a door, flip back the countertop, attach the shower to the wall (which will have a waterproof panel there) and clip on a shower curtain. That would take less than 2 minutes to assemble, and it would make the space much nicer for the rest of the day when it's all packed away again. So glad you've finally made it.
Give toilet & shower area extra room.
Hello ! Sorry!!! That is very important to say !!! I would definitely take out the partition. I also made the mistake of leaving the divider inside. If your car is parked somewhere and it's dangerous, it's very important to get into the driver's compartment from behind. otherwise you would have to get out and get back in again. For reasons like this, it is very important that people get to the driver's compartment. For example, if someone ( a criminal )wants to get into the car from outside at night.
You can leave very fast ..,, please consider this 😮
Can you just move the bolk head up so it cover the shelve about and bolt the rest of the bolts in, therefore your have a gap underneath for the hot air and everyone will still see the bolk head. itll work for your trip. all the best for your build xx
You will make it yours and it will look fab. X
you're both nuts! You need at least one window. ❤️
Bulkhead out: more light...? Spacer, even though you now say you don't need it...? Storing things you can reach better...? Lovely extra seating area for the boys? Etc... Success!
Spacier (May be a new word, but Sara will understand 😂, is what I mean), more room...
That drone is so cool !!!!!
You need to come up with some kind of helmet you can put ice in to keep from cooking your brains, just to much going on up there . All the best you 2 . I've also been watching the narrowboat channels from England talk about cramp space it's like living in a large pipe but interesting .
I'd put in lots of overhead storage cupboards above any area you are not going to be able to stand in, you are not minimalists you like lots of stuff so you need places to store it and it more easy to reach up than dig into a big garage area... A 50-70cm deep overhead cupboard along both sides wont eat into too much living space.
If your kitchen aisle will be wider at the 2 rear doors perhaps attach either side flip up seats that drop back down on frame of cupboards or doors .....
🤗☕☕ or 🍷🍷or🥑🥬🧄🥐🥜😉
Guys if you don’t need the space of the cabin then keep it separate. Your van will be much wormer and also more also stealth. You are pro so you defo know it 👍🏻😀
Great news. Cant wait to see you put your twist on the new build…❤❤
We used a company in Valencia called tutuning and we only took pictures when the built was finished which saved us a lot of hassle. It was really straight forward.
We would remove the bulkhead to save on weight and also it’s easier to get to the front if you need to than if you only cut a window out.
We kept the original passenger seats but put a swivel (plate) in which was the best thing we did in the van as if gave us more seating in the van when parked. If we were to to a build again we would change the double passenger seat for a single. It was extremely uncomfortable to sit on that double passenger seat for long distance drives.
Also building whilst the bulkhead is in might be very difficult. We took it out first thing and only used the van driving for shopping whilst we were building, which actually was a lot of driving and we never got stopped. Most Spanish people who build campers do the same.
Good luck and congrats to the import 😊🙏🏼
Bulkhead in with a big window sounds good, definitely would have access to the front of van from the back for security. Like rear seating idea, the table top could then drop down to make a full width bench seat across the back. Smaller shower room and kitchen I think k you guys could cope with after having vinnie. Higher bed at front so you have garage space under it would be great.
Well done guys , onwards and upwards now , can’t wait for the build! X
I love your ideas and think you will be very happy if you simply go through with them and not second guess yourself. I’ve seen little bathrooms as you’ve described, and it should work just fine I really don’t know why your seating/table idea at the back of the van wouldn’t work perfectly. You need to consider how YOU will be using it, and having watched your channel for quite some time now, the things you have presented are totally your style. 💕❤️
Wow, I love that little hover gadget! Feliz Navidad to you both x
The van layout is such a personal choice, so it's impossible to provide any guidance there. However, to answer your questions...The bathroom - I use it everyday and having it is a priority for me. I really liked the original flooplan with the bed in the front and kitchen in the back. BUT...if you chose to enter through the side instead of the rear, you could build a fixed bed in back with lots of garage space under or move the L-shaped couch/bed conversion back there. Smaller storage space, but you can build upper cabinets above the bed. If you did that, you could use the width of the van at the bulkhead for your kitchen with an opening in the bulkhead to the cab and even create an L shape there with workspace and cabinets extending toward the back on yhe driver's side. So, across the van width and an arm extending rear. You'd be able to keep the full bathroom, using it as a partition between part of the bed and the "living" space on the opposite side of the van. Hard to explain my thoughts, so i'm sorry if it's not clear.
Made up for you carnt wait to see your big build now.
My basic plans for my van, no bulkhead - I want openness and more light. Plus, in an emergency, I can get into the driverseat and drive away without having to get out of the vehicle. I had to do this once, really appreciated this feature. My next one, I am planning, as in your first idea, of being able to take my cooking surface outside and cook. I want many things to be convertible, for a smaller footprint inside. Such as the shower - like you said turns back into a usable surface, table and chair. I have back issues, so my bed height will be normal. For you, I like that you can have the garage up front, you will have a window you can go through to drive away, in case of an emergency. There are so many ways of doing things. You will figure it out! And, you will love it. I do watch a lot of videos of people who built their own van, I gleam bits and pieces from them. One thing I am doing: I am insulting my van with spray on cork. It is used on exterior of houses. Best insulation on the market. Best sound proofing material! No sweating between the cork and the metal of the van. Like you I will be using light materials, are much as possible.
Do the respray before re-fitting solar panels and windows would make sense.
All in 1 diesel heaters shouldn't be used in a van as exhaust joint is in the van.
Why not just cut a heat vent hole through bulk head for ducting from existing diesel heater in the cab?
Self builds are of the individuals choosing but quite honestly the layout that you had inherited was very well
planned. After several months of touring there might well be some things to alter. But as yet , do you really imagine something vastly improved? Thanks for sharing. Good luck whatever you choose.
Exactly I'd just put what come out go straight back in, I'd have thought if they could of imported it as it was, they wouldn't have changed that much ?
I would keep the bulkhead, but make the window so it will open & you can climb through just in case!
i would get rid of the bulk head . Its a lot of faff trying to get into the rear keep getting out of the front doors. Look at other Van builders videos on here itll give good practical help..
been watching your channel for probably 2 years now... love it... bought an old sprinter last year..... did nothing other than build a bunk bed at the back and quick pull outs under for the kids.... been surfing and skatepark exploring with the kids its changed our lives... got some money this year so am going to proper convert it.... looking forward to watching you go first :) [edit 22mins... class hahahah]
Back to Basics, that’s how we’re going, not too basic but certainly not the typical high spec Instagram van! 😂.. Glad you and the kids are enjoying the van😁
Eamon and Bec did a similar toilet set up that you are explaining if I remember correctly.
Bulkhead partially out. go down and wide far enough to get through but high enough so stuff doesn't slide through to the front from below. Look forward to the masterpiece😊
You're doing such a good job of planning, look forward to the action. Merry Christmas
Look forward to the build!😊
I like the idea of a bigger passage, and low level bathroom. You managed to shower with a curtain in Vinnie. Maybe possible to keep the low level bathroom and incorporate a curtain? Not sure about the seats at the back. Also I can see pros and cons with the cab bulkhead. I tend to like open plan, but keeping a bulkhead can be better for heating/cooling. Also better for stealth camping.
Soo happy for you both!
i fitted a small bath in my van works treat saves a ton of space will send pics if your interested 😃