Alan is amazingly talented. He found so many ways to get the things he wants in and on his van, and he still has room for freight! Nice guy, and he seems very happy.
I love his bed and shower. On most of the van builds the bed takes over the entire space. I really like the idea of a murphy type bed to give you room to move about and have a table. The shower is just plain brilliant!
This is what I believe to be my all time favorites from the past. This gentleman gave me cause for pause in adaptation that guided me towards some innovative means of achieving my desires on the easy, quick, and cheap. I would really enjoy a high top sprinter to call home. Or a U-haul van (the 10 foot box). But, as I shared with you before, I'm hitting the road on top of 18 wheels. I may not have the freedom of where I go and when, but I'll be rambling about, making money, eventually getting out of rent, and living in a space that's actually built to provide most of the comforts. I can endure that long enough to save for the changes I wish to incorporate. And Bob, I'm going to be completely honest with you here; it's truly because of both you and Jamie that I've rediscovered my personal passion to live rather than to die of a life that had me always wondering what if. I truly hope that I run across you, any of you, while I'm on the roads of this big beautiful nation.
Tin Man wow! I’ve thought of doing a house in a trailer on 18 wheels. You can work and stay at travel center. I’d love to see how you do it on 18 wheels. Happy trails💜
The best van builds are always ultimately what works best for the driver. That said, I think the neatest builds come from those that have spent plenty of time living the life, such as this gentleman. The simple and inexpensive innovation is astounding.
Thank you Bob for this video interview. This is the best arrangement I have seen so far!! So well thought out, easy to do and what a vantastic amount of easy cheap do-able space savers. Very informative. I like how the wood paneling is fitted with bigger pieces of wood vs the smaller boards often used. To me that is so much time and work fitting a lot of boards together. Inspiring. It's a keeper! 5 stars.
I so love how he did the bed. I use to work as an expediter as well it was very fun seeing a lot of the countryside. For my bed, I just had a mattress that I would put on the floor. When I got a load I would just strap it back to the sidewall and away I went. The part that sucked for me was when I had a full load there was no place for the bed. I would have to stretch out in the front seat somehow. I love how he has even thought of even when he has a three pallets he can still have his bed it is adjustable that is so smart.
Hi Bob I just watched this video for the first time great video I love the sprinter 500k miles wow I had no idea they were so reliable. Sprinters use Mercedes engines and some parts. My dad has a 1991 Mercedes S class with 400k miles on it its still going strong. I just bought a SUV Ive wanted for a long time... a used Mercedes ML 430 SUV looks mint condition inside/out. It had some minor issues so got it for a good price. the radiator had leak so spent a few hours yesterday and sealed it. It does not leak anymore. I put fuel and engine treatment in it to make it last longer now just need to fix a window switch and its good to hit the road. Its 4 WD and windows are tinted so its suv dwelling ready I will put a air mattress in back and suv dwell soon maybe pull a small travel trailer in future since its a V8. Ive always loved the Sprinters they are perfect for van dwelling the large size gives you so much room for a bed a small shower small kitchen etc you see alot of used ones with 200k to 300k miles for around 10k to 15k online.
Very clever indeed...I'm sure a lot of handy men (women too;) got some terrific ideas out of that!!...I'm just not in that category lol I just love the interviews, meeting all the great people out there...thanks Bob!!
One thing I like is the air conditioner on the roof, backwards. I have seen them on the back doors. Adventure Van Man has his between the driving area and the van area. You can press and air conditioner against screen door/window and it works fine.
Thats a MAN on a mission for sure. It's great having a BRAIN and to use it. Today we have people who can't hang a picture frame. I often thought of a Sprinter... but did like the one video with the 19' trailer...I'm looking at 22' for that little extra room. The pressure of this fast pace mad world has shown me nothing but a way to WASTE your money. Keep your videos coming Bob,they give good folk a new look into a BETTER FUTURE.....Less is more :-)
I drive long haul for UPS and showers use to be around $12 at Loves or Pilot, now their $17! My co driver and I get free showers because we buy so much fuel but my sprinter will have a shower
Another fantastic video, I learn something every time you share one. Alan has a great layout, I follow some folks that are doing expediting (for their current job) and they also show some unique things on how to live comfortably while on the road and hauling freight. Great yob Bob :)
Bob, I looked at all the replies, I don't see a question on the fan above the back doors. (21.10) It looks to be a 12v wind generator that runs while the truck is moving. Sprinters don't have suction problems like a square backed van. That is a big reason they get the mileage they do. So I don't think it is just creating a vortex. It must generate power. Do you know of anyone else who is working on scavaging power while in motion?
Alaan I know this is a bit late I only now saw the video today. It looks like you’ve done an outstanding job on a shoestring budget and I salute you sir. When I heard you say that your air-conditioner doesn’t cool the living space off completely I thought to ask if you have tried a roof mounted evaporative cooler. Evaporative cooler’s work very well in dry climates where the temperature doesn’t get above about 102°F. So unless you spend the summer in Yuma or anywhere in south western Arizona or eastern California An evaporative cooler would probably freeze you out of there. Yes I know they use water but water is cheaper to acquire than propane or gasoline for a generator. Just a thought
Allen has a proven system there, really cool seeing how light and quick he can move. Those cam Tie Straps are a common item for us bikers and if you want to use or need the best brand out there it is "Ancra" so Allen throw those ratchet type away that you have on the rear. Ancra come in different colors which represent the lbs they can handle. I have used them for over 35 yrs, and I have a pair that is 24yrs old, I believe I have about 5 pairs of Ancra's and about 7 pairs of knock offs. I keep a few pairs in my truck and pair in the wife's car and the rest in the garage/shop. You loop back the end up against the cam section and they will never fail. Every Nomad should have a few pairs eh? Nomad: from the 1550s, from Middle French nomade (16c.), from Latin Nomas (genitive Nomadis) "wandering groups in Arabia," from Greek nomas (genitive nomados, plural nomades) "roaming, roving, wandering" (to find pastures for flocks or herds), related to nomos "pasture, pasturage, grazing," literally "land allotted," from PIE root *nem- "assign, allot; take."
This is what I'm pretty much hoping to do with a cargo van. Similar sized kitchen space, same bed design where the desk and bed are one, a shower in the similar spot but opposite position.
I'd love to see the reaction on the shipping and receiving clerk's face when he pulls up and has to remove and scatter all that stuff mounted on the back to open the doors to load a pallet.
I'm and expediter and talked to a Sprinter owner. He's forever having mechanical problems. Glow plugs etc. If its not one thing its the other and he wants to sell is Sprinter. The Dodge promaster, they are a joke. Just talked to an owner. His headlights last 3 weeks. Every 30K miles his transmission has to be repaired because a part in there is made of plastic with a metal covering that breaks all the time. I own an Econoline that isn't made anymore, and the are reliable as hell. I hear the Nissans are hardy, but they're too short. Stay safe...
interstategar - we also had a Sprinter in the U.K, my husband delivered gas boilers and solar panels, I used to call the Sprinter " the big white elephant", always needing something, tyres, clutch, brake pads blah blah blah, we made good money on the deliveries nationwide in the U.K but boy did that van eat all the profit! We are now retired and have bought an Iveco Daily, similar to the Sprinter but about 3ft longer, partially made into a camper, we plan to finish it off and enjoy this white elephant travelling for pleasure not work!
Alan is a smart and friendly guy. His van is unique and the perfect tool for his gig. I had the pleasure of camping next to, and taking the international ferry to Mexico for a taco or two. Be sure to say " hi " if you see him.
Alan, could you tell us what kind, and or brand of "plastic" that you used to cover your shower pan and how many coats you applied? Thanks. Excellent creativity.
Its suppose to be one of the coldest winters we have had in the US in years maybe if you make a video on portable heater options that will help. Im renting a room in orange county its 45 degrees at night outside I got woken up more than once at night lately because of the cold so I may need to buy a little buddy heater for the room and then the SUV i recently bought when I van dwell in it.
I work for a Dodge dealer and avoided these things like the plague. I was so glad when they sold it off to Freightliner. But...have the parts gone down since they took it over? If you can find a good used PROMaster with a 3.6 Pentastar, I would go for it. They have nice power and an outrigger electrical interface box.
Does the mount/rack for his motorcycle interfere with loading pallets into the back? I know they make forklifts that can extend out but I'd be worried about damage if they were using conventional forklifts.
Ive got a similar van, 2005 tall long sprinter. Ive got a dometic fridge freezer that runs off my battery bank. and two 200 watt panels on the roof. where can one get hauling gigs?
Hay Bob! Where on Sidewinder do you stay? Do you stay near PIlot Knob (I thought there was a fee) or do you stay on the north side of hwy 8 on that part of Sidewinder?
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Alan is amazingly talented. He found so many ways to get the things he wants in and on his van, and he still has room for freight! Nice guy, and he seems very happy.
I love his bed and shower. On most of the van builds the bed takes over the entire space. I really like the idea of a murphy type bed to give you room to move about and have a table. The shower is just plain brilliant!
Check out my van build ua-cam.com/video/mMxfdfQcgW4/v-deo.html
I love how people who live this life are so creative :)
This is what I believe to be my all time favorites from the past. This gentleman gave me cause for pause in adaptation that guided me towards some innovative means of achieving my desires on the easy, quick, and cheap.
I would really enjoy a high top sprinter to call home. Or a U-haul van (the 10 foot box).
But, as I shared with you before, I'm hitting the road on top of 18 wheels. I may not have the freedom of where I go and when, but I'll be rambling about, making money, eventually getting out of rent, and living in a space that's actually built to provide most of the comforts. I can endure that long enough to save for the changes I wish to incorporate.
And Bob, I'm going to be completely honest with you here; it's truly because of both you and Jamie that I've rediscovered my personal passion to live rather than to die of a life that had me always wondering what if.
I truly hope that I run across you, any of you, while I'm on the roads of this big beautiful nation.
Tin Man well said. Oz never did give nothin' to the.....
Tin Man wow! I’ve thought of doing a house in a trailer on 18 wheels. You can work and stay at travel center. I’d love to see how you do it on 18 wheels. Happy trails💜
The best van builds are always ultimately what works best for the driver. That said, I think the neatest builds come from those that have spent plenty of time living the life, such as this gentleman. The simple and inexpensive innovation is astounding.
Thank you Bob for this video interview. This is the best arrangement I have seen so far!! So well thought out, easy to do and what a vantastic amount of easy cheap do-able space savers. Very informative. I like how the wood paneling is fitted with bigger pieces of wood vs the smaller boards often used. To me that is so much time and work fitting a lot of boards together. Inspiring. It's a keeper! 5 stars.
This style of building is great because of the versatility it affords. It is also cheap and lightweight. Smart.
Wow, some great ideas. Never thought about doing those kinds of ideas. Thank you for letting us come along.
A Heart Beat for you
Honeyi at you
Youaetheoewattbwthoeyiayoualot
Honeyif youwant to Elon
That folding bed/table is really a cool idea. Great video. Thumbs up.
This guy is amazing!! He really has a creative mind and used his space well! Great video Bob!
I so love how he did the bed. I use to work as an expediter as well it was very fun seeing a lot of the countryside. For my bed, I just had a mattress that I would put on the floor. When I got a load I would just strap it back to the sidewall and away I went. The part that sucked for me was when I had a full load there was no place for the bed. I would have to stretch out in the front seat somehow. I love how he has even thought of even when he has a three pallets he can still have his bed it is adjustable that is so smart.
Hi Bob I just watched this video for the first time great video I love the sprinter 500k miles wow I had no idea they were so reliable. Sprinters use Mercedes engines and some parts. My dad has a 1991 Mercedes S class with 400k miles on it its still going strong. I just bought a SUV Ive wanted for a long time... a used Mercedes ML 430 SUV looks mint condition inside/out. It had some minor issues so got it for a good price. the radiator had leak so spent a few hours yesterday and sealed it. It does not leak anymore. I put fuel and engine treatment in it to make it last longer now just need to fix a window switch and its good to hit the road. Its 4 WD and windows are tinted so its suv dwelling ready I will put a air mattress in back and suv dwell soon maybe pull a small travel trailer in future since its a V8. Ive always loved the Sprinters they are perfect for van dwelling the large size gives you so much room for a bed a small shower small kitchen etc you see alot of used ones with 200k to 300k miles for around 10k to 15k online.
Very clever indeed...I'm sure a lot of handy men (women too;) got some terrific ideas out of that!!...I'm just not in that category lol I just love the interviews, meeting all the great people out there...thanks Bob!!
One thing I like is the air conditioner on the roof, backwards. I have seen them on the back doors. Adventure Van Man has his between the driving area and the van area. You can press and air conditioner against screen door/window and it works fine.
Bed + Shower = Brilliant! This guy is really ingenious.
Really ingenious! Thanks, Bob.
Cool ideas for the bed and shower
Hey Bob, have you ever talked to a pilot car driver with oversize loads? Most of them sleep in their vans, usually at truck stops.
That Hitch Idea is Awesome
I think a roof top rack with a side ladder might even be better. Then you would never block the back doors. GoneCamper.com
Most simple, compact and efficient combination of tools to live in a moving vehicle. Genius. Especially that fold down table under the fold down bed.
Thing is, you didn't ask him how much was the set up
Cool guy I can respect a man like this......he is ready for anything. It takes a lot to be on the road solo
Loved this man's shower..great idea!
Luv the open space ! . Mans gota fishin pole , he s gota B OK , Thanx 4 tour / interview
Some van-people are clean! More than just wipe's, nice shower system.
I'm thinking about this. I dont see my friends for months as it is. Tired of doing food delivery and would like to just run.
Theres a big demand for truck drivers!
The quickness that this can be assembles and disassembled is amazing! Very creative!
Thats a MAN on a mission for sure. It's great having a BRAIN and to use it. Today we have people who can't hang a picture frame. I often thought of a Sprinter... but did like the one video with the 19' trailer...I'm looking at 22' for that little extra room. The pressure of this fast pace mad world has shown me nothing but a way to WASTE your money. Keep your videos coming Bob,they give good folk a new look into a BETTER FUTURE.....Less is more :-)
Thank you Jim, you are so right, drop the pressure with less is more.
Thais man is brilliant. So many applications for all his creative inventions. SUPER!!
Now THAT is some customization! He has a brilliant, creative mind..Way to go!!
I drive long haul for UPS and showers use to be around $12 at Loves or Pilot, now their $17! My co driver and I get free showers because we buy so much fuel but my sprinter will have a shower
Bob Wells, yes I remember this!! Great Guy & Video!!
he is a good tinker man iwish him luck. good one bob.
Wow. Love this shower and bed. So clever!!
Another fantastic video, I learn something every time you share one. Alan has a great layout, I follow some folks that are doing expediting (for their current job) and they also show some unique things on how to live comfortably while on the road and hauling freight. Great yob Bob :)
thanks Bob so love you bring back the past videos
Wow that is absolutely amazing!
that bed is very cool.
This guy knew his terrain very well. Good work by him and excellent interview. Interesting to see how other people live too.
Cody is such a precious little lamb! (Oh, and you are too, Bob!)
Good job man
This guy is a genius! What terrific carpentry and science skills!! Good on ya!
Hey Bob this was Fantastic thank you for showing us this van build
We are working also while living in a mobile home, we love youre video's.🖒
Brilliant! Especially the shower!
Bob, I looked at all the replies, I don't see a question on the fan above the back doors. (21.10) It looks to be a 12v wind generator that runs while the truck is moving. Sprinters don't have suction problems like a square backed van. That is a big reason they get the mileage they do. So I don't think it is just creating a vortex. It must generate power. Do you know of anyone else who is working on scavaging power while in motion?
Do you have any idea what the small open fan was on the top rear?
Thank you so much for sharing your build Alan! Can you share how you secured the ceiling and wall eyebolts? That floating install is very attractive!
I could do with something like this for camping, I have a Ford Galaxy at the moment but a sprinter would be much better thanks for sharing.
The Sprinters are amazing!
my first choice was a sprinter LWB and high top... and this video has taken me back to my first choice...
I'd recommend the 2005-2006 the most, after that the emissions really makes them hard to maintain.
Great ideas. Love the Murphy bed and the shower.
Alaan I know this is a bit late I only now saw the video today. It looks like you’ve done an outstanding job on a shoestring budget and I salute you sir. When I heard you say that your air-conditioner doesn’t cool the living space off completely I thought to ask if you have tried a roof mounted evaporative cooler. Evaporative cooler’s work very well in dry climates where the temperature doesn’t get above about 102°F. So unless you spend the summer in Yuma or anywhere in south western Arizona or eastern California An evaporative cooler would probably freeze you out of there. Yes I know they use water but water is cheaper to acquire than propane or gasoline for a generator. Just a thought
Alan is a Very smart man - keep it simple - this is my favorite build -Thanks for showing
awesome. he's an incognito engineer. Alan was an excellent interview.🐨
Nice set up. How nice to be able to do this himself!
Brilliant and innovative, anybody could do this, a true inventor!
Thank you allen,
cool videos. I like the bed & table combo. the shower is neat. I wish I was that creative.
Me too Paul, I would never have dreamed those up!
Fantastic way of mastering space. Thank you for sharing with us.
brandon bryant I
Wow, I love how he did that bed of his.
those are genius designs
Wow! Incredible mileage ...love that van up...nice
Great episode! I learned quite a bit. Much thanks for sharing. :D Cheers to many more adventures!
this man is a genius, very impressive....
Allen has a proven system there, really cool seeing how light and quick he can move. Those cam Tie Straps are a common item for us bikers and if you want to use or need the best brand out there it is "Ancra" so Allen throw those ratchet type away that you have on the rear. Ancra come in different colors which represent the lbs they can handle. I have used them for over 35 yrs, and I have a pair that is 24yrs old, I believe I have about 5 pairs of Ancra's and about 7 pairs of knock offs. I keep a few pairs in my truck and pair in the wife's car and the rest in the garage/shop. You loop back the end up against the cam section and they will never fail. Every Nomad should have a few pairs eh? Nomad: from the 1550s, from Middle French nomade (16c.), from Latin Nomas (genitive Nomadis) "wandering groups in Arabia," from Greek nomas (genitive nomados, plural nomades) "roaming, roving, wandering" (to find pastures for flocks or herds), related to nomos "pasture, pasturage, grazing," literally "land allotted," from PIE root *nem- "assign, allot; take."
like the luon look and very roomy for people and hauling, cool, great ideas!
just saw a nice 2012 Sprinter lwb high top with custom sleeper 125k miles has bed, micro, fridge, inverter, espar heater, fantastic vent on CL Atlanta
Bob, that was a great vid with some great ideas.
This is what I'm pretty much hoping to do with a cargo van. Similar sized kitchen space, same bed design where the desk and bed are one, a shower in the similar spot but opposite position.
Sounds like a great plan.
I'd love to see the reaction on the shipping and receiving clerk's face when he pulls up and has to remove and scatter all that stuff mounted on the back to open the doors to load a pallet.
Doesn't sound like he's on the road anymore.
very clever bed!!!
wow, this guy is brilliant. great share.
I'm and expediter and talked to a Sprinter owner. He's forever having mechanical problems. Glow plugs etc. If its not one thing its the other and he wants to sell is Sprinter. The Dodge promaster, they are a joke. Just talked to an owner. His headlights last 3 weeks. Every 30K miles his transmission has to be repaired because a part in there is made of plastic with a metal covering that breaks all the time. I own an Econoline that isn't made anymore, and the are reliable as hell. I hear the Nissans are hardy, but they're too short. Stay safe...
interstategar take a look at the vans being made by Volvo they're reliable as they come
interstategar - we also had a Sprinter in the U.K, my husband delivered gas boilers and solar panels, I used to call the Sprinter " the big white elephant", always needing something, tyres, clutch, brake pads blah blah blah, we made good money on the deliveries nationwide in the U.K but boy did that van eat all the profit! We are now retired and have bought an Iveco Daily, similar to the Sprinter but about 3ft longer, partially made into a camper, we plan to finish it off and enjoy this white elephant travelling for pleasure not work!
you got that right a Fiat promaster junk drove one terrible ride owned 3 nv 2500 over 100,0000 m one carrier bearing and 4 bower motors not bad
The transits are great. Have driven over 250 on it no problems
I agree. I've owned 6 Ford E350s and not a single problem. They are bombproof and low maintenance. Awesome work beasts.
Alan is a smart and friendly guy. His van is unique and the perfect tool for his gig. I had the pleasure of camping next to, and taking the international ferry to Mexico for a taco or two. Be sure to say " hi " if you see him.
Thanks for posting Fred, will do!
That guy is brilliant
also called LTL loads, (less than a truck load), i use to haul them in my simi, some pay more than a full truckload
cool shower! i already have my sketches to do a similar one on the driverside rear door that folds away... i guess no good idea is original.😁
freeswimmin my literature teacher used to say if an idea is good borrow it, if it's great steal it lol
Great info! So glad I found your channel. I've 👍'd every vid of yours I've seen so far.... AND subscribed of course! Thanks Bob.
Thanks for watching Halli!
Alan, could you tell us what kind, and or brand of "plastic" that you used to cover your shower pan and how many coats you applied? Thanks. Excellent creativity.
Hello Bob,
This guy should have been an engineer!
Your friend, Marv.
Its suppose to be one of the coldest winters we have had in the US in years maybe if you make a video on portable heater options that will help. Im renting a room in orange county its 45 degrees at night outside I got woken up more than once at night lately because of the cold so I may need to buy a little buddy heater for the room and then the SUV i recently bought when I van dwell in it.
Perhaps you should get solar panel, so you don't have the need to run the generator so much. Loved your van ideas.
good one. any insight on how to become an expediter? not too much great info when i checked online the last time.
go to a truck stop and talk to some expediters they will be happy to give you all the ins and outs w and which is the best companies
I work for a Dodge dealer and avoided these things like the plague. I was so glad when they sold it off to Freightliner. But...have the parts gone down since they took it over? If you can find a good used PROMaster with a 3.6 Pentastar, I would go for it. They have nice power and an outrigger electrical interface box.
my promaster never left the garage junk junk junk fiat
With all that personnel stuff in the van where do you put the cargo you need to deliver?
Does the mount/rack for his motorcycle interfere with loading pallets into the back? I know they make forklifts that can extend out but I'd be worried about damage if they were using conventional forklifts.
wow great milage woo one million and you can work with it sounds great.
Amazing man.
Wow!That was totally amazing! : D
Tell him to buy the cooler gel blocks put in frig after freezing them in freezer when hooked up to generator .
Great dual purpose rig! 👍
always learning
It would be great to see a follow-up video this, I bet he's upgraded to solar!
Ive got a similar van, 2005 tall long sprinter. Ive got a dometic fridge freezer that runs off my battery bank. and two 200 watt panels on the roof. where can one get hauling gigs?
great job truck driver!!
wish I could afford one of those. nice
Brilliant.
Hay Bob! Where on Sidewinder do you stay? Do you stay near PIlot Knob (I thought there was a fee) or do you stay on the north side of hwy 8 on that part of Sidewinder?
Level the bed instead of the truck. Genius
Excellent !
so many great ideas :) wonderful tour and interview :)
great job