How’s the Astro Van Camper Build Holding Up? What Passed? What Failed?
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- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- Six years ago, I purchased this 1998 Chevy Astro Van, with the dream of building the interior into a small camper van or mini-RV. In today’s video, I show you how the Astro Camper Van has held up through 6 years of ownership and 5 1/2 years of living in the van. I’ll go over some of the build components that failed and were replaced, and I’ll show you some things that passed the test and continue to work well today.
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Below, you will find links to items discussed in this video:
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Van Build Products (Some include Amazon Affiliate Links, ad)
Swivel Seat Plate: amzn.to/2I7iV5Y
Ozark Trail Screen Tent: tinyurl.com/yagcj3ox
Vinyl Sheet Flooring: tinyurl.com/yad4o3o6
7 Gallon Jug: tinyurl.com/y989gu57
6 Gallon Jug: tinyurl.com/ycuvjwtr
Touch Lights: amzn.to/3pRRLWI
Pine Wall/Ceiling Planks: thd.co/2K22gmm
Barrier Nets: www.organizedobie.com/Barrier...
Fantastic Fan: amzn.to/2t8YCR4
Camco Vent Hood: amzn.to/3suYnMy
Dometic Fridge: amzn.to/2lo8D8V
Pressure Cooker: amzn.to/3bEQFbT
Gas One Burner: amzn.to/2ymprXa
Kitchen Sink: amzn.to/2M7a2f1
Bar Sink Drain: amzn.to/2yrrlFK
Faucet Hand Pump: amzn.to/3pW4843
Solar Charge Controller: amzn.to/3uzFPwe
Bestek Inverter: amzn.to/3q63KAh
Lithium Battery: amzn.to/3uxZaxX
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Traveling Troy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Some links on this UA-cam channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links.
It's hard to believe I've owned this van for 6 years now. My does time fly by. My Astro van is now 23 years old and I think it has many more years left. :) If you're interested in any of the items/components mentioned in this video, I've provided links to the products in the description.
Thanks man, yeah H-town got hit pretty hard but I didn't get it as hard as most. Just glad it's over but the clean up...
Oh, I can imagine the clean up is a mess, but worse than flooding?
Easily among the best van vids on youtube. I respect people who film the entire build process and then sell the van 6 months later, but a step by step build is pretty useless info when you don't know how it holds up or even if it works well in the first place.
I just purchased the same van, and I have a whole different way to set it up, but I really appreciate the "what works, and what doesn't work" videos.
Cool deal! There are many ways to arrange the interior. For my build…I was trying to fit as many things as possible and still have some room to move. These 40 sq ft interior vans fill up fast. Good luck with your build. 🤙
Big Amen on NO Payments :) LOVE IT - Keep up the Good Work
hey troy, i know i’m 2 years late to the party. i watched your build series at the time you published it with great interest because i was living in an astro, as well, but then i lost track of you. this is a great update. good to see what did and didn’t work out. it’s interesting to see how similar our setup are from the same brand water jugs, cargo nets, and even the same stove. like you, i constantly move things around to find better arrangements. it’s like playing tetris. i’ve also found that bungee cords and magnets are my friend.
in 2021 my old 95 astro started nickle and diming me so i traded up to a chevy express cargo van then took it to socal and had a (fiberine) hightop installed. what a difference. it’s like having a studio apt now. i hang out between ehrenberg, quartzite, havasu and flagstaff depending on the time of year.
great catching up with you. i’ll go look and see if you have newer vids.
Excellent! The cargo with high top sounds like a GREAT improvement. That’s awesome! I’m still in my Astro, after 8 years, but have plans to go with a truck camper next. Safe travels!
Thx4sharing Troy from another Astro vanlifer in Calgary
Sure thing. Hello Calgary! 👍
I have a 96 Astro passenger that I want to semi camperize and seeing your van gives me hope for mine. 😉 I won’t be living in mine, unless I have to, for me it would be too small. I do like your build Troy.
dude your Van is so neat and tidy!..
mine always looks like King Kong picked it up and shook it like a Maraca a few times!
great video Cheers from Chilliwack B.C.
Thanks! I’m not a neat freak, but being in a small van with clutter, gets on my nerves. 😉 I can do a lazy day or two, but then it gets to me. Thanks for watching!✌️
Very nice setup... The water supply is excellent & the curtains are the perfect setup
Thanks Marc. The setup has worked well for me. My Dad and I spent a lot of time in that empty Astro van thinking and planning out how we would fit everything in the tiny 40 sq ft. 😁 Thanks for checking out the videos.
So awesome Troy! Love it! Hard to believe its been 6 years already.
BULDE!! Hey bud! Yeah, 1st road trip was to hang with you and the bro at Big Bend - Jun 2015. Good times. I often think about the mountain lion cave we explored, when I’m now out hiking solo and come up on a similar scene. 😳 Hope you’re well. ✌️
I managed to snag a 1998 Chevy Astro conversion van. It has some little quirks to be fixed, but i can almost stand straight up. I love it. I hope your feeling good. For some reason I hadnt seen this video yet.
Excellent! Congrats on getting an Astro. I’m doing well, thanks for checking. Good luck with your van. I have completed 6 yrs in my van and just started year 7. 🤙 Thanks for checking out the videos. 😉
Thanks again Troy, i copied most of your great ideas into my express :D Looking forward to your camping videos, thats quite the backdrop you got there.
Thanks! Yeah, I bet this layout would be very roomy in a large cargo van or a Sprinter van. 👍 Glad the ideas helped. Thanks for watching. ✌️
Only difference is bed folds up against wall, so i can carry a dirt bike :D I hope to get some exploring done this year. Im in Northern BC, so those places you live looks like a pipe dream.
I use a dollar store spray bottle with 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar to wash my dishes, scrape the heavy stuff off, spray lightly, paper towel it off, repeat if needed. It sterilizes your dishes and leaves them sparkling clean. I use much less water, paper towels are cheap enough and lighter than water. Been fulltime for over 5 years, and lovin it !
Good tips. I’ll keep this in mind. I’m considering going without a sink set up in my next build. 👍
I liked seeing how you keep all that water. Interesting to see what has worked and not. Also those little tips you find out along the way. Hope you are doing well, good to have a video from you.
Thanks Tina. 😁 Yes, I wanted to document my water storage, so when asked, I can point people to this video. 😉 Surprisingly, 38 gals in this small 40 sq ft van and the water containers are not in my way. Of course, I rarely open my sliding door and use the driver’s door for entering/exiting. More videos coming. Thanks for hanging with me. ✌️
Love your videos, Troy! I want that crock pot. I just bought my astro about a month ago and I'm hoping to live in it.
Hi Karen. Just bought an Astro van? Cool! I’ve enjoyed mine now for many years. I hope you get a lot of use out of yours. Well, I gave away my 2 liter pressure cooker and now have a 3.5 liter. Cooking bigger meals and storing leftovers in the fridge for quick re-heats. 😁 Thanks stopping by and checking out the videos.
Troy you always have such details on your videos.. 😎 it's a great setup.. when was the last time you stayed in Houston.. I'm close to Traders Village off 290 and I think I will look for the roof vent cover that you have it's a great idea 🤔 anyway you have good content wish you had videos more often.. take care ✌😁👍
Hi there, James. Yes, I’ve been to that Traders Village and my Dad camps there when he visits Houston. I was last in Houston for a week back in late May of 2020. I’ll probably be heading that way this Spring or Summer for a few weeks, later this year, to visit friends and family. Thanks for the feedback on the videos. I think over the 9 years I’ve had my UA-cam channel, I average about 1 video per month. I would like to make 1 video per week, but then you upload a video and get 300 views and wonder if it’s all worth it. LOL! 😁✌️ Thanks for following along. 👍
@@TravelingTroy ok thanks for the information 👍
H-town in da House!!
✌️😎
How's it going Troy, good to see you and another video 👍.. I really like the updates on the van bro. The "what works and what doesn't work" really helps me and others.. thanks for sharing....
Take care and safe travels 🍺✌️😎🍺
Thanks Sal! I hope you made it out ok, back in Houston. I normally spend my winters in Houston, but it seems like I missed quite a deep freeze this year.
Hello Troy, nice to see you 👋🏼. I'm glad you've stayed true to the original small economic vehicle of Van Life. The market has gotten so saturated with the giant Sprinter vans and such. But that's okay too, because I still watch ALL of the van builds. LOL!
I'll always love the Chevy Astro though. I thinks it's perfect for this lifestyle. Glad you're well and doing okay out there. And don't worry, if you ever decide to jump into a Sprinter van, skoolie or a brand new overlander truck, I'll be here for it. Take care 😃
Hi there! Thanks for the feedback. 👍 Well, there’s no right or wrong way to do van life, and those fully decked out Sprinter vans are gorgeous. 😮 It’s all about building a van that meets your comfort level vs your bank account or line of credit. My next video is actually on the cost of van builds. Stay tuned...thanks for watching. ✌️
Thanks Troy.
Always enjoy your updates. Good ideas. I started watching your videos before I got my Van and added a few of your ideas. Thanks again.
Have a Vantastic day.
Excellent Bob. Great to hear the ideas were helpful. 👍 Thanks for watching and have a great weekend. ✌️
I enjoyed your helpful and informative video. Your van looks heavy duty and a great little home. Congratulations on no payments as well.
Thank you. Glad the video was helpful. 👍 Eliminating car and home payments sure does cut down on the stress….but vanlife has low level stress issues to deal with as well. I’ll take it over payments. 😁 Thanks for checking out the video.
Agreed
Thanks for this very worthwhile info. I will save it for reference. I have a 2002 Astro that I love. We did not get to use it even once in 2020. I followed all of your build series & copied some of your great ideas.
That’s awesome! I’m glad the videos very helpful. Here’s hoping you get that 2002 out on the road in 2021. 👍✌️
Great video! Thanks for the tour.
Sure thing. Thanks for watching.
great video buddy! im a astro life man aswell great footage and well put.
bless your travels 🎉
Thanks! Yeah living in my Astro van was a fun 8 years. I’ve recently used portions of the Astro build on a truck build I’m currently working on, so the Astro van build lives on…..but in a truck bed. 😁 Thanks for watching. 👍
Hello Troy. I really enjoyed this video. I love the fact that everything in your van is so intentional and thought out. You clearly use every inch of space. I also really like the fact that it looks like a real van, not some sort of Instagram set. BTW, thumbs up on the pressure cooker. I have 400 watts of solar on my Promaster and a fairly large Bluetti AC200 power station. I run a 3-quart electric pressure cooker which is awesome. It is surprisingly efficient as it uses around 600 watts to reach pressure and then it coasts during cooking (cycling on and off). It is amazing what you can make in those things. Happy camping from Mike.
Sweet build and good vibes. Thanks!
Cool! Thanks!
Great info!
Thanks for posting! Good ideas! 👍
Sure thing. Thanks for watching. ✌️
I started following you when I bought my 99 Astro to live in due to job loss..thanks Covid.
You always have great info and I'm constantly coming back to learn new things. You didn't show a toilet area..did I miss that from another video?
Hey Charlie, thanks for checking out my videos. I did not mention the toilet in this video because I think I’ll be doing a video on that topic one day soon. In this video, I did mention my office setup and the desk I use, well inside that desk/box is a hidden porta potty. The porta potty does make a few appearances in my videos, but this one was the first: (6 or 7 mins in is the construction of the box and reveal of the potty)
ua-cam.com/video/s5BicwL0jvY/v-deo.html
Oh and your next video should be: Cooking with Troy... Curious about the presure cooker thing-a-ma-gig :)
Indeed! I do plan to add some “Cooking with Troy” segments in my future videos. 👍 I was just picking up supplies at the store yesterday and planed to make and film myself cooking a meat and potato stew in the pressure cooker, but the store was completely out of beef stew meat. 😳 I opted for pork stew meat. Never tried pork stew. 🤔
It’s very cool, I’m just wondering of how much weight of necessities that the van could carry? are you giving it a lift with jack everytime you stop by, regardless of the time being? I hope you’ll notice my question, thanks😅
Future i will get a solar generator one of those 2000 watt eco flow or whatever. Now i use tool lithium 20 volt batteries adapters 24 12 to 5 volt car usb to power my needs for free. I charge them up at work. Yeah they know i do. Dont have a van yet but saved money half way there. The 20 volt lithium battery will power my tool fan also for summer. When i get the van i will still use the tool batteries for lighting and the solar generator for the high power stuff like microwave fridge tv maybe ac or use an gas generator.
You mentioned about using the curtains to keep the light and the heat in the back if you have the heater on. What do you use for a heater?
Hey Troy, it’s been 9 months. What “work “do you do ? I like the idea of an office outdoors. What kind of van mechanicals have had to be done, for such an old vehicle ? I’m trying to figure out if I want a Astro van or Sienna right now. Appreciate you time proven ideas here
He has a video on repairs and such on his channel!
That's a hard life. I own a 97 and I cant imagine. I guess you get used to it.
True, it’s not an “easy” lifestyle and my van is small. I just couldn’t stand paying $2 per sq ft for an apartment back in Houston when I really only used about half of the available space. Vanlife really teaches you how to manage your space and your resources.
Hi! It all really looks and sounds fantastic. Very inspiring. One question thought: How would it be possible to really live off grid like that unless you would be living on (quite substancial) savings? I mean only the costs for gaz... And also how do you manage thé fixings of your van should it break down in the middle of nowhere? Seems to me there is no real escape from the matrix even if this might give another good taste of freedom. How do you deal with that if you don't mind my asking? I'm seriously considering converting my astro in a vanlife vehicle. Thank you for this vert informative and inspiring video. This will keep a lot of newbies like myself to make beginners mistakes.
Yes, to live this lifestyle, you do need some sort of income, or a savings like you mentioned. I always tell people interested in Van Life to take a look at their current expenses, eliminate rent or mortgage and the expenses that come with living in a home, then see what is left for expenses. Eliminate as many expenses as possible, then you don’t need as much of a monthly income to survive. You should start thinking & planning how you will earn money on the road before you move into the van. For van repair problems, you need to have an emergency fund or know how to do repairs on your own.
Good luck if you convert the van. You might want to do a basic build with a cot, sleeping bag, cooler, cook stove and some battery operated lights, then go out camping for a weekend or a full week to see if you like the lifestyle. Some people go through all the trouble of doing a conversion, only to find out Van Life is not for them. Thanks for checking out the video. Glad it was helpful. 👍✌️😁
@@TravelingTroy you want to survive get a job and come home to your van go to work next day
How are those Reliance - Ozark Trail 6 gallon water containers holding up? I like how they fit in the footwell (6.30 wide), as the 7 gallon Reliance Jumbo-Tainer containers (7.25) are too wide to fit in there. Reviews seem to say they are a thinner plastic than the 7 gallon ones though.
Yes, they appear to be a thinner plastic, but are holding up great. No issues. 👍
Hi. I was wondering where did you get the white plastic spigot that you use on the 7 gallon water container? Would it fit on the 6 gallon water containers you have as I have some similar and that sure would be handy? Thanks.
Hi there. The white spigots come with the 7 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they are not interchangeable. 😕
Are you in Arizona? Im in tucson and i have a 94 chevy 2500 vandura and im planning on living 100% vanlife in or around December so maybe if so ill see you around.
Hi there, Mike. Cool deal. Good luck with you future van life. I just left Colorado after a 4 month stay. Great place to explore during the summer months.
Can you advise me on places to park and give me a top 10 does and don'ts for beginners??? Plz.thank you.
I look into making a video on this topic…. 👍
I've never made a car payment, and I'm 54. But I'll be making one soon, for a van or bus, but I'm looking at $150-170 as I'm getting a cheap one... but my jeep died and I got to get on the road soon, got lymphoma and an expiration date
Wow! That’s been quite an accomplishment, not making any car payments. 👍 I hope you find your van or bus and can get on the road. I just sold my van for cheap. I didn’t really consider it to be in good enough shape for another cross-country road trip. Good luck with the search.
@@TravelingTroy always bought used cash
No car payments. No rent or mortgage. No utilities. No kids. What more could a bachelor wish for!? 🤑 lol Troy. I do the same thing! Headed to Monument Valley in an hour in my white Astro. My best friend is driving his white Astro and following me. I will send pics to ur FB. Scott
Cool deal! Have a good trip/weekend. ✌️
@@TravelingTroy it was a good trip to Seilgman, AZ (historic route 66). Such a cool town. Hey Troy, do you still have any of those Adrian Steel shelving? I could buy. I would drive to Texas to buy them. Please let me know. Scott saunders.scott@aol.com
Hey Scott. Cool, I’ve driven thru SeIigman, but don’t recall stopping. I actually sold the ladder rack, partition and shelves when I pulled them out of the van. I sold, donated, gifted or just got rid of all my possession except for what I have in the van. It was a good feeling to empty out my storage unit. 👍
@@TravelingTroy awesome bro
Someone near me is selling a 2003 with 53000 miles on it for $8000 obo and I’ve been eyeing it up all week trying to talk myself into giving it a test drive. I absolutely want to get rid of my rent. I’m so freaking tempted man.
Did you go for it? I understand your position. I went back and forth a number of times before I finally pulled the trigger. It was a great decision for me, but not everyone enjoys vanlife for the long haul. 🤙
@@TravelingTroy I test drove and put an offer on it but it sold before I made up my mind about doing so. I’m still looking though. Not necessarily for an Astro but a van in general to convert.
Hi there, amazing video and build! Was wondering how tall you are ? I'm 6'1 thinking of going with the Astros any helps appreciated 👍🏼
Im not Troy, but close to 6' and have had three Astros. They are only about 1-2" taller inside headroom that any of the soccer mom minivans, the floors are high since there's still a drive shaft under them. BUT, the floors are totally flat like full size vans. (Soccer mom Minivan" floors are all F'd up). Driver position is like a full size van. Walls are more vertical- less wasted space that a soccer van.
Hi Mathew. I am right at 6’. The cargo area of my van is about 8’ length by 5’ wide, so you get about 40 sq ft in build area. I have my 6’ long bed pushed all the way up to the driver’s seat, which gives me room in the back for the kitchen or some people use that area for storage. There are SO many ways to arrange an interior. 😳 Good luck with your search.
Excellent response! Thanks. 😁
Mathew ... I am 6' and the Astrovan works well even with 1.5 hard pink insulation.
Two questions: What size wheel/tires are you running? What internet solution are you using? I think I'm gonna copy most of your build in my Safari :)
Hi there, Jason. Good luck with your Safari build. Glad some of my ideas have been helpful. 👍 My tires are BFGoodrich LT215/75R15 Mud Terrain. BFGoodrich has a couple LT (Light Truck) options. As far as internet goes, I tested the 4 major carriers this past summer and settled on one. Verizon. Not because it is the best, but because I found the best “Unlimited” deal. Yahoo Mobile and Visible use the Verizon networks and have similar unlimited plans. I stream Netflix, UA-cam TV and Amazon Prime video all I want for $40/month. No data cap, but there is a data transfer speed limit, capped at 5 mbps which keeps you from sharing your data with a whole RV park for instance, because speeds would be pitifully slow. This doesn’t bother me, since I use my data solo. The only other issue is Verizon is popular, so you might camp in a Pro Verizon campsite where everyone is hitting the tower at the same time, which slooooowwwws it down. Hope this helps. Thanks for checking out the videos. ✌️
@@TravelingTroy Thanks for the info. I'm wanting an AT tire but concerned about clearance/rubbing (not lifting van).
Bro, I see links for your solar controller, lithium battery and inverter. Do you use Renergy 100watt solar panels? (3) of them; (300watts)? Do you have a link for your solar panels?
Yes, I have 3 of the 100 watt Renogy solar panels. Here they are: www.amazon.com/dp/B07GF5JY35/
@@TravelingTroy thanks Troy!
I'm curious about your new tires, snow or mud? Also have you had any water leaks from the rear doors? I have been fighting water leak from my doors for couple years now. They don't make the barn door weather stripping for astro vans anymore.
Hi there. I actually plan to make a common questions video soon and these two question will be included. My tires are BFGoodrich LT215/75R15 Mud Terrain Tires. Over the past two years, I tended to drive short distances on pavement to camping areas, then I’d be on rock/dirt roads for 7-14 days. Mud terrain tires seemed logical. Bought them in April 2020. As for leaks, I’ll show what I did in one of my next two videos. Easier to show than explain. 😉
Not even from a Chevrolet dealer?
@@wildeyedherman3102 Nope, NLA.
Troy, How many amp hours is your battery?
I'm building out an Astro van and want it to run a fan and 12 volt fridge. Thanks.
I have 300 watts of solar on the roof and a 100 ah lithium battery. I mainly use it for the fridge, fantastic fan and a number of electronics. Plenty of amps for what I use if for, but on cloudy/rainy days, like I’m experiencing now, it’s nice to have the extra amps. 😁👍 I also have a battery isolator to charge the battery when I drive, when needed. Hope this helps. Good luck with your build! Awesome to hear another Astro is getting built out. 🤙
@@TravelingTroy Thanks. I've been following you for a few months now. You're an inspiration!!
👍🏼✌🏼
thank you and what location ?
Hi there, Patricia. I was over at Saddle Mountain BLM camping when I filmed this video. 👍
i,ve got an 86 runs like watch,rebuilt 4.3 2yrs. ago,havn,t made a car car payment in 25 yrs....lol
That is AWESOME Thomas!! I had car payments most of my life. It has been a less stressful past 6 years with no payments. 👍 Congrats on keeping that 86 on the road and running…✌️
I haven't had a car payment in over 20 years. I have been one that if I can't pay cash for it I don't get it. I haven't had a house or land payment now in 10 years. Everything I own is paid off thank God. Of course not owning any money to anyone now means I don't have credit. lol But I am ok with that trade off. I have a 2000 dodge ram 1500 van that I am converting into a camper so I can travel. We have a motorhome but if it is just me and my daughter traveling I do not want to take a 33 ft motorhome.
I totally agree…only buy what you have cash to buy. 👍 Staying out of debt is smart.
How many miles? Are you on the same engine?
Hi there, Tony. I bought the van at 106,000 miles and it currently has about 157,000 miles. Although I’ve traveled through many of the western states, I typically find long term camping and stay for a week or two. I’ve only traveled about 1400 miles in the past 4 months. The engine is the same, but I did have transmission work done about a year and a half ago. Thanks for checking out the video. ✌️
why the grates on the windows?
Security. I urban camped in my van for the first couple years on the streets of Houston. Sometimes, shady folks would snoop around.
And you can drive with it open, without putting air pressure/drag on that ol fan lid.
Yes, the vent hood is like a shell over the opening for the fan. It keeps water out, but stays open for constant fresh air. No issues driving it like this. 👍
Dr “ Break the Chains “
Indeed! 👍✌️
24:34 ??? YOU are changing 12volt into 120volt to charge (use) 5v phone chargers ...????
No, I didn’t turn on the inverter to charge my devices. The inverter was plugged into my 12 volt cig outlet, so it just passed the power on to the USB devices, without turning on the inverter.
Dometic are way overpriced like Jet Boil. I got a 27 qt fridge for a third the price. As a matter of fact the cover you have is almost half the cost of my fridge. I am more budget conscience I guess.
Oh, I bet there are cheaper alternatives. Remember, I started my van build 7 years ago in 6/2015. Luckily, my Domestic fridge is still doing just fine. I look forward to having more available options on my next build, due to the explosion of new manufacturers in the diy build market. Not, just the fridge either, but more options for the whole build. Thanks for the comment. Which fridge did you go with?
Paying my van in cash. Dont like payments. Last two vehicles i paid in cash. Good tips though. Get free Styrofoam may try to screen it poor mans fiberglass make walls out of, may fail. Worth to try however to limit weight.
Twenty-eight days' worth of water. That is some dead weight!
True…unless you use the water. Haha! Going up in the mountains heavy, coming back down light. 👍