If you want to sleep in your van and the weather is a bit chilly you will need insulated floor and walls as a first priority. That should be your starting point or you will freeze. So will the contents of your loo. Good luck !
The carpet is glued on with special high temperature resistant glue. It's worth investing in some when you start the rebuilding process. It comes in very handy... plus the '4 way stretch' carpet covers a multitude of sins and makes it all feel much more homely. We self converted our van it was scary at times (like when we put the windows in), but we're super happy with it.
Well you are off to a good start! Once all the old stuff is removed you'll be able to see just how much space you really have to work with. The floor and walls should be the second act, you want to have a solid floor and walls with some insulation both to keep it warm inside and to keep the noise level down. The toilet position will decree where every thing else goes so that is act three. A fold down bed sounds nice, but a bed can also cover storage under it. A fold out work table and some extra seating will come in handy. A small counter can hold your cooking stuff with storage cabinets below. But get the floor and walls done first, then as you move around inside you'll get a good feel for where the rest of your cabin will fit in.
Not trying to interfere but would you be better off with a Portapotty loo. These are more of a box shape (the highest point would be the seat) you could slide away under a top or bed. The type you have at the moment is designed to be permanently fitted against a wall of a caravan hence to very tall top which looks like it’s going to get in the way, or make it very difficult to fit in. A Portapotty is designed to be more “storable” and could slide under something and pulled out when required.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That glued on carpeting acts as sound deadener. Whatever you put in, please keep in mind that you don't want to trap condensation moisture between the metal of the van body and the plywood.
Maybe it would have been easier (and cheaper) to have bought a standard transit ;) In all seriousness, do keep or get carpet etc for the walls, roof as it will help with insulation and noise (and stop you cutting your head!)
A very brave but fascinating project, a massive task - but I am full of admiration in what you are doing with the van and look forward to the finished job.
Having fitted out a steel narrow boat which throws up similar issues your van needs to be fully insulated or it will be full of condensation,also at this stage consider wiring runs and sound deadening,perhaps a different style of portaloo would be easier to accommodate,folding bed sounds like a good idea for the time being,ratchet straps may well be good for tying things down for now.
I know you wanted to retain the bulkhead, but you could have replaced it with a wooden partial bulkhead to let in more light, but which could have been curtained off for privacy. I would have still had it lined out professionally.
Hope this all works out for you. I'd be afraid to take a project like this one on but I'm not handy at all. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Was bit worried your van would be out of commission at one point but looks like you have some temporary features to use while your planning the finished facilities
Perhaps just portable everything...... Easier to put together & easier to take out for other uses such as collecting the wood. Also purchase some plastic storage bins for your things. And maybe just tidy up the timber on the struts of the van and use those as an anchor point to secure the portable gear. And so when you stop for the night all will be set up in only 5 minutes or so... I know...we are all full of ideas lol. But out of all our suggestions there maybe something you can use that you had not thought of yet :)
Richard - can't make an omelette without breaking eggs eh?! It might be a good opportunity to remove the front bulkhead to open everything up - no going in and out in the rain to get in the rear of the van, much more convenient. A blackout curtain that can be pulled aside will give privacy and hide contents just as well s the bulkhead.. I think you would find it beneficial, but if not, I imagine it is easy to put back in. We have just been away for four nights in our van conversion - first time in over a year due to covid restrictions here in Canada. Restrictions now being lifted and as well we are fully vaccinated now!
G'day Richard. I think you will end up with a van to be proud of. There is a chap I follow on UA-cam called Vandemonium. He did pretty much what you are starting now. I highly recommend looking at his Vlogs. You may get some good ideas from his van build.
Unrelated van comment...but I think I just really noticed your new glasses for the first time!😄 I don't know if it was the angle or closeness of the camera or the sunlight hitting them, but I just realized that that they are black AND WHITE! Very sharp & modern looking I must say! Looking good Richard!!!🤓👍
I think you should take up any offers of help once you have decided what you want to do to it. I can see what the ultimate goal is but I would have hated stripping out all that well put together (although impractical for you) interior. Hope you succeed. More trips to the dump!
Well done on stripping out the interior! If what wasn't working for you originally then a good idea to change to make it more suitable. I disagree with some others comments about buying an empty van. You've had the Vobemobile for a while now and you're used to it, the way it drives etc, and in the current climate vans are at an absolute premium anyway. Soldier on, it's going to be great!
The last shots of the video had your head very close to the roof beams are you going to have a padded ceiling both for noise reduction but to keep your head safe
You will need more basic tools to do the work. Bosch ( not commercial) battery operated drill and jigsaw with the 18v battery would be a good start. Sell that loo and buy a lower profile one to fit under the bed. You really need to make cardboard box templates to check on your ideas. Have you checked UA-cam to look at what other transit owners have done. You seem to be wandering around aimlessly doing something many people have done successfully before you. Regards AJ
How much have you learned in the deconstructing process that will be a benefit when you begin making the van your Dream mobile? I vaguely remember travelling on a train overnight to Montreal, the night conductor came to our car and released the folding beds in our roomette ,that was back in the 1950’s…. For those chilly nights check out the recommendations that you can find on Survival Russia . If he can survive a night in a tent out in the Siberian winter you should have no problem in Sussex! Thank you for sharing your time with me today 👍👍👍👍👍🖖🖖🖖🖖🙋🏼♀️❤️
Great work Richard can't wait to see the progress of each video, apologies that I haven't commented in a while I'm back now to try and catch up on all your videos.
Good that demolish van new step forward building new interior for van look great done it more room for u sleep and nice see Julia come see van hope go ok with van Richard
Well done Richard, that kinda looked like FUN. I think you might need a little help there my friend, there must be people near and by that could offer useful advice, maybe even some help and materials. Whatever you do , make it happen sooner rather than later, or you'll get used to it and you'll end up with a blow up mattress and that table and chair, don't do that you deserve much more, and so does your lovely van. So come on everyone, let's do our bit for RICHARD, he needs us now, let's give a little back to him, it might repay just some of the escapism he gives us.
Well Richard you now have reached the point of no return. Having as I have said built many vans down the years I watch with interest but will keep quiet and say nothing except to do the job properly give yourself a lot more than a week.
And for today's creative writing exercise we construct a novel title from selected words of Richard; what would be the story in "The Vanloo Conclusion"?
Your poor head! Are you sure you know what you’re doing? I don’t think you’d take this on if you didn’t know what you’re doing but it’s a big job! I’d prefer the cooking at the other end of the van. Just for sanitary reasons you would want it as far away from the loo as possible. Could you fix the bed where it could fold down when not in use?
You can't make an omlette with out breaking eggs. It will evolve as you go along Richard. You know what you want in the layout so do it your way ( not that you weren't going to anyway) I still think some carpet on the roof/walls will make it a bit more comfortable to use.
I'm afraid Sussex Walker beat me too it Richard. As I watched you deconstruct a very neat and professional build I thought why didn't he buy an empty van and convert that? I'd say you have devalued this van by a huge amount now unless you can equal the build quality. However good luck to you and I'm enjoying your rambling eccentricities.
Took God 7 days to make the world, got a feeling it might take you a bit longer on this project but if you need help, I've heard God is still available... I think you might need him?
Hi Richard, ever thought of getting a caravan, and turning the van into a mobile studio, with a satellite dish on top, for sending your completed films straight to You Tube! or is this one of those silly ideas you mentioned you were getting before! :) only joking, I'm sure you will get there once you have figured it out.
Richard, apologies for a comment that is not in reference to your video, but I would like to suggest to you to open your channel for membership. It does mean that you should offer something special for your members but that could be as simple as earlier access to your long videos. Or some additional behind-the-scenes videos. I see more and more channels offering those memberships, and I think it's a good idea for content creators. I'm "already" supporting two channels that way, and I wouldn't mind supporting you too. :)
By law I think you're supposed to have a potty of some kind if you're sleeping overnight in your vehicle. But what a space guzzler, serving just one purpose. Frankly a trowel and some loo paper would suffice. Do away with it is my advice.
I have a portapotti which I've only had cause to use once, so in order to save space in my tiny van, a Nissan NV200, I've just replaced it with one that folds flat when not in use.
If you want to sleep in your van and the weather is a bit chilly you will need insulated floor and walls as a first priority. That should be your starting point or you will freeze. So will the contents of your loo. Good luck !
Not freezed yet
Oh dear, do you think this was a good idea?
The carpet is glued on with special high temperature resistant glue. It's worth investing in some when you start the rebuilding process. It comes in very handy... plus the '4 way stretch' carpet covers a multitude of sins and makes it all feel much more homely. We self converted our van it was scary at times (like when we put the windows in), but we're super happy with it.
Insulate the van before you go any further.
Well you are off to a good start! Once all the old stuff is removed you'll be able to see just how much space you really have to work with. The floor and walls should be the second act, you want to have a solid floor and walls with some insulation both to keep it warm inside and to keep the noise level down. The toilet position will decree where every thing else goes so that is act three. A fold down bed sounds nice, but a bed can also cover storage under it. A fold out work table and some extra seating will come in handy. A small counter can hold your cooking stuff with storage cabinets below. But get the floor and walls done first, then as you move around inside you'll get a good feel for where the rest of your cabin will fit in.
Not trying to interfere but would you be better off with a Portapotty loo. These are more of a box shape (the highest point would be the seat) you could slide away under a top or bed. The type you have at the moment is designed to be permanently fitted against a wall of a caravan hence to very tall top which looks like it’s going to get in the way, or make it very difficult to fit in. A Portapotty is designed to be more “storable” and could slide under something and pulled out when required.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
That glued on carpeting acts as sound deadener. Whatever you put in, please keep in mind that you don't want to trap condensation moisture between the metal of the van body and the plywood.
It's broke now !
Much better now, claustrophobic before. Space to breath and admire the views, Richard
Sounds like you are having fun here Richard.
Good luck, it'll keep you busy for a while!!
I think you are very brave taking on this refurbishment, but having seen your enthusiasm for such things, I am sure it will all be okay in the end.
Very brave, and I am sure it will turn out well. Great viewing.
I think the loo is too big for what you need. Just get a porta Potti and build it under the bed space.
Maybe it would have been easier (and cheaper) to have bought a standard transit ;)
In all seriousness, do keep or get carpet etc for the walls, roof as it will help with insulation and noise (and stop you cutting your head!)
Well you have started……….. and I have no doubt you will finish. All takes time. Just enjoy the progress
A very brave but fascinating project, a massive task - but I am full of admiration in what you are doing with the van and look forward to the finished job.
Hear hear Rog
I’m loving the van build videos! More please! 👍🏻🥰
You got it!
Julia, don't buy him anymore screwdrivers, the mans gone berserk! Serious note mucker, bit of help from someone in the know may be an idea.
Having fitted out a steel narrow boat which throws up similar issues your van needs to be fully insulated or it will be full of condensation,also at this stage consider wiring runs and sound deadening,perhaps a different style of portaloo would be easier to accommodate,folding bed sounds like a good idea for the time being,ratchet straps may well be good for tying things down for now.
This seems like good advice.
I’ll be emailing you tomorrow regarding our previous conversations Richard. All the best
I know you wanted to retain the bulkhead, but you could have replaced it with a wooden partial
bulkhead to let in more light, but which could have been curtained off for privacy.
I would have still had it lined out professionally.
You can now start doing removals. And house clearance pays well.
Oh no I hope you and julia are good at puzzles, just in case you have to put it back together again 😊
Good luck looking forward to see how you progress 👍
Hope this all works out for you. I'd be afraid to take a project like this one on but I'm not handy at all. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Was bit worried your van would be out of commission at one point but looks like you have some temporary features to use while your planning the finished facilities
Perhaps just portable everything...... Easier to put together & easier to take out for other uses such as collecting the wood. Also purchase some plastic storage bins for your things. And maybe just tidy up the timber on the struts of the van and use those as an anchor point to secure the portable gear. And so when you stop for the night all will be set up in only 5 minutes or so... I know...we are all full of ideas lol. But out of all our suggestions there maybe something you can use that you had not thought of yet :)
Richard - can't make an omelette without breaking eggs eh?!
It might be a good opportunity to remove the front bulkhead to open everything up - no going in and out in the rain to get in the rear of the van, much more convenient.
A blackout curtain that can be pulled aside will give privacy and hide contents just as well s the bulkhead..
I think you would find it beneficial, but if not, I imagine it is easy to put back in.
We have just been away for four nights in our van conversion - first time in over a year due to covid restrictions here in Canada. Restrictions now being lifted and as well we are fully vaccinated now!
I think folk want to see the mess I come up with! :)
Mate you need a hammock for your bed, just have it up to sleep in then take it down for more room
That toilet will always be in the way.. it has to go!
There are smaller options if you really need a loo.
G'day Richard. I think you will end up with a van to be proud of. There is a chap I follow on UA-cam called Vandemonium. He did pretty much what you are starting now. I highly recommend looking at his Vlogs. You may get some good ideas from his van build.
Unrelated van comment...but I think I just really noticed your new glasses for the first time!😄 I don't know if it was the angle or closeness of the camera or the sunlight hitting them, but I just realized that that they are black AND WHITE! Very sharp & modern looking I must say! Looking good Richard!!!🤓👍
Thanks Lisa
Sofa bed Richard. Something to sit on sleep on & a gas stove for a brew. What more do you need?!
Good progress and plan. Cheers.
I think you should take up any offers of help once you have decided what you want to do to it. I can see what the ultimate goal is but I would have hated stripping out all that well put together (although impractical for you) interior. Hope you succeed. More trips to the dump!
Well done on stripping out the interior! If what wasn't working for you originally then a good idea to change to make it more suitable. I disagree with some others comments about buying an empty van. You've had the Vobemobile for a while now and you're used to it, the way it drives etc, and in the current climate vans are at an absolute premium anyway. Soldier on, it's going to be great!
Thanks Ricky - I really appreciate your optimism :)
Looks Frightening but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. Forget how it looks now, focus on how you want it to look. Good Luck!
Very interesting, you take your time and I know your get it right, how exciting
The last shots of the video had your head very close to the roof beams are you going to have a padded ceiling both for noise reduction but to keep your head safe
You will need more basic tools to do the work. Bosch ( not commercial) battery operated drill and jigsaw with the 18v battery would be a good start. Sell that loo and buy a lower profile one to fit under the bed. You really need to make cardboard box templates to check on your ideas.
Have you checked UA-cam to look at what other transit owners have done.
You seem to be wandering around aimlessly doing something many people have done successfully before you.
Regards AJ
How much have you learned in the deconstructing process that will be a benefit when you begin making the van your Dream mobile? I vaguely remember travelling on a train overnight to Montreal, the night conductor came to our car and released the folding beds in our roomette ,that was back in the 1950’s…. For those chilly nights check out the recommendations that you can find on Survival Russia . If he can survive a night in a tent out in the Siberian winter you should have no problem in Sussex! Thank you for sharing your time with me today 👍👍👍👍👍🖖🖖🖖🖖🙋🏼♀️❤️
Great work Richard can't wait to see the progress of each video, apologies that I haven't commented in a while I'm back now to try and catch up on all your videos.
Thanks 👍
An empty van with no plywood insulation will be very noisy.
The first step is to work out what decent lighting you want. Then go from there.
Good that demolish van new step forward building new interior for van look great done it more room for u sleep and nice see Julia come see van hope go ok with van Richard
Thanks 👍
On the plus side may have created some extra fuel for esse?
Oh my you could have sold the van as a camper before you trashed the inside. Most probably you could have bought a newer bare bones van
But I didn't want to do that.
Here's today's video where I sell my van and buy a shiny new one which is just what I want. That sounds really boring
Well done Richard, that kinda looked like FUN. I think you might need a little help there my friend, there must be people near and by that could offer useful advice, maybe even some help and materials. Whatever you do , make it happen sooner rather than later, or you'll get used to it and you'll end up with a blow up mattress and that table and chair, don't do that you deserve much more, and so does your lovely van. So come on everyone, let's do our bit for RICHARD, he needs us now, let's give a little back to him, it might repay just some of the escapism he gives us.
Well Richard you now have reached the point of no return. Having as I have said built many vans down the years I watch with interest but will keep quiet and say nothing except to do the job properly give yourself a lot more than a week.
That’s one cheeky laugh. Made me laugh. Go and chill and have a cuppa. Ideas will flow 🤔👌😀
How about a fold up table, bed, shelf or what ever!
Yes exactly!
Richard you should watch vandemonian's channel. He started off with a normal van and vlogged the conversion
And for today's creative writing exercise we construct a novel title from selected words of Richard; what would be the story in "The Vanloo Conclusion"?
Your poor head! Are you sure you know what you’re doing? I don’t think you’d take this on if you didn’t know what you’re doing but it’s a big job! I’d prefer the cooking at the other end of the van. Just for sanitary reasons you would want it as far away from the loo as possible. Could you fix the bed where it could fold down when not in use?
You can't make an omlette with out breaking eggs. It will evolve as you go along Richard. You know what you want in the layout so do it your way ( not that you weren't going to anyway) I still think some carpet on the roof/walls will make it a bit more comfortable to use.
I'm afraid Sussex Walker beat me too it Richard. As I watched you deconstruct a very neat and professional build I thought why didn't he buy an empty van and convert that? I'd say you have devalued this van by a huge amount now unless you can equal the build quality. However good luck to you and I'm enjoying your rambling eccentricities.
Does it really matter to you that I have devalued a van I intend to keep for 10 years?
@@RichardVobes Not in the slightest. 😄
Sounds like a bunch of ratchet straps, bungee cords and caribena are a temp fix for securing stuff down… 🤔
Took God 7 days to make the world, got a feeling it might take you a bit longer on this project but if you need help, I've heard God is still available... I think you might need him?
Hi Richard, ever thought of getting a caravan, and turning the van into a mobile studio, with a satellite dish on top, for sending your completed films straight to You Tube! or is this one of those silly ideas you mentioned you were getting before! :) only joking, I'm sure you will get there once you have figured it out.
Richard doesn't want a campervan see the Sunday chat where he explained
Hmmm - a mobile studio - now you are talking!
You will be taking your van Banger racing next
Richard, apologies for a comment that is not in reference to your video, but I would like to suggest to you to open your channel for membership. It does mean that you should offer something special for your members but that could be as simple as earlier access to your long videos. Or some additional behind-the-scenes videos.
I see more and more channels offering those memberships, and I think it's a good idea for content creators. I'm "already" supporting two channels that way, and I wouldn't mind supporting you too. :)
I will have to think about it.
Plaster on head! Danger, man at work!!!
By law I think you're supposed to have a potty of some kind if you're sleeping overnight in your vehicle. But what a space guzzler, serving just one purpose. Frankly a trowel and some loo paper would suffice. Do away with it is my advice.
I have a portapotti which I've only had cause to use once, so in order to save space in my tiny van, a Nissan NV200, I've just replaced it with one that folds flat when not in use.
Get rid of the loo, use a bag for a number 2, horrible looking thing that loo, takes too much room up!
Naked van with a naked explorer
Oooooh more wood 4 the fire good luck on the refit a good idea guess u must have banged ur head ouch
Bite the bullet and pay someone to fit the van out properly
I didn't need to, did I! :)
Keep the loo in place and with your empty van you could be an authentic "hump and dump" man!