Van Life Tour | Our simple, DIY, off-grid home on wheels
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- Опубліковано 24 тра 2018
- Bryce and I decided to quit our jobs and buy a van to live in while we travel. This is our 1988 Dodge Ram B250 van conversion. We removed the original conversion and rebuilt everything ourselves.
This is a quick video showing all of the details of our setup. Here's some of the items we used:
Memory Foam Mattress - amzn.to/2O3stm4
Sink Faucet - amzn.to/2n1FO2L
Water Containers - amzn.to/2KnsvTo
Coleman Stove - amzn.to/2OAiiGI
Wireless Speaker - amzn.to/2LNuq9G
Solar Panels and Charge Controller - amzn.to/2KjSoUe
Solar Battery - amzn.to/2v82LWz
Solar Fuse Block - amzn.to/2Oz08Fb
USB Port - amzn.to/2OzhlOT
LED Lights - amzn.to/2AtccVm
Dimmer - amzn.to/2AxaN01
Follow along on Instagram: / courtneyzinckgraf
Please comment below if you have any questions and we will get back to you!
The three slots are for what was called “cassettes”. It’s how we listened to music in the olden days. Safe travels.
listed . . . ?
I love that the van is probably older then they are
Those slots were for “8 tracks” to be exact 😎
That was funny
@@chatroombully What?, no reel to reel slots?
Paint the roof white and you wont bake in the sun. A 6 dollar roll of hardware cloth would protect your radiator from flying gravel and also to keep mice out of the air intake and fresh air vents... 200 watts is a LOT of charge capability so you might come up with more loads during the day. You could run a wire back from the engine battery so that when the engine is running it tops off the house battery. I went offgrid in 1997 with one 77 watt panel. Eventually I ended up with 1250 watts but I'm running fridges and freezers and other big stuff. I think a much larger diameter and slower turning (quieter) fan would move a bunch more air and not drive you nuts. I kept from freezing with a 12 volt electric bed warmer for years. I drew about 40 watts and the one "RV" battery ran it. Also, a double layer white curtain with a black layer sandwiched in the middle would keep out bright light and heat and still reflect your interior lights at night. They make dc to DC converters for running small stuff. Charging phones etc. 23 years off grid here full time. Have fun...
Love the idea for painting the roof ❤
LOL three packs of cigarettes! That's hilarious! The slots are for cassettes, but I like your answer better.
Jill Sacsayhuaman i also laughed
Hahahah we were so off!!
thats so funny!
Courtney Zinckgraf actually back in the 80’s we did smoke like chimneys, so it’s not outside of the realm of possibilities that the slots did hold packs of cigarettes at some point. LOL I’m glad they have found a better use. Although, our phones are just a different addiction.😏
I thought the same lol
FINALLY. My kind of van. This actually makes me want to do this! Everyone else is so complicated, it kinda scares me. I love it, I love it, I love it!
That’s awesome!! Thank you!!
So true. That's what I love about it.
Definitely not for Everyone. A van is tough I have had a used class A and a new class C ( better) now a 30' toy hauler and it feels Cramped.😕 definitely Lonely out here at times.Do research before you try this lifestyle.
Fear doesn't prevent death, it prevents life. Everyone has their own way of doing things. I live in a Toyota Sienna (2000) that I bought on Craigslist as well. I chose to buy from someone in a market where the weather is "dry"--less chance of rust. I bought my van (mini-SUV) from a salesman from Microsoft who is based in Mesa, AZ. He was in a rush to sell after many folks came to "look" and didn't purchase. I was able to get him to bring it down 4K dollars! Great deal! Great mileage!
same here!! i’ve been watching these videos amazed by their actual showers like no i want a BASIC van
I fell in love with this phrase: -"It's really simple but perfect for us!" I THINK IT WOULD BE THE SAME FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE & WORLD IN WICH I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE!
Man that comment about the three packs of cigarettes caused me to fall out in laughter 😂
those “cigarette pack” holders are actually for Tape Cassettes. Those are plastic rectangles that play music when inserted into a device known as a tape casette player. Just imagine an Iphone that doesnt do anything but play about 20 songs with the help of a much larger device!
One of my favorite vans. So cozy and organized. Great idea about eating out and not letting the kitchen take all the space
Thank you!!
Eating out + you can always "volunteer" to work in a community kitchen in many places..."and" they'll feed you! Work-trade and paying it forward all in one. :)
Hello, I love the simplicity of your build. You have everything you would need without the clutter found in most builds. Kudos!
Thank you so much! We definitely have everything we need!
I've got a 1993 Dodge Ram B250 with 192,000 on it. I've had it for 9 years. Vanlifing in it for 5 years. Love it!
The 318 Magnum engine is indestructible. A great V8. The most reliable engine I've ever owned. Only changed the starter once, and the alternator once. In 9 years - normal.
Also, a new PCV valve, removing & cleaning up the throttle body, and replacing the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve on the throttle body. Replaced the Oil Pressure Sensor (next to distributor cap under doghouse) when I had my first oil leak - it was the cause (Not a Rear Main Seal leak). All normal, expected maintainance! Easily fixed yourself if you've done a build.
The transmission was rebuilt, however. The reverse gear went out first. But I could drive it to the transmission shop without a tow. And, on it's fourth year, it runs great. That's the weak point with these Dodge's. But once your past that, your home free. Just find a cheap transmission shop that can rebuild the old one, or rebuild a different used one (mine was from a 1994 B250) It's 4 years old now, & the transmission fluid is pristine.
I love the retro 80's color scheme, and those comfy seats!
Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing set up!
curliefro thank you!
Great set up! Best of luck and Have Fun!
The bed took over the whole van lol nice.
love the solar/electronic configuration! thanks for the video
I have the exact same van but a 1991 Black and Silver Hightop...mint condition...Love it
That is the nicest van yet, very clean
Wow, thank you so much!!
Very functional and simple.
I truly appreciate the simpler builds. Thank you, you make it so much more accessible ❤
Probably one of the best vans you could’ve bought. Great job! It looks amazing!
Those 3 holes.... maybe for cassette tapes? Lovelovelove your van. Thanks for sharing it!
If you are even a little bit mechanically inclined, these are very easy to repair and inexpensive! Motor and transmission. All parts are easily available as well.What a fun project
It really was a fun project :)
Simple but cozy and charming. You have it all .
The three slots in the wooden console are for cassette tapes.
They never saw a cassette tape.
Millennials, sheesh
They don’t know what cassette tapes are rude ass old people
@Patriot Jefferson or maybe they're too young to remember cassettes? You need to grow up - mentally.
Very organised and well thought out!! Looks good!!!
Mandy McNicol Erasmus thank you for the support!!
Better than most camper van's I've seen. The organized simplicity of your van is what really makes it livable, bravo on a nice build.
Thank you!
Love you guys... I have been coming back to your video time and time again. I own an Old Ford Econoline 150 wich is essentially identical, except you have the softer seats. You gave me some good ideas and inspirations. Posting a video on the build soon.
Me and my friends had such a van for US tour - Williamsburg,Va to San Francisco in 1997, we travelled for 6 weeks, there was 7 of us
Nice and cosy, clean and tidy; fantastic!
Thank you!
Always wanted to live in a van or uhaul truck. However, I have no knwledge about building RV type vehicle. You two look very comfortable in a small home on wheels.
My dad had one. That van made traveling a dream. I loved it.
At first I thought this was a parody making fun of ppl who live in their vans lol 😂😂 also I love that you guys don't need all the fancy extras and have kept it simple. All we really need in this life is clean food, air, water and shelter everything else is just nice to have. 🙌🏽
Hahaha nope! Totally agree :) we wanted to keep it really simple
Hi from New Zealand,
Cool and very organized van setup love the way you have kept everything well hidden.
Thank you Courtney and Bryce for sharing your van life with the world😊👍
Oh man this video is so helpful! I'm hoping to convert a van like that one day soon. Some conversion videos r so fancy and expensive and over the top. I loooove your conversion. When I get my van I'm going to refer to this video for reference
Thats awesome to hear! We wanted to keep ours nice and simple :)
Smokers would use those console slots for spare packs, but they are there for either 8-track or cassette taps. ;)
love the paint scheme on your van . Have fun , enjoy, and keep it simple .
Guys I've watched about a thousand of these van conversion videos and at the end I didn't even know what's the difference between them, or which idea should I use for my own, but now I know that this is JUST PERFECT for me. It's not difficult to build, you can remove it easily, it's smart and portable and cheap enough and has mostly all of the advantages. The long drawers under the bed, the box between two seats, that kitchen furniture you made, everything is so clever and simple in the same time. Most useful van conversion video Ive ever seen!
Wow, thank you so much!! Best of lucky with your van!
Cool, I use the UE Boom speaker for a portable stereo in my van as well. If you want great sound, add a UE megaboom or two ($75 factory renewed, Amazon), use the "party-up" function to link them and the sound will blow you away.
Great build. Every build is so different but the simple ones are just as nice as the complicated. Reminds me of my VW camper I had in my 20's. This is all you really need to hit the road.
Nice, clean & practical! Thanks for sharing!
Nathan Christopher thank you ☺️
That design is simple and good to imitate. Very nice idea. I love the bed and the sofas
So cute. I love y'all. Wishing you safe and happy travels...
your van is so cool! I love everything you've done to it.
Fantastic! Simple and organized. Nice job 👍
My dad had a van like yours. The same colors. His had 4 captains chairs like your fronts. And it had a sofa in the back that conferred into bed. The cup holder over you engine cover has 2 cup holders a place to put cassette tapes , not 8 track tapes. And above your head , above the windshield was a overhead console . It had a place for a stereo, a CB radio and some switches for turning on /off lights in the rear because the driver can't get up and turn the lights on or off. And anything else you wanted to add. You can Google them or see them on UA-cam. That might be something you might want to add later. The 1970 's the van became a stylish symbol to have a van and into the 80's. Then it just went away. But Van's are making a come back but as big. My dad passed away just a year before I retired from the Air Force. We had lots of plans with that van and traveling around. He and my mother visited me at the bases I was stationed in that van. My children rode in my van as we traveled around . They slept a lot while I drove at night when I got off duty. I'm glad to see you guys in one today. Happy traveling and thank you for sharing your life with us. I'm sorry this is long.
I love hearing stories like this! It's one of my favorite things about having the van. A lot of people have shared memories of a van they had in the past. It sounds like you have a lot of good memories attached to that van and I know I will too with our van :)
Courtney Zinckgraf This experience that you two are sharing will never be forgotten. These stories you'll be telling for years to come. It's great that you have had the opportunity to do this , now in your life. So, enjoy it to the max.
The van you will never forget it. My son still talks about the one I had and we carried him and his date in a Junior prom. It was like a limousine ride. We have pictures of them riding there.
I'm sorry I rant a lot.
haha no need to apologize!! I enjoy it.
Courtney Zinckgraf Thank you for taking the time to read it.
It’s not for cigarettes, it is for cassette tapes. My dad had a 1988 dodge van 250 but his was black and gold. It had a VCP video cassette player and a 9” RCA TV. It was the coolest thing to have as a kid growing up. My dad actually had remote start as well which was high tech. Also my dad had an alarm system that would electric shock you if you t tried to steal it. Enjoy!!!
What a truly minimalistic, functional and no-nonsense van to explore the outdoors and enjoy each other’s company to the max .. big thumbs up !
Thanks so much! Exactly what we were going for ☺️
I love those Van's very comfortable we grew up w getting Van's awesome great memories best of luck
I love it! Everything you need, and really nicely put together!
I love how simple (and still awesome) the van is! Big fan 😍
Thank you!
Epic set up!
simple and humble. I love it.
You guys are so organized. I also have an 88 camper van with about the same low miles as yours. When I got it I changed all the fluids
U know it's mostly her 😀
I wish cars today had more two tone looks with lots of chrome...that look is so awesome.I love it.
Love the van... Simple and minimalist. Peace and blessings.
Thank you :)
@@CourtneyZinckgraf Thanks for sharing. Safe travels.
Yes. Simple but very artistic campervan. Love it.
Hey guys, welcome to the adventure! We subbed to your channel and love the retro look of the van, and the interior looks really good! Love the wood cabinets! And those seats look comfy AF for the hours of driving to come! Keep the videos coming, good job!
Thank you!! So sweet of you guys :)
Fyi if you watched the video he stated the chairs aren't that comfortable
I love the set up and main focus inside of being a very nice bed
Thank you!
Love, love, love this van! Totally my style. Way to go!
This is a really nice build. Thanks for sharing!
So this is the cab..........
Me. Holy crap so thats a cab. Never seen one . thanks for sharing.
Ha, I thought you were right about the cigarette packs until I read the comments. It made sense to my because the 7-passenger van I just bought has 5 ashtrays!! (1990 Chevy G20)
I loooove the paint job of this! Awesome!
Wow, very well done.
Thank you!
Awesome build guys, great job!
This is my favorite camper van ever! I especially love the lighter colored curtains and the clutter free organization!
Thank you so much!
Love these vans, wish they were easier to find in good condition in the Europe! Safe travels, the simplicity of your build is refreshing.
Love the simplicity of your cool dodge van! Organised and well thougth out! Good job!
Jenny dahlkar thank you!
Hey you two! Greetings from ByronBay Australia 😎 Love the van tour and picked up a few ideas as I am in the process of converting a minivan into a camper so my baby girl and I can travel the rest of Australia 😄🐨
So glad I've found an honest, down to Earth channel of Vanlifers 😆 I not having a full kitchen inside the van either ... cooking in the sunset 💕💕
Thats awesome!! I would love to go to Byron Bay! Best of luck with your adventures!
Nice set up. I got some good ideas for my wife and I gladiator we’re going to convert for road trips next year. I can’t wait to get started on it as soon as this damn snow is gone ☹️
I love the oldVan's. I had a 78 chevy van with the captain'schairs & niceties. I absolutely loved it. My in laws had a small bathroom if you will, in theirs. I would totally buy another van like those again if I ever get the chance. Yours turned out beautifully & having your cooking outdoors was a great idea. I envy you.
Simple set up, which I enjoy. Great detail throughout the vehicle, very helpful.
Thanks!
Wonderful! You did a really good job. Thanks for the tour.
Sylvia Jones thank you ☺️
Wow that van brings back memories!
Awww fun!!
I appreciate how you said plant based instead of vegan or vegetarian. People tend to use their diet as some form of identity. Your diet must really simplify this style of living though.
Enter User Name Here. Thanks!! It definitely makes it easier!
Perfect setup
WHERE IS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER!!! Love you guys and your perfect home :)
Lauren Griffith it’s under the drivers seat!!! How did we leave that out!!
We have the 1995 version Hightop we keep ours under the sink lol safe travels
Simple and easy living great setup!
Love the van. Adore your lifestyle choices. I ve been travelling to national parks and monuments almost every weekend but I guess I dont have the gut to live to the fullest like you two :)
Thank you! It took a lot of time to convince ourselves to take the leap!
Very nice 😇 I really love the retro style of it💕
I had one of those, but it had two rear seats, never tried to make it into a camper. We drove it cross country several times, very robust.
Of all the builds i love this more than the complicated ones. Way more doable for avg person! Very nice you two.
Thank you so much!
Awesome build! So simple!
Very nice.....I bought a 1985 Dodge Van B2500 and took out all the back seats and built a bunk and storage area under it. I ready to roll. Just gotta retire first...lol Happy Travels
Steven Waterfielkd how exciting!! Best of luck when you hit the road ☺️
👍Nice & simple...nice van tour. Thanks for sharing. I’ll check out your other videos. Wishing you guys the best. 🤗💞🤗
LovingAtlanta thank you so much!!
Beautiful home, thanks for sharing. Peace and Blessings to you both.
Thank you!
This is "really simple & doable"
Great video
💚 From Indonesia 🇮🇩
Thanks for the look at your Van. Nice build, nice find with low mileage. We are a older couple in Texas. Long time campers from everything from Class A on down. We downsized to a 95 Dodge hi top and also happy with 17 mpg. We are in the middle of converting it to a camper as well. We pull a 5 wide little guy teardrop so no need for a bed inside and will use the back for storage & a place to hang out & living area if the weather turns on us. Thanks so much for all the ideas you gave us. Happy Camping.
Kamping Kouple thank you!! That sounds awesome! You seem to really know what you’re doing. Happy camping to you guys as well ☺️
Nice does not have to be expensive.... looks great, and more importantly, functional.
Thank you!
Very well thought out & complete.👏
Thank you!!
Great video! Great use of space. We travel in our 1991 Ford conversion van. Preventative maintenance is key in these classic vans. Safe travels, enjoy the adventures. You picked a great time in your life to hit the road!
Thank you so much! We love that support! Old vans are the best!!
Absolutely efficient and nimble
Thanks!
Had one myself ...the three slots were design for 8 track music tapes
Wow, great planning for such a small space...I like it very much 👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼😎
Thanks!
This is really cool ! That must have been so much fun to recreate everything from scratch !
KIWI FIT&FUN thank you!!! It was so much fun!
Nice set up for weekend trips.
A camping toilet is non-negotiable 4me......also a removable pedestal table 2 set up inbetween the front seats...4 those rainy days...😊
Those could be nice!!
Very helpful thank you for making this video
I really loved your van its done very thoughtfully and very neat...and you both make fantastic couple... God blesd
Thank you!
My fav van that I’ve seen
Thank you!