Great job! I would suggest to always, always keep your eyes covered with protection. I was so glad to see that no metal shards flew into your face or eyes!
What a cool person. Wow. I'm not even a minute in and I had to pause and type this. What a great vibe she gives off. At this point I don't care what the rest of the video is. But I'm sure I'll like it. I'm serious. My pause time is 1:10
Great I'm 65 did a van in 1974 trying again Me too been around this world 3 times only seen California Arizona new mexico and most all of Texas being a Texan My golden years ain't so golden I'ma widower but gotta explore it's in my blood
I’m 63 and have been back and forth across the USA and spent 5 years in 2 tours when stationed in England but haven’t been to many other countries, Mexico to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) a few times when I lived in AZ in the early 1990s, and one trip by train then returned by car from London,England via the ferry across the English Channel, then to Germany, picked up my new car I had bought then drive on the autobahn at night to Amsterdam and crossed the channel again to Norfolk, England and back to RAF Mildenhall, England Uk in 1986. I have mainly traveled by car or moving truck and some trips on my motorcycle but really want to camp my way around. But first I need to build out my van and make sure my engine and tranny and drive train are in great shape. I’ve got a 2008 Chevy express 3500 extended cargo van but it’s got almost 300k miles and recently got this ticking noise in the engine but I think I’ve discovered what it is and how to fix it without too much cost but currently homeless so I’ve been sleeping in the front seat until I get the stuff unloaded in my van into storage and then can make a thick foam bed and use my Mr. Heater propane heater to stay warm. It’s pretty chilly in here now and when January-February comes it’s going to be a lot colder so I’ve got to get it done this weekend. I’ve got 10 sheets of 4x8 foam board that’s 1-1 1/2 thick for insulating it and hoping it will be enough to do walls and ceiling and sliding door. I may have to buy more and I have to figure out the floor but for now it’s got a rubber mat with I don’t know what under it, maybe just dirt, lol. But that’s gonna wait till summer. And the foam board won’t get glued in right now. Mainly just put in (and use duck tape to hold it in place), to help keep most of the heat in and cold out. I’ll use my butane and propane camping stoves and plastic dish pans for sink and storage of clean dishes, a few hd plastic foot lockers from Walmart for storing clean clothes in vacuum pack bags that can be rolled to get air out, and also for bedding and plastic clip shut bins for storing food and have a couple of coolers for keeping cold food in that I can put in the front passenger seat and on the floor between the seats because I’ll make a barrier for keeping the cab area closed off from the back so I don’t have to heat the cab when camping or heat the camper area when driving. I’ve been thinking about making a platform bed for my dog and I that will fold up like a Murphy bed but from the side instead of the foot of the bed and have storage bins underneath I can get to easily when the bed is raised and have the bed hook to the ceiling. Another thought was to make it so it can be folded up in half and make a bench seat to sit on and use the back half beneath it for storage if clothing and bedding and the front have would be bins for the dishpans which I could stack up when not traveling and one side would open like a cabinet and/or a pull out rack would allow access to contents of each one while they are stacked w/o having to shuffle them around. Then maybe build a cabinet to hang stuff like jackets & heavy coat and such with shelves for shoes & boots on the bottom and hooks for misc items like binoculars, flashlights, etc inside and cooking utensils and such on the outside. Also build an overhead cabinet on one side for storage of food, spices, dishes, paper plates, paper towels etc and a table area for prepping & cooking meals, mainly when I can’t due to rain, wind, cold & ice or snowy weather. I have other ideas and get new ideas from videos like these all the time. I also want to be able to remove stuff so when I’m not camping I can use my van for moving or hauling supplies without a bunch of built-in items that take up valuable space then. Good luck on your build out. Hope you post some videos when you do! Or maybe already did! I just saw your comment was from 2 years ago. Happy Holidays to everyone. It’s December 2024! Can’t wait till Jan 20th, 2025 and for a return to sanity! 🎉🎉🎉
Btw, where in Texas are you? I lived Austin for about 4-6 months back when I was a kid and as an adult have driven & ridden across Texas a few times. Loved the wide open spaces! But it’s been a couple decades now since I’ve gotten to travel with the exception of a few trips but they weren’t so great. I like to stop and see things and spend a day or two but the traveling companions I had didn’t. They were all about getting somewhere fast. And my feet are itching to do some wandering about…
What impresses me the most is that these people have time and money to go to these places. I've been working since I was 16 years old, I've never had more than 2 vacations in my whole life
Well, in my case, I have not subscribed to cable or Internet services for at least the last 20 years. Overall, that has saved me *at least $24,000* which I was able to apply to other, necessary, expenses. I don't buy lottery tickets, alcohol or even a cup of coffee from a gas station when I can make my own coffee to take with me. It's all about choosing one "want" for another. Over time, those seemingly small, but frequent expenses add up over time.
It’s all about the life you create for yourself and your priorities. You gotta chase after what it is you want. At 21 years old when working for another company I realized •I’m over worked and underpaid •I’m really good at what I’m doing for this company •I need more time to enjoy myself and the things I love to do. •I don’t want to be stuck in a job working for someone else forever. This started a fire in me to begin starting my own business, I had to go through some big bumps to get it up and running, however it was so worth it. Here I am today at 23 waking up on a Monday morning deciding when I want to work and how much and how little I want to work. Freedom is #1. You can do it! Get out of the rat race!
@@MarsL5656You're still part of the rat race. However, now, you've positioned yourself in a better position to come out a winner! 🙌 Good luck in your business!
From what I can see, I love your van build. Looking forward to seeing the tour. I'm in the process of trying to find a van to build, too. Tired of sleeping in my CRV. Good luck to you. Great job on the video.
geesh girl, your are definitely a keeper! You made that job look simple, which will give me confidence to start mine... thank you. I have a 2020 express cargo van that's empty right now, but im waiting for covid to settle down and the border opens back up. I have a 13' v nosed cargo trailer that I converted into a camper that I pull with my van, so it will be a combo unit. I do want the van to be a stand alone unit as well. great job, see you out there on the road... stay safe
Great job Emily!!! Looking forward to the van tour video! I also have a Chevy Express temporarily built out and will start my traveling adventure in 2 months! Nice buildout!!!
I turned my Express into a camper this summer :) Might switch the permanent bed I made into the style you have for more room but my dog really likes the bed so I'll have to think on it.
Nice! Great job. I have a 2008 Chevy express extended cargo van I’m planning on setting up for camping in. I’m not sure if yours is the extended version or regular version as you didn’t say in this video.
Great video! I'm in the exact same position as you - down to the same vehicle - I just bought a 2005 Chevy Express, and have minimal building experience (although I'm certainly competent!) so I wasn't quite sure where to start! Hoping to do my own sort of layout but this was a good starting point to watch. Be well :)
Hey Lindsay, thats so exciting! I'm glad you found this video to hopefully spark some inspiration for your own build. Feel free to reach out to me on ig if you have any build/van questions :)
I just figured up prices for spray foam insulation and believe it or not the retail 16 oz cans are cheapest per cubic foot of foam. The home type system is 3 times more expensive per cubic foot than cans. However I haven't tried it yet, so it will all come down to if there's actually 0.8 cubic feet of foam in a can. I calculated it would take about $90 to do the entire inside of my van with 2 inches thick. I'm going to experiment with one can and see how difficult it's going to be to get consistent thickness
Good insulation job! I like how you covered your wheel wells. Did you spray that nifty expanding foam along your floor/wall joints? I'm concerned about rodents eventually getting in. Everyone seems to get that problem no matter what type of rig or how new it is. I'm going to spray that everywhere that I can before I start the insulation. I don't want my bed across my back doors either (like most nomads do) even though it makes a neat garage. I'd rather be able to go in/out my back doors. I see you used a jigsaw. It's probably easier on the arms than a reciprocating saw. I'll need to decide on the best one. Nice job and thanks for sharing!
Quite impressive work for the van build up idea ! Very simple and efficient. Good job. It's good to have contacts that can help out. And btw how much mileage is on that Chevy Van ?
Great work, you turned that van into a nice camper. Can I ask you how much was the transformation without the labor? Also I noticed you used foam and polystyrene for insulation, aren’t you worried about any potential toxic air you might breath when you sleep with inside the van? A last question, what engine van has and what gas mileage you get on the highway. Thanks and have great trips
Something I've been wondering (and I haven't pulled my interior panels off yet): when you screw the first wood studs into the van's vertical frame beams (DAY 4), are you using a special screw or some kind of anchor on the other side of the metal? Thank you so much for this!
Seems like those plywood boxes might add alot of unneccesary weight? Lots of totes of all different sizes available that are light and inexpensive. If your build ends up being overweight that is one place you could save a bit of weight.
Do you have an drawings or mock up floor plans you can share? I have a 2011 chevy express 15 passenger with chairs and rear air. I paid $6000 for a van with 40,000 k miles.
I'm about to buy a cargo van probably a new one since I don't want to deal with the mechanics. And I don't have woodworking skills or the equipment for cutting. I'm trying to figure how can I do this on a budget with out skills
That's so exciting Sherry! I had very little skills going into this build. I am going to make a van tour video soon and I hope that will give you some budget friendly ideas.
Great job! I would suggest to always, always keep your eyes covered with protection. I was so glad to see that no metal shards flew into your face or eyes!
Ok.. I ain't gonna lie.. When I heard "Chop Saw" & 2×3 ...... I said ( oh helll naw!..) 😎
Awesome Awesome Awesome job! 💯👌🏻
Thanks!
What a cool person. Wow. I'm not even a minute in and I had to pause and type this. What a great vibe she gives off. At this point I don't care what the rest of the video is. But I'm sure I'll like it. I'm serious. My pause time is 1:10
Thanks so much!! :)
I'm impressed with the build. Worth so much more when you do most of it yourself. Thanks Mom for the assist. 😊👍
You did a really good job, you should be proud of yourself.
Thanks Mike!
Great I'm 65 did a van in 1974 trying again Me too been around this world 3 times only seen California Arizona new mexico and most all of Texas being a Texan My golden years ain't so golden I'ma widower but gotta explore it's in my blood
I’m 63 and have been back and forth across the USA and spent 5 years in 2 tours when stationed in England but haven’t been to many other countries, Mexico to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) a few times when I lived in AZ in the early 1990s, and one trip by train then returned by car from London,England via the ferry across the English Channel, then to Germany, picked up my new car I had bought then drive on the autobahn at night to Amsterdam and crossed the channel again to Norfolk, England and back to RAF Mildenhall, England Uk in 1986.
I have mainly traveled by car or moving truck and some trips on my motorcycle but really want to camp my way around. But first I need to build out my van and make sure my engine and tranny and drive train are in great shape. I’ve got a 2008 Chevy express 3500 extended cargo van but it’s got almost 300k miles and recently got this ticking noise in the engine but I think I’ve discovered what it is and how to fix it without too much cost but currently homeless so I’ve been sleeping in the front seat until I get the stuff unloaded in my van into storage and then can make a thick foam bed and use my Mr. Heater propane heater to stay warm. It’s pretty chilly in here now and when January-February comes it’s going to be a lot colder so I’ve got to get it done this weekend. I’ve got 10 sheets of 4x8 foam board that’s 1-1 1/2 thick for insulating it and hoping it will be enough to do walls and ceiling and sliding door. I may have to buy more and I have to figure out the floor but for now it’s got a rubber mat with I don’t know what under it, maybe just dirt, lol. But that’s gonna wait till summer. And the foam board won’t get glued in right now. Mainly just put in (and use duck tape to hold it in place), to help keep most of the heat in and cold out. I’ll use my butane and propane camping stoves and plastic dish pans for sink and storage of clean dishes, a few hd plastic foot lockers from Walmart for storing clean clothes in vacuum pack bags that can be rolled to get air out, and also for bedding and plastic clip shut bins for storing food and have a couple of coolers for keeping cold food in that I can put in the front passenger seat and on the floor between the seats because I’ll make a barrier for keeping the cab area closed off from the back so I don’t have to heat the cab when camping or heat the camper area when driving. I’ve been thinking about making a platform bed for my dog and I that will fold up like a Murphy bed but from the side instead of the foot of the bed and have storage bins underneath I can get to easily when the bed is raised and have the bed hook to the ceiling. Another thought was to make it so it can be folded up in half and make a bench seat to sit on and use the back half beneath it for storage if clothing and bedding and the front have would be bins for the dishpans which I could stack up when not traveling and one side would open like a cabinet and/or a pull out rack would allow access to contents of each one while they are stacked w/o having to shuffle them around. Then maybe build a cabinet to hang stuff like jackets & heavy coat and such with shelves for shoes & boots on the bottom and hooks for misc items like binoculars, flashlights, etc inside and cooking utensils and such on the outside. Also build an overhead cabinet on one side for storage of food, spices, dishes, paper plates, paper towels etc and a table area for prepping & cooking meals, mainly when I can’t due to rain, wind, cold & ice or snowy weather. I have other ideas and get new ideas from videos like these all the time. I also want to be able to remove stuff so when I’m not camping I can use my van for moving or hauling supplies without a bunch of built-in items that take up valuable space then. Good luck on your build out. Hope you post some videos when you do! Or maybe already did! I just saw your comment was from 2 years ago. Happy Holidays to everyone. It’s December 2024! Can’t wait till Jan 20th, 2025 and for a return to sanity! 🎉🎉🎉
Btw, where in Texas are you? I lived Austin for about 4-6 months back when I was a kid and as an adult have driven & ridden across Texas a few times. Loved the wide open spaces! But it’s been a couple decades now since I’ve gotten to travel with the exception of a few trips but they weren’t so great. I like to stop and see things and spend a day or two but the traveling companions I had didn’t. They were all about getting somewhere fast. And my feet are itching to do some wandering about…
What impresses me the most is that these people have time and money to go to these places. I've been working since I was 16 years old, I've never had more than 2 vacations in my whole life
Yep makes you wonder.
Well, in my case, I have not subscribed to cable or Internet services for at least the last 20 years. Overall, that has saved me *at least $24,000* which I was able to apply to other, necessary, expenses. I don't buy lottery tickets, alcohol or even a cup of coffee from a gas station when I can make my own coffee to take with me.
It's all about choosing one "want" for another. Over time, those seemingly small, but frequent expenses add up over time.
It’s all about the life you create for yourself and your priorities. You gotta chase after what it is
you want. At 21 years old when working for another company I realized
•I’m over worked and underpaid
•I’m really good at what I’m doing for this company
•I need more time to enjoy myself and the things I love to do.
•I don’t want to be stuck in a job working for someone else forever.
This started a fire in me to begin starting my own business, I had to go through some big bumps to get it up and running, however it was so worth it. Here I am today at 23 waking up on a Monday morning deciding when I want to work and how much and how little I want to work. Freedom is #1. You can do it! Get out of the rat race!
@@MarsL5656You're still part of the rat race. However, now, you've positioned yourself in a better position to come out a winner! 🙌 Good luck in your business!
You don't have rent ... If u don't move states every 3 days it's very do able
What a great job you have done with your build, and your video presentation is excellent as well. Happy Trails to you!
From what I can see, I love your van build. Looking forward to seeing the tour. I'm in the process of trying to find a van to build, too. Tired of sleeping in my CRV. Good luck to you. Great job on the video.
I used to travel and sleep in my Jeep Liberty, so now this van feels luxurious haha!
You explained it so well, Thx.
You are fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more about your van.
I'm so glad I came across your channel. This is exactly the build out I was looking for to build out my van. Great video!
Ahh Yay Devilyn! Glad you came across it too :) Message me on IG if you have any questions!
Spray foam, vaseline is what gets it off your hands. I learned from experience . lol
Good to know!
Thanks!! 😊
I wish ican afford one to live in it..I am retiring and can't afford to have a house.
Very nice van build!! Greetings from Jamaica.
First time viewer, but definitely like the first view!!
Another instructional van build video that I can take some things away from. Thanks.
Thanks for watching Mark 😊
so proud of you, great job! you have truly inspired me to DIY, I will be joining VanLife 2022, so I'll take my time and be ready by Feb 2022
That's so exciting! Reach out if you have any diy questions along the way :)
It’s feb 2022 how’s the van life?
geesh girl, your are definitely a keeper!
You made that job look simple, which will give me confidence to start mine... thank you.
I have a 2020 express cargo van that's empty right now, but im waiting for covid to settle down and the border opens back up.
I have a 13' v nosed cargo trailer that I converted into a camper that I pull with my van, so it will be a combo unit.
I do want the van to be a stand alone unit as well.
great job, see you out there on the road... stay safe
Job well done can't wait to see the tour of the finish product.
I agree with Johnny 155.
Thanks Johnny!
Well done little lady. Love it.
I wanted to get a van, but man they're so expensive. Even old ones are too much. Oh well, maybe someday the prices will come down.
You are awesome!!! Thank you for sharing. I am starting my own conversion is so exciting!!!
Great job Emily!!! Looking forward to the van tour video! I also have a Chevy Express temporarily built out and will start my traveling adventure in 2 months! Nice buildout!!!
Anna, thats so exciting!! If you have any questions feel free to ask.
👍 nice job. Safe travels 😎
I’m impressed. Well-done. Subscribed.
Thanks so much Mitch I appreciate it!
I turned my Express into a camper this summer :) Might switch the permanent bed I made into the style you have for more room but my dog really likes the bed so I'll have to think on it.
do you have the extended or regular size? I can't tell but hers looks like the regular size. Im considering an express but the longer wheelbase
U gave me confidence to do it!
Well done young lady👏🏼 Hope you’re enjoying your big accomplishment 😊✌🏼
Best of success to you. I will be on road full time in spring 2021.
I wish U showed how to make the sliding bed, great insulation job.
great video, very helpful. thanks for sharing!
Excellent !! Good luck with your adventure, and stay safe 👍
Hey Dave, thanks for the kind wishes!
Nice! Great job. I have a 2008 Chevy express extended cargo van I’m planning on setting up for camping in. I’m not sure if yours is the extended version or regular version as you didn’t say in this video.
Excellent build and details-thank you!
Great build and enjoy😉 safe driving
I like your van build and videos. Keep up the good work keeping it real!!!
Great job girl. To get on more power to you
Thanks Seth!
Totally amazing wonderful build
Great video! I'm in the exact same position as you - down to the same vehicle - I just bought a 2005 Chevy Express, and have minimal building experience (although I'm certainly competent!) so I wasn't quite sure where to start! Hoping to do my own sort of layout but this was a good starting point to watch. Be well :)
Hey Lindsay, thats so exciting! I'm glad you found this video to hopefully spark some inspiration for your own build. Feel free to reach out to me on ig if you have any build/van questions :)
Nico❣️😍
what a clean 2005! Nice!
GREAT job! Thanks for sharing.
You are so inspiring. I am looking for a van and making lists of materials.
Great job. Can’t wait for the tour. 👍🏾 up. New subs.
This is so cool Tysm for giving us this video
Nice to see you
You did a great job! Looking forward to more vids!
Thanks so much Laura! A new video is coming soon :)
I just figured up prices for spray foam insulation and believe it or not the retail 16 oz cans are cheapest per cubic foot of foam. The home type system is 3 times more expensive per cubic foot than cans. However I haven't tried it yet, so it will all come down to if there's actually 0.8 cubic feet of foam in a can. I calculated it would take about $90 to do the entire inside of my van with 2 inches thick. I'm going to experiment with one can and see how difficult it's going to be to get consistent thickness
Nice job thanks for sharing now I know what to do,
Thanks Armando! :) Glad I could provide some inspiration.
Nice job!!!
You have really encouraged me! Thank you!
Thanks so much Mariam!
Looks nice and cozy. Go Girl! :-)
Thanks Bruce, glad you enjoyed the video :)
Great job, is a very nice home 👍
Great job and thanks for sharing!
Think you did a great job!!
Thanks Melvin!
Looking forward to the tour!!
Great job I'm new to your channel, looking forward to van tour.
Well done ,good job Emily 👍
Thanks!
Nice job, best of luck
Thanks Frank!
Thank you so much for this video❤what tool did you use to get the bulkhead out?
Your mom is wonderful
great job happy trails
Thanks al!
Amazing job looks great .What was your total cost of your build I'm thinking of doing this .
Awesome DIY! How much was the project excluding the van?
Good insulation job! I like how you covered your wheel wells. Did you spray that nifty expanding foam along your floor/wall joints? I'm concerned about rodents eventually getting in. Everyone seems to get that problem no matter what type of rig or how new it is. I'm going to spray that everywhere that I can before I start the insulation. I don't want my bed across my back doors either (like most nomads do) even though it makes a neat garage. I'd rather be able to go in/out my back doors. I see you used a jigsaw. It's probably easier on the arms than a reciprocating saw. I'll need to decide on the best one. Nice job and thanks for sharing!
Nice van!
I'm starting the same thing and was wondering how many sheets of plywood did you use for the floor, and where did you put the seams?
Quite impressive work for the van build up idea ! Very simple and efficient. Good job. It's good to have contacts that can help out. And btw how much mileage is on that Chevy Van ?
Thanks Mayssa! It had about 75,000 miles on it when I bought it and now is over 92,000.
I;am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos
Thanks so much!
So great 👍
Why didn’t you use the mat that came with the van as a template for your installation as well?
She did 3:00
@@OffTheBeatenPath_ 😂
the HIppie spirit lives !
You go girl!!!
Thanks David!
Just subbed and i am excited to see what you do in your adventures. Stay safe😀💜
Thanks so much Jenifer, I really appreciate the support!
That's awesome. 🥂
Wow you make this look easy!
Great work, you turned that van into a nice camper. Can I ask you how much was the transformation without the labor? Also I noticed you used foam and polystyrene for insulation, aren’t you worried about any potential toxic air you might breath when you sleep with inside the van? A last question, what engine van has and what gas mileage you get on the highway. Thanks and have great trips
second all of those questions
Hi I just subscribed to u Chanel can't wait for Moore from Richard in the UK ❤️ stay safe
Emily, after 3 years is there anything you learned that you would do differently when insulating you van? I will be doing a van in a few weeks.
Did you drill the studs right into the metal? I have a chevy express and mounting the studs was my biggest headache.
Something I've been wondering (and I haven't pulled my interior panels off yet): when you screw the first wood studs into the van's vertical frame beams (DAY 4), are you using a special screw or some kind of anchor on the other side of the metal?
Thank you so much for this!
Hey Kris! I used metal self tapping screws. They have a sharper tip and kind of grab into the metal of the van better.
Freaking love your video!!!
Thanks so much!
What a great build in so little time! Mind telling us the final cost of the build?
Safety glasses..... always.
Love the content❤️
Thanks Michaelle!
New Subbie! Great van planning on doing mine soon have fun
Seems like those plywood boxes might add alot of unneccesary weight? Lots of totes of all different sizes available that are light and inexpensive. If your build ends up being overweight that is one place you could save a bit of weight.
do you know the width of the van at the "beltline" (above wheel wheels, max width)
Do you have an drawings or mock up floor plans you can share? I have a 2011 chevy express 15 passenger with chairs and rear air. I paid $6000 for a van with 40,000 k miles.
wonderful
Thank you
Now there is a girl you can work with! Good job there lady.
👍
I Love it 💖💖 its super fun it’s a wonderful experience thank you for sharing
How does it do in ice and snow with rear wheel drive only?
Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
I'm about to buy a cargo van probably a new one since I don't want to deal with the mechanics. And I don't have woodworking skills or the equipment for cutting. I'm trying to figure how can I do this on a budget with out skills
That's so exciting Sherry! I had very little skills going into this build. I am going to make a van tour video soon and I hope that will give you some budget friendly ideas.
Did you go by cruise ship or airplane?
What mattress are you using here?
How much should I expect to pay to get my carpet pulled up, and get your kind of floor put down in my 99 Chevy Express Van? 🤔
Do you mind sharing the dimensions for bed and boxes etc? I have the same van.
I'm going with plastic.