Once you have a 4 post hoist you wonder how you ever worked without it. Not that expensive, a huge time saver and a treat for the body, especially for us 50 and olders.
@@HumbleRoad A Bend Pak 4 post 14,000 lb capacity runs $7500.00. Good quality, I have 2 Bend Paks. One goes up and down 8 times a day 5 days a week and has for the last 20 years.
There are many shops that can fabricate tanks of the material of your choice. Our boat has one welded up of 1/2” polyethylene. It’s shape is very complicated, but they had no issues with it. Fiberglass with epoxy resin is another great option, and can be used for waste or fuel. It can be used for fresh water, but requires expertise to assure safety.
Thank you George - that was just what I needed, a good dose of George. I was getting depressed with all the COVID stuff going on, so I needed some mental stimulation that was completely unrelated to COVID - and there, right on cue, was a George video - perfect! Oh, BTW, that 4" PVC pipe labyrinth idea is exactly what I needed - I hope you didn't take out a patent on it.....
Filling in the hole after silicon coating the plywood floor edges… how about an escutcheon and nut against the bottom? Will keep the space around the shower drain clear and clean.
Great work~! Inspiring me to carry on with my van to better it~ though the engine is in need of repair…sigh… I am in a mechanic desert…stranded in a tiny small town not knowing anyone capable of helping~ bought a few tools.
Now that the entire world knows the incredible quality of your builds, you will never be able to retire. Maybe you should incorporate the Tom Brady diet / training regimen into your lifestyle. You will stay young forever !!
I so enjoy your ingenuity!!! I stumbled upon your videos when Patrick was reviewing one of the vans you and your son designed. You guys are incredible 👏!!!!
Hi George. You're going to discover very soon, if you haven't already, that once you install the lower seat pedestals the third market swivel seat mechanisms are not going to fit, i.e. the holes are not going to line up (among other things). If you look closely, you'll notice that the seat pedestals are slightly tapered -- and on the shorter pedestals, the holes where you attach the swivel mechanism are further apart. The third market swivel seat mechanisms are drilled to match the taller seat pedestals. You’ll have two options: 1) re-drill the holes in the swivel seat mechanisms to align with the holes on the shorter pedestals (which is a pain because there's some pretty thick steel plates you have to drill through); or 2) buy the MB swivel seat mechanisms which were specifically designed for the shorter seat pedestals and thus everything lines up perfectly - and operate as smooth as silk I might add. Just thought I would mention that. I'll end this note by borrowing one of your quotes: "Don't ask me how I know this".
Just rewatched your video… You may be in luck, I notice that the Alpine swivel seat mechanism has two sets of holes, they may have accounted for the two pedestal options.
You could cut some custom donuts out of kaizen or EVA foam to fit that drain then seal it in with elastomeric caulk or a membrane (or even some flex seal tape) on the bottom. A laser engraver, like the ortur lasermaster 2 I have, makes quick work of custom kaizen inserts for drawer organizers or custom drain donuts 😉
instead of sealing the shower drain with silicone and great stuff a rubber boot made for house roof vents might work or a schluter type boot made for tile showers. use a good quality tape with either might be easier than a sealant too? siga rissan maybe?
It's always worth stopping by to see what you are up to now. I have wanted to add a swivel seat for the passenger side of my Promaster but have heard many complaints. Looking forward to seeing how the Alpine works out.
Especially with Sam being so tall, I’m wondering why you opted to glue the shower pan to the subfloor ply rather than repeat the Vagabond direct-to-floor method. As always, thank you for sharing your ideas and skill!
I know you’re on vacation and so am that much more appreciative of your response. Truly- thank you!! 🙏🙏 I’m so confused about what the plywood we see from under the van is that you seal (for the understandable reason). It looks like solid ply all the way around rather than the filler 1/4 ply + HMV strips you might fill the valleys with. I study screen shots from your videos just to make my own build better, and I need some clarity on what I’m seeing. I so appreciate your attention to these important details!
George- watching you lift and lower the seat components- ay yay yay! Your form is terrifying. Use your legs! Get some help from those young bucks you have working for you! This on top of you wrestling the solar panels on your own. We don’t want to lose you!
I can tell already time I was able to bring a Promaster to you to build I’d be 90 years old [bc you’re so backed up] and then I’d be too old to be a nomad again!…you’re slow building it seems, but, by gosh they’re RIGHT when they roll outta your shop on their maiden trip though! Love seeing your mind at work on those builds! Thanks for sharing, George! Stay safe! ~Jim~
I question the choice of using PVC piping underneath the van. I admit that I have never been a fan of PVC pipe, however using it where it can get mechanical damage from road debris or gravel on unpaved areas is a gamble. Have you considered other materials, other than metal pipe, and if so why did you reject them?
I chose PVC pipe, over others, particularly 4” for its ease of acquisition and repair. Van dwellers need to be able to make painless repairs and get on their way.
have you considerable using even greater diameter pvc? obviously need to consider the ground clearance and ease of availability to get fittings but i have seen big residential pvc
You answered your own question. In my search for what is readily available at the big box stores, 4 inch is it. 6 inch is rare, and therefore not checking all my boxes.
I just ordered my sprinter with the swivels and electric emergency brake which is mandatory with the swivels. I think it was about 800 all in. A bargain compared to all this aggravation.
OMG! You crack me up with your PVC grey water maze. So funny. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention - and you are the godfather. I’d love to know the specifics on your shower drain. I cannot find a drain with an extended barrel like you have anywhere so I’m about to have two extensions (for two drains) fabricated. Please tell me what and where you found it. Thx, professor.
@@HumbleRoad Ah, a tub drain...smart! Unfortunately I already have 3" holes cut in the stainless shower pan for shower drains so I will have to go with the custom barrel extensions. Next time....
I 'bout ripped my leg open several times on the sharp corners of the Sport Craft. Never again. Actually, I once walked into HD after doing so and it looked like I'd been shot in the calf.
Not a whole lot of clearance with all that plumbing ( what 8 inches?) - I suppose they stick to the highways - Let the adventure begin. What is the trip-ready weight of one of those bad boys you build? (full water - full fuel - people - food - all in!!!) It has got to be well north of 10k lbs
This 4x4 170 Sprinter fully loaded with everything for the first journey ( which means overloaded) came in at exactly 10,000 lbs. Vagabond Promaster fully loaded for full time couple came in with 800lbs to spare. Van # 01 came in at 9,600lbs
@@HumbleRoad That with or without that big old roof top deck-;) My mid length mid height Tranist is 8k lbs trip ready. Not so bad considering its a - high roof - 170 4*4 a/w all that magical HR touch. THX for the feedback.
@@HumbleRoad I've got a 250 & am 1,000lbs below GVWR & I installed everything that was needed/fit/relevant - after 62K miles shakedown trip I would not change a thing.
Very nice Job , what you do.I want to ask you how long. It takes you to make a motor home and approximately how much weight for all the equípment you put on it , thank you, from México.,you are a Godinez developer in the mástter.
My guess is the electric ball valve is coming but doesn’t want to say it. No one wants to offend the sensibilities of the green people. Such a big deal over grey water storage when everyone is just dumping it on the ground.
Odd how the creative mind works. This video starts off with swapping out swivels, as it's title implies, and ends with right-sizing drain access holes while non-nonchalantly brushing over the the sheer creativity of Mr & Mrs Sprinter's gray water system. Mr & Mrs Sprinter must be VIP - and not just because they managed to get a build spot at Humble Road. I was on ARV's website last week and it states they are not taking upgrade/upfit work from non-ARV owners. Many small upfitters are, IMO, making the same mistake as ARV. When the full-build bubble bursts, and it will - probably because of cost and time to delivery - they're going to wish they had used the good times not only to do full builds, but to build a sustainable service/upgrade business as well. Custom van owners do not buy Winnebago's for a reason so, where does that leave them when they need service or want to upgrade - driving across country to the original builder, assuming he's still in business?
Sports craft was supposed to be “the” swivel for sprinter 18 months ago and I can’t agree more that it’s awful. Squeaky, heavy and stiff. Waste of $300.
That modular under-pipe system is GENIUS!
nice trick for plumbing thanks !
Quality assurance !
That's a smart trick of the larger diameter for the hole of the drain.
And the 4" PVC job must have been a fun project.
Once you have a 4 post hoist you wonder how you ever worked without it. Not that expensive, a huge time saver and a treat for the body, especially for us 50 and olders.
I’m on the hunt for one right now!
@@HumbleRoad Excellent! I've owned 3 for 30 years. Buy new or almost new, don't buy someone else's worn out problem.
@@HumbleRoad A Bend Pak 4 post 14,000 lb capacity runs $7500.00. Good quality, I have 2 Bend Paks. One goes up and down 8 times a day 5 days a week and has for the last 20 years.
High amount of Grey matter used for the grey tank - ingenious!!!!
There are many shops that can fabricate tanks of the material of your choice. Our boat has one welded up of 1/2” polyethylene. It’s shape is very complicated, but they had no issues with it. Fiberglass with epoxy resin is another great option, and can be used for waste or fuel. It can be used for fresh water, but requires expertise to assure safety.
Thanks George
Always Enjoy a Humble Road Video 👍
Thank you George - that was just what I needed, a good dose of George.
I was getting depressed with all the COVID stuff going on, so I needed some mental stimulation that was completely unrelated to COVID - and there, right on cue, was a George video - perfect!
Oh, BTW, that 4" PVC pipe labyrinth idea is exactly what I needed - I hope you didn't take out a patent on it.....
Filling in the hole after silicon coating the plywood floor edges… how about an escutcheon and nut against the bottom? Will keep the space around the shower drain clear and clean.
I love that idea! Very elegant and professional. I’m going do it, thank you!
Thank you so very much for sharing George. Always enjoy watching videos.
Awesome 👍❤️
Great work~! Inspiring me to carry on with my van to better it~ though the engine is in need of repair…sigh… I am in a mechanic desert…stranded in a tiny small town not knowing anyone capable of helping~ bought a few tools.
I bought and then picked up Alpines in Colorado Springs, CO. I considered the price worth it, like getting chairs for my new living room in the van!
Now that the entire world knows the incredible quality of your builds, you will never be able to retire. Maybe you should incorporate the Tom Brady diet / training regimen into your lifestyle. You will stay young forever !!
I so enjoy your ingenuity!!! I stumbled upon your videos when Patrick was reviewing one of the vans you and your son designed. You guys are incredible 👏!!!!
PVC pipes for grey water is brilliant!
It’s not my original idea, but yes, it is a very practical solution. If any section cracks or leaks it’s very easy to fix at any Home Depot
@Chris we will all discover that together
Love your work sir. I know when it’s all said and done I would attempt to be you at some point, you’re and inspiration 🤞
Hi George. You're going to discover very soon, if you haven't already, that once you install the lower seat pedestals the third market swivel seat mechanisms are not going to fit, i.e. the holes are not going to line up (among other things). If you look closely, you'll notice that the seat pedestals are slightly tapered -- and on the shorter pedestals, the holes where you attach the swivel mechanism are further apart. The third market swivel seat mechanisms are drilled to match the taller seat pedestals. You’ll have two options: 1) re-drill the holes in the swivel seat mechanisms to align with the holes on the shorter pedestals (which is a pain because there's some pretty thick steel plates you have to drill through); or 2) buy the MB swivel seat mechanisms which were specifically designed for the shorter seat pedestals and thus everything lines up perfectly - and operate as smooth as silk I might add. Just thought I would mention that. I'll end this note by borrowing one of your quotes: "Don't ask me how I know this".
Just rewatched your video… You may be in luck, I notice that the Alpine swivel seat mechanism has two sets of holes, they may have accounted for the two pedestal options.
I love your message and how you ended it with validation! I guess I will have to find out for myself! God help the engineer who screwed this up!
"Festival of options". 🤗
You could cut some custom donuts out of kaizen or EVA foam to fit that drain then seal it in with elastomeric caulk or a membrane (or even some flex seal tape) on the bottom. A laser engraver, like the ortur lasermaster 2 I have, makes quick work of custom kaizen inserts for drawer organizers or custom drain donuts 😉
instead of sealing the shower drain with silicone and great stuff a rubber boot made for house roof vents might work or a schluter type boot made for tile showers. use a good quality tape with either might be easier than a sealant too? siga rissan maybe?
Nice job … spreading the knowledge … 💙👍
It's always worth stopping by to see what you are up to now. I have wanted to add a swivel seat for the passenger side of my Promaster but have heard many complaints. Looking forward to seeing how the Alpine works out.
Stay tuned. I’ll give you all the deets
Especially with Sam being so tall, I’m wondering why you opted to glue the shower pan to the subfloor ply rather than repeat the Vagabond direct-to-floor method. As always, thank you for sharing your ideas and skill!
All my shower pans are glued to the bare chassis floor, to allow for the additional height.
I know you’re on vacation and so am that much more appreciative of your response. Truly- thank you!! 🙏🙏 I’m so confused about what the plywood we see from under the van is that you seal (for the understandable reason). It looks like solid ply all the way around rather than the filler 1/4 ply + HMV strips you might fill the valleys with. I study screen shots from your videos just to make my own build better, and I need some clarity on what I’m seeing. I so appreciate your attention to these important details!
Fantastic job! Choose here to quote Beatles Paul Mccartney: Pipes of peace!
George- watching you lift and lower the seat components- ay yay yay! Your form is terrifying. Use your legs! Get some help from those young bucks you have working for you! This on top of you wrestling the solar panels on your own. We don’t want to lose you!
Ive been doing it this way all my life! No injuries...darn! shouldn't have said that! 🤔
George, it might be time to invest in a nice lift to get those vans up off the floor. Your back would thank you.
Yes! I’m looking for one now
@@HumbleRoad You can then have a new sound effect to play with on your videos
At my Sprinter I have similar PCV pipe for grey water. Total quantity is 85 litres-about 22,5 gallons 😉
That is awesome!
I can tell already time I was able to bring a Promaster to you to build I’d be 90 years old [bc you’re so backed up] and then I’d be too old to be a nomad again!…you’re slow building it seems, but, by gosh they’re RIGHT when they roll outta your shop on their maiden trip though! Love seeing your mind at work on those builds! Thanks for sharing, George! Stay safe! ~Jim~
A swivel and a pivot. ty
any updates on mini me's?
Another phenomenal update, oh how I’ve come to enjoy these midweek. Which “creeper” are you using to roll around under our dream❓😎
HarborFreight
@@HumbleRoad LoL 😂 … I should have known❗️ I was expecting to hear it was from a professional tool Co like Snap On or MAC 😂
Thanks for sharing. Like #5.
What's life without options? Right? 🥇
I question the choice of using PVC piping underneath the van. I admit that I have never been a fan of PVC pipe, however using it where it can get mechanical damage from road debris or gravel on unpaved areas is a gamble. Have you considered other materials, other than metal pipe, and if so why did you reject them?
I chose PVC pipe, over others, particularly 4” for its ease of acquisition and repair. Van dwellers need to be able to make painless repairs and get on their way.
have you considerable using even greater diameter pvc? obviously need to consider the ground clearance and ease of availability to get fittings but i have seen big residential pvc
You answered your own question. In my search for what is readily available at the big box stores, 4 inch is it. 6 inch is rare, and therefore not checking all my boxes.
I just ordered my sprinter with the swivels and electric emergency brake which is mandatory with the swivels. I think it was about 800 all in. A bargain compared to all this aggravation.
That is a good price, the Alpines cost $1025 plus going to pick them up and install them. Congrats!
Can we see the drain being filled please sounds just like the 100/% extra we expect from George :)
OMG! You crack me up with your PVC grey water maze. So funny. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention - and you are the godfather.
I’d love to know the specifics on your shower drain. I cannot find a drain with an extended barrel like you have anywhere so I’m about to have two extensions (for two drains) fabricated. Please tell me what and where you found it. Thx, professor.
HD
@@HumbleRoad Ah, a tub drain...smart! Unfortunately I already have 3" holes cut in the stainless shower pan for shower drains so I will have to go with the custom barrel extensions. Next time....
I 'bout ripped my leg open several times on the sharp corners of the Sport Craft. Never again. Actually, I once walked into HD after doing so and it looked like I'd been shot in the calf.
Yep. Terrible design.
YAY .. COFFEE TIME
Not a whole lot of clearance with all that plumbing ( what 8 inches?) - I suppose they stick to the highways - Let the adventure begin.
What is the trip-ready weight of one of those bad boys you build? (full water - full fuel - people - food - all in!!!) It has got to be well north of 10k lbs
This 4x4 170 Sprinter fully loaded with everything for the first journey ( which means overloaded) came in at exactly 10,000 lbs. Vagabond Promaster fully loaded for full time couple came in with 800lbs to spare. Van # 01 came in at 9,600lbs
Also, this van has an airbag suspension system. Once the engine is started, it raises up a good amount.
@@HumbleRoad That with or without that big old roof top deck-;)
My mid length mid height Tranist is 8k lbs trip ready. Not so bad considering its a - high roof - 170 4*4 a/w all that magical HR touch.
THX for the feedback.
@@TerryManitoba the Transit I have in the shop now is a 250. Have to be really weight conscious with that one.
@@HumbleRoad I've got a 250 & am 1,000lbs below GVWR & I installed everything that was needed/fit/relevant - after 62K miles shakedown trip I would not change a thing.
Very nice Job , what you do.I want to ask you how long. It takes you to make a motor home and approximately how much weight for all the equípment you put on it , thank you, from México.,you are a Godinez developer in the mástter.
A van build takes one year to complete. All my builds are well under the maximum weight limits.
What about winter freezing in the PVC pipe tank?
Drain, drain, drain the grey tank in freezing conditions. And pour a gulp of RV antifreeze down the drains every now and then
They aren’t filled to the top I’d bet they wouldn’t break.
Grey tanks should never be full. It’s that simple. Just make sure they are always empty
I'm curious why Sprinter guy didn't have ARV build the entire van. I assume it was the price, but then why have them do any part of it?
ARV did the work I don’t do.
What specific complaints did they have about the seats?
Very heavy. Does not spin well, major struggle. Release bar is a danger to your calves.
How do you drain the gray water tank?
My guess is the electric ball valve is coming but doesn’t want to say it. No one wants to offend the sensibilities of the green people. Such a big deal over grey water storage when everyone is just dumping it on the ground.
@@michaelscarfi3196 I'd classify myself as a green person, just dump the grey on some grass or dirt and not on the concrete. 😁
Interpret my silence as you see fit...
Odd how the creative mind works. This video starts off with swapping out swivels, as it's title implies, and ends with right-sizing drain access holes while non-nonchalantly brushing over the the sheer creativity of Mr & Mrs Sprinter's gray water system.
Mr & Mrs Sprinter must be VIP - and not just because they managed to get a build spot at Humble Road. I was on ARV's website last week and it states they are not taking upgrade/upfit work from non-ARV owners.
Many small upfitters are, IMO, making the same mistake as ARV. When the full-build bubble bursts, and it will - probably because of cost and time to delivery - they're going to wish they had used the good times not only to do full builds, but to build a sustainable service/upgrade business as well.
Custom van owners do not buy Winnebago's for a reason so, where does that leave them when they need service or want to upgrade - driving across country to the original builder, assuming he's still in business?
Sports craft was supposed to be “the” swivel for sprinter 18 months ago and I can’t agree more that it’s awful. Squeaky, heavy and stiff. Waste of $300.
"Festival"?
I heard that, too. It was edited in, I think. I wonder what it replaced.