Products used for van conversions, (Please let me know in the comments if links are broken.) Sound Deadening amzn.to/39DMzUt Insulation amzn.to/3yaKmcD Thermawrap amzn.to/3xC1Nkw Aluminium Tape amzn.to/3xK0znt 4 Way Stretch Carpet amzn.to/3n6y0f3 Lanyard amzn.to/3xGunl6 Double Sided Tape amzn.to/3QD9Whp Wind Deflectors amzn.to/39DLQmd Seat Covers dryrobe.com/products/dryrobe-car-seat-cover DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
No worries, glad it helped and thanks for the comment and feedback! :) I was in the same boat when I started so thought I'd share my conversion. Just bought another caddy so will be doing lots more videos.
@@willsvanadventures I'm looking at getting something up and running for summer. Seems like the caddy maxi offers a good amount of size in the back, any recommendation on other good sized vans (without being long wheel base like a sprinter?)
@@adamnallamner8333 hey, sounds good! Umm I have looked at the ford custom connect and also the citroen dispatch (2016 upwards). Both seemed good and had a more square shape than the caddy. So youd get some more room. I believe ford and vw are both good Van's and it's just down to personal opinion. I really liked the citreon but then 4 independent garages told me not to buy one die to constant mechanical issues and unreliability. Hope that helps.
Wow man! This is incredible. I think you did a fantastic job here. I liked watching the whole process. Its fascinating to watch. Well done mate! Ill check your other videos and see if you posted the finish product/or a tour of the van.
Thank you, for this video with showing so many details, how you have done. I will do the same, with my car, same size (in GB called Vauxhall Combo C) I bought the car this month. (Now too cold and too much snow outside, for working.) Greetings from sw germany.
Hi, glad it helped! And nice to meet you! Sounds exciting on your new project, it is difficult to do work outside at this time of year as you say. What plans do you have?
@@willsvanadventures a full couch/bed, behind the driver seat (6 feet long) to the back door. Easy to switch, in few seconds. On the other side a small kitchen, with a sink, a variable two flame gas stove. Later a compressor fridge, and solar cells outside on the roof. a diesel heater, a porta potti camping wc, under the bed. A leisure battery behind the driver seat. a roof window with a 12 v. vent at the kitchen area. (NOT in the middle of the roof, because not colapsing with the solar cell.) I want to have all in the car, to stay independent / autark. Also the car looks like a handcrafter car, (and it was one) and not like a camper = stealth. I can hide the back of the car, so Nobody can look inside. I want to keep free space inside, for better turn around inside. On longer tours I take a trailer with me. For more luggage, more fresh water, heating oil for the diesel heater = cheaper as diesel. a gas grill, a large pop up tent for attach at the car, advance the space. All, what I don´t need allways in the car. To keep free space in the car. Now again Corona Lockdown here in germany. Also camp grounds closed. But with this car, I will need only diesel, water, and food. And to keep stealth, if driving for fun only would be forbidden temporary.
@@willsvanadventures My budget is: 380 british pounds for the basic car. 180 pounds for his delivery by truck to my home. (The car has arrived). 540 pounds for converting to an useful minicamper. 125 pounds for new german MOT needed. 34 pounds for registration fees and car number plates. This is the cheapest way here, to make it. And my challenge: To get all I want, but as cheap as possible.
@@sunnymas2656 that sounds brilliant! A really good plan and idea. Is a shame its lockdown at the moment as you say. Will be an exciting project. Are you going to document the conversion?
With the side panels, you shoukd have sparyglued them then stuck kitchen foil to it , then put your insolation over the top. I used kitchen foil stuck to the wall behind a radiator.
Very good mate , I'm going to use that bed idea but I am going to try make it hinge and fold up to the wall so can stikl use it as a van when not camping
Thanks! And yeah that's ideal, would be a much better design. Will make putting things into the van a lot easier as well. I'm gunna do that design on my current build.
Hey, The van has two metal skins. So you have the vans body which you can see from the outside, but on the inside theres another internal metal frame. You screw into this part. :)
@@willsvanadventures no a veto - it has 3 rows of seats so plan on taking out just the back row - only going be for weekends etc - I love camping but have gotten blown away a few times so thought why dont I try to do something with the van ….. doh we’ve had it 4 years already !{
@@pipsvanwinkle485 oh very nice, that will be awesome with all the space! It'll deffo stop you from getting blown away haha You'll get there in the end!
I did the same thing with my van. The only problem was morning condensation dripping from the ceiling, so we fitted a sliding side window and pop up roof air vent.
yeh! We first found that having the front windows slightly open though the night made the seats wet when it rained, but after installing the vent windows, this solved the problem.👍
@@garethjudd5840 ah that's great! Glad you got it sorted. I found using the wind deflectors and having the windows slightly open solved the condensation issue along with one if the moisture bag thingys haha
Invest in a cordless, drill and impact driver our kid, and for Heavens sake get some Knee protection ! You will regret it in later life if you don't ! Great Job! dx
buy yourself an impact driver mate lol felt sorry for you having to screw all those screws in making the bed! decent job though to be fair looks good... just bought a 2015 doblo maxi myself so looking for some inspiration on what to do etc, really wanna put a pull out bed like this in but i want to fit a rear seat/bench that can be used when im driving about by a couple of passengers too so might end up having to buy a metal frame with proper seatbelt anchors already welded on etc
Haha yh I got a Ryobi one now and it's a dream. So much faster and quicker haha. Oh nice, that'll be decent. Are they fairly big? Yh that'll be a good idea. Plus you could fold the seats down and use that as part of the bed?
@@willsvanadventures yeah the metal framed rocknroll beds as they're called are decent but obviously but of weight in them, quite decently sized the doblo it's about the same size as the caddy maxi but I'd say a little bit bigger.
Hahaha my drill broke just before doing the drilling. Batteries went dead and wouldn't charge. Little bit of hard work doesn't hurt anyone though. I would love a new drill though haha
@@willsvanadventures if you google kingspan insulation sheet it will come up . And the vapor shield is great for the roofs and walls 👍 kingspan under the floor keeps a great temp variant within the van on a night
@@obiden3322 yeah for sure. Obvs depends what time of year your staying away. The metal gets super cold and super wet without anything. Doesn't need to be done but you'll be a lot more comfortable if it is. :)
Don't see the point in making a bed unless you intend to live in the van ( good luck with that ) You can buy a Z-bed cheep enough. Insulation is fine , cupboards and all the other stuff people put into vans seems like a waste of time and money , it's just a bedroom that you move around after all.
Looks all shiny and sliver but this is not an effective insulation material. Reflectix or whatever it’s called reflects heat back in. It’s not an insulating material. The few panels you have put an insulating wool in will not be enough. You have so much exposed metal and glass that you wasted your time doing this. It just looks like it might work but trust me I properly insulated a caddy van and it’s either a heat box In the summer and a fridge in the winter. Another bodge job then.
haha Ok thanks for the comment, however its actually perfect. It's super cool in the summer, keeps the heat out as the thermowrap reflects the heat out. I know the thermowrap isn't an insulation material and that's why I stuffed the van full of the actual insulation. But it's also needed as a condensation barrier. Where is the exposed metal? Every piece of metal was completely covered. In the winter its super warm to the point it's almost too warm some nights. And that's going away multiple times in the winter in the UK. Fair enough if you're not in the UK and in a colder climate but for the UK it's perfect.
Hey, it will depend where the fault is, if it's a bulb then you can just swap it put in the door. But if anything else might be in the wall internals. So yh you'd need to take it off.
Hi Will I tried to find the fitted side panels using the supplied links. But it didn't work! I really would appreciate a working reference to the company which made the plywood panel for the Caddy Maxi. Thank!
Thank you! So with the caddys and most vans they have an outer and inner skin. You want to screw into the inner skin. So with the caddys, u can screw into any part of this inner skin just ensuring you dont use super long screws that would go into the outer skin as well. On the ply kit I bought, the company had marked where to put your screws. Hope that helps.
@@willsvanadventures hey thanks Wil. I see some people put battens up. So you screwed into the frames. Makes sense. I've got a big camper at the moment and I'm thinking of downsizing a bit for something easier to get around in. I use mine as everyday vehicle too. Might have a go and fitting out myself! cheers.
@@bobflyman hey, yeah you can do both. With the ply wood if I had used battens I would of had to cut the ply panels down as they wouldn't fit with battens. As they were made to fit straight in so it's up to you really if now you do it :) And that sounds great! Hope it goes well!
@@willsvanadventures hi, your videos are so helpful! I have a half size panel (like a window shape/size) carpeted ready to install on the sliding door but realised that if i drill it will just go straight through to the outside. In this instance should i be using battens? worried this will make the panel stick out though. Don't understand how other people have done this!
@@jasminehughes113 Hey, thank you, I'm glad they are helping! And is this on a caddy van? The sliding doors do have 2 skins, so around the edge of the door you can drill without going all the way through. If you watch my 'how to cladding' video you'll see what I mean. My next video being released on Sunday is about where you can and can't drill also. Just ensure there is two metal layers on the door and you are screwing into the inner layer so it won't go through to the outside. :)
@@chrisanderson3379 yeah you definitely should! I never secured the bed either as doesn't need doing. Is great to lift it out and have the full use of the van again within minutes.
I just have the standard LED lights that run of the standard circuit. They run off the standard battery but with the battery insulator it never runs the battery down.
@@willsvanadventures Cheers, I am in the process of designing it and am overwhelmed by the different types of wood that are out there. Planning it build it in a Fiat Doblo
@@healthyking9675 that's great! Love that everyone is jumping on the van hype haha and yh it is quite hard to pick what's best. I guess maybe go with the lightest and cheapest? Think many people forget about the weight that's going into thier builds and how this will cost in the long run on mpg and wear and tear.
@@willsvanadventures you're right, we're adding so much weight to the van. Makes sense if it's a sprinter but not so great in a small van/people carrier
I did it on the side and back doors just to protect the wood in the rain (when opening the doors etc). I then quite looked the look so did the rest. :)
Really helpful video, I'm planning on getting a maxi at some point this year (hopefully before summer) and i want to convert it but I'll be on a budget as well. How long did it take you to convert? I want to get an ex british gas one as I love the colour :')
Hey! Glad it helped! It took us about 2 months, I think as we only did it at weekends. But if you could do it everyday or more often, you could do it in a week or two. :)
Really interesting vid! Thanks, any reason you went for a cheap slightly see through curtain rather than an insulated one? Seems a waste after all the effort you've put in
Thank you! And it was £5 off facebook market place so thought might as well go for it haha we were on a budget at the time. And honestly it keeps the heat in extremely well. The temperature difference from the back to the cab once you've slept in it is huge. In the future we could change it but don't feel theres any need to.
Hey, yeah it's great. Been away a few times this winter and it's been really warm. No complaints at tall. Think on the next van I will insulate the cab. But that's only because it's cold in the early mornings and would hopefully warm up quicker. Would deffo recommend the bottle plastic.
Hey, I didnt in the end, just left it in place. If I did it again, I would secure some battens into the grooves in the floor. Then glue the ply wood to them.
Hi Will. I have the same van with the same intention of using for surfing. Does it work well with fitting surfboards underneath the bed with it extended? Also what are the height of the bed legs and does it work well? Thanks.
Hey, yeah it works great for surfboards and can store them underneath both. I'm just about to make a little video about this as so many people have messaged me about it haha. So all the info will be in the new video. The bed legs are 36cm high, single bed width is 70cm and the length is 190cm.
Hey Will, sick job so far man! Just got myself an ex-BG caddy and planning a camper conversion like yours. Just wondering how you secured your ply floor to the van after you put the laminate down? Is it just sat on top? Cheers
@@willsvanadventures thank you, could you possibly explain how it works because I surf and mountain bike and I’m just thinking about sleeping in there with my gear for a weekends away and just wondering how easy/possible it is
@@joswright7604 If you build a bed length ways like I've done then you can just put the bike down the side. Youd just build a single bed or build a bed like mine that slides out to a double. However when you've got your gear you'd just keep it as a single. Hope that helps.
@@willsvanadventures Szia! Nem állandó meleg volt a kérdésem. Azt szeretném megtudni,hogy ha egyhelyben áll a kocsi hogy fütőd télen a lakóterét belül hogy ne fázzál benne????
Great job! Where did you get the van itself? And how much roughly did you spend on it? Looking to make a really cheap van conversion for surfing and just wondered if you have any tips of where to look?
Thanks! I got it privately off auto trader. I'd say that's probs the best place to look or car guru. Up north they are way cheaper just like everything else in the UK compared to the south haha so best search up there. For surfing I'd just get a ply line kit and carpet it and you'll be good to go!
Hi will, ive been thinking of doing the same thing but do a full weekend camper conversion, only problem is I’m 6 foot four and I’m worried it’s going to be to small with a bed in, what do you reckon? Cheers
Hi Jack, I think you'll be alright, I'm 6ft and it's fine. I made the bed 204cm in the end and it fits in with a bit of room to the back doors due to the curved shape. Also if you slide the seats forward you'll have more than enough room.
Hey, I dont have a plan as of yet as I just built it without planning haha but I will be doing a new video on how to make a bed soon. In that video I can go into depth about it.
Hi will, whats it like doing the electrics on a caddy. Do the British gas vans have the electrics in it already? its the only thing putting me off doing it - the electrics! great video
@@willsvanadventures Did you actually sleep inside before the "insulation" was on? I respectfully doubt that it makes any difference. If you have to keep the windows/ vent open don't think it'll be very warm inside. Also, sticking foil around doesn't make any difference unless is a continous wrap. I understand you tried your best, but the plywood is responsible for 90% of the "insulation" there.If you sleep in the van often (let alone two people) you'll have serious mold problem sooner than later.
@@_BKKB_ hey, you are right with some of those points in regards to most people who convert Vans. But not in my case. The insulation makes a massive difference. And the foil (thermowrap) isn't used for insulation. It's used as a condensation barrier. As you say I created a full wrap with no gaps. And all the insulation I used doesn't hold any moisture. Meaning no mould would build up of it wee to get past the vapour barrier. Having the windows open doesn't change the temperature much. I'm guessing yoy have lots of experience sleeping in converted vans?
If staying over night, condensation does build up quite a bit but this quickly dries out. But that's why many people create the moisture barrier to reduce the risks of rust.
@@willsvanadventures You actually don't want a moisture barrier. Pre-conversion, think of all the wet and damp nights after you've driven and your van its nice and warm inside, then you park it on cold rainy windy place. Theres gonna be moisture/condensation on the inside of the panel every now and then. If you add insulation, its gonna get wet no matter what, you can't 100% moisture barrier the vehicle anyways, so its best left at 0%, and use nonorganic insulation, such as recycled plastic insulation etc which doesn't soak water and prevent mold to grow on it. When the van doesn't have moisture barrier it also lets the moisture to dissipate from the cavities/surfaces where condensation is. And the vehicles are treated and painted from inside too, little moisture on painted surfaces doesn't start to rust. Key to prevent condensation in a closed space where temperature and moisture levels differ in and out is ventilation. But when you vent all that warm and moist air out you probably will have cold air coming back. And remember, condensation forms on cold surfaces where the temperature can't support the moisture. The warmer the surfaces and air is, more moisture it can hold before it starts to condensate. Getting an over night heater and even little ventilation deals with these problems.
Products used for van conversions, (Please let me know in the comments if links are broken.)
Sound Deadening
amzn.to/39DMzUt
Insulation
amzn.to/3yaKmcD
Thermawrap
amzn.to/3xC1Nkw
Aluminium Tape
amzn.to/3xK0znt
4 Way Stretch Carpet
amzn.to/3n6y0f3
Lanyard
amzn.to/3xGunl6
Double Sided Tape
amzn.to/3QD9Whp
Wind Deflectors
amzn.to/39DLQmd
Seat Covers
dryrobe.com/products/dryrobe-car-seat-cover
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Hey sorry but I cant find the link to the plywood?
How to build massive forearms: complete van build with just a screwdriver.
hahaha maybe this should be the new title?!
For someone who know nothing about cars this was very entertaining
I'm glad it was! haha thanks for watching!
Looks great for a van on a budget, looks like a lot of work has gone into it! well done!
Thanks! Your project caddy looks great as well!
Nice! SO much work put into this! I don't have the patience for this type of project lol.
Thank you! Gotta enjoy to do it!
Really appreciate this video! Best one I've seen so far for explaining everything, especially for someone who has never done a conversion (like me).
No worries, glad it helped and thanks for the comment and feedback! :) I was in the same boat when I started so thought I'd share my conversion. Just bought another caddy so will be doing lots more videos.
@@willsvanadventures I'm looking at getting something up and running for summer. Seems like the caddy maxi offers a good amount of size in the back, any recommendation on other good sized vans (without being long wheel base like a sprinter?)
@@adamnallamner8333 hey, sounds good! Umm I have looked at the ford custom connect and also the citroen dispatch (2016 upwards). Both seemed good and had a more square shape than the caddy. So youd get some more room. I believe ford and vw are both good Van's and it's just down to personal opinion. I really liked the citreon but then 4 independent garages told me not to buy one die to constant mechanical issues and unreliability.
Hope that helps.
Fantastic idea with the bed! That‘s what I‘ll do with my T5! Thanks for sharing!!
Hey no worries, glad it helped! Is the best way to get a bed in there. Have you started your conversion yet?
@@willsvanadventures No not yet but I´d like to finish it before the camping/mtb season starts : )
@@paul-franz ah ideal! Would be keen to see it when it's done! Mtbing in the dry will be a lot better hahah
Nice build work and never knew they even painted the inside of the van's too in British Gas blue!
Thanks!
Forearms of steel!!! No drill WOW!!
ahaha gotta be done!
You need an impact driver - trust me you will never look back
@@MarcusvanRest haha yeah I do
@@MarcusvanRest any recommendations?
@@willsvanadventures makita or ryobi for a screw type one or mawaki for 3/8 / 1/2 in drives
Wow man! This is incredible. I think you did a fantastic job here. I liked watching the whole process. Its fascinating to watch. Well done mate! Ill check your other videos and see if you posted the finish product/or a tour of the van.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah head over to my channel to check out the updated video.
a good basic conversion very helpful for my forthcoming caddy van conversion
I'm glad it was! Thanks for watching :) have you got a similar caddy?
This is my dream van
You'll have to get one soon!
Thanks, mate. interesting.
No worries!
Really enjoyed watching this . Thanks
No worries! Thabks for watching!
Thank you, for this video with showing so many details, how you have done.
I will do the same, with my car, same size (in GB called Vauxhall Combo C)
I bought the car this month. (Now too cold and too much snow outside, for working.)
Greetings from sw germany.
Hi, glad it helped! And nice to meet you! Sounds exciting on your new project, it is difficult to do work outside at this time of year as you say. What plans do you have?
@@willsvanadventures a full couch/bed, behind the driver seat (6 feet long) to the back door.
Easy to switch, in few seconds.
On the other side a small kitchen, with a sink, a variable two flame gas stove. Later a compressor fridge, and solar cells outside on the roof.
a diesel heater, a porta potti camping wc, under the bed. A leisure battery behind the driver seat. a roof window with a 12 v. vent at the kitchen area. (NOT in the middle of the roof, because not colapsing with the solar cell.)
I want to have all in the car, to stay independent / autark. Also the car looks like a handcrafter car, (and it was one) and not like a camper = stealth. I can hide the back of the car, so Nobody can look inside.
I want to keep free space inside, for better turn around inside.
On longer tours I take a trailer with me.
For more luggage, more fresh water, heating oil for the diesel heater = cheaper as diesel. a gas grill, a large pop up tent for attach at the car, advance the space.
All, what I don´t need allways in the car.
To keep free space in the car.
Now again Corona Lockdown here in germany. Also camp grounds closed.
But with this car, I will need only diesel, water, and food.
And to keep stealth, if driving for fun only would be forbidden temporary.
@@willsvanadventures My budget is: 380 british pounds for the basic car.
180 pounds for his delivery by truck to my home. (The car has arrived).
540 pounds for converting to an useful minicamper.
125 pounds for new german MOT needed.
34 pounds for registration fees and car number plates.
This is the cheapest way here, to make it.
And my challenge: To get all I want, but as cheap as possible.
@@sunnymas2656 that sounds brilliant! A really good plan and idea. Is a shame its lockdown at the moment as you say. Will be an exciting project. Are you going to document the conversion?
@@sunnymas2656 sounds like a good budget and it is doable. I only spent around £300 on mine. I hope it goes well :)
With the side panels, you shoukd have sparyglued them then stuck kitchen foil to it , then put your insolation over the top.
I used kitchen foil stuck to the wall behind a radiator.
Hey, Which side panels do you mean?
I have a vw t4 but this is my next project I have done a few vans now !
Awesome! I'm keen to do something bigger next!
Very good mate , I'm going to use that bed idea but I am going to try make it hinge and fold up to the wall so can stikl use it as a van when not camping
Thanks! And yeah that's ideal, would be a much better design. Will make putting things into the van a lot easier as well. I'm gunna do that design on my current build.
@@willsvanadventures awsome mate , I'm only just starting myn , so you will have to put a video up if you beat me to it
@@jackcartwright107 hahah itll be a while yet but we'll see Haha
excellent work!
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
A Swedish post car 😀. I'm looking at doing one of these, thanks.
Go for it!
This is awesome! Need me one of these for road trips =D
You should!
I don’t understand what the plywood walls screw in to? There’s no wood strapping beneath it. 🤷🏻♀️
Hey,
The van has two metal skins. So you have the vans body which you can see from the outside, but on the inside theres another internal metal frame. You screw into this part. :)
Good video, look forward to seeing the progress 👍
Thanks! Have done an update video now but will do another of the completely finished van, once it's done!
Your hands must have been killing! 😅🪛
Hahaha yep!
Awesome job human!
Thanks!
Looked like the inside of a spaceship at one point 😀
Haha yh it did! Have you got a van?
@@willsvanadventures yes - in the process of planning a conversion - so watching lots of videos - thanks for taking time to upload your work
@@pipsvanwinkle485 ah amazing! That's alright, I'm glad they have helped! Do you have a caddy as well?
@@willsvanadventures no a veto - it has 3 rows of seats so plan on taking out just the back row - only going be for weekends etc - I love camping but have gotten blown away a few times so thought why dont I try to do something with the van ….. doh we’ve had it 4 years already !{
@@pipsvanwinkle485 oh very nice, that will be awesome with all the space! It'll deffo stop you from getting blown away haha
You'll get there in the end!
Wow this is so cool!
Thanks!
All that with a screwdriver 😳 wow 👌👍
Hahaha can't be a trusty screwdriver!
I did the same thing with my van.
The only problem was morning condensation dripping from the ceiling, so we fitted a sliding side window and pop up roof air vent.
Ah ideal, did it solve the problem?
yeh! We first found that having the front windows slightly open though the night made the seats wet when it rained, but after installing the vent windows, this solved the problem.👍
@@garethjudd5840 ah that's great! Glad you got it sorted. I found using the wind deflectors and having the windows slightly open solved the condensation issue along with one if the moisture bag thingys haha
Invest in a cordless, drill and impact driver our kid, and for Heavens sake get some Knee protection ! You will regret it in later life if you don't ! Great Job! dx
Haha ok
Erm,,,,,,,,,,,, LOVELY JOB.
Thank you!
buy yourself an impact driver mate lol felt sorry for you having to screw all those screws in making the bed! decent job though to be fair looks good... just bought a 2015 doblo maxi myself so looking for some inspiration on what to do etc, really wanna put a pull out bed like this in but i want to fit a rear seat/bench that can be used when im driving about by a couple of passengers too so might end up having to buy a metal frame with proper seatbelt anchors already welded on etc
Haha yh I got a Ryobi one now and it's a dream. So much faster and quicker haha. Oh nice, that'll be decent. Are they fairly big?
Yh that'll be a good idea. Plus you could fold the seats down and use that as part of the bed?
@@willsvanadventures yeah the metal framed rocknroll beds as they're called are decent but obviously but of weight in them, quite decently sized the doblo it's about the same size as the caddy maxi but I'd say a little bit bigger.
I have a pop top on mine with a rock and roll bed and kitchen...just wish I could post you some pictures on here to show you
Sounds really good! Would be good to see!
I’ve got a impact driver you can have! Driving me insane jus watching you screw them by hand!!
Hahaha my drill broke just before doing the drilling. Batteries went dead and wouldn't charge. Little bit of hard work doesn't hurt anyone though. I would love a new drill though haha
European vans are so efficiently small. Great video.
They sure are! Thank you!
Don't forget to subscribe please!
Great job mate only critique would be the floor you should of used kingspan its far warmer ✌👍
Thank you! Do you mean the thermowarp insulation? We mainly put it down for the condensation more than for warmth. What is kingspan?
@@willsvanadventures if you google kingspan insulation sheet it will come up . And the vapor shield is great for the roofs and walls 👍 kingspan under the floor keeps a great temp variant within the van on a night
@@angrybrit7331 ok thank you. I will have a look into it for the next conversion! Have you done any conversions?
@@willsvanadventures ive done 5 so far 2 caddy.s and 3 sprinters
@@angrybrit7331 ah amazing! Which ones did you enjoy more?
Very very cool...
Thanks!
You could have done with an electric screwdriver. I bought one after I had virtually finished my van - a god send.
Hahaha yeah deffo! I've bought one for the project I'm working on now haha
You put a mattress in the back and your camping gear - cost £0
Sure did, along with loads more and everyone is loving it. Keep the negative comments coming all day long.
@@willsvanadventures just saying mate does all that insulation really make a difference when your in your sleeping bag on a mattress?
@@obiden3322 yeah for sure. Obvs depends what time of year your staying away. The metal gets super cold and super wet without anything. Doesn't need to be done but you'll be a lot more comfortable if it is. :)
Good job! I'm looking into getting a Peugeot bipper converted. One of the smallest panel vans available.
Nice that'll be good! Have fun!
Good effort
Thanks!
Legend.
Thanks!
Great job,Love the colour of those Ex-British gas vans..well i assume its an ex British gas van with that colour. :)
Thank you! Yeah it is, can't beat it!
Nice job, great vid, thanx for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great video thanks.please ask santa for a de walt cordless drill😀
Thanks! Hahahah would be great!
Hi new friend here from Scotland
Nice to meet you! What type of videos do you create?
@@willsvanadventures I do a lot of exploring videos and wild camping videos are coming this year
@@MRWonderingHaggis awesome! I'll deffo keep an eye out for them! :)
Nice video
Thanks!
Don't see the point in making a bed unless you intend to live in the van ( good luck with that ) You can buy a Z-bed cheep enough. Insulation is fine , cupboards and all the other stuff people put into vans seems like a waste of time and money , it's just a bedroom that you move around after all.
Yeah exactly! Do need a bed to sleep on! Cheaper to build one then buy a zee bed!
Groovy
Thanks!
Looks all shiny and sliver but this is not an effective insulation material. Reflectix or whatever it’s called reflects heat back in. It’s not an insulating material. The few panels you have put an insulating wool in will not be enough. You have so much exposed metal and glass that you wasted your time doing this. It just looks like it might work but trust me I properly insulated a caddy van and it’s either a heat box In the summer and a fridge in the winter.
Another bodge job then.
haha Ok thanks for the comment, however its actually perfect. It's super cool in the summer, keeps the heat out as the thermowrap reflects the heat out. I know the thermowrap isn't an insulation material and that's why I stuffed the van full of the actual insulation. But it's also needed as a condensation barrier. Where is the exposed metal? Every piece of metal was completely covered.
In the winter its super warm to the point it's almost too warm some nights. And that's going away multiple times in the winter in the UK. Fair enough if you're not in the UK and in a colder climate but for the UK it's perfect.
Silly question. With the ply lining. If any of the rear bulbs blow. Do you need to take the lining off or are the electrics in the rear doors?
Hey, it will depend where the fault is, if it's a bulb then you can just swap it put in the door. But if anything else might be in the wall internals. So yh you'd need to take it off.
Get an drill screwdriver please 😮 great job anyway
Hahaha
Hi Will I tried to find the fitted side panels using the supplied links. But it didn't work! I really would appreciate a working reference to the company which made the plywood panel for the Caddy Maxi. Thank!
Hey, ah I'm sorry, the links keep not working. I think they were called edgecombe van sales. Based down near cornwall. Hope you find them! 😁
Elegant
Thank you!
love the camera work ! ❤️
Thanks!
What do you all want to see next?
you buy a new drill ahahha
@@Ham-Solo_ hahaha
I'm thinking of converting an old Prius V
Nice! That will be a good project! When you starting?
@@willsvanadventures I'm trying to buy one under £7000.
Still looking out for a good deal.
@@al7422 nice! it is hard atm with the hyped up prices.
Great video, subbed
Thank you! Do you want to see more like this?
@@willsvanadventures be good to see your journey's also...I'm currently doing a basic DIY conversion
@@bear_chills yeah for sure! Once we can go away again I'll be filming many trips! What are you working on?
@@willsvanadventures I'm currently doing a mwb mk7 Ford Transit. Think can see on one of my videos may be the last one
@@bear_chills ah amazing, I will check it out!
Great work! Where do you screw the side pannels? Directly in the van metal? Are there already holes? I don’t get that point 🧐
Thank you! So with the caddys and most vans they have an outer and inner skin. You want to screw into the inner skin. So with the caddys, u can screw into any part of this inner skin just ensuring you dont use super long screws that would go into the outer skin as well. On the ply kit I bought, the company had marked where to put your screws.
Hope that helps.
@@willsvanadventures yes thanks! 👏👏
Nice work, but if they was ever a good time to get a new drill it was then!!!!!
Hahaha yh I've got one now 🤣
Topman
Thanks!
wow so cool :) subbed
Thank you!
Doesn't anyone have any ideas how you deal with condensation? I'm worried about mould building up overtime in such a small surface area.
Just keep your windows open a bit to create a little air flow and it doesn't really build up.
Good video, what do the screws that secure the side panels go on to? Did you put battens there, or do they go into van frames?
Hey, thank you! So the plywood panels, I just screwed them into the van using 25mm self tapping screws.
@@willsvanadventures hey thanks Wil. I see some people put battens up. So you screwed into the frames. Makes sense. I've got a big camper at the moment and I'm thinking of downsizing a bit for something easier to get around in. I use mine as everyday vehicle too. Might have a go and fitting out myself! cheers.
@@bobflyman hey, yeah you can do both. With the ply wood if I had used battens I would of had to cut the ply panels down as they wouldn't fit with battens. As they were made to fit straight in so it's up to you really if now you do it :)
And that sounds great! Hope it goes well!
@@willsvanadventures hi, your videos are so helpful! I have a half size panel (like a window shape/size) carpeted ready to install on the sliding door but realised that if i drill it will just go straight through to the outside. In this instance should i be using battens? worried this will make the panel stick out though. Don't understand how other people have done this!
@@jasminehughes113 Hey, thank you, I'm glad they are helping! And is this on a caddy van? The sliding doors do have 2 skins, so around the edge of the door you can drill without going all the way through. If you watch my 'how to cladding' video you'll see what I mean. My next video being released on Sunday is about where you can and can't drill also.
Just ensure there is two metal layers on the door and you are screwing into the inner layer so it won't go through to the outside. :)
I was watching this but I just couldn’t take the no drill situation, DUDE WTF man. Nice install though
Haha thanks!
I'd of gave up soon as that drill broke 😕 lol
Hahha giving its not that bad doing it by hand.
@@willsvanadventures ive put this off time and time again converting my caddy but giving the layout and the bed I actually might put it into action
@@chrisanderson3379 yeah you definitely should! I never secured the bed either as doesn't need doing. Is great to lift it out and have the full use of the van again within minutes.
What lights you use also are they running of a new battery?
I just have the standard LED lights that run of the standard circuit. They run off the standard battery but with the battery insulator it never runs the battery down.
Which engine do you have in it? Has it been reliable? I’m looking to get one
Thanks
I've always had the 1.6tdi and it's been great, no issues over 3 vans.
Good job mate, Can i what type of wood and how thick the bed frame is?
Thank you! It was pine and the thickness of the wood is 45mm×45mm. Hope that helps. Are you building your bed atm?
@@willsvanadventures Cheers, I am in the process of designing it and am overwhelmed by the different types of wood that are out there. Planning it build it in a Fiat Doblo
@@healthyking9675 that's great! Love that everyone is jumping on the van hype haha and yh it is quite hard to pick what's best. I guess maybe go with the lightest and cheapest? Think many people forget about the weight that's going into thier builds and how this will cost in the long run on mpg and wear and tear.
@@willsvanadventures you're right, we're adding so much weight to the van. Makes sense if it's a sprinter but not so great in a small van/people carrier
@@healthyking9675 yh exactly, will catch you up on the fuel price for journeys.
Looks good mate. I wish i had time to do my own van
Thanks! Yeah it's very time consuming for sure! Hopefully you'll find the time soon. What van do you have?
@@willsvanadventures 🤣 I don't have a van yet. But definitely I will have one in the next 5 years
@@captain_hodl I'm sure you'll get one before then!
@@willsvanadventures hopefully
Amazing! Gave me inspiration! How much did it cost to convert??
Thank you! I'm glad it did! And I'm not sure, I did create another video with a full cost break down. It's on my channel. 😁
Why did you varnish once you put your wood in?
I did it on the side and back doors just to protect the wood in the rain (when opening the doors etc). I then quite looked the look so did the rest. :)
Invest in a drill my friend! Well worth it haha
Haha I will for the next project! :D
I would have bought a new drill mate!
Bit of graft doesnt hurt. Haha
Great build, but painful watching you screw in everything by hand! Hope you've bought yourself a new drill now?
Hahahah was a workout for sure! Yeah got a drill now so it's a lot quicker on the current van project!
Doesn’t it have to be a hi top to be registered as a camper van?
I've got no idea I'm afraid.
Really helpful video, I'm planning on getting a maxi at some point this year (hopefully before summer) and i want to convert it but I'll be on a budget as well. How long did it take you to convert? I want to get an ex british gas one as I love the colour :')
Hey! Glad it helped! It took us about 2 months, I think as we only did it at weekends. But if you could do it everyday or more often, you could do it in a week or two. :)
Really interesting vid! Thanks, any reason you went for a cheap slightly see through curtain rather than an insulated one? Seems a waste after all the effort you've put in
Thank you! And it was £5 off facebook market place so thought might as well go for it haha we were on a budget at the time. And honestly it keeps the heat in extremely well. The temperature difference from the back to the cab once you've slept in it is huge. In the future we could change it but don't feel theres any need to.
Someone lend him a drill driver!!
Hahah I've got one now!
Hi, How is the bottle plastic insulation doing, is it warm enough inside? I'm just looking at doing my van with it.
Hey, yeah it's great. Been away a few times this winter and it's been really warm. No complaints at tall. Think on the next van I will insulate the cab. But that's only because it's cold in the early mornings and would hopefully warm up quicker. Would deffo recommend the bottle plastic.
@@willsvanadventures thats great I will gets some orderd.
@@benibbotson1374 are you working on a caddy as well?
Do you have any plans and measurements on how to do all this?
I don't I'm afraid. Just did it as I went along. But I can probs get measurements for you?
@@willsvanadventures honestly if it’s no trouble that would be brilliant
@@rionjames what are you after?
How did you secure the ply flooring down?
Hey,
I didnt in the end, just left it in place. If I did it again, I would secure some battens into the grooves in the floor. Then glue the ply wood to them.
when you fully converted your van did you have contact your insurance company and did your insurance premium increase
No as the class of the van is the same, it turns into a camper if you put windows in and permanently secure furniture.
@@willsvanadventures thats great thanks for getting back to me its much appreciated
@@georgeclarke1183 no worries, glad it helped!
Hi Will. I have the same van with the same intention of using for surfing. Does it work well with fitting surfboards underneath the bed with it extended? Also what are the height of the bed legs and does it work well? Thanks.
Hey, yeah it works great for surfboards and can store them underneath both. I'm just about to make a little video about this as so many people have messaged me about it haha. So all the info will be in the new video.
The bed legs are 36cm high, single bed width is 70cm and the length is 190cm.
you need some drills man haha
Hahah I've got one now, sooooo much easier haha
Where/ what insurance did you get for this please? Struggling to get a decent idea online
I used Aplan thatcham. If you say you were recommend their business by an existing policy holder (aka me) they should give you 10% off as well.
Hey Will, sick job so far man! Just got myself an ex-BG caddy and planning a camper conversion like yours. Just wondering how you secured your ply floor to the van after you put the laminate down? Is it just sat on top? Cheers
Hi,
Great to hear! I just used wooden glue and a load of weights, leaving it for 24hours. :)
Great vid, is it possible to sleep in there with a mountain bike, not sure weather to get one of these or a transporter
Yeah, you can sleep with a mtb easy, plenty of space.
@@willsvanadventures thank you, could you possibly explain how it works because I surf and mountain bike and I’m just thinking about sleeping in there with my gear for a weekends away and just wondering how easy/possible it is
@@joswright7604 If you build a bed length ways like I've done then you can just put the bike down the side. Youd just build a single bed or build a bed like mine that slides out to a double. However when you've got your gear you'd just keep it as a single. Hope that helps.
@@willsvanadventures thank you very much 👌🏽
Helló!
Hogy oldottad meg az álló fűtést benne???
Hi, what do you mean by standing heat?
@@willsvanadventures Szia! Nem állandó meleg volt a kérdésem. Azt szeretném megtudni,hogy ha egyhelyben áll a kocsi hogy fütőd télen a lakóterét belül hogy ne fázzál benne????
Great video. What diameter wood did you use for constructing the bed?
Thanks, I think the frame is an 1"×1" and I'll have to check the slats.
Any sound insulation guys?
We did a tiny bit on the wheel arches but that was it. You really don't need it, van is super quiet.
Great job! Where did you get the van itself? And how much roughly did you spend on it? Looking to make a really cheap van conversion for surfing and just wondered if you have any tips of where to look?
Thanks! I got it privately off auto trader. I'd say that's probs the best place to look or car guru. Up north they are way cheaper just like everything else in the UK compared to the south haha so best search up there. For surfing I'd just get a ply line kit and carpet it and you'll be good to go!
@@willsvanadventures brilliant! Thanks for the fast reply
@@christiandejaeger6773 no worries! Hope you find a good one!
Hi will, ive been thinking of doing the same thing but do a full weekend camper conversion, only problem is I’m 6 foot four and I’m worried it’s going to be to small with a bed in, what do you reckon? Cheers
Hi Jack,
I think you'll be alright, I'm 6ft and it's fine. I made the bed 204cm in the end and it fits in with a bit of room to the back doors due to the curved shape. Also if you slide the seats forward you'll have more than enough room.
Cheers for the reply will, ended getting a transit for the extra space after all that!
This is pretty cool, im looking at buying the same van! Would you be able to share a plan for the bed?
Hey, I dont have a plan as of yet as I just built it without planning haha but I will be doing a new video on how to make a bed soon. In that video I can go into depth about it.
Hi will, whats it like doing the electrics on a caddy. Do the British gas vans have the electrics in it already? its the only thing putting me off doing it - the electrics! great video
Hi,
I haven't done any electrics myself but the ex British gas do come with all the 12volt wires ready to go.
Is it warmer in the van now after you insulated?
Yeah definitely, makes a huge difference.
@@willsvanadventures Did you actually sleep inside before the "insulation" was on? I respectfully doubt that it makes any difference. If you have to keep the windows/ vent open don't think it'll be very warm inside. Also, sticking foil around doesn't make any difference unless is a continous wrap. I understand you tried your best, but the plywood is responsible for 90% of the "insulation" there.If you sleep in the van often (let alone two people) you'll have serious mold problem sooner than later.
@@_BKKB_ hey, you are right with some of those points in regards to most people who convert Vans. But not in my case.
The insulation makes a massive difference. And the foil (thermowrap) isn't used for insulation. It's used as a condensation barrier. As you say I created a full wrap with no gaps. And all the insulation I used doesn't hold any moisture. Meaning no mould would build up of it wee to get past the vapour barrier.
Having the windows open doesn't change the temperature much.
I'm guessing yoy have lots of experience sleeping in converted vans?
Intéressant
Thanks for watching!
Hi mate, nice job. What are those wheels ?
Thanks! They are ZCW alloys. Not sure on the actual model though.
@@willsvanadventures Cheers, are they 17s or 18s ?
@@nic9664 I'm not 100% sure, would have to check. Think 18"
Thoughts on Moisture ?
If staying over night, condensation does build up quite a bit but this quickly dries out. But that's why many people create the moisture barrier to reduce the risks of rust.
@@willsvanadventures You actually don't want a moisture barrier. Pre-conversion, think of all the wet and damp nights after you've driven and your van its nice and warm inside, then you park it on cold rainy windy place. Theres gonna be moisture/condensation on the inside of the panel every now and then. If you add insulation, its gonna get wet no matter what, you can't 100% moisture barrier the vehicle anyways, so its best left at 0%, and use nonorganic insulation, such as recycled plastic insulation etc which doesn't soak water and prevent mold to grow on it. When the van doesn't have moisture barrier it also lets the moisture to dissipate from the cavities/surfaces where condensation is. And the vehicles are treated and painted from inside too, little moisture on painted surfaces doesn't start to rust. Key to prevent condensation in a closed space where temperature and moisture levels differ in and out is ventilation. But when you vent all that warm and moist air out you probably will have cold air coming back. And remember, condensation forms on cold surfaces where the temperature can't support the moisture. The warmer the surfaces and air is, more moisture it can hold before it starts to condensate. Getting an over night heater and even little ventilation deals with these problems.