This is exactly the sort of vanlife content I need right now. Going to start my conversion in a week and the MVB idea is what I've had in my head ever since I first seriously contemplated vanlife 2 years ago. I just need someone like yourself to introduce me to the real process and help decrease unknown unknowns. Thanks :)
Your MVB concept/philosophy is just what the world needs IMO. Logical and practical. I agree that too many people watch the Chad & FiFi videos and think that unless you have a $50K build you won't be able to enjoy getting out in the world. I just subscribed. Cheers!
Thanks! I think it is the best way, but most people are understandably so anxious to build their big elaborate dream van right off the start... it's hard to take it take it slow so you can learn and have a better chance at getting it right.
This is exactly what I've been thinking about. As someone new to vanlife, thinking about getting into it for holidays, I want something minimal and as I get experience I'll undoubtedly end up wanting to make some changes. I don't want to spend thousands on the interior to then realise I want to change it.
I like your approach, sense of humor, and acronym MVB. This is what I did with my van. Everything is completely removable and changeable and I can revert the van back into a cargo van easily. I totally agree with living out of it for a bit to see how you like things. During the first couple of weeks of snowbirding in my van I discovered I really didn't like opening and closing my storage totes that were under the bed all the time so I finally just took the lids off put them under the bottom of the totes. Now I just pull them out like a drawer with open top. Much easier access and quicker. And I've never had any issues with stuff jumping out of the bins even going down super bumpy roads. I also discovered early on as I started out with my bed going side to side and then changing it to north south and now I think I prefer side to side again. I'm just using a cot with a mattress on top of it and my shelving is just industrial wire metal shelving secured in place with bins on there for my clothes and other stuff. And I like using magnets for hanging stuff. No insulation other than the type of floor that I chose called Bed Rug. Came on roll, pre-cut to fit my van and no tools required except a screwdriver. No elaborate wiring or plumbing either. Other thing I discovered after 2 months was that I did take too much stuff with me but only about 25% of what I took is stuff that I haven't used.
Thanks for all of your thoughts! I like the idea of leaving the tote lids off! I may just start doing that as well. Sometimes we just seem to make extra work for ourselves.
This is spot on good info...i have shower rod curtain set up also and bare ceiling ..i like the openess of it and as you stated all the little holes for hanging stuff...and magnetic stuff....i appreciate the easy to do realistic and budget friendly builds vs the McVansions out there...I subbed ya 😎
You make sense to me....I can easily complicate things and i truly appreciate the grounding of keeping it simple! It makes life easier and less stressful...thank you...keep the videos coming!!!
I saw one VW design which they made solely out of pink rigid insulation cut with a hot wire, they made nice dovetail joinery on all cabinetry, and even a bed, this stuff is strong if utilized smartly, and lightweight, and modular.
Maybe consider making a video about the pros and cons of building out a conversion/passenger van. From an MVB perspective, it's already partially built out from the factory. At the very least it already has finished walls, flooring, ceiling. It may have a couch that converts to a bed, overhead cabinets, power outlets, and rear HVAC. Doing a build out is faster and requires less skill.
I have a 2008 Ford Econoline Passenger van. I took out one of the rear seats for more room. I have a 2 year old so I have to keep one seat in it. Thank u for the ideas that u showed in your videos. I do not make much money so I like the cheap way you did yours but I have side windows in mine. What should I do about the windows? Cover with luan or curtains?
Super! I'd probably not cover the windows with luan... I'd make some covers that are silver on one side to reflect the heat (I have a video on that!). Gives you the option to remove them if you want a view or extra light.
Never understand these van videos showing someone's face and just talking. You have a van, DEMONSTRATE, and talk about things. Don't put a camera there and just talk to it.
This is exactly the sort of vanlife content I need right now. Going to start my conversion in a week and the MVB idea is what I've had in my head ever since I first seriously contemplated vanlife 2 years ago. I just need someone like yourself to introduce me to the real process and help decrease unknown unknowns. Thanks :)
Glad to help! More videos coming soon 😀
I looked up "low maintenance camper van" and your channel came up 👍 Perfect, simple, no fuss, and canadian
Glad you like it!
Your MVB concept/philosophy is just what the world needs IMO. Logical and practical. I agree that too many people watch the Chad & FiFi videos and think that unless you have a $50K build you won't be able to enjoy getting out in the world. I just subscribed. Cheers!
You nailed it - it's not about the van (a thing), it's about "getting our in the world." (the experience)
Modular and iterative, and minimalist, yes!
Thanks! I think it is the best way, but most people are understandably so anxious to build their big elaborate dream van right off the start... it's hard to take it take it slow so you can learn and have a better chance at getting it right.
This is exactly what I've been thinking about. As someone new to vanlife, thinking about getting into it for holidays, I want something minimal and as I get experience I'll undoubtedly end up wanting to make some changes. I don't want to spend thousands on the interior to then realise I want to change it.
Yes, you have a good mindset and you'll do well with that approach 🙂
I like the no nonsense attitude. Thanks.
Start simple, increase complexity only when you need to 🙂
I like your approach, sense of humor, and acronym MVB. This is what I did with my van. Everything is completely removable and changeable and I can revert the van back into a cargo van easily. I totally agree with living out of it for a bit to see how you like things. During the first couple of weeks of snowbirding in my van I discovered I really didn't like opening and closing my storage totes that were under the bed all the time so I finally just took the lids off put them under the bottom of the totes. Now I just pull them out like a drawer with open top. Much easier access and quicker. And I've never had any issues with stuff jumping out of the bins even going down super bumpy roads. I also discovered early on as I started out with my bed going side to side and then changing it to north south and now I think I prefer side to side again. I'm just using a cot with a mattress on top of it and my shelving is just industrial wire metal shelving secured in place with bins on there for my clothes and other stuff. And I like using magnets for hanging stuff. No insulation other than the type of floor that I chose called Bed Rug. Came on roll, pre-cut to fit my van and no tools required except a screwdriver. No elaborate wiring or plumbing either. Other thing I discovered after 2 months was that I did take too much stuff with me but only about 25% of what I took is stuff that I haven't used.
Thanks for all of your thoughts! I like the idea of leaving the tote lids off! I may just start doing that as well. Sometimes we just seem to make extra work for ourselves.
Smart video! The van life community needed this one. Good job!
Thanks for your support... and more videos are coming!
This is spot on good info...i have shower rod curtain set up also and bare ceiling ..i like the openess of it and as you stated all the little holes for hanging stuff...and magnetic stuff....i appreciate the easy to do realistic and budget friendly builds vs the McVansions out there...I subbed ya 😎
Thanks! And yes, a bare white ceiling is such an underrated and handy feature!
You make sense to me....I can easily complicate things and i truly appreciate the grounding of keeping it simple! It makes life easier and less stressful...thank you...keep the videos coming!!!
I'm glad to hear I make sense... sometimes I wonder 😄 And yes, it is a challenge to keep life simple these days if you're not mindful of it.
I saw one VW design which they made solely out of pink rigid insulation cut with a hot wire, they made nice dovetail joinery on all cabinetry, and even a bed, this stuff is strong if utilized smartly, and lightweight, and modular.
The couch session was great 👍 😂 so true
Ha! Glad you liked it!!
Charcuterie board !!!!!! ha........ LOVE it maybe add a precious metals Chess set ?
Great ideas! Another informative video! Your helping a lot of people. Always thumbs up from the usa 641...
Maybe consider making a video about the pros and cons of building out a conversion/passenger van. From an MVB perspective, it's already partially built out from the factory. At the very least it already has finished walls, flooring, ceiling. It may have a couch that converts to a bed, overhead cabinets, power outlets, and rear HVAC. Doing a build out is faster and requires less skill.
Yep, we need to spend a while to know what we really need. I was doing that for more or less a week sleeping on the street.
Finally the truth! Well delivered.
Thanks for your support!
I like the way you think.
I like the way you comment about what you think 😉
I have a 2008 Ford Econoline Passenger van. I took out one of the rear seats for more room. I have a 2 year old so I have to keep one seat in it. Thank u for the ideas that u showed in your videos.
I do not make much money so I like the cheap way you did yours but I have side windows in mine. What should I do about the windows? Cover with luan or curtains?
Super! I'd probably not cover the windows with luan... I'd make some covers that are silver on one side to reflect the heat (I have a video on that!). Gives you the option to remove them if you want a view or extra light.
It's how I operate as well
Nice! It's definitely a good approach for many people.
Chad and Fifi 😂
👏🏼 unfortunately the thing about common sense is it’s not that common. You are 💯%.
lol... what about the ultralight backpackers that remove 95% of their toothbrush or, etc. to save weight !!
Never understand these van videos showing someone's face and just talking. You have a van, DEMONSTRATE, and talk about things. Don't put a camera there and just talk to it.
This is an introduction video that describes my MVB (minimum viable build) method... you'll find that my other build videos do the showing...
DUH. You sound like the Wizard of Oz. And we all saw that movie... You actually think you created a theory 🤣😅🤣😂😅🤣😂😅? I bet he's from Canada
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