Start to Finish! - Luxury Camper Van Conversion
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- We took an empty cargo van and converted it into our dream camper van. Here is two years worth of building compiled into one video, which includes every episode we ever shot during this build.
➤ Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
➤ Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/?afmc=...
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
FULL ELECTRICAL INSTALLS:
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➤ Ford Transit Camper Van Electrical Install: • DIY CAMPER VAN ELECTRI...
➤ DIY Sprinter Camper Van Electrical Install - Full Tutorial: • DIY Sprinter Camper Va...
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES:
➤ Binge the Transit Van Build: • The Ultimate Camper Va...
➤ DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist.life/solarwirin...
➤ How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
➤ Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
➤ How to Cut Wire: www.explorist.life/how-to-cut...
➤ How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
➤ How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
➤ How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
➤ How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
➤ How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
➤ How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...
00:00:00 NEW FORD TRANSIT CAMPER VAN
00:04:08 Pre-Build Tour
00:09:57 Van Planning
00:42:28 Shore Power
00:48:39 Remove Headliner
01:01:26 Sound Deadening
01:10:36 Sound Control Testing
01:30:05 Ceramic Insulation
01:38:14 Ceramic Insulation Testing
01:58:01 Van Windows
02:13:28 USB Outlets
02:32:50 12V Outlets
02:49:39 Puck Lights
03:08:19 12V Dimmers
03:17:20 12V 3-Wa y Switches
03:29:31 120V Outlets
03:54:54 How to Wire Relays
04:10:13 Nomadic A/C
04:21:13 Maxxair Fan
04:27:55 Roof Rack
04:44:43 Solar Panels
04:58:07 Van Flooring
05:18:48 Insulation
05:28:25 DIY Walls
05:52:49 Electrical Install
07:05:50 Dual Alternator
07:17:40 Swivel Seats
07:25:30 WeBoost
07:41:41 Plumbing
07:57:29 Tank Level Sensor + Cerbo GX
08:01:29 Mopeka Tank Sensor
08:13:01 Upper Cabinets
08:26:27 Peak Design Cabinet
08:37:45 Van toilet
08:55:26 Kitchen
09:06:37 Unistrut Bed
09:15:53 Bug Wall
09:23:22 Bike Mount
09:28:59 Lift Kit
10:09:07 Nudge Bar
10:13:10 Exterior Storage
10:22:09 Exterior Lights
10:35:40 Luxury Van Tour - Авто та транспорт
Thanks for teaching in a manner that every dummy can understand. (including me). A pleasure to look and learn.
Thanks for asking, Nate!
1. Coin flooring is hard to clean. And we all know how dirty our floors get off-road. I'd never install one.
2. There's a lot of misinformation and confusion about vapor barriers. I've seen vans ruined by moisture/condensation trapped between the van's metal skin and the inside walls. What do you think about semi-permeable membranes like Intello?
3. What do you think about EcoFlow's heat pump vs. roof mounted DC A/C's?
4. Please explain various security systems and why you'd choose one over another?
Thanks!😊
Since you asked, first greatly appreciate your videos, for your new series maybe focus on DYI kits and break it down the cost savings vs a custom DYI, considering how ridiculous the cost of a DYI van conversion, I think that the simple DYI van conversion you provide is the way to go and how one can buy it in stages. I hope this makes sense, Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🏻🧑🏻🎄⛄️and Happy New Year 🎊🎉
Hey Nate, I never see many under-van solutions that take advantage of all the empty space and still protect what ever is there from the elements and off roading.
This is amazing. I am going to build out a small travel van so this is one stop shop.
I saw on another camper van build, where the guy put his shower with a 25gal recirculating system. Which I think is pretty smart, that way you can take as long of a shower you want without worrying about running out of water. I would like to know how that is done.
Prepped my van and paid to have the floor sprayed with line-x bedliner. Best decision ever. it's comfortable on barefeet, looks good, and doesn't degrade with temp extremes/easy to clean
How about power generators? Both direct and indirect? How about rigging it up to get charged at the ev charging station?
Thanks!
I watched your video beginning to end, and I didn’t see where you stored your external solar panels and I didn’t see you install a heater. Awesome job!
Left bed and bunk beds solution for larger families.
A lot of great ideas, but the overall feeling doesn't impart a cozy/homey vibe. A lot of that has to do with the L track system, so either you're a fan or not. In regard to the bed and garage system...again, it all depends on priority...either the focus is on toys and adventure or home and comfort while traveling. I really like the electrical system, and actually love the plexi enclosure! A lot easier to see what's going on when something goes wrong. I learned a lot through your videos and truly appreciate your clear and thorough how to walk throughs. Many thanks.
Wow, fantastic video. BIG thank you for taking the time to do it! Really appreciate it for a future bild. ❤️
Our pleasure! Cheers!
Excellent all around.
You guys deserve much more followers and credit than you guys have. Amazing content man keep it up 🙌
Mini Split for AC and heat... and wiring for ham radio and cat systems for controllers etc. ...It won't happen but custom build the lifepo4 power. 270 or more swing awning and outdoor pull drawer for kitchen ...
I recommend DUAL BANK solar controllers. I have a solar controller that charges the house batteries until they are fully charged, and then it trickle charges my chassis battery. I can set the charge profile to the battery's chemistry, and in my case I have Battleborn LFP house batteries, and a lead acid chassis battery. I cannot emphasize how convenient this is. Previously, when my rooftop solar was only wired to my house batteries, I would sometimes need to jump or hook up a battery tender to my chassis battery. Never again!! Especially if you boondock for a couple weeks OR if you park in the driveway for months(or years) between trips. Starts right up every time!! I have a cheap pwm controller from Go Power (GP-PWM-30-UL), and it's great. It's flush mount and takes no space. It works beautifully. Read the reviews. I'm not alone. They sell dual bank mppt too.
Would be interested in learning more about 48 volt systems and how that makes sense (or doesn’t make sense) for a camper van.
Search for our video titled 12v vs 24v vs 48v
weve got 4 bikes stored under the bed with mineral oil brakes rather than dot, so there is nothing that will degrade the bedliner. Prepped so they didn't have to worry about overspray which made installation costs much cheaper
A full bathroom with a shower and flushable toilet with grey tanks and black tank would be cool.
I would like to see you create storage in the floor by building it up and having some kind of removable panels for access. Also walkable solar, and bed that comes down from ceiling with sectional below.
I would like your views on the different basic layouts. What do you think of a front facing bench with table behind the driver's seat?
There's another undermount AC unit that's a bit more budget friendly than Cruise N Comfort called Undermount AC. Please consider their unit.
Great video, loved it.
Tons of work, I guess $125k
I really like to see more about plumbing & electrical and how to take care of your systems
It would be nice if you could have both front seat be able to slide from the front to the middle of the van and able to swivel on a sliding rail built into the floor ✌️❤️
I can’t believe you actually put every build video together from this year, and it’s over 10 hours
Mount a hydraulic raising solar array on top... When raised... Reveals a hardwood deck patio🎉
Can’t wait for the man-hours and accounting breakdown video. Bravo! ❤🎉 I think the van cost $45k in materials (no tools) and excluding van cost.
Battleborn=yes. Would like to see Redarc along with Egon DC hub + Egon relay system and Egon water system.
Yes
Wow, can't believe that you put this together. Great work !! (Adding chapter markers might make it a little easier for some people to navigate to the sections that they are interested in). Also looking at where you have the camera lenses stored in the van it seems to me that those are in a very easily accessible drawer, but I'm not sure how often you are reaching for camera lenses.
I'm a fan of Adam Savage and on his channel (Tested) he has spoken at length about setting up his workshop with "first order retrievability" being the most important concept. Basically making the things that you use the most in the most easily accessible places. Have you used a similar strategy when populating your storage? It's something I still struggle with in my van but I found that making an inventory list of every single item in each drawer and storage area in the entire van has been a big help.
Big fan of the Tested channel and we definitely use that concept around our shop as well & in our outdoor gear closet. We like having camera gear near the doors/seats because any time we are swapping out camera gear; we are usually in the front seats or heading out the door. I think the only way it would be 'more' convenient is if it were actually in the front seat/cab area; but that simply wasn't feasible. For upper cabinets, we definitely store the things we need to access quickly in the area it needs to be: Clothes by the bed. Food by the kitchen. etc.. But with the storage cubes like we have them, it makes everything infinitely easy to move around.
I am going to find this "Testy" you speak of...
@@EXPLORISTlife do you build solar system for customers
@@campervanmark3410 Yep! shop.explorist.life/shop/consultations-installations/installation-request-deposit/
I'd like to see your evaluation of Epoch batteries and heat pumps.
The hinges on the fridge should be on the left side. And even better with an Integrated Fridge Drawers. No door.
Those models are also available at about twice the price if that's what you are after for your own build. 👍
I don't think I've ever seen someone post 10hr video lol.
Honestly, a indepth how to for the electrical. I can build and fix anything but electric intimidates me.
We need a sketchup tutorial
How about insulating the van with 2" of closed cell foam insulation on all the walls, doors, floor, and roof so that warm air or cool air stays where you want it.
I would use Firewall Ceramic Thermal Coating from Second Skin.
Just watched this video from end to end. Great video and build out. I am curious about two things. I don’t remember seeing anything about heating. Considering where y’all are from that would be a big thing. What are your thoughts on an awning?
Whoa, that must be a UA-cam record for you.
Please tell us how long this took to upload?
Happy Holidays to you both and to your team.
Best wishes for a prosperous New year.
Why did you choose the Transit this go around versus the Sprinter?
Heated floors
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, it's very appreciated.
By my estimation, I believe your van costs around $155,000 to build without tools, labor and sponsors... Am I close to reality?
What was your final weight?
I would like a video using Ecoflow Delta 2 Max. How to wire it to 120v outlets and for 12v features. What is the best way to charge it via alternator? Should we use a DC to DC charger to the special solar port? Or should i also have an additional battery and charge that with the alternator, then use the battery to charge ecoflow. I saw a video of people using a battery to charge ecoflow and there was 1000 watts incoming when up’ing the the volts using a Victron Orion-TR Smart 12/24-15. It seems like the inly way to fast charge ecoflow is using the special solar port if you dont have access to recharge via the grid. So this means I’ll have to unplug the solar to plug up alternator charging. I am trying to build an electrical system with enough power but is far less than these $10k+ electrical systems. I figure I can start with an ecoflow, then add a battery later. Of course I will have solar but I want the a faster way to recharge if I don’t have the sun. Nobody has made a video explaining how to use a powerstation this way.
Like... in all honesty, If I did a video about a portable power station like that, I'm just going to use the manufacturer supplied charging methods because in my mind, the main appeal of those types of units is that they are easy to set up and use and as a sacrifice, you loose the customizability of a Victron (or similar) system like you see on our channel.
In my eyes... adding all of these extra 'hacks' to make those portable power units work better is like adding a spoiler and a NOS sticker to a Honda civic and thinking that will make it a racecar.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thank you for replying. I hope a content creator will do this for those of us who can't afford the expensive systems but need a way to be able to run A/C for full time living. I do appreciate all the info you share.
At 3:29:36, there is about one second of video showing your toolbox directly outside the middle window. I am curious to know how you achieved that. I am aware that you have those roll around workbenches that have adjustable height - do they go that high? . Please note that this is all the further that I am into your 11 hours start to finish and therefore, if this is shown later, I apologize in advance. It would be interesting to see how you organize your shop, tools and what sort of tools and spares you take on the road. Thanks in advance.
Haha; that was just a weird camera angle. That is indeed a pretty tall toolbox (6ft or so?); but it's about 5-6ft away from the window along the wall.
Optical illusion and wishful thinking. Thanks again for the quick response.
love your video. I'm new at this. Where Are you located?
Thanks! Colorado USA.
Can you edit a short one? 10 hours is insane. I’d rather watch each episode fully one bite at a time 1hr or less
Maybe you are new here. Welcome! We've been releasing these videos every Sunday for the last two years. 🤣😂 Here is the link to the playlist if you'd rather watch one episode at a time: ua-cam.com/play/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX.html&si=T7__-hmZEGgbhny1
Dear, thanx for sharing your experience.
What ii would like to see is the planing for all cables, pipes and so on. I suppose it should be done before you start anything.
A drawing would be perfect.
Thanx and good luck.😊
Details on electrical.
Check out our full electrical install here!
ua-cam.com/video/E5q7_4FH4LQ/v-deo.html
Interested in making it look good and functional but very light. Probably not in your plans.
It would be nice to know why Battle Born batteries are between 2-8 times more expensive than others listed on Amazon. I have looked through your FAQ without success. I suspect your response will be along the lines of "they are the best" or "we have not had problems". What other brands are second and third best or adequate? If you encountered problems with something say five years ago, is that still a concern today? Also, are there any decent USA made charge controllers that are adequate. Thanks in advance.
With less expensive batteries you are usually sacrificing one or more of the following: 1: Quality of internal components. 2: Warranty. 3: Companies who don't plan to be around for longer than a year, thus negating their warranties. 4: Customer service.
You think I'm going to say they are more expensive because 'we have not had problems'; which is actually not true. Although we have personally not had problems; we have helped people who have purchased our electrical systems and are using Battle Born Batteries; and when a problem comes around; Battle Born will send us through a couple of short troubleshooting steps and when the problem is found to be with the batteries; they are quick to send out a replacement under warranty; which to me is incredibly valuable and not something you get with the marketing companies on Amazon that sell batteries.
In my opinion; there aren't any solar charge controllers made in the USA that are as high quality as Victron charge controllers. I actually don't know of any solar charge controllers that are actually MADE in the USA. I was going to say Midnite as they are HQ'd in the USA; but it looks like their charge controllers aren't made in the USA.
Thank you for the quick and thoughtful response.
Your electrical is solid but a thousand parts and hundreds of hours to install/ and hardly modular? We went with Bluetti + expansion for half the cost, carry it in plug and go. When not travelling, bring into your house, free power everywhere you go.
That’s like telling somebody: “why did you build your dream home when you could have just gotten a trailer house delivered?!”
It’s simply not the same quality nor performance.
Comments paused ?
🤷🏻🤷🏻😂
Make an arduino energy recording system with current transformers and voltmeters logging to a CSV file. No cloud storage.
Why?
Okay, we know you will be installing a Victron ensemble of components attached to a plywood base just behind the wheel well with 400 plus Ah of batteries. Been there done that. How about changing it up for a Ecoflow or Bluetti or new guy plug and play kit. I'm sure the vendors would be happy to provide you components. All in all, a 20K component build is no longer interesting to follow.
How to install a plug and play unit:
Plop it in place
Plug things into it.
Done.
But like... why are you being so negative over something that takes up 10% of this video? Were you not able to get anything out of the other 90% of what we showed? Maybe opening your mind a bit instead of just being so negative would do you some good.
Or would you like your money back from what you paid to watch this video?
Hi Sir,
Congrats on the great work!
Kindly communicate with me for I want you to design for me my Freightliner Box Truck and give me the cost quotation.
Blessings!
Dear 20-minute intro, Stfu and get to the video. It's already 10hours long ffs.
Hey there! Perhaps you are new to the internet, but if you slide that little bar at the bottom of the video; you can fast forward to or past whatever part of this video you like.
@@EXPLORISTlife no chapters xD nah I appreciate this video and will be saving it so when I get my van. But I started watching it and the intro was killing me xD chapters tho. Great content. Will be very useful later :)
Thank you for the indepth video. 😀 One subject that I need info on for not new van, is what to do about the *underside* of the van. How to prep it so that it will last a lifetime against rust, stone pitting, etc. What to do about the rust you find on less than brand new vans. Most videos directly jump into the interior of the van and start working there. So, what are the first things to do with a second hand van that I want to convert to a camper. BTW, a Renault Master L2H2.🚐