Hey Everyone! We have a live with Steven after he built another awesome conversion and is now onto a bus project. Check it out here! ua-cam.com/video/Ub_OocFQJvw/v-deo.html We go into Tesla batteries, a new recirculating shower design, and so much more.
All you need is a pan in the floor draining out or to a gray tank. He took his below the floor So you can put the cover over and be good to go. Curtain around it and shower head with controls by the door and you're essentially good to go! When I build mine y I'm not collecting any gray water, I'm letting that drain to the outside. It's essentially clean water. You could actually filter that and reuse but I'm not sure I want to do that.
Right? Vanlife videos were on autoplay on my TV so I didn't see the title. I said to my husband, "A bilge pump for the shower? That guy is definitely an engineer."
So many video titles scream out the "insane", "outstanding", "amazing" and they are not. This guy underpromises and OVER delivers. Great job here. Every internal component is thought through. They serve multi purpose and fit into the overall whole really nicely. Great shower on the main van floor. I've seen this a couple of times before but not often enough. It would be interesting to see the diagram for the plumbing and bilge. Kitchen is basic but it serves the purpose. Bed organisation is good. Bike storage and fold up sections in back garage is clever and serves a dual purpose. Nice tip on not making a bike storage custom fit too tight as it affects future scalability. The cupboard contents are an afterthought. Overall, clever multi-purpose component build, could be a slightly better finish and contents thought through but I like the ingenuity. Good job Steve. Look forward to seeing v2.0 :)
I have seen many of these videos, but I now finally have stumbled on a functional plan. Only an engineer could have thought about such effective use of space with tremendous functionality. And then the shower...fraking genious!!!! This idea alone will help me get by with a lighter 144 WB van rather than have to get a 170 WB. This dude needs to sell his plan and be rewarded for his creativity.
Dang, this is my favorite van build I've ever seen. It's the only one that checks all three of my boxes: self contained shower, bathroom, and room for multiple bikes inside the van!
The idea to have the shower inside and the way the bench seat folds up to make the bed longer is one on the most simplest and easiest ways that I have seen in all the videos I have watched. Eventually I will get around to building my own haha
This is one of the most brilliant builds I've seen. You can tell the builder was DEFINITELY an engineer, so many smart, well thought out designs everywhere, and everything seems to snap/roll/slide right into place without much fiddling around. The shower is amazing, and you rarely see people with a big old water tank like that in the middle of the van, but that's so much better for weight distribution. Literally made my jaw drop.
I love that he answered the most obvious questions about bathroom and shower immediately. I've watched a ton of these and so many don't include a toilet or shower. Brilliant!
I often wondered what people did when they had no toilet or shower in their Vans. I couldn't imagine living somewhere and not having these things. So to see this was amazing.
Amazing van build. Probably, the best feature is that he build exactly what he needed (or at least could reasonably anticipate). It looks like there are many "dual-use" ideas inside. Bravo!
Wow.... Been watching van build videos for a month now and planning my own build. This video and this guy's bed setup just had my design come together.... His setup is awesome and perfect for my needs. Wow so glad I watched this today. Now if I can figure out my power needs.
Absolutely the BEST van build I've seen yet! In my van build wish list file, I printed pics from the Creative Mobile Interiors website of a van called 'Extreme Off-Road Sprinter' that has the same shower set-up. I think it's brilliant. Wish this young man could build out my van! Thanks for sharing! And happy travels from Chicago!
I can only image what he could do if he had the 170” sprinter van. The back of the chair that pops up to the bed extension was a brilliant use of space.
I'm in awe of this man and his extremely well thought out van. I love the shower set up and general layout of the van it's very similar to what I want.
I have been watching hundreds of videos on 144 conversions. I am going to using design as my own blueprint because it is so well thought out. I especially like the fold out bed which allows for the bike height garage. Thanks for the inspiration
Stephen thank you for your video one thing I've noticed is that in almost every van traveling person has eyes that are extremely happy and healthy in a prosperous kind of way that is SO extremely refreshing in our current world of depressed people with Their heads down looking at their phones . God bless you 🙏☝️
Quite creative with the bed and the shower. I have been thinking about trying vanlife once I go to college(in highschool) and I have watched so many vans. One thing that always seems to be missing is a shower so that is creative, I could combine it with ideas I had thanks to the bed/couch the singletrack sampler has
With that shower, it would be easy to convert to a filter recycling shower! Just saw one, where a guy uaes 2 gallons of water for a endless shower! It was cool
Yes I think that is @tinywattssolar on instagram! We haven't met them yet on the road, but we totally know which van you are talking about!! So innovative. This lifestyle blossoms so much creativity!
So - I just wanted to say: I got a "save" list with BEST VANS EVER here on youtube. So far - there was ONE van on it. Well .... the SECOND one just made it to the list! Awesome job @freetired ! Totally in love with you and the van. ;-)
Van, one of the best DIY builds I have seen. Most DIY or adventure builds skip the bathroom or shower. Like how you have solved that issue. I have a Airstream Interstate and could not live without the bathroom. Like the four season concept with internal water.
Awesome awesome awesome!!!! This is definitely in my top 5 of all vanns I've seen on UA-cam period! Amazing job super straight forward and clean. Great job!
Such a well though out build and efficient use of space! Saw the WORS racer number! Such a great series that I helped with for a few years! I’ll never forget the GOOOOOOOOO!
I have seen hundreds of these van builds but yours is by far number ONE! Amazing out of the box design! You are one of the most impressive men I have watched on youtube. I wish you the best in the new year!--s
Ciaran Watt yes, there were so many ideas in this van. It just had to be on the internet for everyone to see. So amazing. The shower was one of our favorite features, and that guest bed idea. But, the shower, as I explained in a similar comment below, is about a 1” shower tray underneath laminate flooring, with drain holes drilled thru them. The pan is cut into the sub flooring. That way he didn’t lose headroom. He is about 6’. The pan is tilted towards the door under the laminate. So that way, the water runs towards the pump that lives under the toilet area and pumps into his grey water under the sink. He does winter sports so he wanted all plumbing inside so he doesn’t have to worry about frozen water lines. The shower curtain swings all the way around the space. Fully containing it. There are I think two separate tracks for the shower curtains. The shower curtain closes around the fan, which he wanted for some exhaust if that steam, but the shower sensor on the fan sometimes triggers the fan door to close. I really hope this helps!
Love the shower setup. IMO, one of the most important items and showers can be hard to find. Also like your bed platform, I'm 6'4" and was trying to figure out how to do it, your method makes sense.
Great van! "Out of the box" features! Designed and built by an Engineer for his own use. Perfect combination. Kids- Pay attention and work hard in school. Train and qualify as an Engineer. Have a fun life doing what Van Kookz does or work for an engineering company. With the latter you get to play with cool expensive toys at someone else's expense. I did that for almost 50 years and enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.
Ive never commented on a van. But amazing build.ive prob watched 20 van videos. I would also like to see a demo of the shower. Thanks for the video. Great build.
I really like your shower and wished you could explain a little more how it is built, such as where your got or how you made your pan, is the van floor raised for the pan. Does your webasto need a tank or is it on demand hot water like a tankless water heater? Many Thanks!
I think you might want to sew pockets into the shower curtain to hold the soap and shampoo bottle. The other thing is if you incorporate storage for winter tires then you could forgo a home base and use the van as the primary residence.
Sweet build!!! But I wouldn’t expect anything less from a fellow Wisconsin brother. If you’re ever in the Janesville area I’d love to get a tour of this work of art. Keep the videos coming. Happy travels 😁
why are all the van dwellers with the best designs I see and am most jealous of are ALL from Wisconsin as I am too, like- I think van life is calling me
Hey Everyone! We have a live with Steven after he built another awesome conversion and is now onto a bus project. Check it out here! ua-cam.com/video/Ub_OocFQJvw/v-deo.html We go into Tesla batteries, a new recirculating shower design, and so much more.
Awesome I love it
The shower, the shower. We want to see more on the shower. Looks like a great set up.
Steven added a post on his website
www.freetired.org/2018/10/16/disappearing-shower/
You should check out tiny watts shower that wes and savana have in their sprinter. Shit's legit.
theflyingpostmane I came to the comment section in search of this type of comment 🤦🏿♂️
Confused, he showers inside?
All you need is a pan in the floor draining out or to a gray tank. He took his below the floor So you can put the cover over and be good to go. Curtain around it and shower head with controls by the door and you're essentially good to go! When I build mine y I'm not collecting any gray water, I'm letting that drain to the outside. It's essentially clean water. You could actually filter that and reuse but I'm not sure I want to do that.
Engineer vibe is flowing out of every corner of his van throughout this whole video.
Right? Vanlife videos were on autoplay on my TV so I didn't see the title. I said to my husband, "A bilge pump for the shower? That guy is definitely an engineer."
So many video titles scream out the "insane", "outstanding", "amazing" and they are not. This guy underpromises and OVER delivers. Great job here. Every internal component is thought through. They serve multi purpose and fit into the overall whole really nicely. Great shower on the main van floor. I've seen this a couple of times before but not often enough. It would be interesting to see the diagram for the plumbing and bilge. Kitchen is basic but it serves the purpose. Bed organisation is good. Bike storage and fold up sections in back garage is clever and serves a dual purpose. Nice tip on not making a bike storage custom fit too tight as it affects future scalability. The cupboard contents are an afterthought. Overall, clever multi-purpose component build, could be a slightly better finish and contents thought through but I like the ingenuity. Good job Steve. Look forward to seeing v2.0 :)
Most Insane Epic Van Conversion Ever with a girl in a thong!
Holy moly!!!!!!!!ive watched thousands of videos of van life and this is BY FAR the best use of space!!
I have seen many of these videos, but I now finally have stumbled on a functional plan. Only an engineer could have thought about such effective use of space with tremendous functionality. And then the shower...fraking genious!!!! This idea alone will help me get by with a lighter 144 WB van rather than have to get a 170 WB. This dude needs to sell his plan and be rewarded for his creativity.
Wow this man is a genius, I’ve probably watched a hundred videos on vans and this is by far the best one
Van House Customs ok I’ll check it out
How this can be the best? More like best of worst vans..
Definitely not your typical van stoner.
One off the best for sure
OutOfTheBox jwwehekmwwewehn e hq mhmmm h a w Edwins wnwrwehmmw wmmerhgwgjm
Dang, this is my favorite van build I've ever seen. It's the only one that checks all three of my boxes: self contained shower, bathroom, and room for multiple bikes inside the van!
The idea to have the shower inside and the way the bench seat folds up to make the bed longer is one on the most simplest and easiest ways that I have seen in all the videos I have watched. Eventually I will get around to building my own haha
This guy played tetris against a van and won 😁
LOL!!
Totally! 🤣
Best comment!😄
This is one of the most brilliant builds I've seen. You can tell the builder was DEFINITELY an engineer, so many smart, well thought out designs everywhere, and everything seems to snap/roll/slide right into place without much fiddling around. The shower is amazing, and you rarely see people with a big old water tank like that in the middle of the van, but that's so much better for weight distribution. Literally made my jaw drop.
I love that he answered the most obvious questions about bathroom and shower immediately. I've watched a ton of these and so many don't include a toilet or shower. Brilliant!
I often wondered what people did when they had no toilet or shower in their Vans. I couldn't imagine living somewhere and not having these things. So to see this was amazing.
This gentleman did an EXCELLENT JOB on his van . One of the best ive seen ....
This is the best van design I’ve seen on UA-cam
Fantastic build WITH shower and toilet!!
I’ve seen great builds but lacked toilet etc.
This is a great build.
Folding, sliding, turning, shower setting, your van turns into a magic box, amazing, talented.
Sweet setup, I've watched damn near every video on these vans & I dig the way he set this up. The shower & bed/bench seat is amazing!
Amazing van build. Probably, the best feature is that he build exactly what he needed (or at least could reasonably anticipate). It looks like there are many "dual-use" ideas inside. Bravo!
Wow! The best conversion I've seen so far, making use of all the space in the best way!
Wow.... Been watching van build videos for a month now and planning my own build. This video and this guy's bed setup just had my design come together.... His setup is awesome and perfect for my needs. Wow so glad I watched this today. Now if I can figure out my power needs.
I really like what he did with the bed and guest bed. Thanks for the video ^^
Absolutely the BEST van build I've seen yet! In my van build wish list file, I printed pics from the Creative Mobile Interiors website of a van called 'Extreme Off-Road Sprinter' that has the same shower set-up. I think it's brilliant. Wish this young man could build out my van! Thanks for sharing! And happy travels from Chicago!
Diana C yeah this is easily one of my favorite builds. Steven had thought of it all!
I can only image what he could do if he had the 170” sprinter van. The back of the chair that pops up to the bed extension was a brilliant use of space.
Kevin Weber no kidding
Thanks @Diana C! Steven's design is clearly a riff from that Creative Mobile Interiors design. Checking out some of their other work too.
I'm in awe of this man and his extremely well thought out van. I love the shower set up and general layout of the van it's very similar to what I want.
This is the best use of space I have seen in a van. I was impressed with the shower and toilet. Happy travels.
I have been watching hundreds of videos on 144 conversions. I am going to using design as my own blueprint because it is so well thought out. I especially like the fold out bed which allows for the bike height garage. Thanks for the inspiration
I’ve never seen the bed/ chair/ extra bed set up like that. Genius!👍
Oh engineers, you just think differently that's all. I was waiting for Steven to fold the van up and put it in his pocket.
i like this type of dude, no fucking about, no frills and got shit done
The shower is ingenious (first I've seen), the bed exceptional as well (dwarfed by the shower).
This has to be my favorite van. It's got everything you need and looks great!
Love his setup, everything has double uses, colors feel clean an fresh. Nice to have a shower.
Stephen thank you for your video one thing I've noticed is that in almost every van traveling person has eyes that are extremely happy and healthy in a prosperous kind of way that is SO extremely refreshing in our current world of depressed people with Their heads down looking at their phones . God bless you 🙏☝️
Such a well thought out design. I love your bike space!
You are a genius, coolest and most intelligent use of space I have ever seen, the shower, knocked me out.
Extremely neat and most functional van configuration ... the slide out bike rack and guest bed are awesome features!! Great job!
love the slide out trays for toilet, bikes, etc
Quite creative with the bed and the shower. I have been thinking about trying vanlife once I go to college(in highschool) and I have watched so many vans. One thing that always seems to be missing is a shower so that is creative, I could combine it with ideas I had thanks to the bed/couch the singletrack sampler has
With that shower, it would be easy to convert to a filter recycling shower! Just saw one, where a guy uaes 2 gallons of water for a endless shower! It was cool
Yes I think that is @tinywattssolar on instagram! We haven't met them yet on the road, but we totally know which van you are talking about!! So innovative. This lifestyle blossoms so much creativity!
RV manufacturers had better take a look at designs more like this vs. the glam-RV's they're building.
Genius.
Awesome setup!!!
yes, we agree!! The glam RVs don't allow for all the toys too!
So - I just wanted to say: I got a "save" list with BEST VANS EVER here on youtube. So far - there was ONE van on it. Well .... the SECOND one just made it to the list! Awesome job @freetired ! Totally in love with you and the van. ;-)
Van, one of the best DIY builds I have seen. Most DIY or adventure builds skip the bathroom or shower. Like how you have solved that issue. I have a Airstream Interstate and could not live without the bathroom. Like the four season concept with internal water.
Awesome awesome awesome!!!! This is definitely in my top 5 of all vanns I've seen on UA-cam period! Amazing job super straight forward and clean. Great job!
Wow what a great design. This bus is like a real life version of a pop up book.
Such a well though out build and efficient use of space! Saw the WORS racer number! Such a great series that I helped with for a few years! I’ll never forget the GOOOOOOOOO!
The shower and toilet arrangements are excellent
By far the best usage of space in a van build yet! Nice work
We met in Big Sky last winter. Great conditions for those 5 days! Got my electrical issues all figured out! Hope to see you on the road again!
Very nicely done. Dig the extra bed/storage idea. Simple & smart.
This is the bet Sprinter all in one I've seen!
Thanks!
Dream build! Shower is like a road trek. I love the natures head hidden compartment. Great use of space. I want to see more specs.
The shower is DOPE!! Great use of space!
In the description there is a link to the shower video.
Stellar, absolutely stellar, well thought out space. You've given me some ideas for upgrading my rig.
Probably the most creative and well thought out van we’ve ever seen.
What a top notch practical build. Kudos Steve on that awesome B.
Great van with some genius ideas (bed, shower, toilet, etc)! Love it! 👍🏼😉
Just when I thought I previously watched “the best stealth van set up” along comes this dude!!! Excellent job my man!
BEAUTIFUL well thought out fully functional build. Well done..!!
i have seen a lot of set up... by far you are one of my top 3 in my list.
I love the shower feature. It just makes sense!
Great ideas well implemented. I realized at the end that I’ve already been in touch with Stephen regarding our own DualTop installation. Thanks!
Dude, your amazing! We're planning a self build and you just helped us w/ the shower/bath setup!! Thank You!!
Yay! I am glad you found it useful! Here is just the shower break down video : ua-cam.com/video/4fWr8S-tVaQ/v-deo.html
Please, more info about how to build your shower! It's exactly what I've been looking for. Love your van!
I had the exact same idea for the shower! Engineers think alike! Really cool setup!
I have seen hundreds of these van builds but yours is by far number ONE! Amazing out of the box design! You are one of the most impressive men I have watched on youtube. I wish you the best in the new year!--s
Great build. Ingenious shower setup.
Love the design, especially the bike storage.
Thank you!
I love that the sink isn't the 1st thing UC...toilet&indoor shower? ....truly a Home..👍
Brilliant design. He really thought about what he needed.
This van has an awesome setup. Love the shower and bed and storage.
That is a really well done conversion. There are some great ideas and excellent use of space in this one.
Jay and Vanlife Bob strikes back :)
Wow! So well thought out and executed. Well Done Sir, Well Done!
Really well thought out design in such a small vehicle.
I'm sorry guys but you need to do more on the shower. Just what I'm planning on doing. Great van also. Really well thought out.
Ciaran Watt yes, there were so many ideas in this van. It just had to be on the internet for everyone to see. So amazing. The shower was one of our favorite features, and that guest bed idea. But, the shower, as I explained in a similar comment below, is about a 1” shower tray underneath laminate flooring, with drain holes drilled thru them. The pan is cut into the sub flooring. That way he didn’t lose headroom. He is about 6’. The pan is tilted towards the door under the laminate. So that way, the water runs towards the pump that lives under the toilet area and pumps into his grey water under the sink. He does winter sports so he wanted all plumbing inside so he doesn’t have to worry about frozen water lines. The shower curtain swings all the way around the space. Fully containing it. There are I think two separate tracks for the shower curtains. The shower curtain closes around the fan, which he wanted for some exhaust if that steam, but the shower sensor on the fan sometimes triggers the fan door to close. I really hope this helps!
@@Vankookz thanks for the help! However does he pull the laminate out each shower? Thanks a million
Ciaran Watt of course he does.
Ciaran Watt I like it as well ....neat
I've had that idea for years! 2019 finally the year I go vanlife !
If i was going to van myself id definitly build mine like his everything functional
Definitely want a closer look at that shower design
INCREDIBLE USE OF SPACE BRO!
wow, best shower setup ive ever seen
This is perfect. I want this size van WITH a shower and have been brainstorming some space saving ways.
This is possibly the best setup I've ever seen without a pop top.
This guy seems extremely chill
Love the shower setup. IMO, one of the most important items and showers can be hard to find. Also like your bed platform, I'm 6'4" and was trying to figure out how to do it, your method makes sense.
Yes the flip up on the bed is genius, as well as the shower! Steve is the man!
Great van! "Out of the box" features! Designed and built by an Engineer for his own use. Perfect combination.
Kids- Pay attention and work hard in school. Train and qualify as an Engineer. Have a fun life doing what Van Kookz does or work for an engineering company. With the latter you get to play with cool expensive toys at someone else's expense. I did that for almost 50 years and enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.
Absolutly perfect! Love the shower/toilet situation. Gonna do something similiar.
Ive never commented on a van. But amazing build.ive prob watched 20 van videos. I would also like to see a demo of the shower. Thanks for the video. Great build.
I really like your shower and wished you could explain a little more how it is built, such as where your got or how you made your pan, is the van floor raised for the pan. Does your webasto need a tank or is it on demand hot water like a tankless water heater? Many Thanks!
More info on the shower here ua-cam.com/video/4fWr8S-tVaQ/v-deo.html
I think you might want to sew pockets into the shower curtain to hold the soap and shampoo bottle. The other thing is if you incorporate storage for winter tires then you could forgo a home base and use the van as the primary residence.
Sweet build!!! But I wouldn’t expect anything less from a fellow Wisconsin brother. If you’re ever in the Janesville area I’d love to get a tour of this work of art. Keep the videos coming. Happy travels 😁
This guys van is awesome.
why are all the van dwellers with the best designs I see and am most jealous of are ALL from Wisconsin as I am too, like- I think van life is calling me
Nice. You have it all. Well thought out.
Wait. I pause right here where you said SHOWER! A man after my heart. I love my own shower and baffroom.
Favorite van build I’ve seen.
Awesome build well thought-out , best i have seen
Had a feeling that fellow was an engineer... He's get everything 100% dialed in!
first shower idea i wanna write down after watching hundreds of van tours
One of my top favorite builds!
Lots of nice touches in that van.
Wow one of best van build I've seen! Great video too ;)
Wow this is the best van I've seen