I am in the beginning stages of trying to figure out to build or buy one done . I have renovated houses from gut so I think I could do it but a little nervous. Your videos are EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you for all you do!!🙂
Snow and Curt, Thank you very much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I really like your layout. The bathroom can provide separation as you mentioned and is multifunctional. I will be following along. Thanks again, Tim
The more times we sketched it out, the more space saving ideas we would stumble up on!! The shower in the middle of the van was probably around sketch 150!! 😄🚐🛠
You have the most efficient lay out for a home, love the brilliant bathroom plan. I never thought of doing it that way, in a hallway but it is just perfect and no wasted space. The full time bed is genius, I would hate to make the bed every day into a lounge area. Perfect design!
Thank you guys for doing these vids; it is tremendously helpful. I'm a few years away from getting my van underway, but this is definitely giving me some great insight on how I want mine. Thank you again.
I have to say after watching this and your other videos your van build is easily my favourite. Keep living your dream and wish you much success. As they say.....one day!
All good information. In my case after settling on my van size (big decision), the layout was the next challenge. As much as you may "think" the layout thru, there is no way of knowing specifically what you think you want until you spend time and live in that space. For me, it was invaluable to have lived in the van for 3 months without having anything permanetly mounted. I then tweaked it from there. BTW I did the bulk of the electrical/solar/battery work after having owned the van for 20 months (before that I put up, shut up, experimented & made do!). Sure this approach is not for everybody but after owning the van now for 26 month I couldn't be happier I did it this way.
I bet it’s perfect for you... doing the permanent build after being in the van is awesome! I’m thinking we would have been at each other’s throats if we would have tried that!! Lol
@@SnowAndCurt If you build a kitchen never having used one before - you do some research, you will do a lot of guessing their is no way in hell you get it right for you - double that for a van build because it such a small footprint.
Great video! Something we did is when we planned a space, we mocked it up in our home and used it. e.g. I used tape to mark off a section of our kitchen counter and then only used that space to cook in for a couple of nights. This helped me figure out what I was comfortable with for a galley. I found that I could certainly cook in a much smaller space than I thought, but I found it frustrating.
Thanks for the comments. We were like little kids. I went to Home Depot and got moving boxes and used them in the van to model our layout. I even use cardboard to make the walls. It was a fun low cost exercise that helped a bunch!
I wish we would have documented the build better! It is made with wood... and the seat is bed slats that we got from ikea. Curt built a small wedge that goes against the wall at the small of your back and we had NICE custom cushions made. It really is comfy!
Do you have a video of the van built? how did you do the recirculating shower? the plumbing and the electrical? Your layout is one of the best! Specially the idea of maximizing the space with the shower room & toilet.
I love your van build, especially your walk through bathroom🤗🤗🤗 My question is with the roof top storage, how do you plan to ship your van for your world travels? God bless and safe travels🥰
That’s awesome, I’m enjoying your videos...binge watching your Farewell series, my husband and I are planning to do the same in the next few years...safe travels and God bless🥰
Thanks for sharing Curt (& Snow). Did you guys ever consider moving all amenities (kitchen, bathroom, fridge, oven, batteries, watertanks) into the rear of the van above and in front of the garage, and go for a Murphy style bed up front, behind the cabin seats (with seats pivotable still)? And what is the exact INTERIOR size of your van from back doors to cabin (behind the seats? Look forward to your answers and your next videos. Have a great trip!
Thanks Mark. And yes, I did a bit of research on Murphy beds and we kicked around variations similar to your description. Main deal breaker for us is our different sleep schedules so we didn’t want to fiddle with the day/night bed thing, but I have seen some cool layouts like that. Probably do a dimension vid coming up. 🍻 Cheers
Your's is the best layout I've seen. I'd love to check it out in person. I run an Airbnb in Phoenix AZ as a Superhost. If you ever swing by I'd love to host you for free. I just want to see the van and pick your brain for 30 minutes. 😁 I also have tons of great hiking and Ancient Native American pictographs close by. I'm next to South Mountain Park and Preserve. Let me know.
Hi Curt, I've really been enjoying watching all of your videos as I prepare to start my van build. I have a 4x4 170 ext cargo and I'm planning on doing hydronic floor heating, recirculating shower, solar, under mounted AC, etc. I'm wondering if you could share in what order you built what? I'm trying to figure out when and in what order to put in the floors, wiring, plumbing, insulation, etc. Thanks so much!
Rough in wiring first for sure. Then rough in walls and framing, insulate, visit the wiring again, plumbing, floors, finish walls and framing, final touches! FYI... when we roll out our van plans in a few weeks, we will have a Van Build Workshop coming out to... it will walk thru this stuff step by step. Not sure if you can wait or if you need to get hopping on your van!
Thanks so much for the reply Curt! I can definitely wait for your van plans as long as it won’t be too long. I’d rather wait and do it right. I’ve gone ahead and signed up on your wait list. While I wait I’m going to install some side flairs and a few other minor items. Thanks again!
If you're going to the RTR then you should try to get Bob Wells to do an interview with you. He doesn't know crap about traveling with cats and your door setup is very unique and helpful to us cat lovers. It'll help your sub count, too.
We will likely be in Mexico when RTR happens, but if not, we will figure out how to get there!! Our screen door is a game changer for kitties! When we first started, we had the typical magnet screen... it didn’t take us long to figure out we had to do something better! 😄🚐🛠
I can’t wait until your plans come out! I’m having a difficult time finding a 170 we ext 4x4 in my price range. I have a chance to get a 170 we that is not extended for a good price. Do you think flares on both sides to allow East/West bed. I also want the bed to have a lift. Do you think this will work?
It should... and is you are not tall, you may not need the flares! Lift should work, but you would lose the overhead cabinets in the bedroom! FYI... plans are coming along nicely, Curt had a great conference call with the architect drawing them up for us yesterday!
Hi Curt, is your shower screen made by stoett? I’m going to adopt your bathroom in the middle of the van idea and I’d like to install a movie projector in the bedroom. I was thinking / hoping the stoett screen might be suitable to project onto. What’s your thoughts? Inspirational videos! Thanks Charlie
Yes... It's stoett! In our opinion... I don't think it would work with a projector. But, there is a small bar that runs across the tip by the ceiling... You could easily just toss a towel or sheet over the bar for a screen! Hope that helps! Make sure to keep us posted on your build!
we have not done a video on it yet.... curt is thinking about doing one though. Also, We are having detailed plans of our van drawn up now. They will be available mid to late July. You can visit this link and sign up to be notified when we have them ready to go! CHEERS! gem.godaddy.com/signups/adf3b4660dbb42e4a292a5097150ff46/join
Great videos! Curious if you know of anyone that has perfected the “incinerator toilet” in a van? I’ve been looking at the EcoJohn and see they have some that run on diesel not just electric. Most people don’t have the solar power strong enough to use the electric one but it’s got to possible. As soon as someone perfects it I’m getting one.
I'm kind of surprised you only use graph paper and PowerPoint for how good and well thought out your build is. What was your occupation before van trecking? Maybe because it allowed for so much collaboration.
We are having detailed plans of our van drawn up now. They will be available mid to late July. You can visit this link and sign up to be notified when we have them ready to go! CHEERS! gem.godaddy.com/signups/adf3b4660dbb42e4a292a5097150ff46/join
@Snow & Curt 1. how long did it take you to come up with your initial design before you committed? 2. how long did it take you to complete the van build?
We made the decision on which type of van to buy within a week or so of making the decision... But, it was when there was a 4x4 shortage here in the USA, so it took us about two months to track one down. So, we had all of that time to design it! Then to build it... took us 8 months on weekends only for the most part.
@@SnowAndCurt wow...very well thought out design. i've been comparing others and estimating total cost and i really like yours the best thus far. i'm envious of your adventure. currently, i'm vicariously living thru you since this damn virus is ruing everything. stay safe! you guys look great!
If anyone is looking for some cheat-sheets to start planning, you can download floor plans of empty vans in various lengths from the Sportsmobile website: sportsmobile.com/planning-and-ordering/#design-your-own I really enjoy Snow & Curt's videos. Some great ideas.
When we planned the van... we knew we wanted a 24” hall... never measured the passing zones, they just kind of “happened”! We will measure the next time we have the tape measured out! Great question
Kurt, your tech talks are so thoughtful, detailed, and well explained. You’re a natural teacher.
Thanks Leslyn... He sure enjoys doing them too! I tell him he is a cross between an engineer and a teacher!
I am in the beginning stages of trying to figure out to build or buy one done . I have renovated houses from gut so I think I could do it but a little nervous. Your videos are EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you for all you do!!🙂
Some wonderful advice/ plans & layout options Curt. Very informative and useful. Thanks a million
🍁👵❤🐕🇨🇦
Snow and Curt, Thank you very much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I really like your layout. The bathroom can provide separation as you mentioned and is multifunctional. I will be following along. Thanks again, Tim
Thanks Tim! We are super pleased with how the bathroom layout made the van feel more like a “real home”!!
Agree good planning is everything. And your design is among the best I have seen. Recycling the shower water and so on.
Thanks for the kind words Anders!
3” per square is a great tip. The more videos I see with your walk-through bathroom, the more I’m liking that very efficient use of space.
The more times we sketched it out, the more space saving ideas we would stumble up on!! The shower in the middle of the van was probably around sketch 150!! 😄🚐🛠
You have the most efficient lay out for a home, love the brilliant bathroom plan. I never thought of doing it that way, in a hallway but it is just perfect and no wasted space. The full time bed is genius, I would hate to make the bed every day into a lounge area. Perfect design!
Exactly... We had to figure out how to build both in our van! Couch and bed! ☺️☺️
Thank you guys for doing these vids; it is tremendously helpful. I'm a few years away from getting my van underway, but this is definitely giving me some great insight on how I want mine. Thank you again.
Awesome! Glad it helped!! Good luck when you start your build!
I have to say after watching this and your other videos your van build is easily my favourite. Keep living your dream and wish you much success. As they say.....one day!
Thanks a ton... we are out here having a crazy good time!!
I'm so glad I ran into your channel. Amazing content. Thanks so much. I'm looking forward to my first build.
Welcome aboard! And good luck with your build!
Amazing layout! thank you for shared it!
Your welcome
All good information. In my case after settling on my van size (big decision), the layout was the next challenge. As much as you may "think" the layout thru, there is no way of knowing specifically what you think you want until you spend time and live in that space. For me, it was invaluable to have lived in the van for 3 months without having anything permanetly mounted. I then tweaked it from there. BTW I did the bulk of the electrical/solar/battery work after having owned the van for 20 months (before that I put up, shut up, experimented & made do!). Sure this approach is not for everybody but after owning the van now for 26 month I couldn't be happier I did it this way.
I bet it’s perfect for you... doing the permanent build after being in the van is awesome! I’m thinking we would have been at each other’s throats if we would have tried that!! Lol
@@SnowAndCurt If you build a kitchen never having used one before - you do some research, you will do a lot of guessing their is no way in hell you get it right for you - double that for a van build because it such a small footprint.
Great video! Something we did is when we planned a space, we mocked it up in our home and used it. e.g. I used tape to mark off a section of our kitchen counter and then only used that space to cook in for a couple of nights. This helped me figure out what I was comfortable with for a galley. I found that I could certainly cook in a much smaller space than I thought, but I found it frustrating.
Thanks for the comments. We were like little kids. I went to Home Depot and got moving boxes and used them in the van to model our layout. I even use cardboard to make the walls. It was a fun low cost exercise that helped a bunch!
Love your van layout/design...thank you for sharing.
You are welcome!! Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
Curt, you are the bomb!
Awwwww.... thank you!!
Never seen a video quite like this. Good job.
Thanks Diane!
Great video, thanks Curt 😁 with other projects I have learnt planning is everything. Measure twice cut once! 😁
You bet!
Great video! Chuck full of wisdom and useful information. Thank you!!!!!!
Thanks a ton Jean!
Great video, Curt!
Thanks Misti!!
so interesting to see this walk through toilet. thanks for the videos
Glad you enjoyed it
I would love to know how you constructed your sofa. It looks much more comfortable than other DIY van sofas. Thanks!
I wish we would have documented the build better! It is made with wood... and the seat is bed slats that we got from ikea. Curt built a small wedge that goes against the wall at the small of your back and we had NICE custom cushions made. It really is comfy!
Do you have a video of the van built? how did you do the recirculating shower? the plumbing and the electrical? Your layout is one of the best! Specially the idea of maximizing the space with the shower room & toilet.
Here is a link to our van tour... then from our channel, you can check out our “tech talk series” where curt explains how we built this thing!
I love your van build, especially your walk through bathroom🤗🤗🤗
My question is with the roof top storage, how do you plan to ship your van for your world travels?
God bless and safe travels🥰
Thank you so much! The “attic” will have to come off during shipment and reassembled. Good news, I built it for that😊
That’s awesome, I’m enjoying your videos...binge watching your Farewell series, my husband and I are planning to do the same in the next few years...safe travels and God bless🥰
Thanks for sharing Curt (& Snow). Did you guys ever consider moving all amenities (kitchen, bathroom, fridge, oven, batteries, watertanks) into the rear of the van above and in front of the garage, and go for a Murphy style bed up front, behind the cabin seats (with seats pivotable still)? And what is the exact INTERIOR size of your van from back doors to cabin (behind the seats? Look forward to your answers and your next videos. Have a great trip!
Thanks Mark. And yes, I did a bit of research on Murphy beds and we kicked around variations similar to your description. Main deal breaker for us is our different sleep schedules so we didn’t want to fiddle with the day/night bed thing, but I have seen some cool layouts like that. Probably do a dimension vid coming up. 🍻 Cheers
@@SnowAndCurt Thanks guys, look fwd to that video, cheers.
Your's is the best layout I've seen. I'd love to check it out in person. I run an Airbnb in Phoenix AZ as a Superhost. If you ever swing by I'd love to host you for free. I just want to see the van and pick your brain for 30 minutes. 😁 I also have tons of great hiking and Ancient Native American pictographs close by. I'm next to South Mountain Park and Preserve. Let me know.
Thanks Cesar!! We are 50/50 headed to Phoenix after we visit lots of the canyons!! We will stay in touch as we get closer!!
Tku for information will take it into count when doing my build you guys inspire me what’s with the birds lol 😂
Hey.... I like birds! LOL
Hi Curt, I've really been enjoying watching all of your videos as I prepare to start my van build. I have a 4x4 170 ext cargo and I'm planning on doing hydronic floor heating, recirculating shower, solar, under mounted AC, etc. I'm wondering if you could share in what order you built what? I'm trying to figure out when and in what order to put in the floors, wiring, plumbing, insulation, etc. Thanks so much!
Rough in wiring first for sure. Then rough in walls and framing, insulate, visit the wiring again, plumbing, floors, finish walls and framing, final touches! FYI... when we roll out our van plans in a few weeks, we will have a Van Build Workshop coming out to... it will walk thru this stuff step by step. Not sure if you can wait or if you need to get hopping on your van!
Thanks so much for the reply Curt! I can definitely wait for your van plans as long as it won’t be too long. I’d rather wait and do it right. I’ve gone ahead and signed up on your wait list. While I wait I’m going to install some side flairs and a few other minor items. Thanks again!
If you're going to the RTR then you should try to get Bob Wells to do an interview with you. He doesn't know crap about traveling with cats and your door setup is very unique and helpful to us cat lovers. It'll help your sub count, too.
We will likely be in Mexico when RTR happens, but if not, we will figure out how to get there!! Our screen door is a game changer for kitties! When we first started, we had the typical magnet screen... it didn’t take us long to figure out we had to do something better! 😄🚐🛠
Thanks for sharing!! How long is your van (the whole car)? Thank you.
22 3/4 feet
Hi Curt, do you steel have the van plans/layout available for sale?
I can’t wait until your plans come out! I’m having a difficult time finding a 170 we ext 4x4 in my price range. I have a chance to get a 170 we that is not extended for a good price. Do you think flares on both sides to allow East/West bed. I also want the bed to have a lift. Do you think this will work?
It should... and is you are not tall, you may not need the flares! Lift should work, but you would lose the overhead cabinets in the bedroom! FYI... plans are coming along nicely, Curt had a great conference call with the architect drawing them up for us yesterday!
Snow & Curt Thanks for your thoughts. Congrats on your rising UA-cam award. You guys deserve it! Love your down to earth and informative videos!
Hi Curt, is your shower screen made by stoett? I’m going to adopt your bathroom in the middle of the van idea and I’d like to install a movie projector in the bedroom. I was thinking / hoping the stoett screen might be suitable to project onto. What’s your thoughts?
Inspirational videos! Thanks Charlie
Yes... It's stoett! In our opinion... I don't think it would work with a projector. But, there is a small bar that runs across the tip by the ceiling... You could easily just toss a towel or sheet over the bar for a screen! Hope that helps! Make sure to keep us posted on your build!
Snow & Curt thank you! I will
Does your van require DEF given that it’s a 2018?
I'm looking for a detailed look at the screen door system you have.
we have not done a video on it yet.... curt is thinking about doing one though. Also, We are having detailed plans of our van drawn up now. They will be available mid to late July. You can visit this link and sign up to be notified when we have them ready to go! CHEERS!
gem.godaddy.com/signups/adf3b4660dbb42e4a292a5097150ff46/join
Great videos! Curious if you know of anyone that has perfected the “incinerator toilet” in a van? I’ve been looking at the EcoJohn and see they have some that run on diesel not just electric. Most people don’t have the solar power strong enough to use the electric one but it’s got to possible. As soon as someone perfects it I’m getting one.
We looked at it briefly during design.... But moved on pretty quick. If you find the perfect set up ... Be sure to let us know!
I'm kind of surprised you only use graph paper and PowerPoint for how good and well thought out your build is. What was your occupation before van trecking? Maybe because it allowed for so much collaboration.
civil construction... project management
what are the dimensions of the bathroom / shower area? Great floor plan
Stay Tuned... we are having plans drawn up now! SHoul dhave a floor plan to scale within the month!
@@SnowAndCurt thanks, we live in puerto penasco mexico when we are not traveling elsewhere.
We are having detailed plans of our van drawn up now. They will be available mid to late July. You can visit this link and sign up to be notified when we have them ready to go! CHEERS!
gem.godaddy.com/signups/adf3b4660dbb42e4a292a5097150ff46/join
@Snow & Curt 1. how long did it take you to come up with your initial design before you committed? 2. how long did it take you to complete the van build?
We made the decision on which type of van to buy within a week or so of making the decision... But, it was when there was a 4x4 shortage here in the USA, so it took us about two months to track one down. So, we had all of that time to design it!
Then to build it... took us 8 months on weekends only for the most part.
@@SnowAndCurt wow...very well thought out design. i've been comparing others and estimating total cost and i really like yours the best thus far. i'm envious of your adventure. currently, i'm vicariously living thru you since this damn virus is ruing everything. stay safe! you guys look great!
If anyone is looking for some cheat-sheets to start planning, you can download floor plans of empty vans in various lengths from the Sportsmobile website: sportsmobile.com/planning-and-ordering/#design-your-own
I really enjoy Snow & Curt's videos. Some great ideas.
Great idea! I actually printed them out from out from there... then I went to the copy store and made lots of 11x14 copies to sketch on!!
how wide is your passing zone?
When we planned the van... we knew we wanted a 24” hall... never measured the passing zones, they just kind of “happened”! We will measure the next time we have the tape measured out! Great question
what is your van?
2018 Mercedes sprinter 170 extended 4x4