We love creators that don’t gatekeep 👏This is the first van build video that is actually accessible and achievable for people - not just those with lots of $. Wishing you all the best on your journey soon.
Thank you!! I know a lot of the social media surrounding van life can seem out of most peoples reach, so that has always been my goal: to show a more realistic version for the everyday person! :)
Ho ho ho let adventure begin ! 😃🎄 you are building your beautiful and fun dream , will be a very cozy tiny house on the journey , have wonderful adventures = )
I love this 😅 -you’re hilarious and so freaking cute! & remind me of Claire Danes. I love her. I only wish my tiny house build was proceeding with half as much fun and enjoyment as it seems like you’re having! 🥴
I build full size sprinter camper vans for a living and after selling my full size transit van that I lived out of for years I bought one of these little transit connects. When I was getting inspiration for layouts I found your video and to me this simple set up is way better than most and I replicated a lot of things you did in there! I’m almost done with the project and am super psyched to put it to use! Anyways, I just wanted to say great job, thanks for the inspiration and hope you’re still enjoying it!
I have a Ford Transit. I really like the functional bed preserving most of the floor space and still having a food/clothing storage area. Great idea of a portable table that is the bed support as well.
You seem like a cool young lady. It's not common knowdledge about memory foam. I just learned that 3 days ago watching another van build. So just keep going.😊 😊😊
You May Want To Look At Having A Small Diesel Heater And A Separate Battery System, That'll Charge When You're Driving If You Will Be In Really Cold Areas. Take Care And Travel Safe !!
I like how simple and clean your build is. So great seeing you and Eric building it together. What I found interesting about your video was that the van was originally a mobile office. I'm going to look into one of those! Great video! Keep it up!
Yes the mobile office was wild!! My video the week before is of me gutting the whole thing, taking out the filing cabinet, desk, and chair if you are interested. Such a strange set up haha!!
Your van build has been great so far; I’m going to subscribe so I can see where you go from here. It looks good and the bed works if you want it long ways, sideways, front ways, back ways, this way, that way, no way, or another way. 🤔. I like seeing the build done from the beginning forward. It clears up a lot of the questions that come up when I watch other creators. Ever forward…..>>>>
A single burner gas stove for oatmeal, coffee, cooking. A collapsible water jug, a power source(I use Bluetti 750wattbitll run a electric blanket-small heater- charge everything and has portable solar panel if needed. Lots of options, have fun, enjoy life, people are good just dont watch the "news", their job is 2make everyone afraid.🌝👍
Yep sounds exactly like my setup, small stove, water jug, and battery! That's pretty much all I need! I agree and choose to believe that most people are good!! Thanks for watching :)
Wow, just found you on my UA-cam feed. I'm 70 Yeats old slowly converting my 2004 suv mercury Mountaineer and you gave me some awesome ideas. Looking forward to more content on what else you've done inside to make it more comfortable and warm for you. God bless you. Traveling mercies.
Fairly simple yet VERY functional! I'm really impressed with the wood on the rear doors that turned out really nice and tied into the platform perfectly! Very cool you did a great job. Utilizing the dresser was pure Genius!!
Wow very plain and simple but very nice job! All the van builds you see are very expensive and not everyone has that kind of money. You did an awesome job. Wishing you the best on your journey. Safe travels
Love the simplicity to the approach - we went with the no build option so we could get on the road as soon as possible. Looking forward to your upcoming road trip! Within 9 months of us having our van we did a cross country road trip from PA to Grand Canyon and was on the road for a month and LOVED it and we were more than comfortable in the van. New subs here! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
Thank you very much!! Wow that sounds like an incredible trip, and I'm glad your van served you well! Just checked out your incredible channel, love it!!
I have many other videos showing the realities of van life, check them out if you are interested! I don't live in the van full time, only a couple months out of the year so I keep water and things like that very simple. I think I show my water jug and how I cook in general in this video: ua-cam.com/video/oyjDlrTPwR4/v-deo.html
I'm subscribing cause you came up with some nice ideas which maybe I could try. You aren't afraid of a challenge so you will do great. In from Central Oklahoma.
Absolutely love your bed placement and ease of setup.. And you did a very nice job on floor and door panels. I can't wait to see the rest of your build/decor.
Hahaha the 'creepy mobile office' is probably the set up I'll have in the beginning 😂 Also planning to get a Ford Transit Connect or Ram ProMaster City and it's awesome what builds people have managed!
Haha isn’t it sooo funny? I just love the office chair! Amazing, the transit connect is the perfect little size for me. Definitely have seen some people do some amazing stuff with these tiny little vans
That is awesome Eric was teaching you stuff on how to build the base of the bed. Your van build would be so me. I need it cheap and ready to go. I didn't know about the memory foam thing.
I have almost the exact same van .. 2011 Ford Transit, 60K miles. Trying my build in such a way it can still haul large loads yet double as a painting studio on wheels .. kinda a challenge.
regarding handles on your bed set up: probably useful on the box for lifting. For the plywood extension, putting some finger holes in the wood will allow you to flip it open more easily without having hardware that gets in the way. Or you can use part of an old belt to make flexible handles that don't hurt if you bump into them. One other question--do you have any insulation in there? If you're a farmer traveling in the cold season, I imagine that could make your sleeping much more comfortable. Love learning about the ikea mattresses--great idea for these small vans!
Yes definitely for the box! As for the plywood, I was thinking along the lines of some sort of cloth/faux leather type handle, similar to your idea with a belt. I also love your idea of finger holes!! I have insulated window covers that I put over the windows but yeah no insulation on the walls. Less than ideal, but still better than a tent haha! I've had a few cold nights but nothing too bad, I typically just try to head south and hope for the best. Plus heated blankets, and my winter sleeping bag if I really think I'll need it. I will probably do a video on this soon! Thanks for watching and the great ideas!
I’ve heard that a heated blanket or pad underneath does wonders. Or just pay for an electric spot for those cold snaps and get an extension cord for those cheap heaters. Friends borrowed our 6x10 CTC over a cold Easter wknd in Canada and just used those tiny hardware store electric heaters.
Instead of nob handles maybe use leather straps to get more clearance and not have them sticking out...and maybe cut a little hole in the plywood to help pull it up.🤔 I have a diy Transit Connect as well..I need to make some adjustments on mine too. Looks kool🤙
I was thinking the same thing with the leather straps! I saw someone else do something similar, can't remember who, but definitely will help with saving a bit of space. Every bit counts lol!
Your design and build is innovative, charming and though unnecessarily heavy, stuck to budget-which is a huge win, so kudos! Even though you took precautions by selecting a wonderfully sprung mattress, to further safeguard against mold from growing underneath said mattress from the damp that in all likelihood will still accumulate, consider drilling multiple ventilation holes into your bed platform. Congratulations on a job well done!
the big two pieces of wood, can be modified, so that you can access the storage on the drawers from the inside, say removable top, when say raining or really cold. Maybe you have done it already, I just saw your video, I have a Transit 350, certainly 3 times yours, because mine is extra large cargo van. But that is a fantastic idea, I will be using myself. Best. God Bless.
I've been thinking about changing the top to be removable, especially because I put stuff in-between the drawer spaces too! Hmm might be the next modification I make!
Its going to be amazing when you do a large van build, but your van does around 50 mpg, and a large van probably if both diesel will be around 30 mpg it's a lot to loos but it can be offset by staying that bit longer somewhere.
Hi Erin Elyse. I bought a Transit Connect. I’ve been admiring all your curtains. The rods are so neatly installed. Could you share how you installed your curtain rods and if you have the actual part links, I’d appreciate it.
Wow.. Memory foam freezes? I just came started watching your build and hit that fun fact. I love your design and am going to watch more over the coming days to get ideas for my future build - Dave from Canada. As we speak its -33C going down to -38C Brrr
Nicely done. I have the exact same Van that started as a mobile office. FYI - they were built in Baltimore under contract by Ford Motor Company. I also kept the white plastic panels; headliner and I use those heavy hooks a lot. Like you I prefer the platform bed with stuff stored underneath. You can get while plastic plugs to plug up all the holes where you took the security screens off the doors. I used the metal “extenders” of the floor behind your seats to store the Jack, jumper cables etc. since you cover the access up with the platform. Enjoy your ride.
Very cool to know more about the mobile office!! Thanks for sharing! Yes definitely had some handy features for me when it came with all that stuff, like the hooks and flooring.
This is a very good build and I think it would be okay in colder weather if you have a good enough heater because if you put installation in the doors and you keep the headliner back there. I think you're fine. There's no reason I think of a smaller Van too. Put wood on the ceiling and everything. I think it's just fine the way it is, especially it's so small.
I could be wrong but that memory foam mattress you had that froze looks like a gel foam mattress. Those do freeze. Never had a regular foam mattress freeze.
These comments are making me reconsider putting the butterfly knob back on haha!! The dresser was bought for my nursery when I was a little baby so I love the knob too🥹🥹
This is great! I love the different design to the usual, having the living / seating space at the back. I wonder if the folding bed extension could have another joint / hinge on it, with a bracket on the floor to enable it to be used as a back rest on your seat?
Great job. I'm a grandma and a weekend camper in the process of buying a Connect. My concern immediately for you is insulation ... not knowing which months you travel (but you mentioned Montana), any plans to insulate your van? Happy trails. Hope we "connect" on the road. Great job again. 👵💕
Super cool, I’ve got literally the same set up, though on my bed”support” is my battery boxes, feeding diesel night heater night heater & electriblanket ( a $12 heated seat cover lol) in Scotland its an achievement IF the temperature goes above 12* through the DAY, nighttime can go to -8 / -12*C So heating is essential Have fun ✌🏼💚🙏🏼🚛💨
I just found my very own tiny Ford Transit connect. Mine has that really high white rack on top like yours. Did you replace it with something different and if so might I ask why? Thanks.
Beautiful build! However, I didn't see if that box you move at night is fixed in place when you drive. If not, and if you get into an accident, even a low speed one, that will become a missile that can very very easily kill or seriously injure you. And it is mounted immediately behind your head. Do this as a mental experiment: imagine dropping this on your head from 5 feet. That is roughly equivalent to the kinetic energy it would have in a 10-12 mile an hour collision. A 25 mile an hour collision would be the equivalent to dropping it from about 21 feet. 35 miles per hour is a whopping 41 feet! The forces you experience in a car crash are unimaginable unless you have been in one. The very easy solution would be to secure this box to the platform underneath using a "french cleat". Using this, simply sliding the box towards the back of the van by about an inch "unlocks" it (no need to undo any bolts or unscrew anything). Check with your friend about the french cleat. He should be familiar with it if he is a woodworker. A modified version of a french cleat with through bolts (not just wood screws - the through bolts are very important) would hold the box in place during a collision, but would not make it any harder to remove at night at all. It is also almost criminally easy to make. Even a novice woodworker could make a french cleat system and install it in the van in less than 2-3 hours, including design time. Don't skimp on this. Seriously. I unfortunately have experience as to how violent and life changing even a "low speed" collision can be. Spending an afternoon now could save your or your passenger's life. Enjoy your travels!
This is a GREAT point! Thank you for bringing this up. I do have two heavy duty wires that are bolted into the floor of the van that clip into the back of the box. Unfortunately I didn't have this up and going when I posted this vid, so no footage but I will include in the next video so it is more clear. I also had to cut a very specific shape into the box to make it fit, and I kind of skipped over that bit too. I'm not in love with the wire system I have going on so I will definitely look into this "French cleat", perhaps I will like it better!
@@erin_elyse Glad to hear you've given it some thought. Accidents are bad enough if you just lose property. Severe injuries or losing a loved one is almost unbearable. For your existing wire, make sure it is plenty strong (as well as the clip system you are using). A (very very rough) rule of thumb is to multiply the weight of an object by 20 to figure out how much force it will exert on its mounting points. So if you have a 1 pound object, in a 35 mile per hour crash that will exert about 20 pounds of force on whatever is holding it down. If your box weighs 30 pounds, it will tug with about 300 pounds of force on those wires and clips. And if it has the opportunity to move a few inches without resistance before the wires catch, then you could easily be talking about another increase in force. So make sure those clips are very strong. If you do use the french cleat system, you should also have some sort of a pin so that it can't accidentally slide backwards and unhook itself (either on a bumpy road or if an accident has multiple hits). Drop the pin in during driving and just pull it out when you are ready to reconfigure the van. I don't want to be just a downer, but have personal experience with this. Ok, I'll stop now. I know you will have a great time traveling, meeting new people, and seeing some great sights! Enjoy!
What yr is this van? Might have missed that…and what are the dementions of space before u put the bed in? Thanks for nice detailed explanations. Super great job getting this all put together😃🎉 I hope I can do something like this too!
Awesome job! But I do think the bed setup is too hard to do. I would get rid of the hinges and just put a small hole in it to pull it out from under the mattress and put a small lip under the edge of the plywood above the drawers the catch that end. Then you wouldn't have to move the big mattress piece when converting into bed mode, just lift the edge up a couple inches.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
We love creators that don’t gatekeep 👏This is the first van build video that is actually accessible and achievable for people - not just those with lots of $. Wishing you all the best on your journey soon.
Thank you!! I know a lot of the social media surrounding van life can seem out of most peoples reach, so that has always been my goal: to show a more realistic version for the everyday person! :)
And the access to so many power tools and storage for the drawers and help who knows more than you do.
you have no idea how lucky you are to have a friend like Eric! Invaluable! Treasure him always!
He’s the best! We had such a fun day together building the platform!!
Seriously, what a G
Ericcc has absolutely (probably without telling you) adopted you as an extra kid to look after.
Hahaha 100%!
Ho ho ho let adventure begin ! 😃🎄 you are building your beautiful and fun dream , will be a very cozy tiny house on the journey , have wonderful adventures = )
So excited! Thanks for watching!
good presentation, good camera and audio. and good content
Thank you so much !
Hi dear Erin! Love your DIY personality and your TALENT. Now you added value to your van and "Erincized" it hehehe
Awww this means so much to me! Thank you! “Erincized” I love it!!
Thank you I didn't know that memory fome freeze
Your van conversion is so cute!! Simple design, nothing too over the top, I love it. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for the kind words and for watching!!
I love this 😅 -you’re hilarious and so freaking cute! & remind me of Claire Danes. I love her.
I only wish my tiny house build was proceeding with half as much fun and enjoyment as it seems like you’re having! 🥴
I build full size sprinter camper vans for a living and after selling my full size transit van that I lived out of for years I bought one of these little transit connects.
When I was getting inspiration for layouts I found your video and to me this simple set up is way better than most and I replicated a lot of things you did in there!
I’m almost done with the project and am super psyched to put it to use!
Anyways, I just wanted to say great job, thanks for the inspiration and hope you’re still enjoying it!
That's actually really good. Tidy, cheap and user friendly.
Love your ideas, work and attitude!
Thanks so much!
I have a Ford Transit. I really like the functional bed preserving most of the floor space and still having a food/clothing storage area. Great idea of a portable table that is the bed support as well.
Very fun video 😂 simple and functional build
Thank you 😁
@@erin_elyse I saw you’re taking a trip out west. Enjoy! This has inspired me to keep this on my bucket list as I’m about to graduate college!
Looks great. Happy travels.
Good for you👍❣👋👵🐢
Thanks for sharing . I am getting start up plan again after seeing your build ... on my long been planned road trip/ camping.
YES! Memory Foam gets hard in cold weather. I have a pillow that turns into a rock...did not think about that hehe.
Blew my mind haha!! Turns rock solid lol
You're great. very entertaining. God Bless and safe travels.
Thank you!!
Love this build.
Thank you very much!
That is so amazing! Can’t wait for the next video
Thank you so much!!
You seem like a cool young lady. It's not common knowdledge about memory foam. I just learned that 3 days ago watching another van build. So just keep going.😊 😊😊
Thank you! Yeah its a weird fact that I learned the hard way haha!
You May Want To Look At Having A Small Diesel Heater And A Separate Battery System, That'll Charge When You're Driving If You Will Be In Really Cold Areas. Take Care And Travel Safe !!
Love this video! Really shows your personality and how creative you are. Not gonna lie, that chicken was one of my favorite parts! 😍
Thank you so much💗💗 haha that chicken was so fun and curious!!
I need an Eric/Erin in my life!🤣
Hahaha right?! We work together at our job too and I think we make a good team!
A water proof cover so the memory foam doesn't absorb moisture might help
Omg this is so cute absolutely love it and h th and you for explaining in great detail 🫶🏽
I love the simplicity and versatility! And that you are continually refining the design. Well done.
Thank you very much!
The mattress has to be able to breath ie slatts underneath or brill some large hole's in the plywood
Oooo good idea! Thanks!
This is a cute functional build! 😊The white on brown looks very good! Nice work! 👍🏻
Thank you so much!! :)))
Nice setup!
Eric did a great job!❤
I like how simple and clean your build is. So great seeing you and Eric building it together. What I found interesting about your video was that the van was originally a mobile office. I'm going to look into one of those! Great video! Keep it up!
Yes the mobile office was wild!! My video the week before is of me gutting the whole thing, taking out the filing cabinet, desk, and chair if you are interested. Such a strange set up haha!!
Looks so beautiful ❤
Your van build has been great so far; I’m going to subscribe so I can see where you go from here. It looks good and the bed works if you want it long ways, sideways, front ways, back ways, this way, that way, no way, or another way. 🤔. I like seeing the build done from the beginning forward. It clears up a lot of the questions that come up when I watch other creators. Ever forward…..>>>>
A single burner gas stove for oatmeal, coffee, cooking. A collapsible water jug, a power source(I use Bluetti 750wattbitll run a electric blanket-small heater- charge everything and has portable solar panel if needed. Lots of options, have fun, enjoy life, people are good just dont watch the "news", their job is 2make everyone afraid.🌝👍
Yep sounds exactly like my setup, small stove, water jug, and battery! That's pretty much all I need! I agree and choose to believe that most people are good!! Thanks for watching :)
love this but also curious what you do about food and toilet and temperature control
Pretty simple, but very functional!!
Erin and Eric, I think it's terrific! Wish I was handy and could do that. Bravo!
Thanks so much!
You can do it! You may make a few mistakes at first but I'm positive you can!!
Excellent simple build. And very versatile
Thank you!
Wow, just found you on my UA-cam feed. I'm 70 Yeats old slowly converting my 2004 suv mercury Mountaineer and you gave me some awesome ideas. Looking forward to more content on what else you've done inside to make it more comfortable and warm for you. God bless you. Traveling mercies.
Thanks for watching! So glad you were able to get some ideas and I’m sure your mountaineer will be super cozy!
Fairly simple yet VERY functional! I'm really impressed with the wood on the rear doors that turned out really nice and tied into the platform perfectly! Very cool you did a great job. Utilizing the dresser was pure Genius!!
Thank you very much!
Wow very plain and simple but very nice job! All the van builds you see are very expensive and not everyone has that kind of money. You did an awesome job. Wishing you the best on your journey. Safe travels
Thank you very much! Yes it can be done on the cheaper side if its more simple. Gets the job done for me!
Love the simplicity to the approach - we went with the no build option so we could get on the road as soon as possible. Looking forward to your upcoming road trip! Within 9 months of us having our van we did a cross country road trip from PA to Grand Canyon and was on the road for a month and LOVED it and we were more than comfortable in the van. New subs here! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
Thank you very much!! Wow that sounds like an incredible trip, and I'm glad your van served you well! Just checked out your incredible channel, love it!!
Unclear where you store your water.
Like how you show the reality of van life. Stay safe.
I have many other videos showing the realities of van life, check them out if you are interested! I don't live in the van full time, only a couple months out of the year so I keep water and things like that very simple. I think I show my water jug and how I cook in general in this video: ua-cam.com/video/oyjDlrTPwR4/v-deo.html
I'm subscribing cause you came up with some nice ideas which maybe I could try. You aren't afraid of a challenge so you will do great. In from Central Oklahoma.
Thank you so much for watching and subbing!
love this, great vid
This is an amazing and ingenious build!
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!
dude... that's the Gabby Petito car! 👀
Go Green! I like the “lounge” set, it offers way more functionality! Great work repurposing the wood that you already had on hand. 🏆🏆🏆
Go White!! Thank you!!
That bed is Genius!
Thank you!!
Absolutely love your bed placement and ease of setup.. And you did a very nice job on floor and door panels. I can't wait to see the rest of your build/decor.
Thanks so much!
You’re so adorable 🥰
Your build looks super cool, however , how could you remove the butterfly door knob 😂😂 that was the best part 🤪
Thanks for sharing your development process Erin and love that you are a part time farmer!
Thank you for watching!! Hehe yes farming is the best!!
Hahaha the 'creepy mobile office' is probably the set up I'll have in the beginning 😂 Also planning to get a Ford Transit Connect or Ram ProMaster City and it's awesome what builds people have managed!
Haha isn’t it sooo funny? I just love the office chair! Amazing, the transit connect is the perfect little size for me. Definitely have seen some people do some amazing stuff with these tiny little vans
That is awesome Eric was teaching you stuff on how to build the base of the bed. Your van build would be so me. I need it cheap and ready to go. I didn't know about the memory foam thing.
Yes it was super easy and quick to build! The memory foam thing blew my mind, ugh so annoying lol! Thanks for watching as always!!
I have almost the exact same van .. 2011 Ford Transit, 60K miles. Trying my build in such a way it can still haul large loads yet double as a painting studio on wheels .. kinda a challenge.
Oh! Yes! That's the answer for me! A flippy bit!
You did a fantastic job. So cool with the resources.
Thank you very much!
Love the bed set up
You're both talented and Eric is a good friend. Good to know memory foam freezes. All these people from the west side never say that.
He is!! and right?! I learned that the hard way. Thanks for watching!
Great music
Love❤
I love it!
Thank you so much!!
@@erin_elyse of course
regarding handles on your bed set up: probably useful on the box for lifting. For the plywood extension, putting some finger holes in the wood will allow you to flip it open more easily without having hardware that gets in the way. Or you can use part of an old belt to make flexible handles that don't hurt if you bump into them. One other question--do you have any insulation in there? If you're a farmer traveling in the cold season, I imagine that could make your sleeping much more comfortable. Love learning about the ikea mattresses--great idea for these small vans!
Yes definitely for the box! As for the plywood, I was thinking along the lines of some sort of cloth/faux leather type handle, similar to your idea with a belt. I also love your idea of finger holes!!
I have insulated window covers that I put over the windows but yeah no insulation on the walls. Less than ideal, but still better than a tent haha! I've had a few cold nights but nothing too bad, I typically just try to head south and hope for the best. Plus heated blankets, and my winter sleeping bag if I really think I'll need it. I will probably do a video on this soon!
Thanks for watching and the great ideas!
I’ve heard that a heated blanket or pad underneath does wonders. Or just pay for an electric spot for those cold snaps and get an extension cord for those cheap heaters. Friends borrowed our 6x10 CTC over a cold Easter wknd in Canada and just used those tiny hardware store electric heaters.
Instead of nob handles maybe use leather straps to get more clearance and not have them sticking out...and maybe cut a little hole in the plywood to help pull it up.🤔 I have a diy Transit Connect as well..I need to make some adjustments on mine too. Looks kool🤙
I was thinking the same thing with the leather straps! I saw someone else do something similar, can't remember who, but definitely will help with saving a bit of space. Every bit counts lol!
Your design and build is innovative, charming and though unnecessarily heavy, stuck to budget-which is a huge win, so kudos! Even though you took precautions by selecting a wonderfully sprung mattress, to further safeguard against mold from growing underneath said mattress from the damp that in all likelihood will still accumulate, consider drilling multiple ventilation holes into your bed platform. Congratulations on a job well done!
Thanks!
Thumbs up for having great taste in music
Looks great! working on mine right now! Definitely a different approach than what I did
the big two pieces of wood, can be modified, so that you can access the storage on the drawers from the inside, say removable top, when say raining or really cold. Maybe you have done it already, I just saw your video, I have a Transit 350, certainly 3 times yours, because mine is extra large cargo van. But that is a fantastic idea, I will be using myself. Best. God Bless.
I've been thinking about changing the top to be removable, especially because I put stuff in-between the drawer spaces too! Hmm might be the next modification I make!
Its going to be amazing when you do a large van build, but your van does around 50 mpg, and a large van probably if both diesel will be around 30 mpg it's a lot to loos but it can be offset by staying that bit longer somewhere.
I Luv Ur design idea.
Hi Erin Elyse. I bought a Transit Connect. I’ve been admiring all your curtains. The rods are so neatly installed. Could you share how you installed your curtain rods and if you have the actual part links, I’d appreciate it.
Wow.. Memory foam freezes? I just came started watching your build and hit that fun fact. I love your design and am going to watch more over the coming days to get ideas for my future build - Dave from Canada. As we speak its -33C going down to -38C
Brrr
Nicely done. I have the exact same Van that started as a mobile office. FYI - they were built in Baltimore under contract by Ford Motor Company. I also kept the white plastic panels; headliner and I use those heavy hooks a lot. Like you I prefer the platform bed with stuff stored underneath. You can get while plastic plugs to plug up all the holes where you took the security screens off the doors. I used the metal “extenders” of the floor behind your seats to store the Jack, jumper cables etc. since you cover the access up with the platform. Enjoy your ride.
Very cool to know more about the mobile office!! Thanks for sharing! Yes definitely had some handy features for me when it came with all that stuff, like the hooks and flooring.
Awesome thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
If you want to put handles on the flip out Amazon has leather ones that I’ve used.
Thanks! I’ll check it out
Gorgeous!
Thank you!
Beautiful 💙💙
Thank you! 😊
Nice and neat.
This is a very good build and I think it would be okay in colder weather if you have a good enough heater because if you put installation in the doors and you keep the headliner back there. I think you're fine. There's no reason I think of a smaller Van too. Put wood on the ceiling and everything. I think it's just fine the way it is, especially it's so small.
I could be wrong but that memory foam mattress you had that froze looks like a gel foam mattress. Those do freeze.
Never had a regular foam mattress freeze.
LOVE! i thought the butterfly knob was so cute haha then u guys took it off 😭
Agreed. I loved the butterfly knobs ❤️
These comments are making me reconsider putting the butterfly knob back on haha!! The dresser was bought for my nursery when I was a little baby so I love the knob too🥹🥹
I wanna do it tooo but am under 18 rn 😂😅😢
Great Job!!!
This is great! I love the different design to the usual, having the living / seating space at the back. I wonder if the folding bed extension could have another joint / hinge on it, with a bracket on the floor to enable it to be used as a back rest on your seat?
That's a great idea! Hmm I should look into something like that. Thanks for the idea!
Great job. I'm a grandma and a weekend camper in the process of buying a Connect. My concern immediately for you is insulation ... not knowing which months you travel (but you mentioned Montana), any plans to insulate your van? Happy trails. Hope we "connect" on the road. Great job again. 👵💕
Super cool, I’ve got literally the same set up, though on my bed”support” is my battery boxes, feeding diesel night heater night heater & electriblanket ( a $12 heated seat cover lol) in Scotland its an achievement IF the temperature goes above 12* through the DAY, nighttime can go to -8 / -12*C So heating is essential
Have fun ✌🏼💚🙏🏼🚛💨
Omg I have a heated seat cover too!! Literally the best money I've spent on the whole van haha. Great ideas how to keep warm. Thanks!
I just found my very own tiny Ford Transit
connect. Mine has that really high white rack on top like yours. Did you replace it with something different and if so might I ask why? Thanks.
Beautiful build!
However, I didn't see if that box you move at night is fixed in place when you drive.
If not, and if you get into an accident, even a low speed one, that will become a missile that can very very easily kill or seriously injure you. And it is mounted immediately behind your head.
Do this as a mental experiment: imagine dropping this on your head from 5 feet. That is roughly equivalent to the kinetic energy it would have in a 10-12 mile an hour collision. A 25 mile an hour collision would be the equivalent to dropping it from about 21 feet. 35 miles per hour is a whopping 41 feet! The forces you experience in a car crash are unimaginable unless you have been in one.
The very easy solution would be to secure this box to the platform underneath using a "french cleat". Using this, simply sliding the box towards the back of the van by about an inch "unlocks" it (no need to undo any bolts or unscrew anything). Check with your friend about the french cleat. He should be familiar with it if he is a woodworker. A modified version of a french cleat with through bolts (not just wood screws - the through bolts are very important) would hold the box in place during a collision, but would not make it any harder to remove at night at all.
It is also almost criminally easy to make. Even a novice woodworker could make a french cleat system and install it in the van in less than 2-3 hours, including design time.
Don't skimp on this. Seriously. I unfortunately have experience as to how violent and life changing even a "low speed" collision can be. Spending an afternoon now could save your or your passenger's life.
Enjoy your travels!
This is a GREAT point! Thank you for bringing this up. I do have two heavy duty wires that are bolted into the floor of the van that clip into the back of the box. Unfortunately I didn't have this up and going when I posted this vid, so no footage but I will include in the next video so it is more clear. I also had to cut a very specific shape into the box to make it fit, and I kind of skipped over that bit too. I'm not in love with the wire system I have going on so I will definitely look into this "French cleat", perhaps I will like it better!
@@erin_elyse Glad to hear you've given it some thought. Accidents are bad enough if you just lose property. Severe injuries or losing a loved one is almost unbearable.
For your existing wire, make sure it is plenty strong (as well as the clip system you are using). A (very very rough) rule of thumb is to multiply the weight of an object by 20 to figure out how much force it will exert on its mounting points. So if you have a 1 pound object, in a 35 mile per hour crash that will exert about 20 pounds of force on whatever is holding it down. If your box weighs 30 pounds, it will tug with about 300 pounds of force on those wires and clips. And if it has the opportunity to move a few inches without resistance before the wires catch, then you could easily be talking about another increase in force. So make sure those clips are very strong.
If you do use the french cleat system, you should also have some sort of a pin so that it can't accidentally slide backwards and unhook itself (either on a bumpy road or if an accident has multiple hits). Drop the pin in during driving and just pull it out when you are ready to reconfigure the van.
I don't want to be just a downer, but have personal experience with this. Ok, I'll stop now.
I know you will have a great time traveling, meeting new people, and seeing some great sights! Enjoy!
What yr is this van? Might have missed that…and what are the dementions of space before u put the bed in? Thanks for nice detailed explanations. Super great job getting this all put together😃🎉 I hope I can do something like this too!
take out the hinges of the bed and make the board just sliding. it will 2 million times easier for you to set up the bed .
GO GREEN💚!!!! #SPARTYGANG
GO WHITE!!! 🤍🤍
Nice IKEA hack! 👏 Can you please link the IKEA bed that you bought?
Sure! I'll put in the description too. Thanks for watching!
www.ikea.com/us/en/p/innerlig-spring-mattress-for-extendable-bed-70350410/
Awesome job! But I do think the bed setup is too hard to do. I would get rid of the hinges and just put a small hole in it to pull it out from under the mattress and put a small lip under the edge of the plywood above the drawers the catch that end. Then you wouldn't have to move the big mattress piece when converting into bed mode, just lift the edge up a couple inches.
I am making some adjustments in the next few weeks! Great idea
Looks like you have the high top type.
Love your shirt 👕, Anne ARBOR waving. I just got my Ford Transit connect, no build rebuild. R u here still in mitten ? 😁
First of all....POWER TOOLS! NICE! Second....you should have totally left the butterfly knobs on the drawers.
Haha yes power tools!!! Couldn’t have done it without them! Hmm maybe I should consider putting them back on🤔
I vote to put them back on.
How many miles and how much was your van? What year?