Here from Houston. Building a van out myself. Been at it about 6months. Kinda just going with the flow,figuring out what i need as i go seems to never end lol I first built an extravagant setup in a camper shell in the back of my truck..aanndd decided i needed a van. Im 26 and all of my friends thought i was crazy until they started seeing results. Anyway having a van now makes Kayak trips,hitting the trails on the bikes or just parking by the river and doing some overnight fishing Much more comfortable Nice to see fellow texans on here! SUBSCRIBED 👌
Thanks man. Its a beautiful wah of life. Really opens alot of doors when it comes to doing adventures and travel. Keep up the good work man. I was also 27 when I built me van lol
One suggestion... take off one of your lock braces off of the outside and put it inside the van... It will probably never happen... but that way, you won't ever get locked in. Getting locked in would s*ck.
I think using the two front doors on the van might be a way out. He doesn't have those locks on the front doors, just the cargo doors on the side and back.
bro i have a 99 2500 exspress van my boss got and gave to me and it came with those adsact locks u have on your side and rear doors they are great extra security but i am converting for van dwelling and i freakin love your sink and bathroom set up i always wanted to have certain things that are important to me and ability to bath.use the bathroom.sleep.and your set up is perfect i literally have been doing research everyday and i am going the same route..ty so much for your vid and info.i will be makin vids and ill totally give props to ur inspiration...
Very creative ideas! That tub is a great idea. I was thinking of a pop-up tub, but the largest I've seen is for sinks. Thanks for sharing all your ideas!
You know you're a coffee drinker when...live that! This is the first time I've seen a tub set up like the one I had in my head! Only difference is that mine's inflatable but I like your idea of it being storage...hmmm. ❤️
Coffee makes life better for sure. Love the bed/couch setup and the idea of taking a Ruckus with you. Ur killin me with the word "super" in every other sentence though.
Really nice job. I love the lock additions and I'm gonna do the same. I'm also gonna get some signs on magnets that I can keep under my mattress but when I'm in a sketchy area I'll pop them on the sides. They'll read 'ACME SEWER & CESSPOOL SERVICE '.
I just bought a Chevy 2500 Express with a low top. The bed and bathing are my two top concerns since I will be full-time living and... I'm old so want to be comfortable... Ha! Your vlog just answered my concerns. Thanks!!
those locks are clutch, thank you!!! AND the coffee bin is exactly what I would have! Thanks for all of the info and insight! My girlfriend and I are currently shopping for a van. Cheers brother!
What a cool guy, willing to go help someone build a van. Need more ppl like you in this world. Thanks for the amazing ideas, wish you where close to me, im thinking about getting a van soon as i found out i have black mold in my house and need to move out asap. Great video :)
This my favorite. I think I would have to go with 1000 w of solar the roof allows it. I cant do propane unless the tanks were mounted outside. Very nice I love the full bathroom.❤
Turn your art into one of a kind black out pads for the windows, you can print them onto canvas or muslin with a common printer and sell them. No two alike and with more people van dwelling they would be in demand and it would be something beautiful to look at instead of that reflectic material.
I was a firefighter. It would be really easy to cut that lock. The manufacture put the locking mechanism right behind the logo. This way firefighters could cut it in less than 30 seconds.
Yeah and you could also put a stick of dynamite in the door an get in on less than 5 sec. There are ways for sure. Hopefully no firefighters want to break into my van.
For the rear blackout curtains, instead of a bungee cord, sew some magnets down the edges. They will hold the curtains against the door, seal out any light and when pulled back keep them tidy out of the way. Otherwise, you did a great job, happy trails.
I found that a cooler a/c setup can work, if you make a tent out of a sheet, as it reduces the air volume it needs to cool. I don't know the downside to pumping that much moist air into a space, but I assume it would be problematic. I suppose if you also ran a dehumidifier at the same time, that would help. But by taking the moister out of the air, it warms the air.
Have you thought about a screen fastened by magnets to cover your side door and /or back door, even the driver's and passenger window can have screens. Where is your frig ? A cooler with ice doesn't hold up very long. Also I see you don't have your wheel covers insulated, the noise and weather will come thru that space. It looks fabulous !!! Let us know how it 'feels' once you are using it more, what you have find you have changed your mind on after using it more. Super Velcro, magnets and hooks are the RV'rs friend. Thank you for sharing.
Not sure if someone already asked, but could you go into detail on your camera setup? It'd be awesome to have a camera on each corner that you can toggle through on a screen while inside!
The inside setup is cool- modular. Like you said... you can then put a bike in. Or if you rent a storage unit … $60 - $80 a month... you can then take everything out, put it into your storage unit and haul stuff. Too many people build up their van so much and so permanently - that they can't haul anything large in it. If you put everything into a storage bin, then you can hire yourself out as a 'Man with a Van'.... for $$$. Ka-Ching!
You have the sink and toilet I hot 4 my Ford Transit Connect I converted 2a micro camper. Love your TUB...I went with a collapsible tub because of the limited space.
Rare are the lightweight applications on the Tube. Tks for the inspiration. I will look into a similar setup and the couch-bed for mine. To be continued...
And the sink/potty/bathtub which are just right for my frequent visits to the loo. which is why I got myself last summer the Chevy 2500 extended 2004 version, from Marketplace where you find great deals on FB. I am in the Gaspe peninsula in Quebec, Canada, alone on a mountain, come all by. RSVP. Good call, vanbro !
Flyswatter! Yes, so very useful. The backpacking stove is not a good idea for a van. Its ideal for backpacking but not a van. It is unstable and refills are costly. Instead, get a Magic Chef Propane 2 burner compact stove which is small but burns high at 17000 BTU. Get 1 lb REFILLABLE propane bottles 2-3 of them and use these or you can buy the disposable ones. This is flat and stable and nothing will fall over if you bump into your table. The stove is a really big deal. One mistake and your van is on fire. I would strap down that Yeti Goal Zero battery and keep it far away from your stove. Should not be up there when driving. You have your priorities right. Wonderful bathtub arrangement, smart! Also the toilet. I would put the toilet in a box with wheels and seat cushion on top to double as a seat. You don't want to see a toilet as you open your door... better for stealth! Now all you need is a fridge.
"So easy a caveman can do it" thanks, I like to keep things simple. Oh totally, I don't know how people do van life without a restroom! Its a huge part of day to day living for a human. I just wouldn't want to go to a public place every time ya know
@@marcoschwitau safe travels to ya. Ive saved this video so i can go back and cheat off your test. This was a great help so far. Im just now coming up with a plan and van shopping. Thanks for posting.
i have a similar van. that wiring harness on the top on the drivers side that goes to the back, i was able to fish thru that hollow channel. just had to drill a bit of a hole at the front of it to get it thru but it works great! then its easier to finish that part
Bro your house is made of flammable materials too and it's got a kitchen....just don't lite your wood...lite the stove...I've been living in my van and trucks for years and cooking inside the same way
I love you set up. Good Job! Will you tell me more about your back camera set up? Is it wireless (wifi) and is that a cell phone you watch it on? Can it be used to go to your cell phone when you are storing the van (not in it)? I want to be able keep an eye on my vintage Airstream while I'm away.
While the outside door locks are nice for additional security, they make it unsafe do to the close off to exit through the front. Someone could lock you in, making escape difficult. Just something to think about.
Those are the kind of outside locks that human trafficing organizations use. There are warnings posted about how to look for vans like this. I'd take them off!!!!
What are your thoughts on the jackknife sofa? Do you like it? Is it just as comfortable as a regular bed? If you could do it over again would you still go this route? Could it fit two people? Give me a review on it, brother! Cheers!
I love it for what I use it for. Great for having a couch and a bed combo. But if I did it long term I would need a bit more padding like a thick memory foam pad. Otherwise its great.
@@marcoschwitau I have a similar bed in my house.... It's like that... a bit hard. Found out once when there was a liquid spill on my sheets.. and I used a blanket underneath instead while the sheet set was being laundered... that it was just soft enough to make it real comfy.
@@kimberlyw.5712 it will fit two people. And if you have enough padding it will be comfy for sure. But in a van so much more contributes to a good night's sleep. Like a good breeze from a fan so your not overheating while you sleep...I could go on. But yeah it can work. Its just so different and takes getting used to. Hope this helps.
I've been looking at that sofa at Walmart. It sets up on a shelf so you can't try it out. It felt real firm when I mashed it with my hand. His pad looks soft.
There's no way my girl would drop a deuce while I was in the van LOL! She wouldn't care if it was -30 in a blizzard, I'd have to sit on the curb and wait.
How do you leave the side doors open without killing the battery. my light doesn't turn off unless you hold that button down by the door. Did you like invent a way to hold that button down?
@@marcoschwitau thank you for your response.i found all of those items.its so cool that I have the same extra lock for my side and rear doors they are indeed a need.A major deturent for to thievery.i mean there is almost allways a way if they have enuff time and tools and desire.But with these extra locks and an alarm system may just motivate them to shuffle off to an easier target.there are a ton of options online for table sink combos, the same u have,in case you dont want to use wood to manufacture a kitchette and save weight by getting durable plastic design.lots of options i thank you for posting cuz it really gives me a template of ideas being mine is a 2500 exspress too.best wishes to you and your van.i will start posting my own videos soon and i hope to pass helpfull ideas along to someone who may need help as well...paying it foward peace
A nice build...the only thing I would change is the toilet from wet to dry. It's much easier to dump dried turds and liquid piss than a foul wet mixture of the two.
Love it!!! Just one question....where do you find the little clips that you have on the bungy cords running down the side of the van to clips up like your bug net across the door. The wood is beautiful.
All the Videos i ever watched , no one ever offered his help to total Strangers like you do. Much Respect.....
Here from Houston. Building a van out myself. Been at it about 6months. Kinda just going with the flow,figuring out what i need as i go seems to never end lol I first built an extravagant setup in a camper shell in the back of my truck..aanndd decided i needed a van. Im 26 and all of my friends thought i was crazy until they started seeing results. Anyway having a van now makes Kayak trips,hitting the trails on the bikes or just parking by the river and doing some overnight fishing Much more comfortable Nice to see fellow texans on here! SUBSCRIBED 👌
Thanks man. Its a beautiful wah of life. Really opens alot of doors when it comes to doing adventures and travel. Keep up the good work man. I was also 27 when I built me van lol
The bath tub is awsome like u sead and its a benifit for space its not taking up space great on demand water heater would be perfect
Case close, this is the best that I have seen just because of your bathroom setup! You rock man!
The bathroom setup is fantastic!
One suggestion... take off one of your lock braces off of the outside and put it inside the van... It will probably never happen... but that way, you won't ever get locked in. Getting locked in would s*ck.
Psst....2 front doors 😃
I think using the two front doors on the van might be a way out. He doesn't have those locks on the front doors, just the cargo doors on the side and back.
@@decolonizeEverywhere - At 9:42 you can see a huge piece of reinforced plexiglass blocking access to the front of the van.
bro i have a 99 2500 exspress van my boss got and gave to me and it came with those adsact locks u have on your side and rear doors they are great extra security but i am converting for van dwelling and i freakin love your sink and bathroom set up i always wanted to have certain things that are important to me and ability to bath.use the bathroom.sleep.and your set up is perfect i literally have been doing research everyday and i am going the same route..ty so much for your vid and info.i will be makin vids and ill totally give props to ur inspiration...
I've never seen that kind of sink; it's awesome. Love the simplicity of your build that includes EVERYTHING you could need. I'm taking notes...
Very creative ideas! That tub is a great idea. I was thinking of a pop-up tub, but the largest I've seen is for sinks. Thanks for sharing all your ideas!
You know you're a coffee drinker when...live that! This is the first time I've seen a tub set up like the one I had in my head! Only difference is that mine's inflatable but I like your idea of it being storage...hmmm. ❤️
Happiness is your adventures with your home van and friends you meet along the way congratulations on your adventures with blessings
Thank you Peggy! That was very sweet! I'm planing a camping trip right now :)
Coffee makes life better for sure. Love the bed/couch setup and the idea of taking a Ruckus with you. Ur killin me with the word "super" in every other sentence though.
Really nice job. I love the lock additions and I'm gonna do the same. I'm also gonna get some signs on magnets that I can keep under my mattress but when I'm in a sketchy area I'll pop them on the sides. They'll read 'ACME SEWER & CESSPOOL SERVICE '.
Lol nice!
I just bought a Chevy 2500 Express with a low top. The bed and bathing are my two top concerns since I will be full-time living and... I'm old so want to be comfortable... Ha!
Your vlog just answered my concerns. Thanks!!
those locks are clutch, thank you!!! AND the coffee bin is exactly what I would have! Thanks for all of the info and insight! My girlfriend and I are currently shopping for a van. Cheers brother!
Good luck on your van search. You won't regret it!
What a cool guy, willing to go help someone build a van. Need more ppl like you in this world. Thanks for the amazing ideas, wish you where close to me, im thinking about getting a van soon as i found out i have black mold in my house and need to move out asap. Great video :)
Good luck. Van life all the way!
This my favorite. I think I would have to go with 1000 w of solar the roof allows it. I cant do propane unless the tanks were mounted outside. Very nice I love the full bathroom.❤
Turn your art into one of a kind black out pads for the windows, you can print them onto canvas or muslin with a common printer and sell them. No two alike and with more people van dwelling they would be in demand and it would be something beautiful to look at instead of that reflectic material.
I really love this setup~ Unique idea with the bathtub & sink. Very unique.
I was a firefighter. It would be really easy to cut that lock. The manufacture put the locking mechanism right behind the logo. This way firefighters could cut it in less than 30 seconds.
Yeah and you could also put a stick of dynamite in the door an get in on less than 5 sec. There are ways for sure. Hopefully no firefighters want to break into my van.
Never by any security device with the name "Master Lock" on it; they're all garbage.
@1234 ...and they deter a lot better if they are located on the INSIDE...
Wow never seen a tub before. You can be like Clint Eastwood now. A cowboy bath!
Great job!! Very unique products too that I have not seen before. Love the tub
The tub is awesome and fairly easy to instal. I don't use it much but there have been a few times it saved the day :) and it also doubles as storage.
Wow. You have blown my mind. What a nice rig! Thanks. Jt
BROOOO they way you built this van is PERFECT!!! awesome budget awesome camper!
You broke it down all so simple. I love it. I will go in about 2 years, the 62.5 mark. LOL see you then.
Waiting for you on the road!
For the rear blackout curtains, instead of a bungee cord, sew some magnets down the edges. They will hold the curtains against the door, seal out any light and when pulled back keep them tidy out of the way. Otherwise, you did a great job, happy trails.
Thanks for the tip, will do
if you screw a little hook or get a magnet with a hook on it you can put it on the back door to hold the bungee closer (@20:40). Nice build and enjoy.
I found that a cooler a/c setup can work, if you make a tent out of a sheet, as it reduces the air volume it needs to cool. I don't know the downside to pumping that much moist air into a space, but I assume it would be problematic. I suppose if you also ran a dehumidifier at the same time, that would help. But by taking the moister out of the air, it warms the air.
Well done bro!!! Looks rad. Happy adventuring
Have you thought about a screen fastened by magnets to cover your side door and /or back door, even the driver's and passenger window can have screens. Where is your frig ? A cooler with ice doesn't hold up very long. Also I see you don't have your wheel covers insulated, the noise and weather will come thru that space. It looks fabulous !!! Let us know how it 'feels' once you are using it more, what you have find you have changed your mind on after using it more. Super Velcro, magnets and hooks are the RV'rs friend. Thank you for sharing.
no ridge yet. I want a dometic eventually. and I also want to insulate the wheel soon.
I live in San antonio tx. I might nee ure help. !!!!!
Find me on face book (Teresa cooper) i need ure help !!! 💓💓💓
Not sure if someone already asked, but could you go into detail on your camera setup? It'd be awesome to have a camera on each corner that you can toggle through on a screen while inside!
Love your build out... can you put links to the sink, toilet and what type of rods did you install for the blackout curtains and shower curtain?
Congrads, your set up is somewhat atypical worth watching.
We need amazon links for your items! Affiliate links 👍please!
Beautiful presentation. Thank you!
I'm new to your Channel and just wanted to say I'm lovin' your set-up. You have some things I've not seen before.
VERY COOL SET UP .. Just bought a high-top .. working on the design .. Not mad or crazy just a "NOMAD"
The inside setup is cool- modular. Like you said... you can then put a bike in.
Or if you rent a storage unit … $60 - $80 a month... you can then take everything out, put it into your storage unit and haul stuff.
Too many people build up their van so much and so permanently - that they can't haul anything large in it. If you put everything into a storage bin, then you can hire yourself out as a 'Man with a Van'.... for $$$. Ka-Ching!
You have the sink and toilet I hot 4 my Ford Transit Connect I converted 2a micro camper. Love your TUB...I went with a collapsible tub because of the limited space.
When you put the scooter on the front, add an electric fan to the radiator; as the scooter will block airflow to the radiator.
Thanks. Will do
Rare are the lightweight applications on the Tube. Tks for the inspiration. I will look into a similar setup and the couch-bed for mine. To be continued...
And the sink/potty/bathtub which are just right for my frequent visits to the loo. which is why I got myself last summer the Chevy 2500 extended 2004 version, from Marketplace where you find great deals on FB. I am in the Gaspe peninsula in Quebec, Canada, alone on a mountain, come all by. RSVP. Good call, vanbro !
sun on your white legs...lol you are funny! love the building great ideas. The tub and sink are great.
Way cool 😎 set up DUDE ! You have saved lots of space. You gave me some great ideas 💡
Love the sink and tub....that toilet is the best they make.😉
Its all fun and games until a person comes walking by and puts his own locks on your van while your sleeping and your locked in lol
Flyswatter! Yes, so very useful.
The backpacking stove is not a good idea for a van. Its ideal for backpacking but not a van. It is unstable and refills are costly. Instead, get a Magic Chef Propane 2 burner compact stove which is small but burns high at 17000 BTU. Get 1 lb REFILLABLE propane bottles 2-3 of them and use these or you can buy the disposable ones. This is flat and stable and nothing will fall over if you bump into your table. The stove is a really big deal. One mistake and your van is on fire.
I would strap down that Yeti Goal Zero battery and keep it far away from your stove. Should not be up there when driving.
You have your priorities right. Wonderful bathtub arrangement, smart! Also the toilet. I would put the toilet in a box with wheels and seat cushion on top to double as a seat. You don't want to see a toilet as you open your door... better for stealth! Now all you need is a fridge.
I love how great this looks and simple enough for my dumb ass to do it. This may be the way i go. The bathroom is a game changer and cheap.
"So easy a caveman can do it" thanks, I like to keep things simple. Oh totally, I don't know how people do van life without a restroom! Its a huge part of day to day living for a human. I just wouldn't want to go to a public place every time ya know
@@marcoschwitau safe travels to ya. Ive saved this video so i can go back and cheat off your test. This was a great help so far. Im just now coming up with a plan and van shopping. Thanks for posting.
i have a similar van. that wiring harness on the top on the drivers side that goes to the back, i was able to fish thru that hollow channel. just had to drill a bit of a hole at the front of it to get it thru but it works great! then its easier to finish that part
It's the Express 2500 , 3/4 ton . Very reliable work horse! The Fords are also pretty good, these get better mileage.
Absolutely cool 😎
Love the shower setup
I really love the tub! 💝🌞
It would be really helpful to list items you used.
Great set up. Thanks for the tour.
I have a GMC van so can use your ideas!
Who manufactured the camera/video system that is mounted on the back your van?
Love love your setup so sweet!!!! Are you gonna our links for the stuff in your setup? Bathroom sink, bath tub, futon, etc!
Love your set up. I might copy some parts of it. Thank You.
Bro your house is made of flammable materials too and it's got a kitchen....just don't lite your wood...lite the stove...I've been living in my van and trucks for years and cooking inside the same way
You thought of everything..excellent job!
I really like your set up
Really cool set up 👍
Thank you for telling people to cook outside their van.
Cool features. Good job.
awesome job gorgeous van
Great to know that the toilet has no odor, where do you dump it?
Funny enough, I usually end up taking it to a restroom to dump it.
Nice lock. I was looking on Amazon didn’t see the same type though
Love it! Lots of bright ideas! I also put a futon in my van, Ford E350.
Just wondering couldn't you drain the gray water from your sink directly into the water inlet side of your toilet?
I love you set up. Good Job! Will you tell me more about your back camera set up? Is it wireless (wifi) and is that a cell phone you watch it on? Can it be used to go to your cell phone when you are storing the van (not in it)? I want to be able keep an eye on my vintage Airstream while I'm away.
Wish you were in FL. I need a build! Nice set up. 🚐
Where did you buy you couch/bed?
Nice build...love the tub!
You've done a great job its awesome!!!
While the outside door locks are nice for additional security, they make it unsafe do to the close off to exit through the front. Someone could lock you in, making escape difficult. Just something to think about.
Those are the kind of outside locks that human trafficing organizations use. There are warnings posted about how to look for vans like this. I'd take them off!!!!
What are your thoughts on the jackknife sofa? Do you like it? Is it just as comfortable as a regular bed? If you could do it over again would you still go this route? Could it fit two people? Give me a review on it, brother!
Cheers!
I love it for what I use it for. Great for having a couch and a bed combo. But if I did it long term I would need a bit more padding like a thick memory foam pad. Otherwise its great.
Good question! Would it fit two people comfortably?
@@marcoschwitau I have a similar bed in my house.... It's like that... a bit hard. Found out once when there was a liquid spill on my sheets.. and I used a blanket underneath instead while the sheet set was being laundered... that it was just soft enough to make it real comfy.
@@kimberlyw.5712 it will fit two people. And if you have enough padding it will be comfy for sure. But in a van so much more contributes to a good night's sleep. Like a good breeze from a fan so your not overheating while you sleep...I could go on. But yeah it can work. Its just so different and takes getting used to. Hope this helps.
I've been looking at that sofa at Walmart. It sets up on a shelf so you can't try it out. It felt real firm when I mashed it with my hand. His pad looks soft.
more like 20% done. great low budget set up.
Nice video. Thanksgiving for sharing.
What brand is that futon? That's definitely a good multifunctional Van Life piece.
Could you post a link to your fan and sink system
Sink is by (serenelife). you can find it on amazon as well as the car fan. litterally type in car fan and it will show up.
Great vid. Shout out from Texas.
Hey buddy, what do you have the legs of you bed sitting in to lift it up higher?
What kind of pad did you put on you bed in the sleeping mode?
Just some posts I found at home depot. Nothing fancy I bought them because I knew they were all the same size.
Be nice to know where you got that sank? And your toilet?
Amazon. Type in portable toilet/portable sink. Or camping toilet/sink
Are you using a motorcycle hitch mount/carrier on the back of your cargo van?
Link to Tub please
Love that there is pass-through room. Where'd you get that couch/bed? Smart gear, great build.
There's no way my girl would drop a deuce while I was in the van LOL! She wouldn't care if it was -30 in a blizzard, I'd have to sit on the curb and wait.
LOLOLOL
Link to futon please
Great build where did u get tracks to hang curtains inside?
How do you leave the side doors open without killing the battery. my light doesn't turn off unless you hold that button down by the door. Did you like invent a way to hold that button down?
if you turn the light switch to the left it should turn off the interior lights.
That tub is a brilliant idea!
I think you did an "Awesome" job on your van. Do you travel? I live in Chicago. I will be in touch with you soon. Keep up the Great Work in Van Life.
where abouts did you get the sink and tub from if i may ask
I found it on Amazon
@@marcoschwitau thank you for your response.i found all of those items.its so cool that I have the same extra lock for my side and rear doors they are indeed a need.A major deturent for to thievery.i mean there is almost allways a way if they have enuff time and tools and desire.But with these extra locks and an alarm system may just motivate them to shuffle off to an easier target.there are a ton of options online for table sink combos, the same u have,in case you dont want to use wood to manufacture a kitchette and save weight by getting durable plastic design.lots of options i thank you for posting cuz it really gives me a template of ideas being mine is a 2500 exspress too.best wishes to you and your van.i will start posting my own videos soon and i hope to pass helpfull ideas along to someone who may need help as well...paying it foward peace
I bet the sheep love that tank......
Great minimalist set up! Your sink is amazing, what brand is it?
250 express, learn something new every day
He meant 2500 it's the 3/4 ton , very popular fleet van !
hello good video You can put the link of your whistling hole to heat the water. ? thanks
A nice build...the only thing I would change is the toilet from wet to dry. It's much easier to dump dried turds and liquid piss than a foul wet mixture of the two.
Love it!!! Just one question....where do you find the little clips that you have on the bungy cords running down the side of the van to clips up like your bug net across the door. The wood is beautiful.
Great build my Brotherino, you have nice rig.
I like detachable sofa bed and shelves
equipment list of suppliers would be great.
Like your bed/futon!Where you get it?,Love your use of the Plastic Shelving ,=light weight#1,Agree,you need a Roof deck with solar,Nice Build.
where you ge your futon