VAN LIFE DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan
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- Опубліковано 13 січ 2025
- In today’s video we feature Les a retired electrician that has a passion for camping and vans since over the years. On this custom diy camper build out, he used the 2019 GMC Savannah van chassis. This van with the roof top air conditioner is under 8’ tall and fits in his garage.
#campervan #camper #vanlife
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My sweet dad, Les, passed away from cancer this past July. It broke his heart when he had to sell this van. I am so very grateful that he was asked to make this video. He was so knowledgeable and I'm glad he could share with you all. I love that I can watch him in this video whenever I want. Thank you for all of your kind comments. He enjoyed them so much ❤️
Beth, I’m so sorry to hear about your father Les. It was fate how we met it was not a planned Van Tour. We bumped into each other in a parking lot. We started talking and set up the tour. He was a genius and he will be missed by so many. 💔
Did he get to take his long trip? So glad you commented. I hate you lost such a wonderful father!
The technically and esthetically brilliant. I love the clean lines and it was busy looking!
Sending you love and prayers. He seems like he must have been a gem of a Dad and full of life. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Sending you peace as well. ☮️❤️🙏
As a tradesman myself he made me so proud on this. He seemed like an amazing man here. I hope this video puts a smile on your face every time you watch.
That's my dad!!! Proud of you!!!! This video doesn't do it justice...it is even more impressive in person. Camping is still one of my favorite things to do thanks to him. ❤❤❤😊
Yep. That’s my daughter !!!! She’s one of the cute little blondes sitting on the side step of the blue 1970 Chevy van in the video. It sure was fun taking these little ones camping and hiking. My little sweeties. Just think Beth...We will be camping together again in October. Can’t wait !! Luv ya. Dad.
@@lessvarny4556 ROFL 🤭
You have a great Dad💜. What a special man.
Awesome! Buh why is he standing like that at the beginning 😭😂 looks like he’s waitin n watching the guy he’s about to fight walk up. No hate I love it!
Your dad seems like a good guy, reminds me of a couple of guys that I've worked with over the years. Love the van, great layout and design, functionality first, but still looks great. As a 30 year electrician myself, I knew that the first comment about the fridge he'd make was about keeping the beer cold. Best wishes, man, you earned it. The electrician is the smartest guy on the job, be glad you retired when you did; the new crop of apprentices are mostly worthless. Lazy, dumb, wanna play on their phone all day and some can't read a tape measure!
He's beaming at the opportunity to have someone listen to every detail of his van plan. What a wonderful guy.
Les was a great guy. He is missed by many
Hello everyone. I’m happy to hear your nice comments. I’m glad that you might find this useful. I see that there was a question as to which direction we sleep. The pillows are in the stored position as shown during the day. They are out of the way that way. We sleep lengthwise and move the pillows at bedtime. I’m sorry I didn’t point that out in the video. Thanks again for watching and thanks to Patrick for taking the time to do this video as well as having this wonderful site. I’m a sponge for new ideas. Remember - “Entertain your Brain !
Thank you very much Les for the tour and for the additional information.
Thanks Les. You and Patty have created a great Van. Happy travels.
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures Dear Patrick njoa,
I watched your review video about SUPER RED HOT DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan on UA-cam,
and you really have done a great job on this. I love your video style very much.
We are setting up a new business on camping chair and hope to extend our business.
So can you test the product for us?
We will appreciate it and we can pay for your effort.
Best Regards
@@scoutp good morning. The white paint is Behr premium plus interior/ exterior hi gloss enamel latex. Ultra pure white from Home Depot. I used 2 coats and 3 in a few areas. I hope that helps you. Have a great day. Les.
Beautiful build, and so many tips and tricks. Hope to be 'on the road' myself one day. Will definitely be referencing this video when I do my prep.
Happy travels!
Loved his saying...”entertain your brain...think of what you want, think of a way to do it, then do it!”. 😊
Yes, great advice
Getting plenty of great DIY's . Grandma Pat looking forward in doing a permanent build. I started a minivan modular build and my grandson love it and our adventures. Keep the videos coming.
Nan, I picked that up as well... "Entertain Your Brain!"
Good stuff, nice build, inspiration... and yet another likable chap!
I really admire the creativity on display found in the minds and hearts of these builders.
Electrical... it's as foriegn to me as the female species, (ask any I've dated, lol), but I still find it interesting to listen to. My knowledge of electrical systems stops at my, still, childlike amazement, whenever I flip the switch and... my kitchen is illuminated. =]
As a small child I stuck a kitchen knife into the switch/latch of my grandmother's open clothes dryer wondering if it'd turn it on WITH that door open.
I wasn't a bright child...
But for a second or two, I was a bit, uh, brighter than I had been.
I learned quickly... one can operate a dryer with the door open and, two, it wasn't one of my better ideas. =]
@@grandmapat5122 I've hit a 2008 Caravan that I want to rebuild for camping/living do you have any videos out here?
This dude reminds me of my grandpa. I just wanna hug him!
Thanks.
Les is a good friend of mine, and one of the most creative people I know - and his ability matches his creativity. I watched this van develop over the last several months. I'm so glad he got to share his story! Awesome job, Les!
Well said!
This man is a natural born story teller 😮
I could listen to him for hours talking about cardboard 😊
Les was a wonderful man.
That’s my cousin Les!! He’s the best! Always had vans and did creative designs :). He knows his stuff!! The Van looks awesome in person :) great to see this!
So cool!
Thanks Steve !! You are another person that I know that likes to be creative and have fun. “ Entertain your Brain !!” Les.
The typee of guy u want around a campfire telling stories.very smart guy n big heart
Yes, me too
Thank you so very much!! I would love to sit around a campfire with you. Les.
God I love old people! I’ve watched probably a thousand van videos and this is the first one that I actually learned something useful. He explained everything so well and kept me listening! Thank you!
He seems like a nice grandpa who likes to tell a bedtime story to his grandchildren
And a nicely done camper too
Oh nice
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures Dear Patrick njoa,
I watched your review video about SUPER RED HOT DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan on UA-cam,
and you really have done a great job on this. I love your video style very much.
We are setting up a new business on camping chair and hope to extend our business.
So can you test the product for us?
We will appreciate it and we can pay for your effort.
Best Regards
WOW! LUV THE RED HOT CHEVY VAN!
He speaks with a twinkle in his eye! Two fine gentlemen.
Enjoyed hearing from someone who built it himself. Practical, informative and inspiring.
Learned his tip to have all plugs GFI protected because of moisture in the van
Thank you very much
Sitting on a bucket and planning is top notch skills! Best part of building!
That is my favorite part too sitting back looking at the work and planning the next move. It’s like a chess game.
I like his red van, he’s a good guy that is trained to do things correct and safety is very important. Everything is well thought out. Great video
Les, has a very pleasant speaking voice and I enjoyed listening to his van tour 👍
This man's happiness is due to Patty. And both are lucky for each other. His experience and attention to detail is awesome. I hope they have many years of happiness ahead of them.
You can tell this man is all about precision, his work is great.
Thank you Butch. Les
To steal another saying, "There are no old, bold electricians." In that job, your life depends on strict precision.
Great person!
I was wondering if he was a union electrician, my question was answered when I saw the IBEW sticker on front of his 120 panel(and he mentioned it later); and I knew he had to have had unistrut someplace in that van, made me laugh when he pulled out the draw and he said he used unistrut. I'm a safety manager for a union electrical contractor glad to hear his reference to safety on the job, so very important. Wonderful build.
Thank you Alicia, I am happy you enjoyed it
Thank you for your kind words. Stay safe out there in all that you do !
I saw the same IBEW sticker . As a retired IBEW tramp you got me thinking about maybe doing something similar.
I absolutely love this one. His knowledge and absolute enthusiasm is so infectious! So talented. A lovely, well thought out build. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you for hosting such wonderful van lifers. Excellent! ❤️
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi, I grew up on Seneca Lake, it is beautiful there. A well built van, thank you. How nice he would ask his wife, what she thinks, smart man, lol.
Thank you buddy checking this one out
This is a kind of guy I'd like to learn from
And hear his stories
Hes a do it yourself type guy
Love that!!
Ellen. Thank you! Les.
I am also am a retired construction worker , hvac. I bought a Sprinter and built it out. It was so much fun. I had a blast. Actually am still working on it, changing this , installing that. It is never ending and if it does I might sell it and do it again. Thank you for the video.
That is awesome!
What an absolutely delightful gentleman!!
Yes, Les is wonderful
Absolutely fantastic explanation, and superb job on the Van !! And to Beth Shalenberger, you have every reason to be proud of your Father !! Bill
Thank you very much for your kind words. Les.
Patrick you really do nice interviews because you let your guests talk. I have watched some that keep interrupting and won't let a guest finish their thought. Thank you especially for panning the camera slowly and letting us get a good look at everything.
You're in my back yard, and he's wearing a local winery shirt, and oh boy, oh boy, what a swell van. OMG Letchworth too? Thanks NJOA. I'm going outside now to breathe in some Finger Lakes delight.
What a lovely man. He is so knowledgeable and speaks slowly enough to understand what he is saying. So nice to see all the details and seeing how to do something properly. Nice.
Thank you for your kind words Sue. Les
Thanks again to everyone for your kind words. I just wanted to let you know that Patti and I have really been enjoying our new camper van. We have a lot of camping plans for this fall. After all is said and done, I don’t think that I would change anything as far as the design goes. It really suits our needs well. It is perfect for day trips and sleepovers. Have fun and continue to be adventurous. Thanks again to Patrick for all of your hard work. This site really helps so many people get ideas for their own builds. Happy trails to you !!
Great Job Brother Lu. #401 Reno NV 😎👍
Great job, Les. I am picking up my first van on April 30th. Your advice on the GFCI is great. I also like that you save the inert female end of the power cord to protect things while you are driving.
Thats wonderful Les. I'm so glad you and Patti are having fun. Do you post any photos or videos on your channel yet? I know it takes so Much time; but if you get the chance, they would be great to see. Take care. 🌲💚🌲
Fantastic build on your van! So many shared ideas to think about on my build. Thanks so much!!!!
Loved watching and listening to your video. In my career I was a member of IBEW 2218. Throughout my utility career, I ran the safety meetings for my employees.
“Safety First”. and planning each job, prevents accidents.
You’re the best. Thank you for the tour. Inspiring.
Thank you sister. Safety is always premier, not only on the job, but every where. I have my entire family focused on safety, at home, on the highway, at play. Take care and have a fun and safe autumn. Les
"So many good UA-cam videos out there that I watched was a school for me." This is another one! AWESOME built! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, thanks!
I guess I’m going to have to find a journeyman electrician willing to watch this video and then take the same precautions in building the electrics on my future van. Fantastic explanations Les, fantastic build.
Best Van build I have seen on you tube by a regular person and not by a shop. Well thought out and beautiful craftsmen ship.
What a gentleman love his manorisum nice build really liked the electrical systems both 12v & 110v excellent idea you've given me some great ideas for my upcoming build thank you for your ideas.
Such an amazing guy
What a wonderful van build. This gentleman was so well spoken. I actually understood every word he said very clearly.
The shape of the kitchen is exactly the idea I needed for our 2008 Savana. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
OMG Les I love you. I could sit and listen to you talk all day. Love your van and your wife decorated beautifully. If I ever go camping I hope I end up next to you guys!!
Glad you enjoyed the tour
I love his thinking on the insulation, Lu the wiring part aber all I luv it all.
Thank you very much
Does anyone else really want to hang out with Les?? What a cool human! I bet he has SO many epic stories to share about his travels!!
Maybe one day!
A one of a kind person.. my cousin :)
I have no campervan, and I only know the basics of electronics, but I've listened to his narration of electrical systems with pleasure. Thanks, the van is looking great by the way!
his stance in the start of the video is one the coolest and most badass things ive seen in a min
OMGOSH …Years of videos & finally … this is what I need … THANK U BOTH
Glad you enjoyed it
A great motto “Entertain your Brain”
He would make an excellent teacher!! His voice is reassuring and kind. Sounds like a great guy. What a wonderful video!😊
He is really something special
And you got the Maxi fan great choice.. I swear by it no other fans can beat it.. I guarantee you it..
Better than Fantastic Fan??
@@jenniferwise8515 definitely better than the fantastic fan I'll tell you why the fantastic fan you cannot open it in the rain you have to close it the Maxi fan you can open it leave it open in winter snow sleet rain 10 speeds in and out the fantastic fan don't have that the fantastic fan is noisy.. I have one of my camper van and I bought one for my camper trailer which I'm building.
Nicely done van. He’s a great craftsman and I wish he was my next door neighbor. Really enjoyed hearing him speak.
This man is definitely a true Engineer. He was meticulous about everything because he learned to do such because of his profession. I honestly don’t think I’ve Ever seen such a magnificent build. The craftsmanship is superb especially since he made No shortcuts. I’ll have to look view this video closely several times, while taking notes of course. I’m sad to hear of your loss & I myself know about such as both of my parents have passed on. Beautiful efficient Van. Thanks for doing the photo shoot and the interview. This was a really good one but that’s how I feel about many of these.
Very cool van build and an even more cool dude. Sorry to hear that he has passed. I bought a hippie van in September 2023. And I've been looking at van builds and this one came up. RIP Les
What a pleasant gentleman. I hope you and your wife continue to have a wonderful and adventurous retirement! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so
Very well appointed. Nice to see knowledgeably skilled people van building. Thanks for sharing. And my favorite wine on a t-shirt. He gets extra points for being sharp enough to do rounded corners on his counters. People rarely think of such details.
Thank you very much Therese
Therese, Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad that you enjoyed the video. Les.
Not only is this a super clean build, but Les comes off as a super nice guy. I hope he and Patty are enjoying the heck out of this van!
It’s cool to see a guy so proud of the trade he learned. I’m a journeyman substation electrician for IBEW 465. Cheers.
Thank you brother. IBEW strong !! We continue to keep America wired and running. Keep safe in all that you do !! Les.
Love this van too. I hope we can do an east coast rally where all of Patrick's peeps can be there. So many talented people. Love this channel.
Love this...Clean, simple, functional, Stealth, just right
What a great build! I have a huge soft spot for electricians. My Dad was an electrician. He used to get a little upset when fires were blamed on bad wiring. He wired our house in 1967 in NJ. We had at least twice as many outlets as any other home in the neighborhood :). This video is wonderful - thank you!!
The electricals and wirings are neatly placed and laid! Obviously a product of 37 years on 'wires and cables' and you were able to use it on your truck, Sir! My hats off and I wish I could replicate your design as my template. Stay safe!
Virgilio, Thank you for your kind words. Happy trails to you. Les.
Well said!
A good union journeyman. A fantastic job you did sir. I've been a union organizer for 30 years. All one has to do is look at the quality there in your 110 volt junction box, to see the advantage of a labor union trained electrician.
Rite on brother !! Thank you for your kind words. Union, Yes !! Good luck in all of your travels!! We stand for quality !!
Les is both a craftsman and a creative genius. What’s most inspiring is that he teaches you how to solve your own challenges, not just do things the way he did them. Thank you so much for this video!
Well said!
I’m a single mom trying to build a van for my daughters and I. I’ve never been able to take my kids camping because I have medical issues and can’t camp traditionally.
I am also in desperate need of an electrician for my home but I just don’t make enough.
I sure wish you were closer to Texas so I could pick you brain.
You are incredibly skilled!!! Thank you for sharing this amazing build!!
Prayers for travels my friend!!
I am happy this video may have been helpful for you
What a cool guy. Calm, fun, simple but detailed. Looks like the build works great for them. Happy travels!
Thanks Vickie ! Les.
Amazingly practical and efficient design!
Thank you very much
Awesome van build! There are so many ideas I will be borrowing for my Transit Connect van & enclosed trailer build. Thank you for sharing such a cool build.
Thank you for your kind words. Les
What a WONDERFUL and SPLENDIDLY DRESSED OUT VAN!
I love your attention to Safety Details throughout your build-out. Adding a Weather station to your rig might be good if you're traveling out of your normal weather patterns. Husband and I found that to be very helpful when traveling from Minnesota to Georgia and then down into Florida during different seasons. Of course a CB for monitoring the road conditions and the Trucker info was helpful if we saw them starting to pull over when storm conditions were coming their way. Phone apps are nice but eyes on and word of mouth from others is the most reliable information during those time-frames as they oftentimes know the quickest and safest places to take shelter from the elements in city or open roads... ESPECIALLY IF CELL PHONE COVERAGE IS LIMITED OR DOWN IN AN AREA. Safe travels always to you and yours. You have a SWEETHEART of a Rig!
Thank you very much for the kind words. Les would’ve loved to read this. He will be missed by many.
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures Thank you. Your words touched my heart ❤ .
If I could do it over I would have become an electrician. They are particular and precise with safety in mind. That is my ideal rig very nice!!
Yes a very interesting and rewarding career
Just bought my first van ever. A 1991 G20 and you sir have inspired me to learn more about the van life, electricity & the design. Hats off 👏
This is one of the cleanest builds I’ve seen in a long time. I really appreciate Les’s his devotion to safety, and I did not once here any reference to any major box store or any of the dominating online outlets. That made me really happy. I like that Les is a locavore, there’s a lot to learn from this video and from this retired electrician. I enjoyed this immensely.
One proud electrician....
😊
Yes 🙌🏼
This van is perfect. 🇨🇦
Thanks Peter. We love it. We’re getting a lot of fall camping in. Take care. Les.
That’s the campervan I like, simple but functional and most of all it fits the Garage…I wish I have one…Thanks for sharing..Be safe..
Thanks Marissa.
I see this man as the greatest neighbor
This is the best video i have ever seen on a van build! I have saved it. Later, when i may have to build out a van for full time living, this will guide me. I will be 70 yr old soon. Hope i can do it!
Hello Catherine. Thank you for your kind words. You can do it. You are the same age as me. Good luck with your van. Les.
Awesome! Thank you!
Les this is a great build.
Love all of the detailed explanations, very helpful!
Love the red !🎈
Thanks so much!
This guy is genius!! Love the build! Best of luck and many years of enjoyment!!
Glad you enjoyed it Rick
Salute to Les ! Really impressive, well planned build.
Well done, especially the electrical circuits. Pay attention here, you will find some big nuggets. Thanks for sharing.
Great build, great ideas and the safety emphasis from a skilled electrician too. I liked his philosophy of “entertain your brain”.
Right on
What a sweet man and what a perfect van build . 👍🏽
Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you very much
What a cool guy and a great build he did on the van i could sit down with him and talk to him about the van for hours
Thank you sir ! Les.
Stumbling on this one a little late, but I am poking around looking for ideas on for my own van build, hopefully within the next couple years. I gotta say, Les addressed a lot of stuff I am always wondering about, but never get, from other van tours. I am a very technical person, so I appreciate, and want MORE technical details on the how-to of this van! Beautifully done, definitely a fit and finish I will aspire to. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much. Les
This is one of my favorite...beautifully done ..
I am happy you enjoyed it Catherine
I’m glad that I made it to your favorites list. Les
What a great van & Les was so thorough...great job!
Thank you Gina. Les
Les, I love this & especially safety first! I wish I could buy this van!! Love it & the shelf over the bed!!!
Thank you Kathleen
This van may go up for sale . If you are serious ,please let me know.
@@lessvarny4556 I'm so sorry, Les.
Thanks for your kind teaching.
Wow I’m watching and I heard you say you’re from Beaver, PA I’m from Beaver County too I live in Aliquippa and grew up in Monaca. So awesome to see someone local on here! ❤️
I like that - 'Entertain your brain' ! 😎 🇺🇸
Yes, always
Am I the only one that really wants to hear this kind man read "The Polar Express"
I think it would be amazing.
Very nice van Sir. Great job
Thank you so much. How could you tell that I am also a model train nut? Take care. Les
So Very Inspirational 😊 I really enjoyed his personality. I learned a lot about electrical needs and safety !
Glad you enjoyed it!
Les does it right, Safety is key. Good info for the wiring , thanks for sharing.
No problem 👍
This man is an Amazing Story Teller ! !
Les is a great guy! He makes excellent beer too! Awesome job!
Thank you David. I’m sure he does
I really enjoyed meeting Les and seeing his great build, well done!
The color scheme is fabulous and the build is fantastic. Love the attention to detail. Awesome!
Thanks a bunch!
This is one of the BEST van builds I've seen! It is certainly the safest! The electrical is brilliant. I love all the clever gimmicks included. I can tell that in all your years of electrical work, you were learning from the other trades. I also respect the way you show appreciation to the other builders you showed you how. This van is a work of art!
Wow, thank you!
That is a beautiful van build, and I love the color red 🚗 very very nice excellent job 🏆 you can see the time and dedication, that him and his wife put into that van
Hi patrick. This electrician is a genious and a sweetheart. Im sure his wife is very proud of him.
Hello everyone. I just wanted to thank all of you that have watched this video of my van. I am totally blown away by the number of people that have watched and commented. Patrick, you’re site rocks !! I have checked out so many other videos. I’ve got to say that there are a lot of creative people out there. I only wish that I new about this site before I started my build. I’m sure that I would have incorporated some of those ideas into my van.
Thank you very much Les. I was fate that we met
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures You bet !! It was. Thanks again
I love this man. I love his attitude, his outlook on life, his humility and his pride in his attention to detail. A great guy to camp with I am sure
This guy is my new hero
Thank you Bill
NJOA;;; HELLO,PATRICK, SO THIS MAN IS A retiree union electrician ,so was able to figure out his needs,wood work, worked fine, van is setup ver well,,outfitted for 2 just right
Thanks for showing it, happy travels,,,,,,,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
He has lots of great ideas
I love how neat and minimal everything is.
He really did a great job. I’m happy he got to enjoy it.