for the back, get a swing away trailer hitch, i use that for my van. I would also completely start from scratch, use draw slides, under the bed storage. Get rid of the 2x4's and maybe just use ply, with proper supports to take the wieght. they eat up alot of room. Solar panels as well on top..less dependent on the generator.
The biggest mistake I see people making in the van groups is over building before actually going on any trips in it. when/if you guys swap this one out for something bigger, just throw a blow up mattress, cooler, and lawn chairs in the back and start spending a night or two in. it’ll really help you piece the next build together as y’all see fit. You guys not having an entire year to build yours out might’ve been your saving grace from finding yourself even deeper in this List of frustrations. Also don’t forget that though the conversion van does offer more space than a conventional minivan or short roof, you still don’t actually have all that much room. Three months is a long time to spend in a van that is just barely big enough to make it all happen. The actual tall roof camper conversion vans allow for a lot more cabinet storage about their countertops and closet space. i hope to get my hands on one day, as the daily van life shuffling in brown sugar gets tiresome after more than a week or two, especially when we have a dog or two with us.
Absolutely man! Definitely wish we initially took the van out with some chairs and a mattress but all things considering she got the job done! Gonna see what's next for Bertha and what's achievable with her!
Y’all just have a mess!!😂But I’m learning from what I’m seeing. Y’all have really great ideas to get things organized. But, like you said in the beginning, it’s always a shuffling when you live in such a small place. But, that being said it’s always great to see such a young couple making a happy life together!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😊😊😊
For not doing anything like this before you guys rocked it as far as I'm concerned. First times are usually a good learning experience. Definitely looking forward to the next chapter.
Hey buddy the overall outcome of this is nothing short of perfect the van may have a crap layout or not be super huge… but the fact that you built it in such short notice drove from PA,to CA an had little to no hiccups is a win win in my book!!!! I bet Shane or mike can lend a hand with building you a badass van,mikes favorite tool is the sawzall lol but no seriously pat you both rocked this trip!!!!!
Thanks man I appreciate that and you are right, honestly for what this trip was and how fast we jumped into it the van worked extremely well! The overall experience we had was all because of Bertha the van!
@@patroell Bertha the van is a legend man she handled her own small hiccups an some nonsense with the doors but big Bertha is a legend man next trip should head to Massachusetts son would be awesome to meet an collaborate on a few vids an just hang out man always a huge fan of you buddy.
What I've learned with my van in the last almost 2 years is crazy. Insulation and power are definitely the 2 biggest ventures in a van, as they are extremely pricey. If you do plan to strip the interior, you should spend the money and have some spray foam insulation done and good framing work to support whatever outer wall paneling/cabinets etc youre doing. I haven't ventured much into power systems yet to give any advice on that.
for the back, get a swing away trailer hitch, i use that for my van. I would also completely start from scratch, use draw slides, under the bed storage. Get rid of the 2x4's and maybe just use ply, with proper supports to take the wieght. they eat up alot of room. Solar panels as well on top..less dependent on the generator.
That’s definitely good advice! Yeah she needs a total clean slate and a better plan! Glad it held up and worked for this trip!
Be safe in cali and thank you for the vid guys . We can't wait to see what will be done . God bless yall be safe and have a wonderful time .
The biggest mistake I see people making in the van groups is over building before actually going on any trips in it. when/if you guys swap this one out for something bigger, just throw a blow up mattress, cooler, and lawn chairs in the back and start spending a night or two in. it’ll really help you piece the next build together as y’all see fit. You guys not having an entire year to build yours out might’ve been your saving grace from finding yourself even deeper in this List of frustrations. Also don’t forget that though the conversion van does offer more space than a conventional minivan or short roof, you still don’t actually have all that much room. Three months is a long time to spend in a van that is just barely big enough to make it all happen. The actual tall roof camper conversion vans allow for a lot more cabinet storage about their countertops and closet space. i hope to get my hands on one day, as the daily van life shuffling in brown sugar gets tiresome after more than a week or two, especially when we have a dog or two with us.
Absolutely man! Definitely wish we initially took the van out with some chairs and a mattress but all things considering she got the job done! Gonna see what's next for Bertha and what's achievable with her!
Y’all just have a mess!!😂But I’m learning from what I’m seeing. Y’all have really great ideas to get things organized. But, like you said in the beginning, it’s always a shuffling when you live in such a small place. But, that being said it’s always great to see such a young couple making a happy life together!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😊😊😊
For not doing anything like this before you guys rocked it as far as I'm concerned. First times are usually a good learning experience. Definitely looking forward to the next chapter.
Thanks Tom! Definitely proud of ourselves for what we were able to accomplish!
Hey buddy the overall outcome of this is nothing short of perfect the van may have a crap layout or not be super huge… but the fact that you built it in such short notice drove from PA,to CA an had little to no hiccups is a win win in my book!!!! I bet Shane or mike can lend a hand with building you a badass van,mikes favorite tool is the sawzall lol but no seriously pat you both rocked this trip!!!!!
Thanks man I appreciate that and you are right, honestly for what this trip was and how fast we jumped into it the van worked extremely well! The overall experience we had was all because of Bertha the van!
@@patroell Bertha the van is a legend man she handled her own small hiccups an some nonsense with the doors but big Bertha is a legend man next trip should head to Massachusetts son would be awesome to meet an collaborate on a few vids an just hang out man always a huge fan of you buddy.
What I've learned with my van in the last almost 2 years is crazy. Insulation and power are definitely the 2 biggest ventures in a van, as they are extremely pricey. If you do plan to strip the interior, you should spend the money and have some spray foam insulation done and good framing work to support whatever outer wall paneling/cabinets etc youre doing. I haven't ventured much into power systems yet to give any advice on that.
if you can sell the van and buy short 4 windows bus and good luck
🙋🏼♂️ 🐇🕶
Great...one more free BLM spot opens up. Personally, I wish everyone would quit.