Changes We're Making To Our Camper Van
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- Changes We're Making To Our CamperVan
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/ paulmessner
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Reworking the van would give you a number of daily videos to share... Rip it out and start over now that you know what you want. That winter storage thing is something we all seem to do. We have a vintage trailer (caravan) that gets filled up every year. As a matter of fact, it is still full right now...
When me and my son were building his camper van…your tutorial on fitting the diesel heater and the C TEK charger are THE best reference video’s on the whole of the internet, seriously.
So thanks for helping us with that.
When we built oor wee Feisty the Ford Transit Custom , we didn't realise just how much we'd want to use it , it's been great 😊
Mate has a van conversion, best thing I saw on his was how he made it modular. Heavy duty velcro pads on the walls and on whatever module he needs.
If he wants his nice interior, he gets his interior panels and puts them up. If it's a camp that's gonna get dirty, all his nice stuff comes out and his bike workshop module goes in.
does he have any videos?
19:02 “Unless we proper minimalise the stuff that we need”
The shear look of disbelief or is it terror , at such a suggestion, on Jo’s face 🤣👍🏼
Looking forward to seeing the changes.
Cheers,
Gary B
put the bed up a bit, and make back entry garage/storage from the back, and some entrypoint for the dogs to live in
Subbed to Mama Jo... would love to see more of her art work.
Would be happy seeing vids on a van re-conversion Paul!
Great ideas. Go for cooking outside and get an induction hob in case the weather turns and you have to cook indoors. Go lithium and solar and get out there together and have fun.
Hi Paul, to get those remnants of numbers off without a repaint. Painters buffing machine (see screwfix not just a cheap halfords polisher) sponge head, coarse grit compound, then T-Cut, then polish with a lambswool buffing head.
Lol! The look on Jo's face when you suggested "proper minimalising" the cooking gear! :D That cracked me up. I agree about not fitting a kitchen. I've never understood wanting to "plumb in" a sink in a camper, you still need to have a tank for the water to come from and go to, and it's whole lot of faddle and stuff that can go wrong and bits that need cleaning for no benefit that I can see, the sink is always tiny and annoying and no more use than a simple, cheap, versatile, washing-up basin. And yes, being able to move the cooker outdoors is great! I'd love to see some more videos of the van conversion please. :)
the swivel seats are easy just buy from a reputable dealer then everything fits in the existing bolt holes. I have done my van 3 times and now it is perfect.
Rip it out after this season, to ket you enjoy the van as best you can. Winter's as good a time as any to carry out any alterations (alliws you a bit if timecto save done shekels to carry out said alterations).
Definitely pop in some swivel seating with a table you can eat at if you don't want the hassle of setting up external amenities.
Raising the bed area will give space for your puppies and a rear door accessible garage/storage area.
I think you did a great job building it. Swivel seats are a game changer - Greg Virgoe (UA-cam) is the go to man for van builds. He has done everything you could imagine building vans.
Hi ,I have loved watching your videos about your van. I think you two have done a fantastic job so far and cant wait to see what you do next to him. Please dont give up with the van. Also you have made the videos so well and so easy to follow how to do things like the electrics etc. So please keep up the great work. Gary
Rip it out and start over. Build what you want! Swivel seats, so you'll have seating up front. Fixed raised bed in the back with room below for the dogs. A small wall of cabinets in the middle, with both upper and lower units. Raise the fridge and put drawer on heavy duty drawer slides below it for the pots & pans. You can have shelves at the side of the bed for decor items, just keep them narrow so you don't hit your head if you sit up on the bed.
Heyup😊. The vans wood paneling make such a snug environ tbf. Great stuff. Build yer own world chaps😊😊
We where looking at having work done on my van , while chatting to our mechanic he said , enjoy the van while the warmer months are here then do the work over winter when your not using it , make use of your time planning and buying in bits , seemed like good advice . Van looks well Paul and the swivel seats are a must for extra space
Man, I really like the table and seats configuration you have now. The whole build is almost perfect to me. I'm just getting started with moving over from overlanding to vanlife, buying a really nice build like yours.
Timely video . I've just watched some of your van vids from 4 years ago Paul as I go full time van life in September .
Travelling the UK and wild swimming .
Your diesel heater install vid was my 'go to' instructor 😊
Hey Paul. I've really enjoyed your videos and your down to earth relaxing delivery. I happen to have a large driveway and a full woodworking workshop you're welcome to use for free to reconfigure your van. I was a furniture designer / maker but I now have a different job in homelessness, so my workshop is pretty much gathering dust. I've converted vans in the past including my sprinter so I can help and give good guidance. I have some great ideas for multifunctional layouts. I live just off J25 so only an hour away.
I also have an awesome quick nd esy DD xl tarp tent configuration which even Pappa hiker hasn't done yet I'd love to show you. 😅 let me know if you're interested, it's a genuine offer mate from one portly wild camper to another. Just sharing the joy. ✌❤
I've always liked the idea of a "murphy bed" in a van, it's something I'm considering when i do a van build 👌🏼 loving the wood walls/ceiling, very professional and makes the interior look brighter than some others I've seen
Paul, I think with all those changes it may be easier just to strip it out and start from scratch….. and I’m sure the second go around you’ve learned a thing or two so would do an even better job! good luck from Newfoundland across the pond!
Looking forward to seeimg the New Interior!
We have a large, A class, motorhome. Being able to arrive, get ‘set up’ in a few minutes after even a long drive, in the rain, cold ( even snow ), and sleep in the warm and dry, is priceless. Joe is right - a home from home, especially for longer trips. ( We even have an electric blanket!)
+1 for swivel seats. Beware that it raises the seat about 2”, so you may need lower seat frames to bring you back to the original height. You may want a couple of footrests too, you can use those short folding stools ( as per Dunelm £6)
I like these sliding beds where the mattress is split in two, each has a bottom fitted sheet, and when you slide the bed back, the mattress’s stack. No where near as much hassle as a “caravan bed”, and it gives you extra space in day mode.
Consider raising the fridge up under the counter so you don't have to crawl on the floor to use it. More likely to remember the beer that way. 😉
The van looks the bizzo mate, but all I would do if I were you is lift the bed higher to accomodate the dogs..
I've got a LWB van which I converted myself and all I did was clutter it up with this gs I didn't need.
I only really use it during school holidays and I've realised that less is more with the things you need inside.
Some nice comfy folding chairs by the door to look out is all you need, because personally I think your layout is great the way it is and also the fantastic carpentry job you've
done would be a shame dismantled.
Love this chilled out channel mate and also your great knowledge 👍
Hi Paul, having a real mattress will be the best thing that you can do. Don't worry about the battery in the back, some cars come stock with the battery in the boot. Just sometimes the fumes from the battery are not so nice. Enjoy your project! 😸
"I love it when a plan comes together!" 😊 Be careful of the headroom if you raise the bed level, you don't want to sit up suddenly in the middle of the night and crack your head.
I almost feel like I'm sitting there with you, drinking coffee. You're a lovely team!
Whatever decisions you guys come up with, remember to think when you live in it are usually the most important, but looking forward to what you guys do to the van in the future 😊.
Maybe keep the back unit for storage and just remove the bit by the left seat. I’d probably save the dosh and just use a portable electric grill like the one Cadac does, saves space and makes it easier to replace than a whole new worktop. Have you considered getting a roof tent for the Land Rover? After seeing some at the expo last year, really considering getting a Tentbox Lite or Alpkit Lookout.
I'd watch full daily content of you working on the van again, or at least 2-3 vids per week if that's too much for folks!
Greetings from Redondo Beach 🇺🇸Nice camper van video🌷🌷
Nice to see you two back but this time TN the van weather must be bad looking good nicely put to gather in the van be nice to see the dogs 🐕 as well in the van nice family outing because they are part of a family but stay safe and stay healthy one life enjoy blessed be
They would have been with us today if we’d not been to the car wash on the way, freaks them out!
You can buy the base plate for the front seats to swivel around. I did it on my Vivaro van, easy job to do. 👍👍👍
I'd like to make a suggestion. Make a list of what you absolutely, positively, without doubt, MUST have, every trip.
Then, remember that it's a van. It's not a house. So, you don't NEED to keep a multitude of household items in the van all the time. For instance, I have two camping setups for my truck. I've made almost zero modifications to the vehicle itself. BUT, I have listed out what I need to take when going solo, and what I need to take if someone is with me.
So, I have a storage bin that has the smaller solo stuff in it. A couple of skillets, a few pots, coffee pot, etc. are in the bin, and when I go solo, I just grab the bin, and load it up. Same for more-than-one trips. I have a couple of bins that hold that stuff, and although some of it is repetitive, such as cookware, etc. it's still dedicated to that bin so I don't have to keep that stuff in the truck all the time.
What does stay in the truck all the time are things like camp chairs, awnings, gas bottle, tool set, etc. I have several tents ranging from single to 6 person, and a dozen or so hammocks. What goes depends on where I'm going, and how many are going.
Point is, with the bin sets, you don't need a lot of storage in the van itself, nor do you need to keep a lot of things in there all the time.
Think about all the weather conditions and the WHAT IF you're stranded somewhere. The current lay-out serves you well during those times. You can also strealine it at some point but it's certainly costly to do a full-on remodel. Maybe a "🐕 Doggy Condo" build-out for the 🐶 🐶 pups by removing one lower cabinet area and build up from there for the dogs. Counter top/Workspace is always prime Real Estate, I'd leave as much of that as is possible when changing things up. Being able to fully sit up in Bed is a "must have" for most people. You'll surely miss that if you're next build-out doesn't have room for you to do that... Jo's like me, she loves sitting Yoga-Style on the Bed 🛌 🧘♀️. Happy Wife, Happy Life they say... I'm on Jo's team about the multiple Skillets 🍳😂.
Hey Paul, my self built VW Crafter has a fixed bed in the back with a built in dog crate under it for our 2 dogs. I have also build a slide out table from to bed on runners so it is all in one place. Makes for most of the space!
We picked a van that was professionally converted and are having the same conversations you're having - we won't be changing the layout but, every time we go out in it, we decide that there is a better way of storing the pans or the cutlery or how to stop the pillows falling into the gap between the end of the bed and the back doors . . . . etc, etc.
As for putting up the awning - I've decided to leave it to the wife, as she is so much better at it than me!
Hope you get the layout right next time.
Yes mate👍🏾
Loads of storage under the new bed 😀
You both make my day. Love your videos
Ripping out and redoing the van would be tons of daily content! 😁 I've got a small Nissan NV200 so I use it as my daily driver. It's actually smaller than my wife's SUV! There are enough van channels on UA-cam that have swivel seat videos. You are luckier over there in the UK as all of the swivel bases seem to be made in Europe. Over here in America I have not been able to find a swivel base for my Nissan passenger seat that isn't crazy expensive along with the shipping.
I like the idea of raising the bed and moving the electrics to the back. Plenty of space under the bed for the doggos and maybe if you put some upper cupboards along the sides above the bed you would be able to store your 7 frying pans! 😄
Oh good another van build series😃😃😃
Love this, I’ve got a ford transit that cost me 2k so already full of dings which means I don’t need to worry about it, I’ve rebuilt the interior 3 times now, but getting it there now!
How about split the rebuild into two stages. Do the rear now, raise the bed and create dog beds and storage. Use it for the summer and early autumn. Then do the kitchen and cab. You'll know by then how much under bed storage you've got and how you use it, maybe the rear will be ready fir the electrics to move into, and you get to enjoy the van this year without embarking on a mahoosive van build project.
I think we will leave it as is until end of September and then start to make changes.
@@PaulMessner yeah, use it and enjoy it! Have a great time both of you!
@@DozyRoseyPosey will do. Thank you
Love to see more of your van Paul #britainsmostnortherlycamper :-)
Use it til winter finalize plan and attack til finished. Get some use of it. A fridge cooler and anker type power supply probably get free one to try for awhile is all you need. A sink yes with catch container. With stove top. You need that in case of mosquitos. Hard to cook outside sometimes Raise bed to get to from front and thru back doors. Dogs home good luck with that hope it works. They like fresh air and room.
@happycreativemind I really hope you guys get to "nail it" no pun intended on your second iteration .
We're looking at kitchen 5.0 and toilet 3.0 in our van .
PMSL.
Go for the swivel seats and a walkthrough Joe . You won't regret it or miss having to do the one two step over muddy puddles to make a brew at a park-up .
Don't forget though you'll probably need some sort of thermal curtain around the cab windows if you want a modicum of privacy whilst using the swivel seats at night .
Good luck .
Fattrucker
Why not build a steel frame for the bed open at the front for the dogs storage at the back accessed from the back doors
Spend the summer working out what to remodel and fix in the summer. Do the remodelling/fixing in the winter...
Loads of content doing the van again! Sounds like you know what you want long term but you could start with the bed and dog area so that you can an use it this year more and then maybe do the front section in the winter? Although as someone mentioned, you might not want to go too high, else you won't be able to sit up in bed...
We have a 37 foot 5th wheel camper that we tow with a diesel pickup. There are times I would like to have a smaller vehicle, like a van, to be able to camp in tighter spots. Only so much money though.
Do a UA-cam collab - take it to Liam the Terrible at Coalition Vans 😊
Raise the bed where it is with fridge under the bed In the middle. Slide out toilet from under the bed. Take out the front piece put it the opposite side of where the fridge is so it’s partially covering side door to give you more space. Put the sink in there neared the bed with a panel separating it from the bed to the ceiling then fit a diesel hob at the side next to the door. With swivel front seats it will be brilliant.
Swivel seats try affordable van conversions over in castle ford I think (on UA-cam) Rick “The beechwood’s” works there.
Or have a look at Bug Out Vehicles Uk. Rich has fitted swivel seats to his sprinter conversion if you wanted to do it yourself. Or of course Gadget John or Wills Whereabouts. 👍🏻
Oh my the freedom . Well for captain chairs ie swivel round you may need help as it’s the handbrake that often gets in the way , how ever there are companies that can help with this if you want or people who can advise .
Don't use decals to cover the old phone number, get some polish or cutting compound and it'll come off the paint
Personally I think that a van the size of yours would really look good with VW type layout, Furniture down the offside and the bed between that and the nearside wall.
(obviously built to the right scale for that van) I think you could probably still get away with a fixed bed too.
It would maximise the space and give you a load of options to personalise it.
Go with Jo 😂👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😀😀😀
I did not know you finished it
did you do a video on the original build out of the van? also - why have a fixed bed that occupies space when its not needed? something that can be converted into a sofa or table maybe when not in use?
Have a look at the "love sundays" youtube channel. He has his larger Ford camper and is currently doing a budget vivaro conversion, but th layout on his ford sounds similar to what you're describing.
The Caravan Club offer courses for those ‘nervous’ about driving motorhomes. My wife did one. She now drives our Rapido A class, towing a trailer with a car on it. Also, can I ask where you parked to record the video please?
New van I would say…❤
Video every day can just be a mini series of working on the van for a bit
That's a great idea, I just worry about how much time Paul will have to spend editing out all the swearing, if he's anything like me when doing DIY.
You guys are so cute 😍😍😍
Paul, me thinks you need to put her in charge.
Hi Paul, we are a local campervan conversion company in chesterfield, would be happy to help with the changes . Let me know if we can help 👍
Ragwart Paul, we have it in the horses fields, pain in the arse and hard to get rid off
Personally I would sell yours and buy a smaller van to convert, therefore you get more video content you also get a smaller van you can park easier and the Mrs will drive it (maybe).
You have your stuff sacks and Jo has her cupboards to shove stuff into 😜
👋🏼
Why not train to become a mobile animal impressionist specializing in teaching people to do Lion impressions - you'd do a roaring trade !
Is the van expensive to drive ?
Mike.
You won’t be able to sit up if your bed is worktop height.
It's been 3 years now and you still haven't fitted the optics up!
Dear Paul....do the research...
Quote "Thankfully, Japanese knotweed is not poisonous to animals, so while you may find the appearance of this invasive plant on your property worrisome, you don't need to worry about your pets".....end quote.
We did say it was something like and didn’t really know. Whatever she has is harmful to her ponies if eaten and the chemicals used in treating it is harmful in the short term to our animals 🙂
Put a toilet and shower in and do videos driving to spain france Portugal