Man lives 2 years in a Mini Van and builds out Amazing Modular Camper that is Everything he Needs.

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  • Опубліковано 27 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 538

  • @Differentmedia
    @Differentmedia  2 роки тому +29

    Mike's original build van tour
    ua-cam.com/video/PT8qOPA1zFk/v-deo.html
    Van Life Essential Supplies! Everything you need to build out a van
    amzn.to/3TwM1CN
    Alternative dwellings are great when it's your choice to choose to live that way, but do you ever wonder why less of us are able to buy a traditional home?
    The answer simply is currency debasement. The answer more deeply is answered in my new podcast
    ua-cam.com/video/VZtG5aHt20Y/v-deo.htmlsi=7o2YPFRt4QLy0A7i

  • @veronicag.6205
    @veronicag.6205 2 роки тому +239

    Using the cup holders to anchor the furniture pieces is sheer genius!

    • @bob15479
      @bob15479 2 роки тому +2

      I would say it's shear genius ;)

    • @MichaelUrbanReed
      @MichaelUrbanReed 2 роки тому +1

      @@bob15479 I was thinking the same thing 😬😄

    • @wonder_rain_
      @wonder_rain_ Рік тому +3

      The youtuber eric enjoys earth shows how to do this in his build!

    • @Huntbarternsteal
      @Huntbarternsteal Місяць тому

      But where does he put all his cups now?

  • @michaelconover1559
    @michaelconover1559 4 місяці тому +4

    This guy has probably one of the best setups for the minivan !

  • @mikeredhead2894
    @mikeredhead2894 2 роки тому +122

    Thank you Forrest for featuring my van again!! It was a lot of fun meeting up with you guys and making this, and also the podcast!!

    • @SoMooLand1nine7
      @SoMooLand1nine7 2 роки тому +4

      Mister you're such a genius for those builds. So amazing regardless its not so organized but aye they do well. Amazing how the sink with a countertop can be moved and brought outside if you want too and the hidden away orig back seat 🤣😂 I wasn't expecting that since you're tall i was like hell nah he took evry inch from top to bottom and then boom pops up. Oh he got a lot of so much space below and that's waw me
      Inspiring
      In my future builds i might follow your stuff and the ironing plate 💪🏻 so genius also those lil board to be put as a table just 👏🏻👏🏻

    • @tomholbrook2948
      @tomholbrook2948 Рік тому +1

      Mike you are awesome!!
      Be safe and careful

    • @Dolph_Starbeam
      @Dolph_Starbeam Рік тому +1

      I've watched all of these and this is my favorite! It's so cool man. You're a fn genius bud

  • @conzpiracy
    @conzpiracy 2 роки тому +47

    Pragmatic, not flashy. One of the best builds I've ever seen.

  • @morphergaming0531
    @morphergaming0531 2 роки тому +41

    This is the rare vid that destroys all your preconceived notions of van organization. No cluttered cargo area of indistinguishable shopping bags and crap piled up. Mike displayed his amazing spatial skills by designing his system that is perfect scale for a van while serving his tall frame. Even more mind blowing is that every piece is moveable/adjustable and his wall units are beyond genius. I've watched hundreds of van builds but Mike's moved to my #1 position for creativity and function, bravo!

  • @lth1072
    @lth1072 2 роки тому +165

    This is a great van. Over the coming years, more and more people will be following this guy's approach and living in vehicles.

    • @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970
      @MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970 2 роки тому +18

      It's definitely already started. The van life movement is the best. I have 3 different vehicles that I already converted for off grid living. I still have a full time job and store them at my shop. I work as a mechanic.

    • @davidtran2026
      @davidtran2026 2 роки тому +20

      This can be viewed in both a good and sad way. Sad in a sense that people will have no choice but to resort to this lifestyle in order to afford living in America, but also good because of the freedom from being locked into paying rent which if you can deal with not having secured running water or actual property to always go back to is definitely a HUGE cost saving move.

    • @aegisreflector1239
      @aegisreflector1239 2 роки тому +2

      ​@@davidtran2026 Agree

    • @frostglow
      @frostglow 2 роки тому +10

      People take up too much room anyway. We have houses but only ever stay in one room at a time.

    • @mixmix1487
      @mixmix1487 2 роки тому +4

      Unfortunately a lot of people will have no choice but to, based on today’s economics and geo-political affairs.

  • @alanfry3758
    @alanfry3758 6 місяців тому +4

    That portable sink is genius

    • @dude-man
      @dude-man 3 дні тому

      im trying to decide where to place my sink in design, until i saw this. now im totally building similar in modular form 👍

  • @karenb1627
    @karenb1627 2 роки тому +57

    👍🌲📷... that movable compact sink station is brilliant. A lot of thought went into his functional build

  • @outingsforoldladieswhoaren7664

    This guy is very creative

  • @ohbother1801
    @ohbother1801 Рік тому +3

    I love this guy, 6:07 "...and a bong, for hitting."

  • @stu3775
    @stu3775 2 роки тому +30

    Wow, this guy really surprised my with his creativity and engineering level on this project.

  • @shamsshams20261
    @shamsshams20261 2 роки тому +109

    I like everything => the binding of the bed leg, that wonderful kitchen, the unanchored furniture, etc... This man is a genius 👏... Thank you for sharing.

    • @bdmenne
      @bdmenne 2 роки тому +1

      being able to man-handle your tranforming furniture is epic. He made that coffee table his b****.

    • @mikeredhead2894
      @mikeredhead2894 2 роки тому

      Come check out my channel for more thorough details of the modular furnishings.

    • @peforster6725
      @peforster6725 2 роки тому +1

      AND central vac!

  • @droarum
    @droarum 2 роки тому +46

    I hope Mike reads the comments, you are awesome, fantastic conversion, just epic. 🥰✊🏽

    • @mikeredhead2894
      @mikeredhead2894 2 роки тому +16

      I do read the comments section. Thank you for the nice words!

  • @mjremy2605
    @mjremy2605 Рік тому +2

    What a smart build! I love the hidden basement, genius. When you took out that chair from the floor I was blown away, ha ha!
    Making the cup holder anchor points is genius! So is the upcycled ironing board rack! You are very creative.
    You should be proud of your minimalist lifestyle. There is so much you learn about yourself when you strip away all the belongings and work to maintain them. Kudos to you, Mike, well done!
    Forrest - thank you for no music and no talking from behind the camera. It is the finest way to create van tour content. Only the smart professionals know this. It was very soothing to listen to, and Mike was able to get into the details with no interruptions. This is the best way to film. Very well done on audio, visuals, details, and camera work! Thank you!!

  • @andrewreid380
    @andrewreid380 2 роки тому +10

    'The reason I made them round, just for fun' 😂
    I remember him I watched another van tour on here a while ago and it was this dude. Nice guy and I admire what he's doing.

  • @sunnyfrank5391
    @sunnyfrank5391 2 роки тому +21

    “This thing would fly up, cut off my head, and kill me” Mike! I’m pumped for us to cross paths. You have a great way of carrying yourself, that I appreciate you for!

    • @peforster6725
      @peforster6725 2 роки тому

      "After the accident killed me anyways." lol

  • @chetmyers7041
    @chetmyers7041 2 роки тому +16

    Great ideas and organization. Thanks for sharing the idea of attaching to the cup holders.

  • @camillecarlson3858
    @camillecarlson3858 Рік тому +2

    This man is incredible. He had me like 20 seconds in and it just kept getting better. “Bong.. for hitting.” Lol.

  • @becommon
    @becommon 2 роки тому +15

    No need to ask... He's a smooth operator... Smoooooooth operator! 😆🙏🏽
    love your ideas, thaks for sharing ❤️

  • @vanjam412
    @vanjam412 2 роки тому +2

    I love the bong.. for hitting.

  • @sunnyfrank5391
    @sunnyfrank5391 2 роки тому +7

    Dang!! Mike’s got central vac!! I especially love how you lite up with excitement when showing that cool feature.
    Much love Brother Mike

  • @dorsch250
    @dorsch250 2 роки тому +2

    Finally a van dweller that is honest about the equipment he keeps with his pots and pans

  • @strollingthecity
    @strollingthecity 2 роки тому

    Good job mike. This is what i call freedom. 🗽💚🎥

  • @ChanelThomas248
    @ChanelThomas248 2 роки тому +17

    Dude, you got me thinking outside the box on my own van build! Love the creativity! Brilliant!

  • @Jack-hq4yq
    @Jack-hq4yq 8 місяців тому +1

    I appreciate this man’s organizational skills.

  • @chrispony5000
    @chrispony5000 2 роки тому +1

    Yes ! OCD vacuum, I like!

  • @sharonoldham4374
    @sharonoldham4374 2 роки тому +13

    I saw a van tour of his a year ago. He's done quite a bit up grades. Looking good He's really creative.

  • @julieevans6427
    @julieevans6427 Рік тому +2

    Hello from Germany Mike! One of best builds done with regular van. Love how everything is modular. The sink is great. I've the same water 💧 dispenser. I was going 2 do 1500 w max 3000w inverter, with 100 ah Lithium battery and 100 solar. Works great for caravan, but with van you additional generator. I will be working in other countries like UK 🇬🇧, Italy...Thanks so much for this video. I know all you have done was a couple years work in progress. Thanks for saving me a few mistakes! 😎✌️🤘🙂

  • @OrionMcKay1
    @OrionMcKay1 2 роки тому +15

    This build could be a kit that he could sell to van dwellers. Every part is moving and looks light but sturdy.

  • @he7is7at7hand
    @he7is7at7hand Рік тому +1

    The ironing board is a brilliant idea! And I like your slanted shelf for the food.

  • @uber2tuber
    @uber2tuber 2 роки тому +21

    What a great guy and a great build! I built out a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan last summer... with a bed in the same orientation, but with the pull out on drawer slides. Oh my God in heaven is he ever right about how it's a HARD BUILD!! People have no idea. He's done a fantastic job. I love the side storage areas using the cup holders. I had thought of something like that, but then went with a different plan.
    He's designed every area with such great ideas... having been thru this process myself I really appreciate all he's done!! Well done. Your modular sink is genius. I bought a two drawer Ikea vanity with two pull out drawers and made it into a mini-kitchen. But it's too heavy to take in and out. I did put it on wheels so that it can roll away from the wall so I can access the below floor storage.
    Anyway.... great job Mike! And thanks Forrest for sharing the vid... :)

  • @magsie4017
    @magsie4017 2 роки тому +15

    You are very clever... I am extremely impressed with the way you've done your build out.

  • @bdmenne
    @bdmenne 2 роки тому

    That is a man's man's build, for sure. Refreshing.

  • @sebparkes
    @sebparkes 2 роки тому +1

    Love the little pause then total honesty "pots, pans......bong" 😂

  • @michellestratford9753
    @michellestratford9753 2 роки тому +14

    He's so talented and creative! Amazing job!! 💖🚙🇨🇦

  • @lanceg2533
    @lanceg2533 2 роки тому +7

    This might be one of the best minivan builds I've seen! Super unique.

  • @michal3342
    @michal3342 2 роки тому +20

    Really impressed with all you’ve done in the van to make it your home

  • @caliemm2159
    @caliemm2159 2 роки тому +12

    Practical, useful, saving alot of money. Thanks for the tips

  • @dvfreelancer
    @dvfreelancer 2 роки тому +11

    I really enjoy seeing how tall people manage in a minivan build. There are some practical elements, like the movable sink; being able to take it outside is great for camping.

  • @doreenlopez1652
    @doreenlopez1652 2 роки тому +2

    Yes, I love the roof ironing board! 👍

  • @XtraZ12
    @XtraZ12 2 роки тому +1

    This is super impressive.

  • @trep53
    @trep53 2 роки тому +1

    Utilizing the cup holders to secure the furnature is unique. I’m going to copy that.

  • @nintendolite8651
    @nintendolite8651 2 роки тому +1

    Everything is very practical , lil home on wheels , love it

  • @barrybabbot7481
    @barrybabbot7481 2 роки тому

    love this dude. His grey water solution was priceless. Real van life

  • @albrighttopover
    @albrighttopover 2 роки тому +1

    That's cooler than starship trooper, man. Study, dreamin, disigning and building it's great. That's a big job.

  • @sarahmoore1312
    @sarahmoore1312 11 місяців тому +1

    I'd love to see it after he's painted it and had the new cushions

    • @mikeredhead2894
      @mikeredhead2894 11 місяців тому +2

      I have made a video of the new paint and floor and other upgrades. It's on my channel.

    • @sarahmoore1312
      @sarahmoore1312 11 місяців тому

      ​@@mikeredhead2894thank you for responding to my comment , I will take a look now 😊

  • @jocilynwatkins1027
    @jocilynwatkins1027 2 роки тому +1

    Coolest Van EVER

  • @alanwilson2073
    @alanwilson2073 2 роки тому +3

    I have watched practically EVERY van living video on YT and I gotta say, YOUR SET UP is BY FAR AND AWAY the very BEST OF THE BESTand in a van.

  • @prose3562
    @prose3562 9 місяців тому

    He’s ’a smooth operator’ - brilliant! A real sweetie.

  • @sammic974
    @sammic974 2 роки тому +5

    dear Mike, I've seen him being guested on other channels. So many are fascinated with his set up and attitude to life. Such a gentle, wise soul 💖

  • @aerohk
    @aerohk 2 роки тому +1

    Sick build

  • @janetg14
    @janetg14 2 роки тому +32

    I’ve seen his van tour before on another channel and loved how creative he is with his build! Very cool! 👍🏼♥️

  • @mooooooooonnn8656
    @mooooooooonnn8656 2 роки тому +14

    This is great. “Bong, for hitting.” hahahahha

    • @laurenthurlow
      @laurenthurlow 2 роки тому +4

      came here to say that 😂 I love how casual it was

  • @gwendolynfloccari4927
    @gwendolynfloccari4927 2 роки тому +1

    Great ideas. Wish him well.

  • @michaelwoods8654
    @michaelwoods8654 2 роки тому +1

    What a brilliant man

  • @joegotyoutuification
    @joegotyoutuification 2 роки тому +2

    This man has a plan! A real vanlife!

  • @j.kanobi6948
    @j.kanobi6948 2 роки тому

    That bong was definitely the key to this whole vapartment coming together!!!

  • @roundstone2020
    @roundstone2020 2 роки тому +1

    This guy is so cool.....

  • @nazufani4016
    @nazufani4016 11 місяців тому

    My favorite part of the build is how you used the cup holders & the rectangular cubbies to hold the shelves.
    Great idea. 👍 Thank you both for sharing. 👍
    ☮️💖🌻

  • @ReneaDooserider
    @ReneaDooserider 2 роки тому +28

    I seen his set up once before and really enjoyed it and now it’s even better, I like that his cabinets are movable. And that bed with the curved corners are awesome. Great video and he did a great job thank you for sharing. 💜🦋💕

    • @gaberoyalll
      @gaberoyalll 2 роки тому +2

      Agreed being able to move things is super cool 😎

  • @AmandaDawnBerner
    @AmandaDawnBerner 2 роки тому +62

    You could make a killing if you made and sold those shelves

    • @jamesmurphy7980
      @jamesmurphy7980 Рік тому +2

      They are the best shelves I've ever seen. The whole modular movement blew my mind.

    • @IceCreamCarla
      @IceCreamCarla 9 місяців тому +1

      Your are a genius!!!! Love your setup!

    • @IceCreamCarla
      @IceCreamCarla 9 місяців тому

      You could hire yourself out onsight to custom make 1 or more modulars for people, see the states and earn $. Plus I'm sure that people would be so thrilled that you would get room and board too!!!

  • @roamingfree6968
    @roamingfree6968 2 роки тому +4

    Mike did an excellent job! When he mentioned different driving styles I had to laugh. After I got my license my Dad got in the car holding a full cup of water. He said pretend it's hot coffee & DO NOT spill it! LOL He taught me a lot. ❤

    • @sharonoddlyenough
      @sharonoddlyenough 2 роки тому

      My dad did the same except it was hot coffee with rum in it.

    • @roamingfree6968
      @roamingfree6968 2 роки тому +1

      @@sharonoddlyenough lol funny 😄

  • @thinknicethoughts88
    @thinknicethoughts88 2 роки тому +10

    I love your setup:)
    I do the same thing with mine and change things around all the time.
    Particularly like your side cabinets/shelves.
    Also like your food storage that used to be your dresser wondering about putting a fold down shelf and a drop in propane burner:)
    You have my brain going

  • @WanderingWithWanda
    @WanderingWithWanda 2 роки тому +1

    This guy is talented and highly intelligent. Love his van.

  • @2010workhard
    @2010workhard 2 роки тому

    This guy is quite smart and creative. His design is great and real in living. 👍

  • @mathiasforup8864
    @mathiasforup8864 2 роки тому +2

    The full seat comming out of the floor is so smart. never seen that before. Would be amazing in ANY van build where you live alone. use that front seat space and have a backup seat IF you have a passenger.

    • @carolinepersons4260
      @carolinepersons4260 2 роки тому

      Those can be found in the (now discontinued) Dodge Grand Caravan and some Chrysler Pacificas! I was looking into a similar setup for my conversion previously and it looks like these two are the best for this. Good luck on your build!

  • @marcireale
    @marcireale 2 роки тому

    Your modular setup adapts to your needs, instead of you adapting to it. So much better idea!

  • @stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314
    @stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314 2 роки тому +1

    This diy is most unique and practical.

  • @johnsiu7217
    @johnsiu7217 Рік тому

    With Creativity and resourcefulness the world is your oyster.

  • @rondamon8004
    @rondamon8004 Рік тому

    Creativity is what matters....I like your van and your ideas, very clever...That seat came out from the floor like the secret hidden gem of the van...lol

  • @werenotfree6412
    @werenotfree6412 2 роки тому +1

    This is actually an ingenious design!

  • @kimrandall8135
    @kimrandall8135 2 роки тому +1

    Your sink and stove, tv tray portable compartment gets an A+ in my opinion. Excellent build, excellent video.

  • @mrswolls
    @mrswolls 2 роки тому +1

    I was just thinking of this guy's old van tour today and bam he's back

  • @adriennebyrne8237
    @adriennebyrne8237 2 роки тому +1

    What a beautiful build

  • @mixmix1487
    @mixmix1487 2 роки тому +1

    Always love modular. Just seems more practical than fixed.

  • @charlesshankle3178
    @charlesshankle3178 6 місяців тому

    This is a perfect setup. Logical, simple and modular.

  • @wheresmycoffeeineededit3639
    @wheresmycoffeeineededit3639 2 роки тому

    What a genius. Imagine what this guy can do with a full-sized van.

  • @judil3294
    @judil3294 2 роки тому

    Listening at the end to what he says about drivers - yes! He could teach my husband a thing or two.

  • @donwyates
    @donwyates 2 роки тому +1

    Simple, yet elegant. Well done sir!

  • @duncanallen9129
    @duncanallen9129 2 роки тому

    ...all your intention and the way you live obviously give you great satisfaction in life...a good inspiration...and a good example of how to live...

  • @livilou5075
    @livilou5075 2 роки тому

    One of the smartest builds I have seen by far, he has the most genius ideas, my fav is the sink and cooking box!

  • @amyhewett9941
    @amyhewett9941 2 роки тому +1

    I love your modular design! Also, +1 for bong storage.

  • @watsitidk1235
    @watsitidk1235 2 роки тому +1

    I like this guy. I've seen like 3 van tours and his set up keeps evolving.

  • @오늘도달린다-i7h
    @오늘도달린다-i7h 2 роки тому +1

    최고의 캠핑카 입니다!

  • @justgivemethetruth
    @justgivemethetruth 3 місяці тому

    I like that nothing permanently affixed design - it's really clever. And the curved cuts on the bed are done very well.

  • @shawnmicheal8
    @shawnmicheal8 2 роки тому +1

    Bong for hitting lmao bro ...my man

  • @OneAmericanWriter
    @OneAmericanWriter 2 роки тому

    I love that you dangle your stove sometimes! I got a dodge caravan in case I need to live in it but I’m not a Carpenter. Thanks for showing us I love your enthusiasm!

  • @isearcheduwin3132
    @isearcheduwin3132 2 роки тому +4

    Incredible storage and set up! He thought of everything!

  • @mitchweber7868
    @mitchweber7868 2 роки тому +1

    Ya this is by far the best minivan build I've ever seen. Gives me inspiration to better my minivan build.

  • @carolannmiller7911
    @carolannmiller7911 2 роки тому

    Brilliant use of space, versatility and practicality!

  • @Koolala75
    @Koolala75 2 роки тому +1

    I love this guy!!! Excellent carpentry skills.

  • @elizabethmcenearney7860
    @elizabethmcenearney7860 Рік тому +2

    What a great job you did. I love the cut outs for the cup holders! I love the way you used modular design to make such a small space livable. And also think the ironing board repurpose is genius!

  • @domalbe51882
    @domalbe51882 2 роки тому +1

    The best value for the money Van Mod I've ever seen. Genius.. Really appreciate for sharing. Good things in life will always land to you.. Very high respect to you. Thank you, very much.

  • @redview9481
    @redview9481 2 роки тому +1

    If there's ever a team of minimalists, he's their leader

  • @JennRazo
    @JennRazo 2 роки тому

    This guys has done a lot of really clever things with this build.

  • @biblestudysongwritingjoyce1981
    @biblestudysongwritingjoyce1981 2 роки тому +1

    A thousand thank you's! I have a Dodge Caravan that I'm just begining to convert and I love all your ideas! I'll save your video to study more. :)

  • @veteran_dino
    @veteran_dino 2 роки тому +2

    "The reason I made them round: just for fun" best quote

  • @mimiseeyou
    @mimiseeyou Рік тому +1

    Circular- for fun, bong- for hitting 🤣

  • @angeladawn805
    @angeladawn805 2 роки тому +1

    This is a very clever design