12 months.........my original build took me 18 days and looked professional. GRANTED, I later installed solar and had to redo my roof because of the bowing. I eventually redid a lot of it anyway, but that initial 18 days had me camping in style from Bellingham WA to Kamloops BC for an annual fishing trip/mtbing trip with my dad and friends. Full disclosure, I live here and have 3 professional builder friends in the area, however they were pretty tight lipped in the spring of 2019 and I looked at a LOT of pictures. This van took me and my family all over Washington, Oregon and BC, but unfortunately it was deemed a total loss after a wreck in November. Fast forward to today......waiting for a 2024 170 delivery from PA. This van is going to be epic, but unfortunately it won't be deleted and tuned like my 2017. You guys put together great videos, it's just more and more ideas and learning. Also, I have 30K of parts sitting in my garage from that 2017, so yes, my Van Compass wheels and tires are 1st. Thanks!
Solo female here- HAD to get mine done 1.5 months. I have full solar/750w with 502ah of lithium batteries; full plumbing/water heater 12v. Fridge, Starlink, very well insulated, 2 MAfans, 1 arctic tern window, etc… total build cost 25K plus. My mistake was not finishing the ceiling first (but will be adding a 12v ac so probably better it isn’t finished). Also need to add gasoline heater - Promaster 2500. And yes I did it all by myself ! I have been traveling full time for over a year now! And Love it… I am a full time virtual dr with two 🐱 🐱:())
Biggest macro problem with DIY van builders IMO: The builds are generally self-performed by eager folks who have little or no construction experience. Just because you can write code or provide excellent massage therapy doesn't mean you can build out a van properly. Things like scheduling, sequencing, material selection, ventilation, etc. are learned primarily by experience over many years, just like anything else in life. Some DIY builds make me cringe upon inspection, and on first glance I'm likely looking at the areas of greatest emphasis (cosmetics) rather than the areas most likely to determine ultimate durability and function (what's below the surface). Good video!
Good tips. I'd add to have preplanned room for power growth. For instance, have at least one more battery space incase you need to add more batteries without modifications.
Awesome video. One on all strand wire solder all stranded wire will stay better inside all the connectors this will be my van do not the shrink wrap. Thx. Carl
What is the model of roof rack @ 02:56? I am starting a build and want to know where to put the fan as I really like this roof rack style, is it custom or if not is there a guide that I could get to put the fan in the right place ahead of getting the roof rack?
My first suggestion, start with a high roof van. Having to constantly bend over for everything, I'm 6'1", is a pain but can drive one almost insane were the weather to turn nasty for several days (looking at you snow). What should be a concept can quickly turn sour and ruin your van life experience.
Have a design/plan. Oh, hell yeah. first build I had a general 'idea', and just started in one corner with 8020 and went for it. It ended up functional, kinda. At least at was with 8020, as we did two partial remodels of the layout, and... still not really done, many years later.
I really appreciate all your great informational videos. I am about to embark on my build with the help of an expert but he is not well versed in creating a low EMF environment. do you have any thoughts on creating a "Green"/low EMF build?
Thanks so much! We have a full van building course >>(vanland.mykajabi.com/offers/RYvSHDcK/checkout) full of great information as well as tips and tricks from our builders. If you'd like to call our office with questions we'd love to help you out (707) 219-Six010
Good tips. These def check out as I'm starting to plan for my second van build. Question regarding your second tip -- would you do your cut-outs before a custom exterior paint job? Or after? Seems like it'd be easiest (and maybe cheaper) to NOT have to paint around custom windows, AC, fans, etc
Your vapour barrier view is "simplistic" If you don't account for the dew point when insulating and don't have a barrier you're going to have serious mould issues depending on climate.
I think building out a Van and having little to no travel/camping experience is not going to serve anyone well in trying to figure out what they want to build vs what they need to build.
Very nice video as always. One question on a vapor barrier. You made the comment, “ you don’t want to trap moisture in the van”. Well, how will the moisture escape? Through the steel walls floor or ceiling?
A retired trades guy is gonna build his van as fast as components are delivered vs a 20 something who have next to zero practical construction or automotive experience who cant afford to buy everything all at once and has a FT job.
Oh hell I am 68 still in the trades still full time, and just the design phase takes time let alone building the van. In fact everything needs design work.
Watching this video is actually quite hilarious. I just imagine all the snowflakes trying to build their vans and running into all of these problems. Oh yeah 12 to 18 months lmao
Respectfully completely disagree regarding vapour barrier, having one will prevent condensation collecting on the internal metal panels in cold climates, preventing this will reduce the chances of corrosion… and can people in van videos please stop stating battery amp hours without giving voltage as it means absolutely nothing 🤙
12 months.........my original build took me 18 days and looked professional. GRANTED, I later installed solar and had to redo my roof because of the bowing. I eventually redid a lot of it anyway, but that initial 18 days had me camping in style from Bellingham WA to Kamloops BC for an annual fishing trip/mtbing trip with my dad and friends. Full disclosure, I live here and have 3 professional builder friends in the area, however they were pretty tight lipped in the spring of 2019 and I looked at a LOT of pictures. This van took me and my family all over Washington, Oregon and BC, but unfortunately it was deemed a total loss after a wreck in November. Fast forward to today......waiting for a 2024 170 delivery from PA. This van is going to be epic, but unfortunately it won't be deleted and tuned like my 2017. You guys put together great videos, it's just more and more ideas and learning. Also, I have 30K of parts sitting in my garage from that 2017, so yes, my Van Compass wheels and tires are 1st. Thanks!
Solo female here- HAD to get mine done 1.5 months. I have full solar/750w with 502ah of lithium batteries; full plumbing/water heater 12v. Fridge, Starlink, very well insulated, 2 MAfans, 1 arctic tern window, etc… total build cost 25K plus. My mistake was not finishing the ceiling first (but will be adding a 12v ac so probably better it isn’t finished). Also need to add gasoline heater - Promaster 2500. And yes I did it all by myself !
I have been traveling full time for over a year now! And Love it… I am a full time virtual dr with two 🐱 🐱:())
Biggest macro problem with DIY van builders IMO: The builds are generally self-performed by eager folks who have little or no construction experience. Just because you can write code or provide excellent massage therapy doesn't mean you can build out a van properly. Things like scheduling, sequencing, material selection, ventilation, etc. are learned primarily by experience over many years, just like anything else in life. Some DIY builds make me cringe upon inspection, and on first glance I'm likely looking at the areas of greatest emphasis (cosmetics) rather than the areas most likely to determine ultimate durability and function (what's below the surface). Good video!
Good tips. I'd add to have preplanned room for power growth. For instance, have at least one more battery space incase you need to add more batteries without modifications.
Awesome video. One on all strand wire solder all stranded wire will stay better inside all the connectors this will be my van do not the shrink wrap. Thx. Carl
What is the model of roof rack @ 02:56? I am starting a build and want to know where to put the fan as I really like this roof rack style, is it custom or if not is there a guide that I could get to put the fan in the right place ahead of getting the roof rack?
After establishing a clear WBS I estimate it to be a 18 man day to finish it.
Finally it took me 15 days by optimizing some operation. 🙃
My van is named Winston in honor of the Winchester house as when I quit working on it I will be dead
My first suggestion, start with a high roof van. Having to constantly bend over for everything, I'm 6'1", is a pain but can drive one almost insane were the weather to turn nasty for several days (looking at you snow). What should be a concept can quickly turn sour and ruin your van life experience.
Have a design/plan. Oh, hell yeah. first build I had a general 'idea', and just started in one corner with 8020 and went for it. It ended up functional, kinda. At least at was with 8020, as we did two partial remodels of the layout, and... still not really done, many years later.
Good video! What is a simpler way to do the van floor?
I like you channel. It is very helpful. This is the most valuable video on my limited knowledge. Thank you.
So nice of you!
Thank you for the great advice! I’m converting an Ambulance and was trying to figure out how to plan it, this helps a lot!
You can do it!
Thanks
Very good points. I've made a couple of those mistakes in some of my builds.
I really appreciate all your great informational videos. I am about to embark on my build with the help of an expert but he is not well versed in creating a low EMF environment. do you have any thoughts on creating a "Green"/low EMF build?
Thanks so much! We have a full van building course >>(vanland.mykajabi.com/offers/RYvSHDcK/checkout) full of great information as well as tips and tricks from our builders. If you'd like to call our office with questions we'd love to help you out (707) 219-Six010
THANK YOU!!!🧡
Good tips. These def check out as I'm starting to plan for my second van build.
Question regarding your second tip -- would you do your cut-outs before a custom exterior paint job? Or after? Seems like it'd be easiest (and maybe cheaper) to NOT have to paint around custom windows, AC, fans, etc
Great question.Get the paint job first. The punters will appreciate not having to tape around windows and other objects.
Your vapour barrier view is "simplistic"
If you don't account for the dew point when insulating and don't have a barrier you're going to have serious mould issues depending on climate.
I was thinking the same, you don't want moisture trapped between the skin and the insulation to later turn into a liquid.
@@ifell3 is that why spray foam on the walls/ ceiling is done on some vans.
I think building out a Van and having little to no travel/camping experience is not going to serve anyone well in trying to figure out what they want to build vs what they need to build.
Thank you for some really great points and this type of video really serves the Van community and can keep the mistakes to a minimum.
Very nice video as always. One question on a vapor barrier. You made the comment, “ you don’t want to trap moisture in the van”. Well, how will the moisture escape? Through the steel walls floor or ceiling?
Thanks for the tips. Very helpful!
Great video, thanks a lot guys!
Oh the old vapour barrier debate
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Awesome video!
Thanks 🙏
A retired trades guy is gonna build his van as fast as components are delivered vs a 20 something who have next to zero practical construction or automotive experience who cant afford to buy everything all at once and has a FT job.
Oh hell I am 68 still in the trades still full time, and just the design phase takes time let alone building the van. In fact everything needs design work.
Watching this video is actually quite hilarious. I just imagine all the snowflakes trying to build their vans and running into all of these problems. Oh yeah 12 to 18 months lmao
Insulation and vapor barrier 😂 laughing for years watching people freak out about insulation issues., this guy is 100% correct
👍👍
Great tips.
Just a heads up. You forgot the "D" in "Building Out of order" title
Oh thanks!
EVERYONE? NO, hun, newbies. 30 years on the road and going strong. Please, take care of yourself
Thats a long time not goin to be 12 months for me..
How long do you think your build will take? Is it a full conversion? Best of luck!
I thought the content was very interesting without the annoying music in the background.
Respectfully completely disagree regarding vapour barrier, having one will prevent condensation collecting on the internal metal panels in cold climates, preventing this will reduce the chances of corrosion… and can people in van videos please stop stating battery amp hours without giving voltage as it means absolutely nothing 🤙
It's all 12v, so talking in amp hours is correct.