How Much It Cost to Build My DIY Van: Full Budget Breakdown

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 30 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 401

  • @TomMaragos
    @TomMaragos Місяць тому +40

    Anyone who has watched you from the start and seen your entire build knows how hard you worked and has to be impressed. Nice rundown. Glad to see you're back.

    • @NSBlack_Stallion
      @NSBlack_Stallion Місяць тому

      @censoredeveryday3320
      Yep

    • @TomMaragos
      @TomMaragos Місяць тому

      @censoredeveryday3320 Agreed that she had help which is also in her videos. Everyone doing this gets help on their build in one way or another. It was still tons of work for her and her stress alone. Anyway, happy new year.

    • @soloelisa
      @soloelisa  23 дні тому +2

      ​@@TomMaragos Thank you :) Yes, I don't know how anyone could do it with zero help. Even with some help I still spent over 700 hours on this project.

    • @TomMaragos
      @TomMaragos 23 дні тому

      @@soloelisa Hope your holidays were super. Thanks for the reply 🙂

    • @telez01
      @telez01 12 днів тому

      Hi Elisa! Are you still teaching online language? Where have you been?

  • @Red.Christopher
    @Red.Christopher Місяць тому +21

    I don’t think that is an outrageous amount for a traveling home. It came out great and It looks like it is worth every penny. Especially if it brings you joy. Thanks for sharing the process and I appreciate your willingness to share the cost.

  • @charleshutchings9355
    @charleshutchings9355 Місяць тому +17

    Yes, it seems a lot of money, but a Palace on wheels? Priceless! You did an amazing job on this van, and I hope it brings you much Pleasure. Thanks for the update!

  • @utubewillyman
    @utubewillyman Місяць тому +47

    Yay! She's back!

  • @brickyard4313
    @brickyard4313 Місяць тому +11

    Your hard work really paid off …… great build young lady.

  • @stephenschuit7880
    @stephenschuit7880 Місяць тому +6

    That was a great overview: detailed, descriptive, interesting and candid. I thought your totals were going to end up much higher, so I was a bit surprised by the $65,000 total. Then again, you did so much of the work yourself. You are right: It is quite beautiful.

  • @AFTR-FX
    @AFTR-FX Місяць тому +10

    A very well thought out build! This is a good example of how to apply the Post-Covid vanlife technologies (especially the power management system) and combine it with an elegant design sense.
    Bravo, well done! ❤

  • @joseingenieros4298
    @joseingenieros4298 День тому

    Satisfaction for life, special milestone of personal achievement, story to tell forever, example of resolution and perseverance. Our respects Elisa!

  • @paul4835
    @paul4835 Місяць тому +9

    Impressed with your fantastic build ! Glad you are back posting videos !

  • @ivanibanez1273
    @ivanibanez1273 Місяць тому +5

    If you're happy with it now, just imagine how it'll feel when you take it on long, long journeys-reaching places you once thought were out of reach. The adventures waiting ahead are endless. So happy for you, Elisa!

  • @ScottCorriea-gm7mx
    @ScottCorriea-gm7mx Місяць тому +5

    Sometimes getting things how you'd like them is worth it in the end. Nice job. Hope you have many wonderful journeys with it.

  • @bigbear999
    @bigbear999 Місяць тому +5

    I just want to say that your van conversion is the best I’ve seen. Congratulations!

  • @tommroy
    @tommroy Місяць тому +4

    Fully done from a shop this would have been over $100K, so the DIY saved you a ton and in the end got you exactly what you wanted, well done, it really came out 5 star...

  • @onoone58
    @onoone58 Місяць тому +4

    UNBELIEVABLY NICE!!! The best I have seen on youtube so far. To me it's worth every penny to have it this nice. I don't know if there was a way to do it any cheaper but boy it looks so so so nice. You did an oustanding job.

  • @Landrytravels
    @Landrytravels 3 дні тому

    I'm three months from being an empty nester. Can't wait to start my conversion this summer! Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @barythompson4781
    @barythompson4781 Місяць тому +4

    I have been impressed from day one with the work you’ve done on your van build! You should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished. Many people pay more than that for a fifth wheel and still have to buy a capable tow vehicle. The money you’ve invested in your adventure mobile is still less than the cost of a lot of new cars. I’m actually pretty envious. Bravo and Happy travels!!!

    • @KevinReed-b6n
      @KevinReed-b6n Місяць тому

      That’s an overlooked point: there are so many new vehicles that (surprisingly or not) cost way more than that! Like a car or SUV.

  • @romendoza9846
    @romendoza9846 Місяць тому +13

    That's what matters. You are comfortable and happy with it, and you got all you wanted. Nothing is worse than a half built van and being uncomfortable.

  • @Fezzler61
    @Fezzler61 Місяць тому +3

    Not bad at all. Plus you did a terrific job! I hope you get years of joyful and safe travels.

  • @glowsandshine.
    @glowsandshine. 29 днів тому +1

    Wow you back, nice to look at you again. I mint nice to see you again. Well I'm looking to buy my next van in the next 4 months or so if your in the south Jersey area I'll take some of those screws bolts and hardware and some one on one insight...

  • @robertgarland9342
    @robertgarland9342 Місяць тому +2

    No matter what the cost, you have done a fantastic job building it. You can now sit back and say this is your home on wheels and be very proud of it. Merry Christmas Elisa and all the best for the new year. I'm looking forward to seeing where you end up on your road trips next year.

  • @pcamper975
    @pcamper975 8 днів тому

    Been watching this build, a ton of work, the results are Exceptional, you have a great eye for detail. just perfect.

  • @dougjohnson4266
    @dougjohnson4266 Місяць тому +1

    Glad you are back.

    • @soloelisa
      @soloelisa  Місяць тому

      Thank you so much! 😃

  • @Blueeastcoast
    @Blueeastcoast Місяць тому +3

    Incredible build, love it.. definitely motivated me to start a project in the coming months, Glad to see you back!

  • @jimmichaels2319
    @jimmichaels2319 Місяць тому +2

    I think that's VERY reasonable to what you now have. Plus a plethora of new skills! Also, as a complete aside, you have a wonderful voice. I sometimes will play one of your videos while I'm concentrating on something else just to hear you talk. So thank you for that too!

  • @fredhartman1325
    @fredhartman1325 Місяць тому +3

    This is the "Beverly Hills" of vans. Everything so beautiful and perfect. Wow! I look at it and think "how is it possible to build such a magnificent van".

  • @FreeRV
    @FreeRV Місяць тому +1

    You have interior design talent and hard work ethics that made van into a masterpiece!

  • @jamesmason8944
    @jamesmason8944 Місяць тому +10

    I think Elisa's father in law's help deserves to be recognised, his work on the project would be very significant.

    • @soloelisa
      @soloelisa  23 дні тому +3

      Yes, my stepdad, he helped me and taught me so much! 💕

  • @viper16vet
    @viper16vet Місяць тому +1

    Exceptional final product. It’s clean and aesthetically pleasing. Looks very comfy. I like the choices you made.

  • @laserwiz
    @laserwiz Місяць тому +1

    Thanks so much for the detailed cost information on your build. You musy be SO PROUD!! You did incredible work and this is coming from a retired engineer who is a profectionist. I can't wait to see more content from you. Have a Merry Christmas!

  • @markwilkins9048
    @markwilkins9048 27 днів тому

    I just found your channel. I am retired, I have a nice home in SoCal, but I have been traveling North America in my van for the past 5 years. Having experienced much of what you are going through, I am very impressed with your drive, resiliency and determination. I hope I get to meet you some day in the future.

  • @AppalachianAdventures8556
    @AppalachianAdventures8556 Місяць тому +1

    For your first time building a van it's impressive how clean, precise and sharp lines are in this van. I don't think a professional could do much better. Nice video. Merry Christmas

  • @randall6890
    @randall6890 Місяць тому +1

    Hello Elisa! I’m getting my Promaster next week and starting my build on the van next year. Thank you for the inspiration, I needed that to get started!

  • @KurtKoepp-j8j
    @KurtKoepp-j8j 12 годин тому

    Inspiring…watched 5-6 of your posts….you have a gift…god bless!

  • @dsmj7389
    @dsmj7389 Місяць тому

    Very beautiful! You can be really proud of the job you did! Hey if each of your subscribers chips in 10 bucks that would more than cover costs. fingers crossed 🤞😊

    • @soloelisa
      @soloelisa  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you so so much!! Made me smile ☺️

  • @davidmussack4529
    @davidmussack4529 Місяць тому

    I’ve watched several of your build videos, and wow, the completed van looks great! Amazing, and you did most of it yourself.

  • @diffusesden5455
    @diffusesden5455 Місяць тому

    Excellent job, the overbudgeting is always normal, at the end of the day, when you have issues or want to change and update, upgrade items, you'll know how to handle it, the cost was not just for your van, but the invaluable experience that comes with building something and understanding how it works and how to fix it!! FANTASTIC!!! Have fun out there on the road!!

  • @MartinAmayaOnceFamous
    @MartinAmayaOnceFamous Місяць тому +2

    It's nice to see you again. Hope you've been well

  • @mtrow23
    @mtrow23 Місяць тому +1

    One of the best DIY builds I've seen. Very nice.

  • @srhatfield
    @srhatfield Місяць тому

    Your van is amazing, and you've done a great job with it. I hope that you have a happy holiday season and a great new year!

  • @lerak8452
    @lerak8452 Місяць тому

    It's great to watch you build it over time. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Great job and Merry Christmas.

  • @rprn55
    @rprn55 Місяць тому

    You did a great job. I’m sure you are going to enjoy it for many years. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.

  • @RG-wd6qs
    @RG-wd6qs Місяць тому +2

    If you bought a new van conversion already done it would have cost you 2x $$ the amount, so you did a great job on the price and built exactly what you wanted!
    I'm looking forward to watching your future adventures!

  • @AlanKinsella-nu4gm
    @AlanKinsella-nu4gm Місяць тому

    The best build I've seen by a non-professional. This is a wise build as well. She knew which things were critical to get done right by professionals, and she took her time, and it appears she researched extensively. Very impressed.

  • @peterasacker5948
    @peterasacker5948 Місяць тому +5

    ;Great to see your back posting ....lovely lady

  • @barryc-mp9ej
    @barryc-mp9ej Місяць тому

    Nice to see a new video and how you priced and constructed your van! Can't wait to see your next road trip.

  • @christopherhurley8694
    @christopherhurley8694 Місяць тому +2

    50k! Congratulations!. You are wonderful.

  • @MrDmlive
    @MrDmlive Місяць тому +1

    Thanks!

    • @soloelisa
      @soloelisa  Місяць тому +3

      What a beautiful surprise! Thank you :)

  • @defend223
    @defend223 Місяць тому

    I watched from the beginning and you did a phenomenal job! Can't wait for more travel and boondocking videos or whatever the next chapter is!

  • @meandmyRC99
    @meandmyRC99 10 днів тому +1

    Beautiful! The van is not bad either!

  • @marcelsnip4222
    @marcelsnip4222 Місяць тому

    Congratulations on your van conversion. You have done an amazing job. High quality materials and very stylish. Have fun with it.

  • @timness1999
    @timness1999 26 днів тому

    You made great decisions, spent what was required on quality fittings and equipment and executed your vision with some missteps along the way (which is to be expected). Now how about some colorful prints on those white walls and more hanging plants to complete the look.

  • @robertlevasseur6843
    @robertlevasseur6843 24 дні тому

    I have looked at a lot of van conversion videos and yours is the best. Everything you did was correct and you focused on functionality. Nothing on your build is frivolous. I would not say it was expensive, I would say this is how much it costs to do it right.

  • @scottallen3465
    @scottallen3465 Місяць тому +1

    Excellent job!! Now what are you going to do? Will we see you again?

  • @redfishradical
    @redfishradical Місяць тому +1

    Having watched from the very beginning when you were sleeping in your car…
    I hope you’re HALF AS PROUD as I AM OF YOU!! What a massive accomplishment! ❤️💐💥🎉🍾🥂

  • @richardwagner3317
    @richardwagner3317 Місяць тому

    Elisa - worth every penny for the years of enjoyment you are going to get from it. Can't wait to see where you will travel to next.

  • @MrReese
    @MrReese Місяць тому

    It's unbelievable how well this van turned out - and nothing beats building something yourself and being satisfied with it!

  • @whelsdon
    @whelsdon Місяць тому

    I have really enjoyed watching you, build this van into an awesome camper! You should be quite proud of yourself and all the work you did, while learning how to do so many things. Your beauty, intelligence and determination, will keep me coming back to watch more of your travels!! Merry Christmas . Elisa ♥

  • @vtxrider1800c
    @vtxrider1800c 27 днів тому +1

    This is very cool! Seems like more young women are into this van traveling movement than men. Please have strong personal safety training and protect yourself at all times! Nice job.

  • @petermalik4300
    @petermalik4300 Місяць тому

    Hope you’re traveling the country to find the warmer weather. Keep the videos coming. Loving your journey from Nashville. Happy Holidays

  • @pauldutton9620
    @pauldutton9620 Місяць тому

    You’ve done an amazing job with your van build,it’s been brill to watch your journey and hopefully you’ll keep up your travel videos,luvin your weather there,it’s depressing here in the uk 😊

  • @Isselsoler
    @Isselsoler Місяць тому

    I think that invertion has been excellent especially because you feel HAPPY....you were able to do everything exactly the way you wanted. That gives you a very special sense of belonging. 😊

  • @AlanCapalbo
    @AlanCapalbo 24 дні тому

    Hi Elisa,I was just in Colorado and Utah and every promaster I saw I wished it was you ❤

  • @bobsuydam5406
    @bobsuydam5406 Місяць тому

    You have done such an amazing job with your van build! No one would ever think it wasn’t professionally done! So beautiful! ❤🎉👏🏼

  • @harleyhoracio1
    @harleyhoracio1 Місяць тому

    I think you did an excellent job on your van project. You gained a ton of knowledge on how to do things you probably weren’t exposed to prior to this and if something goes wrong, you’ll surely know how to fix it. In my book, that’s huge because everyone charges an arm and leg to repair things. Sort of like your travel destinations, it’s just not the destination, it’s the journey getting there that has value.
    Does the van have 4 wheel drive?
    By the way, that’s a beautiful Bougainvillea at the end of the driveway! Be safe out there and happy travels!!

  • @AppalachianAdventures8556
    @AppalachianAdventures8556 20 днів тому +3

    ok, I'm ready for a new video. 😀

  • @flaboy4154
    @flaboy4154 Місяць тому

    Watched you from pretty much the beginning.What a fun journey. You are quite a talented,adventurous woman. Now the journey begins.
    I will enjoy your travels through your endeavors- Hugs and love

  • @TheArtisticGardener777
    @TheArtisticGardener777 Місяць тому

    I can’t believe how beautiful your van turned out! Great job!

  • @jupiterhallnh3277
    @jupiterhallnh3277 Місяць тому

    Elisa, estoy impresionado por tu creatividad, descaro, tu impulso para triunfar y, por supuesto, tu pasión por la vida mientras cuentas tu historia y nos llevas a nuevos lugares para experimentar. Eres muy genial, Elisa. Y tú eres mi UA-camr favorito. Cuídate, Elisa, y mantente ingeniosa en el camino. ¡Me gusta tu ingenio y humor! ¡Sigue sonriendo!

  • @forexfrank4484
    @forexfrank4484 Місяць тому +2

    In love with this gorgeous lady! ❤ glad you’re back

  • @davethepak
    @davethepak Місяць тому

    Wow....
    Thank you for the great details - that is incredibly helpful.
    Great attention to details, nice build and excellent production quality.
    I am in the planning stages for my build - so all of this was good food for thought (soon to be empty nester....in planning stages).
    If ever cross paths on the road - coffee is on me.

  • @jackwild1111
    @jackwild1111 Місяць тому +1

    A detail oriented little bird 🐦... You can be proud of yourself for planning and building your rolling home. Nice job, ENJOY 🎉

  • @gawebm
    @gawebm Місяць тому

    You built an amazing van. Incredible that this was your first build!

  • @ejprosse
    @ejprosse Місяць тому

    Great job on the final! We would love to hear/see more about you and life even when you are not traveling. Just keeping up since we all are kind of like your family. 🥰

  • @CharlesPhillips-k7k
    @CharlesPhillips-k7k 10 днів тому

    You and your stepdad did a fabulous 😍 on the van.... Great job and wonderful 👍 I know it's your first van work, you have another career in van conversion and I see you are the road to travel, East Coast to ❤😊

  • @ernestocasal5647
    @ernestocasal5647 Місяць тому +1

    Felicitaciones, Elisa!
    Gracias por todo lo que haces para enseñarnos este hermoso idioma. Feliz Navidad para tí y tu familia. Bendiciones de Argentina!

  • @ebptube
    @ebptube Місяць тому +3

    Freedom on wheels and it is a very nice build to be proud of.

  • @brita654
    @brita654 16 днів тому

    You built it yourself. Amazing. And now you know pretty much everything about your van and the quality you put into it. Doubt it will rattle to pieces like some of the big name builders. Yes alot of money and with the labor .......well now full understanding why these are so expensive. Im about done with a much more primitve set up with my Ford Lightning truck cap and will be hittin the road and backroads and offroads pretty soon like as soon as this buyer buys my house lol. Happy trails to you🙂

  • @ramonalee67
    @ramonalee67 Місяць тому

    Just want to say you are amazing !!! - Beautiful Soul - Beautiful Build - Blessings wishing you the best on your journey !!!😊

  • @charlesblount6858
    @charlesblount6858 27 днів тому +1

    Great job! Thanks for sharing. You have awesome talent.

  • @Jeff-xn1ew
    @Jeff-xn1ew Місяць тому

    Nice seeing you again. You did a very nice job on your van. Stay safe beautiful!

  • @petertarantelli
    @petertarantelli Місяць тому

    Great rundown and, I think, very well worth it! My personal favorite - the shower - you did an amazing job on that 🤗

  • @MrMobi007
    @MrMobi007 Місяць тому

    you did a great job. It shows you are happy with your build.. and you should be! well done!!

  • @husa58
    @husa58 Місяць тому +1

    You have done a fantastic job building your home on ,wheels looks awesome watch your channel from Australia..

  • @mickdeewisconsin5329
    @mickdeewisconsin5329 29 днів тому

    It's a beautiful van and for sure you should be proud of the work you put into it. I'm jealous! So, Happy New Year to you and I wish you the best from here on out. Happy and safe travels! 🤩

  • @KennyveeHET
    @KennyveeHET Місяць тому

    Fantastic job . It’s a great layout and very practical . Like you said you’ve learned a lot and grown through the process . Really like your hair too 😊

  • @HenriS83
    @HenriS83 Місяць тому

    Incredibly impressive! Great job! Wishing I could buy one just like that ready-to-go!

  • @northpole8634
    @northpole8634 Місяць тому +1

    I love the gray in your hair.

  • @je10566
    @je10566 Місяць тому

    Love you and your van, thanks for posting. It looks great and so do you. You seem very happy.
    Happy holidays, wish you much happiness throughout the New Year.

  • @jvt239
    @jvt239 Місяць тому +1

    Thank you, great video, very informative.
    Goodness I would love to meet someone like you.

  • @love-cookin
    @love-cookin 28 днів тому

    I like the Birchwood Plywood choice!

  • @igoralvarez5188
    @igoralvarez5188 Місяць тому

    My wife and I are converting a 2017 2500. You did an amazing job, strong work.

  • @user-jb7vr2uj4n
    @user-jb7vr2uj4n Місяць тому +1

    Elisain, you did such a great job building you van! Well done! Now would you help me build mine?

  • @_Merica_USA
    @_Merica_USA Місяць тому +1

    Sweet! You’re back! Another Great Video 👍 Great content, keep up the great work!

  • @dalehunt1383
    @dalehunt1383 Місяць тому +1

    Great job! Nothing is cheap anymore. Now get on the road, lovely lady! 😊

  • @stemac67
    @stemac67 Місяць тому

    You have done a fantastic job and it all looks great. Yes the cost of certain things can be expensive but you look happy(and beautiful) with it. I would hire you to build mine 😆

  • @4DNinersfaithful
    @4DNinersfaithful Місяць тому

    I have watched you from the beginning. You crushed it with all your hard work and desire! I have to give a shout out to your father in law I believe who seemed like he was working hard at it and enjoying it with you as well. Just an amazing job, take care!

  • @davemorris6747
    @davemorris6747 Місяць тому

    Great build at a great price. My van equivalent in the U.K. was £70000. You’ll make great memories in your journeys.

  • @tnoel374
    @tnoel374 Місяць тому

    You are the BEST, long time viewer and I remember when you where driving the car.

  • @montanadan2524
    @montanadan2524 Місяць тому

    Wow, im impressed at both how good it looks and your overall cost. Nice work.

  • @nigelw512
    @nigelw512 Місяць тому

    I recently found your channel and have really enjoyed watching all your videos. Love your build and how you designed and built it. Like a pro i would say.
    Being from England its good to see how people in other countries go about building vans and seeing you explore the USA. Its certainly different to the UK. I had never heard of a Max Van before.
    How is your Ecoflow sytem working out. It looks ideal for vans as its so much simpler than buying all different components and wiring them individually
    Lastly thanks for sharing and happy New Year. .