- Видео 54
- Просмотров 95 105
Happy Khamper
США
Добавлен 27 апр 2023
🚐 DIY Chevy Astro Campervan, Roadtrip adventures, & Renovating an old cozy cabin
We're Honnie (she/her) & Niki (she/her), two queer Asian American outdoor enthusiasts from California. We love camping and exploring new trails, parks, and waterfalls. We launched @happykhamper on Instagram to inspire the LGBTQ+ community and other Asian Americans to explore.
In April 2022 we bought a 2003 Chevy Astro Van to convert into a campervan. Working on the van is a never ending, but rewarding endeavor. In April 2024 we bought ourselves a small cabin on 10 acres of land to renovate and restore into our very own wilderness retreat. We started this channel to share our adventures.
We're Honnie (she/her) & Niki (she/her), two queer Asian American outdoor enthusiasts from California. We love camping and exploring new trails, parks, and waterfalls. We launched @happykhamper on Instagram to inspire the LGBTQ+ community and other Asian Americans to explore.
In April 2022 we bought a 2003 Chevy Astro Van to convert into a campervan. Working on the van is a never ending, but rewarding endeavor. In April 2024 we bought ourselves a small cabin on 10 acres of land to renovate and restore into our very own wilderness retreat. We started this channel to share our adventures.
Updated Van Tour | Chevy Astro Camper Van | Practical DIY Van Build
It's been ~1 year since we published our first van tour. Here's an in-depth updated tour of our 2003 Chevy Astro camper van. We bought this lifted beast in April 2022 and have spent the last 2 years building it ourselves. From the subfloors, 3 different bed builds, cabinets, and a swivel seat, this DIY camper has taken us on a few different journeys through Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.
Many van lifers choose Chevy Astro (& GMC Safari) vans because they are compact, reliable, and affordable. We decided on the Astro for the same reasons. The Astro also comes in AWD and it was already lifted with the lift kit from Journey's Offroad.
Van bathroom gear:
Camping Toilet: amzn.to/42luDTR
Femal...
Many van lifers choose Chevy Astro (& GMC Safari) vans because they are compact, reliable, and affordable. We decided on the Astro for the same reasons. The Astro also comes in AWD and it was already lifted with the lift kit from Journey's Offroad.
Van bathroom gear:
Camping Toilet: amzn.to/42luDTR
Femal...
Просмотров: 103
Видео
Full Cabin Tour | Rainbow cabin in the woods
Просмотров 6821 день назад
Hey Happy Khampers! Honnie & Niki here back with a full tour of our new rainbow cabin in the woods. Renovations are underway and we're doing all the work ourselves. Here's a quick video of the cabin before our makeover. We bought a cozy cottage in the Sierra Foothills on 10 acres and plan to turn it into a woodland sanctuary. For a while now we have been dreaming about owning property in nature...
#2 Renovating an old cabin - Slow progress and our first snowfall
Просмотров 161Месяц назад
Welcome back to the second video in a series documenting our DIY cabin renovation journey. If you haven't seen episode 1 or our property tour we'll link them below. In this episode, we continue to make slow progress: Patching up the walls, more cleaning, sanding down doors and trim, assembling our armoire, unboxing our IKEA kitchen cabinets, and making some big decisions about whether or not we...
#1 The Start of Our Cabin Renovation Adventure
Просмотров 732 месяца назад
This is the first video in a series documenting our DIY cabin renovation journey. In this episode, we tackled a bit of everything: cleaning up, starting the demo in the bedroom by removing the closet, windows, and baseboards, deep cleaning the toilet, removing the shower caulk, prepping the doors for paint, and even taking down the top kitchen cabinets. While we didn't finish any single task co...
We bought a cabin in the foothills | 10 Acre Property Tour
Просмотров 2323 месяца назад
We bought a cozy cottage in the Sierra Foothills on 10 acres and we plan to turn it into a woodland sanctuary. For a while now have been dreaming about owning property in nature. You could say we manifested this adorable little home, it is so welcoming with its rainbow paint and large pine trees. In this video, Niki gives a tour of the property. Follow our journey while we renovate our new cott...
Bodega Bay Crabbing | Catch and Cook Dungeness Crab | January 2024
Просмотров 7655 месяцев назад
Join us in Bodega Bay as Niki tries to catch her first Dungeness crab. A good friend (shoutout MK) put us on to this spot at Bodega Bay. It's great for crab snaring and tossing a net out. Crab snares from www.torpedocrabsnares.com/ Other Crabbing Gear: Pro-cure crab bait: amzn.to/48nPCbH Fishing Waders: amzn.to/48uXsQO Crab Gauge: amzn.to/3OTJxN8 Crab Net: amzn.to/48sr9Sv Bubble Box: amzn.to/3O...
Petrified Forest National Park | Chevy Astro Van Camping & Hotpot Dinner
Просмотров 5096 месяцев назад
Join us on our latest adventure in our Chevy Astro Van as we spend one day in Petrified Forest National Park! We will show you what to see in Petrified Forest National Park. And you'll discover the park's highlights on our 3 1/2-hour tour, including the Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, and Crystal Forest. If you love van camping, stunning views, and yummy food in the great outdoors, this video is you...
Chevy Astro DIY Van Build | Swivel Seat Install
Просмотров 3,1 тыс.6 месяцев назад
We're back and we're installing IRONCLOUD METALWORKS swivel seat in our 2003 Chevy Astro campervan! Over the last year or so, we've been trying to maximize space in our DIY van build as much as possible. This process involved switching to a slat bed (see our previous video). More recently we installed a swivel seat from our friends at Iron Cloud. It was WELL WORTH IT. We love it. If you're new ...
Christmas in Sedona: Chevy Astro Van Off-roading in Winter
Просмотров 3166 месяцев назад
Join us on our latest van life adventure in our 2003 Chevy Astro Van, as we go off-roading and explore a few popular trails in Sedona Arizona. In this video, we show you what to see in Sedona and why Sedona is so magical. From Devil's Bridge Trail to Cathedral Rock and Amitabha Stupa Peace Park. Sedona definitely lived up to the hype.
How To Replace Door Lock Actuator | Chevy Astro Van Cheap DIY Fix
Просмотров 6716 месяцев назад
Watch me fix our passenger door lock actuator for under $50. Our Chevy Astro's door lock actuators haven't worked since we bought the van in April 2022. Come to find out this is a common problem with Chevy Astro and GMC Safari vans. After a deep dive into RUclips University, I'm ready to get started. In addition to fixing the actuator, I also installed it without rivets, making it much easier t...
Grand Canyon Adventure: Chevy Astro Van Camping in Winter
Просмотров 6546 месяцев назад
Grand Canyon Adventure: Chevy Astro Van Camping in Winter
How to remove and paint 2003 Chevy Astro Van Grill | DIY Campervan
Просмотров 5647 месяцев назад
How to remove and paint 2003 Chevy Astro Van Grill | DIY Campervan
Van Life Weekend | Redwood National Park in Our Chevy Astro Camper Van
Просмотров 2297 месяцев назад
Van Life Weekend | Redwood National Park in Our Chevy Astro Camper Van
Van Kitchen Tour | 2003 Chevy Astro Camper Van | Simple Kitchen Setup
Просмотров 2,3 тыс.8 месяцев назад
Van Kitchen Tour | 2003 Chevy Astro Camper Van | Simple Kitchen Setup
Weekend Van Life: Chevy Astro Van Camping & Tacos at Lake Melones
Просмотров 5208 месяцев назад
Weekend Van Life: Chevy Astro Van Camping & Tacos at Lake Melones
Oru Kayak & Skeg Review: The Truth Revealed after 2 Months of Testing 😱
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.9 месяцев назад
Oru Kayak & Skeg Review: The Truth Revealed after 2 Months of Testing 😱
Chevy Astro DIY Van Build Pull Out Slat Bed (3rd Attempt)
Просмотров 3,6 тыс.10 месяцев назад
Chevy Astro DIY Van Build Pull Out Slat Bed (3rd Attempt)
Oru Kayak Review | Lake + is it worth it?
Просмотров 1,8 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Oru Kayak Review | Lake is it worth it?
P0128 Cheap Fix - Chevy Astro Van Thermostat Replacement | Coolant Temp Below Regulating Temp
Просмотров 1,8 тыс.Год назад
P0128 Cheap Fix - Chevy Astro Van Thermostat Replacement | Coolant Temp Below Regulating Temp
How to Change Your Oil in 7 Steps | 2003 Chevy Astro Camper Van
Просмотров 431Год назад
How to Change Your Oil in 7 Steps | 2003 Chevy Astro Camper Van
DIY Van Build | Chevy Astro subfloor, insulation, and more
Просмотров 789Год назад
DIY Van Build | Chevy Astro subfloor, insulation, and more
Van Tour | 2003 Chevy Astro Camper Van | Simple DIY Van Build
Просмотров 7 тыс.Год назад
Van Tour | 2003 Chevy Astro Camper Van | Simple DIY Van Build
Love the van’s stance. What kind of lift do you have on the van? What wheels and tires?
@@walnut_trail_farm thanks! we have the journeys off-road lift kit (2-5”)and tire size is 265/70R16. We got the van already lifted and with the tires. We’re thinking about downsizing the tires because they rub in the front.
Good idea, stationary platform beds are the way to go in larger vans. The Astro is just too small for them so we have to get creative 🤠
@@SeizeTheAdventure we learned the hard way! Glad we made the change tho
Very cool i subscribed!
Thanks for the sub!
Omg….. you all travel with your parakeets? 😂 🐦
lol sometimes! They like being in nature too 😂
How secure is that propane tank on the back? I thought about how I would transport one and the thought honestly kinda scares me 😂 🤷♀️
It's very secure! The biggest risk is someone rear-ending us. At one point we have it locked to the van too because we didn't want anyone to steal it cause it's so cute.
Heck yeah!!
What size bed are you guys using? Is it comfortable & do you recommend it? Trying to find one for mine.
@@tanyaLooking_InTheRear-View this was a twin width wise, tight but big enough for us. It ended up being too short tho so we rebuilt a slide out bed
Oh ok you guys covered the back windows? I had to rewatch. Cause I was like wait…. It looks so different than mine. I like that.
@@tanyaLooking_InTheRear-View Yeahp! It helps make it a lil more cozy inside
Wow! Love this so much! What size mattress is that by chance?
It was about 5'8" across. Ended up being a bit too short so we switched the layout. I'm posting an updated van tour tomorrow if you wanna see the new bed in detail!
Love the fire box!
Isn't it great!
Asi 1uiero mi van jajaja
I’m watching every episode. Show us how you do some of the work and not on super speed. We want to see what works and what doesn’t. You are so creative. Nothing is perfect. Bedsides YT is about educating people and we want to know how you get the work done.
@@Ms-Dee thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback!
Nice
I hope this isnt too late to ask as I notice you guys arent doing van vids as often anymore… but can you please please please share the specs on the exterior mods on your astro! I feel like all the other Astros ive seen do not compare to how badass yours look and I always come back to your vids every time just to admire loll My partner and I are gonna start pretty soon and your build is an inspiration! Much love from Micronesia!!
Hello and thanks for watching! We just filmed an updated van tour, mostly interior, but this is a great idea. We’ll put a video together for the outside mods soon. Good luck with your build btw 🙂
actually the instructions say that keeping the skeg on during storage may damage the kayak! also . tried it twice and didn’t make any difference!!! 😮
Nice Build! How long is the bed from wall to wall?
@@enzodunn2577 thanks, it was about 5’7” back when we had it this way. It ended up being short so we changed the layout again. Checkout video about our bed!
The bathroom looks amazing! So proud of you guys. Love to see the progress ❤
Thanks MK! It’s coming along for sure!
Awesome. So happy for you two.
Thank you!
What did you use for the walls?
One side is beadboard and under the wall paper is 1/4” plywood
Me again, MotoRad FAIL-SAFE thermostat... is a good choice?
Yes, motorad is a popular choice
To drill a 1/32 hole on the thermostat... could be a good idea in a CHEVY ASTRO 95?
Thanks for the tip, it’s a 2003 Astro
Yaaay I'm excited for ya!! 👍👍
Thank you!
Nice except for that freaky rainbow looking thing under the bed. No one cares who someone sleeps with.
Nice and simple
So excited for you two!!!🎉
Thank you!!
Congratulations!!! You so deserve it. Blessings watch RUclipsr ‘apple drains ‘ and install French drains to divert water from a the hills allowing water to flow away from your home. The French drains will divert water to other areas of your choosing. I installed French drains and so happy i did, my slopes are small compared to yours. The cost is minimum, dig trench, lay down perforated pvc drainage pipe an fill with gravel. All the rain we have been having, it’s worth every dollar and I’m not flooded out of my home.
Thank you for the recommendation! We definitely need to sort out drainage 🥲
Congrats!!
Thanks!
Congratulations! ❤🎉
Thank you!!
Wow, watching now!! Good for you both! Ok I'll be back
Oh I absolutely love your new land and home! I can't wait to see more! How wonderful, I would love it all! Looking forward to your next video ♥️🙋♀️
@Kimbers58 thank you for watching! The property is really magical, we can't wait to see how it evolves
Dankeschön für dein Video. Gut gemacht. Respekt. Liebe Grüße aus Bremen /Germany
So cool that our video reached Germany! Thanks for watching 😊
FYI…I purchased this just recently. It looked familiar. I compared it to a fin I had just purchased for a Sea Eagle kayak. What I saw was that the fins are the same. So if I want to install a larger fin, I can. Sea Eagle has more than a few to choose.
Sweet! We will check it out.
Beautiful water and great review. Thank you
Thanks for watching! <3
Ah! I love Bodega Bay! Looks like you two had so much fun!
We did! Honnie had fun even though she wasn’t looking forward to the rain 😁
@@HappyKhamper I went with my parents sometime last year (3 people and a dog in 1 van EEK lol) and it was so cold when we went too. We didn't catch dungeness crab tho. SO jealous!
I love this build!
Thanks Riley! We’ve done a lot of work since this video and will post an update someday 😅
Westshore road?
Yessir 😬
@@HappyKhamper good spot...
On the way out to OB ...hope to grab a few myself 🤙🏾
Goodluck!@@xxkasperxx
Thanks for the shoutout! And congratulations on your first dungee!
Thank you! We should plan a trip soon!
Nicely done.
Thank you!
No thanks👎
I like these types of van builds - quality but simplistic. Some van builds seem to be in competition. It makes no sense to spend six figures on something that will eventually need a new engine, transmission, etc. Great job.
Thanks Michael, we’re all about functionality. If it doesn’t work for us, time to scrap it and try something new. We’re gonna drive the van into the ground, no need to spend hundreds of thousands on it 😊
Hey you were in my neck of the woods. I live less than 10 mins from there. I could tr ake you guys to some really nice places.
Glad you commented on another video! I accidentally removed your comment on the Sedona vid and couldn’t find your account 😅. We loved it here in the down season. Where are you based? Also, Honnie found the propane tank holder on Etsy!
@@HappyKhamper I have been looking for one. I am based out of Angel's camp but I worked in Oakland for so many years and my family lives in Alameda. We need to hook up this spring/summer and go up into these mountains with our astros.
@@michelehall317 I’ll ask Honnie for a link to the propane holder. Are you on Instagram??
@@HappyKhamper I am as blkjckranch.
So nice of you guys just sitting down eating .
It’s the best way to spend the cold night!
What a wonderful trip. You look like you had an amazing time.
It was a blast, sad it came to and end and we’re already planning the next road trip! Can’t wait! As always thanks for watching 😄
Nice!! Enjoy!! How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood¿! 😅
Hahahaha, I was laughing so hard at that 🤣
Kind of click bait... of course a massive upgrade is worth it.
Did we get you to click? 😉we’re going to do a follow up video with more commentary about what we like and don’t like. The question for most people is, is hundreds of dollars and days of install worth it haha.
Nice work and video! 👍 One of the first things I did to my Astro It just opens up the space so much, had 4 people in the van comfortably on new years 🤣 Those rivets are definitely a pain but smooth sailing after that! Derek over at Ironcloud Metalworks is a real stand up guy as well, amazing product and made in the USA, small batch you really cant go wrong.
Thanks, we appreciate it! Derek is great 🙂 and we attest to the quality and thought that went into making the swivel seat and instructions to go along with it! It really has been a game changer for us at night and makes it’s so much more comfortable to just chill. Cheers!
Very clever and so gosh darn organized I love it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
It's a 19 mm honey
lol thank you
Not a chance. How much to buy the seat & pay someone to help install it. Interesting to see however. Considering whether a custom seat would make life with my back & shoulders much better.
If I didn't like tinkering with our van so much I'd do the same. I'd say it's intermediate to advanced work due to the rivets. You might be able to find someone on Taskrabbit familiar with cars to help out. Ironcloud has a very detailed set of instructions online that helped a lot. I haven't seen any custom seats in these vans, what are you considering?
Can you make a short on how much clearance you need for the swivel? It looks like you removed the center console, and it swivels to the left.
That’s a great idea. We’ll put together a video of how we use it and set it up. For now I’ll say it can swivel both directions, but you do need to adjust the seat on the rails and the lean. We did figure out how to swivel with our fridge in between the seats too
Awesome. Looking forward to the video!
Great job! Where did you purchase your swivel from?
Thank you! We got ours from Ironcloud Metalworks. Let me link you 🙂ironcloudmetalworks.com/Store-AstroSafari. Looks like you can preorder!