The sink and shower are most excellent. The entire build is simple yet super functional. Gave me some good ideas. Enjoyed the straight forward video too! Great job!
Great build and awesome video! Thanks for sharing. Many builds I've seen cost $10K to $20K just for the conversion and yours looks amazing for a low budget with a great final result. Thanks for showing that a tall sprinter isn't always needed.
it's the van i've been dreaming about for months, just needed someone to show me it! i play hockey too, and drums, i guess i was meant to see your vid man, thanks!
So jealous! I converted and lived on a bus 11 years ago. So wish I had thought about the drums! If I ever do it again, I'm getting a good electric kit! Now get in your van and have a great time!
Thanks for sharing turning-a-van-into-a-home in such an organized and fun-to-watch video. Several of us are interested in your thoughts on foregoing insulation so I'll check that out next. And I was jazzed about you fitting-in the bike (more so than the drums!) as that my bike may push me from the Subaru to a small cargo van (as that I'm not ready to forego high MPG). And I wish all the van converters making videos like you would also use a tripod and take a minute to edit the video and move away from the clumsy, headache-inducing Blair Witch shaky camera holding so many employ. Great quality video AND helpful comments - thank you!
whoa, this is great. i've watched quite a few van build-out vids, and i like this one best. length-wise bed, shower, plento counter/desk space, storage everywhere... definitely gonna borrow some of these ideas for my own some day, hopefully. :) hope it's served you well!
Nice build on your van. Nice efficient design. Enjoyed your commentary, lots of useful information. Thanks for posting and keep us up to date on the van build.
Great man! I really enjoy young people converting this old vans and enjoying life in a simple way, I,m converting a toyota previa. You choosed this van conversion I will choose mine I can understand people comparing your idea to others that have done the job differently. I find yours excellent. If you are happy that is all what it matter. If ever around Vancouver BC. Let me know.......happy trails!!
Thanks. I'm just a "tinkerer" so I searched the web for information that I needed and then got to work. Much time was spent simply planning or visualizing what I wanted and where to best put it. The actual building isn't so hard, you just need the confidence and then get started.
I personally would have to get the extended length because tippy cam have a generator and stuff then cut the top put a fiberglass pop for sleeping up there
OMG dude, when you said there's one more thing I want to fit inside, I immediately said please be a drum kit and boom... my mind was blown! I'm wanting to do this to a dodge sprinter, mainly because of the headroom. I'm wanting to travel the country and finish my degree online.
That last part made my day, how you were able to set up your drums in the van. I hope I can get my van like that one of these days. I just have been working on a paint job :) $30 for 2 quarts of "sail blue" rustoleum paint some rollers and some tape and went crazy. I had to go back to get a spray can cuz there are alot of crevices that the roller cant get to.
That was a great video, thank you~ I'm too old now..but I sure wanted to do that with my 1996 Aerostar van. Sooo, watching you just made me happy..and one's never too old to dream, right? btw, 68 y.o. female., so I wouldn't be able to make any of that stuff on my own!
you are still young and can do anything you dream up. all it takes is a vision and some passion to meet success. you seem like someone who has both. i believe in you. :) he did make a magic bus -didn't he? :) i am planning to build a tiny house right now. not sure if i want it on wheels or not, but sometimes dreaming it up can be the best part of it all.
I'm 62 and doing it. You're never too old. My health sucks, but if you do it in baby steps, it's possible! I'm converting my Dodge Caravan. Doesn't have to be a big van. Start with what you've got.
very nice. I've been thinking of doing one just like yours except I might raise my bed another 12 " that would give me more storage room under the bed.
As a Sabres fan I want to give you some shit on the Claude Giroux sweater, but I just can't. This van conversion is too awesome! I've been thinking about this for about 6 months, not sure I would go for this configuration with the bed, but I like the shower out the side and not the back, that much is for sure. Great job, happy travels, go Sabres!
Nice van. Having previous experience customizing vans, I would focus on lightweight materials like aluminum for framing cabinets etc. cabinets can be finished with formica or wood laminet. Excess weight reduces gas mileage and places more stress on the drive train and suspension. Great job.
hay bud, awesome van I just bought a cargo van 3/4 ton van heavy duty van gonna make it in to a camper as well love u video ideas helps me slot thank u , for sharing it
Being a Jersey "girl" who grew up across the Ben Franklin Bridge from Philly, I, of course, LOVE your shirt!! Great job, DJ!!! Even at nearly 68 yrs-of-age my dream is to find an affordable (good fuel consumption) Sprinter van (..in good mechanical condition with good remaining tire tread)
Thanks Michele. A Sprinter would be a good choice, but don't fixate on finding the perfect one with "alotta goods". Maybe accept one at good price and make it better than good...make it perfect for you. Good luck!
aaaaaaand the drum kit! ROFL! Excellent! I thought the drum seat was a good choice for a small seat in the van, but then to actually have a drum kit! :-D
Thanks! Just bought a house so the van won't see much action for a while. Overall I was really pleased with everything. One change I would make would be to use more effective latches on the cabinet doors. A hi-top version would be great for the headroom. The dream changes would be a perfectly insulated van with an efficient A.C./heating system, but one can deal without them.
Congrats! On the house. What would an ideal a.c.\heat system be? I am planning my conversion and it seems that I will have to bite the bullet and go generator and propane.
Jeffery Springer The ideal a.c./heat system would be one that runs by recycling the pollution out of the air, runs silently and with 100% efficiency! lol. Haven't found one yet, though! I'd recommend revisiting the idea of solar as opposed to Gen/Propane. Solar has worked really well for my purposes. (yours may be different though)
@ J Thom- I actually took the van all over the U.S. and saw temperatures from 0-100 degrees. You can check out my thoughts on the insulation debate in another video. I didn't have any moisture problems. I normally keep the windows open a crack plus I do have a vent in the ceiling of the cargo area. As for tools, you don't see them in the video, but I carry more tools than you'd find in most homes. And the spare tire in the Econolines is stowed under the chassis at the rear. Thanks for the comment!
There's nothing sweeter than just packing up your van and driving off for an unspecified period, equipped to live comfortably while everyone else is dependent on using motels etc Though I'm in the UK I've travelled up and across America a few times in a car but truly would have preferred a nice van conversion like yours. I've converted my Ford Transit adding skylights, shower/toilet cubicle, hob, fridge, 240v mains power, water heater, catalytic gas heater, bed, flat tv, led lighting etc. cont.
Hey DJ! your video was one of a handful I used to make up my own van. Here's the project so far. I am a pre-medical student going fulltime in the "Beast of Burden" and I thought I'd let you know your van helped me out on a few things via design! Living in a Van, My Undergrad Home. Best, R JOnes
nicely done sir. i just got a van a couple weeks ago and am working on it now but probably wont do anything like what you did cause its a conversion van and already pretty nice inside. if your still out and about maby our paths will cross.
Dude awesome work! I am in the process of building one my self and your video really helps what to do with the space. I;m a traveling photographer and Would love to meet you if possible as I live in FL as well.
Exactly Greg!! Even in the National Parks and Forests you usually aren't too far from a vault toilet too. That's why my emergency bucket is still clean and dry. :)
I was going to go with a single panel (~200W), but I got such a great deal on the pair. Having 2 panels in parallel does charge up the amps twice as fast which is nice. I have had no problems, but I think my set up is overkill. My normal daily "Depth of Discharge" is probably less than 20% (200 Amp/hrs in the batteries). My refrigerator uses at least half of it. I would recommend the addition of a battery isolator so you can charge your house batts when the engine is running.
@ Man Hernan- Just screw the 2x4's into the steel ribs throughout the cargo area. Be sure to drill into the ribs (obvious) and not through the thin sheet metal and you'll probably need to drill pilot holes first. I was able to hang two 2x4's along the ceiling with bolts also. You may want to consider 1x1's instead. 2x4's weigh more, cost more and are a bit of overkill in a van. I used the two 2x4's on the ceiling and the rest were 1x1's and faces were finished with 10mm underlay. (although the bed frame is 2x4's). Small metal right angle braces were also used extensively throughout.
@ tracy smith- The fridge is great, although I have had to replace the fuse a few times. With 220 Amp hours of battery and nearly 300 watts of the solar panel I have never even come close to running out of power. (and even if I did I could run the engine and charge them with my alternator/battery isolator). Redundancy on top of overkill!!
Thanks! Yes, the combo of the 220AmpHour Batteries and the 290Watts of Panels have provided plenty of power! I was a bit concerned about thieves trying to pull the panels but: 1) I'm in the van more often than not. 2) It ain't easy to get them off without a big pry bar. Most thieves don't like to operate out in the open, especially 6 feet up in the air on a roof in a parking lot.
Get a lot of right angle brackets and sheet metal screws. Screw the hell out of everything. (Make sure you screw into the 2-ply parts of the sheet metal in the van. Those 90 degree brackets are like 50 cents a piece at some places and I used a ton of them on my conversion so I made my own: buy ~3-4 foot section of aluminum angle, drill holes, cut with band saw/jig saw. Use eye protection and gloves. Good Luck.
You're Welcome! Regarding Insulation: 1) I was lulled into complacency since I built it in Southern Florida. 2) I'm not sure how effective it would ultimately be. 3) Headroom is already at a premium and even 1 inch less would make things considerably more uncomfortable. I figure when it's hot you're gonna be hot, when it's cold you're gonna be cold. Best way to deal with it is with more or less clothing. That said, if I had a hi-top and was doing it again, I would consider insulation.
The sink and shower are most excellent. The entire build is simple yet super functional. Gave me some good ideas. Enjoyed the straight forward video too! Great job!
Thanks and Good Luck with your project!
I love how you did this video, very nice job, your entire van conversion in under 8 min.
Great build and awesome video! Thanks for sharing.
Many builds I've seen cost $10K to $20K just for the conversion and yours looks amazing for a low budget with a great final result. Thanks for showing that a tall sprinter isn't always needed.
Wow! That's the neatest self-conversion I've ever seen and I spent 8 years traveling across America.
it's the van i've been dreaming about for months, just needed someone to show me it! i play hockey too, and drums, i guess i was meant to see your vid man, thanks!
I have to tell you
Your van is one of the best I have EVER seen...AWSOME
Thank you for sharing
I really enjoyed this. I like the fact you named all your electronics by the brand names. It will help me when I go shopping.
That's GENIUS! I can totally see going across the country like that. What an awesome way to travel!
Nice job DJ really like the use of broken hockey sticks being an old player myself!
Dude this is the most badass van conversion I've ever seen. Straight up. Love the work you did, man. I'd totally pay you too.
So jealous! I converted and lived on a bus 11 years ago. So wish I had thought about the drums! If I ever do it again, I'm getting a good electric kit! Now get in your van and have a great time!
Thanks for sharing turning-a-van-into-a-home in such an organized and fun-to-watch video. Several of us are interested in your thoughts on foregoing insulation so I'll check that out next. And I was jazzed about you fitting-in the bike (more so than the drums!) as that my bike may push me from the Subaru to a small cargo van (as that I'm not ready to forego high MPG). And I wish all the van converters making videos like you would also use a tripod and take a minute to edit the video and move away from the clumsy, headache-inducing Blair Witch shaky camera holding so many employ. Great quality video AND helpful comments - thank you!
My magic buss is just like yours. Was a simple build to make it my own traveling stealth van in which to travel. You did a great job.
whoa, this is great. i've watched quite a few van build-out vids, and i like this one best. length-wise bed, shower, plento counter/desk space, storage everywhere... definitely gonna borrow some of these ideas for my own some day, hopefully. :) hope it's served you well!
Nice build on your van. Nice efficient design. Enjoyed your commentary, lots of useful information. Thanks for posting and keep us up to date on the van build.
I like how you use the bed as a lounge. I might have to do that to mine. That would be so cool backed up to the ocean.
Great man! I really enjoy young people converting this old vans and enjoying life in a simple way, I,m converting a toyota previa. You choosed this van conversion I will choose mine I can understand people comparing your idea to others that have done the job differently. I find yours excellent. If you are happy that is all what it matter. If ever around Vancouver BC. Let me know.......happy trails!!
Thanks. I'm just a "tinkerer" so I searched the web for information that I needed and then got to work. Much time was spent simply planning or visualizing what I wanted and where to best put it. The actual building isn't so hard, you just need the confidence and then get started.
freaking awesome. I love how you made use of every space.
nice build & like the effects of your drums. You got everything you need in that van!
This is awesome. I love the recycled hockey stick. I'm only way to a hockey tournament right now. Wish I was in this van
You rock bro, what you did there is quite amazing. I'm considering camperizing a van, and what I saw there was really ispiring, thanks man!
definitely the best camper design that I have seen yet! Great job!
The kit is the icing on the cake. Top job all 'round mate. Enjoy!
I personally would have to get the extended length because tippy cam have a generator and stuff then cut the top put a fiberglass pop for sleeping up there
Nicest layout I've seen yet.
Great Job!
OMG dude, when you said there's one more thing I want to fit inside, I immediately said please be a drum kit and boom... my mind was blown! I'm wanting to do this to a dodge sprinter, mainly because of the headroom. I'm wanting to travel the country and finish my degree online.
Too funny! The headroom of a Sprinter is definitely a plus. Good luck with your travels and studies!
I am thinking of this for similar reasons. Getting my degree online and starting my own business.
Thanks
You too!
Nice job! I want one! Have some great times in that Magic Bus!
love how you have a separate work space
Really nice build. I'm going to redo my van and use this as a major model. Thanks from another musician!
Great video. I've done my own conversion with a hi top Dodge van. Your cabinet work is really nice. I paid for
That last part made my day, how you were able to set up your drums in the van. I hope I can get my van like that one of these days. I just have been working on a paint job :) $30 for 2 quarts of "sail blue" rustoleum paint some rollers and some tape and went crazy. I had to go back to get a spray can cuz there are alot of crevices that the roller cant get to.
That was a great video, thank you~ I'm too old now..but I sure wanted to do that with my 1996 Aerostar van. Sooo, watching you just made me happy..and one's never too old to dream, right? btw, 68 y.o. female., so I wouldn't be able to make any of that stuff on my own!
you are still young and can do anything you dream up. all it takes is a vision and some passion to meet success. you seem like someone who has both. i believe in you. :) he did make a magic bus -didn't he? :) i am planning to build a tiny house right now. not sure if i want it on wheels or not, but sometimes dreaming it up can be the best part of it all.
I'm 62 and doing it. You're never too old. My health sucks, but if you do it in baby steps, it's possible! I'm converting my Dodge Caravan. Doesn't have to be a big van. Start with what you've got.
very nice. I've been thinking of doing one just like yours except I might raise my bed another 12 " that would give me more storage room under the bed.
This gives me faith that my keyboard will fit in the end.. I'm in a 150 but it's so similar.
Love the utilitarian design specific to your lifestyle. Cheers!
was about seventy percent sure you were a drummer due to the music and the stool lmao
As a Sabres fan I want to give you some shit on the Claude Giroux sweater, but I just can't. This van conversion is too awesome! I've been thinking about this for about 6 months, not sure I would go for this configuration with the bed, but I like the shower out the side and not the back, that much is for sure. Great job, happy travels, go Sabres!
Dude your build is an awesome idea! Plenty storage and room to get around :) Future ideas for me haha
I like to tell people "happy trails" as well. Thanks for making this video and sharing it with us
I have the same exact van and have been wondering what to do with it. Its been sitting for almost 2 years now. Bingo!! new project
Wow. Very impressive. Plenty of room!
really nice! I might copy some of your design for my van. my favorite part is the bed that turns into a chaise.
Nice van. Having previous experience customizing vans, I would focus on lightweight materials like aluminum for framing cabinets etc. cabinets can be finished with formica or wood laminet. Excess weight reduces gas mileage and places more stress on the drive train and suspension. Great job.
whoa this low key the most helpful and useful van conversion vid out
hay bud, awesome van I just bought a cargo van 3/4 ton van heavy duty van gonna make it in to a camper as well love u video ideas helps me slot thank u , for sharing it
WOW That is very very cool. Have a good trip.
great job thanks. mountain bike and drums, doesn't get much better.
I've got the 5.4L V8. Good luck with your build. Enjoy the high top!
Being a Jersey "girl" who grew up across the Ben Franklin Bridge from Philly, I, of course, LOVE your shirt!! Great job, DJ!!! Even at nearly 68 yrs-of-age my dream is to find an affordable (good fuel consumption) Sprinter van (..in good mechanical condition with good remaining tire tread)
Thanks Michele. A Sprinter would be a good choice, but don't fixate on finding the perfect one with "alotta goods". Maybe accept one at good price and make it better than good...make it perfect for you. Good luck!
Awesome van and love the drum kit, that's really rock n roll
wow you sure got a lot into there, well thought out
Nice quality on the wood work !
aaaaaaand the drum kit! ROFL! Excellent! I thought the drum seat was a good choice for a small seat in the van, but then to actually have a drum kit! :-D
ccgsales You make a good point though. A drum throne does work well in the van as a stowable seat.
WOW! Impressive. I wish I were handy like that. You did a great job. Enjoy & good luck!!!
That's awesome. Love that you fit your bike and surfboard inside
BRAVO!!! Well done dude! Keep us posted if you make any changes or improvements,
Thanks! Just bought a house so the van won't see much action for a while. Overall I was really pleased with everything. One change I would make would be to use more effective latches on the cabinet doors. A hi-top version would be great for the headroom. The dream changes would be a perfectly insulated van with an efficient A.C./heating system, but one can deal without them.
Congrats! On the house. What would an ideal a.c.\heat system be? I am planning my conversion and it seems that I will have to bite the bullet and go generator and propane.
Jeffery Springer
The ideal a.c./heat system would be one that runs by recycling the pollution out of the air, runs silently and with 100% efficiency! lol. Haven't found one yet, though! I'd recommend revisiting the idea of solar as opposed to Gen/Propane. Solar has worked really well for my purposes. (yours may be different though)
@ J Thom- I actually took the van all over the U.S. and saw temperatures from 0-100 degrees. You can check out my thoughts on the insulation debate in another video. I didn't have any moisture problems. I normally keep the windows open a crack plus I do have a vent in the ceiling of the cargo area. As for tools, you don't see them in the video, but I carry more tools than you'd find in most homes. And the spare tire in the Econolines is stowed under the chassis at the rear. Thanks for the comment!
Sweet build bro, I'll be stealing some ideas for mine.:)
love it with the drum kit, big ass amp and your cookin dude!
There's nothing sweeter than just packing up your van and driving off for an unspecified period, equipped to live comfortably while everyone else is dependent on using motels etc
Though I'm in the UK I've travelled up and across America a few times in a car but truly would have preferred a nice van conversion like yours. I've converted my Ford Transit adding skylights, shower/toilet cubicle, hob, fridge, 240v mains power, water heater, catalytic gas heater, bed, flat tv, led lighting etc. cont.
Hey DJ!
your video was one of a handful I used to make up my own van. Here's the project so far. I am a pre-medical student going fulltime in the "Beast of Burden" and I thought I'd let you know your van helped me out on a few things via design!
Living in a Van, My Undergrad Home.
Best,
R JOnes
nicely done sir. i just got a van a couple weeks ago and am working on it now but probably wont do anything like what you did cause its a conversion van and already pretty nice inside. if your still out and about maby our paths will cross.
Taking drums with you...very cool! :P
Dude awesome work! I am in the process of building one my self and your video really helps what to do with the space. I;m a traveling photographer and Would love to meet you if possible as I live in FL as well.
+Eddy DeJesus - give me a shout if your in the Central Florida (Cocoa) area.
will do DJ Drums ! I will be traveling to Orlando for Spooky Empire by Halloween, so ill see if I can bump into you. Would be a great motivator!
As a Grandfather of 13 beautiful (no prejudice here) children..Kudos on your reply.
Killer surf wagon for those months when you wanna chase the swell.
I like smaller vans rather than a hug camper, it feels better when you know you've built it all
Well done, I especially like the bicycle storage area.
Very nice, one of the best I've seen , great job. Gave me some ideas, thanks.
Very nice build my friend. Tailored to your specs. Thanks for posting. Anthony.
I like the layout of your van. Im going to be using some of your ideas on my new van. Just started a channel on it.
I like the bike compartment I may steal that idea
You sir... ARE AWESOME!!! great video.
So jealous. I'm really looking forward to doing something similar one day.
Thanks for sharing. What an awesome build. I just bought an extended chevy van and I'm planning some similar things. Thank's for the heads up!
Exactly Greg!! Even in the National Parks and Forests you usually aren't too far from a vault toilet too.
That's why my emergency bucket is still clean and dry. :)
Pretty cool in many ways dude.
Great vision and great work!
Looks great, nice work!!
Awesome man, nice build !
I was going to go with a single panel (~200W), but I got such a great deal on the pair. Having 2 panels in parallel does charge up the amps twice as fast which is nice. I have had no problems, but I think my set up is overkill. My normal daily "Depth of Discharge" is probably less than 20% (200 Amp/hrs in the batteries). My refrigerator uses at least half of it. I would recommend the addition of a battery isolator so you can charge your house batts when the engine is running.
@ Man Hernan- Just screw the 2x4's into the steel ribs throughout the cargo area. Be sure to drill into the ribs (obvious) and not through the thin sheet metal and you'll probably need to drill pilot holes first. I was able to hang two 2x4's along the ceiling with bolts also. You may want to consider 1x1's instead. 2x4's weigh more, cost more and are a bit of overkill in a van. I used the two 2x4's on the ceiling and the rest were 1x1's and faces were finished with 10mm underlay. (although the bed frame is 2x4's). Small metal right angle braces were also used extensively throughout.
Brilliant! Great job! Stealing many ideas from other people including you to build my canopy camper. Thanks for the tips and how much items cost.
Great job! Have a amazing trip!
@ tracy smith- The fridge is great, although I have had to replace the fuse a few times. With 220 Amp hours of battery and nearly 300 watts of the solar panel I have never even come close to running out of power. (and even if I did I could run the engine and charge them with my alternator/battery isolator). Redundancy on top of overkill!!
DJ Wolinsky did you ever find the source of the fuse blowing? loose connection? corrosion on terminal?
"you can't see but the hanger is a recycled broken hockey stick"....... Classic!!!!!!!
That is SHARP! Nice work.
Fantastic home on wheels!
Thanks! Yes, the combo of the 220AmpHour Batteries and the 290Watts of Panels have provided plenty of power! I was a bit concerned about thieves trying to pull the panels but:
1) I'm in the van more often than not.
2) It ain't easy to get them off without a big pry bar. Most thieves don't like to operate out in the open, especially 6 feet up in the air on a roof in a parking lot.
That is an awesome conversion....Good job...
You crammed alot in there!
this is great i am planning converting van and this is prob best design i have come across niiiiice
I love your video, nice van, very creative ideas! :):):)
Man, I want this bad. I wish I could fit my electric drum kit in my CR-V, haha
It's great and I love it I think I'm doing the same but I want to insulate for the cold winter something I didn't see I still love it
You did a great job Love the vids
Get a lot of right angle brackets and sheet metal screws. Screw the hell out of everything. (Make sure you screw into the 2-ply parts of the sheet metal in the van. Those 90 degree brackets are like 50 cents a piece at some places and I used a ton of them on my conversion so I made my own: buy ~3-4 foot section of aluminum angle, drill holes, cut with band saw/jig saw. Use eye protection and gloves.
Good Luck.
this is awesome , i plan on doing this project this summer .. Thanks for making this video
You're Welcome! Regarding Insulation:
1) I was lulled into complacency since I built it in Southern Florida.
2) I'm not sure how effective it would ultimately be.
3) Headroom is already at a premium and even 1 inch less would make things considerably more uncomfortable.
I figure when it's hot you're gonna be hot, when it's cold you're gonna be cold. Best way to deal with it is with more or less clothing. That said, if I had a hi-top and was doing it again, I would consider insulation.