I just belly laughed, drinking my coffee before work, about not getting "the tape" up. 😅 I enjoy your work, as well as Alex's talents! Hanging on to your tips for when my build starts...thanks for a good laugh, George 🚐🍻💙
Preparing to reopen a hole in my roof to run new cables. This video was timely and very helpful. Appreciated the specific names of the products. I've reached out the Hein at DIY Van as well, great guy!
Hi George, enjoying your tutorials and the frequency. I would hope that the establishment of RV manufacturers would also take note of your methods. Reliability and ease of maintenance along with ease of repair is built into all the vans you craft. What a concept! Are you going to Hershey in September? It would be great to meet you and see one of your vans in person. How about that “ Humble “ merch ?
Thank you George - those added anecdotes helped those of us with neuron depletion understand the intricacies of the task at hand, kind of. As usual, your attention to detail and precision fills me with an urge to cut a hole in my van roof - fortunately my wife stopped me, as we have no intention of fitting an extractor fan, nor do I have one to fit even if I wanted to - but I fear the urge persists.......
excellent explanation and great products... I have wondered why someone hasn't come up with a flanging tool for these cut outs. it would require radii in the corners (easy to do with a stepped bit) but since the sealant will inevitably fail having a flange turned up would stiffen the opening and reduce the entry of water when the seal fails.
As a body technician. 3m makes so many sealers and adhesive for all types of materials. We use 2 parts sealers that dry in 30mins up to a few hours depending how much work time is needed.
Very good, no way to have leaks. Please, do you make any roof reinforcment inside the van? If yes, could you please show us? Thanks a lot. Regards from Brazil🇧🇷
Good looking out on the product info and demonstration. I have an attic ladder that I want to put inside to the roof in my 84 Winnebago chieftain project. Thanks
"I won't be able to get it up..." "....I won't be able to get the tape up........" LMAO!!! I've used that stuff before and I agree, you need to be prepared and accurate when you place it down. There is not 'readjusting' it.
You help me out so much you don't realise George. Thank you brother. I ordered the 80/20 rubber strips yesterday for my Sprinter skirts and I'm now going out to fit the roof rails. Thank you again mate. From David in down under.
Loved this week's series of informative videos!! BTW -- Heard Dean Rumpel (Pleasureway CEO) using mysteriously Humble-George-like language in a recent video..."and the placement of the kitchen is critical...on the passenger side..." AND, and, and, guess what else??!! Everyone is now putting in a big deep sink in their vans with a residential combo spray faucet. Imagine that. What a concept! Saw it here first. I remember your video well. You are pioneer George. A pioneer! Great ideas, logical explanations that you can't argue with...and humor to boot (3:01-3:04)! Thanks for sharing with us! Bella and I wish you a good night, sir!
It looks well sealed! but if you made a hill for the rain to flow downwards while parked wouldn't that hill make it easy for the driving rain from the van moving forward to push uphill rather than hitting a wall? meaning the custom-made flange that you installed for the AC to sit on, would act like a 1-inch barrier preventing the water to get in! it may pool around the flange but with the sealant you used nothing would get in. And the van roofs are naturally curved to allow the water to run off
George, I like how you are concerned with spreading your load while on the roof (sorry for the pun), have you also thought about putting a support underneath your work area inside the van all the way to the floor? Like a jack post or a third hand support post? It would be a more reliable support method.
Quick comment…. I used this tape to cover the hole where the vent for my refer was but got broken off. I thought that I would use it until I was able to get a new vent to replace the old one. Well I got a new vent and was ready to install. I just need to remove the tape to access the hole for the new vent. Long story short. It took me 6 or 7 hours with the help of an automobile jack crank handle just to remove the tape. I still have not gotten all of the adhesive off of the jack crank handle. This is good stuff just be careful and completely prepared be for you use it!!!
It is a pleasure to see something besides butyl tape And use 5200 for what it’s good for I’ve seen people fix their shower floors with it calling it “goop” just slather it on (a tip from an RV owners group) it has no tensile strength, it’s for permanently bonding two surfaces together Is the tape different from EternaBond?
George, your dedication to supreme quality is absolutely wonderful ! I have a 2017 merc crew van (w/ factory headliner) and would like some help installing two fans, wiring and ceiling insulation. Your shop is reasonably close by (Doylestown PA) and I’m not in a hurry. Could you assist me with the build of a basic gear hauler ?
I love your channel. You are so meticulous in your work. I'm wondering where I can get a couple of those gaskets. I have been searching for something like this for the install of my two Max Roof Fans on my vintage 1986 Econoline van that I'm doing a conversion on and learning as I go. I'd appreciate any information you could offer. Thank you and much appreciated!!
George, could this work for an install of a Dometic Rooflight/Skylight? I'm installing a Mini Heki and going to get the adapter from DIY vans. Just wondering if the tape and gasket assembly would be the same. Thanks!
Now that a year has gone by, do you still recommend tape instead of self-leveling lap sealant? Our Winnebago Sprinter camper has a bunch of lap sealant that is cracking and showing gaps and I’d love to get rid of it and replace it with tape.
@@HumbleRoad Thanks! Most people with Winnebagos think that self-leveling lap sealant is the best product because that's what the factory uses. But I recently saw a video showing why they use it - because a single operator with a hose feeding lap sealant to a long nozzle can walk across the roof of a new RV and have all twenty or thirty points sealed in about two minutes!
George, I keep expecting you to be the first to do a conversion with no holes in the roof (and no leaks , ever). Isn't a portable ducted AC unit an easy option ? Lose some space but gain head room. I keep thinking there has to be a way to fan vent without a hole in the roof but haven't seen it done.
You can install a minisplit AC with hose holes in the floor. Or a window rattler AC with a hole in the door. For solar wiring, attach the glan to the housing that contains the third brake light/ back up cam. The cables can be brought in via existing holes. I’d also recommend putting the panels atop a roof rack, which can attach to the factory locations. So all of these can be done without putting any holes into the metal roof.
Another super video. I want to copy it, BUT I need to find that tape. You should have a link below and even make a commission on the sales like other You Tuber's.
You’ve been around enough maxxair 7500, if the fan was surrounded by a roof rack which featured a wind deflector (slanted piece of metal) in the front of the rack, do you think it could survive being mounted sideways? (Fan not used while driving)
George, the flashing creates a seam between the pieces. Surely this will allow moisture in? Prior to the flashing there was no way for anything to get in between the AC and gasket, now on the top of the gasket there are seams. Let me know if my logic is wrong
I think the DC air conditioners on the market are starting to be a viable alternative. The service network and price are what hold me back from using them.
@@HumbleRoad Yep I'm finding out this out a little to late! I have a Proair and when it works, it does the job. I'm looking at either a Nomadic 2000 or Cruise n Comfort to replace the Proair after 3 years. I'm doing my research now. George, I have watched your channel for a long time now and know that you are a professional. Money is not a issue, I just need it to work! Thoughts?
@@johnd843 Personally, I recommend my clients stay with the tried and true, easily serviced or replaced air conditioners. DC air conditioners will most likely become mainstream. But until then..
What do suggest to do with the remaining 1 1/2 of the super sticky tape that remains showing after the fan is installed? Bug catcher? Cover it with Lap Seal?
Hello .. was wondering what are the next steps after the tape ... for a maxx fan install ... we would just drop the adapter directly on top of the tape.. screw it down and lap sealant over screws and tape?
"Honey, I'm home! Sorry, I dropped the tape over at work today and I can't get it up." Wife starts to get very cranky about any woman in the workspace.
Until we pull the unit and investigate, my thought is insufficient torque on the four corner bolts. The dense foam gasket has a great deal of compression factor, and the instructions do not take full advantage of that. As a precautionary move, I went in and re-torqued the Sprinter and added a fillet of 3M 4000 around the perimeter.
I understand you are DIY'ers but have you ever compared the cost and effort doing your conversion as just opposed to buying a NEW RV? I put $50 an hour on my time. I am going to be buying a fully fitted RV here for $160K and in 2 years its resale value will be $140K..... with zero effort at all that works out to cost about $200 per week or 20K. And EVERY single mod we make here on a car has to get an engineers certificate. Are you certifying everything youve done on the van or is it like a home job. I look forward to hearing your response.
I may have misinterpreted your question and you certainly went zero to sixty in an instant! In almost every respect, it is not practical to compare a manufactured van to a custom built van. Hence the great disparity in price. My labor rates are commensurate with the quality and custom nature of the product and in certain cases are 2-3 times that of a manufactured van. I began building custom vans as a direct reaction to the shortcomings of a manufactured van. I take great pleasure and satisfaction in the creative innovations I dream up and I earn a very good living doing so. However, the effort and associated costs are not for everyone, and that is why there are so many options and choices out there. Lastly, while I purposefully avoid drama and politics on this platform, to suggest I am a liberal is laughable. I sense that if we got off on better footing, we are more alike than not.
Every detail in his builds is so well thought out. Exemplary.
We need more people like you building things. Your attention to detail blows my mind.
I just belly laughed, drinking my coffee before work, about not getting "the tape" up. 😅 I enjoy your work, as well as Alex's talents! Hanging on to your tips for when my build starts...thanks for a good laugh, George 🚐🍻💙
Great moment or Greatest Internet Moment Ever?
It's always a pleasure watching someone that takes pride in their work do their thing and do it properly.
You always go the extra mile. That's nice to see in van production.
Preparing to reopen a hole in my roof to run new cables. This video was timely and very helpful. Appreciated the specific names of the products. I've reached out the Hein at DIY Van as well, great guy!
George, you are the master. Thanks so much for sharing this. Especially right before I install my rooftop fan and AC!!!
small details that we could easily miss ,but are so important to a build ,and save us a lot of grief down the line
Word.
Hi George, enjoying your tutorials and the frequency. I would hope that the establishment of RV manufacturers would also take note of your methods. Reliability and ease of maintenance along with ease of repair is built into all the vans you craft. What a concept!
Are you going to Hershey in September? It would be great to meet you and see one of your vans in person. How about that “ Humble “ merch ?
Alas, I am a slave to my craft. No Hershey for me this year. ☹️
Nah, he is making big money on his builds. Don't go any where. Lol
I'd love to have some Humble Road Merch. White t shirt would be nice. 👍if you'd like some too. 😉
I hope to see the finished product and the fan install next.
Hi George
Having Lunch Enjoying a Humble Road Video
Thanks !!
Thank you George - those added anecdotes helped those of us with neuron depletion understand the intricacies of the task at hand, kind of. As usual, your attention to detail and precision fills me with an urge to cut a hole in my van roof - fortunately my wife stopped me, as we have no intention of fitting an extractor fan, nor do I have one to fit even if I wanted to - but I fear the urge persists.......
🤣
Thanks for flying the flag George. Bill’s Cool Projects
Glad to hear it is only the tape, George...🙂
excellent explanation and great products... I have wondered why someone hasn't come up with a flanging tool for these cut outs. it would require radii in the corners (easy to do with a stepped bit) but since the sealant will inevitably fail having a flange turned up would stiffen the opening and reduce the entry of water when the seal fails.
I don't know where you get your ideas but science needs to tap into your brain. Such quality and cutting edge stuff. Thanks for the great info George🙏
As a body technician. 3m makes so many sealers and adhesive for all types of materials. We use 2 parts sealers that dry in 30mins up to a few hours depending how much work time is needed.
Marine sealant is awesome! Won't use another adhesive for any of my outdoor seams. I've been using seal bond 105.
Very good, no way to have leaks. Please, do you make any roof reinforcment inside the van? If yes, could you please show us? Thanks a lot. Regards from Brazil🇧🇷
Good looking out on the product info and demonstration. I have an attic ladder that I want to put inside to the roof in my 84 Winnebago chieftain project. Thanks
Thank you so very much for sharing George! So amazing tips and generous. Love and always enjoy watching. 👍❤️
Building the best George!!
"I won't be able to get it up..." "....I won't be able to get the tape up........" LMAO!!! I've used that stuff before and I agree, you need to be prepared and accurate when you place it down. There is not 'readjusting' it.
haha,I heard that too
LMFAO!
George's wife: "dammit George I told you to stop using that roof tape, I'm getting lonely over here!"
You help me out so much you don't realise George. Thank you brother.
I ordered the 80/20 rubber strips yesterday for my Sprinter skirts and I'm now going out to fit the roof rails.
Thank you again mate.
From David in down under.
Loved this week's series of informative videos!! BTW -- Heard Dean Rumpel (Pleasureway CEO) using mysteriously Humble-George-like language in a recent video..."and the placement of the kitchen is critical...on the passenger side..." AND, and, and, guess what else??!! Everyone is now putting in a big deep sink in their vans with a residential combo spray faucet. Imagine that. What a concept! Saw it here first. I remember your video well. You are pioneer George. A pioneer! Great ideas, logical explanations that you can't argue with...and humor to boot (3:01-3:04)! Thanks for sharing with us! Bella and I wish you a good night, sir!
Hey George, thank you for another fantastic video of tips & tricks. Can these products be found in black or dark grey?
Another brilliant tip. You are the master. Nothing but the best from beginning to end.
I think the word that was eluding you momentarily was "curb". You built a curb to prevent water infiltration. ;)
It looks well sealed! but if you made a hill for the rain to flow downwards while parked wouldn't that hill make it easy for the driving rain from the van moving forward to push uphill rather than hitting a wall? meaning the custom-made flange that you installed for the AC to sit on, would act like a 1-inch barrier preventing the water to get in! it may pool around the flange but with the sealant you used nothing would get in. And the van roofs are naturally curved to allow the water to run off
What type of saw do you use to cut the hole? Thanks.
George, I like how you are concerned with spreading your load while on the roof (sorry for the pun), have you also thought about putting a support underneath your work area inside the van all the way to the floor? Like a jack post or a third hand support post? It would be a more reliable support method.
Quick comment…. I used this tape to cover the hole where the vent for my refer was but got broken off. I thought that I would use it until I was able to get a new vent to replace the old one. Well I got a new vent and was ready to install. I just need to remove the tape to access the hole for the new vent. Long story short. It took me 6 or 7 hours with the help of an automobile jack crank handle just to remove the tape. I still have not gotten all of the adhesive off of the jack crank handle. This is good stuff just be careful and completely prepared be for you use it!!!
Great tips! You said Aft, Navy van?
It is a pleasure to see something besides butyl tape And use 5200 for what it’s good for I’ve seen people fix their shower floors with it calling it “goop” just slather it on (a tip from an RV owners group) it has no tensile strength, it’s for permanently bonding two surfaces together Is the tape different from EternaBond?
I think it’s basically the same as eternabond
George, your dedication to supreme quality is absolutely wonderful !
I have a 2017 merc crew van (w/ factory headliner) and would like some help installing two fans, wiring and ceiling insulation. Your shop is reasonably close by (Doylestown PA) and I’m not in a hurry. Could you assist me with the build of a basic gear hauler ?
Thank you for your kind words, Robert. I’m sorry to say I am currently doing full builds only. Go slow, don’t panic. 👍
@@HumbleRoad Many thanks for your encouragement ; ) I can do this !
I love your channel. You are so meticulous in your work. I'm wondering where I can get a couple of those gaskets. I have been searching for something like this for the install of my two Max Roof Fans on my vintage 1986 Econoline van that I'm doing a conversion on and learning as I go. I'd appreciate any information you could offer. Thank you and much appreciated!!
Diyvan.com
George, could this work for an install of a Dometic Rooflight/Skylight? I'm installing a Mini Heki and going to get the adapter from DIY vans. Just wondering if the tape and gasket assembly would be the same. Thanks!
The roof tape can be used on any flange.
Any reason you chose not to use Dicor self leveling lap sealant like many other people recommend?
The 3M products, IMHO, are better.
Such great info …
Is it possible to add roof top bed box type?
Now that a year has gone by, do you still recommend tape instead of self-leveling lap sealant?
Our Winnebago Sprinter camper has a bunch of lap sealant that is cracking and showing gaps and I’d love to get rid of it and replace it with tape.
Yes I use 3m4000 let it cure one week, then cover it with tape.
@@HumbleRoad Thanks! Most people with Winnebagos think that self-leveling lap sealant is the best product because that's what the factory uses. But I recently saw a video showing why they use it - because a single operator with a hose feeding lap sealant to a long nozzle can walk across the roof of a new RV and have all twenty or thirty points sealed in about two minutes!
Yes, and ever notice that lap sealant must be maintenanced every season!?
George, I keep expecting you to be the first to do a conversion with no holes in the roof (and no leaks , ever).
Isn't a portable ducted AC unit an easy option ? Lose some space but gain head room. I keep thinking there has to be a way to fan vent without a hole in the roof but haven't seen it done.
Holes are not a bad thing, as long as they are treated correctly. Boats have holes through their hulls under the waterline! 😳
You can install a minisplit AC with hose holes in the floor. Or a window rattler AC with a hole in the door. For solar wiring, attach the glan to the housing that contains the third brake light/ back up cam. The cables can be brought in via existing holes. I’d also recommend putting the panels atop a roof rack, which can attach to the factory locations. So all of these can be done without putting any holes into the metal roof.
Genius!
Any reason you don’t use the fast cure version of the 3M 5200?
I sometimes use 3M4000 fast cure.
Is the rv roof tape, the same as eternabond tape? Do you have link for it?
similar product.
I need that roof tape today. Does Home Depot, Lowes or Ace sell it?
Another super video. I want to copy it, BUT I need to find that tape. You should have a link below and even make a commission on the sales like other You Tuber's.
I held the label up to the camera so you could read it. It’s on Amazon.
You’ve been around enough maxxair 7500, if the fan was surrounded by a roof rack which featured a wind deflector (slanted piece of metal) in the front of the rack, do you think it could survive being mounted sideways? (Fan not used while driving)
You will most likely damage the fan housing and certainly void the warranty.
@@HumbleRoad “most likely” so you’re saying there’s a chance…Dang (insert ah shucks emoji)
Brilliant thank you so much
You are very welcome
3M 5200 is not UV stable. Make sure to paint or tape it to keep it out of the sun.
Is anything really UV stable ?
He tapes it.
It the mobile home tape as good as eternal bond tape?
I believe it’s the same thing
@@HumbleRoad I believe it is too at a reduced price.
Can you link that tape please
George, the flashing creates a seam between the pieces. Surely this will allow moisture in?
Prior to the flashing there was no way for anything to get in between the AC and gasket, now on the top of the gasket there are seams. Let me know if my logic is wrong
The air conditioner foam seals the seam as you torque the mounting bolts.
@@HumbleRoad Of course you're much smarter than me, haha!
@@HumbleRoad Well done on all the builds, they are looking magnificent
George? What air-conditioner/system would you use for a 8 hour run time in worst case weather?
I think the DC air conditioners on the market are starting to be a viable alternative. The service network and price are what hold me back from using them.
@@HumbleRoad Yep I'm finding out this out a little to late! I have a Proair and when it works, it does the job. I'm looking at either a Nomadic 2000 or Cruise n Comfort to replace the Proair after 3 years. I'm doing my research now. George, I have watched your channel for a long time now and know that you are a professional. Money is not a issue, I just need it to work! Thoughts?
@@johnd843 Personally, I recommend my clients stay with the tried and true, easily serviced or replaced air conditioners. DC air conditioners will most likely become mainstream. But until then..
@@HumbleRoad Understood! Thank you for taking the time and answering my question. Outstanding channel and your attention to detail 2nd to none.
@@johnd843 thank you for sharing this info.
Grt video. Thx
Glad you liked it!
Good stuff George. Do you recommend waiting 72 hours before using the RV roof repair?
yes
George, what if your backing up in a storm?
Everyone knows you only drive forward in a storm..😊
@@HumbleRoad
LOL
“I won’t be able to get it up…..the TAPE up”.
Yeah, two drops nearly came out at that one. 🤣🤣🤣
Yes that was awesome and took me a second to see what he did there...
yay
What do suggest to do with the remaining 1 1/2 of the super sticky tape that remains showing after the fan is installed? Bug catcher? Cover it with Lap Seal?
It's only sticky on one side. The white visible side has a very durable smooth plastic surface. Job's done.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I would have needed some knee pads for that job.. 😏
👍
In addition to being a Humble Road fan, I am also a van fan and fan fan. (Can I get a piece of tape for my mouth / fingers / keyboard ????)
I may have to censor you...
🤣LOL!
@@HumbleRoad Hehehe
Me: Why did he stress that he wouldn't be able to get the TAPE up??
... tick tock tick tock...
Also me: Oh yeah. That's why!!
I am never buying that tape if you can't get it up afterwards 😏
Buddy you had me at 5200... nice job... after that you love being over the top....lol??
You done everything but lay the stuff. What happened?
Hello .. was wondering what are the next steps after the tape ... for a maxx fan install ... we would just drop the adapter directly on top of the tape.. screw it down and lap sealant over screws and tape?
"Honey, I'm home! Sorry, I dropped the tape over at work today and I can't get it up."
Wife starts to get very cranky about any woman in the workspace.
I hate humidity.
Holey Hull, you can't get it up???? lol
You know where you stand with a Hull Hole
😊
I’m intimidated by that tape….
Me too!
@@HumbleRoad 🤣
3M 5200 also known as "screw the next guy".
I suppose that is one way of looking at it.
As someone that watches your channel like religion. How did the leak in Sam's van occur? Guide everyone through how to fix it.
Until we pull the unit and investigate, my thought is insufficient torque on the four corner bolts. The dense foam gasket has a great deal of compression factor, and the instructions do not take full advantage of that. As a precautionary move, I went in and re-torqued the Sprinter and added a fillet of 3M 4000 around the perimeter.
I understand you are DIY'ers but have you ever compared the cost and effort doing your conversion as just opposed to buying a NEW RV?
I put $50 an hour on my time. I am going to be buying a fully fitted RV here for $160K and in 2 years its resale value will be $140K..... with zero effort at all that works out to cost about $200 per week or 20K.
And EVERY single mod we make here on a car has to get an engineers certificate. Are you certifying everything youve done on the van or is it like a home job.
I look forward to hearing your response.
You are comparing apples to oranges. And beyond that, your perceived "effort" is my tonic.
I may have misinterpreted your question and you certainly went zero to sixty in an instant! In almost every respect, it is not practical to compare a manufactured van to a custom built van. Hence the great disparity in price. My labor rates are commensurate with the quality and custom nature of the product and in certain cases are 2-3 times that of a manufactured van. I began building custom vans as a direct reaction to the shortcomings of a manufactured van. I take great pleasure and satisfaction in the creative innovations I dream up and I earn a very good living doing so. However, the effort and associated costs are not for everyone, and that is why there are so many options and choices out there. Lastly, while I purposefully avoid drama and politics on this platform, to suggest I am a liberal is laughable. I sense that if we got off on better footing, we are more alike than not.
@@HumbleRoad Thanks for your answer. Maybe you could link me to one of your vids where the total costs are explained (if you have one)
Each van is different, so final pricing varies. In order to respect the owner's privacy, I don't make costs and prices public.
I can say a Humble Road van costs more than an Airstream Interstate, but less than an Advanced RV.
🌴👍🏼😎👍🏼🚐 No pun intended " Can't get it up" HaHaHa 🤣 your to young for that