Thanks for watching everyone!! To enter the GIVEAWAY for your own SetPower FC15 green fridge/freezer: 1. Head over to instagram and give me and SetPower a follow @erin_elyse1 @setpowerusa 2. Like the giveaway post 3. Share the giveaway post on your story **Giveaway starts 1/26 and ends 1/31 and the winner will be announced by @setpowerusa on February 1st via IG story! **Shipping to mainland US only
I suggest the Rocky Mounts swing arm rack. It's a van life game changer. I installed it on my truck in the REI parking lot and it made the rest of my trip easy peasy.
Bike rack idea. Consider mounting a ladder to one of your rear doors, then a Lolorack, vertical bike rack, could be attached to the ladder. More expensive route would be to add a trailer hitch, then a swing-out arm to the hitch, then a horizontal bike rack to the swing-out arm. I've never done it, so only an idea to ponder.
Thanks so much for sharing your story!!! Your channel is a big reason I took the plunge and just got my first van, a Ford transit connect called Vinni 😊
Ugh I use it very occasionally. Especially when I'm not traveling and just using it as my everyday vehicle at home. I've always wanted one of those passenger seats that spin around though!!
UK and euro spec connect vans have a passenger seat that folds forward and completely flat with the rear floor not sure if it was available in the US spec vans . It's a fixed seat with 2 cup holders in the back which didn't have forward or backward adjustment but it's very easy to make your van one or two seat van for extra space next to the driver's seat . I can carry 8x4 sheets of ply with the seat folded down .
Imagine being this young, creative, and blessed! I’ve so badly wanted a ford transit connect but could never find one within my budget. Recently bought a short skoolie and hope to confer it, wish me luck 🤘🏾
Thanks for the Janeway tour and build journey. 😊 Definitely need to insulate for winter as well as summer heat. I know that I've seen swing out bike racks that would attach to the back of Janeway, and you could still open the back doors. 👍 Not sure if this would help solve your dilemma or not. Best of luck to you.
Yeah I didn't even talk about my adventures in the hot desert lol. Maybe some insulation is in the future haha! and yes I'll be looking into a swing out bike rack for sure! Thanks for watching!!
Hey Erin, maybe you can try a custom vertical van door bike rack, where the front fork can attach to a mount on top one of the doors, if the dimensions of the van and bike are suitable.
Awesome video and cool name for the van and if you have a towbar fitted to the van you can get a bike rack mounted to that and they can easily be removed when not needed 🙂
Another great video, Erin 😊 super helpful, informative yet succint for people looking at getting into van life, especially for a Ford Transit Connect. Thanks for sharing! I'm sure the change from semi part time living in the van vs being semi full time in the van was very different and a learning curve. But I think it's smart that you went pretty simple in the beginning and have made changes as you go and start to get a better sense of how you use the space. Let it evolve organically rather than just building in a cookie cutter build for a Transit Connect that may not actually work for you. So many amazing adventures and memories in your time in Janeway (love it!! ❤😂), and many more to come, I'm sure. I know I've been super annoying constantly mentioning possible bike storage and general storage ideas 😅 but I'm glad you're considering it. Just getting the bike off the floor would completely change how you could use the space. My idea is, if you are okay with losing the access and 'sight lines' from one of your sliding doors while the bike is in there, if the bike dimensions fit vertically with the front wheel off then could maybe have a fork mount that you could mount bike to. But I'm not sure how much height you have and what size your bike is. So not sure if that's even helpful. Hope you have a good weekend 😊
Thanks so much!! Yeah I really did try to let it evolve organically, which is why it was so fun to put this video together! Yeah the bike was definitely the killer on this last trip. I'll look into the fork mount! Thanks for sharing and watching!
When you first talked about removing the ladder rack, I was thinking if it were me, I'd try to adapt it to a platform for storage, deck, or even a rooftop tent. I don't have a low awning to limit the space. I enjoyed your video & praise you for "going for it"! Back in the early 70s a lot of our exploration consisted of backpacking & hitchhiking around the country (& Europe)
Great video as usual! Enjoyed hearing all about the build as it progressed, and definitely looking forward to the changes to come! Keep up the good work!
You should buy small plastic watering can for a quick wash, collapsible sink, how about tying your bike flat to the deck with a bungee rope. I would not change a thing. It’s beautiful!
I love how you tell us what you changed, why and how. That deck doesn’t look easy to get up on, down from or safe to be on. I would need a ladder and some low key rails.
I would use your deck for transporting the bike using a Low Profile Bike Fork Mount, its a little thing just screw it at the front mount the bike add a rear wheel grab (doesn't have to be permanent) and you are done wiht loads more space inside.
Unfortunately we have very little choice and options fir fringes in New Zealand. My van is a tad smaller than yours, so I'll be following for tips and ideas. It looks awesome 😊
With you being solo female, traveling and wanting to keep your bike inside… I thought of how you could use storage inside that you already have! The cubby above the driver and passenger seats. You could actually slide the bike tires in. Maybe create a slide out brace from underneath to hold the bulk of the bike when you’re driving .. The things that you store in that space, can be tucked away after making bigger, slide out drawers underneath your bed Let me know if you use the idea and of course make a video! I loved what you did to your van in the simplicity of it keep going loving life
I converted a dodge neon into a one person+one dog camper… unbolted the passenger seat, got a full size spare and put it and the donut on the floor and built a bed platform for the right side … added a yakima roof rack with a bike rack on one side and a cargo pod on the other … removing the bike seat and putting a pole in its place i could build a tepee style tent that covered the entire right side and back of the car when parked ….i drove it completely around the both wet and dry edges of the lower 48
In many countries like Ireland and UK for example eggs are not stored in the fridge, look into it if you need convincing but I’m in my 50’s and haven’t died yet from not refrigerating eggs….(thats not a smart ass comment by the way). It would save you precious fridge space as I saw your eggs were stored in it. If you just have them in there to keep foodstuffs stored together then just ignore me 😀 Great van set up, safe travels.
Thank you!! I plug it in while I'm driving and then I just plug it into my portable battery. It's not ideal but it works and I'm looking to upgrade my power situation soon!
Very nice!!! Planning to buildout a ford connect for travelling thoughout europe for about 2 months a year. So your channel was already looking pretty interesting. However as soon as you said who your van is named after, you gained a loyal subscriber in me. Keep up the great work and keep on enjoying life girl!!
Thanks! I implemented my initial project in the same van, went on my first trip and I'm already thinking about what needs to be fixed. Thank you for the idea of the kitchen and especially the terrace
Guess I’ll name my van Pricard. Big Trekkie too. Loved your van build video. I’m getting a ford transit van too soon and need to figure out how to make it work for mainly one old guy
I am a new subscriber to your RUclips channel. I was wondering if you knew or not that in Bloomington, Indiana they have a statue of Captain Janeway?? The statue is on Indiana University's campus. You should be able to look it up to see. There are lots of pics of the statue and Kate Mulgrew for the dedication ceremony.
Is there enough height to hang the bike vertical behind the driver seat, from the ceiling? It would clear up some floor space. You seemed to prefer to pile things on that side when you did get messy, and it would not obstruct your view quite as much, being directly behind you while driving, rather than on the passenger side. Would still have to remove the tire, but keeping it inside would still allow you to stealth park when needed.
I would love to see a short video thats just about the bed setup you ended up using, modified from your original setup. I had a hard time seeing how it was built/set up/adjustable bc so much other good stuff was being shown in the other videos! I yhink what you did would work great in the connect i just got, and i would love to see s slower, more thorough demonstratiin of how the bed works and how it adjusts in your space! Thanks!! :-) nice ĵob!
You could build a bike rack for the front of the vehicle. Mount A hitch type thing. I know they make bike racks for front of the vehicle look into that maybe.
hey. i have the exact same van, im building it now. Bought it wrecked (engine wouldnt start) it is now running. How are going with this one? cheers from Europe
@@erin_elyse I have to admit I love my surly long haul trucker, but if I had to have a bike I would think of a e folder bike I would probably go on deck at rear or even back doors , right to e bike company's, tell them your a utube er ,and your looking to give a honest review on a couple of e folding bike's , nothing to loos I bet someone comes up with try this .
❤❤❤❤ I was sold at the van then your beauty but to name it janeway after my own favourite captain and from my best tv show ever I’m now fully up for marriage 💍 😂
You sure did your build right. Start simple and see what you need or don’t need as you travel. Living in a van with too much stuff is never fun…moving things around all the time, yuck.
Thanks for watching everyone!! To enter the GIVEAWAY for your own SetPower FC15 green fridge/freezer:
1. Head over to instagram and give me and SetPower a follow
@erin_elyse1
@setpowerusa
2. Like the giveaway post
3. Share the giveaway post on your story
**Giveaway starts 1/26 and ends 1/31 and the winner will be announced by @setpowerusa on February 1st via IG story!
**Shipping to mainland US only
For the problem of the bike rack, get a swing away mount. When you stop to get in the back just swing it our and away and open the back up no problem.
I suggest the Rocky Mounts swing arm rack. It's a van life game changer. I installed it on my truck in the REI parking lot and it made the rest of my trip easy peasy.
Awesome, thanks!! I will look into one!
Rocky Mounts, thanks for the tip!!
Omg... I have a 2013 for transit connect xtl that I use for vanlife and I so NEED that fridge!!!
Omg I love my little transit connect!! This fridge is the perfect size for it.
Thanks for the excellent video. I travel in a 2010 transit connect. Subscribed
Bike rack idea. Consider mounting a ladder to one of your rear doors, then a Lolorack, vertical bike rack, could be attached to the ladder. More expensive route would be to add a trailer hitch, then a swing-out arm to the hitch, then a horizontal bike rack to the swing-out arm. I've never done it, so only an idea to ponder.
hmmm the ladder idea definitely intrigues me!! Thanks for sharing!
This fridge is just SO YOU!! It fits your van and your style perfectly. I have to get one for myself ASAP❤❤
Thanks so much for sharing your story!!! Your channel is a big reason I took the plunge and just got my first van, a Ford transit connect called Vinni 😊
WOW! That means so much to me. Thank you for sharing! Have the best time with Vinni!!!
Don't know if you use the passenger seat, but maybe it can be removed for extra space for your bike.
Ugh I use it very occasionally. Especially when I'm not traveling and just using it as my everyday vehicle at home. I've always wanted one of those passenger seats that spin around though!!
UK and euro spec connect vans have a passenger seat that folds forward and completely flat with the rear floor not sure if it was available in the US spec vans . It's a fixed seat with 2 cup holders in the back which didn't have forward or backward adjustment but it's very easy to make your van one or two seat van for extra space next to the driver's seat . I can carry 8x4 sheets of ply with the seat folded down .
Imagine being this young, creative, and blessed!
I’ve so badly wanted a ford transit connect but could never find one within my budget. Recently bought a short skoolie and hope to confer it, wish me luck 🤘🏾
That sounds awesome!! Good luck!!
Thanks for the Janeway tour and build journey. 😊 Definitely need to insulate for winter as well as summer heat.
I know that I've seen swing out bike racks that would attach to the back of Janeway, and you could still open the back doors. 👍
Not sure if this would help solve your dilemma or not. Best of luck to you.
Yeah I didn't even talk about my adventures in the hot desert lol. Maybe some insulation is in the future haha! and yes I'll be looking into a swing out bike rack for sure! Thanks for watching!!
Hey Erin, maybe you can try a custom vertical van door bike rack, where the front fork can attach to a mount on top one of the doors, if the dimensions of the van and bike are suitable.
That would be so sweet!! I really am liking the vertical idea. I'm going to look into it!
Awesome video and cool name for the van and if you have a towbar fitted to the van you can get a bike rack mounted to that and they can easily be removed when not needed 🙂
Thank you!! Good idea!!
Another great video, Erin 😊 super helpful, informative yet succint for people looking at getting into van life, especially for a Ford Transit Connect. Thanks for sharing!
I'm sure the change from semi part time living in the van vs being semi full time in the van was very different and a learning curve. But I think it's smart that you went pretty simple in the beginning and have made changes as you go and start to get a better sense of how you use the space. Let it evolve organically rather than just building in a cookie cutter build for a Transit Connect that may not actually work for you.
So many amazing adventures and memories in your time in Janeway (love it!! ❤😂), and many more to come, I'm sure.
I know I've been super annoying constantly mentioning possible bike storage and general storage ideas 😅 but I'm glad you're considering it. Just getting the bike off the floor would completely change how you could use the space.
My idea is, if you are okay with losing the access and 'sight lines' from one of your sliding doors while the bike is in there, if the bike dimensions fit vertically with the front wheel off then could maybe have a fork mount that you could mount bike to. But I'm not sure how much height you have and what size your bike is. So not sure if that's even helpful.
Hope you have a good weekend 😊
Thanks so much!! Yeah I really did try to let it evolve organically, which is why it was so fun to put this video together! Yeah the bike was definitely the killer on this last trip. I'll look into the fork mount! Thanks for sharing and watching!
When you first talked about removing the ladder rack, I was thinking if it were me, I'd try to adapt it to a platform for storage, deck, or even a rooftop tent. I don't have a low awning to limit the space.
I enjoyed your video & praise you for "going for it"! Back in the early 70s a lot of our exploration consisted of backpacking & hitchhiking around the country (& Europe)
Great video as usual! Enjoyed hearing all about the build as it progressed, and definitely looking forward to the changes to come! Keep up the good work!
Thank you!!! I'm looking forward to them too!
You should buy small plastic watering can for a quick wash, collapsible sink, how about tying your bike flat to the deck with a bungee rope. I would not change a thing. It’s beautiful!
I love how you tell us what you changed, why and how. That deck doesn’t look easy to get up on, down from or safe to be on. I would need a ladder and some low key rails.
It's plenty safe and I have no problem getting up it.
I would use your deck for transporting the bike using a Low Profile Bike Fork Mount, its a little thing just screw it at the front mount the bike add a rear wheel grab (doesn't have to be permanent) and you are done wiht loads more space inside.
Unfortunately we have very little choice and options fir fringes in New Zealand. My van is a tad smaller than yours, so I'll be following for tips and ideas. It looks awesome 😊
Check out lady bugout, she has tons of ideas. She has a red transit that she's retrofitted 2x,
With you being solo female, traveling and wanting to keep your bike inside… I thought of how you could use storage inside that you already have!
The cubby above the driver and passenger seats. You could actually slide the bike tires in. Maybe create a slide out brace from underneath to hold the bulk of the bike when you’re driving ..
The things that you store in that space, can be tucked away after making bigger, slide out drawers underneath your bed
Let me know if you use the idea and of course make a video! I loved what you did to your van in the simplicity of it keep going loving life
Good idea.
I converted a dodge neon into a one person+one dog camper… unbolted the passenger seat, got a full size spare and put it and the donut on the floor and built a bed platform for the right side … added a yakima roof rack with a bike rack on one side and a cargo pod on the other … removing the bike seat and putting a pole in its place i could build a tepee style tent that covered the entire right side and back of the car when parked ….i drove it completely around the both wet and dry edges of the lower 48
In many countries like Ireland and UK for example eggs are not stored in the fridge, look into it if you need convincing but I’m in my 50’s and haven’t died yet from not refrigerating eggs….(thats not a smart ass comment by the way). It would save you precious fridge space as I saw your eggs were stored in it. If you just have them in there to keep foodstuffs stored together then just ignore me 😀 Great van set up, safe travels.
Yay! A giveaway!!!
hehe yep!!
Janeway is inspiringly minimal but still so cute. How do you power the fridge?
Thank you!! I plug it in while I'm driving and then I just plug it into my portable battery. It's not ideal but it works and I'm looking to upgrade my power situation soon!
Very nice!!! Planning to buildout a ford connect for travelling thoughout europe for about 2 months a year. So your channel was already looking pretty interesting. However as soon as you said who your van is named after, you gained a loyal subscriber in me. Keep up the great work and keep on enjoying life girl!!
Thanks! I implemented my initial project in the same van, went on my first trip and I'm already thinking about what needs to be fixed. Thank you for the idea of the kitchen and especially the terrace
Guess I’ll name my van Pricard. Big Trekkie too. Loved your van build video. I’m getting a ford transit van too soon and need to figure out how to make it work for mainly one old guy
❤ Your uncle John and I keep trying to figure something out for that bike! Great video! 🏞
Hahahha thank you!!! Uncle John is gonna have to be my next co-star and get featured in a video!
use a seasucker rack either on the back of the van or on top
Can you mount bike on the front and tarpe it ?
I am a new subscriber to your RUclips channel. I was wondering if you knew or not that in Bloomington, Indiana they have a statue of Captain Janeway?? The statue is on Indiana University's campus. You should be able to look it up to see. There are lots of pics of the statue and Kate Mulgrew for the dedication ceremony.
Aww. I love Janeway, I’ll have to check it out too.
love Janeway🥰
me too 💗💗
Very cool build, please drill a bunch of holes in your bed because there needs to be ventilation there in the long run or black mold can develop.
They have a hitch bike rack if you have a hitch on van. They're a couple hundred dollars if you find a used one.
Is there enough height to hang the bike vertical behind the driver seat, from the ceiling? It would clear up some floor space. You seemed to prefer to pile things on that side when you did get messy, and it would not obstruct your view quite as much, being directly behind you while driving, rather than on the passenger side. Would still have to remove the tire, but keeping it inside would still allow you to stealth park when needed.
Probably have figured it out by now, but put a front receiver and add a bike rack on the front
cool van! I'm learning myself to get out camping with a connect. it's such a funky little van and you have to love the extra head space
Thank you!!!
I would love to see a short video thats just about the bed setup you ended up using, modified from your original setup. I had a hard time seeing how it was built/set up/adjustable bc so much other good stuff was being shown in the other videos! I yhink what you did would work great in the connect i just got, and i would love to see s slower, more thorough demonstratiin of how the bed works and how it adjusts in your space! Thanks!! :-) nice ĵob!
When you fold out your bed, How long is it? Wondering if a 6ft person would be able to sleep in a transit van.
Super impressed: I'm after a Connect and may well mercilessly steal your ideas 😉
Go for it!
Cool van! I also have a Transit Connect, and mine had a desk just like yours. Nice seeing what you did with your build.
Your train of thought is great
You could build a bike rack for the front of the vehicle.
Mount A hitch type thing. I know they make bike racks for front of the vehicle look into that maybe.
@5:09 -- Security courtesy of Louisville Slugger.
Was gonna say the same thing 😂
Hello… I live in lower Michigan in the Downriver area, and I believe I saw that van on CarGurus. Very nice and solid Van. Enjoy your journeys.
No way that's crazy! That's about where I got it. Thank you!
Mount a Bike Rack to your front Bumper, like the kind you see on City Transit Buses. that way it would block your back doors.
Great job.
How much noise does your fridge make?
It's very quiet!
Does the van still fit in the garage with the deck on top?
What size is this bed when fully extended? Would a queen bed fit in a transit connect?
Janeway was the captain in Star Trek: Voyager. She was played by Kate Mulgrew.
hey. i have the exact same van, im building it now. Bought it wrecked (engine wouldnt start) it is now running. How are going with this one? cheers from Europe
Front mount bike rack….think City Bus!
How do you heat the van during the night?
They make a swingout trailer hitch bike rack
Do you actually live in the van 24/7?
For a few months at a time yes!
Try a folding e bike .
Ooo that might be something to look into!
@@erin_elyse I have to admit I love my surly long haul trucker, but if I had to have a bike I would think of a e folder bike I would probably go on deck at rear or even back doors , right to e bike company's, tell them your a utube er ,and your looking to give a honest review on a couple of e folding bike's , nothing to loos I bet someone comes up with try this .
👏👏🚙
Remove the passenger seat and stow the bike there.
What year is your van?
I dont like my bike out on a rack. Its like a big neon steal me sign..
Thats another concern I've had for sure! That and any storage on the outside...ugh
😍😍😍
U need a full size van, like a Ford Econoline E150… just saying.
This gets a like just for the name Janeway!😊
Haha thank you!!
V cool van
Just a thought: you might want to check the weight of your van and make sure your gvwr isn’t over. I agree w the swing away bike rack.
Toilet? Water? Bathing?
Nope, cant have it all at this price point and size!
Swing away trailer hitch bike rack.
❤❤❤❤
I was sold at the van then your beauty but to name it janeway after my own favourite captain and from my best tv show ever
I’m now fully up for marriage 💍 😂
Mount the bike to back door
Low key was a surveillance vehicle.
👍🏽💜
"...my van's name is Janeway." **Clicks Like** ^_^
Swing out bike hitch, problem solved!
I think it was used by like FBI or police
If you roll your clothes, they will take up less space. Hope this helps!
Os ovos nao se guardam no frigorífico 😂😂😂😂
😲👏👏👏🇪🇨🇨🇦
You sure did your build right. Start simple and see what you need or don’t need as you travel. Living in a van with too much stuff is never fun…moving things around all the time, yuck.
Thank you!! It was definitely a learning process and I had fun along the way!