In my latest video I explain in more detail how to wire your van and give you a free wiring diagram and free parts list too. Here is the link to that video ruclips.net/video/rVkDPzrA-zw/видео.html
Greg you need to check your affiliate links as I was just watching your wiring video and clicked the touch light link but doesn't go to a light also was the same with the fan's. You don't want to be loosing money 😉
I've probably watched almost every channel on RUclips that is in the "van build" genre and yours are by far the most informative. It's great to watch someone who actually knows what they are talking about. Thank you so much for the time you have put into this series.
In the early stages of my build. No matter what I watch, all over the world, people recommend you! You explain everything so well!! Thank you for your time and content. Much appreciated by the whole world over!! ☺️✨️
I know absolutely nothing about vehicles but I am a carpenter by trade. Just trying to learn how to work electrics to our little camper. Thanks for uploading this.
Hey Greg, Just want to say that you are an absolute Legend, we watched all your videos and you are one of the reasons why we have the courage to take on our own van conversion project. I keep coming back to your videos for reference and ideas when I'm in doubt in each step of the conversion. Just wanted to say Thanks again, your videos are invaluable! Hope we bump into you one day on our road trip and I can repay you with a few pints !!
Blimey! I've just taken delivery of my 12v DC cable (the type recommended) and, its so heavy duty, I think I'll be skipping the conduit. Thank you for all your tips and guidance Greg. Invaluable for any DIY conversion.
Hi GregI found your videos on RUclips today and I have got as far as this one. It’s brilliant!! I really like the clear and careful way that you explain what you are both planning to do and then exectuting it. You clearly have an eye for detail and quality products. Great job Steve
I never knew it could be so much fun to learn about lighting. You are a good teacher. Those LEDs could make your RV the next party base with flashing lights to music! I've always discounted cell phone apps but this one is very cool. Thanks, Greg!
Lass-in Angeles I wouldn’t make them my main lights as it’s not as convenient to open the app each time but for evening ambience and for party bus 🚌 they are great 👍🏼
Greg, your videos are very detailed, and well structured. It is obvious how much effort you put into making them. You are an amazing source of help, and inspiration. Thank you!
Fantastic... I am an upfitter in Canada and I rather enjoy and learn something from your videos! Especially from the insulation side of things... I really want to build my own van now
My partner and I are just about to begin our first campervan project. Nothing outrageous, just a Kia Pregio 2004 Model. Your channel has been so helpful and is genuinely the most informative channel I've found throughout months and months of research before we begin. Thank you for documenting your journey as well as you have, it has answered so many questions that we didn't even know we needed to ask. Legend!
Greg - I have really enjoyed your build series so far. I came to youtube hoping someone would walk slowly through their electrical build and I have found exactly what I was looking for in this series. Best of luck to you.
I am a total neophyte, but considering a conversion in the next 5 years. Right now I have a mini-van and am retiring in 8 months, so planing to do some cross country touring with the minivan as a mobile base. If that goes well and the wife is on board, we will execute a conversion - probably on a Sprinter van. My interest in the electrical is to dig into the hardest part of a project like this to see if I can figure out how to do it myself. Thanks again for your channel. You are very good at RUclips. Congratulations.
Hi Daniel, my partner took some convincing. If it didn’t have the wet room the deal was off 😂 I’m planning to cover the solar panel install as well as the charge controller and inverter install. Once everything is in place an operational video. I’d like to make it as complete a package as possible. Look forward to having you follow me on this journey and please feel free to ask any questions.
Thanks, really helpful. Couldn't help thinking as you were demoing the lights, was like watching my wife displaying the results of her latest shopping trip.... Looks like this is all working well. Had to smile when you commented about running extra wires in future. Came true with that inverter failure....
Greg I have to say I have seen a few van build videos and this series has got to be the most comprehensive i've ever seen, very professionally presented with excellent detail for the nerd in me, I am looking to do the same thing further down the road after having owned a big old van a few years ago, keep up the fantastic work, thanks!
Greg, it's such a pleasure watching, listening & learning from your vids, & you're such a nice bloke too, I wish I lived next door. I'd be a priviledge to be there. So inspiring, thanku, Alan Norwich.
I'm sorry, just couldn't stop looking at that cup of tea getting cold:) but seriously an excellent video. Looking forward to your next installment, the insulation. It's my next job on my Transit conversion and I've been scratching my head on what's the best method.
Hi, my tea is either cold or got a film of sawdust on it, you get use to it after a while lol The insulation video will spill the truth about what is best in great detail. Thanks for watching
Hi Greg i have enjoyed watching your videos ,and am now learning to use sketch up,thanks to one of your videos.The dog one was sad though hope everyone feeling a bit better.it's great to be on this adventure with you .thanks Chris
A very well planned installation -clearly a lot of thought and effort. On the LED kitchen light controller - it is amazing what can be achieved with modern tech and smartphone apps but I really do think for this application you may soon be wishing for an on off switch before too long.
Norman, I can switch all the spots, reading lights and kitchen light on and off. The WiFi colour LED are only for ambient effect not as a main source of everyday light. Party time and mood lighting.
Got half way through my wiring and it just wasn't going well. So I checked out your video again, ripped it all out and started again using your layout ideas. A wasted day, but much happier:)
Hi, it has taken me much longer to wire my own van. There is so much to think about and plan where everything is going to go. Have you got links to your build I can look at?
Yes planning and more planning. Today I moved the temporary mains panel to where the alarm circuitry was sited. So this has created more work. I'm photographing as I go, so I will try get something posted when it's complete.
Sadly our last van was stolen, and since I don't trust any alarm system supplied by Halfords, Ebay etc, I've designed my own. I have a prototype working. You must enable the ignition with a simple dash mounted push button. However it requires a morse code type sequence of pushes. Get it wrong and the alarm goes off. You get just one life! This will be suplimented with an intruder alarm. I'm designing a PCB for this, but it's early days, since my day job is making demands. Further down the line I will try to get some more info to you. Lastly I had to have a Tracker fitted to get re-insured, but at least this gives me a little bit of piece of mind.
I’m planning a hidden cut off switch. Had one on my kit car. Simple yet very effective. Do you think the Tracker is worth the money? Obv essential for you but heard they are easy to cut out and get rid of? Cheers
Hi Greg I have been planning my campervan which I call my camper-studio(art) and am at the wiring stage. I have been running cable too and back from each light to the next light, but I note you said you run a long cable and splice each cable per light into it. It would be useful if you could show how you do that please., as it saves on doubling back cable from light to light. Your series and explanation has been a blessing and so clear and understandable Many thanks, Bruce
You are ridiculous in the best most positive way possible. I did my brewery the same way on RUclips. Tested each component in detail. I needed to know how each component worked because my teachers take other people’s knowledge for granted in other videos. Thank for the details
I really like to know how things work and that bench power supply unit I got reduced from Maplin when they closed has been used so many times in testing the van. I see you have a brewing channel :D we have done some home brews with great success.
Sorry to comment so late on this one. Your attention to detail is sensational. Love this series. If your videos don't become the 'go to benchmark standard' of youtube van-torials I'll be very surprised. Looking forward to building mine.
Just stumbled onto your older van build videos here on RUclips. Fantastic stuff! You cover far more detail than others do on the many facets of a rebuild. Thanks so much, Greg!
Greg! your videos are all excellent, mate. I start my own build in about 6 weeks and you just throwing so much new ideas around that i am just sitting here baffled. Thanks for all the info! And i am looking forward to your new vids.
Well done again Greg. Already looking forward to your next video. Really interested to see how you tackle the van insulation. Seems to be a lot of different approaches to this subject, but not a lot of science applied. Keep up the the great work buddy.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the next ones Russell, it's something I studied in university and use regularly in my job as a mechanical services design engineer. I shall be explain what works, what doesn't and why. Thanks for watching.
Hi Greg. Yet another excellent video with a proper beginning, a middle and an end, AND perfectly explained to boot! You are a true credit to RUclips as a creator, and as a very capable DIY person - (having watched ALL your videos). Right, that's enough brown noseing - but actually I DID mean it. Given that my wife and I have committed to the concept of a self build motorhome, we are STILL in the 'looking for a decent van' stage. (been looking for at least 3 months. Jesus, there's some cr*p on ebay!) I've spent quite some time looking at what vans are even possible/worth considering, and due to OUR spec, we have narrowed it to, (like yours), a Sprinter; or more likely, the exact same vehicle from VW, a long wheelbase Crafter. For some reason they seem to be just a shade less expensive for the same yr/spec etc. Hmmm. Perhaps somebody knows something I don't eh? I'd be really interested to know what your budget/costings are/were. Do you plan to do a video on that? Regards Mark in the UK
Hello Mark, it took us quite a few months of searching to find our van. When the good ones pop up you have to be very quick. We did look at crafters too. Same body, slightly bigger engine. As for budget we will do a video on that once all the numbers are in. My partner has been keeping a detailed log of every expense. We did a high level spreadsheet at the start of all the main components I’ll send you a copy by pm. What is surprising is how much all the small items add to that. I think all in with the cost of the van it’s going to be £15k The van was £7k of that.
@thecorbies - Hi Mark. You are at the same stage as us then. My wife and I have watched loads of videos and are looking for probably a crafter or sprinter. Do you know of any CAD models of them so I can do a virtual build before a real one? Thanks all.
Hello Nomadd UK, you have come to the perfect place. In my SketchUp tutorial I walk you through how to draw your own van from scratch in simple steps. ruclips.net/video/b47sF7l1yDM/видео.html
Used VW Crafter price discrepancy against Merc Sprinter may be down to VW emissions testing scandal? The fix led to some issues EGR valve issues apparently.
Thanks Greg for your light & wiring details again great details I love the touch on/off spotlights,, regarding the ablue I've finally found info from Mercedes, they started introducing adblue in Sept 2013, now I can plan my build now.
Just discovered your channel Greg. Thank you for being so informative and detailed. I am currently building out a 2016 Sprinter and watching your series has been incredibly helpful!!
very much enjoyed watching the level of your cup of tea on your work bench decrease as the video progressed! Looked slightly weak, thought you'd be having a strong brew like!
Hi Jamie, maybe it's the lighting? I do like a strong brew but with a little extra milk to make it drinkable. Most of the time it's cold and covered in sawdust by the time I drink it. Thanks for watching
Another great learning video Greg, love those LED lights with phone app. Your going to have an awesome van once finished...you’ll have to do a tour!!… 👍🏼😊😉
camerachica73 you don’t need phone or network internet coverage to use the WiFi device. The phone just connects to the remote by WiFi directly. No WiFi network needed.
Greg, I have really enjoyed the pragmatics and wisdom of your very informative videos. Keep up the fantastic work and thanks for the quality tutorials I have learned a lot.
Absolutely Greg, they are extremely well presented and love the detail. You are a natural teacher. I am certainly looking forward to the (re) birth of the van.
Hi Greg, thank you so much for your videos on building a van, I am just at the beginning off my first build,and you explain every detail so clear and very positively, I am very excited to build my van with you, I am very grateful.
Greg this is just the channel I've been looking for. Just starting a 2014 sprinter conversion. The devil is in the details as they say. Keep up the good work mate! 👌👍
Hey,very informative and professionally done,and none of that frustrating noise that the T4/5 lot call music! Some how I missed the link to the lighting products ,doh🙄can you post that sometime? Great work . Thanks for the prompt reply 👍,I’ve only just discovered the description part after all these years 🤔,you learn something new every day,happy motor homes get .
Hi, thank you for this explication. I also see some guys put the "TITANEX" cable for the french factory NEXANS. It's for me the best cable in a campervan project.
Greg, great detail in your videos... Keep it up! I'm sure you'll get to it at some point but just in case, I'd like to put in a request to mention the approximate budget for the entire build. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!
There will be a full breakdown of the costs in due course, I'm keeping detailed accounts of the bills on a spreadsheet with links to all the places where they were sourced. In broad terms, Van £6.6k, Build £8k that excludes my time of course. :D
Tanks a lot m.r virgoe about sharing your experience and teaching amazing made a vans. I live in Iran however my country have not motorhome.I try made a Van or Motorhome myself.
I'm getting ready to do a conversation in the near future, subscribed to your channel as i'm really impressed as to the detail and the way you cut no corners, your channel will definitely be my go to for information and advice when I start.......
I've really enjoy your videos, absolutely amazing. I'm going to start my van build this year coming up and I'm following your instructions to the letter. I've noticed that some of the links on the bottom of this video don't work. I would appreciate it if you could update them. Because I absolutely love the lights that you've have chosen and I would like to order them. Thank you keep up your amazing work... God bless
HI Greg. Great videos on van conversion they are the best out there. Can you tell me what thickness of plywood you put down on the floor. Many Thanks. Oisin
Thank you, I used 12mm marine plywood as it has better glue and less likely to delaminate. Anything thinner would be too flexible for flooring. Most flooring grade timber is 18mm thick but then that adds a lot of extra weight to the van.
Thanks again for sharing this professional build, it's always a pleasure to watch good work what ever it is. You'll probably find that you wont need the little rubber flap over the USB sockets, but I guess it depend on how dirty you and your assistant are planning to be in the van :)
Hi Karl, I thought about removing the waterproof cover but there is a bright blue LED which is on all the time there is power to them, that would light up the whole van at night so the cover will come in handy to block them out.
Ah yes of course, that pearcing blue light, I hate even seeing my toothbrush charging at night with the same blue LED. You can draw black on them with a Sharpie to take the intensity off. Also can you switch the LED string lights on without the app, do they have a default on/off?
Your videos are brilliant Greg, thank you. just one silly query. You show your bundles of wire supspended from the van ceiling using what looks like cable ties with self adhesive pads. What are these called please?
Most of the black cable tie clips that you see there are the manufacturers clips for the lighting looms. I cables tied to this loom. You can simply search for “self adhesive cable tie bases” and you will get lots of options im sure 👍🏼😃
Another great video Greg. The links are very useful as well. I have all these jobs to do and hopefully will be able to get a chance to do them soon when time permits.
Hello David, pleased you are enjoying the videos. Time is a huge problem. I’m commuting to London every day for my full time job and working on the RUclips channel evenings and weekends. Now the nights are dark it’s very difficult to fit everything in. Enjoying the whole process and it’s great when you get such good feedback. So thanks a lot.
Hello David, pleased you are enjoying the videos. Time is a huge problem. I’m commuting to London every day for my full time job and working on the RUclips channel evenings and weekends. Now the nights are dark it’s very difficult to fit everything in. Enjoying the whole process and it’s great when you get such good feedback. So thanks a lot.
Great Video, again. Having a hard time find the round led lights or similar. Did check with a couple of sellers in the UK, but none ship to the US. Thanks again for your vids!
I totally have to hide this video from my partner -- I love colourful LED lights, and if he sees this he'll be pretty happy that we designed and built the lighting on our boat before LED lights became cheap and plentiful. Halogen is boring! I want that programmable LED strip light in the fo'c'sle! My tea would be getting cold too if I had this to play with. ;)
Hi Greg. Thanks for your videos and information, helping me massively on my first sprinter build! Could you tell me which wire on your spot lights you connected to the positive/negative please? One has black stripe the other writing. I’ve seen conflicting information now and can’t work out on your video which way round you connect them! Thanks again!
I think I remember one had a black line down it so I wired that to negative. You can touch one onto your battery to try it. It will only work one way as they are diodes.
Hi Greg, Another well thought out project. All that techie stuff with the phone is too much for me, give me a switch anytime but i do like the idea of being able to touch individual lights to turn on or off. Many thanks
Hi keith, thanks for your feedback. The coloured lights won't be everyday lights but just for ambient effect or iVan party nights. Really pleased with the spot lights too. Thanks for watching.
Greg, if I may, what are your electrical boxes affixed to? How did u maintain vapor barrier when installing electrical boxes? Are the boxes installed before the vapor barrier was installed? Are they anchored to the steel frame? Are they a shallow box ? I have been mulling this over for a few hours and figured I would just ask. I try and answer questions by rewatching vid and looking at other comments first as I am sure you get tons of questions already. Thank you for your valuable time, Ron
Hello Ron, they are shallow plastic dry lining boxes. They are cut into the celotex. I cut out a shallow recess in the insulation then fully line it with foil tape before inserting the dry lining box. They are installed below the ply lining and once faceplates go on from outside and long screws fitted that it enough to secure them. Watch my ply lining video for more details. Cheers
The WiFi light controllers are a great idea!... I'm thinking if it's WiFi you could control them from anywhere?... Obviously I would never use them to freak the Mrs out while I'm at work on nights! 😂
It connects to the phone directly using WiFi not via a WiFi network. The light comes up when searching for WiFi connections and you connect to it. Sorry you won’t be able to control it from far away.
Hi Greg. Love your videos, you're so meticulous in your project & ideas, such a great help to others thank you! I'm doing a campervan conversion & like the idea of the Touch Sensitive ceiling LED lights like yours but have a, (maybe strange), question; If I purchased these & realised that having to touch the lights wasn't right for me, could I control them via switch instead? I dont have any electrical experience you see Greg so I personally wouldn't be doing the electrics in the van. Keep the great videos coming Greg, love them! Stay safe!! Tracey
Hello, first let me say how much I appreciate all your videos! Thank you for taking the time to do them! I wonder if you have a video that shows how to attach the puck lights to the main wire in the van? The puck light comes with 22 gage wire but we are using 12 gage wire for our electrical system. We are struggling to understand how to attach the different size wires to each other.
Awesome! Been looking around for properly effective means of insulating the Dodge Roadmaster I plan to purchase, and I'm totally sold on your approach. Love the lighting, controls and wiring. I trust wiring diagrams are available? Preston NJ USA
Thank you so much for these videos... they have helped me significantly in figuring out what supplies I'll need and why. I was wondering if that string of lights can be cut to smaller segments to use perhaps on entry ways front and back or if thats even a good idea ... thanks again Greg
You can create as many circuits as you like to switch individual areas, it just more wires to run. That's why I went for the touch lights as you can wire them all together and just touch the ones you want on, best of both worlds. Have you seen my later wiring lights video? ruclips.net/video/koFg6oFs0RU/видео.html
great vid and great gadgets you've sourced for your van. really descriptive videos which makes them some of the best on youtube. im also following "the restoration couple" vids and they are also very descriptive and done to a very high standard. thanks
Hi Elwyn, yes I’m following them also along with many other van builders. Thank you very much for such great feedback. I’m really enjoying sharing this build process and appreciate your support. 👍🏼
On the plate of your jigsaw, you can also use the "loop" side of a hook and loop (Velcro) tape. It not only protects your surface but also traps the metal shavings. I wish I had my shit together like you! Great vids buddy.
In my latest video I explain in more detail how to wire your van and give you a free wiring diagram and free parts list too. Here is the link to that video ruclips.net/video/rVkDPzrA-zw/видео.html
Greg you need to check your affiliate links as I was just watching your wiring video and clicked the touch light link but doesn't go to a light also was the same with the fan's. You don't want to be loosing money 😉
Greg Virgoe you left links to the cable you used but which did you use as once you click the link there are lots to choose?
lee stapleton I was about to ask the same!
Is there a brand in the touch lights? The link you provided doesn't work
Sweeet!! 😃 thanks so much... the touch lights are indeed genius!! ✨
I've probably watched almost every channel on RUclips that is in the "van build" genre and yours are by far the most informative.
It's great to watch someone who actually knows what they are talking about.
Thank you so much for the time you have put into this series.
Jay Wheeler I really appreciate your feedback and thank you for supporting our channel. 😃
This guy is a freaking amazing.Who has ever plugged a phone in and already has 100% charge. he’s the Chuck Norris of van builds.
In the early stages of my build. No matter what I watch, all over the world, people recommend you! You explain everything so well!! Thank you for your time and content. Much appreciated by the whole world over!! ☺️✨️
So much detail Greg, that’s something you don’t get a lot of on RUclips. Thank you so much for sharing 👍😄
Thank you for such nice feedback, really appreciated.
Some people binge watch shows on Netflix...me I binge watch your videos over and over lol
Awesome! Thank you
Thank you so much, what a lovely comment. :D
The end results of your work are always better-looking than factory. Seldom they’re easy gets; thanks for sharing how!
I’ve seen some factory builds and they do cut a lot of corners which results in poor quality. I didn’t want my build to go that way. 👍🏼😊
I know absolutely nothing about vehicles but I am a carpenter by trade.
Just trying to learn how to work electrics to our little camper.
Thanks for uploading this.
Falk Harvard you might find this one helpful too ruclips.net/video/rVkDPzrA-zw/видео.html
You should have a show Greg. Loving all your detailed, simple to understand tutorials. Seriously! 🤩🥰🙏
Hey Greg, Just want to say that you are an absolute Legend, we watched all your videos and you are one of the reasons why we have the courage to take on our own van conversion project.
I keep coming back to your videos for reference and ideas when I'm in doubt in each step of the conversion. Just wanted to say Thanks again, your videos are invaluable! Hope we bump into you one day on our road trip and I can repay you with a few pints !!
Blimey! I've just taken delivery of my 12v DC cable (the type recommended) and, its so heavy duty, I think I'll be skipping the conduit. Thank you for all your tips and guidance Greg. Invaluable for any DIY conversion.
Hi GregI found your videos on RUclips today and I have got as far as this one. It’s brilliant!! I really like the clear and careful way that you explain what you are both planning to do and then exectuting it. You clearly have an eye for detail and quality products. Great job Steve
Thank you Steve, I’m glad that you are finding them interesting and appreciate your feedback.
What a great idea for lights. Love the idea of the soft touch ceiling lights.
Yeah, we like these ones too, quality brushed stainless and really bright.
I never knew it could be so much fun to learn about lighting. You are a good teacher. Those LEDs could make your RV the next party base with flashing lights to music! I've always discounted cell phone apps but this one is very cool. Thanks, Greg!
Lass-in Angeles I wouldn’t make them my main lights as it’s not as convenient to open the app each time but for evening ambience and for party bus 🚌 they are great 👍🏼
Greg, your videos are very detailed, and well structured. It is obvious how much effort you put into making them. You are an amazing source of help, and inspiration. Thank you!
It’s really great that you take the time to express your gratitude with a wonderful comment. Made my day!
Fantastic... I am an upfitter in Canada and I rather enjoy and learn something from your videos! Especially from the insulation side of things... I really want to build my own van now
My partner and I are just about to begin our first campervan project. Nothing outrageous, just a Kia Pregio 2004 Model.
Your channel has been so helpful and is genuinely the most informative channel I've found throughout months and months of research before we begin. Thank you for documenting your journey as well as you have, it has answered so many questions that we didn't even know we needed to ask. Legend!
Greg - I have really enjoyed your build series so far. I came to youtube hoping someone would walk slowly through their electrical build and I have found exactly what I was looking for in this series. Best of luck to you.
Thanks, Daniel, glad you're finding it useful.
I assume you are doing your own conversion?
I am a total neophyte, but considering a conversion in the next 5 years. Right now I have a mini-van and am retiring in 8 months, so planing to do some cross country touring with the minivan as a mobile base. If that goes well and the wife is on board, we will execute a conversion - probably on a Sprinter van. My interest in the electrical is to dig into the hardest part of a project like this to see if I can figure out how to do it myself. Thanks again for your channel. You are very good at RUclips. Congratulations.
Hi Daniel, my partner took some convincing. If it didn’t have the wet room the deal was off 😂 I’m planning to cover the solar panel install as well as the charge controller and inverter install. Once everything is in place an operational video. I’d like to make it as complete a package as possible. Look forward to having you follow me on this journey and please feel free to ask any questions.
Thanks, really helpful. Couldn't help thinking as you were demoing the lights, was like watching my wife displaying the results of her latest shopping trip....
Looks like this is all working well. Had to smile when you commented about running extra wires in future. Came true with that inverter failure....
Greg I have to say I have seen a few van build videos and this series has got to be the most comprehensive i've ever seen, very professionally presented with excellent detail for the nerd in me, I am looking to do the same thing further down the road after having owned a big old van a few years ago, keep up the fantastic work, thanks!
Thank you very much for those kind words. Pleased you like the videos. Cheers
Greg, it's such a pleasure watching, listening & learning from your vids, & you're such a nice bloke too, I wish I lived next door. I'd be a priviledge to be there. So inspiring, thanku, Alan Norwich.
Thank you for those very nice words Alan, once I get chatting though no work would get done lol
Greg you’re in a league of your own. Your videos are cogent and practical. I’m in the middle of my build now. I’ll follow all of your videos. Thanks
I'm sorry, just couldn't stop looking at that cup of tea getting cold:) but seriously an excellent video.
Looking forward to your next installment, the insulation. It's my next job on my Transit conversion and I've been scratching my head on what's the best method.
Hi, my tea is either cold or got a film of sawdust on it, you get use to it after a while lol
The insulation video will spill the truth about what is best in great detail. Thanks for watching
'spill the truth' Blimey are the Russians involved!
Hi Greg i have enjoyed watching your videos ,and am now learning to use sketch up,thanks to one of your videos.The dog one was sad though hope everyone feeling a bit better.it's great to be on this adventure with you .thanks Chris
Thank you for such a wonderful comment Chris.
Pleased you are enjoying the videos and find them useful.
Thank you for putting such effort into your videos. It really shows. Proper job!
Thank you, really glad you're enjoying this series.
A very well planned installation -clearly a lot of thought and effort. On the LED kitchen light controller - it is amazing what can be achieved with modern tech and smartphone apps but I really do think for this application you may soon be wishing for an on off switch before too long.
Norman, I can switch all the spots, reading lights and kitchen light on and off.
The WiFi colour LED are only for ambient effect not as a main source of everyday light.
Party time and mood lighting.
Where did you stow the disco ball; not a party without a disco ball and the Bee Gees. Everybody knows that.
Dreamingrightnow
I wouldn't put it past him..
I was thinking he'd make the disco ball out of Reflectix!
Got half way through my wiring and it just wasn't going well. So I checked out your video again, ripped it all out and started again using your layout ideas. A wasted day, but much happier:)
Hi, it has taken me much longer to wire my own van. There is so much to think about and plan where everything is going to go.
Have you got links to your build I can look at?
Yes planning and more planning. Today I moved the temporary mains panel to where the alarm circuitry was sited. So this has created more work. I'm photographing as I go, so I will try get something posted when it's complete.
I’d be interested to see what you are doing for an Alarm.
Do you have a link you can share? Thanks
Sadly our last van was stolen, and since I don't trust any alarm system supplied by Halfords, Ebay etc, I've designed my own. I have a prototype working.
You must enable the ignition with a simple dash mounted push button. However it requires a morse code type sequence of pushes. Get it wrong and the alarm goes off. You get just one life! This will be suplimented with an intruder alarm.
I'm designing a PCB for this, but it's early days, since my day job is making demands. Further down the line I will try to get some more info to you.
Lastly I had to have a Tracker fitted to get re-insured, but at least this gives me a little bit of piece of mind.
I’m planning a hidden cut off switch. Had one on my kit car. Simple yet very effective. Do you think the Tracker is worth the money? Obv essential for you but heard they are easy to cut out and get rid of? Cheers
The level of detail is so refreshing, thank you for posting.
You are welcome and thank you for the kind words
Hi Greg
I have been planning my campervan which I call my camper-studio(art) and am at the wiring stage. I have been running cable too and back from each light to the next light, but I note you said you run a long cable and splice each cable per light into it. It would be useful if you could show how you do that please., as it saves on doubling back cable from light to light.
Your series and explanation has been a blessing and so clear and understandable
Many thanks, Bruce
You are ridiculous in the best most positive way possible. I did my brewery the same way on RUclips. Tested each component in detail. I needed to know how each component worked because my teachers take other people’s knowledge for granted in other videos. Thank for the details
I really like to know how things work and that bench power supply unit I got reduced from Maplin when they closed has been used so many times in testing the van. I see you have a brewing channel :D we have done some home brews with great success.
Sorry to comment so late on this one. Your attention to detail is sensational. Love this series. If your videos don't become the 'go to benchmark standard' of youtube van-torials I'll be very surprised. Looking forward to building mine.
Thank you for such great feedback and look forward to hearing more about your own van :D
Just stumbled onto your older van build videos here on RUclips. Fantastic stuff! You cover far more detail than others do on the many facets of a rebuild. Thanks so much, Greg!
I’m learning more and getting ideas from your videos, than most others I’ve watched (and I’ve watched a lot). Thank you and keep up the good work!
Happy it has helped you. What are you building?
@@GregVirgoe It’s a Ram Promaster 1500 136” WB. Small guy, but it’s just me and living in NYC, smaller is better.
I watched various camper vlogs, but your sweep, you're GREAT.
Greg! your videos are all excellent, mate. I start my own build in about 6 weeks and you just throwing so much new ideas around that i am just sitting here baffled. Thanks for all the info! And i am looking forward to your new vids.
Start with a wish list, then prioritise what elements suit your travel goals.
Thanks for watching and enjoy the rest of the videos.
I think your videos have saved my marriage! Thank you so much. Saving so much frustration and time.
Ah, that's nice to know, thank you for such great feedback.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
Well done again Greg. Already looking forward to your next video. Really interested to see how you tackle the van insulation. Seems to be a lot of different approaches to this subject, but not a lot of science applied. Keep up the the great work buddy.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the next ones Russell, it's something I studied in university and use regularly in my job as a mechanical services design engineer. I shall be explain what works, what doesn't and why. Thanks for watching.
In any project it's the little things that matter, thanks for explaining the details.
Hi Greg. Yet another excellent video with a proper beginning, a middle and an end, AND perfectly explained to boot! You are a true credit to RUclips as a creator, and as a very capable DIY person - (having watched ALL your videos).
Right, that's enough brown noseing - but actually I DID mean it.
Given that my wife and I have committed to the concept of a self build motorhome, we are STILL in the 'looking for a decent van' stage. (been looking for at least 3 months.
Jesus, there's some cr*p on ebay!)
I've spent quite some time looking at what vans are even possible/worth considering, and due to OUR spec, we have narrowed it to, (like yours), a Sprinter; or more likely, the exact same vehicle from VW, a long wheelbase Crafter. For some reason they seem to be just a shade less expensive for the same yr/spec etc. Hmmm. Perhaps somebody knows something I don't eh?
I'd be really interested to know what your budget/costings are/were. Do you plan to do a video on that?
Regards Mark in the UK
Hello Mark, it took us quite a few months of searching to find our van. When the good ones pop up you have to be very quick. We did look at crafters too. Same body, slightly bigger engine.
As for budget we will do a video on that once all the numbers are in. My partner has been keeping a detailed log of every expense. We did a high level spreadsheet at the start of all the main components I’ll send you a copy by pm. What is surprising is how much all the small items add to that.
I think all in with the cost of the van it’s going to be £15k
The van was £7k of that.
@thecorbies - Hi Mark. You are at the same stage as us then. My wife and I have watched loads of videos and are looking for probably a crafter or sprinter. Do you know of any CAD models of them so I can do a virtual build before a real one? Thanks all.
Hello Nomadd UK, you have come to the perfect place. In my SketchUp tutorial I walk you through how to draw your own van from scratch in simple steps.
ruclips.net/video/b47sF7l1yDM/видео.html
Excelent!
Used VW Crafter price discrepancy against Merc Sprinter may be down to VW emissions testing scandal? The fix led to some issues EGR valve issues apparently.
We have just started converting our transporter and your videos have been an amazing help! Thanks so much.
Sir you are a star. Many thanks for all the precious information
Thanks for great feedback 👍🏼😁
Thanks Greg for your light & wiring details again great details I love the touch on/off spotlights,, regarding the ablue I've finally found info from Mercedes, they started introducing adblue in Sept 2013, now I can plan my build now.
paul jojiana are you looking for one prior to that so you don’t need to use it?
Just discovered your channel Greg. Thank you for being so informative and detailed. I am currently building out a 2016 Sprinter and watching your series has been incredibly helpful!!
very much enjoyed watching the level of your cup of tea on your work bench decrease as the video progressed! Looked slightly weak, thought you'd be having a strong brew like!
Hi Jamie, maybe it's the lighting? I do like a strong brew but with a little extra milk to make it drinkable.
Most of the time it's cold and covered in sawdust by the time I drink it. Thanks for watching
I’m purchasing my sprinter LWB for converting very soon, and your site will be very very helpful. Keep up the brilliant work and thank you 😊
Thanks David for taking the time to give me such great feedback and good luck with your own build. Hope to see some photos or video of it too
Another great learning video Greg, love those LED lights with phone app. Your going to have an awesome van once finished...you’ll have to do a tour!!… 👍🏼😊😉
Thank you Marc, we do have big plans to tour with the van when it is complete.
All I can say at this stage is watch this space 😀
That app and light set up is the coolest thing I’ve seen!! Definitely sold on that idea 💡:)
Tinker Turner I recommend the Bluetooth version instead of WiFi. 👍🏼😊
@@GregVirgoe Yes I was wondering what happens if you're off grid with no mobile reception?
camerachica73 you don’t need phone or network internet coverage to use the WiFi device. The phone just connects to the remote by WiFi directly. No WiFi network needed.
Greg Virgoe why do you recommend the blue tooth over the WiFi? Does the Bluetooth version give you the same app functions?
I have started my Mercedes sprinter van. and have looked at your videos and found them very good and very useful thanks.
stephen tock, thank you for great feedback and best wishes with your own build.
fantastic video Greg. thanks so much. Already made less mistakes since watching your tutorials.
Thank you, as with all my videos I put links to products I use in the video description 👍🏼😃
Greg, I have really enjoyed the pragmatics and wisdom of your very informative videos. Keep up the fantastic work and thanks for the quality tutorials I have learned a lot.
Thank you Iain for those kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy them and find them to be useful. 😊
Absolutely Greg, they are extremely well presented and love the detail. You are a natural teacher. I am certainly looking forward to the (re) birth of the van.
Very cool ideas here! I'll definitely refer back to this video when I start my own build!
Thank you very much. What do you have planned?
Hi Greg, thank you so much for your videos on building a van, I am just at the beginning off my first build,and you explain every detail so clear and very positively, I am very excited to build my van with you, I am very grateful.
I hope you get lots of useful tips from the videos and best wishes for a smooth build. Thank you 😊
Greg this is just the channel I've been looking for. Just starting a 2014 sprinter conversion. The devil is in the details as they say. Keep up the good work mate! 👌👍
Thank you for joining and hope you enjoy the rest of the channel
Only just found your site but wow up to now I’m learning loads you really explain it really well your a massive inspiration thank you so much
Hey,very informative and professionally done,and none of that frustrating noise that the T4/5 lot call music!
Some how I missed the link to the lighting products ,doh🙄can you post that sometime?
Great work .
Thanks for the prompt reply 👍,I’ve only just discovered the description part after all these years 🤔,you learn something new every day,happy motor homes get .
Thank you Ken,
All the links are always in the video descriptions.
Regards
Hi, thank you for this explication. I also see some guys put the "TITANEX" cable for the french factory NEXANS. It's for me the best cable in a campervan project.
Rachid Ben yes that is the black rubber flex cable I have used. It’s very good.
Leds working with the music sounds great. 😁
Greg, great detail in your videos... Keep it up! I'm sure you'll get to it at some point but just in case, I'd like to put in a request to mention the approximate budget for the entire build. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!
There will be a full breakdown of the costs in due course, I'm keeping detailed accounts of the bills on a spreadsheet with links to all the places where they were sourced. In broad terms, Van £6.6k, Build £8k that excludes my time of course. :D
You are so smart capable and helpful I'm learning a lot from you. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have many days of joy in your excellent van!
That's very kind if you Nadine, thank you for leaving such a lovely comment
Hi Greg, your videos are the best described I have watched. I will definitely be using those wifi units. Thanks pal.
Yes, they are really clever little device. Thank you for watching.
Tanks a lot m.r virgoe about sharing your experience and teaching amazing made a vans.
I live in Iran however my country have not motorhome.I try made a Van or Motorhome myself.
Thanks Greg for all of your videos Hope your i sorted out your inverter your a inspiration for the diy van builders
Thank you very much :D
Your videos are very helpful.
Thank you so much for explaining everything so simply ✌🏼❤️
Awesome project you have on hands. Great video production. I can't wait for your next video.
Cheers!! From NYC 🗽
Thank you for such great feedback Oscar, really appreciate it.
just watched a few of your videos. nice to not have any annoying music. thanks.
david tunnicliff there is some music is a few but I do turn it down in the editing so not to be too offensive I hope.
@@GregVirgoe sure, well in the ones i watched so far, enjoyed the quiet. thanks.
Nice job on the detail of the face plates kid !! im a metal fabicator my self and a perfectionist my self lol 👍
I'm getting ready to do a conversation in the near future, subscribed to your channel as i'm really impressed as to the detail and the way you cut no corners, your channel will definitely be my go to for information and advice when I start.......
That's great to know Mark and thank you for such high praise. Best wishes with your own build.
I've really enjoy your videos, absolutely amazing. I'm going to start my van build this year coming up and I'm following your instructions to the letter. I've noticed that some of the links on the bottom of this video don't work. I would appreciate it if you could update them.
Because I absolutely love the lights that you've have chosen and I would like to order them. Thank you keep up your amazing work... God bless
Greg, you have one of the best channels on youtube. thank you so much! never change!
A really interesting video. Thanks for the links of the LED lights and controllers!
Really pleased you found it to be useful. Cheers
HI Greg. Great videos on van conversion they are the best out there. Can you tell me what thickness of plywood you put down on the floor.
Many Thanks. Oisin
Thank you, I used 12mm marine plywood as it has better glue and less likely to delaminate. Anything thinner would be too flexible for flooring. Most flooring grade timber is 18mm thick but then that adds a lot of extra weight to the van.
Thanks again for sharing this professional build, it's always a pleasure to watch good work what ever it is. You'll probably find that you wont need the little rubber flap over the USB sockets, but I guess it depend on how dirty you and your assistant are planning to be in the van :)
Hi Karl, I thought about removing the waterproof cover but there is a bright blue LED which is on all the time there is power to them, that would light up the whole van at night so the cover will come in handy to block them out.
Ah yes of course, that pearcing blue light, I hate even seeing my toothbrush charging at night with the same blue LED. You can draw black on them with a Sharpie to take the intensity off. Also can you switch the LED string lights on without the app, do they have a default on/off?
You're so bloody clever. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much 🙏🏼
Great video, so well explained. Thank you.
Your videos are brilliant Greg, thank you. just one silly query. You show your bundles of wire supspended from the van ceiling using what looks like cable ties with self adhesive pads. What are these called please?
Most of the black cable tie clips that you see there are the manufacturers clips for the lighting looms. I cables tied to this loom.
You can simply search for “self adhesive cable tie bases” and you will get lots of options im sure 👍🏼😃
Just found your channel and It is amazing! Clear well documented information. Thank you.
Nicely done! Another home run. Thank you very much - you make all of this look manageable. Plus I lve the multi-color light & app. So cool!
Another great video Greg. The links are very useful as well. I have all these jobs to do and hopefully will be able to get a chance to do them soon when time permits.
Hello David, pleased you are enjoying the videos. Time is a huge problem. I’m commuting to London every day for my full time job and working on the RUclips channel evenings and weekends. Now the nights are dark it’s very difficult to fit everything in.
Enjoying the whole process and it’s great when you get such good feedback. So thanks a lot.
Hello David, pleased you are enjoying the videos. Time is a huge problem. I’m commuting to London every day for my full time job and working on the RUclips channel evenings and weekends. Now the nights are dark it’s very difficult to fit everything in.
Enjoying the whole process and it’s great when you get such good feedback. So thanks a lot.
Touch sensitive lights; GENIUS!
Yeah we both love them to bits, so cool
Well thought out and executed! Top notch job. Enjoying your series. Take care.
Hi Greg, just like to say your videos are fantastic, only just foud you but I'll be staying glued to your series
Great to have you on board Reg. Enjoy the videos 👍🏼
Just have to say how much I have learned from your vlogs. Cheers
That's great to hear, thank you
Great Video, again. Having a hard time find the round led lights or similar. Did check with a couple of sellers in the UK, but none ship to the US.
Thanks again for your vids!
Hello Jeff, try using the search term
12v touch sensitive on-off light
Love the lights too but haven’t been able to track them down either. Any luck Jeff?
I totally have to hide this video from my partner -- I love colourful LED lights, and if he sees this he'll be pretty happy that we designed and built the lighting on our boat before LED lights became cheap and plentiful. Halogen is boring! I want that programmable LED strip light in the fo'c'sle! My tea would be getting cold too if I had this to play with. ;)
Hi Greg. Thanks for your videos and information, helping me massively on my first sprinter build! Could you tell me which wire on your spot lights you connected to the positive/negative please? One has black stripe the other writing. I’ve seen conflicting information now and can’t work out on your video which way round you connect them! Thanks again!
I think I remember one had a black line down it so I wired that to negative. You can touch one onto your battery to try it. It will only work one way as they are diodes.
Very good video, will watch all van ones as I will be trying to do my van . Many thanks for info trev
Thank you for the positive feedback TREVOR, hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
Mister V... my wife’s not buying into the colour changing LED light idea, she wants plain white fairy lights. Hrumph! I thought they were epic!
Bummer, that's a shame mate. Fit both!
Mood lighting to create the right ambiance?
Still, happy wife, happy life hey :D
Great idea on the touch lights.
Yeah, we both really love the way they work.
Hi Greg, Another well thought out project. All that techie stuff with the phone is too much for me, give me a switch anytime but i do like the idea of being able to touch individual lights to turn on or off. Many thanks
Hi keith, thanks for your feedback. The coloured lights won't be everyday lights but just for ambient effect or iVan party nights. Really pleased with the spot lights too. Thanks for watching.
Greg, if I may, what are your electrical boxes affixed to? How did u maintain vapor barrier when installing electrical boxes? Are the boxes installed before the vapor barrier was installed? Are they anchored to the steel frame? Are they a shallow box ? I have been mulling this over for a few hours and figured I would just ask. I try and answer questions by rewatching vid and looking at other comments first as I am sure you get tons of questions already.
Thank you for your valuable time, Ron
Hello Ron, they are shallow plastic dry lining boxes. They are cut into the celotex. I cut out a shallow recess in the insulation then fully line it with foil tape before inserting the dry lining box. They are installed below the ply lining and once faceplates go on from outside and long screws fitted that it enough to secure them. Watch my ply lining video for more details. Cheers
Lovin the conduit construction
It has saved us a couple of times as we needed to pull in some extra control cables and having the conduits installed allowed us to do that 😃👍🏼
The WiFi light controllers are a great idea!... I'm thinking if it's WiFi you could control them from anywhere?... Obviously I would never use them to freak the Mrs out while I'm at work on nights! 😂
It connects to the phone directly using WiFi not via a WiFi network. The light comes up when searching for WiFi connections and you connect to it. Sorry you won’t be able to control it from far away.
Hi Greg. Love your videos, you're so meticulous in your project & ideas, such a great help to others thank you! I'm doing a campervan conversion & like the idea of the Touch Sensitive ceiling LED lights like yours but have a, (maybe strange), question; If I purchased these & realised that having to touch the lights wasn't right for me, could I control them via switch instead? I dont have any electrical experience you see Greg so I personally wouldn't be doing the electrics in the van. Keep the great videos coming Greg, love them! Stay safe!! Tracey
Hello, first let me say how much I appreciate all your videos! Thank you for taking the time to do them! I wonder if you have a video that shows how to attach the puck lights to the main wire in the van? The puck light comes with 22 gage wire but we are using 12 gage wire for our electrical system. We are struggling to understand how to attach the different size wires to each other.
I soldered them and here is the video you need ruclips.net/video/UP10-tW7TQg/видео.html
Awesome! Been looking around for properly effective means of insulating the Dodge Roadmaster I plan to purchase, and I'm totally sold on your approach. Love the lighting, controls and wiring. I trust wiring diagrams are available?
Preston
NJ USA
Thank you Preston, please check the links in my control panel video. Cheers
Thank you so much for these videos... they have helped me significantly in figuring out what supplies I'll need and why. I was wondering if that string of lights can be cut to smaller segments to use perhaps on entry ways front and back or if thats even a good idea ... thanks again Greg
You can create as many circuits as you like to switch individual areas, it just more wires to run. That's why I went for the touch lights as you can wire them all together and just touch the ones you want on, best of both worlds. Have you seen my later wiring lights video? ruclips.net/video/koFg6oFs0RU/видео.html
Greg, great detail. I was wondering how you grounded your shore power? Direct to frame? Thanks.
great vid and great gadgets you've sourced for your van. really descriptive videos which makes them some of the best on youtube. im also following "the restoration couple" vids and they are also very descriptive and done to a very high standard. thanks
Hi Elwyn, yes I’m following them also along with many other van builders. Thank you very much for such great feedback. I’m really enjoying sharing this build process and appreciate your support. 👍🏼
On the plate of your jigsaw, you can also use the "loop" side of a hook and loop (Velcro) tape. It not only protects your surface but also traps the metal shavings. I wish I had my shit together like you! Great vids buddy.
Hi Kevin, I would imagine that would leave you with lots of micro scratches in your paintwork. 😳
Love your videos Greg ,some people are born to teach and your 1 of them people m8 😊😊😊