I've been power watching van build outs, stealth parking, camping, living, etc. I haven't seen or heard much about van types, models, etc. until today. Although, I am totally convinced a diesel engine would provide optimum fuel economy and power, for the size of home, I would like to have, I'm not sure it is a realistic budget wise. Another consideration is finding a good diesel mechanic when needed. The only diesel van, I've found so far is a Mercedes and there are no dealerships locally in Northern BC, where I live. Do I really want to herd a big vehicle down the road in adverse weather conditions or would I be more comfortable sacrificing size for better maneuverability. Lots to consider for sure. You make some very valid points and I am grateful to have found your site, thank you for sharing. Best of luck and happy travels young man!
Max air makes a cover that allows you to install over the fantastic fan vent. Rv stores usually have them for 25-35 dollars, just mount with vent opening facing to back of van. You don't need to buy new vent just a cover, I had these and they worked well . Also I saw in another video that people were making the cabinets out of coroplast or cardboard and fitting them to van to see what the space would look and feel like . You can see if you can live with the setup . If not , it's easy to modify cardboard to where you like it and then use these temp boxes as templates for the wood. Just some ideas.
I think when you and others share your experiences, it does help others who are considering the van life. I think your videos are great, thanks for sharing. It does help.
I've been watching van life videos since last December - you're the first person I'm watching from a current build, and I'm going to enjoy traveling along with you on your adventures. :)
Great tips! Even for checking out camper vans or building conversion for recreational use those tips are great. What I'm most interested in is logistics: how do you move about, the ergonomics of your set up; I have had a few campers, both crank top and the H2 I think, 190 cm height; I loved the opportunity to stand up straight. And the benches were too hard, so I ended up sitting in the swivel seat a lot. That would be an awesome addition to your van: make swivel seat(s). At least the passenger one, because it will extend your living space immensely!
All very well explained, you must have put in a lot of time to work that out and share it with us. The job you did on your small Transit is ace, you are a very practical guy, I hope that other people on the road will realise that, and that they've got work for you to do.
Josh, keep up the good work. Your videos are informative and succinct, you go straight to the point and provide practical information. I'm at the start of my van journey - trying to find the best van for myself. Thank you and safe travels!
Another interesting video Josh, you are an awesome young man. I've been doing quite a bit of research and so far, I would say the Max Air Fan with the rain cover would be my choice for a ceiling fan. I am a little torn between a smaller van, like yours or a Chevy Van. Fuel economy is a huge consideration for sure. I am a Canadian, so heating will be a concern as well for me, as well as a room for winter clothing, footwear and snowshoes! I will keep a storage place for my Canadian home gear, while I travel through the US and South America! (Dreaming Big!) for a couple of years. In the meanwhile, I have a house and garage in Northern BC. If you want to see a bit of Canada, I am sure you could find work in this area and you would be welcome to park your van, use the laundry, shower or whatever. Lots of lakes, rivers and trees, lots of trees!
Thank so much! Great information and insight on how to get started and stuff to think about. I’ve been dreaming of a van for a couple of years been camping out of my SUV and tent for a few years and am looking forward to my modest build- I love the Ford transit for a few reasons- gas mileage and can go where a car goes... planning a cross country trip. I travel for a living but hit the road a few times a year with my daughter and we can’t wait to build and enjoy our adventures- definitely a step up from a tent (although we do love our small tent) thanks again for sharing!
Hi> I don't have a van, but I enjoy watching other build things. I'm a retired auto tech and handyman for over 45 years. You did an excellent job on your van, I especially like the roll out bed idea. One question do you have fuse protection on the extra battery you installed in the back ? I wish you safe and enjoyable trips in your beautiful van. Godspeed. Sunrise, Florida.
You're fantastic fan you can buy a hood so that you can open it while it's raining and not have the rain come in. You mount it over your fantastic fan cover. I do like your idea about the shades, although I would put magnets at the base so they would stay in place. Thanks
Thank you for sharing your videos Josh! They're so helpful! What year is your Connect. I've bought a 2017 and will be building myself or trying to get help. What did you insulate with and then cover the walls? I just paid on traveling and not living in mine. I do appreciate all your knowledge!
I know I’m well a year late, and I think the tips are awesome! Definitely gave me something to think over and over and over again;) lol just great tips and cannot thank you enough for sharing them with us! ✌️
Thank you for this info. It is a big help. I will install a fan for sure. Worried cause I cant seem to find anyone to install solar. I may need to set up my van before it gets installed.
Very helpful. I live in my Mazda m5, when I visit family, so I can hit all beaches as I drive from Northeast to Southwest. it's like a wagon/suv, It was a comparison to transit with gas mileage. I listen to stories of tips such as yours. That I don't have to say, I wish I knew that... ha ha thank you for the good word.
One thing no one talks about is Where to do your van build. Most of us don't have a shop or garage or anything and end up doing the work in a Home Depot parking lot..not the best place...cheers.
Cautioning about the insulation and wallcovering would be a good thing to share. I had not considered those things. The fan, a window, rain guards, yes! The walls, no 🤨
So it's been over three years now. Do you have other tips you would add to this video? This was very very helpful. Maybe a follow up video would be good.
Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to seeing your life on the road. I have a Transit Connect just like yours except dark blue and I use it for weekend camping getaways. It's perfect for camping, but mine just has a cot and storage bins. Nothing like what you have done. Great Job!!!
I also have a blue Transit Connect and use it for camping weekends. I used a piece of plywood on milk crates and a plastic dresser from Walmart. Bluebell is my freedom machine.
Linda Macdonald .. That is so great! I've seen very few blue Transits and it's great you use yours for camping too. I've found it to work perfectly for me.
Someone in another video said that the ceiling fan basically turns the van into a greenhouse. I don't know anything about this so I'm curious about a solar powered fan during hot summers in Phoenix.
Master Jedi Sam I live in Phoenix right now and a van, fan or no, is basically a greenhouse anyway. I have a thermometer and the van gets lethally hot (140 to 160 F). Add full sunscreens and a fan and you get temps lower by 20 degrees, still way too hot. If you had access to shore power or a good generator and you put a room AC in the van that you vented out of a window, it might be survivable. I've seen a few people online who said they do it. Too hot for me though.
I've been power watching van build outs, stealth parking, camping, living, etc. I haven't seen or heard much about van types, models, etc. until today. Although, I am totally convinced a diesel engine would provide optimum fuel economy and power, for the size of home, I would like to have, I'm not sure it is a realistic budget wise. Another consideration is finding a good diesel mechanic when needed. The only diesel van, I've found so far is a Mercedes and there are no dealerships locally in Northern BC, where I live. Do I really want to herd a big vehicle down the road in adverse weather conditions or would I be more comfortable sacrificing size for better maneuverability. Lots to consider for sure. You make some very valid points and I am grateful to have found your site, thank you for sharing. Best of luck and happy travels young man!
Max air makes a cover that allows you to install over the fantastic fan vent. Rv stores usually have them for 25-35 dollars, just mount with vent opening facing to back of van. You don't need to buy new vent just a cover, I had these and they worked well .
Also I saw in another video that people were making the cabinets out of coroplast or cardboard and fitting them to van to see what the space would look and feel like . You can see if you can live with the setup . If not , it's easy to modify cardboard to where you like it and then use these temp boxes as templates for the wood. Just some ideas.
I think when you and others share your experiences, it does help others who are considering the van life. I think your videos are great, thanks for sharing. It does help.
I like the the format. You might think people would not like ranting videos but you provide good information in your rants. If that makes sense.
I've been watching van life videos since last December - you're the first person I'm watching from a current build, and I'm going to enjoy traveling along with you on your adventures. :)
Great tips! Even for checking out camper vans or building conversion for recreational use those tips are great.
What I'm most interested in is logistics: how do you move about, the ergonomics of your set up; I have had a few campers, both crank top and the H2 I think, 190 cm height; I loved the opportunity to stand up straight. And the benches were too hard, so I ended up sitting in the swivel seat a lot. That would be an awesome addition to your van: make swivel seat(s). At least the passenger one, because it will extend your living space immensely!
All very well explained, you must have put in a lot of time to work that out and share it with us.
The job you did on your small Transit is ace, you are a very practical guy, I hope that other people on the road will realise that, and that they've got work for you to do.
Josh, keep up the good work. Your videos are informative and succinct, you go straight to the point and provide practical information. I'm at the start of my van journey - trying to find the best van for myself. Thank you and safe travels!
Very well thought out and much useful information...thanks.
Another interesting video Josh, you are an awesome young man. I've been doing quite a bit of research and so far, I would say the Max Air Fan with the rain cover would be my choice for a ceiling fan. I am a little torn between a smaller van, like yours or a Chevy Van. Fuel economy is a huge consideration for sure. I am a Canadian, so heating will be a concern as well for me, as well as a room for winter clothing, footwear and snowshoes! I will keep a storage place for my Canadian home gear, while I travel through the US and South America! (Dreaming Big!) for a couple of years. In the meanwhile, I have a house and garage in Northern BC. If you want to see a bit of Canada, I am sure you could find work in this area and you would be welcome to park your van, use the laundry, shower or whatever. Lots of lakes, rivers and trees, lots of trees!
Love your videos. Hearing your thoughts will be me so helpful to those of us considering van life or even a recreational build.
Thank so much! Great information and insight on how to get started and stuff to think about. I’ve been dreaming of a van for a couple of years been camping out of my SUV and tent for a few years and am looking forward to my modest build- I love the Ford transit for a few reasons- gas mileage and can go where a car goes... planning a cross country trip. I travel for a living but hit the road a few times a year with my daughter and we can’t wait to build and enjoy our adventures- definitely a step up from a tent (although we do love our small tent) thanks again for sharing!
Awesome advice...thanks for the info! 👍👍
Hi> I don't have a van, but I enjoy watching other build things. I'm a retired auto tech and handyman for over 45 years. You did an excellent job on your van, I especially like the roll out bed idea. One question do you have fuse protection on the extra battery you installed in the back ? I wish you safe and enjoyable trips in your beautiful van.
Godspeed.
Sunrise, Florida.
You're fantastic fan you can buy a hood so that you can open it while it's raining and not have the rain come in. You mount it over your fantastic fan cover. I do like your idea about the shades, although I would put magnets at the base so they would stay in place. Thanks
Thank you for sharing your videos Josh! They're so helpful! What year is your Connect. I've bought a 2017 and will be building myself or trying to get help. What did you insulate with and then cover the walls? I just paid on traveling and not living in mine. I do appreciate all your knowledge!
Yes, I liked your great advice! Thank you! I am excited for your upcoming journey! God bless!
I know I’m well a year late, and I think the tips are awesome! Definitely gave me something to think over and over and over again;) lol just great tips and cannot thank you enough for sharing them with us! ✌️
Love your videos and project.
I like the details. Most people just jump to the finished product.
Thank you for this info. It is a big help. I will install a fan for sure. Worried cause I cant seem to find anyone to install solar. I may need to set up my van before it gets installed.
Wonderful ideas thank you so much!!!
I just bought a mini A/C unit that is usb compatible for the jeep called the BLAUX
Very helpful. I live in my Mazda m5, when I visit family, so I can hit all beaches as I drive from Northeast to Southwest. it's like a wagon/suv, It was a comparison to transit with gas mileage. I listen to stories of tips such as yours. That I don't have to say, I wish I knew that... ha ha thank you for the good word.
buy a vent cover for your roof fan. buy a small trailer for your tools n stuff.
One thing no one talks about is Where to do your van build. Most of us don't have a shop or garage or anything and end up doing the work in a Home Depot parking lot..not the best place...cheers.
Cautioning about the insulation and wallcovering would be a good thing to share. I had not considered those things. The fan, a window, rain guards, yes! The walls, no 🤨
Excellent pre-planning!!! (and video!!)
Solid advice..👍👍
This was very informative, thank you!
thanks for the honest heart-to-heart. good info.
So it's been over three years now. Do you have other tips you would add to this video? This was very very helpful. Maybe a follow up video would be good.
Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to seeing your life on the road. I have a Transit Connect just like yours except dark blue and I use it for weekend camping getaways. It's perfect for camping, but mine just has a cot and storage bins. Nothing like what you have done. Great Job!!!
I also have a blue Transit Connect and use it for camping weekends. I used a piece of plywood on milk crates and a plastic dresser from Walmart. Bluebell is my freedom machine.
Linda Macdonald .. That is so great! I've seen very few blue Transits and it's great you use yours for camping too. I've found it to work perfectly for me.
Sounds like you have full timing figured out :)
Def enjoyed
You're a cool dude!
Someone in another video said that the ceiling fan basically turns the van into a greenhouse. I don't know anything about this so I'm curious about a solar powered fan during hot summers in Phoenix.
Master Jedi Sam I live in Phoenix right now and a van, fan or no, is basically a greenhouse anyway. I have a thermometer and the van gets lethally hot (140 to 160 F). Add full sunscreens and a fan and you get temps lower by 20 degrees, still way too hot. If you had access to shore power or a good generator and you put a room AC in the van that you vented out of a window, it might be survivable. I've seen a few people online who said they do it. Too hot for me though.
❤❤❤
Oh btw new sub here as well! ✌️
Thank you!!!!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸
😍😍😍😍🙃
Josh
You're 24?? Bro i thought you were in your late 30's. Meanwhile im almost 25 and people think im 17-18
But read comments first. May not last very long. ugg!