Van Life Tour | Our simple, DIY, off-grid home on wheels
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- Опубликовано: 24 май 2018
- Bryce and I decided to quit our jobs and buy a van to live in while we travel. This is our 1988 Dodge Ram B250 van conversion. We removed the original conversion and rebuilt everything ourselves.
This is a quick video showing all of the details of our setup. Here's some of the items we used:
Memory Foam Mattress - amzn.to/2O3stm4
Sink Faucet - amzn.to/2n1FO2L
Water Containers - amzn.to/2KnsvTo
Coleman Stove - amzn.to/2OAiiGI
Wireless Speaker - amzn.to/2LNuq9G
Solar Panels and Charge Controller - amzn.to/2KjSoUe
Solar Battery - amzn.to/2v82LWz
Solar Fuse Block - amzn.to/2Oz08Fb
USB Port - amzn.to/2OzhlOT
LED Lights - amzn.to/2AtccVm
Dimmer - amzn.to/2AxaN01
Follow along on Instagram: / courtneyzinckgraf
Please comment below if you have any questions and we will get back to you!
The three slots are for what was called “cassettes”. It’s how we listened to music in the olden days. Safe travels.
listed . . . ?
I love that the van is probably older then they are
Those slots were for “8 tracks” to be exact 😎
That was funny
@@chatroombully What?, no reel to reel slots?
Paint the roof white and you wont bake in the sun. A 6 dollar roll of hardware cloth would protect your radiator from flying gravel and also to keep mice out of the air intake and fresh air vents... 200 watts is a LOT of charge capability so you might come up with more loads during the day. You could run a wire back from the engine battery so that when the engine is running it tops off the house battery. I went offgrid in 1997 with one 77 watt panel. Eventually I ended up with 1250 watts but I'm running fridges and freezers and other big stuff. I think a much larger diameter and slower turning (quieter) fan would move a bunch more air and not drive you nuts. I kept from freezing with a 12 volt electric bed warmer for years. I drew about 40 watts and the one "RV" battery ran it. Also, a double layer white curtain with a black layer sandwiched in the middle would keep out bright light and heat and still reflect your interior lights at night. They make dc to DC converters for running small stuff. Charging phones etc. 23 years off grid here full time. Have fun...
Love the idea for painting the roof ❤
LOL three packs of cigarettes! That's hilarious! The slots are for cassettes, but I like your answer better.
Jill Sacsayhuaman i also laughed
Hahahah we were so off!!
thats so funny!
Courtney Zinckgraf actually back in the 80’s we did smoke like chimneys, so it’s not outside of the realm of possibilities that the slots did hold packs of cigarettes at some point. LOL I’m glad they have found a better use. Although, our phones are just a different addiction.😏
I thought the same lol
FINALLY. My kind of van. This actually makes me want to do this! Everyone else is so complicated, it kinda scares me. I love it, I love it, I love it!
That’s awesome!! Thank you!!
So true. That's what I love about it.
Definitely not for Everyone. A van is tough I have had a used class A and a new class C ( better) now a 30' toy hauler and it feels Cramped.😕 definitely Lonely out here at times.Do research before you try this lifestyle.
Fear doesn't prevent death, it prevents life. Everyone has their own way of doing things. I live in a Toyota Sienna (2000) that I bought on Craigslist as well. I chose to buy from someone in a market where the weather is "dry"--less chance of rust. I bought my van (mini-SUV) from a salesman from Microsoft who is based in Mesa, AZ. He was in a rush to sell after many folks came to "look" and didn't purchase. I was able to get him to bring it down 4K dollars! Great deal! Great mileage!
same here!! i’ve been watching these videos amazed by their actual showers like no i want a BASIC van
Man that comment about the three packs of cigarettes caused me to fall out in laughter 😂
I fell in love with this phrase: -"It's really simple but perfect for us!" I THINK IT WOULD BE THE SAME FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE & WORLD IN WICH I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE!
One of my favorite vans. So cozy and organized. Great idea about eating out and not letting the kitchen take all the space
Thank you!!
Eating out + you can always "volunteer" to work in a community kitchen in many places..."and" they'll feed you! Work-trade and paying it forward all in one. :)
Hello, I love the simplicity of your build. You have everything you would need without the clutter found in most builds. Kudos!
Thank you so much! We definitely have everything we need!
those “cigarette pack” holders are actually for Tape Cassettes. Those are plastic rectangles that play music when inserted into a device known as a tape casette player. Just imagine an Iphone that doesnt do anything but play about 20 songs with the help of a much larger device!
That is the nicest van yet, very clean
Wow, thank you so much!!
Very organised and well thought out!! Looks good!!!
Mandy McNicol Erasmus thank you for the support!!
WHERE IS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER!!! Love you guys and your perfect home :)
Lauren Griffith it’s under the drivers seat!!! How did we leave that out!!
I've got a 1993 Dodge Ram B250 with 192,000 on it. I've had it for 9 years. Vanlifing in it for 5 years. Love it!
The 318 Magnum engine is indestructible. A great V8. The most reliable engine I've ever owned. Only changed the starter once, and the alternator once. In 9 years - normal.
Also, a new PCV valve, removing & cleaning up the throttle body, and replacing the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve on the throttle body. Replaced the Oil Pressure Sensor (next to distributor cap under doghouse) when I had my first oil leak - it was the cause (Not a Rear Main Seal leak). All normal, expected maintainance! Easily fixed yourself if you've done a build.
The transmission was rebuilt, however. The reverse gear went out first. But I could drive it to the transmission shop without a tow. And, on it's fourth year, it runs great. That's the weak point with these Dodge's. But once your past that, your home free. Just find a cheap transmission shop that can rebuild the old one, or rebuild a different used one (mine was from a 1994 B250) It's 4 years old now, & the transmission fluid is pristine.
If you are even a little bit mechanically inclined, these are very easy to repair and inexpensive! Motor and transmission. All parts are easily available as well.What a fun project
It really was a fun project :)
Oh man this video is so helpful! I'm hoping to convert a van like that one day soon. Some conversion videos r so fancy and expensive and over the top. I loooove your conversion. When I get my van I'm going to refer to this video for reference
Thats awesome to hear! We wanted to keep ours nice and simple :)
Nice, clean & practical! Thanks for sharing!
Nathan Christopher thank you ☺️
The three slots in the wooden console are for cassette tapes.
They never saw a cassette tape.
Millennials, sheesh
They don’t know what cassette tapes are rude ass old people
@Patriot Jefferson or maybe they're too young to remember cassettes? You need to grow up - mentally.
Hey guys, welcome to the adventure! We subbed to your channel and love the retro look of the van, and the interior looks really good! Love the wood cabinets! And those seats look comfy AF for the hours of driving to come! Keep the videos coming, good job!
Thank you!! So sweet of you guys :)
Fyi if you watched the video he stated the chairs aren't that comfortable
My dad had one. That van made traveling a dream. I loved it.
your van is so cool! I love everything you've done to it.
love the paint scheme on your van . Have fun , enjoy, and keep it simple .
I truly appreciate the simpler builds. Thank you, you make it so much more accessible ❤
Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing set up!
curliefro thank you!
You guys are so organized. I also have an 88 camper van with about the same low miles as yours. When I got it I changed all the fluids
U know it's mostly her 😀
Hi from New Zealand,
Cool and very organized van setup love the way you have kept everything well hidden.
Thank you Courtney and Bryce for sharing your van life with the world😊👍
I love the retro 80's color scheme, and those comfy seats!
I love how simple (and still awesome) the van is! Big fan 😍
Thank you!
Guys I've watched about a thousand of these van conversion videos and at the end I didn't even know what's the difference between them, or which idea should I use for my own, but now I know that this is JUST PERFECT for me. It's not difficult to build, you can remove it easily, it's smart and portable and cheap enough and has mostly all of the advantages. The long drawers under the bed, the box between two seats, that kitchen furniture you made, everything is so clever and simple in the same time. Most useful van conversion video Ive ever seen!
Wow, thank you so much!! Best of lucky with your van!
Probably one of the best vans you could’ve bought. Great job! It looks amazing!
Fantastic! Simple and organized. Nice job 👍
simple and humble. I love it.
Hey you two! Greetings from ByronBay Australia 😎 Love the van tour and picked up a few ideas as I am in the process of converting a minivan into a camper so my baby girl and I can travel the rest of Australia 😄🐨
So glad I've found an honest, down to Earth channel of Vanlifers 😆 I not having a full kitchen inside the van either ... cooking in the sunset 💕💕
Thats awesome!! I would love to go to Byron Bay! Best of luck with your adventures!
Great build. Every build is so different but the simple ones are just as nice as the complicated. Reminds me of my VW camper I had in my 20's. This is all you really need to hit the road.
Very well thought out & complete.👏
Thank you!!
So cute. I love y'all. Wishing you safe and happy travels...
I love it! Everything you need, and really nicely put together!
My dad had a van like yours. The same colors. His had 4 captains chairs like your fronts. And it had a sofa in the back that conferred into bed. The cup holder over you engine cover has 2 cup holders a place to put cassette tapes , not 8 track tapes. And above your head , above the windshield was a overhead console . It had a place for a stereo, a CB radio and some switches for turning on /off lights in the rear because the driver can't get up and turn the lights on or off. And anything else you wanted to add. You can Google them or see them on RUclips. That might be something you might want to add later. The 1970 's the van became a stylish symbol to have a van and into the 80's. Then it just went away. But Van's are making a come back but as big. My dad passed away just a year before I retired from the Air Force. We had lots of plans with that van and traveling around. He and my mother visited me at the bases I was stationed in that van. My children rode in my van as we traveled around . They slept a lot while I drove at night when I got off duty. I'm glad to see you guys in one today. Happy traveling and thank you for sharing your life with us. I'm sorry this is long.
I love hearing stories like this! It's one of my favorite things about having the van. A lot of people have shared memories of a van they had in the past. It sounds like you have a lot of good memories attached to that van and I know I will too with our van :)
Courtney Zinckgraf This experience that you two are sharing will never be forgotten. These stories you'll be telling for years to come. It's great that you have had the opportunity to do this , now in your life. So, enjoy it to the max.
The van you will never forget it. My son still talks about the one I had and we carried him and his date in a Junior prom. It was like a limousine ride. We have pictures of them riding there.
I'm sorry I rant a lot.
haha no need to apologize!! I enjoy it.
Courtney Zinckgraf Thank you for taking the time to read it.
I have the exact same van but a 1991 Black and Silver Hightop...mint condition...Love it
That design is simple and good to imitate. Very nice idea. I love the bed and the sofas
Better than most camper van's I've seen. The organized simplicity of your van is what really makes it livable, bravo on a nice build.
Thank you!
Love these vans, wish they were easier to find in good condition in the Europe! Safe travels, the simplicity of your build is refreshing.
Love the simplicity of your cool dodge van! Organised and well thougth out! Good job!
Jenny dahlkar thank you!
I love those Van's very comfortable we grew up w getting Van's awesome great memories best of luck
The bed took over the whole van lol nice.
This is my favorite camper van ever! I especially love the lighter colored curtains and the clutter free organization!
Thank you so much!
Wow that van brings back memories!
Awww fun!!
👍Nice & simple...nice van tour. Thanks for sharing. I’ll check out your other videos. Wishing you guys the best. 🤗💞🤗
LovingAtlanta thank you so much!!
Wonderful! You did a really good job. Thanks for the tour.
Sylvia Jones thank you ☺️
Love the van. Adore your lifestyle choices. I ve been travelling to national parks and monuments almost every weekend but I guess I dont have the gut to live to the fullest like you two :)
Thank you! It took a lot of time to convince ourselves to take the leap!
I wish cars today had more two tone looks with lots of chrome...that look is so awesome.I love it.
Simple and easy living great setup!
Great set up! Best of luck and Have Fun!
I loooove the paint job of this! Awesome!
Love the van... Simple and minimalist. Peace and blessings.
Thank you :)
@@CourtneyZinckgraf Thanks for sharing. Safe travels.
Simple but cozy and charming. You have it all .
Yes. Simple but very artistic campervan. Love it.
This is a really nice build. Thanks for sharing!
Epic set up!
Love, love, love this van! Totally my style. Way to go!
Great video! Great use of space. We travel in our 1991 Ford conversion van. Preventative maintenance is key in these classic vans. Safe travels, enjoy the adventures. You picked a great time in your life to hit the road!
Thank you so much! We love that support! Old vans are the best!!
What a truly minimalistic, functional and no-nonsense van to explore the outdoors and enjoy each other’s company to the max .. big thumbs up !
Thanks so much! Exactly what we were going for ☺️
Very nice 😇 I really love the retro style of it💕
Love this conversion!!
Saoirse Ꮬ thank you!!
This is really cool ! That must have been so much fun to recreate everything from scratch !
KIWI FIT&FUN thank you!!! It was so much fun!
very nice set up guys
Thank you!
Awesome build guys, great job!
Awesome build! Great job.
thanks!
Awesome build! So simple!
Simple set up, which I enjoy. Great detail throughout the vehicle, very helpful.
Thanks!
Thanks for the look at your Van. Nice build, nice find with low mileage. We are a older couple in Texas. Long time campers from everything from Class A on down. We downsized to a 95 Dodge hi top and also happy with 17 mpg. We are in the middle of converting it to a camper as well. We pull a 5 wide little guy teardrop so no need for a bed inside and will use the back for storage & a place to hang out & living area if the weather turns on us. Thanks so much for all the ideas you gave us. Happy Camping.
Kamping Kouple thank you!! That sounds awesome! You seem to really know what you’re doing. Happy camping to you guys as well ☺️
Very helpful thank you for making this video
So cute you guys! Love it
Thank you so much! :)
Beautiful home, thanks for sharing. Peace and Blessings to you both.
Thank you!
Very functional and simple.
At first I thought this was a parody making fun of ppl who live in their vans lol 😂😂 also I love that you guys don't need all the fancy extras and have kept it simple. All we really need in this life is clean food, air, water and shelter everything else is just nice to have. 🙌🏽
Hahaha nope! Totally agree :) we wanted to keep it really simple
Loved the tour of your van💟
Welcome to Van Life💕
I got my Chevy van last Summer,have taken 1
4 month trip to Arizona and Nevada.Cant wait for my next trip out.Looking forward to more of your videos on the road.👍🏼🚌
Thank you!! Its such a great experience, have fun!!
Nice and cosy, clean and tidy; fantastic!
Thank you!
Wow, great planning for such a small space...I like it very much 👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼😎
Thanks!
Love how simple you kept it
thank you! We wanted it to be nice and simple :)
Love your build!!! New sub! Happy trails🚐😊🎉👍
1st time watching. You guy's are VERY ORGANIZED!! Love all the space you have created. Much thought was put into your build. Way to go, travelers!! Loved the space 4 the cigarettes...glad your not utilizing it. What a giggle!! Enjoy your travels & your life. SHALOM!
Thank you Lorene!! ☺️☺️☺️
Of all the builds i love this more than the complicated ones. Way more doable for avg person! Very nice you two.
Thank you so much!
love the solar/electronic configuration! thanks for the video
I really loved your van its done very thoughtfully and very neat...and you both make fantastic couple... God blesd
Thank you!
this is so satisfying
This is so beautiful! All the best
Thank you!
Wow yall have an amazing van!!! Just found your channel & loooove it💓
Thank you so much!! :)
Cool set up👌
Awesome video👍
Thanks!
Hey guys your van looks great and very comfortable you have done great work just signed up and will keep watching thank your
Thank you!!
Sweet build! Simple but great use of storage and love the idea of spending more time outdoors cooking. 😊
Thank you :) We love it
Wow, very well done.
Thank you!
My fav van that I’ve seen
Thank you!
I love the oldVan's. I had a 78 chevy van with the captain'schairs & niceties. I absolutely loved it. My in laws had a small bathroom if you will, in theirs. I would totally buy another van like those again if I ever get the chance. Yours turned out beautifully & having your cooking outdoors was a great idea. I envy you.
Perfect setup
Nice set up for weekend trips.
Love the simplicity of your build! We have a Dodge van also. Ours is a 1987 with a 318 also. Great motor, but I wish I could have found one with low miles like yours. We are still converting ours, and right now I'm in the middle of making sure the engine is running right. I have gutted the old, worn carpet and upholstery, so it's like starting with a bare van. Good luck to you two on your travels and I'm subbing so I don't miss any of your videos.
mrbr549 wow almost the same van! And we’ve been there haha we took a while to make sure it was solid mechanically and then also gutted the inside. It’s so fun when it starts coming back together. Good luck!!
Simple van...no! I LOVE IT! Has to be in the top 3 of my favorites! Love how you two are minimalist, awesome! Subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
great design on the van.....good job...
Thank you!!
Very nice set up.!!
Thank you!