VAN TOUR - Is This the Perfect Campervan Layout?
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- Опубликовано: 13 ноя 2022
- VAN TOUR - Is This the Perfect Campervan Layout?
In this USA vanlife video, we finally give you all an in-depth van tour of our little US holiday home. Around 3 months ago, we flew to the US from the UK and bought this adorable little class b campervan (1997 Dodge RAM Coach House) to use to explore more of this beautiful country! The last couple of months living in it has taught us a lot about what we love and what we hate about this van.
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Welcome to the official Travel Beans RUclips channel! On this channel, you’ll find a variety of travel and vlog content, in which you’ll see us in places like Thailand, Japan, USA, Slovenia, and more.
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Hey Beans! 👋Our trip is coming to an end so we wanted to show you a full 🚐 tour of our home for the last few months, as promised!
Could you travel in a van like this? What would you change? 🤔
fill a bowl up wash dishes outdoors. or get a solar shower and rinses dishes off with that after cleaning them
Hi beans, not sure if you saw my previous comment. About sterilising your water system. There is plenty of video's on RUclips regarding the subject. But after a prolonged period of lay up the system should be cleaned, using something like puriclean. Then flushed through with clean water. We use our shower all the time. No smells.💩🫣 When we rented a condo in Florida we had the same situation. So we bought bottled water and used public facilities. The management were useless.
Hey Guys, Looking GOOD! and Thanks for the shout out! Couple of things, The 'furnace' on the outside right rear corner is actually your propane water heater. Also, this unit did not come with a 3 way refrigerator from the factory (110V Electric, 12V Battery and Propane), so there is no hookup for the propane for the refrigerator, even tho it is propane capable. It will run on 12V Battery, so when you are traveling just turn it on 12V and the alternator will keep the batteries charged. You can also run it on 12V for a couple of days boondocking, without killing the batteries. Hope this helps you!
You two are My Shining Stars on Mondays. I will miss your touring the states so please keep doing your videos when you get back to the UK. Lots of Love and Prayers for your trip back!
I agree the microwave placed over the sink would not be practical. I love this van, MINUS YOUR MICE PROBLEMS.
Not sure if anyone has pointed this out to you, but your fridge inside the van is a gas/electric, which means you can run it off of propane while not hooked up at a site and it will stay cold constantly.
Would make your life a lot simpler to figure out it's use (Dometic gas fridges are fairly standard and usually really simple to operate)
Also, the sulfur smell in your shower, is likely due to your hot water heater. Depending on the type, you may need a new anode rod, and definitely will need a tank flush. EDIT TO ADD: What you showed as the furnace in your vid is actually your hot water heater, (Your furnace exhaust is on the other side of the van, the two holes above each other between your electrical cord, and the door of the van) and from what I could see, it is a type that uses an anode rod, there are vids on youtube that will show you how to flush the tank, change the anode (and explain why you need to) and how to maintain the system.
Hope that helps you, keep up the awesome vids!
Came here to say this!
To add to that, if it stops working/ needs fixing you can send them to the Amish and they will fix them much cheaper than buying new
Took the words right out of my mouth on all of these points! 😎
I would pull that unused black/gray water drain hose out of the carrier and put the one you are using in there. It's a sanitation thing. There is a reason behind calling the thing the "Stinky Slinky".
And the fridge works really well on gas. If you have not used it , you may need to take the cover off the jet and blow it out with a can of compressed air.
Too funny, I came on here to say all of the above!
Love having you around on Monday’s!
Love the RV! I would buy a memory foam mattress topper to make the bed comfier. You can always roll it up and store it in the garage section when you have guests over. Also, you wash dishes more often than ever using the microwave so it makes sense to get rid of that space to save your back.
Totally agree 👍
So where the microwave is is wasted space….
Judging from the tour, it looks like you might remodel the inside and upgrade the electrical system.
You might want to fix that sliding utility box. It looks a little rusty.
I’ll keep following you guys because I want to see how you fix it up.
My thoughts exactly!
Emma should defo buy an Emma mattress, they are the best!! 😂
@@joesnow739
Or watch an episode of the TV Avengers…
Hiya Beans!! You asked what I would change? I would remove the Microwave and the cupboard the microwave sits in, for need head room. Remove the coffee maker. Remove the refrigerator, maybe replace with a new Dometic one that works off solar, propane and electric. Add two Polar panels on the roof, as well as keeping your portable power. Remove carpet, and add vinyl flooring. Change/replace curtain in the front. Change out all water lines, including tanks for larger size. Those water lines are old, ewww. I would remove the bench/bed in the back and put in a real bed frame with legs (storage under the bed) and a really nice comfortable mattress. Keeping the bed permanent. I would add a small table to add at the front two drivers seat/passenger's seat for your dine in table. Something easy to remove and set up. Lastly, check walls and doors for openings where mice get inside and seal everything up. No more mice holes. That's it from me.
When you showed your interior you showed the fridge, your fridge is exactly like mine (same van actually) and it runs on propane, no need to plug in ever. You can use your fridge all the time without electricity, it should also run on 12v when you are driving about. I use propane when I am parked, 12v when I drive around and only use 110v on the rare occasion that I am at a hook up location. Darren should have shown you all of that.
I was going to say the same thing. I had an ‘89 version of your van and my fridge ran off propane/12v/plug-in. There was a switch on the. ACL if the fridge accessed from outside.
Yes the fridge runs on propane and is perfect for boondocking as it sips propane and could probably run a year on a 30 pound tank
Yes I noticed that as well and that it will run on gas, most RV and caravans do. There should be a switch to turn to gas and is usually runs much better than even electric.
I have almost the same van… my fridge is only electric. It will run off the battery, but only when the van is running. Once I park, I have to plug in. Mainly I use it to store bread, buns, chips and cookies 😆
The fridge will run amazing on propane.
I like the last part - the tourlet. I had an external shower on my VW van as it had a lift-up rear door, but had the same sort of problem with the loo (only solvable with a larger rig. I agree with getting rid of the microwave and coffee maker and think you should have quality solar panels on the roof.
It’s my favorite time of the week…watching the Beans!
To fix your uncomfortable bed problem, hit up the next Walmart you come to and get yourself an inexpensive memory foam mattress. When you need to put away your bed, you can just roll or fold it up and store it in the garage area. Problem solved! Pleasant dreams!
The best floor plan for a van that I loved was in a sprinter. The seating area was directly behind The captain chairs, both sides. The bed was on an elevator lift directly above the seating area. Their was a great screen that was in the sliding door and kept the bugs out. The next part down the van isle was the kitchen. counter space on both sides which gave plenty of work space. follows by storage cabinets followed by the bathroom and garage. Loved it! slept at least 4 if you wanted to have guests. The guy who built it, even put an incinerator toilet. his bed allowed him to access the roof through the ceiling. the entire roof had marine solar panels on which you could walk on. The van was entirely able to run everything through solar power.
I actually like that shower / loo design. My camper in the UK is a 6m (i.e. 20 ft) panelvan and it has a fully enclosed washroom which simply takes out too much space on one side. Having an "occasional" shower space like yours makes much more sense.
Emma and Alex are two amazing people ❤️ 💖 💕. Your camper van is very nice 👌.
You two are my absolute favorite part of Monday! I’m envious of the group of people who know you personally and that you deem “friends”. I suspect all of your followers must feel the same. I also suspect that this is among the videos that will play as, or just before, your departure from the states and I can’t help but to feel sad that you’re leaving. I know that’s silly for the obvious reasons but it’s true nonetheless. Stay safe Beans and know that you are loved! 💖 -Rick
same!
Same here
Same... Safe travels
Same!
It's usually drunk, disorientated people who end up peeing in their cupboard, but for you guys, it's absolutely normal 😃
We designed our camper van with the same toilet/shower layout. We love it and use it all the time. Why? Because a different type of shower would probably take more floor space and the sacrifice of something else in the van. Utilizing your hallway for more than just a hallway is, in our opinion, very smart. You should try to fix your stinky shower water problem and then you’ll probably love being able to shower in your own rig. (Tip: When showering, lift open the toilet seat to let some of the water go into your black tank. Especially when washing long hair. And keep a small squeegee in there.)
Pro's: spacious playroom ; storage; solid build. Con's: coffee pot has to go ! ( I left my" under the cabinet" with my ex ) The microwave has to go (valuable space) and the "hole" situation, BUTT it's nice to have if you need it. Can't wait to see what you do with the Phoenix~ Wanda & Vinnie ( retired "has" beans)
Emma Beans so adorable with her accent shows off the Van perfectly. reminds me of Kate Winslet.
need an upperdeck sky-roof to sun-tan! hehe
Since you asked, I would add probably 400 - 600 watts worth of solar panels on the roof, upgrade to LiFePo4 batteries for the house battery bank ( we installed 420AH of 12V LiFePo4 batteries on our motorhome last year), and add a 1800-2000 watt pure sine wave inverter. This would be big enough to run the microwave, and various other appliances mostly excluding the roof top air conditioner with the inverter and batteries. For example our 420AH LiFePo4 setup can in theory run our roof top air conditioner for about 4 to 5 hours, but more practically, it means we can run our microwave, or air fryer, or crock pot on travel days or while dry camping. The ability to run our roof top air conditioner on battery power for even a few hours can be very helpful in those places where it cools off after overnight, but you need air conditioning to sleep until after midnight. as you can imagine.
The amount of storage in the van is MASSIVE! I am really impressed on how much you can fit in there if needed. Travel on and stay safe in your adventures!
💕
Please don’t forget about us in the USA . I hope you both still make more videos in the UK 🇬🇧 you both make my day when I get to see your videos. ❤❤
We had the same van, 1997. We used it for 17 years. It was a Leisure Van made in Manitoba, Canada..
I love my van’s shower in the isle and our friends take showers daily in theirs. You just need a good system and some practice.
I’m watching this video from a BC Provincial park, camping in our 1998 Roadtrek Popular 190 on a Dodge 3500 chassis. Her name is Betty White, she’s a golden girl. It’s not a wide body, but we’re not full timing. The ‘furnace’ you pointed out is actually the water heater. Your real furnace inlet/outlet is the chrome plate with the two small circles over your poo station on the drivers side.
Our fridge is 3 way; 120 V AC, 12V DC, and propane. You run on 12 V while driving, switch to propane when you park, and run on 120 V when plugged into mains. Just don’t forget it on 12 V while parked. It’ll drain your battery pretty quick. Have fun you two!
3 inch memory foam mattress pad will make your bed feel better. Get windows tinted. Helps with the sun and you can still see out.
I absolutely love "Phoenix"🥰 Just perfect to go ANYWHERE!! My lovely wife and I have a "vintage" 24' class C and it's great but not quite as nimble. Monday's are not going to be the same without beans! 😓 Travel safe my friends, much love to you both! ❤️
Gosh , yes . That's where I think I came in with you guys . That van fire !!!!😮😲😲😲
Thank you
Oh man that bed looks so dreamy for us (sleeping in a Prius lol). I feel like this is a more “European” size for a camper and we love that. 😍
Jackery juice,
Without getting too loose,
Connect your shore cord,
Use your outlets galore!
You do have the means,
So don't be silly Beans!
Absolutely love Phoenix. Really clever design, retro styling, not too big and I’m guessing it cruises at a decent speed 😍
Beautiful phoenix. I wouldn’t change a thing apart from the shower. It’s a lovely little item and if you get some pipe wash and give it a good clean you will eliminate the smell that has put you off. You could probably run it outside too and you could have a shadower tent outside. Anyway that’s what I would do but everything else is perfect for the two of you xxx really enjoy a Beans update. I am sorry you are having to dispose is the mice you catch. I know how you feel as we’ve had to do the same in our house as we would wake up to the gnawing in the walls and ceiling too. And they bloody wouldn’t use the traps so we could release them. We ended up having to use a different method. Luckily for three months now we haven’t heard a thing. So our cat thought he would help last night by brining it one in he has just caught and released it in our lounge. Luckily my husband caught it and let it go.
I have a very similar van. I bought it from D&L too. Super nice people ❤️ My favorite parts are the bed (so big), the pantry and my seats in the cab are ridiculously comfortable. I added a shower tent which also doubles as a second bathroom. We added a bucket toilet with hamster chips/garbage bag setup. It’s helpful when the black tanks starts getting full, or when you don’t want to smell up the van with #2s.
Everything looks perfect in this RV except that toilet space. I think this is the perfect van for two people like you. The bed in the back of the van is really cool and you can have a sound sleep snuggling up to each other. ❤️
Morning, the comment from Sean is spot on, you need to flush and replace the anode rod in the hot water tank.
I'm going to warn you about the cheap sewer drain hose, they like to separate from the plastic end that attaches to the tank drain, hose comes off of the fitting! replace it with a Rino and not the expensive one.
The controls for the fridge are on the bottom so you have to get down on the floor and peek into the little hole while you push the button next to it to light it.
One knob adjusts the temp in the fridge and the other is the select knob for either propane or electric operation.
Driving with the fridge running on propane doesn't work well, sometimes the air swirling around the vent blows out the flame.
So you shut it off and drive then relight it when you're setting up camp.
Do your research on the appliances,
The holding tanks are as follows, fresh water 30 to 45gal depending on model, the grey water is usally 25 to 30 gal and the black water is only 15gal.
Nice layout, I was looking at a 95 dodge Ram Coach House a few days ago, didn't buy it for two reasons, first off the seller was a liar, kept on with his BS about how everything worked and as I tested each thing the excuses started pour out of his face, I can fix them all but I sure wasn't going to pay top dollar to a liar,
When I declined buying it he got really mad at me, another sign of other hidden issues, if you can find a clean one for around 15K then it's a great van to own.
Make sure everything works before you buy, don't get in a hurry, it can cost a lot later on.
I love the big bed! You can just crash onto it whenever you feel tired.
Wow! Your FOLLOWERS have offered you a WEALTH of information! This is like a trip back in time for me! Cassette tapes? And I actually still have one of those massive microwaves but it's in my house! And it still works, 30 plus years old. The coffee maker was definitely envogue way back then. And memory foam mattress toppers are quite easily accessible. So I think you've been given some huge main areas to work on that sound really helpful! Thanks for sharing YOUR ADVENTURES with all of us!
i fnjoy watching you 2 do the things you do that i can no longer do!
This is it! The perfect van for an older couple looking for something easy to take out on short trips! I’ll be looking for one soon! 😊
Love that you post on Monday. What a great way to start my week.
A 2-inch memory foam mattress topper would work wonders for your bed and wouldn't compromise the headroom much.
Put a "Bamboo" brand mattress topper ontop of the bed seats,you will notice the difference !
Love watching you two
CONGRATS FOR NEW VAN ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY SAFE
To me, it's perfect for me. That's the type of rv I would love to have!!
I would get rid of the microwave as well and reduce the width of the shelf. I would up grade the fridge and change the stove over to induction along with getting solar energy. But the biggest thing I would do is get rid of the coffee maker and cut the cupboards in half on that side. You have so much storage you could reduce the size of the cupboards giving you more room to move about in the kitchen area and pass each other. I would probably also move to a composting toilet.
So great to see you are enjoying the new van in here in the USA.
My 2 AGM 6 volt deep cycle batteries linked up together giving 12 volts & 420 amp hours mean I never run out of 12 volt power and charge up when driving from the engine alternator,and 160 watt solar blanket that fits across front windscreen also helps when parked up,but only trickle charges the large batteries.I used to own far bigger motorhomes but the bigger they are more they cost to maintain,so like yours,easy to park and maintain/service.
Very nice van and fun tour! In my antique 19 foot class A I added solar on the roof, extra house batteries, then converted my refer to 12 volt compressor. I also added an inverter and a switch to shift the electrical from shore power to battery/inverter so I could use them while boon docking. I really enjoy seeing our country through fresh eyes.
Thanks for the tour of your van Travel Beans! If I could make a few changes to your van:
1. Change the sink/ kitchen setup so that there would be no cupboards overhead, so you can actually stand up and wash dishes without bending over.
2. The shower/ bathroom situation - redesign it so has a self cleaning door, - like a pocket door - update it so doesn’t smell bad
3. Toilet - separate from shower or you remove it- it could be natural head or compose toilet
4. Bed area to be more comfortable for you - memory foam- moving day bed
5. Awing outside to be remote control - on
I look forward to seeing what upgrades you do in the future !
😊❤🚐
Thanks!
Thanks so much Khalid! 🙏
I just love you guys. You are so fun & normal! 😝We have relatives in the exact town you bought your van, so I feel a relationship! 🤣🤣 You guys stay real & sweet & funny and your channel will keep growing! ❤️
Hey there Beans! I would test that propane system for leaks (to prevent Frank, Part II). Then, rip out the oven, microwave, coffee maker - actually all of the faux cabinets. Then rebuild. Shower/toilet can be redone to be easier (composting toilet?), change the power outlets to GFCI outlets with USB outlets, and with these sizable changes, I would look for a place to put the upgraded electrical, you know - lithium batteries! That said - Phoenix is VERY nice! Great job Alex and Emma!
A suggestion for the fridge and tv. Get a 12 volt to 110 volt, 500 watt inverter (less that $50) use on a house battery (not the starting battery). It can be charged by your engine alternator and you can have a cold one anytime. RV fridges are very expensive, this is the less expensive option.
We love the places that Phoenix enables you to share with us! Thanks Phoenix
As someone else mentioned… RUclips the process of cleaning out your hot water heater (that’s the “heater door” you mentioned) and you will find many uses for hot water, such dishes and emergency showers.
Hi Beans! Love the retro 90's American Van! As someone with not much patience or d.i.y skills I would probably try an electric hob for indoor cooking using the jackery ( hopefully enough juice in it from travelling); plus, the shower looks genius to me; the old hose might be passed its best, but I think as a privacy, water catching idea it looks great, and would stand in there showering myself with a portable shower.
This vlog will be a useful reminder for when you! are
Planning.
Just found your channel a couple weeks ago starting with your "fire" sale van video which I felt so sorry for you guys but you did rise from the ashes as you put it. Just want to add that your a great couple, nice to see you love each other and are so on the same page for everything it seems. Alex your humor is spot on and your wife Emma is as sweet as they come. Really enjoy your happy camping videos, they always put a smile on my face after watching. Happy trails to you both!
💗Thank You for the tour. Glad you love Phoenix! Great ideas and hopefully easy fixes; the shower could work too with adjustments. Seems like you could also put an opaque, accordion-style door at the front edge of the toilet/shower area to provide a private room at the back if needed or desired. Happy Trails to you both!
I could absolutely live in Phoenix…love the big bed and all the storage! I agree with many things others have said…get a really good memory foam bed topper for sure, remove the microwave and coffee make if you won’t miss them, get a new fridge and use your Jackery when not running, sterilize the shower and then enjoy it.
I would also add that now that you know you love it and it’s a keeper, personalize it a bit! It’s going to be your home for long stretches at a time, so don’t be afraid to make it feel that way. Add some photos and some personal items to really make it you. And, if you don’t have one already, get a National Parks journal to record your trips and maybe another for your other spots you visit in between. We have one for our camper and it’s so fun to look back on where we have been and our friends and fellow campers like to check it out for ideas too.
When you guys come back, if you are ever in GA, I would love to meet up with you! While we don’t have a National Park, we have some incredible State Parks and we can point you in the right direction. Love your videos and hope you are doing well back home!
P.S. You should totally set up an Amazon wishlist for Phoenix and let us viewers send you some van warming gifts! ❤️
You could build the loo and shower outside, it would save so much spece inside! Get the solar panels on the roof maybe?
Great tour. Thanks!
So glad you guys rebounded from set back. I saw your video from that day. Welcome back
I am so glad you put all those links in your description
tri fold memory foam mattress, easy to store and very comfy
Love you guys! I hope the content continues after you go home.
Love the van setup .
hello Beans,, as per your tour of your van, that side you stated it was your furnace, it is really your HOT WATER heater ... hopr you get it to work,, hot water is nice for the shower and washing dishes too ..
Absolutely love your videos me and my wife just getting into naturism and enjoy your videos very much
Yes take out the 3 way fridge and change it with a 12 volt with compressor fridge.Mine is 12 volt with no problems & ices up very fast in the ice box.Takeing out the microwave will give you alot more storeage space ,or renovateing that area to give alot more head room.
I am learning so much from watching your videos. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing source of information. This one is quite helpful.
Love Phoenix! Thanks for the update.
She is pretty awesome to be fair.
love where your glove box is
Great content nice to have a proper tour of the van x
Great video as always! Love everything you’re sharing! I bought my first motorhome about 2 months ago and just took off on the journey from Sweden to Spain - and I’m totally in love with my setup. It’s a 6 meter motorhome with plenty of storage, huge loft bed, office/dining space + sofa in the livingroom area, L-shaped kitchen, bathroom with toilet/shower. I’ve got sliding doors separating the living area from the cab to keep the cold out (it’s made for snowy winters!!) and really like having all these sort of cozy separate compartments while at the same time it feels spacious. Heater, stove and fridge/freezer working on LPG so boondocking always possible. Tour video coming up eventually :-)
Livin the perfect life
Great video guys. Thanks for sharing your home on wheels with us. Safe onwards journey and return to the UK. Take care.
You guys have great screen presence and personalities. Dodge makes rock solid vans. Good choice👍
Great van, liked it as soon as I saw it because it was so clean and low mileage. It's exactly the right size to combine comfort with usability in town and on narrow roads & tracks. I agree with most of your points on the domestic fittings. Could the microwave (or a newer, smaller one) go where the coffee-maker is now? I think I would look at ways to improve the shower situation. Could you modify the floor to make it drain better? Don't be put off by the smell it made when you tried it, that was just unused tanks going foul. Repeated use (and bleach!) will sort that out. I'd think carefully about where to store the van when you return to UK. If you look after it it should last forever!
What a great set up.
As always, Travel Beans, it's been a wonderful series . Looking forward to so much more. We think what keeps us watching is your great sense of humor and great wit. Don't ever lose that.
When you come back to the states, we hope you can pay us a visit to Virginia as our guests. Sending you Best Wishes and Continued Success! 🙏❤🙏 from the Love Beans Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.
Looks great take care.
Love the channel, don't forget to replace the door restraint at the back door, as this prevents the door flying of in a gust of wind, that would ruin your day!!
Gorra love the beans 😊
I love the layout ❤
So glad you have made it without any more disasters! My heart couldn't take another fire or scam 🥰✌
I like it! First thing is you need a memory topper for that bed! A good nights sleep is so necessary! Then I would definitely find a dumpster for that coffee pot asap and a landfill for the fridge! The microwave needs to go! I’d cut that part out. I wonder if there is a workable way to improve the shower to make it more useful? Love the layout, space and storage.
Really there is lots to love about it! I wish you’d said more about the mice issues but I’m glad you mentioned it at all. I have only heard one other vanlifer admit that mice can be an issue and I was shocked and really want to know more!
We use Fresh Cab rodent repellent in our RV as well as in our house under the kitchen cabinets. We live out in the country with a lot of fields around us so we have mice problems also. It works great and has a very fresh scent to it.
Beautiful set up
I was going to point out the electric/gas fridge also, but it has already been pointed out. And you pointed out the water heater as the furnace... Love you guys
Love it!!
We have the same fridge ... it works very well on propane too!
Yup, lose the microwave and coffee maker for sure. Ditch the shower setup and get an outdoor one, and plumb it from the current hookups. Keep the potty and get rid of the cable hookup. Maybe the space where the shower is could be extra storage? I'd suggest you relocate the fire extinguisher to a more readily and quickly accessible location, and maybe add a second one. Make sure they are up to date and properly charged. A travel style first aid kit would be handy to have as well.
I am so happy for you guys. My kids age so I think of you the way I think of them meaning I worry. Lol. I'm so glad you're doing well and you're happy with your van and no more critters. I'm actually trying to find an RV and the biggest point for me was heated underbelly critter proof. I will be watching your travels when you go back home as well. Best wishes and safe travels from Boston Massachusetts.
Always enjoy coming home from work on a Monday to a Travel Beans notification. Beside updating some of the van, maybe consider fitting a couple of drawers on runners in the garage to better utilize that space.
What a lovely couple 💑 keep it going guys x
Phoenix is overall well set up. I agree about the kitchen area. They make smaller microwaves maybe if you can slide it over the stove you might be able to get rid of the shelf over the sink. Thanks for showing us around 🙂
I love it, probably wouldn't change anything. Except adding solar.
The item you called your heater is the water heater, the heater is on the drivers side right by your door to the LP area. The water heater should have been flushed for you, but it is easy to do. There are videos on youtube for flushing the water heater, you should fill it with half and half vinegar and water and let it sit in the tank a few days. If it has an anode rod it probably needs to be replaced after you have cleaned the tank. If the vinegar does not knock the smell out you can bleach and water mixed and let it sit in the tank a few days. You do want to fill the tank so it gets it clean. You will want to make sure you drain the water heater tank and leave it empty when you leave the vehicle. Be safe.
I had the same problem you did. My class C rv caught fire and blew up. Now I have a converted econoline 150. Works ok for my 3 dogs and myself.
Enjoyed your Van Tour. Loveling your Vidoes as usaual. Glad your enjoying your usa Trip. Some amazing places you have been. Keep the Vidoes coming.