The Cost Effective Wayfarer Build Kit Van Tour and Review of the Build Out Including Extra Features
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Tour of the Dodge Ram Promaster 1500 camper van with the Wayfarer Build out. This van tour will show the cedar ceiling, Aluminess rack and ladder, Vanmade window coverings and the amazing, but simple bathroom and shower system. I will also show off the Dometic fridge with battery system and the amazing Espar heater that does not use propane. You will be happy that you watched the entire video.
Wayfarer Vans- Build Kit
wayfarervans.com/
Cedar Ceiling, Battery, interior lights & Espar heater install
Adventure Vehicle Concepts
www.avcrig.com/
Van Made Gear
Window Coverings
www.vanmadegea...
Waterport Shower - they have a few different sizes
www.costco.com...
My Chevy 350 Roadtreck is 2003 & has WAY more room and options than these new fangled extremely expensive models. I believe this is the best way to go on a van that is a depreciating 'asset'. My total cost 23K 123K miles in perfect condition. Don't get sucked into these ridiculously expensive vans. DON'T go into debt on a depreciating asset, EVER.
Thanks for mentioning this. I'm gonna look this up
The use of a household pleated shade across the front window is going to be a trendsetter. What a fantastic idea.
Ya right
If you haven’t figured the spice jumble, I got a magnetic spice rack from Amazon (meant to be able to hang on the wall. If you attach the base, that might keep ‘em straight while driving. Thanks for the tour. It’s 2024 now and it looks like Wayfarer has been listening to you and others. New builds have memory foam mattress with no folding part. The table looks much more versatile, as well.
Back in the 70’s, I had a VW camper and really enjoyed it. With the advanced battery technology nowadays, and this awesome company, this looks like the same idea (down to the manual pump sink) on steroids. Thanks again!
Great idea and thanks for the comments. :)
I really like the simplicity of these builds. The water is great. You could just buy and extra jug, switch it out when empty, take the jug in to fill it, love it.
I agree Jerry
The portable shower is a WaterPort camping shower. At $120 its NOT WORTH IT.
A bug sprayer tank and three fittings gets the job done better for under $40.
Cooper Adventurer - on / off road tires, no road noise, smooth ride, and they are great when you adjust tire pressure for terrain.
Thank you for this video! I'm making a final decision about going with wayfarer and your video was really helpful. I love the simplicity, less to break and need to figure out how to repair. I also love that I can personalize it and the build leaves room to make it my own without paying way more than I can afford. I haven't looked through the rest of your videos yet but I hope you made a video about the fire pit and the shower cuz both of those piqued my interest to have in my van. Also your dog is so stinkin' cute!
I have a Wayfarer Van and feel the same way. I like the simple design and ease of use at a great price.
That's great to hear...Thanks for the comment
I like simplicity too. Lived in my manufactured camper van for 4 yrs and slowly stopped using all the fancy, complicated amenities or never used them to begin with.
very true...thanks for the comment
Thank you - very helpful. Suggestion: store the propane where a collision is least likely to damage the tanks. If you get rear ended, more bang, less boom.
Perfect…Thank you
VanMadeGear. Gotta keep them in mind. 👍🌻
BTW, is your van an AWD, front wheel , or rear wheel van?
It’s front wheel drive enjoy
Thanks for the tour Johnny!
Your Welcome
Looks amazing! 🤩 I'm looking for something easy to get on the road. Im seriously thinking Wayfair is the way to go. Really love the options.
Go for it! Thanks for the comment
You’re correct you are lucky I wish bi had a van to travel in so very jealous of people that are able to travel in a van maybe one day before I leave this world
I really like this build. Such a warm cozy feeling (from behind my screen, anyway). Everything is so well thought out. I am about to pull the trigger on a wayfarer build myself. I intend to install a simple lithium power system. I figure 100ah battery will take up about the same room as the AGM shown here in the box. It’s a deep rabbit hole that’s easy to go down. But a simple lithium kit just might do the trick.
That's great! Good luck and keep in touch :)
I think a nicer set of hinges on the cabinets is the first thing I thought of or noticed even with the simplicity of your build . Don’t know why but they just looked out of place .
Good point...thanks for sharing :)
Yes, yes, yes... please make videos about everything you suggested. Thank you for sharing so generously! Happy travels!
I will do it :)
Here is a suggestion:
if you turn those cabinets upside down you will automatically have a ledge when you open the door.
And if you put little chains on the sides, now you have a little shelf when you open the door.
😊🚐🏝️
Exactly what I want. Outfitted with everything I need. Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome
You should also glue pieces of yard stick to the top of your cabinets.
Nice van! I would love to see a video about your fire pit and shower!!
Thanks Robin. I will make the videos. Thanks for the comment
Get you some step rails/running boards to get in and out. Nice build
Thanks Jerry, That would be nice
Or a simple $10 step stool.
Very informative, thank you. I vote Yes for video on shower and fire pit!
Thanks for the comment. I will
👍🏽very cool, i love the simplicity of this build, i was about to buy a full decked out class B, but who wants all those headaches 👎🏽
Yes that's very true
You should build a propane bottle locker that is sealed and vented through the floor in case that bottle ever vents.
Good idea thanks Brian
REALLY GLAD I WATCHED THIS VIDEO! THIS IS THE EXACT VAN AND VERY SIMILAR BUILD OUT I PLAN TO DO. I LEARNED A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT FROM THIS VIDEO. THE BF KO2s IS THE WAY TO GO. BEILSTEN SHOCKS WILL HELP THE RIDE. GREAT STUFF!!! NEW SUB. FROM THE 641....
Hey Mike’ I am glad you liked the video and thanks for the comment good luck
Thanks for the informative video! I have a few friends who have this build and love it, and I just pulled the trigger on my own build this afternoon. So excited for my van to look like this, so I just had to watch :) woo hoo!!
I’m happy for you!!!
I have the same van as yours with the wayfarer build, and I'm looking enviously at your aluminess rack. Can you tell me how much the rack has impacted your gas mileage?
I've not yet purchased my van, but I'm planning to soon after supply at dealers is back to normal and it's a buyers market again. I was curious if you had a ballpark figure you could give on how much your roof rack was? I wasn't really planning on one, but after seeing yours I can see the benefits and really want one now. Thanks for the video.
HI Anthony, The rack is around $5,0000 - Thanks for the comment :)
This was very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to share.
Your welcome... Thanks for watching
Excellent size in a promaster and the kit made it even better.im going this way or with another type kit, boat a big goal zero, a lugolooo (excellent) etc....................parking is PERFECT in this size too!
I agree.. thanks for the comment
I agree with your wife. Better to have a potty on board and those luggable loos are the best “and practical”
I will pass it on :)
I really enjoyed your video. We were going back and forth between the wayfarer and solis. Ultimately we went with the solis because it better fit our needs, but love your upgrades, the loo (would be my wife's favorite) and your perfect van dog :)
Thanks for the comment. I hope you enjoy your new van. I haven’t heard of the solis. I’m going to check it out. Thanks for sharing
Great review, thank you! I have a 159 PM & also a 11-1/2 ft kayak. I carry it inside, but I would love to see your video of loading yours. I just figured I would never be able to get it up top.
Thats awesome Shari, I will make the video
I admire people’s creativity. It’s simple but useful/practical and affordable compared to factory builds.
Man, really enjoyed this video. Thanks for doing such a great job with it. Hope you keep enjoying your van! Be well.
Thanks Alex
Thanks for making a great video on the Wayfarer build, plus your upgrades. It was really great to see it up close through your video. It was also helpful to see that AVCrig does do some smaller projects (I'm local to Colorado and am thinking of getting a heater professionally installed), especially on Promasters. I didn't end up going with Wayfarer b/c as quick as they are compared to other builders, they were backed up at the time and then their prices then jumped. But, my DIY build is modeled after their simplicity, and I had a great experience with their customer service team when talking with them. I am curious as to where you got those mats/what are they that you use to help keep your boxes from sliding around? I have a slick floor, too, and those sure would come in handy! Thanks again!
HI Andrea, Thanks for the comment. The mats are the rear floor mats for one of my other vehicles. I order the floor mats on Amazon and kept the rear ones to use in the van. That keeps all the boxes from sliding around. :) Hope you enjoy your new van.
@@lucyerbert thanks for getting back to me John! I will have to search for some regular old floor mats, then. :-)
Hello, I live in Colorado Springs and will be purchasing a van and the kit you have. Did you get the van and the kit together through Wayfarer? I really appreciate you taking your time to post your video. It helped me to decide on Wayfarer.
Hi Steve, back when I bought my van they had this guy that worked at the dealer they knew so it was more of a referral. Now they have a different program. I would just check pricing and convenience and see which is the best option for you. Hope that helps. Good luck with the van. I’m sure you’re gonna enjoy it.
Would love to see videos on shower & firepit!
Thanks for the comment.... I will start working on that :)
I'm rewatching this. I'm still interested in a Wayfarer kit. Such a great system. It's neat to see what you've added, and your commentary about what you love, etc. is helpful. Anyway, it's a little late, but in the video you said if there was interest you'd share videos about the shower and the fire ring. Do you mind sharing info about them and a short video(s)? Thank you!
Hi Kary. Yes I will do that. Thanks for the reminder
The main compromise with such a build is the absence of insulation against heat and cold. Correct?
They use a wool insulation, and I have the espar heater. I don't have a problems with heat or cold- generally speaking
Great video, thorough and honest. Safe journeys!
Thank you!!!🎉
I would never have a gasoline heater, if other than propane, I’d get the diesel since very common to find diesel, very efficient too.
Great tour video! I love how well you take care of your van. We are indeed LUCKY!!!
Thanks Trinh
Man, I got the TOYO all terrain tires. They are awesome on the road and off! I love them!!!
Thats good to know...Thanks for sharing
@@johnnybattlelife btw- 2017 Ram PRomaster 2500- and I really take it off road, and drive it hard on the road-no nobby feeling nor does it ‘catch’ if I hit an edge. I say in my head so many times…man these tires feel good!
@@MannyWC I"m going to try them when my tire wear down... thanks
Got my van now updating wheels and tires. Love it! What size tires did you get?
Thank you!
Hi Gary I stayed with the same size of tire that the van came with - stock size
@@erbertlawnsco Thank you!
Thanks for making this video. I got several useful ideas. We have a 159" Promaster and will be departing for an 8-month cross-country journey departing from here in Maine in mid-late October. I liked the use of the yardstick in your "Spice Rack," your use of magnets all around for hanging things, and your shower solution. For the latter, can you post a link for your shower and shower hose? Thanks in advance.
Hi Stephen, Thanks for your comments...Yes I will do a video on the shower system :). Enjoy your 8 month journey. Sounds fun!
@@johnnybattlelife, could you simply post the link as it may prove timely for me before we depart? Thanks
@@stephenschuit7880 I haven't made a video on the show yet..but I will send you the link after I shoo the video
Could you let us know the website of the retractable accordion front window sunscreen.? Thanks for your realistic information.
Here you go eclipsesunshades.net/
where did you get the eclipse shade for your front windshield?
Here you go eclipsesunshades.net/
Would like to see more videos and would like to know who makes the shower system you showed. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment.. Here are the details on the shower Waterport Shower - they have a few different sizes
www.costco.com/waterport-gosp...
OMG, thanks for mentioning about the kayak mount and rolling rod. If I can manage loading a small kayak by myself, that would be awesome!
Thanks for sharing.
Your welcome 😊
Thanks for the video, and the detail! Love your build!!! And your touches.
Your welcome
Well done and informaive video. Liked the comments at the end. Thank you.
Thanks for the comment
Thanks for the tour. I'm looking at getting the Wayfarer conversion myself. One question for ya: how do you attach things like pictures to the walls? Thanks!
Can u link the storage organizer u have on the back doors? Love the set up for sure.. also did u flip the boot box? Also where did u get the stacks totes. Lol. Again love the ideas that for sharing
Can you tell me what kind of teardrop you owned?
Yes It was made by Vistabule in MN
I like that you can order a tall bed. Do the side windows open for cross current air circulation, or just the fan? I was going to ask if they build screens for the windows. Also, can you add a microwave and would that be powered by the battery? I think it uses a generator in Roadtreks.
I think all those items could be added, but that would have to be done on your own or with another company
So the swivels are factory swivels or did wayfarer use an after market kit which raised the seat? Does the driver seat swivel? and Does your wife have problems with reaching the pedals?
Hi Kevin, the swivels are factory by Dodge. My wife can reach the pedals just fine when driving. It's just less comfortable when relaxing on the passenger side
Hi...Hopefully you'll see this and respond. What wheels are those? I just got my PM 1500 and am looking for aftermarket wheels. It's hard to find ones that would work.
Hi, I don't know the model of the wheels, but I may be able to look up in past paperwork. I purchased them at Discount Tire. Give them a call or check out the wheels online at Discount tire for the match.
@@johnnybattlelife Oh wouldn't have thought Discount Tire would have wheels for vans. :) Going to check.Thanks!
Awesome... good luck
can you please keep it zoomed in super close and pan side to side like crazy
thanks
sounds good
Yardstick is a great addition! They need a lip:) Nice idea to velcro the baskets on top of the water. How does the Esbar heater do at high altitudes over 9K? I have also considered the Webasto. I love cedar! Nice to know it was aftermarket, I wondered. Which wheel base length Promaster is this?
Hi Susan I have the High altitude kit on the espar so it runs just fine. The wheel base is 136. Thanks for all your comments
Very nice setup and great review ty
thanks :)
Hi how has the reliability been on the van it self. & the build? Thx David
So far I haven’t had any problems. I’ll keep tracking that
Hi, Your van is awesome and gave me some great ideas. Do you think one fan is enough if I plan on using it in Florida during the winter? Your van is not stealth but it is so nice that maybe people would not complain if you slept in it in a city enviroment. What is your take on that? Thanks
Hi Lee, for that size of van 136 I think one fan is enough, but like anything else..its a personal choice. We sleep in a lot of urban places and so far no problems blending in.
@@johnnybattlelife Thanks. Do you have any regrets on not going for the 159? Thanks
@@leegoodman8553 no for me I like the smaller van...It's easier to drive and easy to park and fit in
Impressive van. One question - on the interior are a lot of grey, padded looking covers that sit over the interior metal - are they magnetic or bolted on? I presume they are part of Wayfarer's kit?
Yes, you’re correct. They’re part of the kit and they’re magnetic.
Thanks for the tour! I’ve been looking at the Wayfarer kit and it’s really nice to see how you’ve customized it and what you’ve added. Great detail!
Thanks for the comment Kary :)
Shower and fire pit video please.
you got it
We r new to this idea. What are gasoline costs like with camper vans like this? Mpg…..I’m wondering if it’s cheaper than driving a car and using motels…? Thx for any input u have!
Hi Barbara I get about 17MPG. It can be less expensive than hotels plus you can cook your own food…but there advantages and disadvantages to both.
Hi Oliver 👋🏼
Hi Brandon
fantastic video!!!! great upgrades to the Wayfarer, espar a must! Nice accessories too, we really liked our Vanmade stuff. Loved the ceiling, wow! We have left vanlife with our Storyteller Overland van to travel the World, but we are thinking of coming back to CO and getting back to VanLife. We would certainly do your upgrades as its makes a world of difference in our opinion especially being Fulltime. Thanks for being sooooooo detailed and sharing!! It really helps and motivates. Was the L-track on the floor done by Wayfarer? BTW, my wife is in love with your pup! Is Oliver a Mini Goldendoodle?
Also, did you look into doing a Yeti product with available alternator charging???
Thanks again for the share and info!!
Hi and thank you for the feedback. :). Oliver is a toy poodle. Yes the L track was part of the Wayfarer build. I’m not familiar with the Yeti product with the alternator charging tell me more. Also what happened to the Overland storyteller they make a really nice van
@@johnnybattlelife I am still reading up in the Yeti option. Check their site. I guess if you have the 1000x or above you can buy a kit for about $240 that allows van’s alternator to charge the power.
We sold the STO to travel the World and with a year plus waitlist to get back into them we might like to try the cheaper route if we abandon our fulltime travels. But that being said the STO sure made full time van life easy!
You done build on ldv with pantech box
aww is Oliver for sale? such a cutie
Thanks for the comment......You will be the first to know :)
Very pro famiily thoughtful build. Thumbs up!
Thank you and thanks for the comment
Thanks for the video tour of your van, Did you purchase the van first before the upgrade? If yes, what are the options of the van when you get from Manufacture? I m interest to get the ProMaster like your but I m not sure what package to select from Dodge Promaster. I don't want to get the package and then the upgrade has to remove or redo. Thanks
I purchased the van before the camper install. I ordered the van with swivel seats, tow package, rear defroster, tilt/auto mirrors, and larger alternator
@@johnnybattlelife John. Thanks for quick response. I just wonder Should I add the floor spray protection and wall panel package ? These options are available for new Van and they are original from Dodge. I am thinking that If the option package from Dodge then the quality would be better. Thanks
Well these options were not offered when I purchased my van. The floor spray might help with road noise.... that sounds interesting. The van is loud inside when driving down the road
@@johnnybattlelife Did you order the Van online or from dealer? What was your waiting time for delivery?
I enjoyed your video very much. I have a Promaster 136" WB also and did a DIY build out. But... I have one piece missing. I want a roof rack and the one on your van looks like what I want for mine. Can you tell me where I might get one like yours? Thanks
Hey Bill Thanks for the comment. Yes here is there website www.aluminess.com/roof-racks/
@@johnnybattlelife Thank you very much for your prompt reply.
@@falcon38 Your welcome!
Great video!!
Thank you
Great video. Do you have a link/brand and more info where to buy a shower like yours? Thanks!
Yes here is the costco link www.costco.com/waterport-gospout-2.0-gallon-portable-pressurized-water-tank.product.100691995.html
Thanks for the video. You have a lot of good ideas. Could you add a link to where you got your front window accordion blind and the black floor mats you have in back?
HI Lisa the black floor mats I had laying around at my shop, but there are ton's on amazon.. There is the link for the front window shade eclipsesunshades.net/
@@johnnybattlelife Thanks
@@lisawhite5406 your welcome
What is the brand name for the roof rack? Thank You . This was very helpful in planning a build out.
Thank you - Aluminess roof racks
Great video, thank you. What is the length of your van?
Thanks Wayne...Wheel base is 136" Over all length is around 20'
@@johnnybattlelife Thank you
Thank you,
I am interested in learning more about the shower.
Ok I'll make a video in the future about it
What size sleeping bag is that?
Hi Steve, Here are the details on the sleeping bag www.rei.com/product/153329/the-north-face-dolomite-one-duo-sleeping-bag?sku=1533290001&store=61&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_1533290001%7C92700057791451445%7CNB%7C71700000074091828&gclid=CjwKCAiAm7OMBhAQEiwArvGi3KzlvFG5cFcPd3Wn0N8nZE36ObJbaWnt3Fd_wh4hqXVMCbD-azWJhhoC5XwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Can you swivel the drive seat with the fridge in that position? Thanks!
Good question No I can go 1/2 way
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I'm looking at a used one this weekend and your video was so valuable.
That sounds fun....good luck
Can I ask what the cost of your van was? With and without the build.
Thank you.
It was in the low 30k but that was in 2019. I think they may be around 40k ish now
@@johnnybattlelife Thank you..
@@kathystevens8163 Your welcome
Great video and details. What brand are the rear window covering?
Thank you... They are made by vanmade gear
What is the brand of your solar shower?
Waterport.... here you go thewaterport.com/product/gospout-2-0-gallon-portable-water-tank/
Cool van built. This seems much more practical than the teardrop trailer. Has your wife got over the vistabule? She seemed really bummed about selling the vistabule.
Haaa, you right...Yes I took her a few trip, but she is really enjoying the van. Thanks for the comment :)
Hello! Could you post a link to the stepladder you got for your wife? I am short too. ;-D
❤
Im not feeling the look of he birch wood. I wonder if there are other color options or choices...
I think that is the only option
Thanks for the tour where do you get the hooks to hang stuff from the bottom of the bedframe? 16:30
HI Aaron, What hooks are you referring to? The clips or the d rings that hook to the bottom of the bed frame?
@@johnnybattlelife Sorry the D Rings. I don’t know how you have them hooked to the frame like that, looks very handy
thank you
@@aarongill2942 got it. Those are the d rings that were attached to the floor of the van before the build out. I think you can purchase some online. The have something similar on Amazon
@@johnnybattlelife
But how do you do mount them to the bedframe? did you just screw into the bedframe?
@@aarongill2942 They attach to the track with a bolt and a flat (rectangle) piece of metal that is threaded for the bolt. The flat piece of metal holds it on the L Track
Great video! Who installed the Esbar heater?
Thanks you here are the guys who did the install www.avcrig.com/
Hey Oliver!!!!
Hi there:)
beautiful intro music. Can you tell me what it is?
Thanks- but I really have no idea what it is :)
I'd rather have less electrical things to have to fix manual is always better to me
I agree
Do you live in this full time? If not do you think you could live in it full time the way it’s kitted now? I’m looking for a van build but don’t have a ton of money to do it. Realistically I would have to get something like this.
I don’t live in it full time… Can you live in it full time…that’s a hard question to answer. It would really depend on each person. Only you could answer that. Hope this helps
Great job Johnny. Changed my way of thinking about camper vans !
Thanks Dan
How tall are you? I am considering buying a van but im worried that being 5'10 I'd be slightly uncomfortable in the bed sleeping with my feet on the wall.
I'm much shorter than you, maybe get into one an test it out first
What was your total build cost including the van. Thanks...... great video.
Hi Ruckin I would around guess 60K
Nice Van… but where is the shower?
Hi Vin It's an outside shower and we store it in the back under the bed
Thank you!
You’re welcome Gary thanks for the comment