Hey, George. Love your channel and passion. Found you on Patrick’s “NJ Outdoor Adventures” video. Keep up the good work. 58 years old and will be making the plunge soon in retirement.
You are the Da Vinci of van builders, George. I recommend your videos to anyone asking about a van build. Learn from the best, I say. It is so generous of you to share your mods and build details with us. Unlike Advanced RV that keeps everything so secret that you never really know what they are building. I wish I had that pea brain of yours! I have brain envy. I know how that shower works, heh, heh! You lift up that hinged panel, oh so clever! Now why don't you use a toilet that swivels like the Euro RVs do? This way, no more squatty potty, but you swivel it to face the aisle and gain leg room height. Astounding that you managed to make a lounge and shower stall work together as one unit. That is the secret to small spaces. I think you can borrow a lot of ideas from those NYC and Paris lofts with swiveling and sliding walls that create different interiors. I get so excited thinking about these cross overs and material science, where one material or idea can be hacked across so many functional uses. Well done! Bravo on this new flagship. Thanks for the Sunday dose of joy!
George, have you thought about mounting the cooktop to a base with index pins in them and then milling in some pin holes into the countertop, or kitchen somewhere. That way you just grab the cooktop drop it into place and it stays there. No moving around, and when you're done lift it straight up and put it away. The cooktop would stay still while cooking, and also while driving (although it should be stowed for safety)
You're builds are amazing. I get so many ideas from you. So many other channels just show what they have installed, and for the most part they want to sell the audience on all the pros of the decision. What you do differently is that you talk about WHY it's good or bad, and you do it from both the functionality of the finished product and from the installation standpoint. Thank you for your quality, charisma, and desire to do the right thing.
❤ thank you, loved the improvement to the running board, and the unobtrusive shelving above the bed. The black electrical fittings are not the only slick features in that workshop. Thank you.
Thanks George for the insight on where to mount the Lagun table. I have a PM 3500 and have been thinking of mounting tables in the same place. You’ve shown me it can work. 👍🏻🚐
I was saying to my wife last year that all B class vans should have that Lagun table layout! it makes sense as it gives both occupants a place to eat or work on their computers. but I can't see the bathroom layout with the driver's table please do a video of the completion of this van so I can understand this configuration! great video as always!
Hello George. I have been thinking about anchoring my Lagun table on the pillar similar to what you have done. Could you give me some pointers on how to do this cleanly? My PM is a WGO Travato GL. I have removed the OEM table and want to put a Lagun table in its place (smaller footprint) TIA!
Thanks for another great video George. Love your attention to detail. One comment you may be interested in, my wife uses a CPAP. I had made a shelf up above as you are doing to place her CPAP and thought all would be well. However, in cooler weather when the van temp also drops down, moisture condenses in the tube. With the tube in a vertical position, the condensation will run down the hose and make for some serious discomfort for the user. Just saying as you may want to consider options here.
That sounds like some real world experience, right there! The client and I have gone over these design cues and what you describe was never mentioned. I will surely bring it up to him. Thank you.
I can't admit how long I stared at that big light wondering what on earth Sam wanted that in the van for... I'll think about a running board when I'm 40, can't show weakness in-front of the kids at work haha!
Jumping from a height is bad for the knees. Always a good idea to make knees last as long as possible with less wear and tear, especially if you are an athlete.
Hah, a C-head toilet! Who's choice was that George, your's or Sam's? I opted for the much maligned C-Head over the usual suspects for 3 main reasons: (a) vertical mixing in a round bucket instead of horizontal rotation in a square-ish bucket. Better coverage IMO. (b) mostly non-proprietary parts. Bucket gets too gross? Get a new one for $4-$5 or even free. (c) Space saving. Smaller overall footprint and crank on the top, not the side, where vertical space is plentiful. I also vented my C-Head, though the mfg. says its not necessary, in the way that the Airhead is vented: pulling air thru the vent hose, instead of pushing it.
details details details! so much appreciate the promaster windows van build u r doing right now...it is my current project. but so many gaps in the videos on progress, unlike your other builds where u spend a great amount of time, if not more than the actual build, making the vids! will u be circling back with deep dives on this particular build? for example, would love to see some of the detail behind the b pillar mount of the lagun and how the casing was carved to accommodate. thanks, i am codependent on your vids and looks forward to them all! please keep on keeping on!
I appreciate your support, Michael. While I absolutely LOVE producing my videos, my first priority is to building my custom vans. It is my livelihood, after all! There are only 26 hours in my day...
Hi George, do you list the parts you are using? Like to know what sink that is? Your videos are well made, great detail and lighting, D a photographer, Thansk for sharing
George, was really taken with the initial swinging armoire/pantry bath/shower design. You moved on from that design, deciding it was too clumsy and confirmed by a video showing a similar/same design in operation. Do you have a description/link to that video as I've been unable to locate it and continue to believe that it's a clever/desirable design? Thanks I see what you have done with the new design/5' shower pan and look forward the demo.
Please share a bit more information about the way the Lagun mounts were attached to the B pillar, I’m hoping to do the same in my Ford and Sprinter vans, thanks 🙏!
Do you surface/resurface your corian countertops during install? Wondering if you have a process. I purchased corian and has some scuffs so I’m thinking I will do some resurfacing to make it look perfect
I photographed jewelry and watches for advertising on glacier white Corian for decades. When it got scratched or scuffed, I sanded it smooth with a fine grit sand paper! Can't do that with most of the other selections out there!
Big sink Good - Small sink Bad... ug I still don't know why people put the sink in that specific location? When I installed my Lagun in the van - It took an extraordinary amount of time to get the location of the bracket right - the effort was well worth it as the table is now so handy for so many applications.
Generally, people spend most of their galley time in front of the sink. If the sink were anywhere else it may feel claustrophobic. Also, drain location and routing are big considerations when deciding on sink location.
@@HumbleRoad If the weather is good we like to cooking and washing dishes outside. My moveable induction cooktop is where your sink is and my sink is 2 feet towards the back. After 15 months in the van, I find that such a valuable piece of landing pad to enable cooking outside so nice. When we do dishes inside (10 minutes as each meal *2) - we don't find it (as you say ) claustrophobic at all (did I mention in a 3 years period we slept in it for 15 months). You said, "Generally, people spend most of their galley time in front of the sink." which is kind of sad - we spend more time prepping and cooking rather than in front of the sink. But hey YMMV - off course. When we cook inside because of stove location it is nice to be able to better vent the cooking odors by either opening or cracking open or opening the window on the sliding door. That is gold son Gold.
@@HumbleRoad Yup - it was (is) all good fun desgning (& redesigning) it - building it - enjoying the travel at the same time tweeking this, that, & the other thing!
It's so great that Humble Road is going the extra mile for their customers, like with the improvement of the step. I love the sleek black accents that the outlets etc. make too; attention to detail is also a Humble Road trait. If I remember correctly from a past video, at the start of the Promaster build, there is some change in the bathroom design coming?
Yes, originally, I had the armoires hinging out of a walled in bathroom. I was concerned that the whole operation would be too clumsy. Another builder posted a video of the exact same design! That confirmed my suspicions, too clumsy, too many steps to convert. So now, I am pursuing what I think to be a very simple elegant design, with few steps to convert from lounge to shower and back.
@@HumbleRoad Do you have a link to the hinged armoire bath build video that replicated your design and that you found to be clumsy in operation? Haven't been able to locate that or a similar video.Thanks! Your initial design was very clever, and if executed/engineered well, would seem to be a viable option. I do trust your judgement, however, and look forward to see the final bath/shower design/build.
Hi george, in the real world of van life no one wants to set up and put away a table, I often eat from a tray so I don’t have to deal with set up even thought I have lagun table. In Europe some rv’s use a tilt down table that’s easy down and up when your done. I’m trying to accomplish that in my next build
In your experience... where is the best and least expensive to buy 8020??? I'm converting the front section of my 8' x 24' WellsCargo cargo trailer into a camper. I probably have almost all of the appliances and things to do my build. I guess I'll have to make my own roof mounts to build my own roof top carrier for my solar panels. I still need to get my 8020, insulation, two big ceiling fans like you have in this van. (One goes in front and one goes in back.) I 'll have to raise my solar panels to be above the vents and a/c, but the solar panels have double duty as making the shade for the camper to help keep it cool as well as making the electricity. Additionally, I also have two wind turbines I'm designing to be raised whenever and wherever we stop at for a while. The mid and back section will be workshop, tool room and toy hauler. Where do you think would be the best and least expensive place to get the water heater you use in your van builds?
Do you normally add some form of parking support legs to stabilize, and level, these campers? Or are you constantly wobbling when moving around the van, let alone getting in to it on the bed...
….he takes the Van, shows it off, people are”wowed” by the craftsmanship, you are deluged with new orders, and time to hire more Alexes ( don’t know the names of the other skilled crew.
No, I did! From day one, I was concerned it would be too cumbersome and clunky to live with. And then, a video popped up on YT of the EXACT build! Seemed to me it was a direct copy after watching my cardboard videos. But my fears were confirmed, it was a very clumsy operation and I went back to the drawing board. Now we have a design that is better suited to Sam's lifestyle, wants and needs. Stay tuned!
Typically, van lifers are run and gun, always on the move. Fold out steps could pose a hindrance at best and a disaster at worst. There are retractable running boards on the market. I find them to be just one more thing to fail. Some are too slow to deploy and I find myself jumping past it rather than waiting!
WOW…While reviewing 80/20 aluminum builds, I found you about a month ago. Your attention to the little details is awesome. I am renovating an Argosy Aluminum trailer from the ground up. I love many aspects of your renovations, wire loops, deep sinks, Corian countertops, etc. I noticed the cabinet with sink has radius aluminum extrusion corners attached to the side panels. What company produces radius extrusion corners? Thank you
I think 80/20 has aluminum with a radiused profile. They have many profiles to choose from, 4 channel, 3 channel, 2 channel, 1 channels, smooth, radiused, 45 angle, etc...
ive been trying to figure out how to contact you. i would love to book an appointment with you to work on my sprinter van sorry im contacting you thru your video but i dont know any other way ive thry 3 times to get a hold of you on ur instagram but i understand your probably bombarded there love to get some contact info and try to work together
It does not worry me. Sooner or later, they will be required to think for themselves and will be exposed. Just because you have the keys to the Ferrari, does not mean you can drive it. Here's another; we can all have the same sheet music and never sound the same.
What an absolute waste of space. There's no point in having a massive sink with a massive countertop because all that's doing is taking up usable space. What is the point of having massive refrigerators when a normal refrigerator will do. I thought this was supposed to be an RV it's pretty much just a kitchen so what's the point.
Simple elegant designs are always better than more complicated monstrosities.
Word.
Good morning HR fans! Morning George!
Morning Lynne! 😊
That wood work!!
People need to consider the joy and mobility of a dry flush toilet. Add it a pee funnel, whoa
Hey, George. Love your channel and passion. Found you on Patrick’s “NJ Outdoor Adventures” video. Keep up the good work. 58 years old and will be making the plunge soon in retirement.
The Hershey RV show??? My old stomping grounds from childhood. I was a caddy at the old Country Club.
I went to Milton Hershey School. I have a lot of friends still back there.
@@bc2198 I had a few classmates who transfered to that trade school when we were in Ninth grade - that was in the 1950s. I grew up in Elizabethtown.
@@nbc902 very cool. Milton Hershey was tough back then. Its changed a lot. I graduated from there in 78
George you are the "Guru" of van builders
You are the Da Vinci of van builders, George. I recommend your videos to anyone asking about a van build. Learn from the best, I say. It is so generous of you to share your mods and build details with us. Unlike Advanced RV that keeps everything so secret that you never really know what they are building. I wish I had that pea brain of yours! I have brain envy.
I know how that shower works, heh, heh! You lift up that hinged panel, oh so clever! Now why don't you use a toilet that swivels like the Euro RVs do? This way, no more squatty potty, but you swivel it to face the aisle and gain leg room height. Astounding that you managed to make a lounge and shower stall work together as one unit. That is the secret to small spaces. I think you can borrow a lot of ideas from those NYC and Paris lofts with swiveling and sliding walls that create different interiors. I get so excited thinking about these cross overs and material science, where one material or idea can be hacked across so many functional uses.
Well done! Bravo on this new flagship. Thanks for the Sunday dose of joy!
I like that the induction cooktop is stored in a drawer until needed leaving all that beautiful counter space….
me too!
George, have you thought about mounting the cooktop to a base with index pins in them and then milling in some pin holes into the countertop, or kitchen somewhere. That way you just grab the cooktop drop it into place and it stays there. No moving around, and when you're done lift it straight up and put it away. The cooktop would stay still while cooking, and also while driving (although it should be stowed for safety)
I like the way you think
@@HumbleRoad Free of charge! 😁
i like BIG sinks and i cannot lie
You other van lifers can’t deny….
You're builds are amazing. I get so many ideas from you. So many other channels just show what they have installed, and for the most part they want to sell the audience on all the pros of the decision. What you do differently is that you talk about WHY it's good or bad, and you do it from both the functionality of the finished product and from the installation standpoint.
Thank you for your quality, charisma, and desire to do the right thing.
Thank you Ted! I appreciate your kind words.
Hey George
Always Enjoy Your Humble Road Videos !!
Thanks
your videos are so chill. you are definitely the bob ross of building camper vans! It really makes me want to leave everything and start doing that!
The van is coming along beautifully George. Great job to you and your guys! Thanks!
Thanks 👍
This man HAS to build my van!!! Also, how about an incinerating toilet?
❤ thank you, loved the improvement to the running board, and the unobtrusive shelving above the bed. The black electrical fittings are not the only slick features in that workshop. Thank you.
❤️❤️
What a great idea for the extensions. I have those boards and a couple more inches would be great.
Who made those boards ?
I love a sure area to place my foot … that’s so great. 👍
Thanks George for the insight on where to mount the Lagun table. I have a PM 3500 and have been thinking of mounting tables in the same place. You’ve shown me it can work. 👍🏻🚐
Go for it!
I was saying to my wife last year that all B class vans should have that Lagun table layout! it makes sense as it gives both occupants a place to eat or work on their computers. but I can't see the bathroom layout with the driver's table please do a video of the completion of this van so I can understand this configuration! great video as always!
Wayne, the final van tour is what I live for! Don't worry!
George, you and your crew are building amazing looking vans! I am looking forward to seeing your mini promaster city and transit connect builds.
Coming soon!
Hello George. I have been thinking about anchoring my Lagun table on the pillar similar to what you have done. Could you give me some pointers on how to do this cleanly? My PM is a WGO Travato GL. I have removed the OEM table and want to put a Lagun table in its place (smaller footprint) TIA!
Thanks for another great video George. Love your attention to detail. One comment you may be interested in, my wife uses a CPAP. I had made a shelf up above as you are doing to place her CPAP and thought all would be well. However, in cooler weather when the van temp also drops down, moisture condenses in the tube. With the tube in a vertical position, the condensation will run down the hose and make for some serious discomfort for the user. Just saying as you may want to consider options here.
That sounds like some real world experience, right there! The client and I have gone over these design cues and what you describe was never mentioned. I will surely bring it up to him. Thank you.
I can't admit how long I stared at that big light wondering what on earth Sam wanted that in the van for...
I'll think about a running board when I'm 40, can't show weakness in-front of the kids at work haha!
Jumping from a height is bad for the knees. Always a good idea to make knees last as long as possible with less wear and tear, especially if you are an athlete.
… Corian countertops and a Caverness refrigerator box, oh my❗️🥰
The first line of my anthem.
George, thanks for the extending the running board tip, who's did you use?
I cannot recommend them. I am in the process of returning them for a better brand.
Will definitely be a nice built ❤️
Love a big sink!
Hah, a C-head toilet! Who's choice was that George, your's or Sam's?
I opted for the much maligned C-Head over the usual suspects for 3 main reasons:
(a) vertical mixing in a round bucket instead of horizontal rotation in a square-ish bucket. Better coverage IMO.
(b) mostly non-proprietary parts. Bucket gets too gross? Get a new one for $4-$5 or even free.
(c) Space saving. Smaller overall footprint and crank on the top, not the side, where vertical space is plentiful.
I also vented my C-Head, though the mfg. says its not necessary, in the way that the Airhead is vented: pulling air thru the vent hose, instead of pushing it.
Sam's choice for all of your stated reasons.
details details details! so much appreciate the promaster windows van build u r doing right now...it is my current project. but so many gaps in the videos on progress, unlike your other builds where u spend a great amount of time, if not more than the actual build, making the vids! will u be circling back with deep dives on this particular build? for example, would love to see some of the detail behind the b pillar mount of the lagun and how the casing was carved to accommodate. thanks, i am codependent on your vids and looks forward to them all! please keep on keeping on!
I appreciate your support, Michael. While I absolutely LOVE producing my videos, my first priority is to building my custom vans. It is my livelihood, after all! There are only 26 hours in my day...
Hi George, do you list the parts you are using? Like to know what sink that is? Your videos are well made, great detail and lighting, D a photographer, Thansk for sharing
I typically leave parts selections up to you. I've spent a lot of time doing much research to get where I am.
George, was really taken with the initial swinging armoire/pantry bath/shower design. You moved on from that design, deciding it was too clumsy and confirmed by a video showing a similar/same design in operation.
Do you have a description/link to that video as I've been unable to locate it and continue to believe that it's a clever/desirable design? Thanks
I see what you have done with the new design/5' shower pan and look forward the demo.
I purchased the same running boards for my build on a Promaster. Do you find the sliding door running board to flex when you step on it?
Yes! And I am going to return it. It is unacceptable. It's a bad design, mounting on the underside of the chassis.
@@HumbleRoad Indeed! The mounting point aren’t in the proper locations. Glad I’m not the only one with this problem!
We got teased with a ford transit but no videos on that?
Please share a bit more information about the way the Lagun mounts were attached to the B pillar, I’m hoping to do the same in my Ford and Sprinter vans, thanks 🙏!
Do you surface/resurface your corian countertops during install? Wondering if you have a process. I purchased corian and has some scuffs so I’m thinking I will do some resurfacing to make it look perfect
I photographed jewelry and watches for advertising on glacier white Corian for decades. When it got scratched or scuffed, I sanded it smooth with a fine grit sand paper! Can't do that with most of the other selections out there!
What toilet unit did you install?
Big sink Good - Small sink Bad... ug
I still don't know why people put the sink in that specific location?
When I installed my Lagun in the van - It took an extraordinary amount of time to get the location of the bracket right - the effort was well worth it as the table is now so handy for so many applications.
Generally, people spend most of their galley time in front of the sink. If the sink were anywhere else it may feel claustrophobic. Also, drain location and routing are big considerations when deciding on sink location.
@@HumbleRoad If the weather is good we like to cooking and washing dishes outside. My moveable induction cooktop is where your sink is and my sink is 2 feet towards the back. After 15 months in the van, I find that such a valuable piece of landing pad to enable cooking outside so nice.
When we do dishes inside (10 minutes as each meal *2) - we don't find it (as you say ) claustrophobic at all (did I mention in a 3 years period we slept in it for 15 months). You said, "Generally, people spend most of their galley time in front of the sink." which is kind of sad - we spend more time prepping and cooking rather than in front of the sink. But hey YMMV - off course.
When we cook inside because of stove location it is nice to be able to better vent the cooking odors by either opening or cracking open or opening the window on the sliding door. That is gold son Gold.
It sounds like you've got a set up that works well for you. I can hear it between the lines. Don't ya just love the lifestyle? 😊
@@HumbleRoad Yup - it was (is) all good fun desgning (& redesigning) it - building it - enjoying the travel at the same time tweeking this, that, & the other thing!
It's so great that Humble Road is going the extra mile for their customers, like with the improvement of the step.
I love the sleek black accents that the outlets etc. make too; attention to detail is also a Humble Road trait.
If I remember correctly from a past video, at the start of the Promaster build, there is some change in the bathroom design coming?
Yes, originally, I had the armoires hinging out of a walled in bathroom. I was concerned that the whole operation would be too clumsy. Another builder posted a video of the exact same design! That confirmed my suspicions, too clumsy, too many steps to convert. So now, I am pursuing what I think to be a very simple elegant design, with few steps to convert from lounge to shower and back.
@@HumbleRoad Do you have a link to the hinged armoire bath build video that replicated your design and that you found to be clumsy in operation? Haven't been able to locate that or a similar video.Thanks!
Your initial design was very clever, and if executed/engineered well, would seem to be a viable option.
I do trust your judgement, however, and look forward to see the final bath/shower design/build.
Steady progress. Make sure Sam doesn’t break the van at the RV show.
SWEET!! ❤💓💗💝💘
Hi george, in the real world of van life no one wants to set up and put away a table, I often eat from a tray so I don’t have to deal with set up even thought I have lagun table. In Europe some rv’s use a tilt down table that’s easy down and up when your done. I’m trying to accomplish that in my next build
These tables are to remain in the up position and can be swiveled out of the way for showers and passing in and out of the van.
I see that now, great design,
In your experience... where is the best and least expensive to buy 8020???
I'm converting the front section of my 8' x 24' WellsCargo cargo trailer into a camper. I probably have almost all of the appliances and things to do my build.
I guess I'll have to make my own roof mounts to build my own roof top carrier for my solar panels. I still need to get my 8020, insulation, two big ceiling fans like you have in this van. (One goes in front and one goes in back.)
I 'll have to raise my solar panels to be above the vents and a/c, but the solar panels have double duty as making the shade for the camper to help keep it cool as well as making the electricity. Additionally, I also have two wind turbines I'm designing to be raised whenever and wherever we stop at for a while.
The mid and back section will be workshop, tool room and toy hauler.
Where do you think would be the best and least expensive place to get the water heater you use in your van builds?
Good morning, George!
Question: what not use integrated Corian counter+sink?
When one or the other fails...
Do you normally add some form of parking support legs to stabilize, and level, these campers? Or are you constantly wobbling when moving around the van, let alone getting in to it on the bed...
Levelers can be added to the van. I do not offer that service.
George, did you change the seat height by adding swivels?
Factory swivels. Best you’ll find. Always get factory swivels if possible
About the sink: it is not need to have so big sink if you have a dishwasher inside your van. We have it and working perfect!
A dishwasher in a van !? Please send me info! PLEASE!
….he takes the Van, shows it off, people are”wowed” by the craftsmanship, you are deluged with new orders, and time to hire more Alexes ( don’t know the names of the other skilled crew.
If this has been asked/answered before, forgive me. But, what happened to the swing-out armoir & pantry idea, did Sam veto that idea?
No, I did! From day one, I was concerned it would be too cumbersome and clunky to live with. And then, a video popped up on YT of the EXACT build! Seemed to me it was a direct copy after watching my cardboard videos. But my fears were confirmed, it was a very clumsy operation and I went back to the drawing board. Now we have a design that is better suited to Sam's lifestyle, wants and needs. Stay tuned!
I am surprised you are not using retractable steps (unless you can not get them)!
Typically, van lifers are run and gun, always on the move. Fold out steps could pose a hindrance at best and a disaster at worst. There are retractable running boards on the market. I find them to be just one more thing to fail. Some are too slow to deploy and I find myself jumping past it rather than waiting!
WOW…While reviewing 80/20 aluminum builds, I found you about a month ago. Your attention to the little details is awesome. I am renovating an Argosy Aluminum trailer from the ground up. I love many aspects of your renovations, wire loops, deep sinks, Corian countertops, etc. I noticed the cabinet with sink has radius aluminum extrusion corners attached to the side panels. What company produces radius extrusion corners? Thank you
Welcome aboard!
I think 80/20 has aluminum with a radiused profile. They have many profiles to choose from, 4 channel, 3 channel, 2 channel, 1 channels, smooth, radiused, 45 angle, etc...
may see u in hershey
ive been trying to figure out how to contact you. i would love to book an appointment with you to work on my sprinter van
sorry im contacting you thru your video but i dont know any other way ive thry 3 times to get a hold of you on ur instagram but i understand your probably bombarded there love to get some contact info and try to work together
georgemauro@humbleroad.tv
George, when You lay all this out like this and put it on RUclips, don't You ever worry other people might claim Your ideas as their own?
It does not worry me. Sooner or later, they will be required to think for themselves and will be exposed. Just because you have the keys to the Ferrari, does not mean you can drive it. Here's another; we can all have the same sheet music and never sound the same.
Those plates are going to bend you need angle or sqaure
Who's running boards ?
What an absolute waste of space.
There's no point in having a massive sink with a massive countertop because all that's doing is taking up usable space. What is the point of having massive refrigerators when a normal refrigerator will do.
I thought this was supposed to be an RV it's pretty much just a kitchen so what's the point.
The point is that this is what the client wants.