Kitchen revisited...what does the future hold for a very small camper van?

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  • Опубликовано: 24 дек 2024

Комментарии • 119

  • @millinutz
    @millinutz 3 года назад +2

    It is the people who are able to criticise themselves and admit their mistakes in public, that have the better self contentment and generally do better in life.
    I very much hope that you are such a person.
    I like your style and how you portray your content in an easy and entertaining way. Thanks.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      Ah yes, admitting mistakes - not easy to do until it is inevitable!
      I hope I am /can be such a person as you picture me - I fear I am a bit grumpier in real life :-)

  • @rken563
    @rken563 3 года назад +18

    Can’t wait to watch the new kitchen build!

  • @momistaken
    @momistaken 3 года назад +3

    I love listening to your videos. You sound like a school teacher and a best friend, all in one!
    I’m just starting out in a Kia Sedona with an ice chest, a stove like yours, which I didn’t use on my first 3-night camp out, and a cot with extra foam and two quilts, doubled up. I brought a porta-potty bucket, but I didn’t need it since my space in a very nice state camp ground was close to the bathrooms.
    Thank you for your humility concerning your boxes, many of us won’t build boxes, but I know the information will be helpful for those that do.
    I’ve been so encouraged about camping as a single woman of 71. I believe that planning for safe sites and common sense can get me outside for many seasons to come.
    My biggest observation so far….the more stuff you put in the van, the more you will need to unpack, and that’s not the fun part!
    Don’t forget the marshmallows, Donna

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      Hi there Donna, so nice to get such good feedback and to hear about your own first steps. Sounds like you are keeping it simple and you are right to thing about what you put in.
      I'm inspired to hear you are starting out at 71! If you go the campground route things are very safe - and usually there are showers and toilets at hand!
      Good luck and happy camping!

  • @laurahubbard9470
    @laurahubbard9470 3 года назад +2

    Thank you for sharing not just the good parts, but the parts that go as well. I learn more from the “things I would do different” videos

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Laura, I do too. That's the down side of designing and building your own camper; everything is a prototype!

  • @rgnewlife6622
    @rgnewlife6622 3 года назад +7

    Truly truly thank you for being honest up front and to the point it has helped me greatly in deciding what I need to do for my build bless you thank you

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      So glad to have been helpful Rene, good luck with your own build.

  • @carmenmarcinkiewicz7149
    @carmenmarcinkiewicz7149 3 года назад +4

    You are an amazing person!
    Your design and building skills are a sight to behold!!
    Thank you for showing us all of what you like, and what you'd like to make improvements on.
    I look forward to seeing what you come up with to improve upon what you have already done.
    Thank you for taking us on this journey with you!

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +2

      Wow, thank you Carmen!
      These kinds are comments are so encouraging and I am so happy to share these ups and downs with everyone.
      All part of the designing process I guess

    • @carmenmarcinkiewicz7149
      @carmenmarcinkiewicz7149 3 года назад +2

      @@averysmallcampervan 💖💖💖💖💖

  • @mame3482
    @mame3482 3 года назад +5

    Great example of how to get from ok to great! Your humble attitude about things that "failed" added to your willingness to rework the troublesome areas... bravo! This video was a delight to watch. We've just reignited an old camping interest, so will keep your ideas in mind.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Thanks! There was an artist I worked for who said " if you aim for perfect, you will hit very good. If you aim for good, you will get so, so..."
      Got to try for perfect!

  • @JackDougherty
    @JackDougherty 3 года назад +2

    Very thoughtful reflections on what worked and what to improve

  • @patriciaburr4826
    @patriciaburr4826 3 года назад +1

    It's gonna be epic when you finish a new kitchen.

  • @alisinwanderland
    @alisinwanderland 3 года назад +1

    Such a fantastic video full of gold mines of information for others who are following in your footsteps of a home build. Cannot wait to see your next design.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      Thanks! Just trying to give back for all those hours and hours of videos I watched!

    • @alisinwanderland
      @alisinwanderland 3 года назад

      @@averysmallcampervan I was just thinking to myself about how many hours I have watched of videos (analysis paralysis) in the hopes of making my build just perfect for me.
      At the end of the day though, perfection is achieved as you are showing it...build a little, try it out, tweak...test again...tweak more, etc. It may never stop because over time our needs change so what we were designing for at the beginning isn't the same as by the end.
      You are doing one of the best things ever by sharing your trial and error process. There is so much to be learned from multiple iterations and from other's failures and successes.
      Overall though, you have some really solid design ideas and test runs which you can feel very proud of...and many positive comments on your videos to prove it!

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +2

      Thanks Alis, beautifully stated! Yes, it is all a process, from the first "throw a mattress and cooler in the van" to... where ever this winds up.

  • @mrs.onyango6504
    @mrs.onyango6504 3 года назад +3

    I appreciate your persistence in trying to build your camper. And your realism is on point 😁

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Thank you! 😁
      I am feeling it is a bit of an uphill battle to get started, since I think EVERYTHING may need to be redesigned! sigh...

  • @carolesea
    @carolesea 3 года назад +7

    You are such an inspiration! Your enjoyment of designing and building makes me reconsider doing more of it myself. Your persistence is encouraging.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +3

      Thanks so much Carole! It really is a great hobby and you can do as much or as little of your build as you like - but it is great to be able to say " I built that"

  • @OdysseyCamper
    @OdysseyCamper 3 года назад +9

    Always good content ideas! Don’t feel bad about rebuilding stuff, I don’t think anyone gets it exactly right the first time because you don’t really know what works until you hit the road. I’m on my third build :-)

  • @henrijakubowicz1293
    @henrijakubowicz1293 3 года назад +1

    You are a great designer and can’t wait to see the changes. Happy camping.

  • @anitasimmons3599
    @anitasimmons3599 3 года назад +1

    Rebuilding is all a sign of progress. Thank you for taking us along on your build evolution. Safe travels.

  • @blueskyvideos9798
    @blueskyvideos9798 2 года назад

    Your testimonial is like gold for who are designing your own project like me. Thanks for sharing.

  • @ChrisAndEmilie
    @ChrisAndEmilie 3 года назад +4

    Another amazing video! Dry bags for ice are such a great idea! We were just looking for a solution to hold store-bought ice blocks (instead of cubes) when we’re on the road for an extended time. We are currently waiting for a shipment of reusable freezer bags but now wish we had thought of dry bags instead.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +2

      Sorry I couldn't have made the video a bit sooner! I'll be curious to see what you have come up with and we can compare the longevity of the 2 options.
      I hesitated between those really heavy duty dry bags and this thinner one, so we will see if it holds up

    • @ChrisAndEmilie
      @ChrisAndEmilie 3 года назад +2

      @@averysmallcampervan haha! Yes, it’ll be good to compare in a few months and see how the dry bag and reusable freezer bags are holding up.

  • @johncrisp6683
    @johncrisp6683 3 года назад

    Just excellent! Just watched your originally video. My comments still stand. Thank you for your time to show us all.

  • @GrantOakes
    @GrantOakes 2 года назад

    I'm impressed with all your ideas and space saving module pullouts!

  • @kirstenmc68
    @kirstenmc68 3 года назад

    Your diy skills and practical solutions are so impressive!!

  • @shannonmurphy9790
    @shannonmurphy9790 2 года назад

    Such valuable information. I must admit, I love your creative ideas, and am also so appreciative that you share your "mistakes." Sharing those will save some of us from making the same ones. Much appreciation! You have many skills and great ideas!

  • @hsgjkhagljkh
    @hsgjkhagljkh 3 года назад

    GORGEOUS...and I rarely get to say that about minivan conversions. Thanks for sharing!!

  • @mayramarrero1218
    @mayramarrero1218 3 года назад

    Wow you are very handy, great job, can't wait for the new and improved kitchen

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Thanks - I've got a lot of mulling things over to do first, but I'll let you all know how it turns out

  • @lisaroth7526
    @lisaroth7526 3 года назад

    Not being a designer or woodworker, I've been working by trial and error with existing furniture pieces. For instance, I just 'won' a set of legal size teak file cabinets. One is for inside my in-law apartment, but the other one is for the minivan. I did a dry run last spring on a trip down to FL to visit my son's family and I used a camping cot, but I'm not really happy with that, since I can't put drawers under it. I'll figure it out, but I love visiting videos like yours for options and possible answers! Very glad to see what you liked and didn't like of that kitchen.

  • @MsTemptation
    @MsTemptation 3 года назад

    The problem with going the less expensive route is that it teaches you that sometimes less will cost you more to correct it.
    I'm looking forward to the new build. If anyone can overcome the obstacles you ran into while using your build it's you.
    This is how we learn and make things better. Yes it would be great to get things right the first time but what's the fun in doing that.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      So true, so true. And there is that moment of wanting to spend more money to fix the first problem (extra battery? more solar?) rather than admit the whole thing needs to be scrapped.
      I was kinda sad I didn't have any more building to do, so I guess I got my wish.

  • @janm8477
    @janm8477 3 года назад +1

    Thanks!! Great review, helpful tips, excellent craftswork. Inspiring. Appreciate the work you do to film this and share.

  • @iuryqueirozmonteiro1159
    @iuryqueirozmonteiro1159 2 года назад

    I'm just amused with all your projects, expertise, skills and tools. You guys are doing a very great job and helping us with many ideas which I'm already implementing on my beginning project.
    This video is quite special as it gives us a very good idea of what really works and what needs to be rethought. I got the idea of "do not use cheap components within a complicated and sophisticated project".
    Thanks very much!
    Greetings from New Zealand.💚

  • @RecoveryTidbits
    @RecoveryTidbits 3 года назад

    I loved the old stove build, it gave me lots of ideas that i used 🙂

  • @beverlywillert6091
    @beverlywillert6091 3 года назад +1

    Your skills amaze me! Another great video so well explained. Looking forward to the next one !

  • @bosswana
    @bosswana 3 года назад

    Building and innovating is half the fun! You have done a really great job and it is good to see you are not so wedded to an idea that you don't critique it. That is a recipe for continual improvement. As an aside, I went from a cooler which I was very happy with (until it died) to a compressor fridge. An absolute game changer and I dont know why I stuck with the cooler for so long. Less power, more consistent temps and more space. I look forward to watching you rebuild.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Thanks for the pep talk! I am comforted by your path from cooler to fridge :-) What kind of fridge did you get? I am debating whether to go for a Dometic or something less expensive. In Canada a small Dometic fridge goes for over $1000. Quite the chunk of change!

    • @bosswana
      @bosswana 3 года назад

      @@averysmallcampervan I went with a Companion brand 60 Lit fridge which has an LG compressor. In Aust Dometic are prohibitively expensive and the reliability case does not seem to justify the significant difference. My fridge was $750 Aud while the equivalent dometic is double that. If it lasts 5-7 years I will be happy (has a 3 year war). WRT coolers, I think the world has moved on from that technology which is why it is harder and harder to buy one (not to mention that here in Aust I travel in summer temps of 35-45 degree C and even with a 20 degree drop your cooler is still in the mid 20s. Love your cabinet work!

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Thanks for the info!

  • @bernadette6618
    @bernadette6618 3 года назад

    Thank you for your honest critique! It is very helpful.

  • @jessicamontaigne1688
    @jessicamontaigne1688 3 года назад

    Do you consult, I love the simplicity of your build. Experience is a great teacher, so nothing bad here👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Hi Jessica, I am not set up to build other vans but I could maybe help you with plans, and stuff. Not sure how to organize this but it is an interesting idea.

    • @jessicamontaigne1688
      @jessicamontaigne1688 3 года назад

      @@averysmallcampervan that’s very kind, I’m still looking for my rig, but I may take you up on it, your carpentry skills are an inspiration 🤩

  • @burly636
    @burly636 3 года назад

    Even with your perceived mistakes, you did a fantastic job. You are fixing what needs to be fixed and that's how it goes. Is this something you just figured out or you an artist. I could do some of it, but in my head it would be to abstract.

  • @ifell3
    @ifell3 3 года назад

    Can't wait to see the new cooler!!

  • @cotter9751
    @cotter9751 3 года назад +1

    inspiring and educational

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      Thanks! and I am glad you find it helpful.

    • @cotter9751
      @cotter9751 3 года назад

      @@averysmallcampervan I like that your boxes are glued together. Would you share what type of glue you used?

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      I use regular white PVA glue, not even the special woodworking glue. The important thing is to have the pieces clamped evenly all along the joins and leave them till the glue is fully dry.

    • @cotter9751
      @cotter9751 3 года назад

      Impressive. I’d not have imagined PVA up to the task. Hope to try it

  • @mixmann2466
    @mixmann2466 3 года назад

    This is amazing, as are all your explanations of your builds. I’m running into a similar problem with my suv in that the slope of the trunk door & back window is really steep making it difficult to build things efficiently. You’ve given me a few ideas though!!! Excellent work and I’m excited to see how it evolves!!

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Glad to help and cars and vans are not meant to be built in! Some crazy curves in there

  • @jannezack
    @jannezack 3 года назад

    First of all, your designs are beautiful. I, too, am a designer/builder. I loved your most recent build and thought to myself several of the things you mentioned here such as...what will she do if the fridge craps out and definitely the trash can was WAY too small. But like you with my own build, I discovered that my water tanks dripped. So disconcerting!
    I have to admit, I did my own build (a giant drawer (24 x 48 x 10h) for the kitchen in the bed of my truck. It holds more than enough stuff and there is still ample sleep room but it is freakishly heavy AND because my table is also 24 x 48 and pulls out from under the drawer, logistics become a big problem if you have your stove set up on the table but then need something else out of the drawer.
    All that said, I can’t wait for your next kitchen. I think you and I could really work well together! I’m so proud of your “guts” to admit when you’ve made mistakes and are revamping. I think any man who has ever designed and built their own workshop (I say man because I’ve not seen many women who do what we do) has had to go back and redesign some items due to the workability of some of the items. Your video taught me to recognize that while on paper it may work great, in reality it may not work so great and it is ok to go back and rework sections. Can dwellers are always updating or rebuilding their vans!
    I love your work and really look forward to seeing your new build. PS. Seeing out the back window is not all it’s cracked up to be. (I’ve decided to leave my curtains up in my truck full time to prevent people looking in because it is hard to get in there and take them down and put them back up again - repeat). I use my side mirrors exclusively. There are backup cameras you can get that have a large display and/or a rear view mirror style monitor. So feel free to take advantage of that space. Part of the upper but could be night stand and part could be a fold-down shelf for use as a 2nd counter with some storage behind. Think about a slide out cooler/fridge perhaps so you don’t have to worry about opening it where it sits.
    You can see my truck pics on IG @fuzzykilt

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      Good to know someone realized that trash can was too small!
      With such small spaces it is hard to keep everything in mind while planning, since everything is interconnected.
      And we are not alone - I remember travelling in a sleeping compartment on a train with my baby daughter and realizing that to access the toilet you had to fold up the bed! not so convenient with a sleeping infant in it!

  • @GARY-yu8pc
    @GARY-yu8pc 3 года назад

    I can't wait for the new build

  • @lindabarker7142
    @lindabarker7142 3 года назад

    It's lovely and well-planned. Buy a new compressor fridge, make a new box. Get a folding stool and sit to cook.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Definitely aiming for that compressor fridge and a new box for it. Not so sure the sitting to cook would work out that well, but I appreciate the "take a load off and relax" kind of approach!

  • @ciscodisc0
    @ciscodisc0 3 года назад

    I don't even have a drivers licence yet but your videos are so addicting and I have already a ton of plans for when I have the economy and space to make my own camper :D
    If I would replicate your setup, I would probably use the curves in the back for my advantage. If you just moved the fridge a bit to the left maybe you could use the odd shape for the drawer for bottles since they get slimmer at the top. I would also make the sink stick out a bit to contain drips but one thing that I thought of is to cut a U shaped hole in the box where the water jug is contained along the bottom seam from the tap and inwards. That way if it leaks and it runs along the bottom of the jug it would eventually drip in the sink without coming to contact with the wood at all. It should be doable to your current setup as well if you want without compromising the aesthetics
    Looking forward to see more improvements to the camper :D

  • @ifell3
    @ifell3 3 года назад

    You're very handy!!

  • @bethdavis5470
    @bethdavis5470 3 года назад

    Very thorough assessment but for people with orthopaedic problems particularly in their knees, they're gonna have great difficulty with something so low.

  • @Megamailh
    @Megamailh 2 года назад

    Is there any chance that you have a set of plans. I have the same van and would very much like to copy your van. You have been so incredible thoughtful and skilled in your build. I’m trying to convince my partner to go camping with me this summer. BC to the east coast. Thanks Meg

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  2 года назад

      Making proper plans would be a big job, so I am afraid that the videos are the best I have as a guide.

  • @kerannasommers7324
    @kerannasommers7324 3 года назад

    Brilliant video!
    How did you learn all of your skills?
    I wish I knew how to do some of that woodworking, electric and video making chores.
    Maybe you could start a channel to teach people beginner woodworking, and what kind of tools one would need.
    Thank you 🤗

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +2

      Hi Keranna, I trained as an artist - learned basic woodworking and metal working in college and video editing in university - and worked in renovations when I was young and later as an assistant to other artists- where I also learned a lot!
      But, I do have the advantage that I learn fast and I am good with my hands, so a lot of skills come easily to me.
      I like the idea of one day branching out to teaching basic woodworking... but that`s a whole other story.

  • @Savewithcindy
    @Savewithcindy 3 года назад

    I wouldn't even know where to start. I know you put a lot of time into the design. Hope you can find a small frig which will fit. You never know.

  • @drnilraps5007
    @drnilraps5007 3 года назад

    Great ideas

  • @annm1605
    @annm1605 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for your videos! I absolutely love your designs and am in awe of how meticulous you are in your build!! This video even helped me start to figure out a similar issue im having with my propane. In my current setup, the short regulator provided with my 2-burner stove doesn’t allow my propane bottle to sit at a proper angle, so the stove doesn’t work correctly. I’ve been looking at getting a hose but have been concerned about safety and making sure I still have a regulator. It looks like the one you showed in the video has the regulator built in - could you confirm that, or did you buy a regulator separately and attach it? Thank you for your amazing videos! I have learned so much from you!

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Hi Ann, without seeing your stove's regulator and hose I can't say anything for sure but in my case the stove came with a short hose with a regulator. The longer hose that I bought does not have a regulator but I use it to extend the short hose.
      So it goes: propane tank > long hose with valve > short hose with regulator > stove.
      I hope that is clear and is helpful to you.
      I"ll include your question in an upcoming Q&A video and provide some pictures.

    • @annm1605
      @annm1605 3 года назад

      @@averysmallcampervan
      Thanks for the reply! This is the regulator/connector my stove came with. I imagine perhaps the hose in your video would attach to it?
      www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/outbound-stove-regulator-0763630p.html#srp

    • @annm1605
      @annm1605 3 года назад

      Hey! Wanted to let you know that I went to Home Depot and bought the hose and it connects to my regulator just fine! Thank you so much for recommending this in your video; I’ve been procrastinating on solving this issue for a month and your video helped so much!

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад +1

      So glad to help and thanks so much for letting me know!!!

  • @swadfihri8278
    @swadfihri8278 2 года назад

    Love it,,,Looks good but not for average person like me to make though. 😊

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  2 года назад +1

      sadly (?) I have quite a bit of building and making experience, sorry ;-)

  • @FindingMyMuse
    @FindingMyMuse 3 года назад

    You are so talented! 🤩🤩

  • @rainlei9324
    @rainlei9324 2 года назад

    what do you keep underneath the clothes drawer? it doesn’t seem so accessible - is it just empty or items for super rare use?

  • @Toniesway
    @Toniesway 2 года назад

    Do you have plans for all of this setup ?

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  2 года назад

      I'm afraid not, best I have is the videos. It would be a lot of work to make good plans and I haven't had the time / inclination yet.

  • @kathrynault839
    @kathrynault839 3 года назад

    I LOVE THIS VIDEO!

  • @sandrawillick6944
    @sandrawillick6944 3 года назад

    How long does a canister of butane last on that stove?

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      I'm working on a video right now dealing with that question. Check back in a week or so and I should have an answer for you!

  • @BelindaTOV
    @BelindaTOV 3 года назад

    Haha poor “shy man”.

    • @averysmallcampervan
      @averysmallcampervan  3 года назад

      Ha! He wanted me to blur that footage of him and I said "forget it you are only 2 pixels by 10 pixels high as it is!"

  • @secondact7151
    @secondact7151 3 года назад

    I build mine to look like crap. I just always say that it's the prototype.

  • @bethdavis5470
    @bethdavis5470 3 года назад

    I believe my comments are going to the wrong videos which means one of two things: either I figure out how to fix this or I simply cease at putting my two cents worth in at all