Really nice build, I'm impressed how you made use of nearly every square inch and the outdoor kitchen is really cool. I'm doing an e series van, nothing is square in this thing so mad carpentry skills are needed. i use an isolator as a battery boost or to tie it to a second solar controller to charge the chassis battery while sitting. aux batteries are alternator charged thru a dc to dc controller when driving or from shore power when plugged in. they feed a 3k inverter to make sure the girlfriend has coffee in the morning, 12 volt fridge can run all the time. I would have worked the bed so it could fold up against the back, basically a hinged platform that can get pushed back so you have a sitting area and pulled out for napping. two of us plus a large hound and it works comfortably whether its nice out or storming.
Yeah building boxes in round tin can is always a challenge haha! Having a 3k inverter is real nice. I had one of those in a fifth wheel a while ago and we could run the AC off of it for a bit. It was great. Love the folding bed idea too. That would be cool to try and figure out in an Astro! Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much! I got the back up cam and lights from Amazon. The cables for all the lights and the camera run through one good sized hole in the roof that I packed full of flex seal. There are a lot of wires because most everything up there is on it’s own switch so it has a dedicated power cable. Thanks for watching!
You did an excellent job on your rig. Everyone have there own layout for there accommodations and you definitely didn’t stay behind. I can’t wait to show off my rig. I hope everyone out there like it when I’m ready to show. But in the meantime, drive safe and stay safe. 👍🏼
Thanks a lot! And yes! I love how small they are. I’ve lived in several vehicle build outs and this one is my favorite for sure-mostly because of the size
I have 99 and your rig would run circles around mine. ... I did get the diesel heater installed behind the driver seat and it went in so well, only the front deep pocket in the side panel is different. So I just use it as a storage box that sets on top of the heater ... great set up.
I love your build. We just got a 2001 GMC Safari that was built out beautifully, but not ideal for bed space. When we modify the build, I'll be looking to your video for some notes. The back pull outs are awesome!
lol, My dream vehicle is an Astro van! Everybody can take their dodge grand caravans and shove them. I had a top of the line with all the trimmings Caravan and it sucked mechanically. Just a countdown to destruction (traded in for shits and giggles). I have coveted the Astro, and the other manufactures versions for many years. Maximum cubic volume in the smallest package, IMO.
Haha there’s a lot of truth to this! I love my Astro van. I’ve had several things on wheels that I’ve lived in and this is by far my favorite. Being small and maneuverable makes things so easy. And the 4.3L vortec is a machine!
Sweet build. I love it. (Subscribed) BTW, is that a spark plug gapping tool (roof hatch/monitor latch)? Ever had an issue with the hatch opening by accident? A magnet inset into the hatch (where the latch rotates to the 'closed' position) could hold it in place. CHEERS!
Nice build. But please look into the astroturf. It has been banned in the Netherlands, and apparently there can be seriously nasty chemicals in there that are causing serious problems. Probably not worth the risk . . .
The Netherlands is indeed phasing out astroturf on their athletic fields. As for the Chevy Astro, it will be fine in the Netherlands, except in Amsterdam, where they plan to phase out and ban gas and diesel vehicles by 2030.
Get all the front end parts rubber and steering parts replaced with the improved Moog stuff, its better than stock. The Astro van shared a lot of stuff with the 1500 full size trucks, so a lot of parts are cheap.
Oh yeah I looked into Moog! Maybe it's time to do that. I replaced all the front end stuff once and it already wore out.. its pretty maxed out in there.
nice build! Can you tell me what vent that is in the roof? I imagine that it's water tight but I'm mostly curious about the clearance space required above? I have a roof rack and ski box on top. Thx
So there aren't any factory roof rack mounts you can screw through but there are several spots with thickened metal. It's not quite a roll bar but think of it like something like that. If you rip out the headliner you'll see them going across your van roof on the inside. I built my roof rack so there are 4 mounts on each side that each go through one of these metal beams. With 8 mounts each in a beam, it's super super solid. I can jump around on this thing all day long and it doesn't budge.
Cool build. The Astro is one of my all-time favorite vans. I bought a GMC Safari several years ago (which is the exact same van) to convert, then got cold feet and sold it 😞My neighbor is currently selling a 2005 Astro with 163,000 miles for $3500. I'm considering it. What was the milage when you bought your van? Thanks
That’s awesome! Mine had 173k when I got it! The 4.3L vortecs are solid but keep an eye out for rust on the chassis! The 2005s are cool. Could be a good deal!
thanks for watching! Oh man... never had anything actually stolen... but once I woke up because someone was on the roof rack rummaging around while I was inside haha
Oh yeah that was a little tricky! I added a decent amount of shims and weird stuff (like wood screws at weird angles) to make it all work, it does all fit in there but it will take a bit of Redneckery. I’ll try and make a video on that in the future!
@@zachariah_holub I'm looking forward to that - I purchased a similar set-up for my Astro and have been putting it off because I know it's not going to be fun
@@AstroVanTribe yeah it was not the most fun project… but you can get it all to fit!! And it looks decently good when you’re done! I’ve seen several of your Astro van videos! good to see you on here!
@@zachariah_holub Thanks, I like quite a bit of what you've done, here.... I got burned out watching Astro van content when I was figuring my van out, probably watched every Astro van video I could find, then started making my own because there wasn't enough out there - Now there's a lot more to catch up on. Looking forward to what you post up next
Do you still have this van, with your new homestead ? Looks totally functional, xcept for that Lift kit. Looks like too much height, and I bet a hassle down the road with suspension and steering and geometry issues.
I still have the van and I love it but I decided I needed something more like a work truck down here to be my daily driver that could tow more and had a bed to haul stuff. As much as I love the van I thought it would be better not to have to deal with her quirks while roughing it in the woods already. She’ll come visit soon though!
@@zachariah_holub I hear you there. I’ve also got an older Jeep rubicon I’ve set up for camping that needs some love, so I got a Volvo xc90 last yr, that’s more reliable, and still campable, and actually Tows more than my Jeep. Often practicality overtakes passion. And it’s nice to have both !!🌞❄️
Really nice build, I'm impressed how you made use of nearly every square inch and the outdoor kitchen is really cool. I'm doing an e series van, nothing is square in this thing so mad carpentry skills are needed. i use an isolator as a battery boost or to tie it to a second solar controller to charge the chassis battery while sitting. aux batteries are alternator charged thru a dc to dc controller when driving or from shore power when plugged in. they feed a 3k inverter to make sure the girlfriend has coffee in the morning, 12 volt fridge can run all the time. I would have worked the bed so it could fold up against the back, basically a hinged platform that can get pushed back so you have a sitting area and pulled out for napping. two of us plus a large hound and it works comfortably whether its nice out or storming.
Yeah building boxes in round tin can is always a challenge haha! Having a 3k inverter is real nice. I had one of those in a fifth wheel a while ago and we could run the AC off of it for a bit. It was great. Love the folding bed idea too. That would be cool to try and figure out in an Astro! Thanks for watching!
Your back up camera and light set up is awesome. Info on that would be grear💕 the whole design is great!
Thanks so much! I got the back up cam and lights from Amazon. The cables for all the lights and the camera run through one good sized hole in the roof that I packed full of flex seal. There are a lot of wires because most everything up there is on it’s own switch so it has a dedicated power cable. Thanks for watching!
What a fantastic build! The best ive seen. And your presentation is great. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
I like your set up with the sink & stove on the. Slide outs! The wood interior paneling is very cabin like! Thank you!
Thank YOU! Appreciate you watching and the kind words!
You did an excellent job on your rig. Everyone have there own layout for there accommodations and you definitely didn’t stay behind. I can’t wait to show off my rig. I hope everyone out there like it when I’m ready to show. But in the meantime, drive safe and stay safe. 👍🏼
Hey Thanks a lot! Glad you like it. Hope yours turns out great!
Great job really well thought out.
Vans are so much fun .
Thanks for sharing .
I love the ingenuity and thought you've put into this. All great stuff.
The Astro themed astro stuff cracks me up!
Sweet set up. I’ve always thought the Astro vans were the perfect size. ✌🏻
Thanks a lot! And yes! I love how small they are. I’ve lived in several vehicle build outs and this one is my favorite for sure-mostly because of the size
Damn good job young Man. Well thought out.
That's awesome. Love the cockpit area. You did a good job.
Zack, presentation and build are epic! Totally loved your video, dude. Killed it! 🌟
Thanks a lot Nad!
I have 99 and your rig would run circles around mine. ... I did get the diesel heater installed behind the driver seat and it went in so well, only the front deep pocket in the side panel is different. So I just use it as a storage box that sets on top of the heater ... great set up.
I'm normally not a fan of all bed interior bilds, but you did a really good job with this!
I love your van so much.
Thanks so much!!
Love the front cockpit!!
The cockpit switch box is sick ngl
haha thanks!
Very cool. I'm working on my astro van too
Thanks alot! Would love to see the finished product
I love your build. We just got a 2001 GMC Safari that was built out beautifully, but not ideal for bed space. When we modify the build, I'll be looking to your video for some notes. The back pull outs are awesome!
Sweet van and a sweet build. Our vans are twins!
I’ve seen this in person and it’s 10x as intimidating and badass
hahaha
You have the best trunk system ever dude
Zach - you are good at everything! So cool!
hahah thanks a lot amigo! I don't think I'm as good as you... but your approval means a lot!
Sick astrovan man. I have an 04 awd with 306k.
Oh wow! That’s awesome! These things can go forever
Good tunes on the radio and a wide array of passenger seats haha, this rules, Rad setup 🤙🏼
haha thanks for noticing!
your van looks really nice, you did good
Hey thanks a lot!
Hey man. The van is sick. Same color as mine. How did you mount the brush guard. I'm trying to get one done. I also have jor 2 to 3 inch lift on mine.
cool build man
Thanks a lot!
This is beyond dope
Nice build! Especially the cabin. Do you have any pics of that overhead console? I like the switches and the "flying an airplane" mentality.
lol, My dream vehicle is an Astro van! Everybody can take their dodge grand caravans and shove them. I had a top of the line with all the trimmings Caravan and it sucked mechanically. Just a countdown to destruction (traded in for shits and giggles). I have coveted the Astro, and the other manufactures versions for many years. Maximum cubic volume in the smallest package, IMO.
Haha there’s a lot of truth to this! I love my Astro van. I’ve had several things on wheels that I’ve lived in and this is by far my favorite. Being small and maneuverable makes things so easy. And the 4.3L vortec is a machine!
Nice!
Thanks!
Nerdy is great! 🎉
🤓
Cool rig.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sweet build. I love it. (Subscribed) BTW, is that a spark plug gapping tool (roof hatch/monitor latch)? Ever had an issue with the hatch opening by accident? A magnet inset into the hatch (where the latch rotates to the 'closed' position) could hold it in place. CHEERS!
Nice build. But please look into the astroturf. It has been banned in the Netherlands, and apparently there can be seriously nasty chemicals in there that are causing serious problems. Probably not worth the risk . . .
Thanks for the tip! I’ll have to look into that!
The Netherlands is indeed phasing out astroturf on their athletic fields. As for the Chevy Astro, it will be fine in the Netherlands, except in Amsterdam, where they plan to phase out and ban gas and diesel vehicles by 2030.
@@bleigh5868 lizard brains
Hey great looking van. Do you happene to remember what year or model GMC the front gard is supposed to fit? thanks
Bro that’s bad ass
haha thanks!
Get all the front end parts rubber and steering parts replaced with the improved Moog stuff, its better than stock. The Astro van shared a lot of stuff with the 1500 full size trucks, so a lot of parts are cheap.
Oh yeah I looked into Moog! Maybe it's time to do that. I replaced all the front end stuff once and it already wore out.. its pretty maxed out in there.
nice build! Can you tell me what vent that is in the roof? I imagine that it's water tight but I'm mostly curious about the clearance space required above? I have a roof rack and ski box on top. Thx
I'm thinking about a roof rack like you have there. Is it attached at the factory roof rack mounts or did you screw it to the roof?
So there aren't any factory roof rack mounts you can screw through but there are several spots with thickened metal. It's not quite a roll bar but think of it like something like that. If you rip out the headliner you'll see them going across your van roof on the inside. I built my roof rack so there are 4 mounts on each side that each go through one of these metal beams. With 8 mounts each in a beam, it's super super solid. I can jump around on this thing all day long and it doesn't budge.
Filmed the whole beginning with your head out of frame 😅😂😂
Haha yeah I noticed this while I was editing. Whoops!
Cool build. The Astro is one of my all-time favorite vans. I bought a GMC Safari several years ago (which is the exact same van) to convert, then got cold feet and sold it 😞My neighbor is currently selling a 2005 Astro with 163,000 miles for $3500. I'm considering it. What was the milage when you bought your van? Thanks
That’s awesome! Mine had 173k when I got it! The 4.3L vortecs are solid but keep an eye out for rust on the chassis! The 2005s are cool. Could be a good deal!
Where did you buy the mini tv and switch gang?
Any idea what year GMC 1500 that grill guard fits?
Very cool! Subbed! Question: never had anything stolen on the outside? Like gas or the stuff in the ammo cannister?
thanks for watching! Oh man... never had anything actually stolen... but once I woke up because someone was on the roof rack rummaging around while I was inside haha
Cool
Thanks!
Did you change the transfer case?
I need a how to on how you did the radio/Ac swap!
Oh yeah that was a little tricky! I added a decent amount of shims and weird stuff (like wood screws at weird angles) to make it all work, it does all fit in there but it will take a bit of Redneckery. I’ll try and make a video on that in the future!
@@zachariah_holub I'm looking forward to that - I purchased a similar set-up for my Astro and have been putting it off because I know it's not going to be fun
@@AstroVanTribe yeah it was not the most fun project… but you can get it all to fit!! And it looks decently good when you’re done! I’ve seen several of your Astro van videos! good to see you on here!
@@zachariah_holub Thanks, I like quite a bit of what you've done, here.... I got burned out watching Astro van content when I was figuring my van out, probably watched every Astro van video I could find, then started making my own because there wasn't enough out there - Now there's a lot more to catch up on. Looking forward to what you post up next
@@AstroVanTribe haha I get that. I watched a bunch of it while getting started and realized there’s not a ton!
Do you still have this van, with your new homestead ?
Looks totally functional, xcept for that Lift kit. Looks like too much height, and I bet a hassle down the road with suspension and steering and geometry issues.
I still have the van and I love it but I decided I needed something more like a work truck down here to be my daily driver that could tow more and had a bed to haul stuff. As much as I love the van I thought it would be better not to have to deal with her quirks while roughing it in the woods already. She’ll come visit soon though!
@@zachariah_holub I hear you there. I’ve also got an older Jeep rubicon I’ve set up for camping that needs some love, so I got a Volvo xc90 last yr, that’s more reliable, and still campable, and actually Tows more than my Jeep. Often practicality overtakes passion. And it’s nice to have both !!🌞❄️
👍👍
❤️
Is 4x4??
🤣🤣👌👌👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏
Talking heads mentioned