I’ve watched a million walkthroughs of vans, trailer, utes and other work vehicles and this by far is the most informative and well thought out. Thank you for sharing your wisdom gained and ingenuity learned over the years!
Great job Spencer! I'm an over 60 tradesman and wish that I had your knowledge at that age. I hope that there are some younger guys that are equally inspired by your sharing. I also hope that you continue to grow your business as the Lord provides and that it enables you to mentor the next generation as well. We need more trades people.
@Mike-dy8bq I too am an over 60 tradesman and applaud your comments about Spencer. He is an inspiration to what a knowledgable tradesman should be. Well done Spencer🙏
I'm 20. Only been in the trades a couple years but these videos are brilliant there's so many little things I wouldn't even consider that will save me time and unnecessary effort
i am impressed every time i watch your channel. you are very talented for such a young man. wish there were more carpenters that had your attention to detail, craftsmanship and pride. thank you
I drive a single rear wheel box van , it's very neatly set up with nothing on the floor , much like yours. I wholeheartedly believe it buys me instant confidence from a new contractor or client. That alone is worth the investment.
This is pure gold advice here.... The cost of looking for tools is a drain on profits as Spencer notes. As a handyman I keep separate bags for each trade, and then just grab and go. If that means having two of the same screw drivers or impact drivers in two different trade bags I do it. I have 3 of the same flashlights in 3 different bags (you get the idea). Everything I need for the job is in one bag all the time. It's been a real time saver for me over the years. Not to mention the royal pain of "packing" a tool bag at the van before going into a customer's home during the winter - not fun!
Spencer, I know that you’ve been at this a while and you’ve got things pretty well figured out for yourself, but I also work alone and I thought I would recommend a simple little tool that I have found very helpful around my jobs. Titan Straps come in several lengths, and they are great for everything from holding cords and air hoses to strapping ladders/materials down to bundling sticks of trim to holding a level on a post to hanging a bucket from a ladder, etc. They really are incredibly versatile little things, and for as cheap as they are, they are worth their weight in gold sometimes. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos! It really is appreciated.
Well done,and well said! I carry cabinets along with my tools in a box truck,floor space is at a premium . I have 3 different setups. #1 for items I don't use every day and are static storage. 4 crates on wall brackets hold 4 drawerstacks below,cantilevered high and over cabinetry. These hold seldom used tools bandsaw/circ/,as well as caulk and site protection. #2 are daily use ,and are the only floor space used 16sqft out of 140 available. Mitersaw on rolling stand locked upright,and 1 stack on the handtruck. All levels except the 6'6,3rd hands,and large squares are in handle of dolly. The packout dolly has serious limitations, but this little bit of odd sized storage behind the handle makes it work for me. #3 are what I call ala-cart. They are grabbed individually as needed. Large level,3 sizes of tracks,work platforms,tripod lighting, 1/2 sized PO with individual tools,2# 23g pinners,inspection camera,router wi bits, and shims. 2 identical screwboxes,and Tru-position jig with hardware screws/screwdriver/cutting pliers are in full 1/2 sized PO. Drawers are great...but I prefer to keep 2 impacts,2 drills and every bit in a single box for quick deployment. Tracksaw in the PO cabinet has been a game changes. We all have different needs based on our professions. Being fully cordless,with packout,rolling down a ramp..saves a minimum of 1.5 hrs every single day!
Absolutely agree with being open format and easily reconfigurable. The fitted cabinet interior look is cool until your needs change and then you’re stuck. My latest setup is all held in with jig knobs. I can remove all the cabinetry in a few mins and have an empty cargo van for transporting cabinetry if needed.
I am using a very well cared for Frd 3500 Econo line Van! It’s old but right now with a guy who thinks everyone is plugging their car, bus, plane , train & tank in at night car manufacturers R nervous! So a van like urs where I am is over priced 15-18 Grand! So I will wait until he gets the boot 🥾 & this silliness ends! But I am going to fix what’s broke ( one tail light) hv the slop taken out of the wheel then follow your build system! Spencer brother I work in homes where ppl live so no matter how good or hard you work your criticized, question and twice this yr asked to p/u your tools & leave ( to messy & I don’t think your supposed to do that) . Now that’s twice in 14 yrs but it seems ppl R nervous , the economy is nervous & truthfully even I can fix that! But that’s another story for another day! You keep giving us value and just consistent brother! Just can not thank you enough! God Bless u & yours!
At 7:50 in. I also built single bins for tools in trailer but had to go in and out to many times. This time i did as you show except I have a few 50 gallon Dewalt rolling box with wheels for each trade. (I do complete demos and remodels or builds on homes) I have a rolling box for each ,electrical, plumbing, framing, drywall/paint etc. Roll them out of truck with a ramp and roll into the house until project is done. Everyday put tools back into each box and cleanup so customers lives aren't as interrupted. When i had a spot in truck or trailer I spent a lot of time missing something which time = money. Good stuff spencer!
Awesome job as usual! Every time I plan to do custom shelves to make my setup more efficient I end up over thinking and getting overwhelmed. I would like to see how you make the shelves that have recesses for both the pack out and systainer boxes. That’s pretty slick! Thanks again for the valuable content.
Nice Job Spencer. I don’t want to reveal a future video coming out, but…. Where/Who makes the shelves to hold your sustainers and pack outs. They appear to be routed out.
I’m not a carpenter ,I’m a plumber but you have the best informative video. Your illustration works for all trades . The only question is how you keep everything from rolling around?
I love my Packouts but they are a little big sometimes. I made a dolly out of the half wide wall mount. I put my vac, an ammo can, and a few organizers on it for smaller jobs. It's smaller and easier to roll, probably like your Systainers. I just wish Milwaukee would make a half wide drawer unit.
Absolutely love your videos, Spencer! They are incredibly informative and to the point. Just curious where you keep your miter saw wings in the van? Also, do you have a video showing how you made those?
In line with the vertical dividers he has bungees. They’re on the up position for the video, but he’d strap things in horizontal when on the move. Looks like those 1” or so holes are for the bungee hooks
For your regular style van, leave four foot between shelves make a lip on the first shelves up from the floor tall enough to clear compressor and miter saws. A narrow box this same height on the screen behind the seats and design it for levels and bar clamps. To pick up a few pieces of ply wood you slide them in over your tools. Or because of lack of floor space to transport something. (Always carried more tools than you could store out of the way on the shelves) I tried the rolling box, but some job sites it was a pain getting it in and out of the house.
Hi Spencer, fantastic setup. Where did you source those clamps holding your track to the ceiling? I my long track secured up with straps but those clamps look ideal. Love the channel. Thanks.
Hey just curious, what kind of plywood do you use for van builds. It’s a prefinished, but I see a lot of layers, where do you find quality plywood like that and what does it run for?
@@InsiderCarpentry Thanks I live in wisconsin and AWD would handle much better. Could you do a video or reply later in the year if you have any issues with your new van please. Thanks
Great video! What do you do with your tools at the end of the day? Do you load them back in your van or do you leave them at the job site? If you leave them how do you secure them?
I love the design of your van. Really well thought out. Just curious, do you take into account weight balance when you're deciding how to store your tools, packouts, etc.?
To a degree yes, You don't want it super heavy on just one side, but I find that mine rides well even when I get the weight balance off to when side. Especially when hauling scaffolding and plywood.
What length van do you have I have a medium roof only 130” wheel base I am wanting to upgrade because mine is already at 80k miles 2018 So I want a longer one to fit long trim in it
Hey Spencer I love the packouts but when you pull out a stack of packouts on the rollers how do you get it off the van do you unstack them and restack them individually or do you have someone help you lift it off your van
Man to only be 5'10" , lot less headaches literally. You're a whole foot shorter than me, my trailers have to be 8 foot overhead and I can't even stand up in them...
Awesome video!!! Perfect timing actually. I was about to do a paulk type redo on my trailer. With the price of plywood I can just do the same thing with packouts. Plus he just talks to much for me so it's a good reason not to use his plans haha
I feel the Paulk design is better suited for general contractors and remodelers. The Lewis design seems best for specialized contractors. When you do demo, framing, drywall, trim, tiling, decks, fences, etc, all the specialized kits would take up too much space. Especially if you work with a 2-3 guys team.
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve watched a million walkthroughs of vans, trailer, utes and other work vehicles and this by far is the most informative and well thought out. Thank you for sharing your wisdom gained and ingenuity learned over the years!
Great job Spencer! I'm an over 60 tradesman and wish that I had your knowledge at that age. I hope that there are some younger guys that are equally inspired by your sharing. I also hope that you continue to grow your business as the Lord provides and that it enables you to mentor the next generation as well. We need more trades people.
@Mike-dy8bq I too am an over 60 tradesman and applaud your comments about Spencer. He is an inspiration to what a knowledgable tradesman should be. Well done Spencer🙏
I'm 20. Only been in the trades a couple years but these videos are brilliant there's so many little things I wouldn't even consider that will save me time and unnecessary effort
i am impressed every time i watch your channel. you are very talented for such a young man. wish there were more carpenters that had your attention to detail, craftsmanship and pride. thank you
I drive a single rear wheel box van , it's very neatly set up with nothing on the floor , much like yours. I wholeheartedly believe it buys me instant confidence from a new contractor or client.
That alone is worth the investment.
Your organization/OCD sings to my soul! Great work and videos! Keep them coming, I’ve learned so much. Thanks!
This is pure gold advice here.... The cost of looking for tools is a drain on profits as Spencer notes. As a handyman I keep separate bags for each trade, and then just grab and go. If that means having two of the same screw drivers or impact drivers in two different trade bags I do it. I have 3 of the same flashlights in 3 different bags (you get the idea). Everything I need for the job is in one bag all the time. It's been a real time saver for me over the years. Not to mention the royal pain of "packing" a tool bag at the van before going into a customer's home during the winter - not fun!
Spencer, I know that you’ve been at this a while and you’ve got things pretty well figured out for yourself, but I also work alone and I thought I would recommend a simple little tool that I have found very helpful around my jobs. Titan Straps come in several lengths, and they are great for everything from holding cords and air hoses to strapping ladders/materials down to bundling sticks of trim to holding a level on a post to hanging a bucket from a ladder, etc. They really are incredibly versatile little things, and for as cheap as they are, they are worth their weight in gold sometimes. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos! It really is appreciated.
Well done,and well said!
I carry cabinets along with my tools in a box truck,floor space is at a premium .
I have 3 different setups.
#1 for items I don't use every day and are static storage.
4 crates on wall brackets hold 4 drawerstacks below,cantilevered high and over cabinetry.
These hold seldom used tools bandsaw/circ/,as well as caulk and site protection.
#2 are daily use ,and are the only floor space used 16sqft out of 140 available.
Mitersaw on rolling stand locked upright,and 1 stack on the handtruck.
All levels except the 6'6,3rd hands,and large squares are in handle of dolly.
The packout dolly has serious limitations, but this little bit of odd sized storage behind the handle makes it work for me.
#3 are what I call ala-cart.
They are grabbed individually as needed.
Large level,3 sizes of tracks,work platforms,tripod lighting, 1/2 sized PO with individual tools,2# 23g pinners,inspection camera,router wi bits, and shims.
2 identical screwboxes,and Tru-position jig with hardware screws/screwdriver/cutting pliers are in full 1/2 sized PO.
Drawers are great...but I prefer to keep 2 impacts,2 drills and every bit in a single box for quick deployment.
Tracksaw in the PO cabinet has been a game changes.
We all have different needs based on our professions.
Being fully cordless,with packout,rolling down a ramp..saves a minimum of 1.5 hrs every single day!
Absolutely agree with being open format and easily reconfigurable. The fitted cabinet interior look is cool until your needs change and then you’re stuck. My latest setup is all held in with jig knobs. I can remove all the cabinetry in a few mins and have an empty cargo van for transporting cabinetry if needed.
Definition of professional. Absolutely love the content Spencer 👍💯
I am using a very well cared for Frd 3500 Econo line Van! It’s old but right now with a guy who thinks everyone is plugging their car, bus, plane , train & tank in at night car manufacturers R nervous!
So a van like urs where I am is over priced 15-18 Grand! So I will wait until he gets the boot 🥾 & this silliness ends!
But I am going to fix what’s broke ( one tail light) hv the slop taken out of the wheel then follow your build system! Spencer brother I work in homes where ppl live so no matter how good or hard you work your criticized, question and twice this yr asked to p/u your tools & leave ( to messy & I don’t think your supposed to do that) . Now that’s twice in 14 yrs but it seems ppl R nervous , the economy is nervous & truthfully even I can fix that! But that’s another story for another day!
You keep giving us value and just consistent brother! Just can not thank you enough! God Bless u & yours!
At 7:50 in. I also built single bins for tools in trailer but had to go in and out to many times. This time i did as you show except I have a few 50 gallon Dewalt rolling box with wheels for each trade. (I do complete demos and remodels or builds on homes) I have a rolling box for each ,electrical, plumbing, framing, drywall/paint etc. Roll them out of truck with a ramp and roll into the house until project is done. Everyday put tools back into each box and cleanup so customers lives aren't as interrupted. When i had a spot in truck or trailer I spent a lot of time missing something which time = money. Good stuff spencer!
Awesome job as usual! Every time I plan to do custom shelves to make my setup more efficient I end up over thinking and getting overwhelmed. I would like to see how you make the shelves that have recesses for both the pack out and systainer boxes. That’s pretty slick! Thanks again for the valuable content.
Thank you, I have a lot to learn from you, God bless you
Again. Excellent info, very impressive carpenter. Love your videos.
super walkthru. Much inspiration.
Nice Job Spencer.
I don’t want to reveal a future video coming out, but…. Where/Who makes the shelves to hold your sustainers and pack outs. They appear to be routed out.
I custom routed them myself.
Oh great! I look forward to the upcoming video. (hint)
I’m not a carpenter ,I’m a plumber but you have the best informative video. Your illustration works for all trades . The only question is how you keep everything from rolling around?
I love my Packouts but they are a little big sometimes. I made a dolly out of the half wide wall mount. I put my vac, an ammo can, and a few organizers on it for smaller jobs. It's smaller and easier to roll, probably like your Systainers. I just wish Milwaukee would make a half wide drawer unit.
Weekly dose of Spencer knowledge bombs! Appreciate your willingness & dedication to making our trades better
I really would like to see part 1.5 where you build and mount playwood inside your van ❤❤❤❤❤
Great timing!! Gonna start fitting out my Promaster tomorrow. This should come in real handy! Thanks Spencer
@17:50 So no golf bags on this van? 😁
awesome van build! you've given me lots of things to think about
How do you secure the tools and boxes while on the road?
I jus got one today now I gotta plan some shelving
Thank you! I’m going to build my shelves soon. This really helps.
What ramp do you have that works well with the van?
Great video! Thanks for sharing!
Love when you do these vids
Lol you released this video like a month after I did a truck build out 😂
Lots of good considerations, very thorough. Great video!
Nice explanation. What vans have you looked at?
Have you done a video on how you have arrived at this point in your career. If not ,would be interested to see how you evolved.
Where do the golf clubs go?
You are very impressive. I enjoy your channel
Absolutely love your videos, Spencer! They are incredibly informative and to the point. Just curious where you keep your miter saw wings in the van? Also, do you have a video showing how you made those?
Also good to have ,, VISE,, vise clamps that are pushed out
Love these meta process/busines/building tip videos!
You're the man! Thank you for the great content
Great video. Thank you
Great video, great explanation. So valuable. Thank you. Cheers from Wisconsin. :)
What keeps your rolling boxes from rolling around while you’re driving???
In line with the vertical dividers he has bungees. They’re on the up position for the video, but he’d strap things in horizontal when on the move. Looks like those 1” or so holes are for the bungee hooks
For your regular style van, leave four foot between shelves make a lip on the first shelves up from the floor tall enough to clear compressor and miter saws. A narrow box this same height on the screen behind the seats and design it for levels and bar clamps. To pick up a few pieces of ply wood you slide them in over your tools. Or because of lack of floor space to transport something. (Always carried more tools than you could store out of the way on the shelves)
I tried the rolling box, but some job sites it was a pain getting it in and out of the house.
The laborer. 😂
How do you attach the shelving to the walls? Strips of plywood or 2x4 on the walls, then pocket screw or L bracket verticals to that?
Great advice !!! Work smarter is always best !!
You’re starting to make me a van guy! Here in Southern California you can’t leave a single thing in the bed of your truck or else it’s gone!!!!
Congratulations on paying cash for your van, it’s a testament to your discipline, building her out must have been easy after that.
Hi Spencer, fantastic setup. Where did you source those clamps holding your track to the ceiling? I my long track secured up with straps but those clamps look ideal. Love the channel. Thanks.
Just some toggle clamps from amazon.
Well done
Hey just curious, what kind of plywood do you use for van builds. It’s a prefinished, but I see a lot of layers, where do you find quality plywood like that and what does it run for?
I get it from Menards. It's nothing special but it is prefinished.
Love the video. I'm looking at getting a transit. Is yours a AWD?
Yes, I have both RWD and AWD vans. RWD is great as well, just not great in steep drives with loose gravel and winter conditions.
@@InsiderCarpentry Thanks I live in wisconsin and AWD would handle much better. Could you do a video or reply later in the year if you have any issues with your new van please. Thanks
*Welcome Back*
Great videos
Very helpful !!!
Great video! What do you do with your tools at the end of the day? Do you load them back in your van or do you leave them at the job site? If you leave them how do you secure them?
Great video.
What clips do you use for attaching things to the ceiling?
I love the design of your van. Really well thought out. Just curious, do you take into account weight balance when you're deciding how to store your tools, packouts, etc.?
To a degree yes, You don't want it super heavy on just one side, but I find that mine rides well even when I get the weight balance off to when side. Especially when hauling scaffolding and plywood.
@@InsiderCarpentry Hey thanks for the answer. I hope the new van is working well for you. Take care.
What length van do you have I have a medium roof only 130” wheel base I am wanting to upgrade because mine is already at 80k miles 2018
So I want a longer one to fit long trim in it
Cash for vehicles all the way!
BIG question, in the summer months do you remove your power tools when you get home?
The heat issue in summer
I did a similar design for my van with packout and systainers. How do u keep your packout dolly from rolling out? Bungee?
Hey Spencer I love the packouts but when you pull out a stack of packouts on the rollers how do you get it off the van do you unstack them and restack them individually or do you have someone help you lift it off your van
the ramp he mentioned. its at the front of the van in the middle of the isle ,
Out of curiosity where will this be parked, fully stocked with the keys on the dash , asking for a friend 😇
What stops the packouts, or other equipment, from rolling out or falling off the shelves..?? I don't see any stops or curbs on the shelves.
Slick work👍
The hardest part for me is keeping things in the same place when other areas I put things are sometimes more convenient 😅
nice
Still waiting on the next video !
Just published!
How much does it all weigh?
What model ford transit is this?
High roof extended 350 awd
Man to only be 5'10" , lot less headaches literally. You're a whole foot shorter than me, my trailers have to be 8 foot overhead and I can't even stand up in them...
How do you keep the scumbags from stealing your tools?
Don’t work around scumbags. 🙂
@@baraksinz Scumbags find you.
How usa piople work all life with trucks 🚚 not like normal European piople with wans like Mercedes sprinter ....
Awesome video!!! Perfect timing actually. I was about to do a paulk type redo on my trailer. With the price of plywood I can just do the same thing with packouts. Plus he just talks to much for me so it's a good reason not to use his plans haha
I feel the Paulk design is better suited for general contractors and remodelers. The Lewis design seems best for specialized contractors. When you do demo, framing, drywall, trim, tiling, decks, fences, etc, all the specialized kits would take up too much space. Especially if you work with a 2-3 guys team.
You have your head is screwed on rite great work
Where did you find the van?
what are you using to grab your track saw track to the ceiling?