5 Things I HATE About My Custom Camper Van Build
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 20 июн 2019
- After a year living the #vanlife full time, it's time to take a look back and reflect on our build choices and how they have faired out on the road.
Binge watch the entire Van Build here!
• Singletrack Sampler Ca...
Full Van Tour: / watchv=o3lunrbhxlu
👕🥋Singletrack Sampler SHIRTS🥋👕 bit.ly/STSMerchandise
VAN BUILD EQUIPMENT
🚲 Bike rack 🚲 bit.ly/KuatNVRack
⛄️ Fridge ⛄️bit.ly/2L6qrVn
😎 Window Shades 😎 bit.ly/2nHL1gs
😤 Window Vents 😤 bit.ly/2Mw7XgF
🍴Bike Mounts🍴 amzn.to/2mIPnDH
💨 Fan💨 amzn.to/2Pd71MJ
🧗♀️Wooden Hang Board🧗♂️ amzn.to/2MnJZoP
⚡️ 6 USB Charger ⚡️amzn.to/2OO6Ne8
👠Hanging Shoe Storage 👠 amzn.to/2OHRQKw
☀️LED Lights ☀️ amzn.to/2OGdheN
👕Clothes Organizers 👕 amzn.to/2whWzLt
🧥 Insulation🧥 amzn.to/2KYedZC
💧Water Storage 💧 amzn.to/2PesAwo
💦Shower Solution 💦 amzn.to/2KUO4es
💨Super Strong USB Fan💨 amzn.to/2OStcHg
Amazing clip on Cup Holder: amzn.to/2NBvVo8
Last March I achieved a monumental life upgrade when I bought a van, and shortly after began the ambitious task of outfitting it to live in full time. For months I toiled over the optimal layout while making difficult decisions regarding elements I felt I could sacrifice and those I just couldn’t live without.
My friends Seth and Johnny both helped me build this van from scratch, and we brought you all along on the entire journey with us. Since wrapping up the build last August, I've gotten so many questions from you all wondering how happy I am with the setup I chose. Now that I’ve had almost an entire year of living in the van full time, I can without a doubt say that although I really do love my van build, there are absolutely some things that I hate about it too. Whether it’s something I left out of the van and wish I had, something we built and I think could have been improved, or something that was just such a pain in the ass that I wish we hadn’t done it at all - here are 5 things I hate about my very first #vanbuild.
LFRHGS!
Alexander 
Развлечения
You should add a basement in case of a tornado
And a watch tower to look out for criminal activities
boi u got me good
Don’t forget the bat signal in case you find criminal activity
Lol
It's a van
Paint flames on the solar pannel to make it go faster
Makes sense
Genius
Yeah, this is big brain time
This guy is using 100% of brain power
that’s some big pp energy right there
People make a huge deal about how you don’t want to end up living in your car, but when done right it’s pretty dope
This is not a car. BIG difference.
I don’t see why you need to go into technicalities, as I’m sure you understood what I was referring to.
Idiots point out technicalities to make themselves feel smart and important.
@@asherclasher but it is a really big difference so yea. Also i never heard anyone say dont end up living in your van. They are very expensive
@@lejonluz I have, and that's really all that matters in a comment written by me. Also it really isn't a big difference; don't comment just to be a prick.
I find build mistake videos more helpful than the build videos themselves
A thin layer of dust can reduce your solar panels effectiveness by 30%, you have to constantly clean them it helps out alot if your battery bank is able to sustain your consumption 😊 hope this helps!
don't rain do the job?
@@Proeliens and when it doesn't rain much ? Like, I don't know, in summer?
@@alexandredesfontaines5861 i mean not only rain can remove dust when you are moving the vehical around the wind will most probably blow it away
@@Proeliens nah it doesn't get blown away. I've had desert dust and pollen on my solar panels on my camper for hundreds of miles. Gotta wipe it now and then
@@Proeliens Car washes wouldn't be a thing if highway winds were enough to keep a vehicle's surfaces clean. Solar panels are no different.
i'm getting a headache just thinking of ALL THE WORK you put into this vid! not only the planned shots...but going through a huge backlog of footage...deciding which to pull...and deciding where to put it!...
major props dude! - excited to see how the changes turn out
He did well was definitely a good clip to watch
5:45 “we found the culprit to all my electrical problems”
*pans to Seth*
🤣
I am 72 and reclusive, I have tented all my life.
1 retired 12 years ago and spent 6 months in a van in New Zealand, Then 6 months in a tent and hire car Canadian Rockies and Yellowstone.
The past 10 years I have lived in a 4 berth tent for 6 to 8 months a year, then go home.
I am now selling my home sharing the proceeds with my two sons and will buy and live in a van.
I am very excited to do this and very aware of those words go home!! and that I can not go home!!, so before I embark I watch all, you nice peoples
videos that are on the negative, thanks
Carol 70-year-old English NATIONALIST
- Good for you. But one word of advise. Don't use this design. ;-)
Not bashing, but this is one of the worst interpretation of a camper conversion I've seen or do. The Fiat Ducato is base for a vast majority of this size campers. Most pro version have WC, shower, kitchen, plus bed closets, etc.
One of my own conversions in the small and older Hyundai H1. Served me,wife and daughter. Had running water, chemical toilet, closets, bed, table, etc.
This design in a van this size don't suit one soul and still lack running water, etc.
Honestly bad.
Cheers
PS: Tip if in moderate climate areas keep tanks on underside. ;-) Save tons of space. Battery or batteries also can fit in most cases. That's a huge space saving. ;-)
Carol 70-year-old English NATIONALIST Good luck and clear sky’s to you, Carol. Be safe and spread your love around to all you meet. Your living the dream that most of us only wish.
@@Mark-yb1sp Thank you Master Sergeant., I always think everyone can live the dream, We all live close to beautiful places to visit for a day or take a tent for the weekend.
Whatever you like to do, do it, life is less than100 Christmases
When they were 67, my parents moved into an RV for 2 years in 2007. 5 years later they were still on the road and bought another. Then they bought a van.
At 79 they split time between the van and the 5th wheel.
@@charliecundiff what does 5th wheel mean?
Not insulating is a real bad Idea. I used the same foam board closed cell spray foam. Before and After is a huge difference. It still gets as hot as a car but with insulation you can manage the climate much better. No Question.
@@humbledb4jesus Spray foam doesn't set up in the closed area. I know, I used a bit, and a week later poking into the middle of it is was still goo. And it's outgassing toxic forever... into your living space.... that you breathe... I ended up using Polyiso board, 1/2" is 3.9, and 3/4" is 4.5 R factor, came out much better.
It also really helps with noise reduction
@@brianmi40 idk what you did. But the spray foam I used was hard a rock with a day. I did 2 inches all the way around my van
@@brianmi40 I used 2.5" of closed cell spray foam from a company i use to do weekend work for. The trick so the paneling did not warp from the heat of the cure was a coat of rubber guard And a skim coat of foam If your applying any type of spray foam and it doesnt cure in the first 5 to 10 mins The product is applied wrong Or its a bad batch My R value is around R21 in my SUV. Behind the front seat is a 3-ply curtin which has toggles to keep closed And 2inch foam board And glued canvas with snaps to the window frames Tested last year in winter with only a 600w office mini heater on low I was able to wear a T-shirt inside with alittle chill down my back -34C / -29F outside without windshear factors 14C / 57F inside This was with the front window down a inch to let in the extension cord for the heater Which i fixed this summer with a outlet The out gassing is 95% bleeded off in the first hour of spraying 98% the first day And the 2% is very minimal Your bigger worry would be stuck behind a truck blowing fumes in rush hour
So do you need a vapor barrier?
Seth is a seriously knowledgable, project-oriented dude. An awesome friend to have, for sure!
everyone needs a Seth
Félix en velo definitely!! 😂😂
my thoughts exactly. dude has infinite skills it seems
And he knows how to flop slap a bear!
+1 for seth
This video is invaluable for everybody considering doing something similar. Now everybody can learn from your mistakes. This is what the internet is for.
Absolutely!! So much more helpful than "Look at this slow-mo shot of me drinking coffee, living my perfect life!" That's great and all, and may provide some inspiration, but it doesn't help your viewers at all.
i thought the internet was for porn
@@Curiousnessify god dammit
Your voice is perfect for movies when they do a call back to an event or there childhood.
PMSL
No insulation is great if you don't plan to go wear it's cold. I nearly froze to death sleeping in a non-insulated van.
CO auto cutoff propane catalytic heater and pro sleeping blanket.
Where* but yeah it’ll be cold
a good sleeping bag does wonders... not really any need for insulation imo
If your looking for a place for your remotes ( such as the LED light remote or other things ) TRY VELCRO!!!!
You're
or a fabric shoe rack
Super appreciate hearing what vanners hate about their rides, as I'm planning my own. I've lived in an RV before, so I know what I do and don't want, but designing something custom is a huge responsibility!
LOVE that you are sharing and admitting things you have learned along the way, thank you!
I really like the montage, the fact that you filmed all of the situations u don't like... awesome.
the question i watned to ask was... why didnt he just get a box truck with more virtical storage and depending on the bed length even more lenght wise storage. you would isntantly at least double the space. and you could probbobly have a bathroom and a clostet in one
ChillingCap8365 he hints a lot that he likes something casual and stealthy, a box truck would look tacky and get peoples attention more
Your vids are so well edited, I dont even want to know how much hassle you go through to set up 2 second shots just to flow the video. Great job man!
5:44 Ok, so a couple of things I'd recommend.
First, replace the AGM/Lead Acid Battery with a 3S Lithium-Ion 18650 Battery Pack. I recommend 3S60P+ (3 series, 60 or more in parallel). More in parallel = higher capacity and higher current handling.
The current draw is divided equally among each cell. For example, 30A / 60P = 0.5A draw from each cell.
Also, setup a switch to temporarily bypass the BMS for extremely high load applications (my Window AC Unit requires this for initial startup). I use an in-wall style light switch from Lowes.
I don't recommend 4S, because you'll need to limit the charge of the battery to 15V (each cell = 3.75V), in order to prevent triggering the inverter's over-voltage protection. And finding a buck converter that can handle more than 350W is pretty much impossible.
Second, the solenoid wasn't the problem. 80A is extremely high current, and there's nothing in your van that could ever pull that much power (Aside from the van itself when cranking).
You used CCA Wire (Copper Clad Aluminum), which is extremely cheap and tends to melt under sustained loads. Use pure copper, and you should be fine.
No 🧢 I have always wondered what it looks like when I peak out the back window in Walmart in the van .lol Get some crazy noises that go on at Walmart 2:30 AM on a Tuesday fr .
In my van the insulation helps keep the noise levels way down when travelling, Don't forsake it.
Have you never heard of curtains? I don’t know, maybe I’m being too obvious, but yeah curtains.
Shut up Ronnie
I also think so. Why the reflectives foil?
@@pazmiki77 Shut up michael!
Zx hans, by reflecting the sunlight, it stops the van from getting super hot in the sun
Zx Hans it reflects sunlight to control the temperature
I really appreciate your list of things you don't like / want to improve. Too many videos only go over the positives and rarely cover aspects of van-life that can be challenging. Honestly, this vid has helped me understand more of what I need to do to tackle van life. Thanks again for the content!
This guy nailed it with the hassles and tribulations of van life. I have regrets about all of the just in case stuff that I truly don't need or could replace on the road if necessary. TIP: Happy with my down sleeping bag that I sleep soundly in with another thick bag on top, in conjunction with a full head/face hat(looks like the bank robbing type) and two polyester hoodies in the extreme cold weather. Note: create a tent wall within your van to capture any body heat that will keep you toasty through the cold months!
I think the problem with windows is the heat build up in summer and loss in winter. For stealth roof windows are better. Try living in a van without insulation for a few days and you might change your mind. Living in a metal box can be very hot or cold!
Exactly! And that fiberglass insulation won't do any harm once it's sealed in the walls; millions of houses have fiberglass insulation. It's the installing (and then removing it) that is dangerous to breath. He's making the whole insulation issue way more complicated than it should be.
No insulation is THE worst idea. U will suffer massively from condensation. Any cold surface + ur warm wet breath ... Well. U will find out.
The hard way.
I thought insulation held in the condensation. Without insulation the water will drip or evaporate and not get things moldy. It will encourage you to drive with the seasons.
Even on the hottest day, pick up any object (CD case, glass/mirror - any shiny surfaced object), put it very close to ur mouth and hard exhale on it. Then run ur finger through the surprising ammount of liquid that has condensed on the surface. I think many people have the misconception that this moisture is only present on cold days. It isn't. The cold only acts to crystalize the moisture in to molecules big enough for us to actually see. If u can genuinely follow a weather pattern that is consistantly warm or above, then fine, sure, no insulation MAY work. But for a few hundred pound/dollars u have just FORCED ur lifestyle to obey that rule - or else.
Insultaion is a thermic barrier allowing u to control ur internal temp with greater ease, thus HELPING to eliminate this moisture from building up - no matter the outside temp. If u cmpletely remove that barrier, u are subject to EVERYTHING getting wet and staying that way till better weather is afforded to u.
I can tell u this. As a child I was forced to sleep ruff for a considerable period, sleep in abandoned cars, etc. At night, when the temp drops dramatically, I suffered immensly. I remember curling up in to a fetal postion and pulling my clothes up over my head so that my warm breath helped to keep me warm. But in a single night, so much moisture is exhaled that I would wake up with damp clothes that only further dropped MY body temp. A single body in such a small, enclosed area is bad enough. But when u add additional bodies, this problem multiplies.
You simply CAN NOT stop ur body from exhaling large ammounts of liquid. And any surface that is cold will literally gather that moisture in to fully fledged droplets of water. If ur going to invest so heavily in to a mobile home build ... It seems rather stupid, to me at least, to skimp on something so vital.
@@grimuk3817 If he has wooden panelling in front of the metal interior skin it will reduce the problem and still mean he doesn't need insulation OR a vapour barrier. I'm pretty sure the need for insulation and vapour barriers is exaggerated for van life. Obviously it depends where you go and in cold climates you need insulation but for hot climates like California I'm willing to bet insulation and a vapour barrier would not be needed. You can open all your doors and windows every morning to air your van and get rid of any built up moisture.
@@chatteyj The point being, bud, for a few hundred bucks, u self impose restrictions in regards to the places u can go and what seasons u can go there. Which kind of defeats ur own purpose. And, for me, that makes very little sense. U build a mobile home to go where ever u want to, when ever u feel like it.
EDIT: I will concede the possible necessity when in a climate like california - I even said as much in my 2nd post. But not doing something that has marginal cost in relation to the benefit, well, as I said, it makes very little sense to me. But what u also need to consider; if ur living inside a tin can and are subject to extremeties - hot or cold - u have NO WAY to cool that tin can down without burning through ur resources. Yes, an argument could be made that with sunlight in abundance, ur solar set-up would cope. But, again, why not simply ensure ur temp can be controlled in ALL situations. Thermic barriers work both ways. The baking hot sun on metal will roast u and it is precisely the reason why animals die when left in vehicles on very hot days. It is also worth noting that this extreme heat would put an extra load on ur battery when its trying to keep devices like fridge/freezers cool. An AC unit (or what ever cooling device u employ) may also function poorly in such an environment.
It is merely food for thought, and each must decide for themselves. But I can't help but think, for the marginal cost, the benefits far out-weigh all other factors. And honestly? Nothing would piss me off more than having to gut my build to put smething in that should have gone in first ...
Anyways. Good luck to all who embark on such a freedom of choice.
Something I read in another post kinda stuck with me:
It may be a tiny home, but the whole world is ur back yard ...
My steel boat is uninsulated other than some cheap carpet stuck on the inside, I've been living aboard (in the UK) since January and had no condensation problems at all. It was fucking freezing getting up for work at 4am if the wood burner had gone out but it wasn't damp. I will be insulating it, but to control the temps not the condensation, I suspect having good airflow and not using gas to heat the place helps a lot.
This is why I’m doing the spray insulation. It’s the most efficient, easiest way to insulate a van
Same
Thumbs up for your honesty. Lot of people in videos explain, why their build is the best, altough you can see, that they are wasting space, have walls made of literaly ton of wood etc. Thank you for your self reflection!
Already looking forward to the next video. Thanks for showing the reality of living on the road full time Alex. Glad you have some amazing skilled friend who could help you fix the problem areas of the van
Your video quality is through the roof, so awesome to watch! They keep getting better and better!
Thanks for being so honest, and share the "bad" or challenging issues!! It helps a lot!!
Maybe a pop-up top, for sleeping? You could tow a small trailer as well.
Thanks man! I'm working through exactly the same decisions you struggled with in your build and really appreciate you sharing your experiences.
Access to a sink was something I figured you would come around to sooner or later.
You bring so much frustration, learned knowlege . . . to such a 'life experience.' Sharing it with others, makes it better, for the Van Build community !
cover the windows with wood insulate between the two and cut a small slot with a slider on it to still have a way to peek out of all of them and slide closed for privacy.
I love the humor, and the honesty. Thanks for sharing both.
Insulation Spray foaming the van is the best move. You can spray 360 degrees inside.
Only if done correctly. Otherwise you have biohazard on your hands.
Done poorly, spray foam causes major warping of body panels
Toxic though. Use rigid panel insulation.
Kip Lambel not the real stuff. The stuff you’d have to hire someone to install. “Closed cell spray”
Nicholas L can get even close to the same r value. Also the toxicity should be aired out then covered. Shouldnt be an issue if done safely
I was planning no running water... you saved me from myself with that visual of where to spit the toothpaste. Thanks
Save an empty disposable water bottle to spit into then u can trash it later whenever ur near a trash can... Use the now empty one that u were getting ur rinse water from for the next one to use... Or ya know rinse and repeat after a quick slosh with soaoy water then vinegar. . ive also used an empty McD large drink cup and disposed when finished but that occupies a cup holder at least with an empty Water bottle it has a leakproof screw on cap... If u buy a small 6pack u can clean up with a fresh bottle.. Wash hands etc. Kepp a spray bottle of water and a spray bottle of vinegar for dishes. Wipe as much debris away w paper towels. Then wet a papertowel and put a drop or two of dish detergent "wash" ur dish (over a trash can so dirty papertowels inside catch any drips then spray clean with spray water bottle followed by spray of vinegar then wipe dry and put away.. Can still remain stealthy...thats how i did it in my van... Then u can dispose of trash in trash somewhere or if camping u can put the paper products on the campfire...
You can get a pump for the water jugs.
And for washing dishes. I use the new spray dawn. Scrub with paper towel. Rinse with squirter bottle. Wipe out with paper towel. No running water needed.
Wow. Really next level production here. 👍 Can't wait to see the upgrades!
Really like these types of videos! And you've really stepped up your video quality, especially the story telling aspect. Keep up the good work!
Tuomas Katila I totally agree and the audio is way better now
I chuckled when I heard you talking while standing still...usually your out of breath or ripping it up on a downhill ! ...lol
I totally agree, it has been awhile since I watched The Singletrack Sampler, big improvement on the production, storytelling and overall quality of the video. Great job!
RongGearRob I sexually agree
I'm currently designing my own van conversion project for full time living, I'll start actually building in once the Ford Transit all electric comes out in late 2021, but your feedback has been invaluable! thank you so much for having uploaded this! big kudos to you!
You gotta have a gym membership. You'll have a place to shower, shave, brush teeth, bathroom, and WORK OUT everyday. That's what I did for two years.
I do that also, now i almost always sleep around the corner of a gym
I was living in some bushes in 2016 for 83 days outside my work.. The town leisure center without hesitation informed me I could use their washroom any time they were open as long as that was all I was doing, and that they'd never bother me. Highly recommend looking at free infrastructures available first.
What will you do when the RUclips trend dies? A gazillion people are into van living and not bootleg hippy posers. Your personality is terrible, and coupled with your awful hygiene and pathetic life, not worth watching.
@@crazypeoplearoundtheworld304 tf?
@@gabrielsuhm2432 do you have a difficulty understanding a clear question?
Alex! Dude, I'm digging the new production quality and stoked to see the van renovation.
The quality of your vids has improved so much over time. Keep up the awesome work
Ty for sharing! Human progress is only by learning from other's mistakes and I think this 'van-life' lifestyle is around to stay for a long time!
You should try a VW T25 syncro. They are all 4x4 and they are a great project to work on.
Or a Mercedes sprinter they are large and can fit a toilet and water plus heating
Vanmade Gear sells sweet insulated shades for the PM...I know because I did the prototype for them. Allows full blackout or partial open.
YO Alex cant wait to see the new stuff you have added!!
Me too
Love the presentation of regrets & wishlist! It's informative & funny! And love even more the renovation result especially the workstation!!!!
Enjoyable funny guy! I've just started on my van build, an empty GMC Savana 2500 cargo van, and really enjoying doing the build myself. I'll get to know my van intimately ;) Presently I have it set up for overland camping. After 60+ years of backpacking worldwide, I've got gear to fully equip the van end to end...just added a refrigerator. It is so much fun and a dream will become reality within the next year or sooner, depending on a commitment result.
I tried to tell you to get a Lithium Battery for your van when you and Seth first built it. The AGM batteries wear out and suck at power delivery.
You need to build a Lithium Iron phosphate power bank.
that is true, but it's hard to save for lithium when you're poor and paying rent.
The problem with Lithium iron phosphate batteries is cold weather. They don’t charge if it’s below freezing. No problem if you’re spending the winter in the desert but if you’re a skier or living part time in cold places LiFePh are an issue. AGM are excellent, you just need to have enough capacity so you don’t drain them less than 50% of full charge. I have 310 amp-hours of AGM and have never seen my state of charge less than 90% even running a fridge, diesel heater, lights, etc. Alex just needs more battery storage.
@@scnomad3626 LiFePO4 is actually more cold tolerant than any other lithium battery.
And you can blanket your LiFeO4 and put a basic blanket heater on them. If it's warm enough for you in the van, then it's warm enough for LiFePO4.
Same size is $900. Not worth it. ROI isn't there yet. And with out a BMS, you run the risk of a fire.
@@cmh2111 uh LifePo4 doesnt have a fire risk.
Never watched u b4 don't know how! Can't wait for u to bring out the video on the project
Have you ever considered putting dark /mirror tint on your windows for privacy and the ability to still utilize them!?
Thank you for this video! I had to laugh at your presentation... humorous and informative. Am a rider myself so I truly appreciated your cantors, especially about the insulations and electrical power issues. Thanks again.
A technique never really discussed, but highly effective, is to bedline the entire interior before starting construction. This will provide a big amount of sound deadening, but more importantly, add the very important vapor barrier to control moisture. You can also now not worry about insulation getting damp and growing mold. You can get two gallons for under $100 and roll it on yourself.
a vapor barrier on the outter layer will do nothing to stop moisture as the moisture is coming from his breath. All a vapor barrier does is stop the warm indoor air from hitting the outdoor cold air causing it to condense on or in the walls. spray foam would give him a vapor barrier plus provide insulation. Add a layer of reflectex and you could heat it with a candle.
Isolation is also important in sound dampening. I would definitely not get rid of isolation. Maybe using sprayon insulating foam would be more easy.
Isolation makes the heart grow fonder too.
Dude, I’m just starting my van build and this video was super helpful and funny! Keep living free🤙🏽
Oh wow Alex, loving this because future plans see me getting a van so I'm just watching this development for now and please do keep the content coming.
Alex that was an awesome video. Someday.... I would like to do a van build and this is the kind of info I’m looking for. Thanks
No the insulation does it’s job. I’ve had an uninsulated van and it was a fridge in the cold and a radiating heater in the summer. I’d advise you to reconsider lol
Got a specific method that worked?
he used thinsulate,,, he just didnt want the fiberglass kind becausse it is bad fo your lungs
Thats the best advice i have heard the planning i'm still trying to decide what type of vav or box truck
Very well done..I was debating Van Life or Tiny Home....going for Tiny Home...so thank you for your honesty and I beleive you have the talent to make documentries you made it interesting enough for me to stayed glued to the screen
That bad solenoid almost killed you. Have an electrician evaluate your setup.
The biggest problem is overloading the electronics and not putting a ground strap to displace the ground to the asphalt
@@thecloneguyz its overloading. The ground strap your talking about is a non issue. That would only be for mitigating static electricity. Space shuddles don't use ground straps after all
@@zeddpilsner4
All the newer police cars use ground straps because of the new 24 volt systems that they're running
@@zeddpilsner4
The 12 volt battery is being discontinued in 2024 and the new cars will come with 24 volt batteries and systems
@@zeddpilsner4
I've been building stereo systems for years.
We use ground straps all the time to eliminate engine noise and lower the ohm resistance
Yea. More content. Very informative. Good luck. Thanks to you pose. You all got skills. with out Phil
Thanks Brother, just started my first. Cut and dropped my fan in. Set up my temp bed and basics so this was ideal for me. I am ordering my sink and water stuff tonight!!!!
Excellent video! And discussion of the good, bad, and ugly!
Love the vid! Would also love the old ride videos back as well!! I miss em!
The fried solenoid was probably from alternator charging.
Probably a momentary solenoid
I feel like I'm missing something... what would he need the solenoid for?
@@hhiippiittyy Well solenoid has two meanings, the more common use for it is to describe a coil of wire that creates a magnetic field when voltage is applied, and then used to attract a metal object (usually a rod) towards the coil. Used to flip switches and close valves and stuff. The one I would imagine they are talking about is similar, but is more commonly called an inductor. Its usually as a kind of energy storage device for ac power supplies to produce DC current. The inductor (or solenoid in this case) supplies a steady current to the circuit during the switching periods of the AC current that is supplying power.
Totally love this video!!! Thanks for sharing what needs to improve and give real world insights!
Thank you for the great tips! Your humor is highly appreciated.🤓
I just gonna buy a much bigger wagon ! Great video thanks for the info!
this was not only well made, but very informative.... and that toilet reenactment was gold! (at least i hope it was a reenactment) lol.
great video man, can't wait for the next one.
leo p I hope it was a reenactment too... 😂😂
This video has been super helpful! I already did my electrical and it’s good, but ive been looking for advice about insulation and I really appreciate it because I also live mostly in city life and civilisation. Thank you!
I can relate to the brushing teeth thing, especially when its raining heavy. It really gets to you over time
I used to have no insulation on the roof and would frequently get woken up by condensation collecting and dripping on me
Cheap tool boxes are HEAVY
Expensive tool boxes are LIGHT ALLOYS with ROLLER BEARING DRAWERS
i don't think anyone will get this one here
Simeon I don’t
Explain 🤷♂️
@@adamadamik3753 we are talking about hardware which is quite strictly you get what you pay for... basically comment above implies that the OP has made a poor choice of a tool drawer and is now complaining (as expected). Instead, could have gotten a SUITABLE for his needs tool box or make a point about a poor choice rather than just saying "ah this tool box is bad"
@@simeon324 I think the point was that the storage accessible from the inside is not properly thought through, and that more hooks are always welcomed.
The more expensive lighter (aka) thinner. Will be damaged easier. And riding in a van all the time. It needs to be resistant to damage.
For the windows you could tint them super dark and you'll still be able to see outta of them
racist
You gotta understand that tint laws exist in several states. Only certain levels of tints are allowed and only on certain windows too
Yes agree we put some in.. U can see out but they can't see in 👍
Dude, I really liked this video. I've been watching van build videos for over a year. I really appreciate the honesty of your look back. The window/insulation/privacy issues are making me rethink my present ideas. Great job and stay happy. It can't be that bad with 2,750,000 views. ✌
Color changing light in the battery chamber is AWESOME! Looks like the Dilithium Crystal Reactor on the Starship Enterprise!
Compost toilet, grow food? small dehumidifier use the water on plants. Dap white, marshmallow foam insulation. wash board. Clear storage. Buy a better inverter (Solaredge). change a laptop for a tablet. replace windows w/ sheet metal. reduce weight and increase comfort. replace some wood w/ hollow plastic fence posts. Get wool everything; no smell and dries fast. Miss anything?? I'm n spartanburg 54 miles from Asheville.
Hollow fence posts! hummmmmm
Editing 4k video on a tablet? Yeah... nah.
You can't grow from human compost, has to be from a different species
Clear storage is a great suggestion! The others, too. Except...
How would he edit his videos on a tablet? That's solid: No-Go, like TheClunkingFist said previously.
Can't wait for the new video 📹Keith from Asheville North Carolina
Good trails there lucky you.
Watched this video years ago and loved it! Now that I am living in a van with my family I appreciate it even more. Thanks for the great content!
I converted my 2014 Kia Sorento. I love it, I am gonna DIY an awning this Friday. Jan 1st.
I would have used expando foam in the small nooks and crannies.
When you first built the van Seth mentioned there is enough room for another battery down the line
Great video. My kids and I went van camping last week. It was so fun.
OMG - I enjoyed and learned so much from your video - blessings!
your next van, make it a tall long wheel base ford transit or merc sprinter ,and install a roof rack !!!! u can put a massive water tank on the roof ( low profile ) and the gravity will feed it down to the internal and have exterior outlet for showering too
solar heat too.
Alex: is afraid of carbon dust
Also Alex: Touches fiberglass with bare hands
Carbon dust in your lungs is way worse than fiberglass in your hands (it's not airborne).
"According to the safety enthusiasts in my comment section, carbon dust is like anthrax"-Seth
While Carbon dust/fibre is a known carcinogen when inhaled, fiberglass is as of yet a potential carcinogen (it's on the watchlist because of it has similar structure to carbon fibre and asbestos, but there are no data supporting it being carcinogenic) It's relatively easy to avoid breathing in glass fibre and the worst it really does to your skin is irritation. Just for perspective, wood dust is a known carcinogen.
I lick the insides of microwave popcorn packages cedar dust is the worst
Chuck Norris snorts lines of asbestos dust
We gone through similar experience, but glad we decided to insulate our van. This allows us to be comfortable in cold climate.
Great work! Awesome advice! Love the van, the honesty and your energy. Im saving to make one. Regards from Argentina!
18650's are the smart choice for batteries. You can easily find room for you to literally drive your car on the battery. Also you can replace individual cells when they go instead of the entire battery.
5:51 that posts "kinda" discolored? Bro! That solenoid is straight up melted 😯 Need to change that electrical system a little. You're pulling a few more amps then that thing should handle 👍👍
Seth's is one of my favorite channels. You have now been added to that favorites list.
Awesome narration... I never realized you were able to crammed in that much things in such a small space. Keep up the great contents.
Too much current draw from that one battery ,you cooked the solenoid so hard it melted that post into the plastic.
That insulation would have gone up like a bonfire when those overloaded cables heated up.
Electrical ,even in low voltage is not a guessing game ,gotta be careful mate.
Good video ,every project brings new afterthoughts.
yep seriously wondering why he doesn't have 2 or even 3 batteries in parallel. oh well
Him: **spends days resurching insulation**
Me: "insilation is insulation. "
Thanks for sharing your valuable experiences!
Great video. This is just as (if not more) helpful than seeing what does work well. Glad I found this one first, looking forward to catching up on the renovation ones next!
I agree. Sometimes it's better to hear about what didn't work in order to get your own ideas.