I am planning out my own built. Very helpful and detailed. I wanted to request that you please make a video discussing insurance options for custom built van used for work/adventure. The other rarely talked about topic is how to protect the van from theft, specially an off-road built that will be highly visible and an easy target for thieves. It is also a sitting duck in the middle of nowhere where you have parked it to go on a hike or whatever adventure for extended period of time. Thanks a lot.
Well I’d say… extreme thinking has went into this to make it such a success! I can see you being relentless in research and resources beyond The Box! Phenomenal layout .
The placement of the bed is so good, it looks so cozy. The entire van is almost a work of art. I remember when you first built it some years ago, the upgrade from the old VW was absolutely insane and I am glad you kept the old VW as well, it's a big part of LTVL.
You did an incredible job. I LOVE that blanket on your bed. Your water system is smart and simple. More folks should be doing it that way. Best wishes.
Great protection on the rear diff/driveline, but the shock mounts are left unprotected. Highly recommend some steel shock mount protectors. Literally install in minutes. Great build overall!
I’ve seen a ton of van builds and yours is definitely the best functionally not to mention the beautiful wood. It’s truly the perfect setup. I just need to clone your van 😬
Great build... I remember watching when you started cutting sides for the flares in the back... It truly allows off grid comfortable full time living... Look forward to many more episodes...
Another awesome video. You have built a very classy and well organized rig. Your attention to detail is to perfection. Always eagerly anticipating a new and awesome adventure from you. Thank you for always being so articulate. Thank you, Dan
Awesome video as always Chad. This been an interesting look back through the years of your living the van life lifestyle. I’ve been following your adventures scene before you started building the Sprinter van what got me started watching is all your epic winter camping adventures it’s been an epic adventure ever since. Thanks for letting us ride along with you on your adventures.
Wow, you’re the ambassador of van living. This was packed with stories that inspires others and provides real life experience. Thank you for sharing your adventure home.
So simple, so clean, so impressive.. I believe you are one of the few "Van-lifers" who actually want to live in a van.. Not just to show how cool and innovative and complicated his Rig is.. All the choices you made like not having a shower or a permanent toilet etc.. Speaks experience and determination. Thank you Bro.. Watching you from Sudan ❤ Although it's my passion but probably I will never be able to try van life or own any RV.. So thank you for living it for us, you keep me connected to my dreams.
Very nice! A lot of helpful informations and recommendations. For example the “cover box” for the starlink is such a good idea. Thanks for sharing 🙏 Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
I haven’t watched a youtube video this long! You got me engaged throughout the entire video and enjoyed watching it even if I don’t understand some of the terminologies. Thank you for touring us in your van. Silent fan here! Next topic: camera gears, editing, and capturing content pls.😊
Awesome video Chad. I enjoyed the detailed video of the entire build. A lot of thought went into what you see now. What a difference from buying the thing new.
Great video. Really appreciate how you covered everything inside and out. Of all the options out there, I would choose living the van life. I like compact and practical. Thanks for sharing. Well done ✅
Awesome van Chad! As always your content is amazing bro...Love the set-up on the van with all that an adventure van would need. It's perfect for getting out in the back country on those minimum maintenance roads. Logging roads are a perfect example of the type of off road adventure 4x4 that you will need to get out in the back country were you'll encounter stream crossings and flooded logging roads that your 4x4 will need to navigate through. Again Chad thanks for the video. Keep it coming!😊
I’ve been following you for a while and was curious about some of the suspension changes because I’m modeling my build after yours, this video came at perfect time. Thanks!
HI CHAD I'M WATCHING YOUR EPISODES, JUST GOT INTO YOU! LOVE YOUR VAN, SEEMS MORE STURDY, SEEM LIKE YOU CAN RIDE THRU BRICKS ROCKS NARROW SCARY ROADS, I LOVE IT! STAY SAFE CHAD😊13 PLUS YEARS WOOW DIDN'T KNOW, WATCHING CAMPING AND COOKING, STAY SAFE CHAD!😊
Thanks for doing such a comprehensive overview of your rig. Wish I had the resources to duplicate what you have done (with a few changes including mounting the side lights to the rack as you mentioned)!
Awesome van build. I'm watching from the UK and many years ago used to go off roading in various Land Rovers including 109 long wheelbase models from the 70s ,a 1968 Ex army lightweight on Super All-Terrain tyres and a 101V8. Thanks for all the videos, always appreciated keep them coming. 👍
Thanks Chad. I'm in the process of having a 2023 Ford Transit High Roof Extended AWD built into my home by Drifter Vans in Michigan. It will be lifted and have some awesome big wheels and tires on it. I should be on the road by August. I do want a winch and light bar, but haven't included them in the build yet. I think I'll add them in.
This is awesome , I can not find or have any ideas that can make your set up any better then it already is . I am really starting to dig your show here brother , Keep up the good work .
I really enjoyed it. Brilliant setup. The shockies, the lights, reminds me of the Epic family setup. Yr tyres. Inside & outside of the van😂 well thought out storage.
Great Van. You need a stainless Steel Shovel. I had a Bucket Toilet in my Van too. Very convenient and way easier to maintain and clean than any other setup. You don't need a flushing toilet in a van. Same with the shower. You could easily add a NEMO portable shower and be good with it if you want one on the van. Living in a van means you need to simplify your needs.
About to start my dream build on my 4x4 v10 E350. Thanks for covering your build in detail, got some great ideas and points of consideration. : I’m not planning on a roof rack to avoid the rig being too top heavy. I have mounted side lights through the high top and now considering access panels to be able to swap those in the future if needed. Thanks again 🤙 Seeya in the backcountry.
Thays Sprinter Van is sooo awesome 💯😎 i wish i had it and i would take me and my daughter around the country and Alaska alot too!! Great work bro Enjoy all your Videos and travel experiences! One love and stay safe
Chad, this is a great explanation of why and how it all comes together. Very impressive features in your design and build. Thanks for sharing! I used to own an ’89 Westfalia and now I want to re-live those days in a Sprinter build!🏔️🏜️🚐👋from🇨🇦😁
I just wish I had a life like yours and seeing all the effort u put in to present us with the beautiful contents that u create it's amazing to see how much work and dedication is need behind the camera.Thank you very much Chad, with all the hard work that you do for us to enjoy and let us see the world through your camera lens you truly deserve the best in result and recognition that you are suppose to get.And Chad you are really a pioneer when if comes to organizing the space that you have in that mint Van of yours be it the westfolia or a sprinter you really are the best living your life like a King .Cheers man just keep on doing what you do best jot everyone is blessed with the life that one desires for.All the very best for your future endeavors man and hope to see many many more breath taking videos that u create through the end of your camera lenses 😊...Truly the gr8est fan from the other side of the globe Darjeeling. West Bengal.India....👌👍.
Ty for your video and tour! How do you prevent if possible, rodents from eating your sprinter wires under the hood ? secondly, how do you catch or remove rodents once they’ve entered the van? How do you help prevent rodents from entering in the first place? Thanks!!
Have you considered selling the build plan /schematics? I'd love to replicate what you've done for my future van build and having the dimensions would be immensely time saving
I would like to see a video about vehicle maintenance. This would cover such things as oil, other fluids and filter change intervals that apply to your diesel Merceds vehicle. As much off roading as you do you would have some valuable first hand experience.
Great vid, however using solar makes your system much more efficient especially considering your using an alternator to charge your batteries as fuel consumption increases considerably when the engine is loaded up with a 280amp load! Keep up the vids though
Nice and informative summary. Questions on the ARB locker: Did you go to the 4.18 gears? If so, what do you see with regard to driving both on and off road? Finally, did your MPG change? Thanks you!
CHAD'S IN THE HOUSE ❤ Chad Happy late Easter. 🎉 I've been trying to get caught uo on this video Yoy looked so different way back Great video! I had a truck 22yrs so I know everything your talking about 😂
Great video, thanks for showing us more details on this. I didn't realize how beautiful the wood is for the cabinets, I love it! Are you still using the diesel heater in there? I remember you showing it to us in the past but you haven't really talked about it lately.
Thanx for this Chad, even today as deep into the Van Life craze the years have taken us, it's great to hear how the real world has worked out for a design. What I was interested in, seeing you been thru some super cold trips, I was wondering not only what your heating setup is, and how well it's worked, but if the Flare Space inserts have been a chore to keep warm since they're close to your head at night. What sort and thickness of insulation did you use for them? Thanx again.
Wow! you were so young when you started. Im a medical traveler and I wish I would have thought about something like this back then. Oh the money I could have saved. I might have to have a bathroom though...lol! I have two questions...one, did you work anywhere before you started this journey or even now...and two, what are your tattoos of? that is if you are willing to share. You absolutely did do an amazing job with this van and the cooking part is always my fav!
I'm in a truck camper, I bought a blow up kiddy pool I'm going to try and use for a bath tub, when I sponge bath. I can pour it back into the sauce pan I heat the water up with and use it for doing laundry. I use Dr. Bronners so it won't harm the environment.
I like your refer idea. Can you easily reach food/drink from outside the van, as well? Also, you did not discuss your heating situation. How is that tackled?
Chad is an outstanding man, he can be a builder, electrician, do video editing, the cooking, he is orderly, clean...
Are you pumping him out 😂😂😂@livingthevanlife
@@Piperdreams Current bid is at $100k
@@cotinborgund4223 🤣😂
Amazing build... Love the minimalism while still covering all the bases.
I am planning out my own built. Very helpful and detailed.
I wanted to request that you please make a video discussing insurance options for custom built van used for work/adventure.
The other rarely talked about topic is how to protect the van from theft, specially an off-road built that will be highly visible and an easy target for thieves. It is also a sitting duck in the middle of nowhere where you have parked it to go on a hike or whatever adventure for extended period of time.
Thanks a lot.
get a glock
Well I’d say… extreme thinking has went into this to make it such a success! I can see you being relentless in research and resources beyond The Box! Phenomenal layout .
The placement of the bed is so good, it looks so cozy. The entire van is almost a work of art. I remember when you first built it some years ago, the upgrade from the old VW was absolutely insane and I am glad you kept the old VW as well, it's a big part of LTVL.
You did an incredible job. I LOVE that blanket on your bed.
Your water system is smart and simple. More folks should be doing it that way. Best wishes.
Great protection on the rear diff/driveline, but the shock mounts are left unprotected. Highly recommend some steel shock mount protectors. Literally install in minutes. Great build overall!
Amazing Chad what you have done to your van ....thanks for the tour etc... Safe journey. look forward to your next episode......👍
I’ve seen a ton of van builds and yours is definitely the best functionally not to mention the beautiful wood. It’s truly the perfect setup. I just need to clone your van 😬
Great build... I remember watching when you started cutting sides for the flares in the back... It truly allows off grid comfortable full time living... Look forward to many more episodes...
Absolutely spectacular build inside and out. Omg nothing not thought out . So beautiful.
My brother just picked one up 2016 Sprinter this is great for ideas for him for sure the adventure guys shared you on one of their RUclips's
Another awesome video. You have built a very classy and well organized rig. Your attention to detail is to perfection. Always eagerly anticipating a new and awesome adventure from you. Thank you for always being so articulate. Thank you, Dan
For interior cooking, install 2 vent fans--one brings air in and the other exhausts air--you'd never have issues with smell.
I have that. Still don’t like the smell of my van after cooking inside.
That's the main problem when u have interior kitchen....insect will love it to camp inside the van....I prefer cooking outside
Awesome video as always Chad. This been an interesting look back through the years of your living the van life lifestyle. I’ve been following your adventures scene before you started building the Sprinter van what got me started watching is all your epic winter camping adventures it’s been an epic adventure ever since. Thanks for letting us ride along with you on your adventures.
Love love love the camera storage & charging space
Wow, you’re the ambassador of van living. This was packed with stories that inspires others and provides real life experience. Thank you for sharing your adventure home.
So simple, so clean, so impressive..
I believe you are one of the few "Van-lifers" who actually want to live in a van.. Not just to show how cool and innovative and complicated his Rig is..
All the choices you made like not having a shower or a permanent toilet etc.. Speaks experience and determination.
Thank you Bro.. Watching you from Sudan ❤ Although it's my passion but probably I will never be able to try van life or own any RV..
So thank you for living it for us, you keep me connected to my dreams.
Hennnnk
Very nice! A lot of helpful informations and recommendations. For example the “cover box” for the starlink is such a good idea.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Nice recap of the build and improvements.
I appreciate your R&D testing of some very important mechanical options.
Thanks Chad
Love the van. Comfortable yet capable. After seeing your van over the past couple of years, I cant see purchasing a regular Winnebago type RV.
I haven’t watched a youtube video this long! You got me engaged throughout the entire video and enjoyed watching it even if I don’t understand some of the terminologies. Thank you for touring us in your van. Silent fan here! Next topic: camera gears, editing, and capturing content pls.😊
Check out the bluetti AC200MAX power you might be interested in switching to that
Awesome video Chad. I enjoyed the detailed video of the entire build. A lot of thought went into what you see now. What a difference from buying the thing new.
That Alaska trek and trip back on the ferry was EPIC! That van is a BAMF
Great video. Really appreciate how you covered everything inside and out. Of all the options out there, I would choose living the van life. I like compact and practical. Thanks for sharing. Well done ✅
Awesome van Chad! As always your content is amazing bro...Love the set-up on the van with all that an adventure van would need. It's perfect for getting out in the back country on those minimum maintenance roads. Logging roads are a perfect example of the type of off road adventure 4x4 that you will need to get out in the back country were you'll encounter stream crossings and flooded logging roads that your 4x4 will need to navigate through. Again Chad thanks for the video. Keep it coming!😊
I would love actual links to some of your cool stuff. What a great van!!
I’ve been following you for a while and was curious about some of the suspension changes because I’m modeling my build after yours, this video came at perfect time. Thanks!
Very nice organization. Very much needed in tight spaces. A place for everything and everything in it's place.
HI CHAD I'M WATCHING YOUR EPISODES, JUST GOT INTO YOU! LOVE YOUR VAN, SEEMS MORE STURDY, SEEM LIKE YOU CAN RIDE THRU BRICKS ROCKS NARROW SCARY ROADS, I LOVE IT! STAY SAFE CHAD😊13 PLUS YEARS WOOW DIDN'T KNOW, WATCHING CAMPING AND COOKING, STAY SAFE CHAD!😊
Thanks for doing such a comprehensive overview of your rig. Wish I had the resources to duplicate what you have done (with a few changes including mounting the side lights to the rack as you mentioned)!
Awesome van build. I'm watching from the UK and many years ago used to go off roading in various Land Rovers including 109 long wheelbase models from the 70s ,a 1968 Ex army lightweight on Super All-Terrain tyres and a 101V8. Thanks for all the videos, always appreciated keep them coming. 👍
Really enjoyed this episode! Appreciate the going to the bathroom details. I've always wondered. lol
I'm sure people would like to no what a ballpark figure a build like this would be?Its such a great home.
Love that content Chad, I remember you building out the sprinter and its great to see how its faired since then , Looking great.
Thanks Chad for sharing your thoughts and ideas for your van life build. Amazing 💯
Thanks Chad. I'm in the process of having a 2023 Ford Transit High Roof Extended AWD built into my home by Drifter Vans in Michigan. It will be lifted and have some awesome big wheels and tires on it. I should be on the road by August. I do want a winch and light bar, but haven't included them in the build yet. I think I'll add them in.
Got it going on.. awesome set up....now let me go check the couch for spare change
Good in-depth video about your journey in building out your home for your needs and comfort. I like the organization.
Great stuff, Chad! I love all the shared information professional insight and advice. Thanks Brother
Nice setup, you’re a happy camper. Thank you for sharing your setup.
This is awesome , I can not find or have any ideas that can make your set up any better then it already is . I am really starting to dig your show here brother , Keep up the good work .
Awesome rig! The fridge setup is perfect. Love the StarLink mount. Well done 👍🏽
I really enjoyed it. Brilliant setup. The shockies, the lights, reminds me of the Epic family setup. Yr tyres. Inside & outside of the van😂 well thought out storage.
Great Van. You need a stainless Steel Shovel. I had a Bucket Toilet in my Van too. Very convenient and way easier to maintain and clean than any other setup. You don't need a flushing toilet in a van. Same with the shower. You could easily add a NEMO portable shower and be good with it if you want one on the van. Living in a van means you need to simplify your needs.
About to start my dream build on my 4x4 v10 E350. Thanks for covering your build in detail, got some great ideas and points of consideration.
: I’m not planning on a roof rack to avoid the rig being too top heavy. I have mounted side lights through the high top and now considering access panels to be able to swap those in the future if needed.
Thanks again 🤙 Seeya in the backcountry.
Living the dream mate!!! Love this van build!!! Love all of you're videos ❤
very interesting Chad, you have some great stuff in the van, i love the pull outs for cooking and the storage is great
I’ve got a leisure travel van on a sprinter chassis love it!
Those are great. My mom has one too.
Mom’s are the best!
I could watch this video on repeat.. just an incredible build and well thought out..
Well done and keep on truckin’
Good tip on the side lights. Just about to do mine and will defo put them on the rack. Thanks chad. 🤜🤛
Thays Sprinter Van is sooo awesome 💯😎 i wish i had it and i would take me and my daughter around the country and Alaska alot too!! Great work bro Enjoy all your Videos and travel experiences! One love and stay safe
Gränsfors axes are the best :-)! I visited the factory in Sweden some years ago! Cheers from Austria!
Chad, another great video. Love the van breakdown and thought process behind the build. Looking forward to your next adventure 🤙🏽
Chad, this is a great explanation of why and how it all comes together. Very impressive features in your design and build. Thanks for sharing!
I used to own an ’89 Westfalia and now I want to re-live those days in a Sprinter build!🏔️🏜️🚐👋from🇨🇦😁
I just wish I had a life like yours and seeing all the effort u put in to present us with the beautiful contents that u create it's amazing to see how much work and dedication is need behind the camera.Thank you very much Chad, with all the hard work that you do for us to enjoy and let us see the world through your camera lens you truly deserve the best in result and recognition that you are suppose to get.And Chad you are really a pioneer when if comes to organizing the space that you have in that mint Van of yours be it the westfolia or a sprinter you really are the best living your life like a King .Cheers man just keep on doing what you do best jot everyone is blessed with the life that one desires for.All the very best for your future endeavors man and hope to see many many more breath taking videos that u create through the end of your camera lenses 😊...Truly the gr8est fan from the other side of the globe Darjeeling. West Bengal.India....👌👍.
Not a lot has changed since the last van tour, the Navidok is a game changer! 👍🏼🍻
Norwegian explorer sent me here....look forward to watching your channel
Ty for your video and tour! How do you prevent if possible, rodents from eating your sprinter wires under the hood ? secondly, how do you catch or remove rodents once they’ve entered the van? How do you help prevent rodents from entering in the first place? Thanks!!
Have you considered selling the build plan /schematics?
I'd love to replicate what you've done for my future van build and having the dimensions would be immensely time saving
Hi Chad, like fine wine, you get better with age. Been enjoying since long before the Subaru engines. Pea soup.
I would like to see a video about vehicle maintenance. This would cover such things as oil, other fluids and filter change intervals that apply to your diesel Merceds vehicle. As much off roading as you do you would have some valuable first hand experience.
Your Sprinter has a ton of cool features that just amaze me...especially the slide out drawers! Keep on truckin' ;-)
Hahahaha…kept waiting to see the inside, finally revealed 3/4 of the way through. 😝
Hey Chad !! Thanks for the vid!
Great as always
Wow, God bless you Chad.! Great job.👍🙏
Well done! Great video and an outstanding build. Thank you.
Your build is very well thought out. Perhaps you should design these vans for the RV companies.
Super van setup, alot of work there, beautiful job 👏 😊
Great vid, however using solar makes your system much more efficient especially considering your using an alternator to charge your batteries as fuel consumption increases considerably when the engine is loaded up with a 280amp load! Keep up the vids though
Awesome can and tour. Lots of good ideas and products.
Kris and Shuksan are awesome.
Nice and informative summary. Questions on the ARB locker: Did you go to the 4.18 gears? If so, what do you see with regard to driving both on and off road? Finally, did your MPG change? Thanks you!
If this was Matt Foley’s van, he’d never get tired of living in it.
New subscriber here. I like your channel. Keep it up 🙂 Cheers from Norway
Thanks for the tour. Maybe you can talk more about your magnificent drone and how you use it.
CHAD'S IN THE HOUSE ❤ Chad Happy late Easter. 🎉 I've been trying to get caught uo on this video Yoy looked so different way back Great video! I had a truck 22yrs so I know everything your talking about 😂
Great video. Have you considered meet ups with fans of the videos. I bet if you picked a coffee shop you would be surprised how many people showed up.
WOW...nice job on the build, Chad
Hope you weren't seriously hurt in the collision. Keep on truckin'. 👋
Hopfully u have a personal locator beacon with you when out in back country areas...missing 411 advice
Great video, thanks for showing us more details on this. I didn't realize how beautiful the wood is for the cabinets, I love it! Are you still using the diesel heater in there? I remember you showing it to us in the past but you haven't really talked about it lately.
Nice set-up, really enjoyed this video!
Thanx for this Chad, even today as deep into the Van Life craze the years have taken us, it's great to hear how the real world has worked out for a design. What I was interested in, seeing you been thru some super cold trips, I was wondering not only what your heating setup is, and how well it's worked, but if the Flare Space inserts have been a chore to keep warm since they're close to your head at night. What sort and thickness of insulation did you use for them?
Thanx again.
Your van is a BEAST! ❤❤
Keith Gee has some good truck life solutions.
You're living the dream Chad.
Wow! you were so young when you started. Im a medical traveler and I wish I would have thought about something like this back then. Oh the money I could have saved. I might have to have a bathroom though...lol! I have two questions...one, did you work anywhere before you started this journey or even now...and two, what are your tattoos of? that is if you are willing to share. You absolutely did do an amazing job with this van and the cooking part is always my fav!
One of the nicest I've seen....
Love it bud. Keep on trucking! ✌🏻
I use kitty litter in my bucket, works well
Thanks for showing your van. I like your toilet. I have the same one and added poo powder. It works!
In Australia we call those toilet buckets a Thunderbox
Big fan your van life vlogging love from India ❤❤
Where did that 49 minutes go?! Too fast. Thoroughly enjoyed this! 👏👏👏
I'm in a truck camper, I bought a blow up kiddy pool I'm going to try and use for a bath tub, when I sponge bath. I can pour it back into the sauce pan I heat the water up with and use it for doing laundry. I use Dr. Bronners so it won't harm the environment.
I like your refer idea. Can you easily reach food/drink from outside the van, as well?
Also, you did not discuss your heating situation. How is that tackled?
Дякую Чад за екскурсія по вашому фургону, я після закінчення війни знайду собі такий фургон та вирушу мандрувати))
Very interesting on the van build Chad