The TIG welding is definitely superb! Are you or your son a welder by trade? I've been thinking about the van life. I toured on a motorcycle in Vancouver and the west coast in the US. Fun, but tedious at times. Nice heater setup too! Polymorphous Solar cells are better for cloudy/rainy areas because they will still provide a charge when mono-crystalline won't.
I’ve seen a lot of van/truck conversions. I’m not a “vanlifer,” and I can tell this gentleman isn’t either. One of the best setups I’ve seen in a LONG time. Resourceful, well thought out, intelligent, and a work in progress…but the basics you need are all there! I’m impressed. Absolutely.
Guys, YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
this is super cool. looks very very functional and reminds me a lot of a sail boat cabin. Also being all aluminum gives it a really secure and safe feeling. WELL DONE!
Excellent use of -space. I had a Tacoma and a homemade camper on it an it was fantastic. Unfortunately, when my dog grew from a pup to a full size adult dog, the Tacoma no longer worked. So I had to move up to a full size truck and a mid-rise camper shell which is presently on order. But that Tacoma lasted me 13 years and I still miss it. You did a great job on your build. God Speed.
Nice setup. I have two (older) Newport Dickinson propane heaters installed in my motorhome. Just like yours. I have a trick for you, if you would like to get more heat out of your fireplace for the propane used, and not have a lot of wasted heat go up the flue. At the top interior of the firebox, there are 4 circular punchouts. Buy some stainless steel washers (2 per hole), some bolts, nuts, and lock washers; and plug some, or all, of those holes. Start with just plugging two if you want. The exhaust gases will still exit just fine, but you'll get a lot more heat from smaller burner fires. More heat using less propane. I did this many years ago. Zero problems.
@@VanClan Another point. DON'T buy the P-12000 version. The burner in it is (was?) the same size as the burner in the P-9000. As a result, the P-12000 produces negligible extra heat. That is unless, in later models, they increased the burner size.
So awesome! This is one of my dream builds. There are undoubtedly many small details and lessons learned that went into this. As a tacoma owner myself, I hope it brings you much joy and satisfaction!
Very Nice man! well thought out, obvious craftmanship and looks functional. As I write this don't know any other vids you have posted but you need to. Seems like the unit needs some "Running in" as I listen. Perfect stove heat placement....
06:33 For our ExpeditionVehicle bed platform, I used expanded metal, similar to stout window-screen. This allows air to circulate under the mattress, a common area for moisture accumulation... and mold. . We are headquartered out of Eugene, Oregon, with similar weather to Brit Columbia. Nearly two decades full-time live-aboard, this works for us.
Looks amazing! Really reminds me of something my dad would have. My only complain would be that I hate your water situation. All the little jugs are just taking up space. I would either move that 5 gallon jug to where your cups are, or mount one outside on the back. You could even plumb it so you could access it inside. And/or you could make a 3-5 gallon rain collection and filter system.
Really nice setup. I'm retiring in 10 years and I was kind of dreading it until the idea of living small and traveling came along. Thanks for sharing and best of luck fro your journeys!
That looks great wonderful job. I bought a truck bed tent this summer cuz of fuel prices. Tried it 3 times and realized that I don't like to be in such a confined space. So back to 10 miles a gallon pulling the camper.
08:03 2003, after a half-century of make-do camping in lesser rigs, we built our ExpeditionVehicle with No! Holes! In! The! Roof!. . On skoolie and other home-built forums, we enjoy reading about first-time builders. Inevitably, somebody wants a sky-light over the bed to watch the stars as they sleep. And, inevitably, that sky-light leaks, usually at 3am and during a freezing rain. . Second-time builders rarely chop Holes! In! The! Roof!.
Exceptional build. Really like the bump outs on the sides for more space. Pretty sharp looking aluminum corner near the pillow at the head of the bed. Get one of those babies r us rubber corner guards to glue on that corner. Haha. Thanks for sharing that impressive build and safe travels.
Guys, YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
Very Very good job with the fabrication, I don't see ANY oil panning on that rig! Most people watching will never realize how great of a feat that is in itself. Awesome job
Enough is enough, just right. Well thought out build covering all the bases for a single on the road. Only thing I would do is to have the exterior painted to match the truck.
Halfway through, I was wondering "why the solar panels? " because most of what he has was propane or pellets. And I didn't see anything (not even lights) that needed electricity. But the fridge! Happy to see that. I am curious if there are lights though. I understand that it most cases you could just use battery operated lights. I use solar powered lights and battery operated lights as back up!
@Mel, Excellent observation! In our ExpeditionVehicle, we built without a complicated failure-prone electric system. For lights, we use Black&Decker 20v flashlights. These have a tilt-head for localized focus, and a square base (the battery) for stability. . We like these because the batteries fit our other 20v tools: * drills * circular saws * side-cutter * sawz-all and others. We carry six flashlights in the rig, with a dozen full batteries ready to swap. . "But but but how can you live in your rig with such lack of complications!" We do not live in our ExpeditionVehicle. We live out of it. And we usually hit the sack around sun-set, so we have very little need for permanent lighting. . An aside: Some RUclips campers get to their camp-spot at Mad-Slasher Midnight. We plan on setting up camp for early-afternoon, with plenty of time for supper and discussing the day with our caravan chums.
06:12 For our water, we use stainless-steel five-gallon retired Pepsi kegs. Our standard load is seven, a total of thirty-five gallons (metrifical equivalent -- 13,467 hectares per kilo-hour). With this modular system, we can easily add a dozen more kegs. . The kegs are engineered to be pressurized. A quick puff from a 12v bicycle tire pump, and fresh clean water flows from the sprayer designed for a stand-still house kitchen-sink. . Another advantage: * a keg can be moved to the picnic-table or the camp-fire. We caravan with chums in similar rough-country rigs... summers up rough logger tracks to remote mountain lakes, winters on isolated Baja beaches. Car-pooling for errands, a couple-three kegs can go to town for re-fill while the others stay in-use in camp.
@Drew, 2003, for our ExpeditionVehicle, we used: * adhesive-back acoustic against the inside wall and ceiling, a gap, then * one-inch pink-board, another air-gap, then * two-inch foil-side poly. . Windows: We mounted 3010 (three feet wide by a foot tall) dual-pane sliders designed for a stand-still house. We mounted these at our eye-level standing inside, about eight feet above pavement. We think a small high window offers a small target for branches and FOD... and jealous by-standers.
I like the idea of a van or rig like this, but where is the toilet? When nature calls and it's pouring rain or snow or just plain cold, you need that option. Especially if it's #2.
Not sure about the propane fire in such a small enclosure, if someone went south you might be dealing with poisoning? But hey your probably know that I have safety in mind & looks like you camp in cold weather a lot. PS I have a 02 Tacoma with a cool custom metal shell w/ rear entry door as well
Ok it is a super cool build,but come on man we need details! How did ,or who made this? Is it easy to make? Was it expensive? All aluminum, how was it welded? How was it attached to the bed.Its like hanging a steak in front of a hungry lion.lol
did anyone else notice the impeccable aluminum welds all across that thing, damn, sweet!!
Heck yeah we did, so clean
@@VanClan I wish he would have talked a little about the sub frame and the exterior shell construction more.
The TIG welding is definitely superb! Are you or your son a welder by trade? I've been thinking about the van life. I toured on a motorcycle in Vancouver and the west coast in the US. Fun, but tedious at times. Nice heater setup too! Polymorphous Solar cells are better for cloudy/rainy areas because they will still provide a charge when mono-crystalline won't.
I agree. Been welding Aluminum for 30 years myself & I am impressed!
yep
I’ve seen a lot of van/truck conversions. I’m not a “vanlifer,” and I can tell this gentleman isn’t either. One of the best setups I’ve seen in a LONG time. Resourceful, well thought out, intelligent, and a work in progress…but the basics you need are all there! I’m impressed. Absolutely.
Glad you liked it!
Guys,
YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF”
From the Ancient Semitic Scroll:
"Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3)
Ancient Semitic Direct Translation
Yad - "Behold The Hand"
He - "Behold the Breath"
Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
@@Praise___YaH bro shut the fuck up you make the rest of us Christian’s look insane
@@Praise___YaH i don't think anyone asked but ok
@@JaredConnell
Sir, HalleluYAH translates “Praise ye YaH”, you really need to read what I shared
this is super cool. looks very very functional and reminds me a lot of a sail boat cabin. Also being all aluminum gives it a really secure and safe feeling. WELL DONE!
Excellent use of -space. I had a Tacoma and a homemade camper on it an it was fantastic. Unfortunately, when my dog grew from a pup to a full size adult dog, the Tacoma no longer worked. So I had to move up to a full size truck and a mid-rise camper shell which is presently on order. But that Tacoma lasted me 13 years and I still miss it. You did a great job on your build. God Speed.
Thanks for the nice comment. We hear you on the vanlife with dogs thing, its a whole different thing haha
Nice setup. I have two (older) Newport Dickinson propane heaters installed in my motorhome. Just like yours. I have a trick for you, if you would like to get more heat out of your fireplace for the propane used, and not have a lot of wasted heat go up the flue. At the top interior of the firebox, there are 4 circular punchouts. Buy some stainless steel washers (2 per hole), some bolts, nuts, and lock washers; and plug some, or all, of those holes. Start with just plugging two if you want. The exhaust gases will still exit just fine, but you'll get a lot more heat from smaller burner fires. More heat using less propane. I did this many years ago. Zero problems.
very clever
@@VanClan Another point. DON'T buy the P-12000 version. The burner in it is (was?) the same size as the burner in the P-9000. As a result, the P-12000 produces negligible extra heat. That is unless, in later models, they increased the burner size.
That camper design is quite dynamic.
sure is!
Love the simplicity and thoughtfulness of this creation❤
Very nice build !!!
Thanks!
Great build!! You can always go where it never rains & the weather is beautiful!!!
That is the perfect cabin for my dog and me. Just to get away and out into the woods again
You did an amazing job with you're build! Love it! Thank you for the tour.
Thank you so much!
Great build, mate! I respect his attitude and can only aspire to be in such good shape when I’m his age! 💪
you and me both 😂
Yeah this guy has some guns.
Just right for one person. Real smart and clever.
So awesome! This is one of my dream builds. There are undoubtedly many small details and lessons learned that went into this. As a tacoma owner myself, I hope it brings you much joy and satisfaction!
Awesome! Thank you for such a kind comment
I have the exact same truck even same color . Damn why did I watch this? Now I want one. Great job my friend I’m impressed.👍👍
Very Nice man! well thought out, obvious craftmanship and looks functional. As I write this don't know any other vids you have posted but you need to. Seems like the unit needs some "Running in" as I listen. Perfect stove heat placement....
Wow did not expect the interior to be like that. Stove and all. Perfect for a getaway for him.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Glad you liked it! We felt the same when Paul opened up that door to show us inside!!
Nicely Done! Really like the faceted, aerodynamic front end closely trimmed to fit the contour of the cab. Nice work
Looks great! My only issue would be utilizing the heating stove for food and water as well instead of having to use an additional gas stove.
I love that simple, beautifully crafted and effective make!
good job Paul!
06:33
For our ExpeditionVehicle bed platform, I used expanded metal, similar to stout window-screen.
This allows air to circulate under the mattress, a common area for moisture accumulation... and mold.
.
We are headquartered out of Eugene, Oregon, with similar weather to Brit Columbia.
Nearly two decades full-time live-aboard, this works for us.
Excellent idea. Expanded steel or aluminum?
@@seeharvester
I used steel (3/4" 14ga?), the material I used for our permanent porch two decades ago..
Thicker material may need less support.
Looks amazing! Really reminds me of something my dad would have. My only complain would be that I hate your water situation. All the little jugs are just taking up space. I would either move that 5 gallon jug to where your cups are, or mount one outside on the back. You could even plumb it so you could access it inside. And/or you could make a 3-5 gallon rain collection and filter system.
I'm not sure I'd trust a water collection with birds pooping n the vehicle.
Looks like you are pretty handy with metal work
Yes! Paul's son helped him out with the build and it turned out great
Looks like a mini Kimbo Camper! 🤙
:D
Very good design for space... Cozy.
Sleeping outside & not worrying about paying rent is the best feeling in the world I love my lil $30 tent with full size bed so peaceful 😌🏕
I really like the aluminum camper. So aerodynamic, solid and I assume light weight. I might have to get the EBook and check out the build.
What is the ebook?
@@janettetaylor3683
Their link to their build-book is 'in the description below'.
Nice set up. Thank you for sharing and video. Blessings to you.
Thank you too
That's an awesome build 🙂👍🏾 the only thing I would do diff is a rechargeable water dispenser.
👏
I love being a Bachelor, nice work Bro! Kudos 2U! !
Thanks Justin
@Just,
MGTOW!
[applause]
Very impressive sir. Thank you for the tour. Safe Travels Amigo
Glad you enjoyed it
That’s a great setup, nice.
Glad you like it!
I’ve watched a zillion camper videos and this is in the top 5. Well done 👍 👍👍👍👍
Glad you liked it! thanks for the awesome comment
Make them and I would buy one. Best I have seen.
Really nice setup. I'm retiring in 10 years and I was kind of dreading it until the idea of living small and traveling came along. Thanks for sharing and best of luck fro your journeys!
Best of luck! we love to hear about your excitement
That looks great wonderful job. I bought a truck bed tent this summer cuz of fuel prices. Tried it 3 times and realized that I don't like to be in such a confined space. So back to 10 miles a gallon pulling the camper.
Just want to say kudos on your superb build.
Thank you kindly
08:03
2003, after a half-century of make-do camping in lesser rigs, we built our ExpeditionVehicle with No! Holes! In! The! Roof!.
.
On skoolie and other home-built forums, we enjoy reading about first-time builders.
Inevitably, somebody wants a sky-light over the bed to watch the stars as they sleep.
And, inevitably, that sky-light leaks, usually at 3am and during a freezing rain.
.
Second-time builders rarely chop Holes! In! The! Roof!.
Wow, what a great build & design! Love it!
Thank you! Cheers!
This is a real beauty . Attractive simple and functional
glad you liked it!
I have the same truck, you gave me good idea, thanks.
No problem 👍
Love this conversion. Looks good, cosy and warm, great job x
Glad to hear you like it!
Wow sweet build Paul! You could sell those things 💕👍
we sooo agree! Thanks for the feedback
excellent love how simple but we'll thought out it is,also reliable Toyota can't go wrong
you got it Barry!
That fireplace is amazing
WOW that is nice set up, really like it!
I'm glad you like it
Had to stop at 3:50 to say, you are in really good shape. Respect.
You aren’t wrong about that haha! He’s an active guy
Exceptional build. Really like the bump outs on the sides for more space. Pretty sharp looking aluminum corner near the pillow at the head of the bed. Get one of those babies r us rubber corner guards to glue on that corner. Haha. Thanks for sharing that impressive build and safe travels.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed, it really is a great build
Can you make a video on how you made this camper….
Guys,
YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF”
From the Ancient Semitic Scroll:
"Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3)
Ancient Semitic Direct Translation
Yad - "Behold The Hand"
He - "Behold the Breath"
Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
I would love to have one of these for my long bed Toyota.
very nice! functional and meets his needs - what more can you ask for!
we so agree!
Fridge idea is going to be implemented in my setup…thanks!
Awesome! Have fun!
Yeah man . That looks heaps more fun than a wife ! 😂
It’s pretty sweet
Now now …. Be nice 😲🤭🤣🥰👏🏽
I concur, cheaper too!
Wives lead to DIVORCE care to guess what happens when you lose half of everything you own.
@@daneboro6847 agreed
Looks very well thought out - well done!
Thank you! Cheers!
👌Compact comfort and neat for outdoor free life;what else more do we need👍
Right 🙌 so spick and span
Space for a visitor?
Very Very good job with the fabrication, I don't see ANY oil panning on that rig! Most people watching will never realize how great of a feat that is in itself.
Awesome job
Oil panning? Does that mean warped panels?
@@seeharvester yup
You mean oil canning?
@@T410ce Yeah, I think that's what he meant but I didn't want to burst his bubble.
Awesome! I like it.. useful stuff and I love the heating set up and propane storage!
Glad to hear
Enough is enough, just right. Well thought out build covering all the bases for a single on the road. Only thing I would do is to have the exterior painted to match the truck.
Halfway through, I was wondering "why the solar panels? " because most of what he has was propane or pellets. And I didn't see anything (not even lights) that needed electricity. But the fridge! Happy to see that. I am curious if there are lights though. I understand that it most cases you could just use battery operated lights. I use solar powered lights and battery operated lights as back up!
thanks for a great comment
@Mel,
Excellent observation!
In our ExpeditionVehicle, we built without a complicated failure-prone electric system.
For lights, we use Black&Decker 20v flashlights.
These have a tilt-head for localized focus, and a square base (the battery) for stability.
.
We like these because the batteries fit our other 20v tools:
* drills
* circular saws
* side-cutter
* sawz-all
and others.
We carry six flashlights in the rig, with a dozen full batteries ready to swap.
.
"But but but how can you live in your rig with such lack of complications!"
We do not live in our ExpeditionVehicle.
We live out of it.
And we usually hit the sack around sun-set, so we have very little need for permanent lighting.
.
An aside:
Some RUclips campers get to their camp-spot at Mad-Slasher Midnight.
We plan on setting up camp for early-afternoon, with plenty of time for supper and discussing the day with our caravan chums.
Cool camper! Love the fireplace
thanks Mark
Nice, that's all you need.
Definitely!
Wanted to see this on the inside .
Excellent job!
See you in Squamish all the time .
I have the lifted quick sand Tacoma with topper and roof rack.
Love the shape of the cover
rightt?!
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing
Is there any type of toilet setup, like a portable one?
Beyond impressive.
We put a Dickinson in our cargo trailer conversion and now have one in our Scout, and love it. Nice little setup.
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks, you too!
Awesome build
Glad you think so!
What a nice set up!
I think so too!
That is nice, probably nicer than factory brands.
Neat! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Dude has it figured out! Awesome!
Yeah!!
Class job thanx. Mike Scotland
Thanks Mike
Totally cool!
We so agree 😊
Very Very NICE well done!!!!
thanks steve
very good your videos. I'm building a camper and the information is very important.
Great to hear!
Very nice! Love to have made on my ridgeline
You should!
A wonderful build to perfection!.
Glad you like it!
Very very impressive work / setup. I loved it.
Glad you liked it!
You take great videos man lots of work
Respect. Thanks man 🙌
Fantastic build! I agree that is an excellent window.
It's a great setup 👌 👍
I think so too!
06:12
For our water, we use stainless-steel five-gallon retired Pepsi kegs.
Our standard load is seven, a total of thirty-five gallons (metrifical equivalent -- 13,467 hectares per kilo-hour).
With this modular system, we can easily add a dozen more kegs.
.
The kegs are engineered to be pressurized.
A quick puff from a 12v bicycle tire pump, and fresh clean water flows from the sprayer designed for a stand-still house kitchen-sink.
.
Another advantage:
* a keg can be moved to the picnic-table or the camp-fire.
We caravan with chums in similar rough-country rigs... summers up rough logger tracks to remote mountain lakes, winters on isolated Baja beaches.
Car-pooling for errands, a couple-three kegs can go to town for re-fill while the others stay in-use in camp.
This is beautiful work. Would love to see how he put it together.
Very nice design! I'm impressed.
Excellent shell..I’m wondering about how he insulated it.
@Drew,
2003, for our ExpeditionVehicle, we used:
* adhesive-back acoustic against the inside wall and ceiling, a gap, then
* one-inch pink-board, another air-gap, then
* two-inch foil-side poly.
.
Windows:
We mounted 3010 (three feet wide by a foot tall) dual-pane sliders designed for a stand-still house.
We mounted these at our eye-level standing inside, about eight feet above pavement.
We think a small high window offers a small target for branches and FOD... and jealous by-standers.
Dude! Get someone making and selling these, while your on the road promoting and refining it.
Or not. But it's truly cool af.
haahha we so agree....and the comments do too
Wow! Beautiful
Many many thanks
The best I've seen so far.....
whoah!! High compliment my friend
Great job, phenomenal build
This is an excellent build
100% agreed!
Looks like a good overland setup. One thing I don't like about truck campers, they get so dog gone tall
Paul tried to keep his profile low for sure
@Jim,
One thing we dislike about short campers is crouching to get dressed.
Thanks for sharing its awesome
Thanks for watching!
Super nice!
Awesome job on the camper 👍
Glad you liked it!
I like the idea of a van or rig like this, but where is the toilet? When nature calls and it's pouring rain or snow or just plain cold, you need that option. Especially if it's #2.
I would have added a sleeper over the truck cab, but hey, I like this guys organization and skills very much and well done!!
*Beautiful video!* 🇨🇦 *:D*
Glad you liked it!
Not sure about the propane fire in such a small enclosure, if someone went south you might be dealing with poisoning? But hey your probably know that I have safety in mind & looks like you camp in cold weather a lot. PS I have a 02 Tacoma with a cool custom metal shell w/ rear entry door as well
Ok it is a super cool build,but come on man we need details! How did ,or who made this? Is it easy to make? Was it expensive? All aluminum, how was it welded? How was it attached to the bed.Its like hanging a steak in front of a hungry lion.lol
Paul and his son built it together, hence not having all those specs but we must say, they did an epic job :)
@Tob,
Links and that information 'is in the description below'.
Nice setup
We feel the same 😊