On my build I went with a 1 inch thick rubber flooring throughout. Tractor Supply stores sell them in 6x4 pieces ($60). You can't get any more durable than that plus it helps a lot with reducing road noise, better foot traction and is an additional thick insulation barrier. They are fairly easy to cut with a regular jigsaw with a fresh blade.
I never miss a video. Love you and Akela, what an awesome dog. I'm just starting my van build, at 68 years old it's a slow build, but it'll be done in a couple months, nothing fancy, just minimal to start.
Hubby is a flooring contractor: NEVER peel and stick, it won't last. Our van is a weekend no build slide in camper because it's day job, during the week is hubby's work van. Right now there's a rubber work van floor that I jus put a throw rug over and that's great. Rubber floor can be hosed out LOL> Not sure what floor we will put in when he retires next year and we build permanent, but I am a fan of the rubber floor!
30 yr. Van Lifer nomad: Indoor outdoor full-van rug. with cheap easy cleaning rubber place/area mats for doors and walk area... easy to throw away and buy new ones. Aloha
#4, if you want a quicker solution maybe you can build a quick box around your heater so you can store things on top and use that larger box its stored in
Good afternoon beautiful! For your floors - you need vinyl luxury tile. I have it throughout my house. I also have 2 Rottweilers. It doesn’t scratch at all! Plus - it’s waterproof. I had wood before and the dogs’ nails ruined it, but this stuff is the bomb! Edit: forgot to add it looks exactly like wood.
LVT is the one yeah - second that. The relevant bit of information for scratching is the ‘wear layer’, thicker better - this will range from less than half a mm upwards!
Funny, I’m going with that life proof waterproof scratched stone flooring! Been look at it for like 8 months. I’m careful 🤪 but hey, I’m on my second cargo trailer conversion, and I’ve watched tiny home, van conversions for years and years, and I’m still in the middle of my build... changing my mind and tearing things out and starting over with this and that. I’m calling it a hobby now 😂
Regarding large sinks in vans: I understand why people like large, deep sinks, especially for washing dishes. But are they really worth it? Is it worth the loss of precious counter space and storage space under the sink for slightly increased convenience a few minutes every day? What about a small sink and a large, collapsible wash basin for washing dishes, vegetables, etc? Just use the basin for washing stuff and rinse directly over the small sink. Thoughts?
I have the life proof in flooring in my van and I’m very impressed at how strong it is. I’ve been pretty rough on it and it holds up. I’ll definitely use it in future builds,
over the years Ive found that the very best flooring for any camping vehicle is cabinet grade plywood with several coats of paint. Its easy to clean nd when it shows wear you just paint it again! you can totally change the feel of the space by painting the floor a different color or design. A lot of people overlook all the space available UNDER the vehicle for stuff like heaters and longer term storage.. it does take some diy skills
I haven’t installed my flooring yet but I’m using a vinyl click tile. I was tempted to do what you did for a sink but in the end I found a “real” sink for under $100… it’s not super big. 12x12” and 5.5” deep. I think having a “square” sink even if it is smallish will be better than a bowl because the depth is at least consistent. I love your channel. You are so inspiring. I’m 42 and about halfway done my first van. Promaster like yours!! Watching your videos has helped me have the confidence to do it myself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I am so proud of everything I’ve done so far. If you ever get up through Canada or go to Alaska stop on your way. I live in Whitehorse Yukon. You would love it here. Definitely come in the summer though. Winters are super cold. Like -40.
We were going to put down a similar vinyl tung and groove floor like yours in our van, but I stained and polyurethane d the plywood under layer, and I kinda like it like that. Once it’s worn, we may still cover it with some kind of vinyl. I just saw the part where you talk about your batteries, and noticed that the stained plywood behind it is what our floor looks like with a clear coat of polyurethane over it. (I’m one of those who comments and edits as I watch the video). Yes, I love Elsa Ray ( sorry if I butchered the spelling) and Baron, and Kamp!
Look at cork flooring, inexpensive, easy on the feet (& paws) also brings a bit of insulation so it's not an ice cold floor in the winter if you go wood floor go 3/4 inch or even 1 inch thick because 1/2 inch plywood is too thin to handle the abuse of full time living
A tip I saw for storage , which I love and will be using. Pillow cases. Store jackets and sleeping bags in pillow cases and use them as pillows! Storage in plane sight! Just a thought! Love your channel! 💗
Suggestion for flooring: Engineered flooring. Most laminated flooring planks are press board with a VERY thin layer of wood laminate. Press board is sawdust with interior glue and bubbles after it gets wet. The lamination is so thin that it scratches incredibly easily. Engineered wood is more expensive BUT it's plywood with a much thicker wood laminate. I test flooring planks in building supply display samples by taking out my car key and seeing if the "wood" indents or scratches. That's how I decided on engineered flooring planks.
we put in the peel n stick vinyl floor. i really like it, but i had to use extra flooring adhesive. I laid a few down just with the adhesive that comes on it and it's trash lol. But after redoing it with the additional adhesive i do like it quite a bit.
Don't be so hard on yourself, for a beginner, you did a fantastic job. The way you did your floor initially made sense, I have seen loads of people use it. I loved watching you do your build, keep it up. 👍
I really appreciate both flooring videos. It made me rethink my plan and restored my common sense. For two decades, I had the most destructive of all creatures in my home. (ominous music) A BOY. Over the years, I spoke to other women who were also so inflicted and, try as we might, we couldn't come up with a boy-proof floor. When he trashed his brand new laminate floor by trying to make fire by rubbing two sticks together (he succeeded - that was a... discussion with his father) I made my decision. I went to The Depot of Homes and there was granted 3/4 inch tongue in groove plywood sheathing. I'm crafty, so I painted it in his favorite colors and a geometric pattern, then gave BOTH SIDES about half a dozen coats with polyurethane. The floor went in like giant laminate planks in less than 20 minutes. He was in love with the pattern and the red racing stripes. (I got a BOY HUG and heard those rare and magical words, "Thanks mom.") Then he could trash it. He could spill glue and paint on it. He could dismantle a broken microwave on it. He could dump his pockets full of sand and collected stones on it, walk on that, then lie that he took a shower right before bed and it was all fine. (You learn to pick your battles. At least I kept most of his experiments contained in one room.) And I did not care. When we moved, we patched the holes in the walls, painted, and had carpet installed. Good as new. For my skoolie, I think I'm doing something similar. I'll put a sheet of the cheapest 'off the roll' vinyl down to spare my subfloor and chassis from moisture, then put plywood coated with honed epoxy between the cabinets where you can see it and will walk on it. I'll be able to do the whole thing in three big pieces with edging to cover the seams by the cabinets. It's the only way to be sure. If things get bad I can either recoat it or replace it. No issues. No heartbreak. No tears or regrets.
@10:09 "I didn't know they were gonna be there!?" - love seeing you fangirl over other vanlifers. Warms the cockles of my heart, so it does. I wish I could go but, you know... can't leave Australia for the time being... Have a great time!
Mensajor 12x12" x 9 deep sink, I love mine. My Espaecher heater is under my passenger seat, & you are a good mom making Akela's space big. you can always put a false wall in it to store stuff. Yes, another project.... I get it, I just built my bulkhead cover last weekend. SIGH.... Im 60 and am tired of building, a new carpenter is making 3 drawer set for garage area. ROCKLER in Minnesota has GREAT heavy duty drawer slides. You would LOVE LOVE LOVE my panty. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my pantry. 2 sets of heavy duty slides
You are such a good teacher, and so real about the ups and downs of build-outs. And how much work it really is! I am almost 72 and building out my 2000 Dodge 1500 van by myself. Got the roof fan installed thanks to your fan video! I decided on sheet vinyl flooring, it's tough and waterproof. The electrical system has me a bit perplexed but I will have a very simple system, no solar. I'm a camper / traveler, not a van lifer, but the buildout goal is the same: It has to work for the individual. Thank you for all the great videos!!!
Wonder if a 5 gallon bucket would drop into your sink hole. Suggest laying yoga mats over scratched wood flooring. 12v electric blanket and 12v electric clothing are options for heat.
You can use glue in the tongue and groove and it makes it waterproof. if scratching does occur, wa x, polyurethane, something to seal the top. just my 2 cents worth.
I seen a van where this guy built his bed high like the ones you see over the cab of a RV and his garage was huge. Harder to get in the bed but the garage storage was amazing. But if I was to build one I would make it so I could at least sit up in bed.
I'm doing a quick build. I am a month in, and I plan on hitting the road in a few weeks. I'm an experienced builder. and I plan on finishing the build on the road. Just wanted to offer a quick suggestion for the vinyl click lock flooring. they make a very nice waterproofing epoxy that fills in and protects the flooring and makes it a lot more durable. you would probably need to pour and let it sit for a night or two while you stay out of the van while it cures. but when it is done it is way more durable than anything else on the market and completely waterproof. there are a number of different companies at many different price points but you should be able to protect and seal your floor for way less than redoing it. happy motoring, hope to see you out there.
Old English furniture polish will help the floor scratch’s,don’t for get to get a cutting board for the new sink to cover it up ,marine batteries deep cell will last long too,
Wow! That event sounds awesome! I don’t have my vehicle yet - (I’m seriously looking at getting a type 3 ambulance), but I might need to make a road trip in my Prius V! It would be so cool to meet you guys. ✨😎✨
You are right about storage. I elected to devote the entire rear with a garage, where the bottom is for mtb and road bike, upper for kiteboarding and camping gear. The bed is a murphy style king single behind the driver seat with under bed storage which also acts as a bench seat when up.
Awesome info! We are still trying to find our right “buy it” moment for a diesel heater! Safety is our biggest concern but we’ve heard so many positive things about them. Thanks for sharing! 🤙
Happy for you and me, Ha Ha! I loved watching your build and i will love your new build. Its such an exciting time for van builders now. With the fairly cheap hi tops available now and elect advancements a van is real traveling room/home anymore. Its so neat to be able to go off grid for real. I used to hate finally getting to the campground and then have to go back to civililization for ice and supplys every few days. I dont think i will be able again as im 72 with bad health but the love is still there. I vanned back in the we got us a convoy days and it was sure fun. That get together sounds like a blast. I hope ya can video it if your not all tied up.
I used to live right over the hill from the sand dunes, in Salida. I’m about 3 hours from there now. Wow, it sure woulda been nice to meet you and the others! And ikea 😁
Soooo.. that is quite a list. So here are my thoughts. Space is always a challenge in vanlife. Maybe raise your bed a few inches, or make your dog space smaller. (like you never thought of that). And about your floor.. You know when you are travelling and you find something special that represents that area or its people. I think of Gallup NM and all the things the Navajo's sell that could add to the decor of the van. Anyway.. back to the floor. Life happens. Scratches and such will be there with most of the available applications of flooring. My advice is to embrace it. Its a scratch, or a scuff. As long as its structurally sound, and not hurting anything, call it a memory and leave it at that. Great video. Would it be a big deal to move your heater under the passenger seat? My two cents is worth about .. nothing really. lol. I wish you well in your travels.
Just stumbled across this, and have to agree with your reasons, The floor, if you use sectional fake hardwood flooing, varnish it! simple tip but it stops the moisture getting in. Once the internals start separating it's never getting better, you're litterally on a countdown to replace it. :-( Sink... that is tiny! I'd also put the tap away from the passage/opening of the door as it's vulnerable to damage and restricts the doorway. Batteries, I estimate the power requirements and then 50% or 100% more, the more you have the less you use pro-rata so the batteries last longer, both in time of use and total lifespan. I used 400Ah on my boat and those batteries are still holding voltage 10 years on, not so great on the Ah though. Heater, move it! it might mean a rethink on the pipeing, but they have I think 6m of output that you can utilise, and an early exit will make that able to be longer too, boat had a total of 8m from heater to furthest outlet, 5 outlets in total on a 4Kw heater. Th beauty of a self build is you can change things that don't work, so shorten the "kennel", make things removable if need be like drawers in the back, and free up the heater space for more starage. That is one thing you cannot have enough of. :-D Good luck.
Thank you! I love how you started with what you knew and forged ahead with building your van to share your "mistakes" with the rest of us! so helpful! You are delightfulful!
My van is an emergency shelter for if needed for whatever reason and since I hate to travel I would never live in it full time unless a disaster occurred. So my van is a no-build but those looking to build their vans should learn vicariously from the success and failures of other van builders. Take it step by step, trying out each one to see how it works for you, then continue. When living in a van, less is more and it doesn't need everything a house has.
Congrats on being selected to the van build team. That is an awesome area - I lived 26 years in Colorado Springs and Jeep'd all around the state, the jeep trails coming in the back way to the Sand Dunes was one of my favorite(s). Elsa and Barron bought a bunch of land out that way and are living there (I watch that channel too) About the only thing I could add is what I did with my Jeep Cherokee since I had to pack it for 'just in case' scenario due to my offroading adventures - nets and bungie cords for extra storage. It works great and doesn't chew up space. Keep up the good work. Tell Akela that Jeff says HI! :).
Sheet vinyl is the way to go. Make sure to use the correct glue (most people mess up this part) AND let the glue be exposed to air for a few hours before laying down the vinyl.
I used a waterproof vinyl laminate flooring in my box truck. It's been great so far and it's super easy to install, even though I'm still far from finished. I have a video installing it on my channel. Also, great news about the "build off"! I'm sure tons of popular vanlifers will be there. You'll do great!
I just saw the van build series playlist of 30 videos in the last 24 hours, I loved it .. very good work, it inspired me to continue with some projects that I had abandoned, and someday to make my very own van🙂
Get the pressed kind like Prego flooring won’t dent scratch etc or go with the new tongue and groove vinyl both good for your van NEXT TIME take your key in the store see if you can put a scratch in it shows up every time
I just finished installing my Chinese diesel heater under my passenger seat in my promaster. I actually started watching your videos a few weeks ago, starting with your heater install. So thanks for the pointers! Underneath the passenger seat works but it was a pain. Had to do all kinds of shit to make it work but seems to be alright. I love the sand dunes and I live in Colorado I gotta go to this!! And I am still building my van!! Omg! Yasss!!! 🚐🥳
I have watched your entire build series as I am planning a van build very soon. This was fun to watch and I learned some hard earned lessons during your process. What was striking was your transformation from start to finish. Watching you figure out problems very candidly from the very beginning and working through them was helpful. I'm super inspired and excited to get mine rolling!!
Gutted sounds awesome. Who owns the van that is being built and what will be done with it when it's finished? I've watched all your build videos and I know that you're going to crush it.
You will never have enough space ..lol & if you did you will fill it ! I too am faced with this same kind of thing .. Everything must have its own resting place / home .. I am learning to hate the word storage period .. storage eats up money & time ! Minimal life style is a individual thing .. thriving on less with less is my goal .. stuff increases weight that I will haul everywhere I go .. less stuff less weight .. it’s so hard to let go ! Down sizing .. adjusting to Minimalism .. simple living .. I don’t have the space to haul storage .. needs verses wants ! I’ve been living in my one ton G30 Van for over four years now & rebuilt the inside more times than I can count .. lighter cabinets .. simple layout .. light weight off grid mobile shelter .. with no clutter is my goal .. no stuffed every space & no digging for anything!
If you can Add a Bluetti AC200P in leau of the Lead Acid battery you can have 25 amps 12Volts and 2000 Watt Inverter and 4 times the Run Time 2000 Watts Lithium Power.
I just wanted to pop in really quick to let you know that I successfully the installation of wiring for our trailer, including the inverter, battery, etc. I kind of had that "wow, it actually worked!" moment that you did, and I cannot thank you enough for the great help your videos and recommended links provided in getting me to this point. Now we're just waiting for our 200w solar system to arrive so I can go through THAT adventure-of-an-install (doing this with a trailer that has a curved roof is going to be.....challenging). Oh, and those puck lights are AMAZING!!! We only installed four of them and have PLENTY of light. Again, thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone, and I'm looking forward to more content!
Glad to see you back on the road. So there is nothing on your list that you can't change/remodel. When you move into a new home (house, apartment, van) no matter how well you plan up front there are always that's that you look back at and what to do differently. The place is never really finished. Just budget the time and money to make it happen. Keep wandering and stay safe.
Gear will sneak up on you one way or the other 😄. Even as a minimalist Vanlifer, spring cleaning needs to happen occassional. What usually happens is one minimizes to live in a van and then acquires a bunch of Vanlife specific things you didn't realize you wanted/needed. And you wonder where all your storage went.
I am not a van lifer by any means, but if I wanted a floor that was 100% weatherproof, Id have to go with an epoxy resin floor. Lots of people have been doing this in their homes lately. I once saw a youtube where someone layered their entire floor with pennies, then poured clear resin over it. It looked quite impressive.
great an nice/looking forward to the van build/maybe paint some acryic clear coat over the flooring-it would seal between the lapped joints an seal the floor also /after painting a coat on-you will have to vent the area until it dries/anyway read instructions on the can-a quart would be plenty-an have some left for second coat/thanks much
On my build I went with a 1 inch thick rubber flooring throughout. Tractor Supply stores sell them in 6x4 pieces ($60). You can't get any more durable than that plus it helps a lot with reducing road noise, better foot traction and is an additional thick insulation barrier. They are fairly easy to cut with a regular jigsaw with a fresh blade.
I never miss a video. Love you and Akela, what an awesome dog. I'm just starting my van build, at 68 years old it's a slow build, but it'll be done in a couple months, nothing fancy, just minimal to start.
How'd it go?
Hubby is a flooring contractor: NEVER peel and stick, it won't last. Our van is a weekend no build slide in camper because it's day job, during the week is hubby's work van. Right now there's a rubber work van floor that I jus put a throw rug over and that's great. Rubber floor can be hosed out LOL> Not sure what floor we will put in when he retires next year and we build permanent, but I am a fan of the rubber floor!
I only started because of the Van build, But stayed because of your sole :) you just give so much x.
30 yr. Van Lifer nomad: Indoor outdoor full-van rug. with cheap easy cleaning rubber place/area mats for doors and walk area... easy to throw away and buy new ones. Aloha
Mr. McGyver over here! Wink
We used vinyl sheet flooring and a collasable tub for dishes. Works great and we have all of our counter free. Usually do dishes outside.
Collapsable tub is a good idea. We used one in our last van layout but this time we're going for a sink. May or may not be a good idea.
#4, if you want a quicker solution maybe you can build a quick box around your heater so you can store things on top and use that larger box its stored in
I was thinking of this too!! I think it’s a great solution to give a little extra space!
Good afternoon beautiful! For your floors - you need vinyl luxury tile. I have it throughout my house. I also have 2 Rottweilers. It doesn’t scratch at all! Plus - it’s waterproof. I had wood before and the dogs’ nails ruined it, but this stuff is the bomb!
Edit: forgot to add it looks exactly like wood.
Is that the brand name? Luxury tile?
LVT is the one yeah - second that. The relevant bit of information for scratching is the ‘wear layer’, thicker better - this will range from less than half a mm upwards!
The floor she mentioned, life proof is that.
When you enlarge your sink you could attach a flip up bench on the end to give yourself more counter space.
Funny, I’m going with that life proof waterproof scratched stone flooring! Been look at it for like 8 months. I’m careful 🤪 but hey, I’m on my second cargo trailer conversion, and I’ve watched tiny home, van conversions for years and years, and I’m still in the middle of my build... changing my mind and tearing things out and starting over with this and that. I’m calling it a hobby now 😂
Lol I actually came to that conclusion today with my vintage trailer.
@@MountainGirlwIPA their waterproof versions look great. Heavy, but durable
Hello Linnéa despite the errors, RESPECT!!! I know men who would certainly not have done better!!! Sincerely from Switzerland Jean-Marc
Regarding large sinks in vans: I understand why people like large, deep sinks, especially for washing dishes. But are they really worth it? Is it worth the loss of precious counter space and storage space under the sink for slightly increased convenience a few minutes every day? What about a small sink and a large, collapsible wash basin for washing dishes, vegetables, etc? Just use the basin for washing stuff and rinse directly over the small sink. Thoughts?
I have the life proof in flooring in my van and I’m very impressed at how strong it is. I’ve been pretty rough on it and it holds up. I’ll definitely use it in future builds,
over the years Ive found that the very best flooring for any camping vehicle is cabinet grade plywood with several coats of paint. Its easy to clean nd when it shows wear you just paint it again! you can totally change the feel of the space by painting the floor a different color or design. A lot of people overlook all the space available UNDER the vehicle for stuff like heaters and longer term storage.. it does take some diy skills
Don't know who I Iove more .you or your beautiful playful dog ..sharing is careing ..as long as it does not go too far ..ha ha ha
I haven’t installed my flooring yet but I’m using a vinyl click tile. I was tempted to do what you did for a sink but in the end I found a “real” sink for under $100… it’s not super big. 12x12” and 5.5” deep. I think having a “square” sink even if it is smallish will be better than a bowl because the depth is at least consistent.
I love your channel. You are so inspiring. I’m 42 and about halfway done my first van. Promaster like yours!! Watching your videos has helped me have the confidence to do it myself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I am so proud of everything I’ve done so far.
If you ever get up through Canada or go to Alaska stop on your way. I live in Whitehorse Yukon. You would love it here. Definitely come in the summer though. Winters are super cold. Like -40.
I'm using the same type flooring in my box truck
We were going to put down a similar vinyl tung and groove floor like yours in our van, but I stained and polyurethane d the plywood under layer, and I kinda like it like that. Once it’s worn, we may still cover it with some kind of vinyl. I just saw the part where you talk about your batteries, and noticed that the stained plywood behind it is what our floor looks like with a clear coat of polyurethane over it. (I’m one of those who comments and edits as I watch the video). Yes, I love Elsa Ray ( sorry if I butchered the spelling) and Baron, and Kamp!
Look at cork flooring, inexpensive, easy on the feet (& paws) also brings a bit of insulation so it's not an ice cold floor in the winter
if you go wood floor go 3/4 inch or even 1 inch thick because 1/2 inch plywood is too thin to handle the abuse of full time living
Luxury vinyl tongue and groove is what you might want to look into for flooring. We have 7 dogs and they have yet to scratch it.
A tip I saw for storage , which I love and will be using. Pillow cases. Store jackets and sleeping bags in pillow cases and use them as pillows! Storage in plane sight! Just a thought! Love your channel! 💗
Plain* sight... 😁👍
you could build a frame on top of the heater, and slide in a box, with a lid on the seat
Why do you need a passenger seat? Take it out, put the heater there and build a bench for Akela to sit on. 👍
Just bought my ticket! My van and I will be there!
excited to see the competition
Hey, Thanks for all you videos. I just started my van build and really appreciate you sharing the gritty truth of your experiences.
I admire the transparency. Thanks for sharing.
Suggestion for flooring: Engineered flooring. Most laminated flooring planks are press board with a VERY thin layer of wood laminate. Press board is sawdust with interior glue and bubbles after it gets wet. The lamination is so thin that it scratches incredibly easily. Engineered wood is more expensive BUT it's plywood with a much thicker wood laminate. I test flooring planks in building supply display samples by taking out my car key and seeing if the "wood" indents or scratches. That's how I decided on engineered flooring planks.
I can't wait to get on the road and explore my bucket list.
we put in the peel n stick vinyl floor. i really like it, but i had to use extra flooring adhesive. I laid a few down just with the adhesive that comes on it and it's trash lol. But after redoing it with the additional adhesive i do like it quite a bit.
Don't be so hard on yourself, for a beginner, you did a fantastic job. The way you did your floor initially made sense, I have seen loads of people use it. I loved watching you do your build, keep it up. 👍
Vinyl plank life proof is where it's at for sure
I really appreciate both flooring videos. It made me rethink my plan and restored my common sense.
For two decades, I had the most destructive of all creatures in my home. (ominous music) A BOY. Over the years, I spoke to other women who were also so inflicted and, try as we might, we couldn't come up with a boy-proof floor. When he trashed his brand new laminate floor by trying to make fire by rubbing two sticks together (he succeeded - that was a... discussion with his father) I made my decision.
I went to The Depot of Homes and there was granted 3/4 inch tongue in groove plywood sheathing. I'm crafty, so I painted it in his favorite colors and a geometric pattern, then gave BOTH SIDES about half a dozen coats with polyurethane. The floor went in like giant laminate planks in less than 20 minutes. He was in love with the pattern and the red racing stripes. (I got a BOY HUG and heard those rare and magical words, "Thanks mom.")
Then he could trash it. He could spill glue and paint on it. He could dismantle a broken microwave on it. He could dump his pockets full of sand and collected stones on it, walk on that, then lie that he took a shower right before bed and it was all fine. (You learn to pick your battles. At least I kept most of his experiments contained in one room.)
And I did not care. When we moved, we patched the holes in the walls, painted, and had carpet installed. Good as new.
For my skoolie, I think I'm doing something similar. I'll put a sheet of the cheapest 'off the roll' vinyl down to spare my subfloor and chassis from moisture, then put plywood coated with honed epoxy between the cabinets where you can see it and will walk on it. I'll be able to do the whole thing in three big pieces with edging to cover the seams by the cabinets.
It's the only way to be sure. If things get bad I can either recoat it or replace it. No issues. No heartbreak. No tears or regrets.
I cannot wait 👍 see you there.
@10:09 "I didn't know they were gonna be there!?" - love seeing you fangirl over other vanlifers. Warms the cockles of my heart, so it does. I wish I could go but, you know... can't leave Australia for the time being... Have a great time!
Carpet flooring is best. It allows moisture to escape. Vinyl will trap moisture and cause corrosion.
spray raptor liner for your flooring. it don't scratch easily and really easy to clean
Casey Roman calls those Fairy sinks! I have shallow sink w collapsible dish pan. Works well so far...
The snowboard is something you could have on the roof, like in a roof box
Mensajor 12x12" x 9 deep sink, I love mine. My Espaecher heater is under my passenger seat, & you are a good mom making Akela's space big. you can always put a false wall in it to store stuff. Yes, another project.... I get it, I just built my bulkhead cover last weekend. SIGH.... Im 60 and am tired of building, a new carpenter is making 3 drawer set for garage area. ROCKLER in Minnesota has GREAT heavy duty drawer slides. You would LOVE LOVE LOVE my panty. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my pantry. 2 sets of heavy duty slides
We wish you a lot of fun with your next van build. You'll bring a plethora of knowledge to it. 👍🇺🇲
You are such a good teacher, and so real about the ups and downs of build-outs. And how much work it really is! I am almost 72 and building out my 2000 Dodge 1500 van by myself. Got the roof fan installed thanks to your fan video! I decided on sheet vinyl flooring, it's tough and waterproof. The electrical system has me a bit perplexed but I will have a very simple system, no solar. I'm a camper / traveler, not a van lifer, but the buildout goal is the same: It has to work for the individual. Thank you for all the great videos!!!
Wonder if a 5 gallon bucket would drop into your sink hole. Suggest laying yoga mats over scratched wood flooring. 12v electric blanket and 12v electric clothing are options for heat.
I have shallow sink, i use collasabe tub to do dishes then I can fold down and put it away
Sometimes I wish we could do floor last. I'm totally w you on the dog and dirty floor issue.!
Same!
Ahhhhhh dude that competition build sounds awesome!!!
You can use glue in the tongue and groove and it makes it waterproof. if scratching does occur, wa
x, polyurethane, something to seal the top. just my 2 cents worth.
I seen a van where this guy built his bed high like the ones you see over the cab of a RV and his garage was huge. Harder to get in the bed but the garage storage was amazing. But if I was to build one I would make it so I could at least sit up in bed.
I'm doing a quick build. I am a month in, and I plan on hitting the road in a few weeks. I'm an experienced builder. and I plan on finishing the build on the road. Just wanted to offer a quick suggestion for the vinyl click lock flooring. they make a very nice waterproofing epoxy that fills in and protects the flooring and makes it a lot more durable. you would probably need to pour and let it sit for a night or two while you stay out of the van while it cures. but when it is done it is way more durable than anything else on the market and completely waterproof. there are a number of different companies at many different price points but you should be able to protect and seal your floor for way less than redoing it. happy motoring, hope to see you out there.
This is very helpful - I am going to look into my options and probably go this route soon! Thank you!
Old English furniture polish will help the floor scratch’s,don’t for get to get a cutting board for the new sink to cover it up ,marine batteries deep cell will last long too,
Wow! That event sounds awesome! I don’t have my vehicle yet - (I’m seriously looking at getting a type 3 ambulance), but I might need to make a road trip in my Prius V! It would be so cool to meet you guys. ✨😎✨
Thank you for sharing your challenge with me and the rest of the world.
I've used vinyl plank flooring on 3/4 plywood
I think it's ideal
Being mid build i appreciate you rushing this video out lol. I can't stop watching these "what i regret about my van build" videos
You are right about storage. I elected to devote the entire rear with a garage, where the bottom is for mtb and road bike, upper for kiteboarding and camping gear. The bed is a murphy style king single behind the driver seat with under bed storage which also acts as a bench seat when up.
Awesome info! We are still trying to find our right “buy it” moment for a diesel heater! Safety is our biggest concern but we’ve heard so many positive things about them. Thanks for sharing! 🤙
Haha I totally mirrored your excitement at Elsa and Barron. They are pretty rad
Happy for you and me, Ha Ha! I loved watching your build and i will love your new build. Its such an exciting time for van builders now. With the fairly cheap hi tops available now and elect advancements a van is real traveling room/home anymore. Its so neat to be able to go off grid for real. I used to hate finally getting to the campground and then have to go back to civililization for ice and supplys every few days. I dont think i will be able again as im 72 with bad health but the love is still there. I vanned back in the we got us a convoy days and it was sure fun. That get together sounds like a blast. I hope ya can video it if your not all tied up.
I'm 70 and just now starting a van build with my 50 year old partner who still works as a traveling Healthcare worker.
I used to live right over the hill from the sand dunes, in Salida. I’m about 3 hours from there now. Wow, it sure woulda been nice to meet you and the others! And ikea 😁
Soooo.. that is quite a list. So here are my thoughts. Space is always a challenge in vanlife. Maybe raise your bed a few inches, or make your dog space smaller. (like you never thought of that). And about your floor.. You know when you are travelling and you find something special that represents that area or its people. I think of Gallup NM and all the things the Navajo's sell that could add to the decor of the van. Anyway.. back to the floor. Life happens. Scratches and such will be there with most of the available applications of flooring. My advice is to embrace it. Its a scratch, or a scuff. As long as its structurally sound, and not hurting anything, call it a memory and leave it at that. Great video. Would it be a big deal to move your heater under the passenger seat? My two cents is worth about .. nothing really. lol. I wish you well in your travels.
You can build a roof storage box with tilting solar panel to give you extra storage like we do 😊
Ooh, I like that idea. Did you do a how-to video on it?
@@NomadLifeKiwi not a how to video, but I did a how we did out video 😊. Snow and Curt did a how to video though
Just stumbled across this, and have to agree with your reasons, The floor, if you use sectional fake hardwood flooing, varnish it! simple tip but it stops the moisture getting in. Once the internals start separating it's never getting better, you're litterally on a countdown to replace it. :-( Sink... that is tiny! I'd also put the tap away from the passage/opening of the door as it's vulnerable to damage and restricts the doorway. Batteries, I estimate the power requirements and then 50% or 100% more, the more you have the less you use pro-rata so the batteries last longer, both in time of use and total lifespan. I used 400Ah on my boat and those batteries are still holding voltage 10 years on, not so great on the Ah though. Heater, move it! it might mean a rethink on the pipeing, but they have I think 6m of output that you can utilise, and an early exit will make that able to be longer too, boat had a total of 8m from heater to furthest outlet, 5 outlets in total on a 4Kw heater. Th beauty of a self build is you can change things that don't work, so shorten the "kennel", make things removable if need be like drawers in the back, and free up the heater space for more starage. That is one thing you cannot have enough of. :-D Good luck.
Thank you! I love how you started with what you knew and forged ahead with building your van to share your "mistakes" with the rest of us! so helpful! You are delightfulful!
My van is an emergency shelter for if needed for whatever reason and since I hate to travel I would never live in it full time unless a disaster occurred. So my van is a no-build but those looking to build their vans should learn vicariously from the success and failures of other van builders. Take it step by step, trying out each one to see how it works for you, then continue. When living in a van, less is more and it doesn't need everything a house has.
The best way to start is with a no build. You don't know what your life living in a van is gonna be like until you live in it.
@@TheDawnofVanlife I agree with that statement so much that I could have written it myself.
Get a collapsible sink tub
Congrats on being selected to the van build team. That is an awesome area - I lived 26 years in Colorado Springs and Jeep'd all around the state, the jeep trails coming in the back way to the Sand Dunes was one of my favorite(s). Elsa and Barron bought a bunch of land out that way and are living there (I watch that channel too) About the only thing I could add is what I did with my Jeep Cherokee since I had to pack it for 'just in case' scenario due to my offroading adventures - nets and bungie cords for extra storage. It works great and doesn't chew up space.
Keep up the good work. Tell Akela that Jeff says HI! :).
Sheet vinyl is the way to go. Make sure to use the correct glue (most people mess up this part) AND let the glue be exposed to air for a few hours before laying down the vinyl.
OMG! I have your same bowls.
Great job on your Van! Learned a lot watching your Videos. Just bought my ticket to GUTTED!!!
Could you put a little shelf inside the storage bench to give the heater enough clearance and store things on top of it?
Congrats on getting on the van build team! What fun!
I used a waterproof vinyl laminate flooring in my box truck. It's been great so far and it's super easy to install, even though I'm still far from finished. I have a video installing it on my channel. Also, great news about the "build off"! I'm sure tons of popular vanlifers will be there. You'll do great!
I'm basking I'm the glory of "I told you so!" About the battery. Love you😘
Shut up lol love you too ♥️
I just saw the van build series playlist of 30 videos in the last 24 hours, I loved it .. very good work, it inspired me to continue with some projects that I had abandoned, and someday to make my very own van🙂
Get the pressed kind like Prego flooring won’t dent scratch etc or go with the new tongue and groove vinyl both good for your van NEXT TIME take your key in the store see if you can put a scratch in it shows up every time
We all learn from experience..nothing remains the same except for the loyalty of your dog ..
I just finished installing my Chinese diesel heater under my passenger seat in my promaster. I actually started watching your videos a few weeks ago, starting with your heater install. So thanks for the pointers! Underneath the passenger seat works but it was a pain. Had to do all kinds of shit to make it work but seems to be alright. I love the sand dunes and I live in Colorado I gotta go to this!! And I am still building my van!! Omg! Yasss!!! 🚐🥳
I have watched your entire build series as I am planning a van build very soon. This was fun to watch and I learned some hard earned lessons during your process. What was striking was your transformation from start to finish. Watching you figure out problems very candidly from the very beginning and working through them was helpful. I'm super inspired and excited to get mine rolling!!
I started with Lifeproof and it was not for me but now I have that exact same peel and stick floor in my van and I will eventually change it too 😅
Gutted sounds awesome! I look forward to watching all the content.
Gutted sounds awesome. Who owns the van that is being built and what will be done with it when it's finished? I've watched all your build videos and I know that you're going to crush it.
For scratches, I use Old English. It makes the scratches disappear in my vinyl plank flooring. Works well if you have a dark floor!
You will never have enough space ..lol & if you did you will fill it ! I too am faced with this same kind of thing .. Everything must have its own resting place / home .. I am learning to hate the word storage period .. storage eats up money & time ! Minimal life style is a individual thing .. thriving on less with less is my goal .. stuff increases weight that I will haul everywhere I go .. less stuff less weight .. it’s so hard to let go ! Down sizing .. adjusting to Minimalism .. simple living .. I don’t have the space to haul storage .. needs verses wants ! I’ve been living in my one ton G30 Van for over four years now & rebuilt the inside more times than I can count .. lighter cabinets .. simple layout .. light weight off grid mobile shelter .. with no clutter is my goal .. no stuffed every space & no digging for anything!
If you can Add a Bluetti AC200P in leau of the Lead Acid battery you can have 25 amps 12Volts and 2000 Watt Inverter and 4 times the Run Time 2000 Watts Lithium Power.
I just wanted to pop in really quick to let you know that I successfully the installation of wiring for our trailer, including the inverter, battery, etc. I kind of had that "wow, it actually worked!" moment that you did, and I cannot thank you enough for the great help your videos and recommended links provided in getting me to this point. Now we're just waiting for our 200w solar system to arrive so I can go through THAT adventure-of-an-install (doing this with a trailer that has a curved roof is going to be.....challenging). Oh, and those puck lights are AMAZING!!! We only installed four of them and have PLENTY of light. Again, thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone, and I'm looking forward to more content!
Hi Linnea, I just stumbled across your channel . Your vlogs are awesome & the love you have for Akela really shows thru x
Glad to see you back on the road. So there is nothing on your list that you can't change/remodel. When you move into a new home (house, apartment, van) no matter how well you plan up front there are always that's that you look back at and what to do differently. The place is never really finished. Just budget the time and money to make it happen.
Keep wandering and stay safe.
Thanks for the info!
Event looks kool wish they did single night prices make it more appealing to people just coming to check it out
What about sanded plywood with a great, natural(?) polyurethane for the floor? Great reflections, thanks for your openness!
superb video Linnea & Akela. I smashed that thumbs up on your video. Always keep up the high quality work.
1/2 Rubber flooring is great for durability and added insulation
What a great event and idea. I love that the youth of America are thinking outside the box. Great episode.
I have family in Alamosa & every time we go there we take a day to fly kites at the Dunes!
Gear will sneak up on you one way or the other 😄. Even as a minimalist Vanlifer, spring cleaning needs to happen occassional. What usually happens is one minimizes to live in a van and then acquires a bunch of Vanlife specific things you didn't realize you wanted/needed. And you wonder where all your storage went.
Love to see all the tools you carry day to day !
Would the heater fit in the extra space you have for akelas bed room bc that could kill 2 birds with one stone
I am not a van lifer by any means, but if I wanted a floor that was 100% weatherproof, Id have to go with an epoxy resin floor. Lots of people have been doing this in their homes lately. I once saw a youtube where someone layered their entire floor with pennies, then poured clear resin over it. It looked quite impressive.
Sounds fun..❤❤
great an nice/looking forward to the van build/maybe paint some acryic clear coat over the flooring-it would seal between the lapped joints an seal the floor also /after painting a coat on-you will have to vent the area until it dries/anyway read instructions on the can-a quart would be plenty-an have some left for second coat/thanks much
Laminated vinyl flooring..floats..but glue seal to stop water...
Congrats on the new challenge! Looking forward to watching the videos from the event.