VAN TOUR | Our DIY Tiny Home for Van Life | INCREDIBLE Conversion with Murphy Bed
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- Опубликовано: 25 май 2021
- The time has finally come to share all of the features of our self-built van conversion after 6 months of building through the winter (would not recommend a winter build)!
We wanted to build a van with as much flexibility as possible, as our Transit is the mid-roof, non-extended length model. Our main priority was ensuring the space we had was multi-functional and used as best as possible, which is why we settled on installing a murphy bed. With the bed up, we have a beautiful, spacious living room complete with an L-shaped bench and tons of storage underneath. When the bed folds down, it feels like a COMPLETELY different van complete with wall storage and shelves behind the bed. The bed is a full-sized double, but it feels bigger than that due to the layout and space around the mattress.
Fitting a wet bathroom was not an option for our van build, so we carry a porta-potti under our bench and purchased a swivel faucet for our sink to wash up outside of the van if necessary. We also carry a solar shower for more intensive showers.
If you have any questions about our build, feel free to comment down below or join us on Patreon for early access to our content, behind the scenes content about our build and more!
Interested in some of our van life essentials or items from our build? Visit our Amazon page (disclaimer: we receive a small commission if you purchase anything from this online store, thank you for the support!)
www.amazon.ca/shop/richandkir...
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We are a couple of full-time travel dreamers who decided to pack up our lives to explore the world - and then 2020 happened. After flying back home, we were not ready to give up our new lifestyle yet, so we bought a minivan, converted it into a DIY minivan camper, and drove across Canada in search of beautiful campsites and stunning mountains to climb. We are currently on a different sort of adventure, converting a Ford Transit cargo van into our new full-time home on wheels in hopes of exploring North America and conquering more mountains - and hopefully even the Arctic Ocean!
Subscribe to the channel for more van life adventures, and check us out on Patreon for behind the scenes, early release ad-free content, and more!
www.patreon.com/richandkirsten
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Inquires: richandkirsten7@gmail.com
you do not need to be embarrassed that you drink instant coffee. it remains the most popular method for people making coffee at home. we do the same when we are backcountry camping and it is fine. excellent design, especially the murphy bed. good job.
Great job and such a cute home on wheels. I am hoping you don't come to regret your memory foam mattress. I personally highly dislike memory foam because I remembers how your body impression is, but it doesn't FORGET! Don't be surprised if you switch places sleeping or switch your normal position that you fond an imprint that just won't spring back. I sleep mostly on my back, slightly propped up because of breathing issues and I'm usually leaning more to the left than the right. I ended up having a big dent where I had to sorta roll up a hill to turn right. I really hope you don't have that issue since there are two of you and many different positions, whereas, I'm always in the position I described and I'm the only one in this bed which is an Xtra-long twin.
Love the colors in your van and instead of plastic plants try silk ones. They have gotten so good that you're really needing to look hard or even touch it to see if it's real or not. Another option you could try is succulents. They can be sorely neglected and if they get watered even a time or two a month the rather flourish like that.
If you haven't seen it already, as you trek West, I highly recommend you make the effort to explore Waterton Glaguer National Park. It's definitely a bucket list kinda place. I week through the USA side (Glaucer) but you probably will see the part I would love to see on the Canadian 🍁 side.
You didn't say if you have them, but heated floors would come in very handy while exploring that park.
Happy travels and again great build.
It’s so beautiful guys. Great great job.
Thank you 🥰
I love this build and all the clever storage. The one thing I would do is put in a wall with a pocket door to block off the front cab. It turns a van into a tiny home. It also helps regulate the temperature in the van.
Fantastic layout of the campervan, especially the Murphy bed idea. Love it! You 2 are inspiring a lot of people who wish to do something like this. I included. Started with a mini van and used it once so far earlier this spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg Tennessee. Loved it!
Thank you! If you love the minivan you’d absolutely LOVE a bigger van build
It’s a very beautiful home on wheels! Totally appreciating all the effort it must have taken!!!!!!
Thank you 🥰
Nico💖❣️
Wow it is fantastic! Well done and enjoy every moment of your journey. Safe travels!
Your bed is the coolest!!! The whole build is beautiful!
Thank you! 😊
Love the built-in headboard! Brillliant!
great job you two! I can't wait to experience the pride of having completed such a project and the excitement of all that comes next. Thank you for keeping me motivated to keep going!
Good luck! Thanks for following along 😊
Good job Rich, you scored the most beautiful van girl on RUclips!!!
I agree 😊
This is the perfect setup!
Beautiful build. Great layout and design. Thanks for sharing. Have a fantastic and safe journey.
Greetings from Camilla in Denmark ☀️
Thank you Camilla! ❤️😊
Love it!!
Nescaffe coffee is gr8.
I love ur van,
It's brilliant.
Ur very brave showering in cold water.
Safe journey & stay happy
Thank you so much! 😊
Best layout, genius.. best way to keep bed & body clean... if I have it, the only thing I would change is the faucet ... so I can wash everything outside before get in
Great layout, love the Murphy bed!…and beautiful attention to detail. Perfection! Love that you use ‘real’ crockery and glassware. Had a similar experience with the portapotti!… decided that we used it so little for the space it took up to switch to a ‘bivvy loo’ for those emergency middle of the night needs. Collapsible, lightweight and tiny in comparison! Even used it through lockdown when all campground facilities were closed ( with a pop up utility tent) and no ‘walk of shame’ to empty the tank…except for taking the little bags to dispose. Only a friendly suggestion. Enjoy every moment of your beautiful home on wheels :) x
We actually quite like this idea! Still haven’t used the portapotti and have been in the van full time for a week now. It’s been very easy to find public washrooms/ground toilets so far!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the bed!
Thank you!! 😊
Your new home turned out very nice! Great job you guys!
Thank you! We’re very pleased - seems like the hard work payed off 😊
Your aesthetic is beyond compare. Great style and attention to detail. Loving the bed area, both up and down. Well done you two! 👍
Thanks for the kind words! It was a labour of love for sure
Yipppppppeeeeeeeee ...now you will be able to fully enjoy the fruits of ALL your labors of love : ) Go forth and make new priceless memories....hugs to you both : )
Hahah thank you so much ❤️
Love your Murphy bed !! You guys did a terrific job!!
Thanks Sherry! We’re really loving our build on the road
Great build.
Love it guys!
Thank you! Glad you love it! 😊
Missed you last week so I was overjoyed to see this video this evening
Hi Carole! We’ll be back on our Sunday schedule hopefully in the next few weeks
Love the Murphy bed idea!!👍👍
We’re loving the Murphy bed so far!
Swivel seats up front are a must for one of these builds and so usable for short term at best. To bad... The rest is pretty cool for a small van. thanks for sharing...
Great job on the van build and tour... safe travels out west.
Thanks Wendy!
Honestly this entire van makeover vlogs were an aspirational emotion for me, such dedication and passion has gone into making such a magnificent home on wheels. it’s so perfect for an awe inspiring Canadian outback countryside experience , only that side of the vast North American landscape can offer. Enjoyed every moment. The best Van makeover and an even more tastefully designed and decorated interior. It’s truly reflects your tastes and expectations in every design element. Fabulousness Personified 👏🏻👏🏻Kudos to u two. Have an even more jaw dropping experience in all your travels. Safe trips & love from India 🇮🇳.
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊
very clever design and great use of space. enjoy your travels
Thank you!
Nice build !!
Great room tour, and very good conversion. I like your layout, i also have a murphy bed in my second van.
Greetings from Germany......
Thanks Roland! Wouldn’t go back from the Murphy bed now
Very well thought out and built.
Well edited as well.
Liked and subscribed 👍
Thank you so much! 😊❤️
Well done guys. Your van looks great !
Thank you so much! 🙏
Love all of it. Cruise control is a must for us though, especially for my knees.
It’s certainly on our list to get it installed, it makes the long drives a lot easier
Love the Murphy bed. Actually edited it to say I love your entire van.
Haha thank you so much ❤️
Great set up and all the best in your future adventures
Thank you! 🙏
Great van build. It feels like this entire video is a very long commercial. 😂
love it❤️
Wow, your finished product is beautiful ! Can't wait to see where you will go with the new home. Love your videos, keep them coming. When the borders open you should tour the US.
Thank you! We’re already planning a west coast road trip in the US and into the rockies
@@RichandKirsten Nice, Im east coast, enjoy and show vids please.
That Murphy bed 💗💗💗. I would have placed a small tv. On that bed.. flip up👍
Love those magnet hooks. 🧲 🧲 🧲
They are clutch! So incredibly strong
I´m from Brasil, and I loved your bed, your kitchen... Ok, I loved all your home! :)
Hahaha, thank you so much! 😊
Love, love, love your van. My husband and I want to have a weekend van so this design would be perfect since we will be staying in campsites with shower blocks.
Was thinking of just having the bed a bit higher to slightly increase the height of the couch to incorporate a dog crate area underneath or similar. Anyway, love everything and your vlog style so subbed 😀
Thank you! The higher bed and bench would totally work with a high roof version of our van! We were limited by roof height but the high roof transit has an extra 10 inches! You could put a full sized queen if you wanted too!
Murphy Beds and Hydraulic Beds are the only way to go, in my opinion.
Love, love,LOVE your dress! 👗
Thank you 🥰
this deserves more views, great van tour! I'm impressed you did the build during the winter. I live in Norway and bought my van in february, but waited it out until spring time to start the build, due to the cold temperatures outside.
Thanks Ingrid! The only benefit of a winter van build is having it finished for summer 🤣
Nico❣️💖
Awesome video! This channel is soooo underrated. I knew already since the very first van transformation. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the kind words! So excited to share our van life
I know
Just found your channel, really like it gonna watch the transformation video
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed 😊
The pivoting faucet! Also perfect for a short post-swim shower in the swimsuit.
Haha yeah - no ones getting swimmers inch this year! lol
Awesome video 📹 👌 👍Stay connected 😊
This van is stunning, well done . But the toilet situation makes me feel old. 🤣
We have a 2017 Ford Transit that we use for our camper trailer tow vehicle and it has been great, diesel standard length and low roof. Just wanted to mention any option that you van did not come with can be installed by any Ford dealer. Can't imagine being without a cruise control. Great job on the van. It never ceases to amaze me that people blow an extra 30K to get a Mercedes.
That’s awesome, we love hearing about people who have vans that aren’t the high roof, it seems so rare! We might have to get it installed in the future, it’s on the list. We feel the same way too about the extra money on the Mercedes, seems crazy to us! AWD was one of our must have features, so to get that with Merecedes was going to be astronomical in cost.
your van is a dream, loved it! the bed is great!!
Thank you! Having a full double bed is actually a dream
I know I wish you would make another
Came for the Van but shocked to see The MTR Paneer Makhani (as an Indian)😆
😂😂😂
Starbucks Via is actually really good coffee. I tried it iut for camping about a decade ago and love it so much it's all I drink now unless I am using my espresso machine. I've tried Nescafe, Maxwell House, Sanka, Maude's, and a few others, and Starbucks Via is the best instant coffee by far. My favorite is the Italian Roast. The Columbian Roast is also really good. They are all good. I used to order the 50 pack directly from Starbucks, but they closed their online store, so I get it from Amazon now.
Very nice.
Thank you!
I have that instant coffee too. No shame girl!!!
Finally
People not wearing their shoes in the interior space 😅
I just subscribed! Your voices are so soothing and this video is honestly so underrated!
Thank you! We're having fun with these!
Nice job
Thank you!
Holy shit Rich, over 100k views? That's amazing.
😅
Wow, a Murphy bed! They have only been around since at least 1885
Look up shower toga, it may help with showering outside.
Very nice 👍🏼.. if you could recommend another van 🚐.. what would it be ?!
Beautiful van build guys! We love all the small touches and details you included throughout the build. Elliot is the same as Rich in that he also eats a banana a day 🍌
Thanks guys! The banana addiction is real haha
Get a Berkeley water filter system.... we. Love ours....
They’re pretty cool! Right now we use a gravity bag, takes a little while but we like it
I love this van! May I ask how much was the total price? (Including the van itself & decor, etc)
U guys should do a collard with Kara and Nate
I mean collab
Can you tell me what hardware you use for your Murphy Bed. I like how you maximized you storage space.
When you say van house, I remember Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon's moments together in Patrick's van house❤. #thementalist #themenatlistfan
By the way, your van house is so cool and amazing❤
Thank you! 🙏
Lindo demais
❤️
Very Nice Build. Would you mind sharing the Murphy Bed Kit/Hardware you used. TIA.
Hi Ross, thank you! There’s a link in the description of this video to our Amazon page that has the hardware on it 😊 happy building!
We have the same size Transit van but have a problem with the bed. Do you sleep front to back or side to side? We had designed a side to side bed but miscalculated and I don’t fit side to side on our bed. Front to back is even shorter. Just curious the exact measurements of your Murphy bed and how it lays. If there’s a different video I might watch, please let me know. Thanks so much!
did you happen to test the water 'resistance' of the flooring? some flooring when wet can totally delaminate overnight. ( something I learnt and was very surprised) great that you are using a portable induction, they allow you lost of options and work great when in the wind, not like gas.
We haven’t tested it but this is a good idea, we still have one plank left over 😏
@@RichandKirsten soak a small piece in water, hopefully you don't get a nasty surprise.
What a nice video, my friend! Amazing van life! Your free life style is adorable.. Enjoyed watching. Cheers from Russia, Rich 🙂✌ , and welcome to my channel about bushcraft and survival! Best regards, Yuriy!
Thanks so much! Happy adventuring 😊
New subscriber here 😇
Welcome! Thank you for subscribing 😊
love your layout and the bed, but if there is no ventilation, wont there be moisture under the mattress?
We do have slats under the mattress and air flows through the bed frame pretty well
i would 100% live in this if it had a shower/toilet
Does a porta potti and solar shower count? 😂
What is the red one for a sweet little cooker? Is it also from Amazon ?
What’s the color of your cabinets? They look very pretty! Off white or beige? Would you mind telling me which brand? Thanks in advance.
Thank you! They’re Benjamin Moore Elmira White. We love the colour - it’s a beige/grey colour
Hi, I'm from Brazil. please what material is the ceiling cladding made?
Hello! Our ceiling is made from 1/4 inch maple plywood
I love this video. You guys should be on HGTV
Hahah, thank you Ashura! We're really honing our craft haha
I want to make you a shirt that says "Future Us Problem"
Gnocchi!!
If we could live off gnocchi alone, we might haha
Pothos live is shade and dark...and need water monthly.
Good thing all our plants are plastic 🤷🏼♀️
i wonder, have you googled "pocket rocket" before without any other words? I wonder how many times someone wanted a portable stove but got a page of toys in various colors ... :)
😂😂😂 yes it’s a terrible name choice by MSR LOL
Just fyi co2 is heavier than air it should be placed much lower
showering and dishes without hot water only works if you boil the water. grease doesnt care about cold water neither does dirt. its a no for me. water heaters are cheap, and small :(
You stayed in forest most of the time. You dont need that toilet. Just a mini shovel and youre good to go😄😄😄
Hahaha funny you mentioned the mini shovel, ours is orange
Would this cope at all in the winter?
For sure - it’s insulated and has a 2000W gasoline heater
@@RichandKirsten ah nice, was hoping to build something similar for the alps (and maybe even ship it for a season in canada)
You didn't mention how tall you are, sir...when talking about medium height of cab.
Rich is 5’10” - interior height of the van is about 5’9”
@@RichandKirsten thanks, I'm 4'11"...so shouldn't be a problem.🤣 Looking at that VERY same van 4 my journey.
Travel safe (following)!
Great build, but I'm concerned about Rich's posture. The stooping can't be good for that.
A fair concern! Lucky it’s not too much and he doesn’t spend too much time standing in the van because I (Kirsten) do most of the cooking
anyway. Size bed is that? He didn't look like he really fit.
The bed is a full sized double - 74” front to back, 54” side to side
Ford was using outdated, non usb c, in 2020? Not Mercedes.
Can someone tell me what “DIY” means. It’s on every video and I can’t figure what it means.?
DIY means “do it yourself” - everything you see was built by us - the cabinets, the faces of them, the bed, electrical and plumbing system
That makes sense. Do it yourself. Now I feel dumb.🤣
😂 all questions are valid!
No Hot water?... Dishes need to be disinfected... Come one!! Nice van... But don't be lazy, add the hot water.
Would would someone be embarrassed for the coffee?
A good coffee addict maybe haha
How tall are you?
5’10”
Hard to wash greasy stuff without hot water.
Just use soap! Works great for us