There have been a lot of comments about the door not being waterproof and what I should have explained in the video is we have a shower curtain that you pull across the inside of the door to keep water away from it when in use. You'll see it in the final van tour video. 😃
dear Greg. i thought you mentioned that with the curtain when you explained the ceiling frame. never the less. I'm a little concerned about the untreated raw wood edge in the door (where you put the grill. i don't think this will be a great issue but i would have put some kind of sealant on that edge. some water prove glue or something. just to make sure any condensation gets into the wood. it would be a real shame if this would become an issue later.
I remember some years ago now I was rubbing molding trim around a car window with the flat of my hand, so it would sit or seat down properly after changing the glass.... Omg a big slice of skin just pealed away, right down to the flesh. It was a friction burn. What was shocking was I'd only rubbed it for a few seconds with a medium force. At the hospital I was told how common it is. Good to see you using a cloth. But as you can imagine I'm still haunted by that experience. I'm starting my van build around the end of march 2021 hopefully. I've brought some bits ready. Just planing lay out and kit that I want. Still not sure on what van to buy? transit custom? or fiat boxer or vivaro?. I need about 9.4 feet inside. No more than 17 feet ish, As I'm limited by the length of my drive. Can't wate to get started, my designs unlike any thing I've ever seen, two 6 feet bunks one above the main seating area, a garage another bed above the gararge a shower and kitchen. The figures work out, so we shall see. If I pull this off it will be down to your help and advice. I'll keep you posted.and make a a short video to send you. Thanks Greg.
This channel deserves more recognition. I'm not even a motor home enthusiast yet I watch these videos in awe of the craftsmanship. Look forward to your next installment.
@@GregVirgoe I think I had been watching another channel called The Restoration Couple and the guy on there (Tim) was converting a van into a motor home too. Then through related links I think you must have popped up. Then I just started watching most of your motor home vids since. Enviable skill set.
This has to be one of the best van builds I've seen. You should be on the discovery channel. Your a true craftsmen. This has helped me heaps. Thks for doing these videos.
You Greg... are a very patient man. I tried doing a bit of a build along how to with my build. It’s so hard to stop. Set a camera up and explain all your movements. I would just plough on and miss steps etc. So well done. And 55k subscribers thank you 👍🏻
That is a good idea about venting out the shower with a vent at bottom of shower door. It's details like that make the difference. Thank you for these awesome professional videos!
I had the same problem with the glue backing on the LED strips on a Air spray booth I made. Lasted one night then hung down so like you Hot Glue worked a treat. All this gluing you have done if you ever wanted to get out of Industrial Air you could become a cake Decorator
@@GregVirgoe Thank you for the best in depth videos on this! I'm going to start my little project in a few weeks and your videos are a great inspiration!
@@GregVirgoe I have a Ford E550 boxvan, so not the typical Sprinter, but I hope having everything nice and square will make things a bit easier to build. Ultimately the goal is to live in it for work and travel, fingers crossed 😉
I am so glad that you give the names of the materials that you are using. This is giving me a better idea of what I am in for when the time come when I can acquire my van and get started on my van conversion.
Can't believe how much I learn watching your videos, you are so thorough, absolute treasure, honestly learn more from you than the rest put together. Lovely build series. Thanks.
I'm so glad I found your channel before I started my van conversion. Such a wealth of information and detail, with well-paced, efficient delivery. And your skills are deft! Thanks for such an excellent build series.
We recently bought a 2015 high-roof, extended, 3.5L EcoBoost Transit. I plan on installing a Maxxair fan and close to 900 watts of solar on the roof. I'd like to install a Cruise N Comfort 12v air conditioner (www.cruisencomfortusa.com/hot-rod-series-1/). I watched your electric-panel episode and swooned; it was a thing of beauty. I aspire to that, but I'm just learning about electric. I'm aiming for marine fittings and wiring. Definitely want a shower, with a C-Head toilet that slides in and out of a cabinet next to the shower. We'll put the bed sideways to get more room. Also, a range, deep sink, fresh and grey water tanks. Probably propane for a tiny furnace and the stove.
Your caution and attention to detail is really amazing, but what makes your vids stand out is the way you convey it, so it's not boring. You really have the knack for it.
Nice job Greg, that's a lot of work you've put in to build the cubical but well worth it, it's a shame the big manufacturers don't put this kind of effort into building their interiors.
It was by far the most complicated part of the whole build and the one area that has given me the most sleepless nights. Pleased to say that it has turned out very good and I will report how good it is to use on our travels.
John i am a big fan of all you have done and you have got me through my van build. My shower is where yours is but I built the shower tray from wood then had 5 coats of linex sprayed on which is a waterproof coating it has worked amazingly. I would like to praise you for your videos. Well done Robert Hudson
I see something that could be a huge issue. The shower door is an external door to the shower, therefore water from the shower head will run down the door, and in between the external wall and internal side of the door, onto the floor of the van. Every shower I've seen in an RV, (and the one in my 5th wheel), the door has something that directs the water in to the shower pan. If you covered this in the video I missed it. sorry
I should have said in this video that the door is not built to be waterproof as we have a shower curtain on a rail that pulls across the door inside to keep the water away from it. But well spotted and thanks for the suggestions, really appreciated.
Hi Greg this is the best self build camper I have seen. Well done your work is top notch and I found your videos very useful and as given me some ideas for doing my next van.
You do fantastic work. I wish I had the patience. I have yet to do the “bathroom/shower” on our conversion. Just have a cassette toilet there at the moment but no inside shower pan. Thanks again for explaining everything so carefully.
Thank you very much Victor, it was one area that has given me the most concern with spraying water everywhere. I'm very pleased with how it has turned out but yet to see if it was worth all the effort, watch this space.
I couldn't believe the video was over when I finished. All that time just flies by taking in your handiwork. Good luck finding a handle! Could easily use something like a stall door, think the kind that jet planes use on their bathroom doors? That would work.
Another great tutorial. The finish is fabulous and Ohhh how great is it when you can pull that protective plastic off. It's symbolic! The wee leds are super too!
Greg you never disappoint, thank you so much for the inspiration. I'm very curious about your shop and I'm quite intrigued at your ability to do such great things in a small space. I'd love to see a little video tour of it if you ever find the time. Thank you for all you do sir. Best Van build series bar none.
Hello, if you are after a tour of the workshop we have a playlist on the workshop build. It starts with a tour of how it was before we built all new cabinets, then videos of the entire process of building the workshop are in that playlist too. ruclips.net/p/PLLhAyWhGGbi56tnWnJmpf2q8IQmKQ5NDr
After watching this I am left asking...is there anything you cannot do!!! Amazing work. I'm looking forward to seeing you both finally out on the open road- living the dream!
Top notch presentation, well paced and a great job done to boot. Thanks for you commitment to serving others by sharing you knowledge and skills. Much appreciated Greg.
👌👌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I have to say Greg, your build quality is amazing. I think you need to show the manufacturer’s here in the uk a thing or 2 about how it should be done. I work in the industry as an AWS approved mobile engineer and let’s just say some of the uk manufactures are shocking. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next video.
Hi, thanks for the fantastic comment, much appreciated. As an AWS engineer do you get called to look at any van conversions or is it always call outs to main dealer motorhomes? Do you offer a private service for the home builder to say check over gas or electric installations? You could maybe offer that as a service perhaps? Do you have LPG qualifications or IEE for example?
Greg Virgoe yes I do offer that service. Many people building there own will do the majority of the build but generally leave the gas to a qualified person. I do check the odd few that have done the gas install themselves and I have come across a few horror builds but hopefully your installation series should help people out. Just make sure there’s still work for people like myself. I’ve got bills to pay and mouths to feed. 😉 I do both, dealers and also the public. Very impressed with your build. When are you setting off on your travels in the van.
Love the way you take your time to explain everything, you’ve done amazing work on all your steps through your builds and put the info across so well, and then all the links with the tools and materials, fiat play top guy you are Greg 👌👌
Hi Greg & Lou Great to see you both at Vanlife Stratford the other week, what a great event. I was the brown bloke that introduced myself and Sam my wife to you Greg in between your chats in the Vanbuild tent. I do apologise for going off topic, all your help and support via your channel has been a great focus in direction over the last 2 years, with personal challenges along with the way the world has taken a wobble... If possible Greg can you please tell me what and where you got the fan for the shower build?, It's seem a lot of variants available but struggling with a 12VDC model. Kind regards Andrew..🧔👍🏾
Hello, thank you for coming to speak to us at the show was nice to meet you. I also struggled to find a descent 12v DC fan so ours is a domestic 12v AC fan that uses a mains transformer running off my inverter. Not the best solution so we only turn the inverter on when we are using the fan. It’s an Xpelair LV100HT 👍🏼
Hi Greg, amazing series, I'm passionately waiting every week for the next episode. Congratulations on your work! Now I'm not an expert on van conversions yet I'm planing to start a project. But I have a few years experience with LEDs, so some recommendations from me: First, the LED strip you are using is so called "constant voltage" which requires the power supply to work on stable voltage source. Unfortunately car/van power supply is not a such type. Even if you are using a voltage regulator this type of LED is not good in general and in long term tends to burn some of the LEDs. There for it is a better idea to use so called "constant current" LED strips which require a driver which is providing a deviating voltage at a constant current. Those are more expensive but are more stable, do not burn in long term, easily dimmable and brighter as LEDs are put at optimal conditions. Second: I see you are using not insulated LED strips which are sensitive to moisture environment like shower. It is always better to use a LED strip with transparent silicone or epoxy resin insulation which are moisture resistant. The are almost same price but have important benefit! Third: I saw you are sticking LED strips to the wooden frame. Correct me if I'm wrong. LED strips, especially constant voltage ones, are very sensitive to temperature and tend to be unstable. Because they rely on voltage delimiter throughout a resistor to limit the current flow, when they got hot their resistance drops and the equation of the delimiter deviates. This way the current flow rises up in time and finally LEDs burn out. This is why it is always recommended to use aluminium profile for LED strips. It is used not only as a decorative part, but more as a heat sink to protect the LEDs. Even without the AL profile, do not use hot glue on LED strips as it works also as a temerature insulator! If you are putting and insulated LED strip on wooden construction it is better to use a stapler very carefully. And finally fourth: putting LEDs at 90° to the acrylic screen is limiting their brightness those decreasing the efficiency. If put that way the should light th acrylic screen not from above but from the side and there is special reflective acrylic sheets which have small pyramids grip on the top (inside) side and white surface on the outside for dispersion. If using normal acrylic sheet it is better to chose some even more matte one and put the LEDs directly on the roof surface lighting down. I hope this was helpful for your project. Best regards and a lot of respect for your work and the effort to film it!
Ilia Goranov thank you for the info on the LEDs Ilia. I’m planning a build and have watched many lighting and Led videos and none have informed me in the precise way that you have. I will be looking into the Constant current and be sure to attach them to aluminium with the correct adhesive.
Wow thank you very much for this detailed comment, lots of useful information. The LED strips in the cupboards are fitted in aluminium channels with diffusers and are controlled via Magic Home app on iPhone with WiFi controller. All LED strips are the waterproof type, including the one in the shower, sealed in with a clear silicone covering like a dome. Do you not think the voltage regulator will supply constant 9v to the LEDs? It doesn't matter that the LEDs are not pointing down in the shower they give off so much light that it is more than we actually need and as the acrylic is so close having them point down you would get very bright spots of light and not a diffused light. The gap needs to be bigger to have them facing down at least 150mm I would say. These things are so cheap and have rolls of spare tape so replacement is no issue.
@@GregVirgoe LEDs do burn out of current, not of voltage. So to protect them you should limit the current flow. There are 2 popular approaches: 1. Constant voltage where usually you have series of 3 LEDs connected throught a resistor (I suppose your LED strip is of this type). Then the resistor is limiting the current which is calculated from the voltage and resistance. The Ohm law :) Unfortunately while working LEDs get warm and by warming up their resistance changes and while the voltage is constant the current raises up. The longer they work - the higher temperature and more chances for burned LED. 2. The other approach is to connect LEDs to a driver which is varying the voltage but keeps the current flow constant. So when the resistance of the LEDs drops because of the heat, the driver lowers the voltage to keep the current in the set limits. So both types works but CC are always more advanced and stable than CV. About the placement - if you have tested it and you are happy with the result, than it should be OK. On the footage the shutter of the camera instantly closes because of the bright light and as a final result it looks a bit dark. So it is complicated to judge the brightnes by watching a video. When you go on your trip if you are visiting Bulgaria (Sofia) leave me a message :) Best regards,
tip, rub silicone in to edge of ply board before applying t strip to prevent any water getting into edge of ply and swelling up, also test any silicone you are using on pvc or any plastics will actually adhere to surface as some don't and will peel off or come unstuck
Hi david, details of the adhesive I'm using is in the first shower build video, is was supplied by the plastic company who supplied the PVC sheeting. To be honest I was concerned it wasn't going to stick to the high gloss Zebrano but having done a test piece to start you cannot get it off even with a scraper. The trouble with PVC is most people don't use a cleaner to prep the surface and that's why it doesn't stick.
@@GregVirgoe hi, yes i agree. i mean more so on the final silicone finish inside the shower some cheap silicone don,t stick and come of later, love your build and videos
Brilliant. As always. Was thinking you could do this professionally, but you're such a perfectionist, no-one would be able to afford it. Couple of comments - translucent, not opaque. - just wondering if it's worth sealing the wood of the furniture board where the vents are on the shower door. Otherwise risk of swelling from moisture.
you've shown the construction of the shower cubicle, and in another video you describe the water system. I would like to see how you fitted the shower mixer tap, and where you ran the pipes please.
Greg, Thanks for another excellent vid - How about insetting a neodymium magnet (ebay) into the door and wall on the outside - then add any handle you like. On the inside you could use a 'thumb latch' type lock - maybe narrow self adhesive drought excluder type material on the inside of the door would address the potential water leak from the door? Well done for showing us your minor f# up - And how you fixedup - small mistakes are inevitable - it's very helpful to see them and how you get past them.
Congrats Brilliant build series, best i have seen by a long way. When you are finished and enjoying the van can you make a video of things you might have changed or added if you had to do it again.
Hi , I inspired a lots from your video building my campervan now I don't know what to use for toilet door handle locks I'm using plywood 15mm .Thanks Stef
Really great attention to detail in your van build....giving me lots of help and advice with my future van build ...and ...nice range of motorcycle t shirts while your building 🤣👍
I used a length of opaque underfloor heating pipes (HDPE I believe it was) and shoved the led lighting strips inside the pipes... gives a nice effect and secures them beautifully...
I've listened to Greg for longer over the last few days than I've listen3d to my wife. One tiny comment would be that the plywood where the hole has been cut in the door for the vents has been left untreated. Given that water and moisture get everywhere, taking ten minutes to paint or epoxy that bit of wood could save hours later.
I have treated it with neat PVC. the shower has a curtain inside that pulls across the door but you are right to point it out as moisture does get everywhere
Greg, I could watch you build all day long!! Your process is meticulous and that translates into the final product. I envy the availability of the materials you seem to have in the UK. Here in the US, it is difficult to source some of the materials you use or even a reasonable substitute. Great job!!
Excellent detail as always. Will you be showing how to do a bead of silicone down the wall joins? I know its something lots of people struggle with, or are not sure what the best way to do it is, so would be good to see. Looking forward to seeing your completed van tour soon.
Hi Linzi, it is a dark art only mastered by very few, I'm by no means good at it and it has given me some concern. We employ mastic guys at work and they make it look so easy and the finish is amazing. I need them to teach me too :D
Hello Greg, I've just revisited your shower room videos...they are brilliant and will be my guide for what I have to do in our Sprinter. My only headache is the clearance required for removal of the toilet cassette. My wife likes the idea of a bench style loo but I'm leaning toward the swivel type. The kitchen is opposite the the shower room.
Hi Greg ,great video of how it should be done,really appreciate the detail,am making a compact off grid camper,nissan primestar hi top lwb, and using your videos to help with the build lots of helpful info
In a perfect world where you knew how to weld: would you have preferred to do the structural work in aluminum then skinned them over in thin ply laminates, or still gone the route you already have? I plan on traveling the US and worry that 100°F differences in outside temp and humidity would wreak havoc on a wooden interior no matter how well I sealed up.
Hi Penny, I still would have gone with the furniture board. It is laminate with 7 plys and very strong and stable. I would expect natural wood to warp and shrink over time as it dries out. I would still love to be able to weld though as it would open up a lot more possibilities to create different things for the van.
Hi Greg, another super job in the van and all done to your usual impressive standards. I agree with you, my fave bit is also when you peel the protective covering off the furniture board. Could you maybe check out the yacht chandlers for door furniture for the shower room? They usually do loads of interesting stuff in interesting materials. looking forward to the next installment of the van build. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
On the shower door jam. Wont water get under the plastic trim and delaminate the plywood and rot it? In boatbuilding, we always seal the end grain of plywood well with epoxy. It penetrates it well. I would do this just after you route the groove.
Hi Greg. Another excellent episode. W.r.t. the shower lighting, that translucent material isn’t really diffusing the light too well. If they ever have to come out again, could I suggest that you consider fitting supports to turn it into a pelmet arrangement before re-fitting the translucent cover? If you were to screw a piece of aluminium angle to the side of the recess such that the other face protrudes horizontally from the bottom of the recess, you could then mount the LEDs on the upper side of that horizontal surface, facing the ceiling, which then diffuses the light much more effectively before reflecting it down through the diffusing material. You could even pre-mount the LEDs on to strips of angled beading so that the side against the inner edge was raised up slightly, thus projecting the light more towards the centre of the ceiling again. Then, you’d only need a couple of screws into each bead through the ali, making it a quick job to fix in-situ. However, it would probably mean that you’d have to cut and re-connect the LED strip to enable installation of the four sides. Having said all that, it’s only a shower, so it’s not like you’re in there all day! ;-) By the way, regarding your lighting controls, I have heard people complain that their LED strips have burnt out quite quickly. This is probably due to the fact that, when charging your batts (e.g. engine running), you’re likely to be bunging around 14.5V across them (i.e. 21% above rated 12v). As they’re really current-driven devices and only have fixed value resistors to limit the current to the desired value for a given voltage applied, over-driving them may well shorten their life, so you might need to fit voltage regulators to *all* your LEDs, not just the shower ones, in order to preserve them. Incidentally, without delving back again to the edition where you got the furniture board, it did occur to me that, if that lovely Zebrano board, with its gloss finish, is artificial (not sure whether it is real veneer or not), then surely its surface is sealed and waterproof, so might have been useable in the shower as it stood, just needing the joins sealing? If that were the case then covering it up with white PVC seems a bit counterproductive. I’m sure you looked into that so I’m guessing that it isn’t waterproof after all. Anyway - carry on the good work. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. Regards, D.
The finish on the Zebrano is fake and is waterproof and I have seen it used in showers without any other finish but we wanted our shower to have a white finish inside and not wood effect.
For the handle, I wonder if the mechanism used to lock port-a-potties (that's what we call them here anyway) would work? A plastic handle that's easily sanitized and operated when wet. Can also be forced if need be. Perhaps you could put another on the other side and connect the two of them somehow.
Hello Greg! I am in the middle of building my van (sprinter H2 L4) and always watch your videos for useful help! But now I am looking for the right hinges for my shower door. Now I find them, in your video 😊 can you tell my where you bought these hinges? Thank from Germany Ruud
I wonder, with the doors overlapping like that, won't the water that catches on the door drip into the interior of the van? Or is there a plan for shower curtain as well?
There have been a lot of comments about the door not being waterproof and what I should have explained in the video is we have a shower curtain that you pull across the inside of the door to keep water away from it when in use. You'll see it in the final van tour video. 😃
dear Greg. i thought you mentioned that with the curtain when you explained the ceiling frame. never the less. I'm a little concerned about the untreated raw wood edge in the door (where you put the grill. i don't think this will be a great issue but i would have put some kind of sealant on that edge. some water prove glue or something. just to make sure any condensation gets into the wood. it would be a real shame if this would become an issue later.
By the way, great job on the videos.
I remember some years ago now I was rubbing molding trim around a car window with the flat of my hand, so it would sit or seat down properly after changing the glass.... Omg a big slice of skin just pealed away, right down to the flesh. It was a friction burn. What was shocking was I'd only rubbed it for a few seconds with a medium force.
At the hospital I was told how common it is. Good to see you using a cloth. But as you can imagine I'm still haunted by that experience.
I'm starting my van build around the end of march 2021 hopefully. I've brought some bits ready. Just planing lay out and kit that I want. Still not sure on what van to buy? transit custom? or fiat boxer or vivaro?. I need about 9.4 feet inside. No more than 17 feet ish, As I'm limited by the length of my drive.
Can't wate to get started, my designs unlike any thing I've ever seen, two 6 feet bunks one above the main seating area, a garage another bed above the gararge a shower and kitchen. The figures work out, so we shall see. If I pull this off it will be down to your help and advice. I'll keep you posted.and make a a short video to send you. Thanks Greg.
@@tarheelboatworks didn't start it then ? Lol
You are the uncle I ever wanted! Starting to work on my ambulance built but feeling overwhelmed!
Break it down into bite size tasks and that way you get mini goals along the way.
@@GregVirgoe Thank you!
Greg, I think peeling the plastic off of new parts is EVERYONE's favorite bit.
If you can't build a van after all your instruction there's something amiss
Its like having you there helping 👍👍👍👍👍
Mick Casey thank you I’m really pleased they are helping you it’s exactly what they are here for. Good luck with your build.
This channel deserves more recognition. I'm not even a motor home enthusiast yet I watch these videos in awe of the craftsmanship. Look forward to your next installment.
That's very kind of you to say so, do you mind me asking how you came across my videos?
@@GregVirgoe I think I had been watching another channel called The Restoration Couple and the guy on there (Tim) was converting a van into a motor home too. Then through related links I think you must have popped up. Then I just started watching most of your motor home vids since. Enviable skill set.
Amen. Well said. I'm a very late comer to these videos, but I'm in awe of such ingenuity and craftsmansip.
Cleanest work I've seen yet damn that showers trick.
This has to be one of the best van builds I've seen. You should be on the discovery channel. Your a true craftsmen. This has helped me heaps. Thks for doing these videos.
Thank you for your very kind comment 😃👍🏼
Thank you so much mister for these extra helpful videos! After these I might try to build my own pod! Thanks again! Greetings from Greece!
Hope they help you with your own project 👍🏼😃
Best work, better than professional manufacturer!!!👍👍👍👍
I really do appreciate your feedback Thank you 😊
I've worked on shopfits for twenty years . Quality shopfits . I take it you are a carpenter based shopfitter. Nice work
j d no, never had a job on the tools before I come from an office type job. Only started doing bit of woodwork when this channel started
A man who takes pride in his craftsmanship ,,,well done,,,,!!!!!!
That's a magic job. Master craftsman no dought!!!
Many thanks for those kind words :D
I love what you’ve done with the lights.
Thank you 🙏🏼
You Greg... are a very patient man. I tried doing a bit of a build along how to with my build. It’s so hard to stop. Set a camera up and explain all your movements. I would just plough on and miss steps etc. So well done. And 55k subscribers thank you 👍🏻
UrbanARK overland thank you for appreciating the effort it takes to put these videos out
Really appreciate you doing all these videos, I'm learning a lot and a big thank you Greg
No problem 😉
Beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Thank you Robert
Beautiful... Great work. Must be nerve- racking cutting that furniture board it ain't cheap!... I'd be a nervous wreck!
Hello, yes, more than usefull. I enjoyed it. there are very few video's that are usefull. Your's is one of them. Greeting.
That is a good idea about venting out the shower with a vent at bottom of shower door. It's details like that make the difference. Thank you for these awesome professional videos!
I am binge watching your very cool van build vlogs 👍
Amazed and impressed. A fabulous resource for those of us thinking of having a go!
Stephen Vallance glad you are enjoying the build 😊
Great video with plenty of detail.
Thank you 🙏🏼
I had the same problem with the glue backing on the LED strips on a Air spray booth I made. Lasted one night then hung down so like you Hot Glue worked a treat. All this gluing you have done if you ever wanted to get out of Industrial Air you could become a cake Decorator
🤣 😃👍🏼
Incredible attention to detail again! That shower will probably last longer than the sprinter 😉
Let's hope so, dealing with water in a van is not an easy one :D Thank you
@@GregVirgoe Thank you for the best in depth videos on this! I'm going to start my little project in a few weeks and your videos are a great inspiration!
@@ochjoo77 Excellent news, what van have you got and what are you van goals?
@@GregVirgoe I have a Ford E550 boxvan, so not the typical Sprinter, but I hope having everything nice and square will make things a bit easier to build. Ultimately the goal is to live in it for work and travel, fingers crossed 😉
Square is most definitely better, don't think there was a straight edge in the sprinter 😃 lol
Brilliant as a plumber I’m glad you thought about ventilation and removal of humidity, it’s a thing that is so often not thought about.
I am so glad that you give the names of the materials that you are using. This is giving me a better idea of what I am in for when the time come when I can acquire my van and get started on my van conversion.
Can't believe how much I learn watching your videos, you are so thorough, absolute treasure, honestly learn more from you than the rest put together. Lovely build series. Thanks.
Thanks Debra, really happy that you like the videos and all the info
I'm so glad I found your channel before I started my van conversion. Such a wealth of information and detail, with well-paced, efficient delivery. And your skills are deft! Thanks for such an excellent build series.
Thank you Maidelie, have you got your van yet or still looking to purchase?
What are you long term van goals?
We recently bought a 2015 high-roof, extended, 3.5L EcoBoost Transit. I plan on installing a Maxxair fan and close to 900 watts of solar on the roof. I'd like to install a Cruise N Comfort 12v air conditioner (www.cruisencomfortusa.com/hot-rod-series-1/). I watched your electric-panel episode and swooned; it was a thing of beauty. I aspire to that, but I'm just learning about electric. I'm aiming for marine fittings and wiring. Definitely want a shower, with a C-Head toilet that slides in and out of a cabinet next to the shower. We'll put the bed sideways to get more room. Also, a range, deep sink, fresh and grey water tanks. Probably propane for a tiny furnace and the stove.
Impressive workmanship
Many thanks Larry 👍🏼
Your caution and attention to detail is really amazing, but what makes your vids stand out is the way you convey it, so it's not boring. You really have the knack for it.
Excellent, methodical, professional workmanship. Thanks for taking the time to share. Maggie and Mack, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Thank you for such great feedback guys :D
Nice job Greg, that's a lot of work you've put in to build the cubical but well worth it, it's a shame the big manufacturers don't put this kind of effort into building their interiors.
It was by far the most complicated part of the whole build and the one area that has given me the most sleepless nights.
Pleased to say that it has turned out very good and I will report how good it is to use on our travels.
Fantastic job I can’t wait until I am at this stage
Incredible attention to detail as always. If I didn't know better I'd think you were following a book of instructions on how to build a camper!
LOL I might even do my own book, who knows :D
John i am a big fan of all you have done and you have got me through my van build. My shower is where yours is but I built the shower tray from wood then had 5 coats of linex sprayed on which is a waterproof coating it has worked amazingly. I would like to praise you for your videos. Well done
Robert Hudson
Steve, thanks for watching and glad that it helped you.
I see something that could be a huge issue. The shower door is an external door to the shower, therefore water from the shower head will run down the door, and in between the external wall and internal side of the door, onto the floor of the van.
Every shower I've seen in an RV, (and the one in my 5th wheel), the door has something that directs the water in to the shower pan. If you covered this in the video I missed it. sorry
I should have said in this video that the door is not built to be waterproof as we have a shower curtain on a rail that pulls across the door inside to keep the water away from it. But well spotted and thanks for the suggestions, really appreciated.
As always watching you work is mesmerising.
That's really nice of you, thanks
Hi Greg this is the best self build camper I have seen. Well done your work is top notch and I found your videos very useful and as given me some ideas for doing my next van.
Mark Leigh glad you liked it mark and good luck with your own build.
Removing the plastic is my favorite part as well.
Feels good to remove it very slowly lol
The PVC was literally electric, so much static charge
@@GregVirgoe it hurt a little when you started drilling into the panel for the door. Such a wonderful finish.
You do fantastic work. I wish I had the patience. I have yet to do the “bathroom/shower” on our conversion. Just have a cassette toilet there at the moment but no inside shower pan. Thanks again for explaining everything so carefully.
Thank you very much Victor, it was one area that has given me the most concern with spraying water everywhere.
I'm very pleased with how it has turned out but yet to see if it was worth all the effort, watch this space.
I couldn't believe the video was over when I finished. All that time just flies by taking in your handiwork. Good luck finding a handle! Could easily use something like a stall door, think the kind that jet planes use on their bathroom doors? That would work.
DaDavidVids that's a very good idea, maybe I need to look at public toilet furniture or changing room door furniture.
Another great tutorial. The finish is fabulous and Ohhh how great is it when you can pull that protective plastic off. It's symbolic! The wee leds are super too!
Thank guys, we are both really looking forward to meeting up again soon :D
Greg you never disappoint, thank you so much for the inspiration. I'm very curious about your shop and I'm quite intrigued at your ability to do such great things in a small space. I'd love to see a little video tour of it if you ever find the time. Thank you for all you do sir. Best Van build series bar none.
Hello, if you are after a tour of the workshop we have a playlist on the workshop build. It starts with a tour of how it was before we built all new cabinets, then videos of the entire process of building the workshop are in that playlist too. ruclips.net/p/PLLhAyWhGGbi56tnWnJmpf2q8IQmKQ5NDr
@@GregVirgoe It was right in front of me all the time. Thank you so much.
just goes to show if you take your time , what a stunning job , hat off too you sir
What a guy!! Inspirational mate, the detail is second to none 👍🏻 i cant wait to start building now.
Steve Jones thank you very kind. Good luck with your build.
Looking forward to seeing how you heat the hot water.
Hello David, the whole build series from start to finish is in this convenient playlist ruclips.net/p/PLLhAyWhGGbi6JLJBHePgsmR-jSbyC_RgO
Excellent workmanship... top job and greatly explained.. 🤙
Gracias por compartir sus conocimientos, muy agradecida pues aprenderé de ellos para preparar mi propio van de aventuras ❤
After watching this I am left asking...is there anything you cannot do!!! Amazing work. I'm looking forward to seeing you both finally out on the open road- living the dream!
WestHam66 it’s a huge learning curve everyday
Loving the detail! Great work Greg!
Very detailed and very helpful! Thank you
You are most welcome 🤗
Top notch presentation, well paced and a great job done to boot. Thanks for you commitment to serving others by sharing you knowledge and skills. Much appreciated Greg.
Greg thank you for your videos they will help me a lot
Still watching these Greg lad, ✌️🍻🇬🇧
👌👌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I have to say Greg, your build quality is amazing. I think you need to show the manufacturer’s here in the uk a thing or 2 about how it should be done. I work in the industry as an AWS approved mobile engineer and let’s just say some of the uk manufactures are shocking. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the next video.
Hi, thanks for the fantastic comment, much appreciated. As an AWS engineer do you get called to look at any van conversions or is it always call outs to main dealer motorhomes? Do you offer a private service for the home builder to say check over gas or electric installations? You could maybe offer that as a service perhaps? Do you have LPG qualifications or IEE for example?
Greg Virgoe yes I do offer that service. Many people building there own will do the majority of the build but generally leave the gas to a qualified person. I do check the odd few that have done the gas install themselves and I have come across a few horror builds but hopefully your installation series should help people out. Just make sure there’s still work for people like myself. I’ve got bills to pay and mouths to feed. 😉
I do both, dealers and also the public. Very impressed with your build. When are you setting off on your travels in the van.
Thanks Greg..It is perfect.. :) I think, you can establish a caravan factory so, your works is very clean and perfect..
Ozan Yücer thank you but I am trying not to work if possible 😊
Love the way you take your time to explain everything, you’ve done amazing work on all your steps through your builds and put the info across so well, and then all the links with the tools and materials, fiat play top guy you are Greg 👌👌
Thank you very much. I hope it’s been helpful to you
Nice work as always 👌, vans looking great can't wait to see the finished article 👏👏
Thank you for the continued support, not long now :D
Hi Greg & Lou
Great to see you both at Vanlife Stratford the other week, what a great event.
I was the brown bloke that introduced myself and Sam my wife to you Greg in between your chats in the Vanbuild tent.
I do apologise for going off topic, all your help and support via your channel has been a great focus in direction over the last 2 years, with personal challenges along with the way the world has taken a wobble...
If possible Greg can you please tell me what and where you got the fan for the shower build?, It's seem a lot of variants available but struggling with a 12VDC model.
Kind regards
Andrew..🧔👍🏾
Hello, thank you for coming to speak to us at the show was nice to meet you.
I also struggled to find a descent 12v DC fan so ours is a domestic 12v AC fan that uses a mains transformer running off my inverter. Not the best solution so we only turn the inverter on when we are using the fan.
It’s an Xpelair LV100HT 👍🏼
Hi Greg, amazing series, I'm passionately waiting every week for the next episode. Congratulations on your work!
Now I'm not an expert on van conversions yet I'm planing to start a project. But I have a few years experience with LEDs, so some recommendations from me:
First, the LED strip you are using is so called "constant voltage" which requires the power supply to work on stable voltage source. Unfortunately car/van power supply is not a such type. Even if you are using a voltage regulator this type of LED is not good in general and in long term tends to burn some of the LEDs.
There for it is a better idea to use so called "constant current" LED strips which require a driver which is providing a deviating voltage at a constant current. Those are more expensive but are more stable, do not burn in long term, easily dimmable and brighter as LEDs are put at optimal conditions.
Second: I see you are using not insulated LED strips which are sensitive to moisture environment like shower. It is always better to use a LED strip with transparent silicone or epoxy resin insulation which are moisture resistant. The are almost same price but have important benefit!
Third: I saw you are sticking LED strips to the wooden frame. Correct me if I'm wrong. LED strips, especially constant voltage ones, are very sensitive to temperature and tend to be unstable. Because they rely on voltage delimiter throughout a resistor to limit the current flow, when they got hot their resistance drops and the equation of the delimiter deviates. This way the current flow rises up in time and finally LEDs burn out. This is why it is always recommended to use aluminium profile for LED strips. It is used not only as a decorative part, but more as a heat sink to protect the LEDs.
Even without the AL profile, do not use hot glue on LED strips as it works also as a temerature insulator! If you are putting and insulated LED strip on wooden construction it is better to use a stapler very carefully.
And finally fourth: putting LEDs at 90° to the acrylic screen is limiting their brightness those decreasing the efficiency. If put that way the should light th acrylic screen not from above but from the side and there is special reflective acrylic sheets which have small pyramids grip on the top (inside) side and white surface on the outside for dispersion. If using normal acrylic sheet it is better to chose some even more matte one and put the LEDs directly on the roof surface lighting down.
I hope this was helpful for your project.
Best regards and a lot of respect for your work and the effort to film it!
Ilia Goranov thank you for the info on the LEDs Ilia. I’m planning a build and have watched many lighting and Led videos and none have informed me in the precise way that you have. I will be looking into the Constant current and be sure to attach them to aluminium with the correct adhesive.
Wow thank you very much for this detailed comment, lots of useful information.
The LED strips in the cupboards are fitted in aluminium channels with diffusers and are controlled via Magic Home app on iPhone with WiFi controller. All LED strips are the waterproof type, including the one in the shower, sealed in with a clear silicone covering like a dome. Do you not think the voltage regulator will supply constant 9v to the LEDs? It doesn't matter that the LEDs are not pointing down in the shower they give off so much light that it is more than we actually need and as the acrylic is so close having them point down you would get very bright spots of light and not a diffused light. The gap needs to be bigger to have them facing down at least 150mm I would say. These things are so cheap and have rolls of spare tape so replacement is no issue.
@@GregVirgoe LEDs do burn out of current, not of voltage. So to protect them you should limit the current flow. There are 2 popular approaches:
1. Constant voltage where usually you have series of 3 LEDs connected throught a resistor (I suppose your LED strip is of this type). Then the resistor is limiting the current which is calculated from the voltage and resistance. The Ohm law :)
Unfortunately while working LEDs get warm and by warming up their resistance changes and while the voltage is constant the current raises up. The longer they work - the higher temperature and more chances for burned LED.
2. The other approach is to connect LEDs to a driver which is varying the voltage but keeps the current flow constant. So when the resistance of the LEDs drops because of the heat, the driver lowers the voltage to keep the current in the set limits.
So both types works but CC are always more advanced and stable than CV.
About the placement - if you have tested it and you are happy with the result, than it should be OK. On the footage the shutter of the camera instantly closes because of the bright light and as a final result it looks a bit dark. So it is complicated to judge the brightnes by watching a video.
When you go on your trip if you are visiting Bulgaria (Sofia) leave me a message :)
Best regards,
tip, rub silicone in to edge of ply board before applying t strip to prevent any water getting into edge of ply and swelling up, also test any silicone you are using on pvc or any plastics will actually adhere to surface as some don't and will peel off or come unstuck
Hi david, details of the adhesive I'm using is in the first shower build video, is was supplied by the plastic company who supplied the PVC sheeting. To be honest I was concerned it wasn't going to stick to the high gloss Zebrano but having done a test piece to start you cannot get it off even with a scraper. The trouble with PVC is most people don't use a cleaner to prep the surface and that's why it doesn't stick.
@@GregVirgoe hi, yes i agree. i mean more so on the final silicone finish inside the shower some cheap silicone don,t stick and come of later, love your build and videos
Really nice job looks great.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Wow Greg, very impress with the level of craftsmanship, you make it look so easy
Brilliant. As always. Was thinking you could do this professionally, but you're such a perfectionist, no-one would be able to afford it.
Couple of comments
- translucent, not opaque.
- just wondering if it's worth sealing the wood of the furniture board where the vents are on the shower door. Otherwise risk of swelling from moisture.
Yes good idea, I will seal them up, cheers
Great job ! Can’t wait to see it finished
Thank you, just being re-registered now.
you've shown the construction of the shower cubicle, and in another video you describe the water system. I would like to see how you fitted the shower mixer tap, and where you ran the pipes please.
Greg,
Thanks for another excellent vid - How about insetting a neodymium magnet (ebay) into the door and wall on the outside - then add any handle you like. On the inside you could use a 'thumb latch' type lock - maybe narrow self adhesive drought excluder type material on the inside of the door would address the potential water leak from the door?
Well done for showing us your minor f# up - And how you fixedup - small mistakes are inevitable - it's very helpful to see them and how you get past them.
Amazing tutorial! So much information, Thanks Greg!
Serhio thank you
Well my missus was disappointed Greg... thought you'd test it out. Maybe when you do the plumbing. LOL. Looks great pal well done.
oh lol didn't have any running water when that was taken.
Maybe another time ;D
Congrats Brilliant build series, best i have seen by a long way. When you are finished and enjoying the van can you make a video of things you might have changed or added if you had to do it again.
Graham O'Connor, yes I will do, I think I answered some of those in my Q&A video, look out for that one 😃
Hi , I inspired a lots from your video building my campervan now I don't know what to use for toilet door handle locks I'm using plywood 15mm .Thanks Stef
Hi Stef, we eventually used a strong magnet for this door.
Really great attention to detail in your van build....giving me lots of help and advice with my future van build ...and ...nice range of motorcycle t shirts while your building 🤣👍
Absolutely stunning!
Than you so much :D
For the shower latch get a trunk latch... nice and flush and available in black as well...
For a door latch take look at marine cabin door latches. Those are made for thin doors and should do you right!
Amazing. Thanks so much for the time and effort with editing/ instructions / tips. Best on RUclips imo. Thank you!
I have an old dyson that I shove the hose into the dust socket of my power tools, makes dust extraction a breeze
I used a length of opaque underfloor heating pipes (HDPE I believe it was) and shoved the led lighting strips inside the pipes... gives a nice effect and secures them beautifully...
Just subscribed . Really interesting and your eye for detail is amazing. Really learnt a lot watching your content. Best Len
I've listened to Greg for longer over the last few days than I've listen3d to my wife.
One tiny comment would be that the plywood where the hole has been cut in the door for the vents has been left untreated. Given that water and moisture get everywhere, taking ten minutes to paint or epoxy that bit of wood could save hours later.
I have treated it with neat PVC. the shower has a curtain inside that pulls across the door but you are right to point it out as moisture does get everywhere
@@GregVirgoe I assume that you mean PVA 😊
Yes, spellcheck lol
Stunning, perfection as always.
Greg, I could watch you build all day long!! Your process is meticulous and that translates into the final product. I envy the availability of the materials you seem to have in the UK. Here in the US, it is difficult to source some of the materials you use or even a reasonable substitute. Great job!!
Excellent detail as always. Will you be showing how to do a bead of silicone down the wall joins? I know its something lots of people struggle with, or are not sure what the best way to do it is, so would be good to see. Looking forward to seeing your completed van tour soon.
Hi Linzi, it is a dark art only mastered by very few, I'm by no means good at it and it has given me some concern.
We employ mastic guys at work and they make it look so easy and the finish is amazing. I need them to teach me too :D
As usual, very well thought out Greg!
Marcus Frankham thank you 😊
very good shower looking awesome 👍
Thank you John
Hello Greg, I've just revisited your shower room videos...they are brilliant and will be my guide for what I have to do in our Sprinter. My only headache is the clearance required for removal of the toilet cassette. My wife likes the idea of a bench style loo but I'm leaning toward the swivel type. The kitchen is opposite the the shower room.
Hi Greg ,great video of how it should be done,really appreciate the detail,am making a compact off grid camper,nissan primestar hi top lwb, and using your videos to help with the build lots of helpful info
In a perfect world where you knew how to weld: would you have preferred to do the structural work in aluminum then skinned them over in thin ply laminates, or still gone the route you already have?
I plan on traveling the US and worry that 100°F differences in outside temp and humidity would wreak havoc on a wooden interior no matter how well I sealed up.
Hi Penny, I still would have gone with the furniture board. It is laminate with 7 plys and very strong and stable. I would expect natural wood to warp and shrink over time as it dries out. I would still love to be able to weld though as it would open up a lot more possibilities to create different things for the van.
Hi Greg, another super job in the van and all done to your usual impressive standards. I agree with you, my fave bit is also when you peel the protective covering off the furniture board. Could you maybe check out the yacht chandlers for door furniture for the shower room? They usually do loads of interesting stuff in interesting materials. looking forward to the next installment of the van build. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
Se fossi in Italia ti farei allestire un furgone !!! Sei bravissimo complimenti 👍
L'Italia è uno dei miei paesi preferiti. Non vedo l'ora di tornare per vedere più della sua bellezza. Grazie
On the shower door jam. Wont water get under the plastic trim and delaminate the plywood and rot it? In boatbuilding, we always seal the end grain of plywood well with epoxy. It penetrates it well. I would do this just after you route the groove.
Hi Greg.
Another excellent episode.
W.r.t. the shower lighting, that translucent material isn’t really diffusing the light too well. If they ever have to come out again, could I suggest that you consider fitting supports to turn it into a pelmet arrangement before re-fitting the translucent cover?
If you were to screw a piece of aluminium angle to the side of the recess such that the other face protrudes horizontally from the bottom of the recess, you could then mount the LEDs on the upper side of that horizontal surface, facing the ceiling, which then diffuses the light much more effectively before reflecting it down through the diffusing material. You could even pre-mount the LEDs on to strips of angled beading so that the side against the inner edge was raised up slightly, thus projecting the light more towards the centre of the ceiling again. Then, you’d only need a couple of screws into each bead through the ali, making it a quick job to fix in-situ. However, it would probably mean that you’d have to cut and re-connect the LED strip to enable installation of the four sides. Having said all that, it’s only a shower, so it’s not like you’re in there all day! ;-)
By the way, regarding your lighting controls, I have heard people complain that their LED strips have burnt out quite quickly. This is probably due to the fact that, when charging your batts (e.g. engine running), you’re likely to be bunging around 14.5V across them (i.e. 21% above rated 12v). As they’re really current-driven devices and only have fixed value resistors to limit the current to the desired value for a given voltage applied, over-driving them may well shorten their life, so you might need to fit voltage regulators to *all* your LEDs, not just the shower ones, in order to preserve them.
Incidentally, without delving back again to the edition where you got the furniture board, it did occur to me that, if that lovely Zebrano board, with its gloss finish, is artificial (not sure whether it is real veneer or not), then surely its surface is sealed and waterproof, so might have been useable in the shower as it stood, just needing the joins sealing? If that were the case then covering it up with white PVC seems a bit counterproductive. I’m sure you looked into that so I’m guessing that it isn’t waterproof after all.
Anyway - carry on the good work. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.
Regards,
D.
The finish on the Zebrano is fake and is waterproof and I have seen it used in showers without any other finish but we wanted our shower to have a white finish inside and not wood effect.
Hi Greg. Another great and very helpful video for my van build. Thx a lot. Can I aks what you used as door handles / locks in the end?
I used normal kitchen cupboard handles and magnets. Didn’t bother with locks as only me and Lou use it 😊
Great vids, well executed.
Thank you 🙏🏼
For the handle, I wonder if the mechanism used to lock port-a-potties (that's what we call them here anyway) would work? A plastic handle that's easily sanitized and operated when wet. Can also be forced if need be. Perhaps you could put another on the other side and connect the two of them somehow.
Hello Greg! I am in the middle of building my van (sprinter H2 L4) and always watch your videos for useful help! But now I am looking for the right hinges for my shower door. Now I find them, in your video 😊 can you tell my where you bought these hinges? Thank from Germany Ruud
I searched for Cranked hinges on eBay
might try it approx cost after purchase of nan please Congratulations on your work!
I wonder, with the doors overlapping like that, won't the water that catches on the door drip into the interior of the van? Or is there a plan for shower curtain as well?
Amazing Super Human DIY skills ...another brilliant video Captain Virgoe! 😉👍
Excellent craftsmanship 👍🏼