Withdrawals here...in need of a new video😅. Just kidding! I cannot imagine working nights, trying to sleep days, especially while doing a conversion to you future home all while selling you first build (like your baby moving out, lol). We love you guys. You are kind, funny and most importantly, real. You inspire so many of us, both young and old.
Speaking as a Audio guy speaker wire was never designed to handle heavy electrical loads and does not handle heat generated by the amps you are pulling through it I highly recommend using wire that is specifically designed to handle such heat and loads.
Thanks again for sharing your van build: And as for the lights (They sure do light up your life: True love, True colours). Keep up the great work. REGARDS
great job guys , but a tip , take the screws out of the black trim , spray them black then put back together so you wont see much of those shiney srews ;-) greetings From The Netherlands , keep it up!!👍🙌
Threading your electrical lines through the metal beams is a very good idea, although I do hope you’re going to protect them because no matter what you do, while you’re driving they will come in contact with that metal and eventually where through. Then you’ll have issues you really don’t want.
Looking real nice guys! The black was the right choice! Definitely need to use black screws. You 2 landed in a perfect place. I get it's hot, I'm in Florida so I know hot but with the work space and working through the night you've made the perfect choice! The only thing I'd have done different is I would've taken that hour and danced my ass off! The videos are great! Keep pumping them out. Be safe and have fun.
Great work on the ceiling and running the electrical! We've been watching since you started your bus conversion and never stop learning from your experiences.
Hey! Thanks so much!! 💚 I’m glad the videos have helped, at least a little! There might be just as many “how-to’s” as there are “how-not-to’s” in some of those earlier videos! 😅
Just an idea or reminder in the placement of things. You probably have lots of room under the van floor and frame rails. Placing your house batteries and possibly fresh and gray water tanks could be mounted underneath to give you more room inside. Just an idea to ponder on.
Where you ran the wires through the metal of the van, you should either put grommets in or put conduit over the wires because with any motion of the wires, they will chafe and short out.
About the interior 1:01 yes you are right choosing between lighter or darker colours it has the effects you mention. But even more importantly, the van as living space is very limited, the bad sides of having too dark surfaces will mean you don't have light there. The lighter and/or reflective surfaces help to distribute the light inside the van better, and that kind of (ambient/well distributed) light is hard to replace by boosting up the LED-light sources. So, choose carefully how you make the surfaces there, just keep in mind this lighting issue, try imagine if all the surfaces were matte black, imagine how hard that would be lighted well even how many Led-light sources you would have there, because that black surface is absorpting all the light away. Just from viewpoint of lighting, there could be really good reasons to make the roof of van very light and very reflective, even some silver material could be great - although this could also not feel so nice as some good looking wooden surface.
The ceiling turned out amazing…….the color is so soothing….makes zero difference in the height….your van choice rocks…moving the pucks was smart…now when they are on you look like you’re walking the red carpet …a dimmer switch will solve that but the brightness will be welcome when you’re cooking and doing other things in the van….thank you guys for taking us along for the ride…videoing the process is hard work…..I for one appreciate seeing the van transforming…..👏👏👏👏
Please keep in mind that 14 gauge speaker wire is fine for 12v (depending on amps) but if running electrical you need 14 AWG (for 15 amp) which is not the same.
@@arrobrewer2730 I am a low voltage project manager and no, there is no difference. Speaker wire is just stranded and usually has a different colored jacket. Insulation and strand size?? Different from another 14awg? C'mon son
@@EfficientRVer I agree. It's from Amazon, so I would bet anything due to the cost and from Asia is it not pure copper, just copper plated. I believe he said he had 8 puck lights @12 volts. That would fall within the parameters, providing the circuit could handle it. And yes for sure, connectors, not electrical tape. I used wago connectors in my attic to move some receptacles that needed relocating. I'm not so sure how they would work on the puck lights in an insolated ceiling. I think I would be tempted to put some heat shrink over the whole connector to keep the levers from ever coming open.
@@techeddie9035 AWG is American Wire Gauge and has a different wire strand size and different insulation. The cheaper foreign gauge is commonly purchased and used incorrectly. Most Amazon listings now carry a disclaimer that it is not AWG.
i would have loved to buy that skoolie.. im 70 and have been thinking about trying to go on a journey ... i havent seen much of the states and would love to see NYC.... and Chicago before leaving earth... Good luck with life
Oh boy...if all goes as planned, we'll be picking up our van Wednesday! So looking forward to the build. Though, we will be allowing about 6 months (we're old, lol).
Perhaps I'm not on the same page. So all your going to have for all lights is a dimmer. Was thinking lights over bedroom should it be on a separate on and off switch. You two are the greatest from Traveling great Grandma Darlene.
Enjoying your build. Make more videos. Are you putting in a Mr. Cool mini split a/c, lithium set up, shower etc? Keep us in touch. Ps, y’all r an inspiration.
You guys rock!!!! We still don’t have a ceiling, well not installed but it’s painted. We’ve been at it since January. Good job! You’re going to beat us at the ProMaster build 😉 ~A
We have the same puck lights and divided them into two circuits, each with a dimmer switch on them. I like having the sleeping and living areas separate - may want some nice soothing light in the bed area and brighter light in the kitchen.
Generally wiring run over the edge of metal needs chafing protection like split loom or even rubber/vinyl tubing etc. The edge of sheetmetal or almost any edge of metal can rub through creating a short from the vibrations and pressure onto that edge. Ask virtually ANY auto tech, they've dealt with it. Wire insulation is soft. A better option is the in wall rated speaker wire. It has the 2 inner conductors then another outer insulation over them, similar to romex. So like the wiring where it goes through the frame sections should have some to help protect it.
Contact with flat metal sections is less likely but still shorts are very possible. Another vanlifer ran heater wiring under the plastic step cover at side door. After a year or so and heater fuse blowing repeatedly a short was found under the step...just from stepping on it...problem was it was random so very hard to find
You may want to try the Minwax Pre-stain wood conditioner. It makes it much easier to work the stain and doesn’t turn the wood blotchy. Try it...you’ll be a believer. Good work otherwise! You are making great progress!
I'd put the lights on a few different circuits, unless there is a switch on each puck light, so you can have options on how many are on and where they are on..
nice work and explanation on why you choose the way you are doing the build. Where you use the fabric in the corners could you but kerf cuts maybe 3/4 of the way through the back and the wood should bend to fit the curved areas.
Watching you both makes my heart ♥ happy. You are quite the team and do such great work. One day you’ll be able to show your Kids how cool and industrious their Parents were a few years back. My favorite RUclips Couple ♥♥♥
Love the work you are doing! Props to Natalie for the “airline” moves. Jimmy’s reaction to lights was epic! 😂 Lastly, “Jimmy, you are well lit” (lights or remnants of the party outside??) 🎉
Hi Natalie & Jimmy I love watching your video take care and be safe did you guys sale the bus I watched the video when you guys started on the bus now am watching the van build I really enjoy watching your vedios be safe
Congratulations, looking GOOD, I'm enjoying the build. Just one thought as an Electrical Power Distribution Design Engineer, I have some concern regarding that possible low voltage rated "speaker wire" (if that's what it is ??) in that with its relative low quality/degree of insulation, strength, durability and abrasion resistance in contact with the metals twists, turns and possible sharp edges, due to constant road vibration the insulation might fail. While its ampacity may well suffice (should be minimum 125% of the Maximum Continuous Current) it's the strength and quality of the INSULATION all routed in and around that sheet metal (especially turns) that concerns me. They make all sorts of flexible hollow plastic retrofit tubing to provide added protection. For sure use Over Current Protection (fuse or DC breaker) sized as low as possible so it will clear the fault in case of any shorts. DISCLAIMER I don't know the wiring specs, perhaps IT IS SUITABLE for the way you are using it ?? It resembles light duty low voltage "speaker wire" so if it''s better than that FORGIVE ME.. Keep on be safe John T BSEE,JD Electrical Engineer and 50 year RV owner
I'm not sure where you're at in the build compared to videos, but I thought I'd drop a data point for you. We have 400watts solar + 30 amp dc to dc with 400 ah of lithium batteries. We're able to run all the standard DC type things (fan, Dometic 75cfx, etc.) along with induction cook top, microwave and water heater. We have the IsoTemp 4 gallon water heater (we had the 2 gallon Bosch but it wasn't enough) as we have a portable inside shower setup. We typically drive a couple hours each day and I don't think I've seen our batteries lower than 40-50%.
An idea maybe to late but maybe try putting the puck lights on different switches. Allowing the lights on or off over the bed independent from the other lights.
just a word of advice. you may want to use some rubber grommets when you pass the wiring thru the metal framework of the van. Over time vibration may cut into the wire insulation. This would cause a short and be hard to fix later.
For the wheel wells, personally I’d spend the money on the water tanks to fit over them, saves a good amount of space rather than placing a different water tank somewhere else but love the build and videos as always, and that’s what makes these vans unique is everyone will do them their own way 🤙🏻
You should only need to stain boards once, polyurethane may take three or four coats . It's looking so good. Those springs on those puck lights are cheap, I broke 2 on one of my project. I find that cutting stuff like the ceiling fan box ( use a grinder with a thin 4" cut off wheel ) thanks again it's great watching your build.
Wonderful to view through your progress with this project. Happy you are moving forward safely thoughtfully thoroughly enjoyed 😉rewards ahead! You're lights and salt in a dark world 🌎
If you are going to run 14 speaker wire like you are doing, (be sure the speaker wire will carry the amperage, as it is different than 14awg) something you may consider is running something heavier from the source, and go to a multi- post pos and neg bus bar, and make your routes shorter. You will probably need to have all the neg go to a neg bus bar or point, and ground to the frame. If you are using a victron battery meter and shunt, you will need to do that anyway. Otherwise, the shunt won't work. You will be able to trouble shoot any problem in the future. So many times, a problem is usually a ground. If I were doing another re-wire, I would go with a victron all in one as it saves a lot of time, trouble and expense. It eliminates so many fuses.
I still think that you guys will come to miss having a shower. Here is a suggesion for an outdoor one. Kelty Backroads Shelter. By running a line to the back door you will still keep the option open.
Do you two realize how inspirational you are? I love the ceiling!! You both do awesome work!! My brother and I are going to look at some vans in a couple of weeks!! I am so excited!!!
Withdrawals here...in need of a new video😅. Just kidding! I cannot imagine working nights, trying to sleep days, especially while doing a conversion to you future home all while selling you first build (like your baby moving out, lol).
We love you guys. You are kind, funny and most importantly, real. You inspire so many of us, both young and old.
Most adorable van life couple ever! I love watching you guys and admire all that you do. You guys rock it!!
Aw, thank you so much!! 💚😊
I'm not a hugger...but I'd hug them. Ok well maybe Natalie not so much Jimmy. I'm really not into hugging guys. Haha
Hey you two! Hoping all is well! We miss you! Just two old folks that subscribed and now we’re just hanging …….. way out here!
Speaking as a Audio guy speaker wire was never designed to handle heavy electrical loads and does not handle heat generated by the amps you are pulling through it I highly recommend using wire that is specifically designed to handle such heat and loads.
The buld is coming along nicely! That bicyle party is a weekly event, evryone is welcome, Thuresday 9:30.
Looking great folks. Morning forward. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
18:20 you can paint the screws with a magic marker or paint pen to make it easy.
Lights are looking slick! Now you've got me wanting to add more lights to my bus. 🤣
The lights look so so good.
Awesome ceiling your pulling it off doing the schoolie has taught you more making it easier to do the van
Thanks again for sharing your van build: And as for the lights (They sure do light up your life: True love, True colours). Keep up the great work. REGARDS
great job guys , but a tip , take the screws out of the black trim , spray them black then put back together so you wont see much of those shiney srews ;-) greetings From The Netherlands , keep it up!!👍🙌
So love watching the two of you. Didn’t see an update this week. Are you guys ok?
My thoughts also
Threading your electrical lines through the metal beams is a very good idea, although I do hope you’re going to protect them because no matter what you do, while you’re driving they will come in contact with that metal and eventually where through. Then you’ll have issues you really don’t want.
You guys are just moving right along!!!! Looking good so far!!
You guys are so cute in your matching outfits! You work well together, and, are doing a great job!
Thank you so much!! 💚
Looking real nice guys! The black was the right choice! Definitely need to use black screws. You 2 landed in a perfect place. I get it's hot, I'm in Florida so I know hot but with the work space and working through the night you've made the perfect choice! The only thing I'd have done different is I would've taken that hour and danced my ass off! The videos are great! Keep pumping them out. Be safe and have fun.
I thought you were crazy to do this away from home and in a parking lot. But, whoa, you guys are pulling this off.
Glad to watch as support 🫶🏻
Great work on the ceiling and running the electrical! We've been watching since you started your bus conversion and never stop learning from your experiences.
Hey! Thanks so much!! 💚 I’m glad the videos have helped, at least a little! There might be just as many “how-to’s” as there are “how-not-to’s” in some of those earlier videos! 😅
Just an idea or reminder in the placement of things. You probably have lots of room under the van floor and frame rails. Placing your house batteries and possibly fresh and gray water tanks could be mounted underneath to give you more room inside.
Just an idea to ponder on.
Where you ran the wires through the metal of the van, you should either put grommets in or put conduit over the wires because with any motion of the wires, they will chafe and short out.
About the interior 1:01 yes you are right choosing between lighter or darker colours it has the effects you mention. But even more importantly, the van as living space is very limited, the bad sides of having too dark surfaces will mean you don't have light there. The lighter and/or reflective surfaces help to distribute the light inside the van better, and that kind of (ambient/well distributed) light is hard to replace by boosting up the LED-light sources. So, choose carefully how you make the surfaces there, just keep in mind this lighting issue, try imagine if all the surfaces were matte black, imagine how hard that would be lighted well even how many Led-light sources you would have there, because that black surface is absorpting all the light away. Just from viewpoint of lighting, there could be really good reasons to make the roof of van very light and very reflective, even some silver material could be great - although this could also not feel so nice as some good looking wooden surface.
The ceiling turned out amazing…….the color is so soothing….makes zero difference in the height….your van choice rocks…moving the pucks was smart…now when they are on you look like you’re walking the red carpet …a dimmer switch will solve that but the brightness will be welcome when you’re cooking and doing other things in the van….thank you guys for taking us along for the ride…videoing the process is hard work…..I for one appreciate seeing the van transforming…..👏👏👏👏
Hey! Where are you guys?? We are all waiting for your next video 😆
Impressive!🌻🎶 Love continues blossoming like
flowers🌸🌻🌺🍇
Please keep in mind that 14 gauge speaker wire is fine for 12v (depending on amps) but if running electrical you need 14 AWG (for 15 amp) which is not the same.
@@arrobrewer2730 I am a low voltage project manager and no, there is no difference. Speaker wire is just stranded and usually has a different colored jacket. Insulation and strand size?? Different from another 14awg? C'mon son
@@EfficientRVer I agree. It's from Amazon, so I would bet anything due to the cost and from Asia is it not pure copper, just copper plated. I believe he said he had 8 puck lights @12 volts. That would fall within the parameters, providing the circuit could handle it. And yes for sure, connectors, not electrical tape. I used wago connectors in my attic to move some receptacles that needed relocating. I'm not so sure how they would work on the puck lights in an insolated ceiling. I think I would be tempted to put some heat shrink over the whole connector to keep the levers from ever coming open.
@@techeddie9035 AWG is American Wire Gauge and has a different wire strand size and different insulation. The cheaper foreign gauge is commonly purchased and used incorrectly. Most Amazon listings now carry a disclaimer that it is not AWG.
i would have loved to buy that skoolie.. im 70 and have been thinking about trying to go on a journey ... i havent seen much of the states and would love to see NYC.... and Chicago before leaving earth... Good luck with life
You're both doing a great job on the build.... I love the lights
Thanks Erin! We're loving them too! 💚 It's so much easier to see what we're doing 😂
Holy cow!’ It looks so great! We’ve been watching and are so happy for y’all.
Oh boy...if all goes as planned, we'll be picking up our van Wednesday! So looking forward to the build. Though, we will be allowing about 6 months (we're old, lol).
Oh that is so exciting!! 😄🎉 You guys are going to have such a fun time with the buildout!
You guys are doing a grate job stay healthy safe and blessed my friends 🫶🏽🙏🏾♥️🥰🦋
Perhaps I'm not on the same page. So all your going to have for all lights is a dimmer. Was thinking lights over bedroom should it be on a separate on and off switch. You two are the greatest from Traveling great Grandma Darlene.
Outstanding work! Bob Vila, eat your heart out. LOL!
Enjoying your build. Make more videos. Are you putting in a Mr. Cool mini split a/c, lithium set up, shower etc? Keep us in touch. Ps, y’all r an inspiration.
Well done! I’m currently building my first bus. 😅 your videos help keep me motivated lol.
The rave scene is so SLC!
i look forward to you videos every week. 😁🤩😁🤪😜
take a black marker to the screws it'll blend in might have to do it a few times but it's cheaper and gets the job done ,,, love the build so far
You guys rock!!!! We still don’t have a ceiling, well not installed but it’s painted. We’ve been at it since January. Good job! You’re going to beat us at the ProMaster build 😉 ~A
We have the same puck lights and divided them into two circuits, each with a dimmer switch on them. I like having the sleeping and living areas separate - may want some nice soothing light in the bed area and brighter light in the kitchen.
Nice job kids! 💖
Wow you two amaze me it’s hard to wait a week for your next video
Great progress. I can’t wait to see it done 🤓
Generally wiring run over the edge of metal needs chafing protection like split loom or even rubber/vinyl tubing etc. The edge of sheetmetal or almost any edge of metal can rub through creating a short from the vibrations and pressure onto that edge. Ask virtually ANY auto tech, they've dealt with it. Wire insulation is soft. A better option is the in wall rated speaker wire. It has the 2 inner conductors then another outer insulation over them, similar to romex.
So like the wiring where it goes through the frame sections should have some to help protect it.
Contact with flat metal sections is less likely but still shorts are very possible. Another vanlifer ran heater wiring under the plastic step cover at side door. After a year or so and heater fuse blowing repeatedly a short was found under the step...just from stepping on it...problem was it was random so very hard to find
The van is looking great.
Looking good can’t wait to see the finished project take care.
I really like you guys are down sizing.
It might be a good idea to put a few extra wires behind the paneling for future upgrades or repairs, also I would use connectors with heat shrink.
You may want to try the Minwax Pre-stain wood conditioner. It makes it much easier to work the stain and doesn’t turn the wood blotchy. Try it...you’ll be a believer. Good work otherwise! You are making great progress!
Hi from Scotland 🏴, progress looking fab!... Keep up the good work, 👌💪👏🙂
Keep flying the flag! 👍
Nice... slowly but its getting closer
💯 try one person weenie rolls the other person brushes behind.🤔🤔👍🏼👍🏼
Looking good!!
Now come do my ceiling 😁
Atta way J & N!!!
Lookin good!!!
You're doing so well!!!
Catch you on the flip side!!!
Lotsa love, hugs and respect!!
🍃😍🤗🍃
I really like the color you picked out for the ceiling.
I'd put the lights on a few different circuits, unless there is a switch on each puck light, so you can have options on how many are on and where they are on..
nice work and explanation on why you choose the way you are doing the build. Where you use the fabric in the corners could you but kerf cuts maybe 3/4 of the way through the back and the wood should bend to fit the curved areas.
Watching you both makes my heart ♥ happy. You are quite the team and do such great work. One day you’ll be able to show your Kids how cool and industrious their Parents were a few years back. My favorite RUclips Couple ♥♥♥
Love the work you are doing! Props to Natalie for the “airline” moves. Jimmy’s reaction to lights was epic! 😂 Lastly, “Jimmy, you are well lit” (lights or remnants of the party outside??) 🎉
We'll never tell! 🤫😂 (just kidding!)
Nice work, you two. I wish you the best with your build.
When you turned on the runway ceiling lights for the first time.....ahhhhh 👌
Thank you Jimmy and Natalie, I Love it your doing Great 👍
Thank you so much Brian!! We both really appreciate that! 😊
Hi Natalie & Jimmy I love watching your video take care and be safe did you guys sale the bus I watched the video when you guys started on the bus now am watching the van build I really enjoy watching your vedios be safe
Howdy from Branson Missouri !
Looking good guys 👍
you guys are a great team!!!!
Congratulations, looking GOOD, I'm enjoying the build. Just one thought as an Electrical Power Distribution Design Engineer, I have some concern regarding that possible low voltage rated "speaker wire" (if that's what it is ??) in that with its relative low quality/degree of insulation, strength, durability and abrasion resistance in contact with the metals twists, turns and possible sharp edges, due to constant road vibration the insulation might fail. While its ampacity may well suffice (should be minimum 125% of the Maximum Continuous Current) it's the strength and quality of the INSULATION all routed in and around that sheet metal (especially turns) that concerns me. They make all sorts of flexible hollow plastic retrofit tubing to provide added protection. For sure use Over Current Protection (fuse or DC breaker) sized as low as possible so it will clear the fault in case of any shorts. DISCLAIMER I don't know the wiring specs, perhaps IT IS SUITABLE for the way you are using it ?? It resembles light duty low voltage "speaker wire" so if it''s better than that FORGIVE ME.. Keep on be safe
John T BSEE,JD Electrical Engineer and 50 year RV owner
I'm not sure where you're at in the build compared to videos, but I thought I'd drop a data point for you. We have 400watts solar + 30 amp dc to dc with 400 ah of lithium batteries. We're able to run all the standard DC type things (fan, Dometic 75cfx, etc.) along with induction cook top, microwave and water heater. We have the IsoTemp 4 gallon water heater (we had the 2 gallon Bosch but it wasn't enough) as we have a portable inside shower setup. We typically drive a couple hours each day and I don't think I've seen our batteries lower than 40-50%.
It will be beautiful when you are finished. Love the ceiling color.
Fabulous job!!! 💯🥰🤗
Nice job.....looking good kiddos..
Looking great!😊
looks so sharp! The smaller board you had to put up on the ceiling would actually look good in black to match your fan frame!
greetings from Ireland its all looking good guys keep up the good work
🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
Awesome stuff guys
An idea maybe to late but maybe try putting the puck lights on different switches. Allowing the lights on or off over the bed independent from the other lights.
Great job 👏 👏👏
Love to see the progress you are making. You’ll be on the road in no time
Great progress!!!
Wow, it’s looking great
just a word of advice. you may want to use some rubber grommets when you pass the wiring thru the metal framework of the van. Over time vibration may cut into the wire insulation. This would cause a short and be hard to fix later.
Looking good! Making it to last a long time.
For the wheel wells, personally I’d spend the money on the water tanks to fit over them, saves a good amount of space rather than placing a different water tank somewhere else but love the build and videos as always, and that’s what makes these vans unique is everyone will do them their own way 🤙🏻
How about some insulation in your wheel well boxes?
Help with noise and temperatures
You guys are awesome!
Tour doing great
You should only need to stain boards once, polyurethane may take three or four coats . It's looking so good. Those springs on those puck lights are cheap, I broke 2 on one of my project. I find that cutting stuff like the ceiling fan box ( use a grinder with a thin 4" cut off wheel ) thanks again it's great watching your build.
Thank you for taking us along on your build 👍
🇦🇺🐨🦘
wow you are doing such a awesome job im loving seeing the new build and cant wait for the next video keep up all the great work take care
Wonderful to view through your progress with this project. Happy you are moving forward safely thoughtfully thoroughly enjoyed 😉rewards ahead! You're lights and salt in a dark world 🌎
Thank you so much! We're so glad you enjoyed it! 💚 We're working hard right now, but we know it'll pay off one day soon! 😄
Looking good guys.
Thank you!! 😊
Progress. Awesome 😎
Nice job guy’s!
If you are going to run 14 speaker wire like you are doing, (be sure the speaker wire will carry the amperage, as it is different than 14awg) something you may consider is running something heavier from the source, and go to a multi- post pos and neg bus bar, and make your routes shorter. You will probably need to have all the neg go to a neg bus bar or point, and ground to the frame. If you are using a victron battery meter and shunt, you will need to do that anyway. Otherwise, the shunt won't work. You will be able to trouble shoot any problem in the future. So many times, a problem is usually a ground. If I were doing another re-wire, I would go with a victron all in one as it saves a lot of time, trouble and expense. It eliminates so many fuses.
Great job!
Looking good
I still think that you guys will come to miss having a shower. Here is a suggesion for an outdoor one. Kelty Backroads Shelter. By running a line to the back door you will still keep the option open.
Omg I’m sooo excited
Do you two realize how inspirational you are? I love the ceiling!! You both do awesome work!! My brother and I are going to look at some vans in a couple of weeks!! I am so excited!!!