I like all the changes you have made. It's hard to get it right the first time until you live in it for awhile and learn what you like or don't like. Looks like you really have it fine tuned now. Thanks for the updated tour.
Greetings Brian, I've been following your videos for some time to help me make the transition to mobile life. I just couldn't downsize to a van after living in a 3900 sq foot house. So I chose a 300 sq foot RV. The size is perfect for me. I've enjoyed your videos especially the cooking videos. Your van build is amazing and clearly works for you. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming
Your orderliness is inspiring for my home on wheels! I find myself not wanting anything unnecessary and space consuming. Everytime I want anything, I always ask where it will go, and how useful it will be, and then I usually find I don't want or need it after all. So I end up saving space, time, and money! Great job with your van. Keep up the good work.
I watch every one of your videos! THANKS so much for taking the time to make them. Always exciting to see one come up on my screen...no matter what you are sharing with us. We camp in our mini van...not full time but we did do a 3 week trip around Florida last winter. Have picked up many tips from you. I have a couple of ideas for temporarily installing an air condition in our mini van for camping in the hot summer. Haven't tried it yet...but have the idea spinning in my head. Thanks for sharing your install.
Hi Brian: Nice tour, nice van. I don't recall if I've mentioned this before, (I may well have) but I'd highly recommend (instead of jumper cables) getting a Harbor Freight "Viking Compact Power Pack".. (item 62749). It has a 12 V port, 5 V USB port and a port for it's special jumper cable. You like to boondock a lot, but if your vehicle battery failed, you could use this item to get the engine started, without the need for a "good Samaritan" to provide the jump start. It can hold an 80% charge for a year on the shelf, unlike other jump packs that need monthly recharging. The Viking pack also has a flashlight, 110 VAC charger and a DC charger cable. It also has a "universal" USB charger cord that fits many devices.
I just got my van and I started living in it. I shower at work and I got most of my stuff in storage. I really want to go off grid, I'm learning a lot from this video. Thanks for the information I'm definitely turning my van into a stealth camper but it's going to take time since I just started working on it.
You might want to consider a tire cover for your spare. The problem that I've had with tires that don't get many miles on them and are out in the sun is that they dry rot long before the tread wears out. I really enjoy following your journey. I spent 8 years full time, in the 80's. Started with a van and quickly moved to a travel trailer.
Thanks for the updated tour, Brian! Looks GREAT! Nice upgrades!!! New logo looks great also! Looks exactly as you described it! (Haven't checked in in awhile.)
I wish I could have a van like that. It's probably too expensive initially, but to maintain, it's probably quite inexpensive. Maybe someday I can create a van, tiny houses, or RV to live in. I've thought about how liberating it would be to live in a van, or tiny house, and how I'd have a lot of freedom, and have the ability to move around effortlessly with all of my belongings. You're one lucky guy!
I did thank you. Everything you have done is so practical and works well. I have a 8 x 5 trailer which I am about to hopefully transform into a long term liveable mobile unit. I will share some pics soon. Thanks again, Wayne
Love the new tour, that van is really coming along! You could put a small piece of vinyl faux wood flooring in that area for pretty cheap and very easy. Protect the wood and would look really nice! Thanks for the tour!
Nice setup Brian. I have been following since you started the channel. I really like your layout. You have everything you need in its place to live comfortably. I have a 95 Ford Cargo extended. I will be using some of your ideas!
I love the little stereo system - I listen to podcasts from the phone while driving and the little phone speakers don't cut it when on the highway. Great video. Thank you for the new tour.
I have an idea for you. get a 1/2" sheet of plywood and put under bed on floor and set stuff on top. when wanted you could just slide out rear doors and have #1 easy access to stored items. and #2 set everything off and prop up with a board and have a large cooking table, etc.
Hey Brian, once again good stuff. Instead of using a stick to prop up your swing up table, how about making a triangular piece of 3/4" plywood on a piano hinge that swings into place under the table when in use, and folds back toward the wall when not in use. Then you won't have to worry about misplacing the stick or worry about stability and the support piece will always be there. One more piece of the puzzle that you won't have to worry about. Thanks guy, keep the good stuff coming.....Aloha!
Hi, Brian, you did an amazing job on your van build - it is both beautiful and functional and has everything a person would need to live life comfortably and happily. There is plenty of storage, cooking and eating space, and I think the bed that turns into a sofa that faces the home or faces the view from the back doors is sheer genius. Love the JoAnn's thick foam idea for the sofa and bed. The insulation is top notch. The window coverings are cool, and the multicolor lighting and LED lights are awesome. The air conditioning unit is really clever and so necessary, and you also have a very nice heating system, and I think the 5 gallon camouflaged bucket with the swivel stool on top is GREAT! You also did a very nice job on all of the kitchen woodwork storage that you built yourself and I love the paneling on the walls, and I think the carpeting is very clever and easy to maintain like new. You have made very intelligent use of every square inch, and it looks nice too. Thank you for the great tour and awesome ideas. We bought a used pop-up and we are refurbishing it, and you have given us so many great and do-able ideas, I can't wait to get started on our re-build. Best wishes in your awesome new home from Ms. Ginny and family.
Check, check, check!! You have and carry all that I have found that's needed over 30 years of my travels, LA to New York, Canada to Mexico! Fantastic fan is a must and while A/C is a luxury for most try crossing Iowa on bicycle 6 times in JULY!! That's why my Van/RV goes nowhere without it. My goal is to stay as lite as possible since we all know fuel will only be going up. I do this with a simple rule, everything must have three uses before it gets in the Van/RV and the item must be used at least every year or GOOD BYE! Thanks for the tour.
Really enjoyed your video Brian. You have an amazing van. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Have just subscribed to your channel. Look forward to learning more.
Your van build is one of my favorites. It looks expensive but it's simple. The paneling gives it a light, airy but cozy feel. I want everything you have lol.. I'm glad you have an Amazon link now. I always look forward to your next video. Makes my day.
It's awesome. Right now my van has the typical folding conversion bed/couch, but it is very inefficient of space - big bars prevent storage bins, etc. Eventually I will have a simple bed built, similar to yours. Great!
I like it! I had a 98 Model 2500 with a 318 engine in it. I should have never sold it. It already had a bed built into it but I was too tall to lay east/west.
Thanks for taking the time out to give us a tour of your van, Brian. Two quick questions: 1. Is the swivel chair top an attachment you purchased or something you built yourself? 2. Can you tell more about the stereo you showed us in the video?
+Alex Tucker The swivel top bucket setup was purchased at walmart, both the padded seat cover and bucket came together for $12. The stereo is a cheap 12volt unit I got from eBay for about $15. It was shipped from China. They had mixed reviews, some said theirs died in a weeks use, I have been using mine for almost 3years with no problems. The brand name is Kawachi. 😄👍✌
Thank you for sharing, it is a simple and practical rig that give you the freedom. The 18 people with the thumb up most probably like to have an apartment on wheels and are jealous of your life style. Let them suffer in their cubic in front of the PC.
Just wonder how many people out there are not in the road because they need a van or campervan with all the mods that they have in their apartment. Then again in my touring years I saw people in small motorbikes or pushbikes pitching the tent every night. With my wife we traveled 8 month on a motorbike towing a 4 foot trailer with all our camping gear. In many cases simplicity it is best (and cheap)
Wow! When I think of living in a van, living like a monk comes to mind: very sparse, having to sacrifice a lot of necessities. Not so according to your video. You have all the bells and whistles. I think that is awesome. Totally self-sufficient.
Great van! I like how you have made it very functional and minimalist. So many of the van living videos have 40K Mercedes Sprinters and 50K of crap installed, cherry cupboards, surround sound, etc.
awesome man I've got a 1986 Chevy g20 camper van with the hightop toilet shower couch/bed and kitchenette. I tore out the carpet and tiled the floor. and added a generator that sitts on a rear cargo rack.I've made upgrades and what not.
Your van looks very put together and functional. We never did get our selves situated where we had a place for everything...always trying to find something...having to tear every thing apart to find the missing piece~ 3 years on the road is true dedication. We only stayed out 9 months at the longest and maybe if we didn't own a house we might still be in the van. Working on a Ford Falcon 190 now and will hopefully be on the road by snow fall. Happy Trails~
man I would be totally at home in that.. just to be out in some beautiful bit of nature, reading a zombie apocalypse novel on the bed with the back doors open sounds like a perfect day to me.
Beautiful broom!! You have really made a lot of changes. I am glad to see that you can put air in a van. I just cannot take the heat. Wow, I am so confused as to what all you need. Your home is beautiful!!you are the negated man I have seen in a long time!
Excellent update on the van!!...As always I enjoyed it because it was extremely detailed. It was interesting that the 4"foam works as a mattress...it's a good thing to know.
This is seriously Amazing Awesome INTELLIGENT!! I am honored to be Subscriber 10002!! Wow!! I learned so MUCH!! Thank You for Showing how this Life is possible!! Can you please give an Estimated Cost of Daily Expenses?? Cost for Food, Supplies, Insurance, Maintaince, Saving for future repair needs ( tires..oil changes..motor repairs..etc..??) The Best VAN set up!!👍👍👍👍
You should set up the solar panels in a way that they are easily detachable from the roof with a long enough plug so you can move them. This way you can park in the shade and set up the panels in the sun so your not constrained to parking in the sun while charging them. I think that will help alot with the heat.
Great and informative. I'd say put a tire cover over that spare though...looks very sunny there- don't want those UV rays dry rotting your spare! Happy vanning!
This will come in handy when I build my van in a couple months. The part I'm worried about is setting up my solar system and all the components that go with it. I'll probably need to hire someone to do that for me. Not sure where to look though.
You have created a very nice, cozy home for yourself! It is well thought out and organized, a must for a tiny home! Well done. Keep smiling, Valerie
I like your clean and simple approach to van living. Thank you for your efforts.
I recently quit my job and started a channel about living on the road! These types of videos are motivation!
Introverted.ty_MN oh hello!
I like all the changes you have made. It's hard to get it right the first time until you live in it for awhile and learn what you like or don't like. Looks like you really have it fine tuned now. Thanks for the updated tour.
Greetings Brian, I've been following your videos for some time to help me make the transition to mobile life. I just couldn't downsize to a van after living in a 3900 sq foot house. So I chose a 300 sq foot RV. The size is perfect for me. I've enjoyed your videos especially the cooking videos. Your van build is amazing and clearly works for you. Thanks for the videos and keep them coming
Simple, but efficient. Cool. I've watched many van tours, and yours is the most informative. It is a joy to watch your channel. Peace .
A spare tire cover might be a good idea to prevent dry rot on the tire. That sun and heat can be very hard on a tire.
Your orderliness is inspiring for my home on wheels! I find myself not wanting anything unnecessary and space consuming. Everytime I want anything, I always ask where it will go, and how useful it will be, and then I usually find I don't want or need it after all. So I end up saving space, time, and money! Great job with your van. Keep up the good work.
I watch every one of your videos! THANKS so much for taking the time to make them. Always exciting to see one come up on my screen...no matter what you are sharing with us. We camp in our mini van...not full time but we did do a 3 week trip around Florida last winter. Have picked up many tips from you. I have a couple of ideas for temporarily installing an air condition in our mini van for camping in the hot summer. Haven't tried it yet...but have the idea spinning in my head. Thanks for sharing your install.
Hi Brian: Nice tour, nice van. I don't recall if I've mentioned this before, (I may well have) but I'd highly recommend (instead of jumper cables) getting a Harbor Freight "Viking Compact Power Pack".. (item 62749). It has a 12 V port, 5 V USB port and a port for it's special jumper cable.
You like to boondock a lot, but if your vehicle battery failed, you could use this item to get the engine started, without the need for a "good Samaritan" to provide the jump start. It can hold an 80% charge for a year on the shelf, unlike other jump packs that need monthly recharging. The Viking pack also has a flashlight, 110 VAC charger and a DC charger cable.
It also has a "universal" USB charger cord that fits many devices.
Ray, thanks for that tip. It's good advice for anyone.
I love the little mailbox for storage idea! I'm going to use that in my mini-bus :)
I just got my van and I started living in it. I shower at work and I got most of my stuff in storage. I really want to go off grid, I'm learning a lot from this video. Thanks for the information I'm definitely turning my van into a stealth camper but it's going to take time since I just started working on it.
Hey Brian you did an awesome job on your van ! Nice and organized.
Thumbs up.
ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE
You might want to consider a tire cover for your spare. The problem that I've had with tires that don't get many miles on them and are out in the sun is that they dry rot long before the tread wears out. I really enjoy following your journey. I spent 8 years full time, in the 80's. Started with a van and quickly moved to a travel trailer.
Thanks for the updated tour, Brian! Looks GREAT! Nice upgrades!!! New logo looks great also! Looks exactly as you described it! (Haven't checked in in awhile.)
I wish I could have a van like that. It's probably too expensive initially, but to maintain, it's probably quite inexpensive. Maybe someday I can create a van, tiny houses, or RV to live in. I've thought about how liberating it would be to live in a van, or tiny house, and how I'd have a lot of freedom, and have the ability to move around effortlessly with all of my belongings. You're one lucky guy!
Maelui Yumiko Believe in yourself, babe!
Thanks for the updated tour! I can't wait to get my van going!
I did thank you. Everything you have done is so practical and works well. I have a 8 x 5 trailer which I am about to hopefully transform into a long term liveable mobile unit. I will share some pics soon. Thanks again, Wayne
Love the new tour, that van is really coming along! You could put a small piece of vinyl faux wood flooring in that area for pretty cheap and very easy. Protect the wood and would look really nice! Thanks for the tour!
Nice setup Brian. I have been following since you started the channel. I really like your layout. You have everything you need in its place to live comfortably. I have a 95 Ford Cargo extended. I will be using some of your ideas!
+stringbender57 Thank you. I have appreicated your comments all along this journey. Good luck with your cargo van!
So wonderful, thank you for sharing 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Nice van, good job and Thumbs Up!
Super simple AND functional! Very cosy in here! I'm on the edge to the van life... MMmmmh
Great video! Good to see positive people on RUclips! Keep it up
Amen! Isn't that so true?
I love the little stereo system - I listen to podcasts from the phone while driving and the little phone speakers don't cut it when on the highway.
Great video. Thank you for the new tour.
I have an idea for you. get a 1/2" sheet of plywood and put under bed on floor and set stuff on top. when wanted you could just slide out rear doors and have #1 easy access to stored items. and #2 set everything off and prop up with a board and have a large cooking table, etc.
Hey Brian, once again good stuff. Instead of using a stick to prop up your swing up table, how about making a triangular piece of 3/4" plywood on a piano hinge that swings into place under the table when in use, and folds back toward the wall when not in use. Then you won't have to worry about misplacing the stick or worry about stability and the support piece will always be there. One more piece of the puzzle that you won't have to worry about. Thanks guy, keep the good stuff coming.....Aloha!
Thank you for the peek inside your world.
My fiance and I are traveling in our 1995 Chevy Astro this upcoming March across the USA. We adore your van! Great set up!
Hi, Brian, you did an amazing job on your van build - it is both beautiful and functional and has everything a person would need to live life comfortably and happily. There is plenty of storage, cooking and eating space, and I think the bed that turns into a sofa that faces the home or faces the view from the back doors is sheer genius. Love the JoAnn's thick foam idea for the sofa and bed. The insulation is top notch. The window coverings are cool, and the multicolor lighting and LED lights are awesome. The air conditioning unit is really clever and so necessary, and you also have a very nice heating system, and I think the 5 gallon camouflaged bucket with the swivel stool on top is GREAT! You also did a very nice job on all of the kitchen woodwork storage that you built yourself and I love the paneling on the walls, and I think the carpeting is very clever and easy to maintain like new. You have made very intelligent use of every square inch, and it looks nice too. Thank you for the great tour and awesome ideas. We bought a used pop-up and we are refurbishing it, and you have given us so many great and do-able ideas, I can't wait to get started on our re-build. Best wishes in your awesome new home from Ms. Ginny and family.
Check, check, check!! You have and carry all that I have found that's needed over 30 years of my travels, LA to New York, Canada to Mexico! Fantastic fan is a must and while A/C is a luxury for most try crossing Iowa on bicycle 6 times in JULY!! That's why my Van/RV goes nowhere without it. My goal is to stay as lite as possible since we all know fuel will only be going up. I do this with a simple rule, everything must have three uses before it gets in the Van/RV and the item must be used at least every year or GOOD BYE! Thanks for the tour.
Thank you so much for showing us your home. I love the bed looks very comfy and underbed storage space
Love the build of the van. Keep enjoying your freedom!
Really enjoyed your video Brian. You have an amazing van. Thank you for sharing your home with us. Have just subscribed to your channel. Look forward to learning more.
Your van build is one of my favorites. It looks expensive but it's simple. The paneling gives it a light, airy but cozy feel. I want everything you have lol.. I'm glad you have an Amazon link now. I always look forward to your next video. Makes my day.
More and more Home Sweet Home.
It's awesome. Right now my van has the typical folding conversion bed/couch, but it is very inefficient of space - big bars prevent storage bins, etc. Eventually I will have a simple bed built, similar to yours. Great!
love the sofa bed, wow ur van rocks, everything is so tiny, yet big enuff, Well Done
I like it! I had a 98 Model 2500 with a 318 engine in it. I should have never sold it. It already had a bed built into it but I was too tall to lay east/west.
Great van build. I love that rotating seat bucket. Thx for the introduction to wicked brooms.
You might get a cover for the spare to prevent dry rot.
I really like your set up in your van looks awesome thanks for sharing your ideas I'm sure very aspiring. Happy Trails and be safe out there
Thanks for taking the time out to give us a tour of your van, Brian. Two quick questions:
1. Is the swivel chair top an attachment you purchased or something you built yourself?
2. Can you tell more about the stereo you showed us in the video?
+Alex Tucker The swivel top bucket setup was purchased at walmart, both the padded seat cover and bucket came together for $12. The stereo is a cheap 12volt unit I got from eBay for about $15. It was shipped from China. They had mixed reviews, some said theirs died in a weeks use, I have been using mine for almost 3years with no problems. The brand name is Kawachi. 😄👍✌
AdventureVanMan
Thanks for replying, Brian! :)
Diggin' the van! Warm in the winter, cool in the summer, all around a great build.
Thank you for sharing, it is a simple and practical rig that give you the freedom.
The 18 people with the thumb up most probably like to have an apartment on wheels and are jealous of your life style.
Let them suffer in their cubic in front of the PC.
Just wonder how many people out there are not in the road because they need a van or campervan with all the mods that they have in their apartment.
Then again in my touring years I saw people in small motorbikes or pushbikes pitching the tent every night.
With my wife we traveled 8 month on a motorbike towing a 4 foot trailer with all our camping gear.
In many cases simplicity it is best (and cheap)
Wow! When I think of living in a van, living like a monk comes to mind: very sparse, having to sacrifice a lot of necessities. Not so according to your video. You have all the bells and whistles. I think that is awesome. Totally self-sufficient.
A/C is a winner!
Great deal on the van, outstanding arrangement
Great van! I like how you have made it very functional and minimalist. So many of the van living videos have 40K Mercedes Sprinters and 50K of crap installed, cherry cupboards, surround sound, etc.
Wow very nice van buddy looks awesome. I love seeing other people's vans. We have a 1988 g20 high top conversion van.
Thank you. I love those old g20 vans. Would love to have a high top one day! :)
awesome man I've got a 1986 Chevy g20 camper van with the hightop toilet shower couch/bed and kitchenette. I tore out the carpet and tiled the floor. and added a generator that sitts on a rear cargo rack.I've made upgrades and what not.
AdventureVanMan pq
WOW .. So loooove your van .. Totally cool .. Definitely one for my "I wish" list
It would be nice to see a video on the tools you nomads carry to build and maintain your vans.
I really like your van. It is stuff an average guy can do. You've done a good job.
The Best Simple and Smart Camper Build !!!
Nice tour Brian and glad the new AC is working out for you. Safe travels..
Your van looks very put together and functional. We never did get our selves situated where we had a place for everything...always trying to find something...having to tear every thing apart to find the missing piece~ 3 years on the road is true dedication. We only stayed out 9 months at the longest and maybe if we didn't own a house we might still be in the van. Working on a Ford Falcon 190 now and will hopefully be on the road by snow fall. Happy Trails~
Very nice Brian.👍 It is so well planned out and organized!!! Thank you for sharing.😄
Great use of all the space in the Van....
Wow I love the wonder domes idea. So innovative.
very smart setup my friend. peace.
Amazing van and life. Pleased I found your channel. Many thanks
Great job on keeping us updated on the changes to your Van. I think I need to do an update too!
Thank you for posting your video. You have some great ideas. Peace
Very cozy set up. I like how you have it organized.
+CoolCat Carolena Thanks Carolena 😄👍✌
one of my favourite videos ever
man I would be totally at home in that.. just to be out in some beautiful bit of nature, reading a zombie apocalypse novel on the bed with the back doors open sounds like a perfect day to me.
Beautiful broom!! You have really made a lot of changes. I am glad to see that you can put air in a van. I just cannot take the heat. Wow, I am so confused as to what all you need. Your home is beautiful!!you are the negated man I have seen in a long time!
Awesome set up! So organized!
Very nice you've given me some good idea's on storage bins thanks
You're very organized..... Everything has its place..
very simple but organised van! it's work very well for you! safe rving!
Nice set up. I'm glad to hear your ac is working out. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Brian... you have a nice setup. 🌞🌞🌞
Best van on RUclips dude , yours is my favourite among all the van dwellers:-) safe travels
Love the hooks... Simple but great extra storage
Sweet Van dude you did a great job I love seeing other people's van gives me ideas for mine!
Great van tour. Have an awesome weekend my friend.
OK cool I really like this set up u have for my van I have a 83 dodge ram van that I full time live in I love it thank u my friend for the info
Good tour of a nicely functioning build
Nice build, I like what you did with it. A new type of ac install never saw that before I'll watch that video.
I want one of your stickers .
Looked great the first time we saw it, and even better now with a couple of upgrades.... hope to meet up again..
;)~
Excellent update on the van!!...As always I enjoyed it because it was extremely detailed. It was interesting that the 4"foam works as a mattress...it's a good thing to know.
Fabulous! Thank you so much for such a through tour.
+TheDenisedrake You are welcome 😄👍✌
Very nice, looks cozy and comfy
great job young man very well-thought-out
This is seriously Amazing Awesome INTELLIGENT!!
I am honored to be Subscriber 10002!! Wow!! I learned so MUCH!! Thank You for Showing how this Life is possible!!
Can you please give an Estimated Cost of Daily Expenses?? Cost for Food,
Supplies, Insurance, Maintaince, Saving for future repair needs ( tires..oil changes..motor repairs..etc..??) The Best VAN set up!!👍👍👍👍
Thank you! Check out my video on my costs here... ruclips.net/video/gYwoe5VMcFw/видео.html
You should set up the solar panels in a way that they are easily detachable from the roof with a long enough plug so you can move them. This way you can park in the shade and set up the panels in the sun so your not constrained to parking in the sun while charging them. I think that will help alot with the heat.
Great and informative. I'd say put a tire cover over that spare though...looks very sunny there- don't want those UV rays dry rotting your spare! Happy vanning!
awesome home
Great job brother on your van. I subscribed as you are an inspiration to watch. God bless!
Amazing ....keep those videos coming
Looking good B 😃👍🏼 Glad the a/c is working out!
Thanks for the link Brian!!!
wow very nice and well planned out!
This will come in handy when I build my van in a couple months. The part I'm worried about is setting up my solar system and all the components that go with it. I'll probably need to hire someone to do that for me. Not sure where to look though.
what a tidy home.
Second time watching! Awesomely organized! Thanks for the video!
Thank you :)
Thank you for sharing . I'm purchasing soon.
Great Van. You did an awesome job 😊