Did you consider a second alternator? The good news about 810 Ah of battery is that you have a big battery -- but the bad news is that *you have to charge it up*. If you run down the battery overnight to 25% (say, running the AC), then the 30 amp charging rate from the stock alternator will take 20 hours (with the engine running) to recharge! Of course, the solar will help, but 200 watts of solar might typically yield 150 watts, which is a charge rate of about 12 amps, yielding maybe 75 Ah over the course of a day. The 75 Ah of solar is less than 10% of the battery bank. My point is, if you actually use a lot of the 810 Ah, your van is going to need shore power to recharge the batteries. Why not install a second alternator, which will allow you to recharge at the rate of 120 amps (the maximum rate supported by the Victron MultiPlus 3000). Even with the 120 amp charging rate, it will *still* take some serious engine running time to recharge the battery bank -- but at least you're charging at 120 amps instead of a measly 30 amps. I suppose that if you don't need much AC (say, out west), then the big battery bank lets you go for (many?) days away from shore power, while getting modest charging from solar and driving. If you have substantial power draw-downs (AC?) on a daily basis, then you will deplete the bank in a couple of days unless you have substantial charging capability. We're often in hot humid areas, and tend to use AC. On our 170, our design is 2 x 270 = 540 Ah, with 525 watts of solar and a second alternator, and figure we'll typically recharge on a daily basis via the solar and some driving. If I went to 810 we could function longer without driving, which would be a plus. Might do that. Lots of great stuff in your design!
I've told my husband when our kids are all grown up (we have 5) that I want to live like this. The idea of being able to travel/live anywhere is something I've always wanted! I love nature and traveling so what an amazing idea! Love you guys and hope you are still doing this in about 10 years lol 😆 💕
This is the most refined video Sara & Alex have done. They've become so comfortable with their designs and learned so much over the years. Indeed, they're a long way from building vans in driveways in San Diego. Their concise video editing demonstrates they've mastered their craft, and kept up with the upgrades in the vanlife business. As a long-time viewer of this channel, it feels like Sara & Alex have reached a new level, and fully established themselves in the van builder ecosystem. Excellent job, guys.
I have been watching since they were in their first van. I have watched van builds and tours for the last 10 years and these vans are always on my most favorite list. I used their layout for my van when I built mine. Definitely a thumbs up 👍
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ❤YOUR VAN BUILDS!!! They are beautiful and awesome. This one is just what I would want. I wish I could buy one. I can't pick just 1 favorite part of the van. The power (solar/battery) system is great!
You guys always makes and build awesome vans. They are so clean, simple and minimalistic in the interior design. And a HUGE plus for me is the full bathroom - wether it be composting -, cassette - or black tank toilet. Have you ever considered or built a bunk bed style design, where the bottom bed can turn into a dinette area for dining and relaxing and turn it into a bed at night. I mean that way your kids or customers could have a almost two queen size beds in the van. And still have two seats behind the driver seat (that also could turn into a bed)
That van is beautiful and I do love the gold 👍🏻. I was sure to “smash” that like button😄. I really love it that you two took your love of van life and turned it into this awesome business making other van lifers’ dreams a reality. Y’all are great and it’s good to see you. Big hugs from KY 🧡
I've been looking for someone to come up with those 2nd row folding down seats. Only thing I think my grand kids would want a window on the driver's side so they can see out. Do you only do Sprinters?
I love seeing how your family and how your builds have grown over the years 🥰 I’m curious: how do you keep water from running into the composting toilet? I’m trying to figure this out in my own build 😅
Great build and great video! It looks like the back wall of your shower has a curve to it. Was there any problem applying the Palisade-type tile to the shower with that curve? Can you share any tips for installing tiles on that curved surface?
Since you use victron a lot, why battleborn instead of victron batteries? The victron smart 330Ah is both lighter and smaller than the battleborn 270ah. Wondering what your thoughts are?
First time viewer here. Very nice job. Love the bathroom/shower and the shower door. 33 gal fresh tank, but what is your gray/black tank. Not sure what kind of toilet that is.
Very nice. I would like to see a separate toilet from the shower. Start where the extra seats are and add about a 20 gal black tank Love all electric. I am an old geiser that plans to full-time soon. Would I have to buy the van and send it to you?
Excellent build! I have your van layout guide and seeing how EVERYTHING on a van is a trade-off could you provide some more insight on your trade-off choices for: 200 Watts Solar, 1 Alternator, RTX 2000 vs maybe a Nomadic 3000 for the big 170E, and then finally - no awning? Look forward to future builds!!
I yelled out "They posted it!" to no one. We have a couple of toddlers and I've been awaiting this video hoping to give a build a whirl. Is this family van added to the layout guide?
What, no window for the kids to look out through when touring? Big mistake! Bet you add it later! And why not an extendable sink hose tap so you can shower outside? Our European vans have opening windows, too, with fly screens incorporated. I have a Globecar.
We have an outdoor shower out the back - forgot to mention that in the video. Also the boys can easily look out the front and the sliding door windows. They love it!
Get the details on this van here: saraandalexjames.com/vanlife-blog/van-tour-our-family-van-for-a-family-of-4
thanks, have you tried this one Thermo King V520rt Refrigeration?
I love the chairs for kids + the availability of full bath
I love how you make the most of little spaces-drawer under the kids seat!!! ✌🏻💗
Did you consider a second alternator? The good news about 810 Ah of battery is that you have a big battery -- but the bad news is that *you have to charge it up*. If you run down the battery overnight to 25% (say, running the AC), then the 30 amp charging rate from the stock alternator will take 20 hours (with the engine running) to recharge! Of course, the solar will help, but 200 watts of solar might typically yield 150 watts, which is a charge rate of about 12 amps, yielding maybe 75 Ah over the course of a day. The 75 Ah of solar is less than 10% of the battery bank.
My point is, if you actually use a lot of the 810 Ah, your van is going to need shore power to recharge the batteries. Why not install a second alternator, which will allow you to recharge at the rate of 120 amps (the maximum rate supported by the Victron MultiPlus 3000). Even with the 120 amp charging rate, it will *still* take some serious engine running time to recharge the battery bank -- but at least you're charging at 120 amps instead of a measly 30 amps.
I suppose that if you don't need much AC (say, out west), then the big battery bank lets you go for (many?) days away from shore power, while getting modest charging from solar and driving. If you have substantial power draw-downs (AC?) on a daily basis, then you will deplete the bank in a couple of days unless you have substantial charging capability. We're often in hot humid areas, and tend to use AC. On our 170, our design is 2 x 270 = 540 Ah, with 525 watts of solar and a second alternator, and figure we'll typically recharge on a daily basis via the solar and some driving. If I went to 810 we could function longer without driving, which would be a plus. Might do that.
Lots of great stuff in your design!
Are you still exclusively working on Mercedes Sprinters or widening your breadth to the Transit?
Thanq for the video, I love those kitchen taps. Your bathroom is great.
I've told my husband when our kids are all grown up (we have 5) that I want to live like this. The idea of being able to travel/live anywhere is something I've always wanted! I love nature and traveling so what an amazing idea! Love you guys and hope you are still doing this in about 10 years lol 😆 💕
This is the most refined video Sara & Alex have done. They've become so comfortable with their designs and learned so much over the years. Indeed, they're a long way from building vans in driveways in San Diego. Their concise video editing demonstrates they've mastered their craft, and kept up with the upgrades in the vanlife business. As a long-time viewer of this channel, it feels like Sara & Alex have reached a new level, and fully established themselves in the van builder ecosystem. Excellent job, guys.
Wow thank you so much!! This means so much to us. Thank you!
I love you changed up the colors. I am so tired of white with black hardware. The wood tones and gold hardware looks awesome.
Thank you! We love it too!
I have been watching since they were in their first van.
I have watched van builds and tours for the last 10 years and these vans are always on my most favorite list.
I used their layout for my van when I built mine.
Definitely a thumbs up 👍
Thank you! That means so much to us 😀
the gold accents look fresh, luxurious and elegant, I love it. beautiful job guys.
Thank you!!
One of my favorite Van Life couples.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ❤YOUR VAN BUILDS!!! They are beautiful and awesome. This one is just what I would want. I wish I could buy one. I can't pick just 1 favorite part of the van. The power (solar/battery) system is great!
So sweet. Love the bright vibes and also those scheelman seats too
Great Van is always guys.
Loving the natural wood look for a change and glad there are no metro tiles, I am so over them being used by everyone.
Thank you! And agreed - I'm done with the subway tile look 😂
Love this van!! It’s really all my favorite & especially love the bathroom & kitchen. You guys do awesome work!
Happy Trails! 👏🏻❤️
You guys always makes and build awesome vans. They are so clean, simple and minimalistic in the interior design. And a HUGE plus for me is the full bathroom - wether it be composting -, cassette - or black tank toilet. Have you ever considered or built a bunk bed style design, where the bottom bed can turn into a dinette area for dining and relaxing and turn it into a bed at night. I mean that way your kids or customers could have a almost two queen size beds in the van. And still have two seats behind the driver seat (that also could turn into a bed)
Yes we have built vans for families with a Happijac bedlift so there are two beds in the back!
I love your builds. Nobody puts showers in vans and idk why not
Very, very nice. What do I like about it? Everything. Great job Guys.
Thank you!
That van is beautiful and I do love the gold 👍🏻. I was sure to “smash” that like button😄. I really love it that you two took your love of van life and turned it into this awesome business making other van lifers’ dreams a reality. Y’all are great and it’s good to see you. Big hugs from KY 🧡
Thank you so much!
Your van is beautiful. I love the lift kit and the kids seat lays flat into a bed.
Thank you!
I've been looking for someone to come up with those 2nd row folding down seats. Only thing I think my grand kids would want a window on the driver's side so they can see out. Do you only do Sprinters?
I love seeing how your family and how your builds have grown over the years 🥰 I’m curious: how do you keep water from running into the composting toilet? I’m trying to figure this out in my own build 😅
after a very long time... pleased to see u ❣️as usual functional logical design
Thank you!
Always love the van tours!
Thank you!
Beautiful job on this one, well done.
Thanks so much!
Amazing build.
I would love to know the cost of the ride hide increase and also the upgraded seats.
Thank you.
Hi,
Please make a video or send the link if you made already about the conversion of the kids seat-bed.
Thanks!
Greatings from Hungary :)
Hi guys love the build! How do you guys like the extra bench seat? I didn’t see it on your website. Do you have a link pls?
Great build and great video! It looks like the back wall of your shower has a curve to it. Was there any problem applying the Palisade-type tile to the shower with that curve? Can you share any tips for installing tiles on that curved surface?
Thank you! It's still a relatively easy install even with the curve of the wall
What is the shower tile product? Beautiful!!
Excellent build guys as always : ) BTW, where can I get the shiplap similar to what you use? It looks clean and simple.
Thank you! The shiplap is a pre-primed pine shiplap from Home Depot. It's out of stock most places at the moment...
Since you use victron a lot, why battleborn instead of victron batteries? The victron smart 330Ah is both lighter and smaller than the battleborn 270ah. Wondering what your thoughts are?
First time viewer here. Very nice job. Love the bathroom/shower and the shower door. 33 gal fresh tank, but what is your gray/black tank. Not sure what kind of toilet that is.
Thank you! We have a 5 gallon tank for the toilet.
Do you know when the plan for this will be available on the website?
Very nice. I would like to see a separate toilet from the shower. Start where the extra seats are and add about a 20 gal black tank Love all electric. I am an old geiser that plans to full-time soon. Would I have to buy the van and send it to you?
Yes, our clients buy the van and bring to us to convert. We are currently booked until the end of 2023.
Excellent build! I have your van layout guide and seeing how EVERYTHING on a van is a trade-off could you provide some more insight on your trade-off choices for: 200 Watts Solar, 1 Alternator, RTX 2000 vs maybe a Nomadic 3000 for the big 170E, and then finally - no awning? Look forward to future builds!!
Super sweet
Thank you!
How will 2 kids sleep on that chair/ bed? I can't imagine it.
What happened to the brown seats!!! Love the results anyway of course!!
Haha, we swapped them out. With the stained cabinets we feel it was too much brown. We are putting them in another van soon!
All van tables should have rounded edges
Would it be possible to have a link for the convertible table please?
I yelled out "They posted it!" to no one. We have a couple of toddlers and I've been awaiting this video hoping to give a build a whirl. Is this family van added to the layout guide?
We are working on getting it added as soon as possible! Hopefully within the next 2-3 weeks 😊
what tiles do you use in the kitchen?
I thought the seats were going to be brown :(
We ended up switching them out - with the stained wood cabinets it was too much brown. We are using them on another van soon 😊
Oi do Brasil 🥰🥰🥰🥰
What water pump do you use?
What was the weight for this build?
How much is your vans?
I’m 6’3” tall. Can I fit in that van?
URL to buy that AC on the roof?
You can find it on our shop page here: saraandalexjames.com/shop
What, no window for the kids to look out through when touring? Big mistake! Bet you add it later!
And why not an extendable sink hose tap so you can shower outside?
Our European vans have opening windows, too, with fly screens incorporated. I have a Globecar.
We have an outdoor shower out the back - forgot to mention that in the video. Also the boys can easily look out the front and the sliding door windows. They love it!
Like 👍 369.
😻 𝓟Ř𝔬𝓂𝔬𝐒ϻ
Good lack gays