Quite ingenious! Thanks for sharing. I would humbly suggest that you skip the winch. Instead, get a one-ton come along and a snatch block. This will make your total pulling power 4000 pounds. Then invest in 2 or more long lengths of synthetic winch rope along with a couple of axle straps and short lengths of chain so you can attach the pulling rope to any part of your van. It is quite beneficial to be able to pull the vehicle from three different points on the front and on the rear. Also, you should have a 4 foot metal fence post and a very small sledgehammer to drive into the ground because you are going so many places where there are not trees. This setup costs a fraction of the cost of a winch and it gives you far, far more versatility. I’ve pulled out many stuck vehicles over the past 30+ years in the back country, and I would never go back to having a winch on the front of my truck. Good luck on your travels!
Thanks for the suggestions! I can definitely see the value in being able to pull off all corners. In the end I think we’ll still go with a winch, it would mainly be for recovering others I think. I’m hoping not to find myself in any kind of situation that I really need to winch a lot. Also, storage is a real concern for us…😬
Wow! What an intuitive design. Love the pulley system for couch/bed, tiny wood stove, cooktop in a drawer, trash cube/seat/footrest. And design is beautiful and cozy. Thanks for the tip on REE Solar. This is the first I've heard of them.
SlowRoamers, I do want to get one of these Express vans for living. Prerequisites: 2010-2020, 2500 or 3500, 6-liter gas 'L96' engine, 'G' as the eighth digit in the VIN, no AFM, no DOD, no direct injection. All of those are bad components for this engine, extended 155-inch wheel base, cruise control, maybe install a highroof onto it so I could stand upright. Maybe a 4x4 conversion. Would like an OEM-installed 'G80' auto-locking rear differential or an ARB brand 'Air Locker'. Add solar panels. I have some Litime brand LiFePo4 batteries. They are marketed as 'trolling batteries'. They are 12.8 volt 100 AH batteries and I have three of them. They are not self-heating, but am considering a way to heat them when I move to Montana. I would sit the batteries on top of some silicone battery heating pads that are sandwiched between ceramic tiles. Great video, guys.
I have a 2wd 4runner I've been thinking about changing to 4wd but I've never really needed it even in some sketchy situations it always pulls through. Maybe a locker would be a better route. Awesome build guys!!
I’ve actually been pretty impressed with the 2WD thus far, we’ve made it to a few really cool spots without the need for 4WD. But you’re right, a locker is definitely something I’d like to have. I’m not sure what’s involved in swapping a 2wd 4Runner to 4WD (we don’t have 2wd 4Runners in Canada really), but it would seem to me a far easier task to purchase a 4WD, but again, I’ve never looked into the swap. Thanks for watching the tour!
Oh, I assure you, I’ve got back problems, especially after that winter-long trip in the van. We’ve since put a hightop on the van which allows me to extend my torso a little better. It’s not perfect, but it’s helped a lot. Thanks for watching!
Off the top of my head it was around $3kCAD. 220w solar, 200ah LiPo battery, 3000w inverter/charger, 40a MPPT, 40a DC/DC and a few other things. That’s component cost, there’s a lot of secondary component, wire and misc cost involved as well. It’s not the cheapest option, but we haven’t been without power for 2.5 months and counting and we use a lot. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Great build, you two! The roof top exit for the stove pipe blew my mind. Any chance there's a link or address where those of us interested could place an order?
Look for amazing auto LLC online, they have a Chevy Express specific swivel for both the passenger and driver seat. www.sprinterswivel.com/?tracking=6067381a724a0&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9rSoBhCiARIsAFOiplkutPiauf77QUqAOq1GfiieAOehrbybAJccmCZ9Jz5xAq6idHpI6VIaAuIYEALw_wcB
@@SlowRoamers awesome ty. Are you in Canada? Thought I heard or read something about Vancouver? I'm in Ontario. I'm thinking about going to look at a Chevy Express Cargo Van 2500 in the next few days. First tho I'm gonna contact my insurance and see how much extra to add it to my policy. How is it on gas? I may have to get rid of my primary vehicle and have to just use this but I spend 8 hrs total every other weekend driving back and for to get my son altho with one of these setups tho I actually could just stay in town and save myself the drive bringing him back here and taking him back 👍 I'm actually loving the idea of building it with him.
@@ryanfortin9166 We're from Vancouver Island. It does alright on gas. We have the 4.8L and it does about 17mpg as a factory build. We're doing around 13-15mpg.
@@SlowRoamers that's not too bad. I don't think lol. Well maybe it is. I'm going by my cars gas mileage but I think my car is measured by L And I think it gets about 12km/L but I could be wrong and not reading or understanding how the computer in it works. That's what I'm looking into getting I think is the 4.8.
It’s not so bad. A little sticky due to a hasty construction, but it’s the best option for a bed to couch conversion in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
Pure sin wave inverter & a charger, fantastic idea and less equipment to have.
Yes indeed!😁🙌🏻
The tiny wood stove may be my favorite part!
We’re quite fond of it as well!😁
I like the weighted recycled blanket
And lots of the things you shared I wouldn’t of thought of
Thank you so much for sharing
Thanks for watching!🙌🏻
Quite ingenious! Thanks for sharing. I would humbly suggest that you skip the winch. Instead, get a one-ton come along and a snatch block. This will make your total pulling power 4000 pounds. Then invest in 2 or more long lengths of synthetic winch rope along with a couple of axle straps and short lengths of chain so you can attach the pulling rope to any part of your van. It is quite beneficial to be able to pull the vehicle from three different points on the front and on the rear. Also, you should have a 4 foot metal fence post and a very small sledgehammer to drive into the ground because you are going so many places where there are not trees. This setup costs a fraction of the cost of a winch and it gives you far, far more versatility. I’ve pulled out many stuck vehicles over the past 30+ years in the back country, and I would never go back to having a winch on the front of my truck. Good luck on your travels!
Thanks for the suggestions! I can definitely see the value in being able to pull off all corners. In the end I think we’ll still go with a winch, it would mainly be for recovering others I think. I’m hoping not to find myself in any kind of situation that I really need to winch a lot. Also, storage is a real concern for us…😬
Betty IS badass.
This guys know.😁🙌🏻
Such a sick build!! 🤘
Thanks Rachel!!!!🙌
Wow! What an intuitive design. Love the pulley system for couch/bed, tiny wood stove, cooktop in a drawer, trash cube/seat/footrest. And design is beautiful and cozy. Thanks for the tip on REE Solar. This is the first I've heard of them.
Glad you like the design! Thanks for you kind words.😊 Definitely check out REE, really high quality stuff.
It's compact yet so functional n designed as per requirement 😍well gd lck for ur future trip n my kind regards from India😊❤️
Thanks for watching Sitansu!
Love the tilting solar and exterior solar input port!
Great simple design.
🙌🏻🙌🏻
Super informative video, guys. Love how it all flows. Great teamwork and great job putting it all together. So professional!
Thanks dad!
Happy New Year! Xox
Happy New Year, Jim!
I would like to do a similar build. Good form!
What’s stopping you?😁🙌🏻
SlowRoamers, I do want to get one of these Express vans for living. Prerequisites: 2010-2020, 2500 or 3500, 6-liter gas 'L96' engine, 'G' as the eighth digit in the VIN, no AFM, no DOD, no direct injection. All of those are bad components for this engine, extended 155-inch wheel base, cruise control, maybe install a highroof onto it so I could stand upright. Maybe a 4x4 conversion. Would like an OEM-installed 'G80' auto-locking rear differential or an ARB brand 'Air Locker'. Add solar panels. I have some Litime brand LiFePo4 batteries. They are marketed as 'trolling batteries'. They are 12.8 volt 100 AH batteries and I have three of them. They are not self-heating, but am considering a way to heat them when I move to Montana. I would sit the batteries on top of some silicone battery heating pads that are sandwiched between ceramic tiles.
Great video, guys.
Awesome! They’re fantastic vans, you won’t be disappointed!
You have to show us how you built the bed! Awesome.
We’ve got another van tour coming up, I’ll try to explain it better then.🙂
@@SlowRoamers yeah I'm 6'4 so I have to have my bed length wise.
Nice job!
Thank you!
I have a 2wd 4runner I've been thinking about changing to 4wd but I've never really needed it even in some sketchy situations it always pulls through. Maybe a locker would be a better route. Awesome build guys!!
I’ve actually been pretty impressed with the 2WD thus far, we’ve made it to a few really cool spots without the need for 4WD. But you’re right, a locker is definitely something I’d like to have. I’m not sure what’s involved in swapping a 2wd 4Runner to 4WD (we don’t have 2wd 4Runners in Canada really), but it would seem to me a far easier task to purchase a 4WD, but again, I’ve never looked into the swap. Thanks for watching the tour!
Keep the content coming
Will do! Thanks for watching!
I like but, my back hurts just watching this😢. You're luck you have no back issues.
Oh, I assure you, I’ve got back problems, especially after that winter-long trip in the van. We’ve since put a hightop on the van which allows me to extend my torso a little better. It’s not perfect, but it’s helped a lot. Thanks for watching!
👍
🙌🏻🙌🏻
Great video, greetings from the Netherlands. Can I bring my Dodge Pathfinder 4x4 Van to you?
All the way from the Netherlands? That’s a long drive!
Nice! What is the name of that shore charger / inverter again! A must have!!
It’s made by REE Solar, it’s a 3000w inverter charger, so it can be plugged into shore power. Check it out at www.reesolar.ca
Awesome build..curious about the overall cost of the power system. I work on the road and have an express 1500 and would love a setup like this.
Off the top of my head it was around $3kCAD. 220w solar, 200ah LiPo battery, 3000w inverter/charger, 40a MPPT, 40a DC/DC and a few other things. That’s component cost, there’s a lot of secondary component, wire and misc cost involved as well. It’s not the cheapest option, but we haven’t been without power for 2.5 months and counting and we use a lot. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Great build, you two! The roof top exit for the stove pipe blew my mind. Any chance there's a link or address where those of us interested could place an order?
Hey James, first off, thanks for watching! Second, you can find the flew pipe exit at www.tiny-stove.com 😁
@@SlowRoamershow do we load the page in English?
That was a really really nice tour. I don't think Betty is a good name though. He looks more like a Pablo for real.
Thanks for watching, Karen! You'll have to take up the renaming request with, Megan. She named Betty.😁😁😁
Wondering the manufacturer and part model used to convert the passenger seat to swivel thank you.
Look for amazing auto LLC online, they have a Chevy Express specific swivel for both the passenger and driver seat.
www.sprinterswivel.com/?tracking=6067381a724a0&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9rSoBhCiARIsAFOiplkutPiauf77QUqAOq1GfiieAOehrbybAJccmCZ9Jz5xAq6idHpI6VIaAuIYEALw_wcB
Nice car chwvi blazer ❤
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I had no idea you could find a stove that small and it fits in the van.
Yeah, it’s a really great option if you’re not intending on relying 100% on wood heat. Fits in a small space and pumps out a lot of heat.
@@SlowRoamers and is it better then diesel heat or a/c heat?
Where is your bathroom? A bucket?
Watch our next episode, you’ll find out. 😉
I’m in Nova Scotia and looking for someone to do an install for me, do you have anyone out this way?
I don’t unfortunately
Air locking differential... Thank me later
Already on the lift.
List*
DO YOU SELL THE FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS?
Unfortunately, no. They’re a one off build for my van.
Amazing build. How do I reach you?
Hey Ryan, thanks for watching! I’m on FB (Roamlndr Creative) or you can find my info on my website www.roamlndr.ca!
@@SlowRoamers awesome ty. Are you in Canada? Thought I heard or read something about Vancouver? I'm in Ontario. I'm thinking about going to look at a Chevy Express Cargo Van 2500 in the next few days. First tho I'm gonna contact my insurance and see how much extra to add it to my policy. How is it on gas? I may have to get rid of my primary vehicle and have to just use this but I spend 8 hrs total every other weekend driving back and for to get my son altho with one of these setups tho I actually could just stay in town and save myself the drive bringing him back here and taking him back 👍 I'm actually loving the idea of building it with him.
@@ryanfortin9166 We're from Vancouver Island. It does alright on gas. We have the 4.8L and it does about 17mpg as a factory build. We're doing around 13-15mpg.
@@SlowRoamers that's not too bad. I don't think lol. Well maybe it is. I'm going by my cars gas mileage but I think my car is measured by L And I think it gets about 12km/L but I could be wrong and not reading or understanding how the computer in it works. That's what I'm looking into getting I think is the 4.8.
That bed is annoying lol
It’s not so bad. A little sticky due to a hasty construction, but it’s the best option for a bed to couch conversion in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
More of her less of him.......