You Should Rethink Converting A Van
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
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Hey guys, I've been in Austin for around a month and I'm about ready to hit the road again! That being said, I have a ton of projects I need to get done on the van before heading north. Because I've been at my brother's house in Austin, I've been thinking a lot about the journey of converting this van by myself, and I have some things I'd like to share....
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Major advantage you have when you do the build yourself: when on the road when something breaks or needs adjustment you know exactly how it was made and can likely fix it or at least create a temporary fix.
🙌🏻🙌🏻
And you know who to Blame? 🤫🤦
first piece of furniture in the conversion....
Tool box!
SO TRUE! Repairs are easier when you install.
@@BluJns I made an insulation mistake on the ceiling, got the ceiling ripped down in like 20 minutes by myself to start the fix!!
I am so close to buying a van and building it out myself, but the self doubt is crippling. This is exactly what I needed to hear to help me believe in my own ability to figure it out as I go. I know I can build something of my own and create the life I want to live, even if it’s not perfect and I make mistakes along the way. You have been such an inspiration and I look forward to watching your videos each week! Thank you for all your hard work and thoughtfulness you put into your van and channel🙂
Give yourself permission to make mistakes..cause you'll plenty...even pros make mistakes too.
I learned to make the stick chairs called Windsor chairs. My teacher shared a saying l want to share...."Better is the enemy of Good!" It freed me up so much. I used to spend almost as much time getting to better that my time tripled...at the minimum. With practice your Good becomes Better!
Using power tools..always wear safety glasses! No exceptions. Using the loud circular saw use hearing protection. Cheapest is buying ear plugs that you roll to compress before inserting. The foam springs back so it nicely fills the spsce in your auditory canal.
You WILL make mistakes. So what. Version 2.0 will be more satisfying because you figured out how to make it happen. I watched videos for two years before jumping in and I regret nothing. I could now build one from scratch in a week from what I’ve learned. Have fun
Hey :) You’re exactly the kind of person I made this video for, so I’m really glad you found it and resonated with it. ☺️ You’ve got this! It’s all just about taking it day by day, step by step. One foot in front of the other. Good luck, my friend. 🌻
Firstly research vans for price an dimensions, electrical stuff and furnishing (dimensions for those aswell) try and draw up a few plans to see if you can fit everything you NEED to live happily. Building it shouldn't be a factor at all, if you live in a house right now there's no risk just take your time, measure twice cut once and make it a passion project rather than a job and you won't stress you'll just slowly see your dream unfold. At the end of the day the main factor is whether you can fit everything you need in a van or not.
You have exactly the same number of fingers and toes as everyone else who has converted a van, including the 65 year old woman I met while traveling in my van, who did her entire conversion herself a year prior. Like everyone before you, you will learn a lot, make some mistakes, most likely fix them, and end up with something that is you, and works to get you on the road.
The hardest step is the first one, they get easier after that one for sure.
I'm 98% finished with my van build and I 💯 agree with everything said in this video.
I have built houses, hotrods., ran a 4x4 shop and retired building Boeing 787's.
Building a van was the most challenging thing of all.
A thumbs up for this video 👍
Damn
One tip I’d offer others: remove hardware and things like drawer handles prior to painting.
Yes, it takes time to unscrew everything and sometimes empty the drawer for access to the screws but the painting will be easier and look better for your efforts.
Lol YES PEOPLE, DONT BE LAZY LIKE ME. 😂
@@Maddie.taylor I wouldn’t say you were lazy…you got a lot of projects done!
@@MD-wk3gj At what point is there such a thing as over doing it. I guess you have to factor in how long you will live in it and depreciating value/time.
Keep in mind though that screws can only be taken out so many times, so after 3-4-5 times you can expect your screws to fail.
I think you used plywood - you can see the texture even after 3 coats of paint. I think it would have been better to sand it smooth, use primer and than a coat of paint.
Otherwise all the dirt and dust will stay on there - and you're not able to clean it well.
Maybe next time invest the time to remove them, properly repaint them and maybe choose a color like sand for the kitchen?
Is there anything you can't do? Really, you are amazing! This is a must-see video for anyone contemplating doing a van conversion. Beautifully done, Maddie!
I'll bet she can't eat her own head. ruclips.net/video/IbDqiZoZzUM/видео.html
Thank you, Dorothy. ☺️🌸
@@Maddie.taylor Very nice build. As long as you are happy and comfortable in it, that's what really counts.
Thank you. No fear. No try. Only do. And be gentle with yourself. You built a beauty! Brava! 💐
Ahhh...the art of DIY. It is the most rewarding, satisfying and uplifting challenge and experience you can give to yourself. In my perspective it is simply a mindset, and having the determination to achieve the goal on your own. With that said, in my experience any unfamiliar task is 90% research and 10% actually accomplishing the task; kind of like "measure 100 times, cut once". I break down each project into 3 main sections: product knowledge, skill sets required, and planning/layout. For example, if i am installing a stove, I will first immerse myself in its user manual or other knowledge sources I could find about the product since this will let me know what's needed to make it work. Then I will identify the skillsets required to install it (woodworking, how to hook up with gas, and/or electrical) and associated tools required for each skill set. Then I will work with the layout and planning taking into consideration every aspect of the installation, keeping in mind that it will also tie up with other aspects in my van. Once I am confident enough with the knowledge gained, several skill set practice runs/getting familiar with the tools required, and have a clear picture in my mind how to accomplish the task, then it is time to get it done. This approach will not account for "surprises" along the way that might stump you, but all that is part of the learning experience until you get better at it. The more you plan the better you will be prepared. Well done Maddie!
Really good job on the van and pointing out the pitfalls involved.
You made my day with the very last scene pouring the spice into the jar. . . Been there! 😉
Purchased my '96 Chevy van Nov 2018, had help removing the back seats but did all the other work myself. Zero experience so i devoured yt videos trying to learn as much as i could. Most of it was helpful, except for one thing. . . When i installed my floor which turned into a work of art i was ecstatically happy with, i glued down each layer VERY FIRMLY.
HUGE mistake.
Just as i was finished with it and about to start work on the walls, i opened the back doors one day and found a white goopy mold all along the edges of the floor. Turns out the windows had been leaking. Horrified and heartsick, not knowing how far under the flooring it had spread i had no choice but to rip out my beautiful floor. Because of all the glue nothing was salvageable. The loss of all that material, time, work, $ was unbearable and something inside me died that day as i ripped it all out. Turns out the mold was only along the edges and hadn't spread underneath it at all.
One of the worst experiences of my life.
Was planning to rebuild it but soon after that my left hip went bad causing me to lose most all of my mobility.
So now i'm driving my van with the entire back of it stripped to the bare metal, constantly reminding me of that blooper.
Some day i do hope to redo it .. just WITHOUT any glue involved.
(And yes the darn windows still leak even after i put several things on there AND paid a guy to seal them. So until they get fixed i'm not even going to consider going any further with my renovation)
Oh my gosh noooooo my jaw dropped reading this. That sounds absolutely terrible. I’m so sorry that happened to you. 🥵
I hope that you’re able to put in the floor of your dreams one of these days, you deserve it. 🌻
@@Maddie.taylor .. thank you Maddie.
Hi Maddie, I have a bad back and have had to think outside the box to move furniture, etc. Next time you need to move your fridge or other heavy items simply put the item on a large towel. You can use leverage to slide just about anything. Great job on your changes. See you on the road. 😁
I’ve been living in a self converted Promaster for the last two years and learned everything from RUclips videos. Your latest should be required before getting started. Love relaxing and watching your videos. Great job!
Updated:
I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living.
I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc.
People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living.
I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself.
Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this.
I feel that you , and others RUclipsrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful.
I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors.
I shared this with another traveler as I watched their RUclips channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others.
Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience.
Although, you may have knowledge of this already,
I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone.
*Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle.
You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage
Do your research for the best fit for you
Carry Several Extra portable phone chargers, and cables.
Consider theses items:
*Mini portable power charging station.
I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices.
*Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell reception,
Research to see what you prefer.
*Very Inportant:
Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location.
There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating or camping situations.
*Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders.
Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone.
You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you.
*Mini portable vehicle battery charger-( portable vehicle battery jumper cables )
*Vehicle Jumper cables
Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly.
Exterior vehicle cameras
Interior vehicle cameras
*Flashlights or pluggin spotlights
*Portable spotlights, and lanterns
Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console
*A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies.
Use your own discretion regarding the use of any weapons.
Don’t forget to bring
Bear Spray
Pepper spray
Where is allowed
Although, I just noticed your RUclips channel, and other similar channels.
You seem Very Aware of your surroundings and Alert, and you may be aware of many of these suggestions, however, I Don’t know, so I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions.
Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions.
Keep your vehicle gas filled
Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty.
Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on.
Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors.
Keep Enjoying Yourself,
Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature
Just..Please continue to
Be Positive, Safe, and Alert..
Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All.
God Bless You, and everyone
Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc.
Please Be Safe...
Author Advocate for Humanity,
Safety Advocate
Jason Sandifer,
Michigan
10/03/2022,
10/02/2022
I’ve been converting a van on and off for about 1,5 years… and sometimes I also want to give up… and think: what the hell was I thinking!!! It’s very frustrating and time consuming and exhausting when you work more then a full time job… and you are right: everything takes twice as long! But the when I slept in it for the first time, even though it was only partially finished I was very pleased.
Idk why this is one of my favorite videos of yours. it’s so raw and simple, but you strung everything together so beautiful and the DRONE FOOTAGE 😍 ugh you’re so talented
Yes! I’m glad she included a shot of her sending the drone up. I thought it was purchased professional footage. I hope she sells it on stock photo or something. It was gorgeous.
Stop I’m blushing 🥲
Maddie, sooo beautiful! Which drone is that?
Your videos are so cool. And so peaceful. Even this one, which is about hard work and wear & tear and repairs and cleaning and modifications, has a peaceful feel. But I love the bloops the best - it’s nice to see that you’re a real person just like the rest of us who are watching, behind these beautifully presented and put-together videos. Thanks again for sharing with us Maddie. 😊
Bloops are definitely one of my favorite parts, too :)
I had an idea awhile back. Everything in the van behind the seats is in a shell. It has drawer glides and slides out the back with drop down legs. Then you could double you floor space. Like a pop out on a trailer only out the back. Somebody will come out with one.
I LOVE your bloopers! Great video to resolve issues and prep for the next adventure. So now you have a cubby AND can access your fridge easily. Well done.
The chili powder made me laugh :)
Everyone who is in the beginning stages of planning to go on the road needs to watch this video. very helpful and comprehensive. thank you so much
This is the 2nd video of yours I am watching (just came across your channel) and I just want to say how refreshing your candid honesty is. I have more respect for you than the handful of mainstream van life channels I've seen because you put truth, pros and cons out there. So many make their video seem like it's a 24/7/365 dream life, thus people have a false idea how difficult van life truly is (of course with beautiful moments too).
Sending you positive vibes and may you have continued success!
Hi Maddie, I just wanted to drop by and say how impressed I am with your DIY skills! Watching you use those handtools with such precision and ease is truly inspiring. It's so great to see a woman taking charge and doing things for herself, and your videos are a testament to the fact that anyone can learn how to be handy. Keep up the amazing work, and I look forward to seeing more of your DIY projects in the future!
Your month's rest was very needed, for van conversion/repairs take an awful lot of energy, versatility and much, much patience! In my experience, it is *essential* to know what you're doing with electrics and plumbing. I urge anyone to take professional advice before proceeding. ...You did exceptionally well, but we hope once back on the road that you begin on your book! I'm certain it will be a massive seller. Stay safe *Hugs* Wendi & Molly ♥️ ♥️
So true every word. Blood sweat and beer is my moto. No tears allowed. I am 56, bought a van to convert and thought I would do it over a summer. Letter from landlord moving into my house in one month changed my plans. Converted a van practically by myself in ETX. I am now sitting out front my son’s condo in Colorado with my two tabbies. Was it Fn hell? Yes. But going through the fire is worth every flame. You will be very proud of what you can accomplish and RE DO:)) Thank you Maddie!
Living in such a Beautiful Life.
Love and Freedom.
And you are Beautiful, Maddie 💕
Truly Beautiful 💛
Awesome!! Love that you show on this video part of the maintenance of your 🚐 ❤️
Funny how projects always take longer than you think they will. You're a woman of many talents! Great work Maddie.
I suggest Murphy oil soap spray to keep on the van. You can spray and wipe down your stuff once a week to keep white and clean great on paint keeps bugs away good smell
What a useful video for people who are at the beginning of this journey. I love that it started with reasons not to do a build but by the end I just came away from it feeling massively encouraged 🥰 Despite the overwhelming nature of doing your own build, I always imagined that knowing your own van inside and out would be incredibly helpful when things stop working on the road.
Looking forward to seeing your amazing video Maddie as i have just been in hospital with a bad asthma attack and seeing your amazing channel and beautiful smiling face will make my day so thank you 🙏 love your family friend John xx❤️❤️🥰🥰
I hope that you recovered from your asthma attack. 🥺 take care
@@Maddie.taylor thank you 😊 getting there slowly ❤️❤️
You have enough skills and experience to offer workshops to those interested in getting into a van build. Your voice and demeanor are perfect.
Nice job you did, much respect. You're right everything takes longer to fix repair or build.
You are correct. Everything takes twice as long as you think. Every once in a while something goes smooth and fast.
There was still snow on the ground 8 months ago when i started building my cargo trailer home. I spent all day today packing the last little things I'm taking and I'm heading towards New Mexico in the morning from Minnesota. Thanks for your inspiration.
Hey maddie, I’m so impressed watching woman RUclipsrs building there vans it’s so inspiring...I think your all amazing. Take care sweetie x💖
Did much of this on a house that we grew 40% and "NO" I will never do it again! LOL! Great work Maddie... safe travels.
You do such good work!! You have to expect some wear and tear. But I’m sure you already know that! Your van is by far my favorite. Your “after” looks great! Safe and fun travels! ❤️
the quality of your videos is superb. glad you had the grit to follow through and go on this journey. thank you.
From what I have seen - everyone needs tweek their vans to work more efficiently for them. You have a lovely calm voice for doing video.
You make great points, I’m currently working on a build solo and it’s definitely a bigger challenge than many RUclips videos make it seem. On bad days I say to myself why didn’t I just buy a converted van instead of trying to diy it. But on good days I’m so proud of the hard work it’s taken. Either way I’m excited to hit the road whenever I can manage to finish the build. Much respect to you for your build, it looks great.
Maddy, Maddy here !
I wanna say how proud I am of you!
U are SO brave!
I lost my fiance 2020 to SARS Covid-1, My plans are now???
Lost with, him......
I can't maintain, this big house, alone. I'm learning how much STUFF, I don't need!
I am so full of fear, lol I know thT sounds crazy, I'm a grown woman.
But, with age > something Ivs noticed , With age, comes more fear, And double the self dose of self pity & Doubt.
I was a single mom w/ twins, and I was never afraid. I need to dig deep, FIND that Maddy within me... I am thinking about Reno my home, Back into the 2 family it used to be. SO I can be self sustainable.
Off to make a plan! Keep up the great work! HELLO from Connecticut,USA.
Wonderful video, thanks for sharing.
As someone who lives in Texas (Dallas - but love Austin - tons of friends there) and has a garage workshop - YES - it is hot!
June and July are a bit rough for working on outdoor projects!!!!
I am thinking about hitting the road with van life once the kiddo goes to college (single dad - got a few more years) - and love videos like yours giving me lots to think about.
Both your production quality and content are great - love your sincerity and sharing of simple honest thoughts.
Excellent points on the experience part. While it may not always be possible, I would suggest folks get some practice if they can on basic carpentry and/or wiring skills.
Sure, not everyone has a gargee - but they prolly know someone who does, or who has some skills and some practice projects.
Also most cities have a makerspace of some kind where people can meet like minded crafters and get access to tools and the experience of others.
Don't get me wrong - learning by doing is great - but it might be better to learn some basics by doing test projects.
(for example - build a square box - then practice mounting something in it. then build the box the size of the space in the van .. repeat ...etc.).
You want to have some basic skills under your belt a bit before trying to do things in a cramped environment (oh yeah, totally get that I am over six foot with broad shoulders - cramped spaces are brutal to work in....). Also, if you can, get some gloves and maybe some shin, or even knee protection.
Oh, and on the perfect comment - totally get it - my friends and I have a phrase "perfect is the enemy of done"!
Bravo on the fridge drawer rebuild and all your other work! :)
best of luck of all you do, and when you drive by Dallas be sure to wave!!!
thanks again for sharing.
I know it's probably too late to make this suggestion, but to insulate the space between the fridge and the oven so that the oven doesn't melt the fridge, they make these insulated flat cookie sheets that are intended to keep cookies from scorching on your pan. You could probably find one about the perfect size to slide in between those things.
Great video Maddie. I'm just at the demolition phase of my shuttle bus build. Have had all the same thoughts that you expressed and from one day to the next I can go from "I got this!" to "what the heck am I doing?" I am excited by all the things I've already learned and everything I am continuing to learn. The fact that you can so skillfully take things apart, fix them and put them back together again - better than before, is a testament to all you've learned. Your van is amazing and I can't wait to look back on all of my soon-to-be struggles and beam with pride as you do. Safe travels!
I super respect you as woman for DIY 'ing everything yourself. You Rock
Excellent video, I enjoyed watching. I like the fact that you did your build yourself which means, you can fix/repair it as needed on the road. Safe travels.
Maddie, nothing about working on a van or an RV is ever easy. As you point out, having room to get to things is always almost impossible.
Easy building projects are items where sides meet ar right angles. .well in a van hardly anything is made from outter sides at simple right angles with the other. Perhaps using flat cardboard you can do trial and error make a template that put over your wood stock and trace around.
You are much more capable than me, and because of this, I had a bed made for my Element that pulls out (hard to explain), and that is it! A stainless steel bucket to pee into, a comfy platform "bed," I went through a myriad of curtains that never worked and ended up buying precut reflective (or whatever it is called) that fits Honda Elements, which I had to "doctor" with material and black tape for the edged to work which are okay only, and that's it. I could never do something like this, or any other van builds I've seen, but I admire your ability.
I think you did an incredible job building the van and breaking out into the unknown. I've always been a person who did what I thought society told me to do- go to college, get a job, buy a house, ... I've been watching your videos to see how a young girl was able to build the van, to see the places you have gone, but mostly to see what motivates you to do this. Being single and traveling in a van, a somewhat nomadic life, is totally opposite of what I thought society wanted me to do and what I did.
Oh and BTW WD-40 will lube your drawer slides but it will not last very long. You would be better off with any simple oil on the drawer slides, or even better some kind of spray lithium grease. I would loan you tools but I'm 200 miles north of Austin. Actually my nephew is converting his own van right now.
Thank You for the honest and helpful video!! Many times creators just give the beautiful rather than the real!! You are awesome!!
Maybe the best van build video ever! Thanks for keeping it real!
Always a treat to watch one of your videos. Thanks for sharing the great as well as the more challenging aspects of van life.
Also one tip as a professional cabinet builder, get one more guide and mount it on the bottom of the drawer because the fridge is so heavy it gives it support and will make it loads easier to open and close
Once again, a comprehensive video. Great "tutorial with all the pros and cons. Great job, Maddie. You're a beautiful storyteller.
Good job!
I’m in Vt in my van that I’ve built partially and am living in to see what I do and don’t like
I’m glad I’ve done that so when I get a place to build I’ll be clearer about my choices
It’s so great you’ve got your brother for support and I think you e done a beautiful job on this video and your van!
I love my funky van it’s been a year and I’m still deciding what I want but have loved learning and so glad I have my fridge freezer and oven, awning, and clam
Blessings!
I owned my own custom cabinet business for 40 years , with all that experience I would be a bit nervous taking this on. Good for you to take it on .
Awesome video. So inspired by your skills and I have to say, my wife and I think your van interior is one of the best, mosty stylish, we have seen.
Hi Maddie, I greatly admire your perspicacity and willingness to venture into the unknown and building your skills on the way! I also have taught myself by observing and trying out different things. You're a lovely lass, very likeable and gutsy to travel around solo. Happy trails!
Good job girl! You’ve learned skills that will last a lifetime and opens the door to a future tiny home build in the woods :)
6:54
Wonderful picture. Honest, and beautiful.
😊
Well done you...what determination to get it done. I have the same van here in the UK, its a citroen Relay. I've just finished my 1 and a half year build. I have been asked if I would build another one? Maybe, now i know the pitfalls and like I tell anyone who asked...double the money, treble the time and you won't go far wrong! Thanks for you honesty as many make a build seem so easy...which it most certainly is not! Regards Mick 🇬🇧 uk
Love watching your work on the van. Very well done! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You’re a total inspiration Maddie and so natural with it. Thanks for being you and bring us into your life each week, it’s a total highlight ♥️
You may want to consider using TSP (in powder form - home Depot or Lowe's) from paint section to simply clean the cabinet facing or matter of fact any surfaces looks like a new. It's very cheap but use gloves.
Beautiful as always! Live your best life and keep on doing your best!
Hi, wanted to suggest you cut a slot big enough for your fingers to go through in the cubby hole panel you reworked, to make it easier to remove and replace the panel.
My observations: "glued " board came off rather clean, was expecting lots of splinters left attached to either board, if using the brown urethane glue the two surfaces being adhered need to be wetted with water. Also white lithium grease spray will gather way less dirt on drawer slides then spray on oil like WD40.
Another great video - Love the Drone footage! I think you have a great van build and your improvements and tips along the way are awesome. I have begun sketching up some build out ideas for van/skoolie... just in case I pick up one in the near future.
to open up the space under your bed cabinet you could have cut the board into half and lift it up when required.. so you can access have the drawer at a time..
You can feel proud of what you have accomplished 💜 great job!!🙏
This video is so peaceful and beautifully done.
Cut that under bed storage cover into a 60/40 two piece combo, then for access lift and slide the piece moved on top of the other piece.
Instead of using WD 40 for drawer slides,try silicone spray.WD 40 evaporates faster than silicone.
Came down here to say this. The amount of use+weight for a fridge drawer will wear out the WD40 real fast. Literally any type of synthetic grease on the ball bearings would work well too.
I bought a bike and a chariot and a tent and some other stuff and cycled around the world. I started in the UK and passed every safe country, when I got tired I jumped off my bike pulled the tent out and went to sleep.
Still laughing at the spice overflow😆 Been there, done that!! I really loved this video (& I've watched all of yours, some MANY times) I'm slowly building a Transit, and you've been really helpful! Thankyou❤🙏🌺
This is so cute ☺️ thank you for being a part of this lil internet community. 🌻
Nice refit! nice to have a brother who lends time and/or place to carry on. Really helpful video, lots to think about watching how to DIY
2:55 - not sure what that was , but , Yup! valid points!
Happens to us all, lol. We "think" it's gonna be a short job, can't count how many times I've said that and 10 hours or a day or two later, hahaha (car repairs). "Every 20 min. repair, is one broken bolt away from an all day job". Nice build, very nice for someone who had to learn new skills. I dare say many beginners could not do as nicely. So yeah, don't sweat the small stuff, that nobody will notice but you. I know, it's a perfectionist thing, but sometimes you just gotta say "good enough, it works".
For that storage under your bed you could've cut that lid in 2 so to access that front part you could just slide open half of the lid without having to open your back doors.
You are an inspiration, thank you! Doing my own conversion solo, and it is hard work, but I am learning so much at the same time.
Nice refresh!! Can’t wait to see where your next adventures take you!!! Come to NY and explore the finger lakes!!! I’d love to give you a tour ☺️. We have some very beautiful places here. I loved the chili powder blooper at the end, I’ve done that exact thing before 😂.
Mad skills, and good truth! Only you'll see the imperfections
I am super impressed on your ability to want to learn and self sustainability!
Great info! I had the same idea for fridge drawers and you gave me something else to consider in my planning.
Young lady, you make me laugh. I enjoy your videos to the max. I just turned 70, and the young 70 that I am... In another life I would be you. Many hugs. Stay safe.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't help but dream of doing this, but this is the only video I've come across that isn't so overly positive and is more real about what it is like to build out a van with no experience.
I'm definitely a new subscriber now! Be safe on the next adventures! 💕
I'm so glad it helped you!!! Glad to have you here :)
You have done an absolutely beautiful job on your Van build!
I love videos like this!! I love seeing what goes into your van and the hard work. 💞💞
When it’s time I’m buying one made for travel the class B’s are awesome. Thanks for this video.
I'm very impressed with what you've done!
Impressive work Maddie. Nice fix. Sounds like you made some small design decisions. The best RV builder in the world still makes design decisions.
Thanks Maddie for sharing your experience in what you've learned about building out a van.
Hello. Brand new sub!! Love this video. You are fantastic and I’m very impressed with what you have built. Gorgeous van!
One suggestion. Color samples are not actually “paint” samples. I suggest using a quality paint and it will be easier to maintain. I was told color samples do not have the hardeners and latex binding agents. They are just for using to see what the color will look like. Never mix a color sample pot in with your actual paint!
Again, love this video. I’m excited to have found your channel and looking forward to binge watching your videos. Thank you!!
Your brother has very nice tools. It seems to me he must have helped you learn a lot. You are lucky to have him because that gives peace of mind that you have a place to return to and stay to fix things. Tools like that will not fit in a small van on the road. Good luck on your travels.
Love this Maddie! Great job with the work you did on the van. I did heaps of similar things to my own van during Easter. Always something to fix or maintain. Before starting vanlife myself I watched heaps of videos on "worst part of vanlife" and nothing managed to convince me of not trying it. A year into fulltime vanlife and still going strong! Best of luck to you on the new adventures ahead
I can vouch for all of these points... my build is way more exhausting mentally and physically (especially in houston 100 degree humid heat) than anticipated.
WHY OH WHY WONT IT RAIN ALREADY!!! 🥵
Maddie, I love your honesty and openness. It's inspiring . Thank you
I have been teaching myself woodworking and carpentry by building a wooden camper for my truck. It seems to me that I am taking forever, but no.... it's all a part of the learning process..... BTW, I scrapped there different designs as I progressed in my knowledge/understanding. I am now on iteration #4 and hope to finish sometime before the NEXT millennium. sigh....
You’re awesome. Starting my own build and even though I’ve a lot of home improvement projects, this seems daunting yet exciting.
Did you do the inlay? I lived in a VW camper for years. Minimalist, the old style. But I did well. I prefer to keep small. Even the home we built is minimalist 600 square foot earth shelter of native materials on 50 acres. Off grid.
Hey that’s where I live. Saving for my my van !
This is one of the best Van build videos that I have watched. Great advice about power tools. What brand do you recommend?
You have chosen the best the world has to offer opposite to people who struggle in a 9to5 job and end up dead
Definitely more time planning pays huge dividends in the build itself - even better to have confidence to fix the problems after. How excited will you be to take apart your off warranty Airstream van?