Brian, I really appreciate the brutally honest opinions on some of the “less than ideal” performance of some of the products. 😂 All part of keeping it real. Seriously though, a lot of van life YT channels seem like they’re all bikinis, rainbows, and lollipops. 🤔
the thing that stroke me is the dirty wheel on the bike ! Everytime in a vanlife channel the 'adventure' kit are always in mint condition, trekking, climbing, biking, surfing stuff...
OMG you're all hilarious! I just know I LOVE NO ONE enough to live in a modern-day gypsies living style. Same goes for tiny homes. Good God -- see the same number if not more negative videos of 'living' like this lifestyle.
So many van builds! I fondly remember my van from the 90's that I called Claude-Jean.... You guys should all circle your wagons at Griffin Bike Park in Indiana this year.
Super refreshing to hear immediately when things "Suck". As a viewer its great to find channels that you can trust to give you good advice. Keep up the good work.
Hi Brian just a quick heads up With the 12v freshwater pump that is fitted to the sink. If your water tanks are empty and the pump has power the pump will try and prime itself and they don't usually stop! make sure you have a breaker fitted so you can turn it off when the tanks are empty. Enjoy your new life mate :)
Your dad sounds like an awesome dad. my dad was an awesome dad too. I’d give anything to have him do something like this with me. Congrats on the build man
NEMO yeah idk but we should respect Greta really, there is proof that climate change is happening and temperatures are rising what’s happening right now in Australia
This is exactly what I'm looking for. A no-nonsense build that I can put to use right away... tried-and-true. It's amazing how efficient we become at our trade... what used to take weeks takes me a day.
For three summers (1998-2000), I camped, fly-fished, mountain biked out of a 1968 Dodge A100. Build a full-size bed out of 2x4s, bungee-corded my bike to the wall on the inside, cut a hole for a rough vent in the top, passenger seat swiveled around so I could tie flies, 318 V8 roaring next to me as I tooled around the Rockies looking for streams and trails. Being a new teacher, cost was an issue: $500 for van, $600 for full tune, $400 for my 1996 aluminum Giant hardtail. Even though that van was perfect for my needs at the time, this van is awesome Brian. Cudos to you and your dad! 😊🤘🏻
Awesome build Brian. My only suggestion would be to velcro your lube bottle standing straight up, as opposed to saying on its side, or put it into a container. Because no matter how tight you put the top on it will leak (even a little) and start attracting dirt. Cheers, can't wait for the 50 state tour.
HUGE Thumbs up with your Transparency. Brutally honest in everything you do = complete trust. It's refreshing and MUCH appreciated! Can't wait to follow you throughout the year, Brian.
All lower 48 states in one year!? Wow, that's a ton of driving! Let us know when you are coming through IN and we will give you the V.I.P. tour of Griffin Bike Park.
I can feel the nervous excitement that you have for the open road! If you get into trouble out here, you have a huge support group, that is standing by. Woo!
Those air hose connections are a pain in the ass. I've been using air tools for 15 years and recommend you replace it with a Prevost high flow safety connection. Snaps in without the fuss and has a push button release that doesn't make the air blast out.
Awesomely kitted out van, Brian! Perhaps one tip, a mate has a van with a ladder, like yours, on the rear door. What he's done, to stop 'undesirables' (or anyone for that matter) climbing up, is that he's cut a sheet of 'checker plate' (so it's relatively thick & therefore sturdy) aluminium the same width & height as the ladder, & attached it to the ladder with some hinges on one side, & a padlock on the other. So, he can close the plate over the ladder then lock it so you can't climb up. Then when he need access to the roof, just unlock the padlock & open the plate away from the ladder. He's also put a couple of rubber bump stops on the checker plate where it could be in danger of resting against the van's paintwork.
Nice setup. Two tips from a MTB van lifer. 1. Consider hanging your mtb backpack from the door instead of the bed frame. That way it moves out of the way when you open the door. 2. If your curtain adhesive velcro keeps coming off, get someone to sew it on. It's a 2 minute job and itll never come off again. Enjoy the van!
One thing never ceases to amaze me when I watch these van build vids, where do you poo? Personally I go a couple of times a day so what do you do?? I have subscribed so I can find out lol!!
After about a month and a half on the road I knew exactly what I needed to change/add to my van. The biggest thing to me is having permanent and organized storage for the things that you will always be using. Less can actually be more in this case. I think for me I had too much bin/box storage, and not enough shelf and cabinet storage. Build 2.0 included a full length bed and a closet that I am very proud of. Seems like your garage is pretty dialed. The other important areas are an organized kitchen and organized clothing.
well some ppl had no dad or father figure in their youth to show them how to build stuff or do some mechanics... i now miss all that. It might've been cool to have someone just come to you and say "hey! wanna see how you build a wall properly? come here!"
Nice ride! It was good to see you using a kit, that makes the idea of building out a van a lot more feasable for folks who don't have handy friends like Seth, or lots of time on their hands to DIY. Looking forward to seeing how you use it.
Hell of a van! Love the route you took with it. Refreshing to see a path towards a finished van without needing a full on workshop and a ton of favors from people that know how to do things, lol.
I’m excited about the content you’re going to be putting out this year. I think you being on the road means there will be as much content off the bike as on the bike. I will enjoy it.
Hey Brian, so impressed with your whole set up and organizational attitude. I feel like you really hit the mark for what you intend to do. I get the impression that you will not be living in your van full time but more like an extended vacation on wheels. I pick up my rig in two weeks so as you can imagine, I am totally stoked. I liked everything but if I were pushed to say what I thought was the coolest, it would be a toss up between your super well organized tool box and your roof rack. I am most definitely going to copy you idea of the storage box on the roof, such a simple and elegant solution for bulky stuff you don't want in the van. Yeah, I get the "Don't tread on me", just make sure you stay away (or prepare appropriately) from the states that are less than friendly to folks like us (i.e. WA, CA, NY). Well done sir. I have to agree with one of the other commenters below, as far as I know, we only live once, so live large and live loud. Ride the hell out of that bike, be safe, but most of all have fun. I wish I didn't wait until I was 63 to do what you are doing. Safe travels
In for the video coming of him on the road when something breaks and he has no idea how to fix it because his dad did all the work and he didn’t take the time to learn what everything does and how to repair it
In the heat the sticky side of the Velcro will heat up and fall off. I have stapled the Velcro to fabric in the past. it works but I'm sure you do not want to staple velcro to your van. I now use 3/8" button snaps. they are easy to install and last longer. nice van! I'm Rollin in a 95 gmc van:)
Bro this van looks sweet as! I love the swivel seats and your pull out workshop. In my opinion it’s good that it’s hard to swivel the seats because you don’t want them to spin when driving!
Love the honesty on calling some of the stuff you got being crap. Every mtb van life build is rainbows and unicorns these days. I'm with you on the LiFePo4 batteries. They have incredibly low storage discharge rate.
I did a full work van build out of the aluminium profile you’ve used on your roof. Partition wall, toilet area, sink and work top area and table and seating. My old company specialised within the aluminium profile world. Was like playing with mekano everyday.
Hi Brian, great van. Your Dad seems like a legend. I love that you both worked on it together. I also love the Berm Peak sticker! Have fun on the road. Cheers from NZ
Some of the things were great options (rear view camera, slide out workspace, shower system and air compressor) but some of the build seemed a little toooo budget (sink cupboard, no proper upper cabinets with doors). I do applaud you for not including a toilet in your van and keeping the back 'garage so neat and organized.....certainly helps only having to fit one bike (so far). I'm sure there will be many changes once you get on the road and find what works. All the best!!
I’ve got that same head unit in my Honda. You will like it. I ran a cable to the back for another screen for my daughter to watch movie while we road trip.
Nice and simple van build, only the necessities for what a cyclist would need. Buy yourself a Coleman camp stove, store it under the sink, and you're set.
The van looks amazing with so many great features. I really like the slide out tool box & bike stand. Wishing you an amazing year filled with fun and adventures.
Awesome review and update. Great to see this come together. On that remote, it may not be the remote at all. I just had a similar issue and learned that many new LED lights emit a signal that interferes with remotes. May be worth fully disconnecting those strips and test it out.
Wow, so awesome Brian! Van life is a great new chapter on your journey! Hopefully everything works out for you! The interior already looks very well thought out! Good job!
Your dad needs to start his own channel.
Yeah with all the DIY stuff obviously very knowledgeable
durace99 true
Totally!!
Yeah.
Yeah it's a good drinking game ! Each time he says dad. Take a shot !
Brian, I really appreciate the brutally honest opinions on some of the “less than ideal” performance of some of the products. 😂 All part of keeping it real.
Seriously though, a lot of van life YT channels seem like they’re all bikinis, rainbows, and lollipops. 🤔
Bikinis and rainbows. XD I've been triping in a regular van and this thing was rough as fcuk.
I was going to reference Dave 2D roasting bikini clad vanlifers but looks like he cleared out his content. 😳
The Mediocre Mountain Biker Really? Those were some of the funniest things I’ve seen. That’s too bad.
the thing that stroke me is the dirty wheel on the bike ! Everytime in a vanlife channel the 'adventure' kit are always in mint condition, trekking, climbing, biking, surfing stuff...
OMG you're all hilarious! I just know I LOVE NO ONE enough to live in a modern-day gypsies living style. Same goes for tiny homes. Good God -- see the same number if not more negative videos of 'living' like this lifestyle.
A van? ....... that’s not a bad idea.....
Can’t wait to see all the videos from the road!
Paul The Punter Noooo not you too!!!!
Haha hell yes!
So many van builds! I fondly remember my van from the 90's that I called Claude-Jean.... You guys should all circle your wagons at Griffin Bike Park in Indiana this year.
Super refreshing to hear immediately when things "Suck". As a viewer its great to find channels that you can trust to give you good advice. Keep up the good work.
doug demuro called, he wants his intro back
Thhhhhhiiiiiiisssssssss !!! It a great job on the quirks but could have done better on features.
Hi Brian just a quick heads up
With the 12v freshwater pump that is fitted to the sink. If your water tanks are empty and the pump has power the pump will try and prime itself and they don't usually stop! make sure you have a breaker fitted so you can turn it off when the tanks are empty. Enjoy your new life mate :)
Whoa, thanks for the tip on that!!
“It trumps the bike slider” 👍🏻 love that!!!
Your dad sounds like an awesome dad. my dad was an awesome dad too. I’d give anything to have him do something like this with me. Congrats on the build man
cover the valve up where you connect the hose to the aircompressor
You don’t want people stealing your air 😂😂
@@harrydestcroix5516 imagine what greta would say if one steals air
NEMO yeah idk but we should respect Greta really, there is proof that climate change is happening and temperatures are rising what’s happening right now in Australia
For sure - it'll get dirty with road grime, and you do not want that to happen. Cap it somehow.
@@harrydestcroix5516 but why a 16 year old kid that needs to go to school
Why not a grown-up
Proud of you for giving your Dad his thanks and for honoring him! Atta Boy!
He did a great job!
"It means I have snakes in the van" 😂😂😂
Like... what species?
"It means I'm guarding it with snakes"
That absolutely just cracked me up.
Enough is enough! I've had it with these mother f@#$ing snakes in this mother f#@$ing van!!!!
Some states will put you in jail for having snakes
We all need more snakes in our lives.
This is exactly what I'm looking for.
A no-nonsense build that I can put to use right away... tried-and-true.
It's amazing how efficient we become at our trade... what used to take weeks takes me a day.
Props to your Dad,look forward to seeing the vids from your adventures.
For three summers (1998-2000), I camped, fly-fished, mountain biked out of a 1968 Dodge A100. Build a full-size bed out of 2x4s, bungee-corded my bike to the wall on the inside, cut a hole for a rough vent in the top, passenger seat swiveled around so I could tie flies, 318 V8 roaring next to me as I tooled around the Rockies looking for streams and trails. Being a new teacher, cost was an issue: $500 for van, $600 for full tune, $400 for my 1996 aluminum Giant hardtail. Even though that van was perfect for my needs at the time, this van is awesome Brian. Cudos to you and your dad! 😊🤘🏻
That's awesome!!
looks awesome! i love how the build is so practical! totally agree with the slider work bench! it's my fav! congrats!
Awesome build Brian. My only suggestion would be to velcro your lube bottle standing straight up, as opposed to saying on its side, or put it into a container. Because no matter how tight you put the top on it will leak (even a little) and start attracting dirt. Cheers, can't wait for the 50 state tour.
That is probably my favorite van I’ve seen yet. So stoked for you man!
Thanks Ty!
Best mountain bike oriented van build I have seen before. Simple with the right amount of tech. Can't wait for the content and journey videos!
JeepinPete you should check out Seth’s Bike Hacks build of Alexanders van it was super interesting and thought out
Trying to do the swivel the seats was the funniest part!
HUGE Thumbs up with your Transparency. Brutally honest in everything you do = complete trust. It's refreshing and MUCH appreciated! Can't wait to follow you throughout the year, Brian.
All lower 48 states in one year!? Wow, that's a ton of driving! Let us know when you are coming through IN and we will give you the V.I.P. tour of Griffin Bike Park.
Google "Contact BKXC" if you're serious!
And how do you get to Hawaii..
365÷50 so like a week in each state not calculating travel time.
I second, Griffin is sweet!
I can feel the nervous excitement that you have for the open road! If you get into trouble out here, you have a huge support group, that is standing by. Woo!
That is great to know!
Those air hose connections are a pain in the ass. I've been using air tools for 15 years and recommend you replace it with a Prevost high flow safety connection. Snaps in without the fuss and has a push button release that doesn't make the air blast out.
Fantastic!! Thanks for the recc
should have the air connector on the inside of the rear door, keep it safe from being broken off, and it just makes it easier to connect.
I bought them at SafetyCoupler.com. $14 work great.
Wow!!...You are one lucky guy to have a dad to help you build such a rad van! Good luck brotha see u on the trails!...
Love the van and I'm stoked for you, Brian! Wish you a very productive and fun 2020. 🤘😎
Thanks Luis!
Awesomely kitted out van, Brian! Perhaps one tip, a mate has a van with a ladder, like yours, on the rear door. What he's done, to stop 'undesirables' (or anyone for that matter) climbing up, is that he's cut a sheet of 'checker plate' (so it's relatively thick & therefore sturdy) aluminium the same width & height as the ladder, & attached it to the ladder with some hinges on one side, & a padlock on the other. So, he can close the plate over the ladder then lock it so you can't climb up. Then when he need access to the roof, just unlock the padlock & open the plate away from the ladder. He's also put a couple of rubber bump stops on the checker plate where it could be in danger of resting against the van's paintwork.
Nice!! Good tip
Smart to travel with snakes. Have fun out there Brian!
One of the most practical van I've seen. I think you have a great working space and tools. It's like the van of a pro team. Kudos to your father!
Thanks so much!
I need a "Alexander teaches me to jump" collab video !
OMG - this is my dream build - no extras, function before form! Good job. Look forward to what works and what doesn't once you get on the road.
I hope to get a van that's this cool too! Now to figure out where my kids will sleep 😂
Nice setup. Two tips from a MTB van lifer. 1. Consider hanging your mtb backpack from the door instead of the bed frame. That way it moves out of the way when you open the door. 2. If your curtain adhesive velcro keeps coming off, get someone to sew it on. It's a 2 minute job and itll never come off again. Enjoy the van!
Sooo good.. you & your dad made a thing!!! Got me hyped on #MtbVanlife
This video was amazing quality with the always changing angles. Love that it wasn’t just a walk around vlog like most are. Van looks killer!!
“Very sturdy bike stand”, puts hand on it and it shakes around. 😂
I'm not too sold on that bolt-on ladder either to be honest.
As full time Rvers, what you think will work always doesn't when you jump in and go.
Great build, I love that it's clean and simple.
Haha yes!
11:30 “Get myself a cold one and get back on the road” Don’t drink and drive kids😂
Awesome set up Brian. It's great to have a dad that's good with his hands. Best of luck in your travels this year. I can't wait to watch.
One thing never ceases to amaze me when I watch these van build vids, where do you poo? Personally I go a couple of times a day so what do you do?? I have subscribed so I can find out lol!!
Walmart and Target!
@@bkxc And at night?
After about a month and a half on the road I knew exactly what I needed to change/add to my van. The biggest thing to me is having permanent and organized storage for the things that you will always be using. Less can actually be more in this case. I think for me I had too much bin/box storage, and not enough shelf and cabinet storage. Build 2.0 included a full length bed and a closet that I am very proud of. Seems like your garage is pretty dialed. The other important areas are an organized kitchen and organized clothing.
Nice!! That is great info, thanks for sharing.
2:53 this trumps the bike slider: train honks
scottibass damn I was gunna comment that 🤣
Sweet buildout. I definitely agree with your approach of letting professionals do the buildout. I like some of the touches you've put on the van.
"Swivel-seat my way over... " 😂😂👍
Nice one! You'll be all over the places in the next couple of weeks, shredding every possible Trails. Way to go Brian.
Imagine a world with out dads....
It is called by Brazil lmao, sad but true
well some ppl had no dad or father figure in their youth to show them how to build stuff or do some mechanics... i now miss all that. It might've been cool to have someone just come to you and say "hey! wanna see how you build a wall properly? come here!"
@@beghdav i feel you
I'm black, I live it every day.
@@yellowmartian sorry to heat that
Brian I really like your honesty. You keep it real and raw man
Prevost air quick connect. You’er welcome :)
Nice!
Nice ride! It was good to see you using a kit, that makes the idea of building out a van a lot more feasable for folks who don't have handy friends like Seth, or lots of time on their hands to DIY. Looking forward to seeing how you use it.
Your dad is rad, that the rad dad you'd wish you'd had so bad.
Hell of a van! Love the route you took with it. Refreshing to see a path towards a finished van without needing a full on workshop and a ton of favors from people that know how to do things, lol.
Thanks dude!
Don’t tread on me. 🍻🍻
I’m excited about the content you’re going to be putting out this year. I think you being on the road means there will be as much content off the bike as on the bike. I will enjoy it.
Thanks!!
So, how much time have you spent removing the magnetic covers just to hear them snap back into place?. lol
That's van is going to be nice and hot in hot weather and freezing cold in cold weather! You cannot beat a well insulated van!
Clicked because I misread Promaster as Pornstar. Either way, was not disappointed. Carry on.
So cool. Your dad is a GENIUS! I am looking forward to your trips, this will bring your channel to a new level!
Take a shot whenever the dude referred to his dad
I’m glad you mentioned security. I don’t know how people do van life with no protection. 2A all day
You like snakes....I like snakes. Though I built my rig in a Cargo trailer, we should camp at an outdoor range and do snake stuff.
Hey Brian, so impressed with your whole set up and organizational attitude. I feel like you really hit the mark for what you intend to do. I get the impression that you will not be living in your van full time but more like an extended vacation on wheels. I pick up my rig in two weeks so as you can imagine, I am totally stoked. I liked everything but if I were pushed to say what I thought was the coolest, it would be a toss up between your super well organized tool box and your roof rack. I am most definitely going to copy you idea of the storage box on the roof, such a simple and elegant solution for bulky stuff you don't want in the van. Yeah, I get the "Don't tread on me", just make sure you stay away (or prepare appropriately) from the states that are less than friendly to folks like us (i.e. WA, CA, NY). Well done sir. I have to agree with one of the other commenters below, as far as I know, we only live once, so live large and live loud. Ride the hell out of that bike, be safe, but most of all have fun. I wish I didn't wait until I was 63 to do what you are doing. Safe travels
In for the video coming of him on the road when something breaks and he has no idea how to fix it because his dad did all the work and he didn’t take the time to learn what everything does and how to repair it
In the heat the sticky side of the Velcro will heat up and fall off. I have stapled the Velcro to fabric in the past. it works but I'm sure you do not want to staple velcro to your van. I now use 3/8" button snaps. they are easy to install and last longer. nice van! I'm Rollin in a 95 gmc van:)
Oh wow, I will look into those snaps! Thanks for the recc
@@bkxc www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078J363VW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
S N A K E S 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘😂😂😂
Bro this van looks sweet as! I love the swivel seats and your pull out workshop. In my opinion it’s good that it’s hard to swivel the seats because you don’t want them to spin when driving!
Your dad is the coolest dad ever
Van looks amazing! Can't wait to see all the mods in action after a few weeks. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks dude!
Love this video. So many people don't have this much fun on van videos.
Thanks!
Looks like an amazing setup! Can't wait to see where you go! "on the road again...".
Thanks dude!
Great to see this guy took a break from Always Sunny to travel
Love the honesty on calling some of the stuff you got being crap. Every mtb van life build is rainbows and unicorns these days. I'm with you on the LiFePo4 batteries. They have incredibly low storage discharge rate.
Gotta keep it real!
Woahhh takin a little potshot at Alex there with the sliding bike tray lol
I think every MTB van build has it!
I think your idea of the slide out bike shop is revolutionary, I love it
Very cool Brian. Your Dad’s a stud real HERO material!
Good luck Brian. Looking forward to your adventures this year.
That tool slider is by far the best part...but I'm still watching so maybe not lol. Awesome van man!!!
Awesome. I can't wait till you come New England and Massachusetts
I did a full work van build out of the aluminium profile you’ve used on your roof. Partition wall, toilet area, sink and work top area and table and seating. My old company specialised within the aluminium profile world. Was like playing with mekano everyday.
this is the best set up i've seen! very organized, you've got everything and it just looks awesome!
Hi Brian, great van. Your Dad seems like a legend. I love that you both worked on it together. I also love the Berm Peak sticker! Have fun on the road. Cheers from NZ
It looks great Brian! I hope it will stay as practical as you described us for when you'll be traveling!
Looking forward to the next stop 👊
Brian, always love your video's man, thanks for sharing, you're living the dream and bringing us all along for the ride, can't thank you enough.
Some of the things were great options (rear view camera, slide out workspace, shower system and air compressor) but some of the build seemed a little toooo budget (sink cupboard, no proper upper cabinets with doors). I do applaud you for not including a toilet in your van and keeping the back 'garage so neat and organized.....certainly helps only having to fit one bike (so far). I'm sure there will be many changes once you get on the road and find what works. All the best!!
Only time will tell!
Awesome stuff, Brian. My only recommendation is to watch (pad) the sharp corners on the overhead shelving. Head meets sharp corner can draw blood.
Good call!
Food on shelves! Can’t wait for the journey! We went with the manual fan because of the remote issues.
I’ve got that same head unit in my Honda. You will like it. I ran a cable to the back for another screen for my daughter to watch movie while we road trip.
Nice!!
Love it that you kept it real with the swivel seats💯😂
Love this van build, most practical one I've seen so far on you tube... nice work
Nice and simple van build, only the necessities for what a cyclist would need. Buy yourself a Coleman camp stove, store it under the sink, and you're set.
The van looks amazing with so many great features. I really like the slide out tool box & bike stand. Wishing you an amazing year filled with fun and adventures.
Thanks Mark!
Awesome review and update. Great to see this come together.
On that remote, it may not be the remote at all. I just had a similar issue and learned that many new LED lights emit a signal that interferes with remotes. May be worth fully disconnecting those strips and test it out.
Thanks for sharing the build - have an awesome year exploring and riding the US!
Van looks good. The tools will come in handy. Very nice addition.
Wow, so awesome Brian! Van life is a great new chapter on your journey! Hopefully everything works out for you! The interior already looks very well thought out! Good job!
I m very pleased to see you having a Dodge badged french Peugeot van...
Of course I m french....😉
Awesome build Brian! Can’t wait to see the 2020 adventures in it!
Duce what a nice clean build,, really stoked on how it came out, and looking forward to the states tour... have a blast
Just returned from a road trip to socal in my mini van. Was super fun. Safe travels Brian 👍
I like that you keep it real. I’m real interested to see how you survive without shower and toilet inside the van. For me that’s a must have.
It'll be an adventure!
Nice panel Bryan!! Your Dad did an excellent job. Congrats! Greetings from Panama.
Representing! #letsgoridebikes makes an appearance on the toolbox! Excited to see where this thing takes you!
Hell yes!
Nice rig! I liked the snakes protecting the van bit..👍