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.
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
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 :)
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.
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.
It'll be interesting to see how well that air line connects after a year of driving around lol. Maybe shouldn't have installed it right behind the tire?
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! 😊🤘🏻
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.
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!!
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.
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!
😎 Monster project, Brian! Whishing you all the best! 🤙🏻 Really like your more "minimalist" approach regarding interior - just have a go and see where things fall into place as you go before installing permament solutions. 👌🏻 Only thing missing: *a map to check off states!*
Love the map idea. Or maybe Brian can do a digital online one like you see adventure cyclists and others using when they do cross-continent/ocean quests.
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.
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.
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:)
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.
The bikes on a slider let you store the bikes closer together by alternating the direction each bike is facing so you don't get handlebar overlap. Also, by having the ability to pull the tray out, you can pull either bike off without having to worry about handlebar overlap so one bike is in the way of the other when trying to get it out. The way you have yours set up would only allow the bike on the right (facing the van with the back doors open) to come out first, whereas if you wanted the bike on the left you would have to pull the bike on the right out, then pull out the bike on the left. Overall, not a huge deal, especially if you will be pulling both out the majority of the time or only carrying one bike. I think the best case would be to have a your toolbox/bikestand AND the bikes on their own separate sliding trays. Awesome job overall, looks great!
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.
We've got ladder covers on our sprinters at work since the company had the same concerns as you. They weren't expensive. Might be an option if you ever experience a problem.
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!"
If you're really gonna be sleeping in there all the time you're going to need a composting toilet or some bucket toilet. Also a place to put your blanket when you're bed is pushed up as a couch. And some bigger storage for clothes. For a fridge you can get one of those dometic cooler fridges and put it between the 2 front seats.
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!!
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
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.
As long as you keep bare metal uninsulated you have no insulation. That's the trick about vans, creating a cabin that can be isolated from the tin box it sits in and get rid of thermal bridges
Make sure you engage the e-brake when you park. My co-worker left his running in park went inside his house came out and it was half way down a hill in a tree.
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.
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
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
I love my Promaster and I would change a few things on my build but not many. The fridge is a must have. Even a Yeti cooler requires so much work with ice etc. You will have to take it on the road for a bit before you figure out what works for you and what doesn't.
Hey before you start any road trips make sure you check the height of your van from the top of your roof equipment. You don’t want to have them ripped off from a low bridge, parking garage or drive thru roof.
Glad you saw that mounting the bikes at angles wasn't going to work. You have different slack and different tire diameters. Right angles really was the way to go.
Like how the way this van build turned out to be, compared to all the custom built. Not so much crazy tech going on. For the most part things is exposed and will make it easy to do changes in the future. Also great idea to have a shelf sliding out, instead of the bike. Nice to have a place to put tools, phone etc while working on the bike. Drive safe!
That’s exciting, looks like you have it pretty dialed. One thing that people never do on these build videos is say how much it costs (retail) for you to build it out. I always find myself asking that question.
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.
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.
Hi, have fun on the road. Just keep an eye on the oxygen/co2 level if you use your heater! It's risky to use this cause you become tired and sleep from low o2/high co2 level before something worse will happen... just a hint
Congrats, Brian! By delaying your purchase, you've been able to leverage what so many others have done before you. Please give us an update in 6 months. Also, get seat covers.
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.
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!
So dope Brian, now I feel really stupid for not checking everything out in person. I think I was just too stoked to start riding. So cool that you and your dad built that van. Have an awesome adventure 🤘🤘🤘
take that propane heater and toss it in the nearest dumpster if you want to keep your van. They produce so much water it will destroy the van from the inside out. Vans/Cars are not designed to allow water on the inside of them to escape out. Which means that the water the propane heater creates will be on every single inch of the interiors. Water will then bead and pool in low areas inside along your walls, fenders etc, and rust the van from the inside out.
Looks awesome, problem I know is that burning propane creates vast amounts of condensation, hense why the diesel heaters that sit under the passenger seat are externally vented
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.
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!
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.
Very cool start. Enjoy yourself. This adventure should be interesting. Keep us updated. Watch that propane heater in the van. Still want to be able to meet up and ride some day... Be good, do better!!
Thrilled for you! FYI - propane makes water / carbon dioxide under perfect combustion... Moisture building CAN be an issue if you don't keep things ventilated. If there isn't ENOUGH oxygen, then propane combustion can result in carbon monoxide. Be aware, and be sure you have something to help bring in fresh air. Really looking forward to your travels! :)
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
It'll be interesting to see how well that air line connects after a year of driving around lol. Maybe shouldn't have installed it right behind the tire?
Well, at least he can clean it with the air system he installed. Oh, wait...
I need a condom for it!
BKXC bike tube. Slotted with velcro strap threaded through it
BKXC no condom, carbon tube! 🤪
@@bkxc use an old inner tube
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, $400 for my 1996 aluminum Giant hardtail. Even though that van was perfect for my needs at the time, this van is awesome Brian. Cudos to you and your dad! 😊🤘🏻
That's awesome!!
All lower 48 states in one year!? Wow, that's a ton of driving! Let us know when you are coming through IN and we will give you the V.I.P. tour of Griffin Bike Park.
Google "Contact BKXC" if you're serious!
And how do you get to Hawaii..
365÷50 so like a week in each state not calculating travel time.
I second, Griffin is sweet!
Some of the things were great options (rear view camera, slide out workspace, shower system and air compressor) but some of the build seemed a little toooo budget (sink cupboard, no proper upper cabinets with doors). I do applaud you for not including a toilet in your van and keeping the back 'garage so neat and organized.....certainly helps only having to fit one bike (so far). I'm sure there will be many changes once you get on the road and find what works. All the best!!
Only time will tell!
"It means I have snakes in the van" 😂😂😂
Like... what species?
"It means I'm guarding it with snakes"
That absolutely just cracked me up.
Enough is enough! I've had it with these mother f@#$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.
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.
“It trumps the bike slider” 👍🏻 love that!!!
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!
😎 Monster project, Brian! Whishing you all the best! 🤙🏻
Really like your more "minimalist" approach regarding interior - just have a go and see where things fall into place as you go before installing permament solutions. 👌🏻
Only thing missing: *a map to check off states!*
Love the map idea. Or maybe Brian can do a digital online one like you see adventure cyclists and others using when they do cross-continent/ocean quests.
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
Trying to do the swivel the seats was the funniest part!
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.
Props to your Dad,look forward to seeing the vids from your adventures.
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
2:53 this trumps the bike slider: train honks
scottibass damn I was gunna comment that 🤣
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.
looks awesome! i love how the build is so practical! totally agree with the slider work bench! it's my fav! congrats!
The bikes on a slider let you store the bikes closer together by alternating the direction each bike is facing so you don't get handlebar overlap. Also, by having the ability to pull the tray out, you can pull either bike off without having to worry about handlebar overlap so one bike is in the way of the other when trying to get it out. The way you have yours set up would only allow the bike on the right (facing the van with the back doors open) to come out first, whereas if you wanted the bike on the left you would have to pull the bike on the right out, then pull out the bike on the left. Overall, not a huge deal, especially if you will be pulling both out the majority of the time or only carrying one bike. I think the best case would be to have a your toolbox/bikestand AND the bikes on their own separate sliding trays. Awesome job overall, looks great!
That is probably my favorite van I’ve seen yet. So stoked for you man!
Thanks Ty!
Proud of you for giving your Dad his thanks and for honoring him! Atta Boy!
He did a great job!
11:30 “Get myself a cold one and get back on the road” Don’t drink and drive kids😂
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.
"Swivel-seat my way over... " 😂😂👍
We've got ladder covers on our sprinters at work since the company had the same concerns as you. They weren't expensive. Might be an option if you ever experience a problem.
Nice!
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
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!
Prevost air quick connect. You’er welcome :)
Nice!
If you're really gonna be sleeping in there all the time you're going to need a composting toilet or some bucket toilet. Also a place to put your blanket when you're bed is pushed up as a couch. And some bigger storage for clothes. For a fridge you can get one of those dometic cooler fridges and put it between the 2 front seats.
I hope to get a van that's this cool too! Now to figure out where my kids will sleep 😂
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!
Smart to travel with snakes. Have fun out there Brian!
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!...
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?
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
I need a "Alexander teaches me to jump" collab video !
Brian, if you do not have a connection in New Mexico yet, please reach out. Happy to give you a place to stay and show you some trails.
Love the van and I'm stoked for you, Brian! Wish you a very productive and fun 2020. 🤘😎
Thanks Luis!
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.
“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.
I’m glad you mentioned security. I don’t know how people do van life with no protection. 2A all day
So, how much time have you spent removing the magnetic covers just to hear them snap back into place?. lol
I have a 144 WB low roof Promaster 2014 for work. Never thought six years ago I'd be thinking about using a van for something other than work.
Sooo good.. you & your dad made a thing!!! Got me hyped on #MtbVanlife
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!
Your dad is rad, that the rad dad you'd wish you'd had so bad.
As long as you keep bare metal uninsulated you have no insulation. That's the trick about vans, creating a cabin that can be isolated from the tin box it sits in and get rid of thermal bridges
Don’t tread on me. 🍻🍻
Make sure you engage the e-brake when you park. My co-worker left his running in park went inside his house came out and it was half way down a hill in a tree.
Yikes!
Clicked because I misread Promaster as Pornstar. Either way, was not disappointed. Carry on.
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
Take a shot whenever the dude referred to his dad
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!
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
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
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.
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
S N A K E S 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘😂😂😂
I love my Promaster and I would change a few things on my build but not many. The fridge is a must have. Even a Yeti cooler requires so much work with ice etc. You will have to take it on the road for a bit before you figure out what works for you and what doesn't.
Definitely. I was thinking cooler but then it just becomes such a pain like you said.
Food on shelves! Can’t wait for the journey! We went with the manual fan because of the remote issues.
Hey before you start any road trips make sure you check the height of your van from the top of your roof equipment. You don’t want to have them ripped off from a low bridge, parking garage or drive thru roof.
9 footer!!
Glad you saw that mounting the bikes at angles wasn't going to work. You have different slack and different tire diameters. Right angles really was the way to go.
Like how the way this van build turned out to be, compared to all the custom built. Not so much crazy tech going on. For the most part things is exposed and will make it easy to do changes in the future. Also great idea to have a shelf sliding out, instead of the bike. Nice to have a place to put tools, phone etc while working on the bike. Drive safe!
Thanks man!!
That’s exciting, looks like you have it pretty dialed. One thing that people never do on these build videos is say how much it costs (retail) for you to build it out. I always find myself asking that question.
Got all the prices on my build sheet!
BKXC You would think I would have looked there. I mean you did say it in the video. Sorry I have old guy memory. 🤦♂️
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.
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.
Hi, have fun on the road. Just keep an eye on the oxygen/co2 level if you use your heater! It's risky to use this cause you become tired and sleep from low o2/high co2 level before something worse will happen... just a hint
Good call!
Nice rig! I liked the snakes protecting the van bit..👍
Congrats, Brian! By delaying your purchase, you've been able to leverage what so many others have done before you. Please give us an update in 6 months. Also, get seat covers.
I will give an update! Man, good idea with seat covers. Already post-ride sweating all over the place.
That tool slider is by far the best part...but I'm still watching so maybe not lol. Awesome van man!!!
I m very pleased to see you having a Dodge badged french Peugeot van...
Of course I m french....😉
Van looks amazing! Can't wait to see all the mods in action after a few weeks. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks dude!
Your dad is the coolest dad ever
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!
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!
If you can swivel that and grab a drink -while still driving....I would seriously be impressed! 😜
👍no step on snek!
So dope Brian, now I feel really stupid for not checking everything out in person. I think I was just too stoked to start riding. So cool that you and your dad built that van. Have an awesome adventure 🤘🤘🤘
Very Important...… The Olympian Wave Catalytic Heater needs a Dust Cover on it whenever not in use. To keep Debris Off of The Catalytic Heating Pad.
I’ve got one! Good call
take that propane heater and toss it in the nearest dumpster if you want to keep your van. They produce so much water it will destroy the van from the inside out. Vans/Cars are not designed to allow water on the inside of them to escape out. Which means that the water the propane heater creates will be on every single inch of the interiors. Water will then bead and pool in low areas inside along your walls, fenders etc, and rust the van from the inside out.
Looks awesome, problem I know is that burning propane creates vast amounts of condensation, hense why the diesel heaters that sit under the passenger seat are externally vented
Interesting!
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!!
My man probably has thunder arms by now with those swivel seats. 😁
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!
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.
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.
Hahahaha.... swivel seats are really a pain in the ass!!! Lol.. Cool video, quick build, tailored to your liking, what else... Enjoy👍👍👍
Very cool start. Enjoy yourself. This adventure should be interesting. Keep us updated.
Watch that propane heater in the van. Still want to be able to meet up and ride some day...
Be good, do better!!
Love the Don't Tread on Me tag on your defense kit.
You might want to put some soft towels between your wheel and bike otherwise it rub into the paint and carbon.
Be sure to stop in and see us when in the Las Vegas area. Dave and Donna Deka, Alexander’s friends from Murrieta, CA.
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.
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!
Thrilled for you! FYI - propane makes water / carbon dioxide under perfect combustion... Moisture building CAN be an issue if you don't keep things ventilated. If there isn't ENOUGH oxygen, then propane combustion can result in carbon monoxide. Be aware, and be sure you have something to help bring in fresh air. Really looking forward to your travels! :)
Good tips!