You've made tremendous progress! Super impressive! I built my own camper as well. I understand setbacks and delays. I remember delay after delay after delay after delay. That's the worst. I still loved every minute of building the thing (it's been 4 years since I started it, still not done). I just started watching your channel so maybe you've talked about this in a previous video. But have you ever gotten to the point where you think "what have I gotten myself into?" or wish you hadn't taken on this project?
Done and done! I feel your pain, I'm having to tear down my Tacoma and rebuild everything, re-wire, blah blah blah...You got this, it will all work out.
You know these trucks.....they take A LOT of time, effort and money but just remember the times that made you happy on the trail and being outside in this amazing world. You'll get past these bumps and out in the sun again soon enough. Hang in there young lady. Tomorrow is a new day and new chance to make things better.
My build taught me a lot about myself. For instance the process of staring into the back of the van for over two hours before an answer came. This is an art form. Art is hard. If it wasn’t there would be no meaning to doing it. We live in a world where a proper rivnut is the true meaning of a good night’s sleep. Lol.
Haha oh man, I thoroughly enjoyed your comment. You make a really good point. It IS hard. If it wasn't, more people would build over buying. But buying is way easier. Stick through the hard days and you get something in return that no one else has.
I think almost every custom build has times like this when nothing seems to go right. You got this. Soon you'll be back on the trails enjoying the fruits of your labor. The camper looks amazing!
You have put your blood sweat and tears into this project. To make your home the best home it can be. You seem to be concerned about being done in time for the Overland Expo. Why? Please understand I say this because you have the rest of your life ahead of you. Take the time to get what needs to be done and let everything else go. Your home will be amazing when it's complete. All because of great friends and you. Yes you. You made this come to pass. Take your time. Mistakes will be made. You're building a one-off rig. In the end, you will prevail. And as always, thanks for bringing us along. :)
I'm in the middle of my build and can completely understand your situation! It can be hard to be positive throughout the entire build. But just remember if it was easy it wouldn't be worth it. All good things in life are a battle but in the end your going to have something super special and totally original. This is what I think about when things get tough but it will be worth every hardship you went through!! Your building is already awesome!!! stick with it and your returns from all this will be great times!! You have my support, keep it going!!!!
These are the moments you will look back on fondly, you just need some time/distance under ya. These are the moments that forge your character, choose wisely 😊
I’m a little late to the party here, but wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts. 1. Thanks for the transparency; I’m working on a build right now and my projects always follow the same pattern. Plagued with little (or big) gotchas and ways under a time crunch. Seeing someone else have similar struggles doesn’t exactly make me feel better but let’s me know it’s to be expected. 2. One thing I’ve been working on (other than my rig) is remembering that this is exactly where I am meant to be. The project will go exactly as fast, and as “right” as it’s gonna go, and I only have so much control over that. What I can control is my mindset. And while I too prescribe to the “adapt and overcome”, it’s less about that and more about appreciating the journey. This too shall pass, and you’re gonna miss these days, and this experience. I know you want to use it and experience it in its full glory but life really is about the journey. The journey is gonna happen regardless, you can either revel in it, and enjoy it, or we can get down on ourselves and feel bummed that things aren’t going our way. Which brings me to #3 3. Chaos theory reins supreme. It states that there are infinite ways a situation can unfold, versus the finite number of ways our brain can imagine, let alone the even more finite ways that we want it to go. So back to #2, take a breath and enjoy the process! Hopefully this message lands as intended, not in a preachy, arrogant or judgmental manner. It’s looking great, keep it up!
Presently 2/3 complete on my build. Up’s and down’s around every corner but it will definitely pay off in the long run. I’m planning on a 4 to 5 year overland adventure throughout the United States including Alaska, through Canada, and then south to Mexico. Not sure as of yet with taking her to other countries but it is quite possible. But all of the persistence, determination,and commitment to this whole adventure is worth it for sure. Without all of that how can we not consider it a failure and maybe those that give up would never survive the wilderness for any length of time. Failure is not an option when civilization is too far to grasp. Just my opinion
That sounds like an incredible trip you have planned. Excited for you to start that amazing journey! I certainly keep images in my head of where I want to go and the plans I have once this build is finished. It gets me through the tougher days - remembering where I'll be one day soon. It helps, hanging onto those goals and dreams and knowing it'll be worth it. Thank you for sharing! It really helped.
Christian always remember you’re working with a prototype and there’s always going to be small hiccups just look how far you’ve come from where it was to what it is now you will get there keep your chin up hope to see you at the Pacific Northwest expo in Redmond Oregon this year take care 😊
Cristin, MOST EXCELLENT VIBES Being sent to YOU, STAY STRONG, STAY POSSITIVE and work on remembering this: "The only easy day was yesterday," And for you, give yourself grace, I know " you can do this" in your best Arnold Swhanager voice 😊 ❤
Dont ever forget who you are and what brings you joy. 99% of all humans on this planet would in no way have been able to create what you have created. This accomplishment is YOURS. Dont let anyone steal that from you. Any company should be honored to have you represent them with your talent, 100% completed or not Dont loose site on where this build will take you. ❤
You are making excellent progress. You are very creative, so a lot of the mechanical parts don't always come together as planned. But you have had some excellent builders. You have planned well. Try to be optimistic, we know it's hard, but you have had one of the best thought out overland builds on RUclips, IMHO❤
Hey ‘when a door closes a window always opens’ - maybe while you’re there in SL-U check in with Trent’s garage or Trent & Allie they have had to make things work in their travels and Trent is good at fixing things on the fly - give them a try I’m sure they would help you out - that’s what RUclips should be - supporting each other with tips & offering a lending hand if someone needs it You got this - you go girl 🎉❤
Great recommendation - thanks for sharing! If the tent fabric wasn't already back at the shop that made it, I would have definitely checked them out. Noted for future reference though!
Hi. I build a pop up module for Hilux. Do you remember what kind of fabric you have chosen for the tent ? How does it work out ? - waterproof, breathability, UV stability, mechanical strength and the whole durability?
I hiked the John Muir Trail. The first day was a little hard. The last three miles were easy. The pack of bears and the rattlesnake family ALL COILED AND SITTING RIGHT ON THE TRAIL, saying "Go ahead, make our day" -- both bear and snake on the same day! Those were the hardest two miles. We turned around to go back up the trail, and it was a good thing we did, because a huge 10 foot rattlesnake was coming down the trail right toward us. I grabbed a 20' skinny fallen tree and started raking the ground in front of his head. It spooked him. He made a 90 degree right turn and decided to go somewhere else. We were hiking down a steep switchback with a gurgling creek beside us. I pulled out the map and said "Let's find out where the Hell we are." We finally figured out that innocent looking creek was actually called "RATTLE SNAKE CREEK." If you are ever hiking the John Muir Trail, I highly recommend you take the alternate route, even though it is a little longer. DON'T TAKE THE RATTLE SNAKE CREEK TRAIL! EVER! Look, BAB, you are tired, you are feeling pressure to finish. You probably have been working long hours and have not been eating or sleeping right. A wonderful writer named Ann Lamont was overwhelmed to tears by high school biology. Her Dad told her: "Anne, just take it one bird at a time." That is my advice to you. Just take it one step at a time, one thing at a time. Up till now, you have been having the absolute best time of your life. Please, don't let this frustration ruin all those good memories, and all those wonderful feelings of accomplishment. Take your unfinished camper, such as it is, on the day you have to leave, and go to that show, get some needed R&R, enjoy every minute, then come back and finish your wonderful project, one step at a time. When I was a professional programmer we used to have a saying: "The first ninety percent of a project takes the first 90 percent of the time. The last 10 percent of the project takes the other 90 percent of the time." We love you and we care about you. Take care of yourself.
I know that feeling when things don’t come together, but just have to step back and take a breather. There are 3 more Overland Expos to get it done. You put too much work into your build to not make it to Expo. I would still love to see your build at Overland Expo West, even if it isn’t done, maybe you will get more words of encouragement from attendees at the Expo. You got this!
It will all come together, don't put deadlines ahead of happiness. Enjoy your build ,try not to fight the current. Best wishes! Hope I can make overland expo to see that awesome build!
Excellent progress on this build BAB ! I've used rivnuts on my van and they are so handy.... UNTIL one spins for whatever reason and then ya get to reach down deep in the toolbox and figure out an alternative. Kudos to you for figuring out that work-around with minimal alteration to the door. I was gonna suggest duct tape for the tent fix, but to each their own 😀.
Here this is a year late, but I wonder if the struts could’ve been shortened so that there was limits to how much it opened and therefore it would fit better.
I am so sorry that this last bit is such a hassle but you are so close! Good news that they can fix the tent! Yes, you are definitely proving that you are badass!!!
Hi, I’m just curious as to why the panels haven’t blown off as promised so many times by people? 😂😂😂 Keep at it!! Setbacks are just lessons for the next build!!!
Hahaha right?!! Been through some intense wind the past few days and all of the panels are still very much intact. And certainly lessons for the next time around... if there is one. I'll just teach everyone else what NOT to do. 😅
Great looking truck, just take your time it will work out. Appreciate you sharing. Sending good vibes your way. I’ll follow for more until then peace and chicken grease 😁👍👍😎
Maybe you could attach an aluminum strip to the body to bridge the gap between it and the material and attach the tent material to that, just a thought.
Thanks for sharing this with us even though it was tough. You'll get this done and it will all be worth it in the end. Keep your head up and know that there a there are a lot of us rooting for you. Stay strong.
I know this sounds lame and you most likely have heard it a million times but " It's not about the destination it's about the journey." You will some day look back on this and say I did this. No matter what your still a badass!
I've got access to a pretty badass location to work on vehicle's here in Wyoming if ya were closer and had the parts I would offer my labor for free. Couldn't help on the tent part but anything mechanical.
1 foot in front of the other things will work out on their own timeline not sure timeline in the vehicle will be worth it when it’s done do you want to remember the issues.
The fabric is meant to pulled tight and is typically just shy on the dimensions for that reason. This means the struts remain slightly under load when the tent is open. YOU try compressing 150lb strut an inch, by hand, to get it back into place with the fabric on. Good luck!!!
There's been a ticking noise for months. We suspected its exhaust related since the sound would go away after the truck warmed up. You can hear it loudly in one of the prior episodes when I roll the truck out of the shop.
You got this! So frustrating to be hitting the rig with everything and the wallet and still have so much uphill battle. Any chance to use shorter struts for the tent? As a temporary fix? Throwing spaghetti at the wall🍝 Good luck at overland expo🙏🫡
Great idea with the shorter struts. That would have been a solid solution for the time being. Fortunately the tent company is local and they're currently rush fixing it. Trying to stay optimistic for this next week. 🤞🏻
Could use some good vibes if you got some to spare.
Love you all. 💙
You've made tremendous progress! Super impressive!
I built my own camper as well. I understand setbacks and delays.
I remember delay after delay after delay after delay. That's the worst. I still loved every minute of building the thing (it's been 4 years since I started it, still not done).
I just started watching your channel so maybe you've talked about this in a previous video. But have you ever gotten to the point where you think "what have I gotten myself into?" or wish you hadn't taken on this project?
Done and done! I feel your pain, I'm having to tear down my Tacoma and rebuild everything, re-wire, blah blah blah...You got this, it will all work out.
You know these trucks.....they take A LOT of time, effort and money but just remember the times that made you happy on the trail and being outside in this amazing world. You'll get past these bumps and out in the sun again soon enough. Hang in there young lady. Tomorrow is a new day and new chance to make things better.
My build taught me a lot about myself. For instance the process of staring into the back of the van for over two hours before an answer came. This is an art form. Art is hard. If it wasn’t there would be no meaning to doing it. We live in a world where a proper rivnut is the true meaning of a good night’s sleep. Lol.
Haha oh man, I thoroughly enjoyed your comment. You make a really good point. It IS hard. If it wasn't, more people would build over buying. But buying is way easier. Stick through the hard days and you get something in return that no one else has.
I think almost every custom build has times like this when nothing seems to go right. You got this. Soon you'll be back on the trails enjoying the fruits of your labor. The camper looks amazing!
You have put your blood sweat and tears into this project. To make your home the best home it can be. You seem to be concerned about being done in time for the Overland Expo. Why? Please understand I say this because you have the rest of your life ahead of you. Take the time to get what needs to be done and let everything else go. Your home will be amazing when it's complete. All because of great friends and you. Yes you. You made this come to pass.
Take your time. Mistakes will be made. You're building a one-off rig. In the end, you will prevail.
And as always, thanks for bringing us along. :)
I'm in the middle of my build and can completely understand your situation! It can be hard to be positive throughout the entire build. But just remember if it was easy it wouldn't be worth it. All good things in life are a battle but in the end your going to have something super special and totally original. This is what I think about when things get tough but it will be worth every hardship you went through!! Your building is already awesome!!! stick with it and your returns from all this will be great times!!
You have my support, keep it going!!!!
Beautiful comment!! Thank you for the reminder and positive perspective. It's easy to loose sight and get discouraged. I appreciate your kind words!
That is my thumbs up. Sorry I didn't have any kind words. 😢But people are more important.
These are the moments you will look back on fondly, you just need some time/distance under ya. These are the moments that forge your character, choose wisely 😊
Good luck with everything. Lots of moving parts. You've managed it all extremely well up to this point. I have no doubt you'll finish strong.
I’m a little late to the party here, but wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts.
1. Thanks for the transparency; I’m working on a build right now and my projects always follow the same pattern. Plagued with little (or big) gotchas and ways under a time crunch. Seeing someone else have similar struggles doesn’t exactly make me feel better but let’s me know it’s to be expected.
2. One thing I’ve been working on (other than my rig) is remembering that this is exactly where I am meant to be. The project will go exactly as fast, and as “right” as it’s gonna go, and I only have so much control over that. What I can control is my mindset. And while I too prescribe to the “adapt and overcome”, it’s less about that and more about appreciating the journey. This too shall pass, and you’re gonna miss these days, and this experience.
I know you want to use it and experience it in its full glory but life really is about the journey. The journey is gonna happen regardless, you can either revel in it, and enjoy it, or we can get down on ourselves and feel bummed that things aren’t going our way. Which brings me to #3
3. Chaos theory reins supreme. It states that there are infinite ways a situation can unfold, versus the finite number of ways our brain can imagine, let alone the even more finite ways that we want it to go. So back to #2, take a breath and enjoy the process! Hopefully this message lands as intended, not in a preachy, arrogant or judgmental manner.
It’s looking great, keep it up!
Presently 2/3 complete on my build. Up’s and down’s around every corner but it will definitely pay off in the long run. I’m planning on a 4 to 5 year overland adventure throughout the United States including Alaska, through Canada, and then south to Mexico. Not sure as of yet with taking her to other countries but it is quite possible. But all of the persistence, determination,and commitment to this whole adventure is worth it for sure. Without all of that how can we not consider it a failure and maybe those that give up would never survive the wilderness for any length of time. Failure is not an option when civilization is too far to grasp. Just my opinion
That sounds like an incredible trip you have planned. Excited for you to start that amazing journey! I certainly keep images in my head of where I want to go and the plans I have once this build is finished. It gets me through the tougher days - remembering where I'll be one day soon. It helps, hanging onto those goals and dreams and knowing it'll be worth it.
Thank you for sharing! It really helped.
The end of a custom build is always the most stressful for me (I work at a place where we build custom van conversation). You got this!
That's actually comforting to know that the end gets to others as well. Thanks for sharing!
Christian always remember you’re working with a prototype and there’s always going to be small hiccups just look how far you’ve come from where it was to what it is now you will get there keep your chin up hope to see you at the Pacific Northwest expo in Redmond Oregon this year take care 😊
Cristin, MOST EXCELLENT VIBES Being sent to YOU, STAY STRONG, STAY POSSITIVE and work on remembering this:
"The only easy day was yesterday,"
And for you, give yourself grace, I know " you can do this" in your best Arnold Swhanager voice 😊 ❤
Hahaha thank you for the laugh and smile. 💙
Dont ever forget who you are and what brings you joy. 99% of all humans on this planet would in no way have been able to create what you have created.
This accomplishment is YOURS. Dont let anyone steal that from you. Any company should be honored to have you represent them with your talent, 100% completed or not
Dont loose site on where this build will take you. ❤
You are making excellent progress. You are very creative, so a lot of the mechanical parts don't always come together as planned. But you have had some excellent builders. You have planned well. Try to be optimistic, we know it's hard, but you have had one of the best thought out overland builds on RUclips, IMHO❤
Sending the good vibes. You got this and I can’t wait to celebrate it with you in a couple weeks. ❤
Hey ‘when a door closes a window always opens’ - maybe while you’re there in SL-U check in with Trent’s garage or Trent & Allie they have had to make things work in their travels and Trent is good at fixing things on the fly - give them a try I’m sure they would help you out - that’s what RUclips should be - supporting each other with tips & offering a lending hand if someone needs it
You got this - you go girl 🎉❤
Great recommendation - thanks for sharing! If the tent fabric wasn't already back at the shop that made it, I would have definitely checked them out. Noted for future reference though!
Hi. I build a pop up module for Hilux. Do you remember what kind of fabric you have chosen for the tent ? How does it work out ? - waterproof, breathability, UV stability, mechanical strength and the whole durability?
I hiked the John Muir Trail. The first day was a little hard. The last three miles were easy. The pack of bears and the rattlesnake family ALL COILED AND SITTING RIGHT ON THE TRAIL, saying "Go ahead, make our day" -- both bear and snake on the same day! Those were the hardest two miles. We turned around to go back up the trail, and it was a good thing we did, because a huge 10 foot rattlesnake was coming down the trail right toward us. I grabbed a 20' skinny fallen tree and started raking the ground in front of his head. It spooked him. He made a 90 degree right turn and decided to go somewhere else. We were hiking down a steep switchback with a gurgling creek beside us. I pulled out the map and said "Let's find out where the Hell we are." We finally figured out that innocent looking creek was actually called "RATTLE SNAKE CREEK." If you are ever hiking the John Muir Trail, I highly recommend you take the alternate route, even though it is a little longer. DON'T TAKE THE RATTLE SNAKE CREEK TRAIL! EVER! Look, BAB, you are tired, you are feeling pressure to finish. You probably have been working long hours and have not been eating or sleeping right. A wonderful writer named Ann Lamont was overwhelmed to tears by high school biology. Her Dad told her: "Anne, just take it one bird at a time." That is my advice to you. Just take it one step at a time, one thing at a time. Up till now, you have been having the absolute best time of your life. Please, don't let this frustration ruin all those good memories, and all those wonderful feelings of accomplishment. Take your unfinished camper, such as it is, on the day you have to leave, and go to that show, get some needed R&R, enjoy every minute, then come back and finish your wonderful project, one step at a time. When I was a professional programmer we used to have a saying: "The first ninety percent of a project takes the first 90 percent of the time. The last 10 percent of the project takes the other 90 percent of the time." We love you and we care about you. Take care of yourself.
I know that feeling when things don’t come together, but just have to step back and take a breather. There are 3 more Overland Expos to get it done. You put too much work into your build to not make it to Expo. I would still love to see your build at Overland Expo West, even if it isn’t done, maybe you will get more words of encouragement from attendees at the Expo. You got this!
It will all come together, don't put deadlines ahead of happiness. Enjoy your build ,try not to fight the current. Best wishes! Hope I can make overland expo to see that awesome build!
Sending positive vibes your way! Keep pushing through the tough times, it'll all be worth it.
You got this girl...just keep in mind the end goal, the objective. It just feels never ending. You are good to go.
Excellent progress on this build BAB ! I've used rivnuts on my van and they are so handy.... UNTIL one spins for whatever reason and then ya get to reach down deep in the toolbox and figure out an alternative. Kudos to you for figuring out that work-around with minimal alteration to the door. I was gonna suggest duct tape for the tent fix, but to each their own 😀.
Haha I actually considered using a blue tarp for the tent, like @overlandunderbudget did for a while. There's always a solution somewhere, eh?
Here this is a year late, but I wonder if the struts could’ve been shortened so that there was limits to how much it opened and therefore it would fit better.
I am so sorry that this last bit is such a hassle but you are so close! Good news that they can fix the tent! Yes, you are definitely proving that you are badass!!!
We certainly got lucky that they could fix it, and not have to redo the entire thing. It should be done this week. 🤞🏻
It's like that Thoreau quote at the beginning of the video...deep breath, keep the faith. You'll cross the finish line. 👍
Oh wow. Keep your head up. You got this! She’s looking great! ❤
Hope the trip back is a quick one and you’re able to make the progress you need for expo.
I’d love to set my Ram up like that one day. You’ll get it together. You got this.
Nothing worth having comes easy. Keep grinding!
Hi, I’m just curious as to why the panels haven’t blown off as promised so many times by people? 😂😂😂
Keep at it!! Setbacks are just lessons for the next build!!!
Hahaha right?!! Been through some intense wind the past few days and all of the panels are still very much intact.
And certainly lessons for the next time around... if there is one. I'll just teach everyone else what NOT to do. 😅
Off topic but very cool earrings, what are they called and where can I get some?
Great looking truck, just take your time it will work out. Appreciate you sharing. Sending good vibes your way. I’ll follow for more until then peace and chicken grease 😁👍👍😎
I'm sorry you're discouraged. Sending the good vibes. I look forward to more adventure content.
What a sad life,
@@UncleFjester 😂 Thanks for watching!
Best vibes your way. Stay positive and safe. Best of luck.
Sending all the good vibes!
Hang in there you have come this far! Looking forward to adventures to come. Greetings from Florida.
This too shall pass!
Maybe you could attach an aluminum strip to the body to bridge the gap between it and the material and attach the tent material to that, just a thought.
You got this!!!
Hang in there kid you will make it. Thing is looking awesome by the way
Keep the Faith! 🤞🏼
tarps and duct tape... it'll get you by until you can fix it
The tent roof doesnt raise very high either
Thanks for sharing this with us even though it was tough. You'll get this done and it will all be worth it in the end. Keep your head up and know that there a there are a lot of us rooting for you. Stay strong.
I know this sounds lame and you most likely have heard it a million times but " It's not about the destination it's about the journey." You will some day look back on this and say I did this. No matter what your still a badass!
I've got access to a pretty badass location to work on vehicle's here in Wyoming if ya were closer and had the parts I would offer my labor for free. Couldn't help on the tent part but anything mechanical.
1 foot in front of the other things will work out on their own timeline not sure timeline in the vehicle will be worth it when it’s done do you want to remember the issues.
Could you take the struts off, attach all of the fabric, then attach the struts. Or move the struts
The fabric is meant to pulled tight and is typically just shy on the dimensions for that reason. This means the struts remain slightly under load when the tent is open. YOU try compressing 150lb strut an inch, by hand, to get it back into place with the fabric on. Good luck!!!
Wait... a cracked manifold? What happened there?
There's been a ticking noise for months. We suspected its exhaust related since the sound would go away after the truck warmed up. You can hear it loudly in one of the prior episodes when I roll the truck out of the shop.
Hit me up on any problems u run into. I'm the idea guy!!!! ❤
You need to start using marine things
Your still Lost.
K
You got this!
So frustrating to be hitting the rig with everything and the wallet and still have so much uphill battle.
Any chance to use shorter struts for the tent? As a temporary fix?
Throwing spaghetti at the wall🍝
Good luck at overland expo🙏🫡
Great idea with the shorter struts. That would have been a solid solution for the time being. Fortunately the tent company is local and they're currently rush fixing it.
Trying to stay optimistic for this next week. 🤞🏻