5 Things We “HATE” About Our DIY Van Build // VAN BUILD REGRETS 🚐

[@TheMapPinners]

Great video you two! Seeing your feet dangle when on the bench was so cute but I can see how annoying that would be 😄 and we loved seeing your cold shower footage 😂 that was hilarious. Totally see why that was a one time thing. Fingers crossed you can shower at gyms soon. And never heard of an oven in a van but that would be really great to add!

[@folkonthemove8760]

Thanks Map Pinners ♥️ glad the shower footage was entertaining LOL! We got quite the kick out of it, but yeaaa... one time was enough 😂 Excited for the day we can give you an in-person tour!

[@lynnw7155]

Since you have so much electricity, you could add a toaster oven. It can either be attached to a counter or stowed away when not in use. We have an SUV conversion and have a small 1000 watt toaster oven ...small, but it does what a burner or instapot can't.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

This is the first time I've heard 'too much power' as a regret. As far as regrets go, that's a good one to have. Winning!

[@chrissyuy]

My husband and I have an oven on our boat. We used to use it a lot, but once I got an Instant (insta-pot) air-fryer over a year ago, we haven’t used it once! Air-fryers can do all that an oven can do, and way more than an oven! Plus they take up minimal storage space!

[@girlpowered1696]

You can by the Omnia camping oven, it goes on the cooktop and works really well

[@anthonyrosa4388]

I want to thank you it's because of this video I was able to redo my couch before it was too late thank you so much for saving me the headache

[@Area_Man]

Nice job! Ilike your layout and choices. The 5 things were all helpful points. Thank you.

[@juanitasellshouses]

I just found your site. In regards to having an oven...they do heat up inside of the van. Instead, you might want to try an Omnia Oven. I've watched She to Me use hers to make all kinds of baked goodies! It sits right on top the gas burner.

[@flyfishfotofan]

Since you have so much electricity why not purchase one of the larger “toaster ovens” (i.e. large enough for a pizza) and store it when not being used?

[@themikeh1961]

Maybe you could make a little fold-down foot rest that's attached to the door of your too-tall seat.

[@Scrambler85]

I feel your pain about the seat heights. I'm 6'4" and my girlfriend is 5'2". I had to build apposed bench seats at different heights. It's a very nice looking van. I liked, subscribed and commented 👍

[@George.adventure]

Hey ! Great video!! for the bench , look and see if you guys can add a flap panel to open and close so when you are sitting on the bench you can open it up instead of the plastic bin :) ! Quick idea like that ! This could be a simple and quick improvement for you. You can also do this in two pieces so if someone taller shits with you in the van they have an option to use it or not !

[@marieledbetter7930]

Until you get an oven you should think about some baking in a cast iron pan which can be done on a campfire. Some cool options. Bread, even pizza....or since you have extra power you might think about a toaster oven. Small but I bake bread and cakes in mine.

[@CR-wk2re]

The clip of you guys helping each other with the shower was so cute!!!

[@amyhuber2457]

Showering in a bag. We laughed pretty hard at that. Alexa’s squeals were hilarious.

[@folkonthemove8760]

We got a kick out of it as well! SO cold! 😅 I (David) still laugh pretty hard at Alexa’s squeals when I see that clip 😂

[@juniper617]

You could maybe add a hinged bar to the front of your bench, so you could fold it down and use it as a footrest?

[@pratapsinghrathore2807]

This video deserves more views. I have watched hundreds of van build videos and found this one really helpful. Fwding it to friends.

[@DD-sn4iz]

alright alright I will sacrifice some storage under bench 😂

[@saratemp790]

You need a water heater. And you should waterproof the inside box of your shower, and just put some half curtains above, on rods with rings. A lot easier than holding up those little shower cubby enclosures.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

LMBO at: "we measured the length of our legs" I thought I was thorough, but even I wouldn't have thought about that one! Ty for the laugh! That was good! :)

[@WeTakeTheVan]

Thank you for this! We’re in the building stage of our van so it’s extremely helpful to hear what other van dwellers would change on their set up! Looking forward to following along on your adventures! :)

[@folkonthemove8760]

That is so exciting! Happy to help 😁 Best of luck on the rest of your build!

[@duvessa2003]

Well presented ⭐️

[@stanjones247]

just get solar shower bag and pop upshower tent not expensive and reviews ive seen they work pretty good

[@nakwichet]

Love you van and the way you explain to

[@duvessa2003]

How about just a garden sprayer for your outdoor shower? You can fill it 3/4 full with cold water and then just add some boiling water. They also sell those little pop-up privacy tents…

[@MrTubeman123456]

I haven't built my van yet but a indoor shower is a must 55 gal food grade barrel pump solar powered ac build my own toilet oven is a good idea good video helpful thanks.

[@susans7091]

Have you tried an Omni Oven? SO glad for the pointer about more overhead storage. Someone recently tried to sell me a van with zero overhead storage. And super grateful for the pointer on not having too high a bench.

[@DaphneLowe]

Since you already have a dedicated shower space, all you need is a hot water source. Check out the Big Kahuna or Geyser shower kits. They are container showers that heat water using 12v, so you can enjoy showering in the comfort of your van. Additionally, they can be filled independently so they don't deplete your fresh water tanks.

[@folkonthemove8760]

A 12v water hearing source would be ideal since we have an excess amount of power! Thank you for the recommendation 😁

[@juniper617]

A sun shower (I think that’s a brand name, and you can get it in a camping store for very little money) is basically a water bag you heat in the sun, or if there’s no sun or no time, you can heat water on the stove for it. Then you hang it up and it’s just a gravity system. Works great. You can easily use it inside or outside.

[@yushi911]

When i was young and going out, I use to start with the desert as most of the time I would not be able to have desert if I took an entry plus the meal. Now, i feel the new generation is starting their life with the retirement phase before jumping to working task force and family.

[@212caboose]

Heat up water and put it in a 1-2 gallon pump sprayer. Insulate the pump sprayer with some reflectix or something. Boom, hot shower. Then you can do either an indoor or outdoor. You're also limited by the size of the sprayer- so it conserves water too.

[@mscathyhong]

Heat up a half gallon of water, add to the other half gallon for a nice warm shower. Bucket and cup shower.

[@danzbeard]

Thank you for the insight! I apologize for bringing up a sore subject, but how tall is the bench with cushion?

[@jessieandtalie]

Hey guys my first video of yours! I just bought a van…so thank you! Could you build a flip up step shelf that holds your feet somehow?

[@folkonthemove8760]

Hey Jessie! That's a fabulous idea! We actually sold this van to a new happy owner, but for our future build we'll keep that in mind (if we make the same mistake twice, that is LOL). Best of luck with your van!

[@jessieandtalie]

@@folkonthemove8760 congratulations!!!

[@meelis79]

Hi, I know it is two year old video and maybe you changed things already but here are my thoughts: 1) too tall bench - it should be quite easy to take it out and trim it lower from upper side. 2) no oven - my plan is to take normal hot air frier to my van if I someday build it. Yes it is electrical ldoa but you had excess energy anyway. use it :) It is much smaller than ove and can be but away somewhere - noes not need dedicated space. And if it is not for you, just remove it from van. 3) Shower space - use smaller part of it to toilet and build storage space to one end.

[@hannaolevia]

Love this! We just bought our van and are so excited to build it. Intimidating as hell but mostly exciting😂

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Bye

[@stevekaspar1396]

I saw where another van life couple 💑 had the same issue with a too tall foot dangling bench.. but clearly the late arrival of the cushion affected everything.. Maybe shuck that cushion and get a softer one that let's your body weight sink to the wood of the bench... but love you guys...just subscribed

[@folkonthemove8760]

Ahh you know the struggle! We have definitely considered swapping cushions. The only problem is we really like the cushion we have 😅. It’s a conundrum for sure! Thanks for joining us on our journey!

[@mbd6054]

Maybe just take the measurement of the cushion? This is not rocket science.

[@argates6507]

Something about her face or expressions or both that makes her look so sweet.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Super fun and helpful video.

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

You can get a solar shower and hang it on some magnetic hooks outside… and then just add some hot water from a jet boil into your cold water in the bag.

[@sshutchannel]

That was awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences and insight!

[@folkonthemove8760]

It was our pleasure! Hopefully our experiences help you in your van journey 😙

[@tomoverholt5123]

My favorite van shower is when it is in the middle of the floor, it's much bigger and it goes away and takes no room when it's not being used. Why not get one of those small counter top ovens, they're cheap and you could store it under the bed

[@fbr65]

This is helpful to hear while building our van.

[@dianajewel123]

Hey guys, you should look into Omnia "ovens" as it does not need any remodeling on your part, is quite portable and handy, and you can bake a pizza in it! You two are lovely btw x stay healthy!

[@folkonthemove8760]

Awesome! We will definitely check it out! I’ll do pretty much anything if it means I can make a pizza in the van 😅 Thank you for the recommendation!

[@dib4152]

5'2" I never reach the floor when sitting 😊

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Too much power is a good thing. I remember when I thought I had too much power...a few overcast days and my batteries were suffering and I was looking for a generator or wishing I had a shore power plug. You built your solar system right if you have plenty of roll over power and the option to plug in if you need to. Even if you use it one time when you need it or twice a year in the future, it'll be worth it.

[@folkonthemove8760]

Great point! I have no doubt that the day our shore power plug saves us in a desperate situation our outlook will change entirely around the purchase. Thank you for your insight!

[@VintzDesert]

You guys have such amazing personalities! I feel like I’m actually part of your friend group and experiencing your van life rather than just a fan/viewer! Looking forward to the new adventures you guys go through:)

[@folkonthemove8760]

Thank you so much Vintz! That means a lot to us 😊 We are so glad to have you along for the ride!

[@LilRedSuperwoman]

Could you use some sturdy square outdoor pillows as footrests? That way they can stack for Alexa and can be throw pillows when not using?

[@folkonthemove8760]

LOVE this idea! Pure genius 😆

[@onlyjesussaves840]

How about a toaster oven?

[@mackenzicrouse6365]

Love the build! I still want to try the half portable shower thingy tho 😂 also you guys should look into an omnia oven? There’s like $60 on Amazon and you just put it on top of your burner! I’ve never used one, but let me know if it works for you!!

[@anneparrish2247]

The half shower should work with a hanging camp shower. Fill the bag of the hanging bag with stove or sun heated water and hang it from a ceiling hook, Va-la, hot indoor shower.

[@ifell3]

Awesome, have you looked into the omnia oven?

[@plutoplatters]

I'm getting a Travolta vibe from David

[@josephjuno9555]

Growing up my Dad always had campers and motor homes? We NEVER Used them! Very rarely even used hot water heater? I have PM HR 136" No space for shower or even toilet? I might have portable one for emergencies? I am a guy so... easier for me?

[@barbjoz63]

Great vid and very helpful. Do you have a van tour video? Great way to kickstart your channel.

[@folkonthemove8760]

Thank you so much! No tour video yet, but we definitely plan to make one in the future! (Hopefully soon 😁)

[@pejisan]

Outdoor shower with warm-ish water. Yup.

[@magnoliasunshine5147]

What about a toaster oven?

[@beachliving3127]

I just saw this video. Do you still think that you have too much power? To me, 300AH is not enough! For me, I will not use propane and will opt for an all electric system. I'll use an induction cooktop, electric toaster oven, and electric water heater. Avoiding propane is the goal for me to be as independent as possible.

[@christophermoon3717]

Get a rinsekit+ with immersion heater.

[@folkonthemove8760]

Thanks for the recommendation! We’ll check it out! 🙌

[@carbonjimfitzgerald]

So how tall is the bench?

[@rachelkelly7117]

I don’t think these guys are in the van anymore 😂

[@anthonyrosa4388]

I know this is an old video but you guys look like brothers and sisters you guys could be twins at Birth that's how much you guys look alike thank you for the awesome video

[@chandraws4421]

She looks so familiar? 🧐

[@martinbaird1406]

Say 5, say 10, just lie.

[@flyfishfotofan]

Since you have so much electricity why not purchase one of the larger “toaster ovens” (i.e. large enough for a pizza) and store it when not being used?