7+ Foot tall DIY Wood Hightop Van MPG

[@johnvititoe6051]

Good on you! I love seeing young fellows like you who don’t just “hang out”. I wish you all the best...safe travels.

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you! life is too short to just hang out

[@jonathanhansen3709]

Very impressed you get 15 mpg with that size and high profile vehicle. I’ve seen vans with 7 liter engines that only got 10-12 mpg , and they didn’t have half the space.

[@EliPetersonjp]

7 liters is big! this one is 5.9

[@nicholasmichael3637]

You’ve got such an awesome attitude brother, love your videos and sharing. Thanks you!

[@orreng]

He careful out there Eli! Thanks for sharing the adventure!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you Orren!

[@AnnsTinyLife]

beautiful countryside Eli. i used go travel in that area as a little girl. Bundle up!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Beautiful indeed! Thank you!

[@drphibesrises]

That is great mileage for the size of the van. I think the shape of your roof extension helps it aerodynamically. My regular truck doesn't get that good mileage and it is lighter than your van. Good luck with the rest of your build. Thanks.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you! i drive super slow haha

[@georgelacey6381]

If you buy the factory radio, you jus have to unplug a few wires. The annoying part is removing that front bezel but there are some videos on how to. Some companies sell refurbished Dodge factory radios with mini jack ports for ipods. Good luck, nice build.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks! Yeah the pulling it apart seemed like the hard part

[@BudhagRizzo]

Boom box. Temporary fix 'til you get your stereo fixed.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha yeah, I have a blue tooth speaker but currently don't have any music and am too cheap to buy a phone plan with data to steam music

[@johnfree2833]

Amazing milage out of that behemoth....

[@marshabrown8337]

Awesome mpg. Nice conversion. Take care.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you Marsha! I was happpy with it :)

[@davesworld7961]

Really cool build. Looking forward to seeing it finished. Do you think you'd ever try a similar build but in a pop top.

[@EliPetersonjp]

mabye! if i can hurrry up and get theis one done...

[@michaelbachman6616]

Always use factory air pressure found on tag on door jam And factory recommended tires Thx for vids

[@EliPetersonjp]

my pleasure, thank you

[@chrisragona3945]

Is the theftlock activated on the stereo? if so just youtube how to fix

[@ericsulen1499]

Have you finished your high Dodge Ram camper van? When do u plan to give a full tour of the finished van? Thanks again for the videos, plz, keep them coming? Eric Sulen, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hey Eric! Just finished firefighting for the summer. Posted a video yesterday and more coming soon

[@juanfigueroa6740]

I'm sure you wish it was done bro but I'm also sure your proud of all the work you accomplish so far!!!!!👍

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much Juan!

[@ryanlevy9677]

Looks like you’re driving through the canyon in Taos 😊

[@colechandler9559]

Another amazing vid

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Cole!

[@bentnickel7487]

I know this suggestion is going to sound strange, but my friend made a similar top for his van and found that waxing the surface of the top that faces the wind upped his gas mileage by 6%. He coated the wood with 3 layers of glossy white paint, then waxed it twice with auto paste wax. It had been only painted plywood. It's not necessary to wax any other surface of the top. A cheap way to save a little money everytime you fill up.

[@EliPetersonjp]

huh thats really interesting and cool!

[@purecuIt]

15.5 mpg is pretty good. I drove cross country with a uhaul van and trailer and got like 7 mpg lol

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha yeah I was really surprised how well this did! Thankfully gas is still pretty cheap....

[@revdocjim2002]

You talked about your mileage as being "fifteen gallons". In fact it is "fifteen miles" for each gallon of fuel. Your friendly editor! :)

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha yeah I realized that when I was editing the video. That’s why I added the text. I’m really glad I’m not getting 15 gallons to the mile....

[@JessaJayVlogs]

I really dig this.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks!

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

As far as the tunes - get a bluetooth speaker and set playlists on your phone...then you can have it in the back, front, outside etc...

[@DIRTADDICT922]

What about a Bluetooth speaker mounted up by your head and a music/podcast app on your phone? Also you stated you are living in it for six months hot shotting right? Does your better half live with you too?

[@EliPetersonjp]

Yeah I think that’s what I’ll do but I have a cheap phone plan with no data. My wife is staying Colorado for the summer where she will be working at a scuba shop.

[@DIRTADDICT922]

@@EliPetersonjp Awesome!

[@loralieharpster1060]

You made a giant wing. The plastic roof is only held in on the edges. At what speed will the plastic insert decide to separate from the van?

[@EliPetersonjp]

its been fine up to 90 mph

[@kaitlynmyran5266]

How many mph of wind & wind gusts can this withstand?

[@notsoshortbus1651]

hey Eli good video and awesome gas mileage what size engine do you have I have a 1996 high top like that with a 5.9 litre and get about 12 mpg at 70-75 mph and the best was 14.7 at 60mph safe travels and thanks for your service being a firefighter.

[@EliPetersonjp]

I have the 5.9 liter as well. I never drive above 65 mph haha

[@roycelane8318]

Hi Eli it's Gregg Savage. If I may suggest, if the radio lights up but does not lock on to Signal or get a sound at all, it's getting power but you may have a loose antenna connection from either the base or the back of the deck,, and it disturbs me to hear about your over-inflated tires, I've been in the business of buying, selling and repairing fast moving vehicals,for over 20+ yrs,,if one of my techs did that they'd be fired on the spot. You both could have been seriously injured or worse. you found it in time .Safe Journeys to you both. If ever this way look us up

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hey Gregg! At the beginning when I powered it on I could hear the speakers kinda “snap” make a little noise so the speakers were getting power. Nothing ever on the dash or lights. No noise what so ever.... I think I’ll just have to replace it when I get a chance. Yeah I was really surprised by the tire. I was wondering why my van felt so lopsided..... will do! What state where you in again?

[@roycelane8318]

@@EliPetersonjp I'm up here in Connecticut in New England, home of Mark Twain, Noah Webster,and rain,,lol you guys are most welcome anytime you're up this way... also if the decks fried,try junkyard,they sell working ones,,its a Mopar Chrysler deck 87-09ish.,they're connections all same prob only pay 30 -75..some have input jacks too,, it's way cheaper than buying a whole new system,,,,also we sell fast machines like sport bikes that do 200 mph, tire pressure is very very important ,I would love to meet the guy that filled your tires and give him a stern lecture !!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Sounds good! I’m in Utah for the summer fighting forest fires but Mandi is currently in the process of applying for a job where the 6 months training is somewhere over in that direction so we will have to stop by if she gets the job

[@roycelane8318]

@@EliPetersonjp yeah man.and if the weather is good .ill take you guys boating down Ct River,, and I always have a spare bedroom for travelers like you guys

[@richardmccombs617]

I understand need for window view for natural light but many or most van people cover most windows permanently. They use one or two windows. Question is why have the windows at all? I’m building out a mini van and want to black them all out and cover most. Hate to do this if there is some need. Why?

[@EliPetersonjp]

I lvoe natural lite. The reason i want a van is to enjoy nature and not hide away in a locked up boxy van

[@juliehiestand8180]

My luck was Big O Tires has been horrible. Just saying. Welcome to Utah. We love it here

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Julie! I love it here as well

[@samuraikitty18]

I always find I get better gas mileage in mountains, as long as I go up and then down.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Huh yeah that's what I discoverd, interesting

[@ZeusAndKiller]

I see those MREs in the back and I've seen one in a previous video of yours. Do you often eat them? And why? I'm in the army and if I could eat anything else I would lol

[@EliPetersonjp]

I get them for free fighting forest fires haha. I am cheap

[@ThePlanet_L.I.]

The weight now will after the build is done

[@EliPetersonjp]

The video before this one talked a lot about the weight

[@misdesixtysix8255]

I'd say that's great gas mileage for your van. Your firefighting skills are greatly needed. Maybe you'll have some time to work on the van. I'll be looking forward to your progress. 😄

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks! Just worked on it today :)

[@elilivezey7884]

Whats up Eli!? how fast were you going when you got 15.5?

[@EliPetersonjp]

Slow haha. Probably average 50-55

[@elilivezey7884]

@@EliPetersonjp nice, super effecent! Do you think without the bump top it would be much different? You did a great job with the construction!

[@villagelightsmith4375]

With a hi-top Astro v-6 auto rwd (2wd) I'm getting 10 to 12mpg, and I keep it under 60 for that.

[@EliPetersonjp]

I get about 11-12 in the city in this van. I accelerate real slow haha

[@josephdupont]

What did you sell your last van?keep up the great work!

[@EliPetersonjp]

sold it to spend a year in asia!

[@derykmacleod4979]

Cool man! Have a Blast!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks man!

[@Rio..o7..]

I wouldn't worry about the radio like 90% of the drive isn't going to have signal

[@DUB-sential]

I thought it was good not having that problem at the supermarket, Now I want a campervan it's not a bonus, at 6,1 and wanting a swb van? And stand up?

[@EliPetersonjp]

best of luck1

[@treenopie]

My 1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 5.9L gets just under 15mpg.

[@starseedtravel8902]

Interesting video. Nice scenery though.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you!

[@JessaJayVlogs]

The driving footage is gorgeous!

[@thfi5294]

You knew it was cold, so left door open while recording, just had one blanket, and a really lousy insulation install. The high end at the front likely cost some mileage too.

[@EliPetersonjp]

But thats my van and i love it!

[@thomasweeks7992]

High center of gravity tire pressure is very important be safe

[@EliPetersonjp]

that reminds me i should check them again

[@briandjordjevic9969]

Radio probably blew just get another factory radio it’s plug and play

[@EliPetersonjp]

Got a new radio. found out have the speakers are bad...

[@DeliberateNRandom]

@@EliPetersonjp I guess I'll find out on a later video, but did you get new speakers? I have a ton of that stuff sitting around.

[@arielnans6590]

New sub here hope to see more videos from your channel brother

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you! I have for sure posted new videos after this one :)

[@TheHermitHacker]

Relating to tires, please contact corporate and have them look into it. Like you said, this is a SAFETY issue. I'm sure they'd rather chew out or fire someone rather than a massive lawsuit on their hands for recklessness. And if someone is fired over that, good. They should not be in a position of doing a crappy job that can cost people their lives.

[@rogersmith4540]

Man you seem like like such a great guy always so positive I hope and pray that you are a Christian may GOD BLESS you and keep you safe on your travels

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you!

[@KpexSmith]

My van only gets 10 miles to gallon

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha im happy to join the club

[@murphmurph2124]

15 gallons a mile

[@EliPetersonjp]

yup, not too bad haha

[@danieljonesjones8047]

Wait UNTILL his phone battery goes flat ,oh power wire or your ariel

[@EliPetersonjp]

I’m confused?? Haha

[@ronjclm8590]

80 psi in the rear tires and 40psi in the front....makes NO sense. I have a few 350/3500 series pickups and ...when loaded to get the maximum load capacity, 80 psi all around is correct. If your never loading the pickup truck, you can run 60 psi for a smoother ride. But 40 psi is for a sedan.

[@EliPetersonjp]

hmm thats what the van calls for. the lower psi in the front should allow for better handling

[@ronjclm8590]

@@EliPetersonjp what's the make and model of the van ? I know the extra long Dodge Maxie Van's were often used as church busses,and the extra weight from passengers in the rear, caused quite a few roll overs. You're a creative guy. Good luck and drive carefully.

[@bigdoodle]

Convert it to an electronic drive system, 🤷🏻‍♂️ free travel with electric motor and solar panels

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha charging it all day would let me drive like 100ft

[@bigdoodle]

Eli Peterson free 100 feet nice build tho I want to convert a 2003 Chevy Tahoe haven’t started yet because I’m trying to get into the navy

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Get an android radio

[@EliPetersonjp]

Whats that?

[@scottmcintosh2988]

A car radio

[@lorimac0260]

It's not really aerodynamic.

[@04dram04]

dude do you really want to look like 99% of vanlife guys by having long hair and a beard? Please break the stereotype

[@EliPetersonjp]

sorry man i fight forest fires and wont get promoted wihtout this look