BIG Crafter UPDATE! | Electrical wiring, Lighting & More | VW Camper Van Self-Build Conversion

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In this video we are starting to envisage where all the lights and electrical sockets are going to go and in doing so we've started drawing up plans of the van so you can see exactly how it will eventually look!
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[@ABusAndBeyond]

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[@JohnHi6]

Glad the build is coming on! Just a quick comment on what Shaun said about 2 way switching of 'Big Lights' you only need 2 core cable between the two switches. As I guess you'll be using single pole double throw switches at each position in the van (3 terminal) you only need 2 core between the L1 and L2 terminals and the 12v supply onto the common at one end and output of 12v for the 'Big Light' onto the common the other end. It's the same as two way switches in houses at the top and bottom of stairs for example. If you Google 2 way switching wiring diagram you can find out how they're wired. (Ex electrician) Also you could split the conduit you have rather than buying the expensive pre split one? Tensa fabric loom tape can the be used to close the slit in the conduit. Hope you don't mind my suggestions! All the best John.

[@gravic48]

Got to love a label maker - I've had mine since my eldest was at school, (he's twenty now), it'll be great for labelling Harvey's things when he's at school.

[@alansteele3757]

Hi Guys, you spoke about the bathroom fan light (2in1) the issue with this is, when you get up to the loo during the night the fan comes on as well, waking everyone up 🥊🥊 good luck with the rest of the build. 🤞🤞

[@cathrynroberts7753]

Wow a load of work. That would totally blow my tiny mind. Well done you. Looking forward to seeing your build.

[@terrymoreland3814]

You're doing a fantastic job you two ( with Bentley supervising ) a lot of work still to be done but just keep chipping away at, I'm sure the end result will be astonishing! 😊👍

[@mclucky7086]

Nice to see the progress. Presently on the lookout for my first van. I would imagine that more time is spent on thinking rather than doing at this time of the project. I intend using an Ecoflow power station or similar for electrics and the water tank over wheel arch has to be a winner. Thanks for taking us along.

[@newshamdr]

I'm starting my build in January only on an XL Sprinter. Lot of similarities in our builds, so I will be watching with interest. Also good info coming from the comments 👌Enjoy the build guys.

[@newshamdr]

Just a quick one. I was planning a washroom skylight with sperate light. Can you drop a link to the extractor with light you are using? Also what are you doing for furniture? I'm planning Evo Motion Design.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

We are using a Maxxfan Dome Pro so it’s won’t provide any natural light but is a nice small unit for lighting and ventilation 👍 not sure about furniture just yet. Thank you very much for watching

[@jeanettesmart9990]

Omg what a lot of work …it will however be worth it in the end for you ❤

[@darrencj598]

Keep going, will soon come together!

[@LeisureBit]

Really interesting vlog, I plan to convert a van as my next project and found this really useful and looks like a fantastic job. Thank you - all the best, David 👍

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thank you very much for watching David

[@sandymcpherson3213]

Hi guys, as usual loving your work. Sadly we sold our Cali and have down graded and up sized to a Jayco (Australian) converted Sprinter. (This could be temporary), Anyway one nice feature is the Sphere wireless lighting, this system is basically designed for camper, the system allows you to place wireless switches anywhere in the a van and remotely control lighting functions, on/off front/back and with a remote, just to easy. Not sure if available in UK. Anyhow I hope this helps. Good luck with your project, very impressive so far. Sandy Mcpherson

[@robbiemulholland8412]

Great video very helpful to see it in real time best wishes....

[@drivinghorizons]

Good luck with the build. I wish I could do something like this, but having neither the time or the ability is a bit of an obstacle! :)

[@gordonhutchison9198]

Informative video … good luck with the build! I decided to take the easy route with a Grand Cali 600, got into the whole VW Cali thing years back with an Ocean after following all your original CaliforniaCamping videos. Quick question - looks like you’ve covered your seats - any info/video on those?

[@clivemillington8452]

Starting to look good , I have moved my vw van twice on the interior , and Now it is just right for us . Or is it ? Lol ,

[@voyageadventurevans]

Just a couple of observations if you haven't thought about them. Not 100% sure on the roof of an xlwb, but certainly the lwb and mwb have a lower rear beam than all the others. This will have an impact on your roof line and overhead cupboards. I tend to pack the forward ones down to the lowest point. I cant remember if you are going for a RIB seat, but if you are, there is a centre support that may affect a heater location. The biggest issue we faced with crafter conversions with the heater in the garage, was getting the ducting to the front when there is a shower and toilet in the way. If you can get the heater up front, its a lot less hassle. Ed

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thanks for your help Ed 👍 I recently took the soldering iron to the holes in the channels between the “skins” as you helpfully mentioned. Can water get back up those holes and if so, is it worthwhile stopping the insulation from going all the way down to the floor? I am using recycled plastic insulation which isn’t very absorbent but wondered how you stop the insulation dropping down to the bottom if that’s an issue?

[@voyageadventurevans]

@@ABusAndBeyond we put the dodo right down to the bottom. It's non absorbent. But then I would glue the additional insulation to the dodo with a light covering of spray adhesive and keep it a few inches from the bottom just in case. You certainly won't get water coming up (unless you plan on wading), but it can still come on through the fixings, so you are just being safe by leaving it off the base a little.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Brilliant help thank you very much

[@ianhewlett647]

I hope you have considered all the weight of the kit you are installing and how much payload you'll be left with. Ideally you want at least 500kg but the more the better. Most professional builds have very poor payloads as all the kit eats up its capacity. Good luck

[@eddy802]

I love your use of the app to draw the furniture onto the photo. Does it allow use of measurements, or are the sizes in the drawing approximate by eye and guestimate?

[@arwelwilliams6954]

It’s going to be a great looking van. Could you tell me what height your van is and is the fuel tank positioned on the sliding door side? I’m looking at possibly converting a crafter into a wheelchair accessible campervan and need to install a wheelchair lift. Thanks

[@AdventuresofSarahJames]

The first few jobs always feel like you’re not making much progress as visibly, not much changes. As soon as you start putting the first bit of furniture, floor or wall in, it’s such a transformation! I always vividly remember when we started the bed frame and it felt amazing to see it start to take shape ☺️ can’t wait to see your progress!

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thanks so much guys! Totally agree, I can’t wait to start getting the walls and floors in!

[@phixi0n]

Won't you have to climb over the bed to access cupboards?

[@Andy-hv2zu]

Looking good. Regarding your 2 way switching, you could use quinetic wireless switching. They do a receiver that is 10 -24vdc, for led lighting. Code QUR302.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Cheers Andy I’ll have a look

[@rickyard11]

Careful you don’t position your batteries too far back, beyond the rear axel.

[@parki6682]

Thanks for the video.. a quick question if i may ask.. where can i also get the brackets that bolt to the side beams to build your bed frame off of?? I had planned to just get some large aluminum angle to bolt to the side… but i like the ones you showed )))

[@ABusAndBeyond]

They are from New Wave Conversions 👍

[@parki6682]

Thanks for that 👍

[@pineman10]

I always wonder what the price difference will be doing it yourself versus a professional fit out….i guess the advantage of DIY is getting exactly what you want.

[@GrahamGphotoParker]

Have you a link for the purpose made brackets for the bed. Cheers

[@ABusAndBeyond]

www.newwavecustomconversions.co.uk/product/lwb-crafter-sleeping-platform-diy-kit/ 👍

[@SuperWolffie]

perhaps looking at UltravansUK will give you a good look ....and it will suit your needs ( I guess).......

[@reruedamotor7514]

One question, why don't you hire a company that will do all the conversion of your van to a motorhome? That way you would have it easier.