Arctic Adventure Camper Van Tour!

[@nurseelliott4256]

Best compliment I could give you is. Definitely a vehicle I would love to own. Put together really nice

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! That’s amazing to hear! 😊

[@jeffngill]

The way you’ve built your van is exactly how I’ve built mine in my head. No compromise on the bed, no need for a shower and it looks very well finished of to your credit.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you really appreciate that! We’ve done 2 of us in it for 2 months on this trip and it’s been a brilliant layout for us!

[@naturalbornglampers]

Serious van envy 😍 and a really informative video.. loving your artic adventures 😊😊😊

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Aww thankyou! ❤️ we really appreciate you watching! 💪

[@sparkyhobo3844]

Really easy to follow, thorough video, excellent work guys. Enough detail for most, but not too much that people may skip forward. Thanks for the time you've put into doing this for us all. Going to look into that bobble heater.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks! Really appreciate comments like this! It’s so hard to work out how much detail to go into and by the time you’ve watched it 15/20 times in full while editing you don’t know anymore 😂😂

[@WagnerGimenes]

Some very creative solutions there. I specially like the drying rack and the seats. As for the wires, as long as they work, who cares? 👍👍

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Yeah the drying rack is absolutely amazing! Something so simple. Yeah it will get tidied up once we are back but for the moment it’s very serviceable as all the cables aren’t strapped in tight.

[@jeffngill]

Thanks for the look around the van. Some great ideas, I love the Alexa and never thought of that.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Very simple but useful little thing to have really. I know it’s really a luxury but why not be more comfortable when you’re away!

[@jwcgroup]

Absolutely brilliant explanation on everything, you are an excellent presenter and loved what youve done. Gave me some inspirational ideas, thank you.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! Really appreciate that! ❤️

[@mikedixon8007]

Great video and a cracking van, enjoy your trip I will be following your progress.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@grahamunderwood9353]

great tour of van ,you have done a really good job ,love the storage step behind the front seats

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou!!!!

[@owena714]

You could put the sub on the leisure battery and have a relay turn it on when you start the van and also turn it on well parked so you can it on all the time and have both audio sources connected

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

That’s true! Although the soundbar does enough for us and the sub would definitely begin to annoy anyone parked close I think 😂😂

[@DaveH-t9s]

Fantastic build thanks for sharing

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you! Really appreciate that! ❤️

[@kennethgibson9527]

Just loved you're van. It's like a house on wheels, the layout is great inside keep up the great vids🚚🚚

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks! We absolutely love it! ❤️

[@majicmajics]

Absolutely brilliant Ty for sharing

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@Midlife_mike]

What a cracking video! Subscribed

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks! Really appreciate that! 💪

[@defendermods9420]

Brillant Nice van build. very nice layout.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you! 🙏

[@andrewsmith5639]

Nice van man! would love to see links of things and gadgets that you have if you ever have time😊👍

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

I will go through and put them in the description ASAP!

[@andrewsmith5639]

That will be such a great help thank you so much!

[@andrewsmith5639]

Are you apart of the Amazon Affiliate program? Its a Great no cost opportunity for all of your followers to give back👍

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

We aren’t it’s something we need to setup!

[@ozmanfidaar6311]

Nice rig, brother! Is there an in-depth video of the gadgets in your rig (electronics)? If not, I think it would of interest to many of us. Cheers from the States--liked/subscribed!

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

There isn’t but we could do another video on the electrical specifically! 😊 we’ll look to get something filmed! Thankyou!

[@debspaul6635]

Smart van looks great guys 👍

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you! Really appreciate that!

[@truebluetravellers]

I think I read somewhere that the vents are not legally aloud to be seal tight, that’s why they vent even when closed, really rate the max air fans as super quite but even they let in air, they do do a seal kit to stop it but I’ve heard even that isn’t great 👍

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Ahh ok I wasn’t aware of that! Interesting rule! But maybe these aren’t as bad as we thought then!

[@grahamunderwood9353]

i know with the max air vents as covered by crafty blinder the seals do stop the road noise and they tell you with the seal kit if cooking or heating with gas you need to use an alternative vent as in crack a window open ,think with electric cooking should be ok ,but even with a diesel heater id put in a carbon monoxide alarm just in case

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@grahamunderwood9353 100% we have monoxide and a smoke alarm just to be safe and they saved us early on in the trip where we had an issue with the diesel heater exhaust!

[@MrPauly....]

hi nice van tour keep up the good videos

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Really appreciate that thank you! 🙏

[@Jensen_Denmark]

Great presentation

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou!

[@paulhumphrey3402]

Great video

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! ❤️

[@zuk4wd]

Thanx for the Van Tour. Just the way i like them. No BS just a good story and details. I wonder how much insulation you have in the walls and floor for this Arctic trip. (Planning my own Arctic trip)

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks for the feedback! Hard to tell when you’ve edited and watched it a million times 😂 We’ve just realised we completely forgot about what insulation we’ve put in! We’ve got 35mm kingspan in the roof, 50mm in the lower walls, recycled bottle insulation anywhere we could stuff it and then finally expanding foam anywhere there wasn’t wiring looms. The floor we have nothing but double bubble. We’ve seen people will proper king span floors and they still have stuff freezing to the floor. So we kept the roof height as high possible.

[@zuk4wd]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure my floor has 10mm high density foam. Then 12mm wood. Then 3mm underfloor. And the 6mm vynil

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@zuk4wd That sounds good! We would definitely still recommend a rug on the vinyl during winter in the arctic as we were thankful for ours 👍🏼

[@zuk4wd]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure well I’m planning to rip everything out of our van. And install a hydronic floor heating system. 😀 powered by engine preheater type of system. (Switchable between floor and engine pre-heat function) allready installed 2Kw diesel air heater.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

We’d like to do something like that if we build a van again!

[@Alivefrom45]

Nice to see how you tackled the Arctic, we have just returned from our own trip and the place is amazing and we feel it has to be on the bucket list of everyone who owns a van. The one thing we do not have is an engine pre-heater and while we never had any problems, but it is something i will be adding before we return. I tried to look for a link to the one you have but you don't seem to list one, only the extra exhaust hose. Would you be kind enough to link me to your pre-heater, also if you have a video on the install, it would be very interesting to see.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! I mean to be fair you could go up there and not have a cold snap or only be on the Norwegian coast. I’ve put a link to the pre-heater in the description now, went don’t have any video of fitting it but each van is different! This van the easiest place in on the passenger side chassis leg, with rivnuts for the mounting plate and then tapped into the return of the heater matrix.

[@Alivefrom45]

@@Jess_and_Alex_AdventureThanks, I'll check out the link, on another note was it is easy to fit the winch? I know you state you got the extra bumper frame mount, which i'm guessing you need to strip out the whole front end to fit.

[@robww5921]

Great video and lovely van. Hadn't heard of fridge seals drying out it left open. Did I understand this right and bay keeping fridge on anything else which can be done to stop it?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

So the fridge has refrigerant in it just like a car air conditioning system. If you don’t use your fridge just like a car air con system the seals dry out and crack. But on the flip side leaving it on all the time means the compressor is working. So it’s a catch twenty two. We leave ours running generally all the time and turn it off periodically for a week or so with the door open.

[@martynah99]

Nice Van 8-) , would advise against rigid single core mains cable for your 240 side though, eventually may fracture under vibration. Better to use flexible mains cable everywhere.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Ahh I wasn’t aware of that. I’ve got some bits to do when we are back so I will add that to the list! Thank you! 🙏

[@Wijkkie]

Wow ! All looks beautiful ! But why do you not use a power station ? I think when yo would buy 2 of them it would be cheaper then all the battery`s and Victron stuff, and loose a lot of weight...

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you!!! 🙏 The closest thing to our capabilities is the Anker F3800 to achieve the same inverter level we have. But we would need 2 to even compete with the battery capacity we currently have. They are around £3400 each and 60kg. We’ve got around £2000 in to our entire electrical system and it weighs around 70kg. The other thing is redundancy. If that power bank shuts down you lose everything. The way we have it allows for for more modular replacement.

[@stephenbulmer7148]

great van tour video guys. loads of neat ideas i may have to pinch from you to put in my van build. can i ask, where did you get the ceiling material from and the front land rover seats how complicated are they to wire up to work? cheer and happy safe travel👍👍👍👍

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks guys! We got our ceiling from a company called The Wood Veneer Hub. The seats are not that straight forward, you’ve got to get 3 ways switches and provide power to each motor. If you’re keen on electrical you’ll be fine. If you’re not too confident it would probably be daunting with the amount of wires.

[@digius2]

Hi! Nice van tour. So where can one buy those plastic ramps with magnets? Cheers.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

The magnets we sell on our website. Www.ourvannorman.co.uk and the traction boards you can buy on EBay. 😊

[@amhjoinery2060]

Great van tour thanks for that and given me some ideas for mine. You didn’t cover the switch panel over the side door is that something you’ve just made. Looks cool with the toggles

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks! So the switch panel is stainless steel and we’ve drilled 9 switches into it. Don’t recommend it! Drilling 12mm holes into stainless takes a VERY long time 😂😂

[@amhjoinery2060]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure haha thanks for that. Maybe go for aluminium next time. Looks very cool

[@rogerwatkinson6633]

Any plans for a detailed video about installing the preheater? I am planning one for my Relay and am looking for ideas...

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

It was something we’d thought about but since it’s already fitted we were unsure as to if it would be a full video if that makes sense. We had however had the circulation pump stop working so I’ll have to take the front end apart to get to that so could maybe tie it in with a sort of how to video.

[@campervanchris4171]

Bloody great video love all the ideas 🤦‍♂️ dam you 🤣 more things to add to my list 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Haha! Got to be done! 😉 it’s how I was with our van build when we were doing 😂😂😂

[@campervanchris4171]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure I’m 60 in 3 years 95 van life can’t wait

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@campervanchris4171 get it done!! 👍

[@campervanchris4171]

Funds have to be in place ! Plus one off build so it’s got to be right but it will be done 👍🏻

[@AboveGroundLevel.]

Very nice build, Thanks for the detailed tour of your lovely converted van. May I ask where you soured the fan ducting @14:40 which comes off the fan to the victron DC2DC unit. I seen Alex from Mispronounced Adventures has something similar on his Victron units. Thanks in advanced. ATB.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thanks! Really appreciate that! We got them from a guy called Veesventures on Instagram! 😃

[@dieselthebeagle]

Hello mate, lovely van build. Where did your ceiling come from, and what is the weight of the finished build fully loaded. We will definately head to the artic one day 😊

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Hey! The ceiling is Slat-lite from Wood Veneer hub. Without us in the van it completely loaded with all tanks full we sit at 2900kg.

[@janpaulmioulet5987]

Hi, great van and an inspiration to look at. But I wonder where you leave all your luggage, like the snowboots, down jackets, clothing in general? Do you leave it in the back and if so, can you get acces from inside? We're planning a similar trip with a much smaller van and are wondering where to put all our stuff.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

So we have roof lockers in our van. The one over the bed is filled with our clothes, like thermals, T-shirts, jumpers etc. Snowboots and shoes of all kinds stayed by door on a rubber backed mat to stop them sticking to the floor. A lot the of the jackets and the likes went in the over cab storage. This is usually where we’d keep our window covers but they stayed on the windows at all times!

[@zagnosliw]

Great Video Alex. Been following for a while and always wondered how you attached the lights to the front grill?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! We’ve got some 2mm steel bent into an L then attached to the winch bumper. We then have little plastic stand offs behind the light to stop it wiggling with copper wire pulling it tight around the grill. 😊

[@hubba96]

Hi, just found your channel after watching the True Blue Travellers. Looking forward to further travelling content. Enjoyed this video going over your van build. You mentioned you built the roof rack from Unistrut and the sides from plastic. What type of plastic? Is it solid upvc, hollowboard or something else? Great idea that I would like to replicate 😃

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! So it’s 5m x 150mm coloured general purpose board in black. Then cut holes into it for all the lights etc

[@lucklessduchess]

Love your layout, thanks for sharing! How hard was it for you to swap out your front seats to the disco 5 ones?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

So they pretty much bolt straight in, you have to just extend the two real holes. The electrics are a little tricky you need to have 3 way switches for each motor you want. But they are honestly 100% worth the effort they are so comfortable!

[@lucklessduchess]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure Oh awesome, thanks for the info! Did your van come with a bench seat for the passengers or a single?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@lucklessduchess Bench, we took some measurements and the took the plunge on a drivers seat base and it fits the passenger side perfectly. Reuse the base bolts and reuse the seat belts plugs from both original seats then you have no air bag lights either.

[@lucklessduchess]

⁠@@Jess_and_Alex_AdventureFab! Thanks for the info!

[@adrianbonwitt5924]

Great van tour, really well thought out! Just wondering if the DPF regen has been sorted, or is it a problem with that make and model of van?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you! DPF was a cold issue, I think it was a sensor freezing. Once the temps came up to -15 the sensor went away.

[@ihmesekoilua]

Maxxairs also "leak" air, it's a legal requirement for RV hatches to vent in all settings. Maritime hatches are airtight.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

We weren’t aware of this!

[@rogerwatkinson6633]

Easy to fit some seals though... :)

[@michael735014]

Regarding the roof panels how did you fix them to roof screw through the wood panel into wood or van ribs??

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

We used thin battening attached to the ribs that run front to back. As the panels are only felt, if they aren't supported over a long span they will droop.

[@nudgeUK]

great van, nicely put together and agree a fully set up bed makes the world of diff - and Kernow! we are just across the Tamar in Plymouth Do you also follow Travel Duo? They are currently in Finland and from Tavi - We are doing Norway and Sweden in Sept Oct time in our converted Citroen Relay with our 2 Airedales. First picked you up on True Blue in saariselkä (that is on our to do list or Ruka, we did Levi in 2019 and slept in the ice hotel and then Alex's vid Anyways - enjoy the rest of your trip now subscribed

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Ahh nice some other southerners! 😂 Yes we’ve seen Travel Duo heading up! Looks like they’re having a blast! Saariselkä with Jess and Jon was honestly the highlight of the trip! One of the best days of our lives up there with snowmobiling! Crack on you’ll absolutely love it up there at that time!

[@bobscullion3533]

great detailed van tour and well presented. Can I ask where you purchased the ceiling slats from?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thank you! The ceiling was purchased online from The Wood Veneer Hub, would definitely recommend!

[@bobscullion3533]

Thank you, I assume you pinned or screwed through the actual slats to roof batons to secure it !

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@bobscullion3533 Yes that’s right, and using black screws it’s really unnoticeable! We then just finished it with a clear osmo 🙂

[@bobscullion3533]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventureso did you screw through the black felt?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@bobscullion3533 Yes in-between the wooden slats!

[@NoMoreMrNiceGuy223]

Sleep cook and deficate in the same room with 2 persons... couldnt do it. The only way i could do van life would be as a solo with a shower.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

The arctic at -40 gets you used to it really quick! We have said in our next van a shower room / bathroom would definitely be going in! But you get used to it, you go for a walk or get the bike out and leave the other person to their privacy. Not all that different to at home. Just you have a door!

[@callumdeacy729]

Love your artic series , sorry if you already mentioned it but did you fit the block heater

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Thankyou! Yes we did! Long job but nothing too difficult 😊

[@thelittleredbus]

How have you found the blink cameras? I binned mine within a fortnight of fitting as they were appalling in the wet or in very dark conditions.

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Ermm in rain not to bad the IR isn’t brilliant but with 360 degree lighting it’s not to much of a problem. If we hear a noise and we have done on this trip we turn everything on and people tend to leave.

[@ihmesekoilua]

Oh hey what's that roof material called?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

It’s from The Wood Veneer Hub and it’s called Slat-Lite.

[@londontyres3405]

Hi what seats have you got in the front of the van ?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Hey, we’ve got Landrover Discovery 5 seats. They bolt straight in, but the wiring can be an arse depending which version you get. I’ve just put power to the motors with a 3 way switch.

[@themechaniconatrip]

Hello, can you tell me where you bought your coolers for your DC/DC please

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

A friend sells them on Instagram called “veesventures”. I think they were about £40 inc the fans!

[@themechaniconatrip]

@@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure thanks

[@usinavan]

Is the Alexa an Amazon fire tablet?

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

Yes it is, attached to the soundbar mounted in the wall case below: the3droom.co.uk/product/fire-hd8-2022-gen-12-wall-mount/

[@BudzimyMarzenia]

🎉❤

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

❤️❤️

[@vwcamper2065]

We’re do you get the lift kit from

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

A fabricator locally. It cost us about £100.

[@vwcamper2065]

It’s ok found a 40 mm lift kit on eBay

[@Jess_and_Alex_Adventure]

@@vwcamper2065 id say 40mm would be less problematic to fit and would probably keep things underneath happier 😂