Astro Camper Van Tour | Full time Filmmaker

[@abeandmel]

Great little tour of a cheaper vanlife option for people looking to get on the road quick and cheaper😄👍🏻

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks! Hope more of those folks looking for the alternative see this

[@Hanginwithherky]

Wife and I are traveling in a 99’ AWD Astrovan. We pull a little teardrop with it. Best adventure van ever.

[@BrianBearButler]

I love that!

[@MincedOnion]

How many miles?

[@beardednomadvanlife6363]

Been living in my e250 since June 2021 but still working full-time to save up so in 2years hope to retire early and travel the US and get my KZbin channel booming since I'm dieing of heart failure . Final chapter of life is vanlife

[@BrianBearButler]

I hope all your dreams come true

[@richardfischer7486]

Thx4sharing ... agree ... always something more to do on van home ... from another Astro van dweller.

[@thatguy.mp7950]

Thought this was my van for a second. Looks exactly like mine.

[@pauldiestelhorst7681]

Damn I'm jealous! I wish my Safari Van had 4 wheel drive. I moved into my safari van 3.5 years ago and love it. These little vans are great for stealth camping! I pretty much have lived in parking lots and work full-time.

[@BrianBearButler]

Nice! If you’re not out doing overlanding type stuff then not having AWD isn’t a bad thing. In fact you’re probably getting better gas mileage than me

[@waywardwhippets2555]

Love your build!!!!! I love my Astro Van 💟

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you so much!

[@misspad7282]

It all works for you and that is all that matters. Love the way your t-shirts are just bunched in the bin. lol But you have everything else very organized.

[@BrianBearButler]

Haha it’s usually folded nicely but after a week at a gathering, cloths get the least attention

[@carolynhogan6816]

I like your Astro Van. I had one for years. It got flooded and that was all of that. I like your bed system. The one thing. Roll your clothes. Fold them flat and roll them up. You will have more room in your buckets. Plus you won’t look like you slept in everything you wear. As a kid, a parent and grandmother(MawMaw) , my job has always been to fold every one’s clothes. I have folded enough to go around the world twice. I am not trying to offend you. But just to make you look nice.😆👍

[@BrianBearButler]

Really appreciate the tip! I roll my underwear haha and I sleep in most of my cloths 😋

[@marcarias448]

Astro is cool... Super simple... Plus your got enough power...

[@Kadenventures]

Awesome video man, digging the minimalist look. I like that the Astro has AWD too 👌🏽

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks! Gonna be working on it some more this weekend. I got some ideas to get that AWD some use in the future

[@pacog6866]

Great video and van build, have fun and don't forget to upload any changes pros and cons, nice van. 👍

[@BrianBearButler]

Great idea! I can totally do a pros and cons video

[@amydecker6207]

That bed and storage underneath are awesome.

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you!

[@AutoMotivate]

My fiancé, dog and I camp in our Astro. Depends what your goal is. If you are living out of it, I am sure you could make due however, yes it would be tight. Camping it works perfectly. Great build!

[@BrianBearButler]

Sounds perfect for a camping trip!

[@24barron]

Awesome man. So stoked for ya. Get back out here asap! 🤘🏼❤️

[@BrianBearButler]

Yeah dude. I wanna get into the back country by any means. Let’s plan a scouting/wildlife phot trip

[@wayfaringandwanderlust]

I am a big fan of the Astro/Safari! I have owned 3 of them, the last of which is being rebuilt for a friend of mine after I got my current Dodge Grand Caravan. Keep up the good work, and let us know if you're ever back in the Pacific Northwest. Cheers!

[@BrianBearButler]

Wow 3! For sure! Thanks for stopping by!

[@gabriellechilton5902]

Very nice. I agree keep it simple. People drag along way too much junk .

[@debraroth4724]

Ceiling: use insulation board cut to a snug fit between the wood on ceiling…wrap the insulation board with fabric of your choice…. This will insulate and help with moisture inside the van. And if you want a different look all you have to do is replace the fabric!

[@BrianBearButler]

Cool! I’ll add that to my idea list

[@ErinSotoPhotography]

Thanks for the tour looks like a sweet little set up!

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks! It does the trick

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Sweet rig, I love the Astro. It’s amazing to see this community building out an affordable vehicle that’s highly capable. Do you fit well with your bed in the perpendicular position? I like the amount of accessible storage you gained having the bed in this position. I just worry I wouldn’t fit in the bed haha. Cheers! 🤠

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you! Glad I could be of service. I do fit head to toe in my bed. I couldn’t see any other way to set it all up and have maximum storage for full time living

[@mohawksteel2215]

thank you for the review , I am looking at an Astro van 2005 and was wondering about the camper concept. You have a great build and I want to keep it simple also to see if we want to persew this way of travelling.

[@BrianBearButler]

Awesome! It’s a great way to live right now

[@Vanlife_with_brandon]

Great van build. I have just started van life but plan to get a bigger van. I am a disabled veteran and a beginner photographer. I want to learn doing videography and do what you do for a living and have a simple build like you're van

[@BrianBearButler]

Well shucks man thank you 🙏🏽 I’ve learned a lot from KZbin and to be honest, practicing and making “mistakes” then learning from them will help you become a great content creator in no time. Thank you for your service. Do you follow me on Instagram?

[@Vanlife_with_brandon]

@BrianBearButler thank you and yes I do. I commented on your one post when your van was in the snow

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

I thought the ceiling was already finished and was admiring you just having accents of wood to match the cabinet rather than doing the whole thing, lol. Could you put some hooks on the top sides of the wood to attach some netting between the planks to store stuff? I know it currently doesn't look great but you have gained a lot of extra cubby storage by taking those panels off the back doors. You could make some new wooden panels but with holes where the cavities are so you can still reach through but it would neaten it up a bit. I really like your step, I may have to borrow that idea, I have to raise the floor quite high in my Doblo to go over a metal support that was under the rear seats but I think I have enough room to make a small step.

[@BrianBearButler]

Great idea with the nets! I’m doing just that for the back barn doors

[@flowrob6861]

As for roof insulation , here S.E.coastal Texas HEAT is problem from 🌞 Sun. Sticky foam duct insulation applied inside roof get sounds deadening, R3 . White foam board attached between ribs under 1/4" paneling get RID insulation .

[@TheBelovedDisciple144]

Nice build dude. I live out an AWD Astro. I posted a brief video of my rig recently. Video in my profile that says "Cribs" with my dog on it if you wanna see how mine looks. Completely different lay out but its great too. I may do a more indepth video like you did alittle later.

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks man. I’ll check it out! Yeah folks like when we go a little deeper

[@MasterofNone365]

Dope build and awesome video brother.

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks bud!

[@LoversAnonymousMusic]

Damn a jackery 1000 and 1500 you are set. I’m just going with a jackery 500 and some crappy Walmart style power stations. You build turned out great! Just throwing it out there….raise the roof. Like I’m doing. After a year of living in the Astro I miss standing up straight to get dressed haha

[@LoversAnonymousMusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKnEYp6dn9KXiqM this Astro is what inspired me

[@BrianBearButler]

Wow a 500! If I didn’t have a fridge I could probably do that. I came from living in a school bus where I had everything and I didn’t like all the space. I enjoy being forced to be outside and I’m usually in the woods or desert where there is privacy

[@Enjoywatchingyoutube8227]

Good luck nice build. I have 2 jackery as well and solar and like them alot. Peace Good video

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you! I love this jackery setup for small rigs. Have a good one!

[@SandVan]

Sweet looking rig 😀🚐🤩just subscribed 🤩

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you!!!

[@ellieee718]

Love your set up! can i ask the dimensions on the little counter top unit behind the driver seat?

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you! It’s 27 inch by 40 and I took it right up to the bottom of the window

[@Zeldagirl64]

Super nice

[@brandonpayne3781]

It definitely has come together very nicely. What size mattress did you end up using? I have a full size from my last van, but had to shorten it to fit. Im thinking yours is shortened too, but still a full in width?

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks. Here’s my bed video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap_FlZKnfdqlgNE

[@Shelbjammin]

Any thoughts on having your bed in the rear as opposed to along the driver's side lengthwise? I have a subfloor built, but can't decide which direction to plan out the bed. I would love any thoughts you have about it!

[@BrianBearButler]

I didn’t want a “hallway” in my van and I like aesthetics. Plus I can sleep window to window no problem

[@Shelbjammin]

@@BrianBearButler That's what I'm thinking as well. I might lose too much storage space with the "hallway" build. Thanks for the input! Happy trails.

[@chuckhodges9227]

Excellent job!

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you very much!

[@dannyquinn2]

Looking at a 2WD, do you think AWD is essential? Also how tall are you can you fully stretch out in the bed? Cheers

[@BrianBearButler]

Depends on your needs. If you plan to overland like I do, get the AWD. If you’re gonna be in snow. Get the AWD. I’m 5’9 and I can if I’m at an angle

[@oldironsides8960]

How did you get that pioneer in there? I just bought a 2001 Chevy Astro for $800 and was wanting put in that exact car receiver. I was reading about it and I thought I could only put in a single Din receiver. I was just curious. Also, is there a dash kit that you bought for it? I am thinking about doing this to mine.

[@BrianBearButler]

I actually made a video of me installing it kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJm0pquNiptngpo

[@calenohaver2659]

How tall/short are you? Lol I couldn't diagonally in mine but built a wall so only 5.5 feet from rear doors to wall bought it for 3500 though with 49k on it bone stock cargo though crank windows and all

[@BrianBearButler]

I’m 5’9. I left my walls bare so I could maximize space. Really good deal!

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Have you towed with it I use to to a 16ft flatbed trailer with my Chevy Astro Van towed our camper and our boat as well

[@BrianBearButler]

Have not but I know this beast can tow some weight

[@MariafromthePhilippineIslands]

Very functional!! 👌👌

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you!

[@sebastienmonnier4076]

Awesome !! Love it ! Do you have a link for the refrigirator ?

[@BrianBearButler]

I don’t cause I got mine through a barter but it’s called Blizzard Box

[@Bk-uz3pk]

Nice setup!!! 👍

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you! What’s your favorite part?

[@Bk-uz3pk]

@@BrianBearButler rear kitchen and fridge location. Plus having another solar panels to charge the Jackery. I like it’s simple plug and play electrical setup. Near future I’ll be buying low roof cargo van or minivan. Best wishes and happy travels 😊

[@angdavis399]

I love this thing man

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you!

[@NavigatedChaos]

"If you're thinking about getting a Astro, I say go for it.". My guy, I'm always thinking about getting an Astro but like you said, "Money Talks." and it doesn't talk to me.

[@BrianBearButler]

Gotta learn the language to have that chat

[@kikzb643]

i have an astro to check this weekend... what is to look for. 2005 chevvy astro LT minivan

[@BrianBearButler]

I’d just make sure all the buttons work, windows, doors, check for any leaking, and by leaking I mean dripping off the bottom of the engine. Brakes, tires, make sure it drives straight. Good luck!

[@kikzb643]

@@BrianBearButler thank i

[@dianasoper7598]

Very nice!

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you!

[@daisyv5038]

I'll need to binge backwards to scoop all the info on your van. Your layout is really tucked in and doesn't trigger ocd at all! 😁 It's great! What are your feels about the passenger seat so far? Any thoughts on pulling it out? I can't believe the van was priced so high. That sounds super excessive, even in January 2022! I got a 97 ASTRO for $600. He wanted $1k. I feel feel swindled cuz it has 280k miles, it needs $7k mech. repairs, not to mention the dumpster-clean interior it came with. Only one door actually opens from the outside. Cracked windshield and the registration was 2 years behind. Bro, I hate it so much! Lololol. I have to laugh or I'll cry forever!

[@BrianBearButler]

Hey thanks! Yeah the one I got is basically the full loaded model which is why it was priced high but it’s super clean and well worth the $6500. I’m leaving the passenger seat, it holds things and people when needed still.

[@helgedell]

Thanks, great video. Just bought one myself. How can you sleep when the bed is only around 4 feet long?

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you. I got 5’9 window to window and I sleep at a little angle

[@gustavobro2484]

Love it bro✌️❤️🙂

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks!

[@charlesharsha4568]

This is exactly the video i needed to see as i was way over thinking a build. I mean, i dont want anything lavish at all and your setup is very efficient. Do you ever have any security issues with your bike? I was originally trying to figure out a floor plan to fit the bike inside but just dont think its feasible for my lay out. Thoughts?

[@BrianBearButler]

Awesome! Glad to be of some service. Haven’t had a bike issue yet, it’s locked up tight on the bike rack. I had a folding rad power bike and my mtn bike stored inside for a couple months and it was a huge pain. Outside rack for the win

[@charlesharsha4568]

@@BrianBearButler awesome, good to hear. I may have missed it, but shower and water source? You just go the gym route? Didn't notice a sink either.

[@Dollface27]

Nice! Loved this.

[@BrianBearButler]

I’m glad!

[@sirkkamiller9242]

have you felt warm enough without insulating the walls at all?

[@BrianBearButler]

Very much. I sleep in a down bag under a down blanket when I’m in cold weather. 90% of my time is spent in nice weather like lows of 50-40 degrees, it’s comfy for me

[@sirkkamiller9242]

​@@BrianBearButler that's good to know! a lot of other videos i've seen on here have put a lot of energy into insulating, so it's helpful to hear that it's not a must-have. thanks for sharing your process and for being so responsive! I just bought a 2002 astro yesterday - so stoked

[@carolmaplesden916]

don't kid yourself at the very least isolating your floor is for sure a good idea if you decide not to you will find out why

[@grannieannie1371]

All you need.

[@BrianBearButler]

😊

[@VantasticPacifica]

Nice build! May I ask the dimensions of your bed?

[@BrianBearButler]

Did an in depth video about that for ya! Maximized my bed space | Astro Camper Van kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap_FlZKnfdqlgNE

[@BrandonPrive1432]

can you sleep in the bed, length way or do you have to curl up, im just building my astro van right now and i couldn't build it that way unless i curled up while sleeping

[@BrianBearButler]

Window to window is 69 inches, and I’m exactly that height so I do have to sleep at a bit of an angle but it’s not bad at all

[@BrandonPrive1432]

@@BrianBearButler im only a couple inches taller, i might have to see if i can do it, would be alot nicer to set it up that way. im just about to start cutting wood so im at the very beginning of the build.

[@sagethemage7]

How tall are you, your bed runs the width for me i might have to run the length

[@BrianBearButler]

I’m 5’9 or 69 inches. I made a video about my bed if you wanna check it out

[@austinvarikkattu8751]

hey man i have been a tech for a year now but i was always interested in Van life but is there other ways to make money on the road ect.

[@BrianBearButler]

I did have a mobile mechanic biz but that’s when I was settled at home but it was the very beginning to my self employed freedom. You could consult for folks or learn a digital skill like podcast editing, which is very easy

[@austinvarikkattu8751]

@@BrianBearButler do you have any recommendations where I can find those “folks” bc I have no idea where to start

[@JDCombs-nt2kq]

Nice van my G

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you!

[@barefootbarbie]

Please provide the source link for the $300 Pioneer 1500NEX ... thank you!

[@BrianBearButler]

It’ll be in the description. They’ve got the new version out and it’s a little bit more but well worth it

[@barefootbarbie]

Thanks, Mr BBB

[@mariateresagonzalez805]

Very nice..

[@BrianBearButler]

Thank you! Gracias!

[@wildsage]

❤️

[@debslifesimplified6406]

I have an astro to, mine is a no build build.

[@BrianBearButler]

Cool! As long as it works for you!

[@superdutyohv3401]

Which forest are you in man? Looks beautiful

[@BrianBearButler]

Western New Mexico

[@Frost-tb9qs]

Awesome

[@BrianBearButler]

Thanks

[@lisamonalisahikes]

Nice

[@Lilliancooks]

Wow...you have a ton of battery power...why so much?

[@BrianBearButler]

Well, I was just using the jackery 1000 and it didn’t have enough watt hours to keep my fridge running so I got the 1500 to keep the fridge going non stop and the 1000 powers my electronic devices

[@Lilliancooks]

@@BrianBearButler That’s good to know because I would want to run the fridge 24/7 also...so 2500 watts is needed for that👍

[@corypeterson8908]

Lmao you remind me of rafa the professional kayaker

[@BrianBearButler]

Probably the eyes haha

[@meatymouse9600]

dont be to rough on that front end off road i would say the Astro has a weak link there simply from so much weight

[@BrianBearButler]

Totally understand what you’re saying

[@th3R0b0t]

Would you mind explaining? I think the front end is pretty stout for some normal overlanding. It's unibody, with Subframe underneath that the Engine and Trans sits in. Subframe bolts to unibody with 6 bolts and spacers. I wouldn't do any jumps, but I've done a little pretty steep inclines and mud with no issues.

[@meatymouse9600]

@@th3R0b0t i notice my front struts wear out quick from daily driver usage and also when i go to pull a part almost every astro has the control arms missing and steering linkage. i do feel obligated to mention i live in New Orleans and the roads here are prob worse than off roading in some areas :P

[@th3R0b0t]

@@meatymouse9600 Baton Rouge here. Can vouch for the roads. I did change all my front end, heavy duty inner and outer tie rods, Mevotec upper and lower control arms. I think the Astros just didn't age well suspension wise, cause all the rubbers on my front end were a bit dried out looking.

[@meatymouse9600]

@@th3R0b0t no way your in BR? what are the odds of that?!?! :)

[@51249ca]

You need some Nutella (Kirkland brand is good)

[@BrianBearButler]

Trying to cut back on the sugar :(

[@eastfilmer132]

Great build man!! I’m really interested In how you built your kitchen drawer setup. We are currently building a GMC Safari and want to do exactly what you did in our van!

[@BrianBearButler]

Cool! I have a whole series on building all that out in my Astro van playlist. Simply built some boxes and put drawer slides on it and then built a smaller box after the fact and added drawer slides to that as well. 100lbs slides from Home Depot, 21 inch I believe