SPRINTER VAN TOUR - My 3rd Custom 4x4 Sprinter Van Conversion (Built by Outside Van)

[@donnahoffman1855]

What a great layout! I like all the small item storage to keep the clutter down and organized. The 3rd chair option is a bonus in so many ways! Looking forward to all your "adventures" coming up!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks! It was really fun (and a good challenge) to design. Appreciate you watching :)

[@dr.michellewidmeier1898]

This is great. You are why I was turned on to Outside Van. Love their work/builds, and your journey. Congratulations. I’ve learned so much from your blog over the last 3.5 years. Thanks!!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thank you so much Michelle! I'm so glad my content has been helpful :)

[@davidrosen4951]

Kristen this video is SUPER useful. A lot of your ideas when right into my notes. Gracias!

[@bearfoottheory]

So glad to hear David. If you have questions let me know!

[@seansound]

Its great to see how an experienced person specs out their build. Happy Travels!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks for watching Sean!

[@OutsideVan]

Thank you so much for sharing such an in-depth video about #vanlife!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks for building me such a beautiful van and for being such leaders in the space!

[@ILOLnumber1]

Hi Kristen! 🙋🏻‍♀️ You probably don't remember me, but I'm one of your O.G. subs from years ago! I remember being so fascinated by your first van that I watched your video tour I think 4 times! 😂 It's been so cool to watch how your vanlife savviness (is that a real word? 🤔) has evolved through the years. And yes I remember also being so impressed with the soft wall of your 1st van. I think this latest iteration that you helped design is perfect! 😘👌🏽

[@bearfoottheory]

Hi Gen! Thanks for following along all these years. It’s been fun to take what I learned in the two previous builds and use that knowledge in designing this third sprinter van conversion. If you ever have any questions please let me know 😊

[@countrygirl102377]

My husband and I are planning on becoming Nomad living Van life. I do know I would like a small shower/bathroom to use for emergencies. I like what you have done to this.

[@bearfoottheory]

hi! congrats on your decision to do van life. That's what's great about these vans, they are so flexible, you can do whatever you want with them.

[@lynn368]

Fabulous! FABULOUS!! Very well thought out & designed!!!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thank you!

[@klynn3403]

I had the pleasure of meeting your parents on their van travels through NorCal yesterday and was inspired to hear the whole family are van lifers😃 So inspiring to see your journey, love it😁 Such a great channel, so many valuable insights to consider as my daughter and I hope to have vans and travel together in a several years time😊

[@bearfoottheory]

Oh what a coincidence! Yes, they got a van after attending my event - Open Roads Fest and they are loving it.

[@johndewey6358]

Thanks for a lot of good tips and practical ideas.

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks John! Appreciate you watching!

[@cameronblackmon9540]

Your videos renew my energy and excitement for ideas on accessing the outdoors. Gear gal you’ve got great videos! 👍

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks so much! If you ever have any questions, feel free to get in touch via my website :)

[@richardcurley1729]

Excellent tour. I learned a lot.

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks Richard. Glad it was helpfuL!

[@silalove7814]

Nice Van, good and nice layout the only we missing is a bathroom inside with a toilet(no chenical but a seperat dry toilet and a shower) !!! greatings form the netherlands// southern harvest // Luke & Silvia

[@bearfoottheory]

The compartment at the bottom of the closet is big enough for a variety of portable toilets. I'm going to put a portable composting toilet in there this summer.

[@kbronx64]

Brilliant! Love the details in your tours and website.

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks! I was worried it might be too long but it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference

[@lindaromero8844]

Well done Kristen! It's so cool to get the full run down of your van and it's clear you put a lot of thought into everything. What an amazing adventure vehicle!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks Linda. It's all about the details :)

[@jimwyrick5120]

Great layout! That is twice now that I’ve seen you design a great layout. Your videos led me to OutsideVan and I am so happy that’s who I went with. I hope to thank you in person someday. Thanks a lot

[@bearfoottheory]

Hey Jim! So happy to hear you have been happy with Outside Van. What’s the name of your van?

[@jimwyrick5120]

My van is nameless. OSV never asked me, and I felt kinda self conscious to offer one up. Also, I wanted a very classic/vanilla OSV look. I did spend a lot of time on layout with cardboard templates at home and fabricated my own Transit seat that goes into Mac Track, but my van looks pretty plain Jane at a glance. I really learned a lot from your experience. Thanks for sharing

[@bearfoottheory]

@@jimwyrick5120 Thanks Jim! I'm glad my content has been helpful and I appreciate you watching :)

[@michaelflores7657]

Excellent walkthrough of your van! It’s a really smart build and I learned a lot! Great to hear that you used Outside twice, that really says a lot about them! Thanks again!!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks for watching! And yes Outside Van does top notch work. I have no regrets going with them again

[@PaulBeiser]

Thanks so much for this great video and sharing your layout, thoughts, ideas. Really appreciate it!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks for watching and if you have questions let me know!

[@RyanRoberts-br4lo]

Love your build. Ryan

[@lycotropo]

Very beautiful van, congratulations!!!!

[@bearfoottheory]

Thank you!!

[@Schnupp911]

Beautiful van great video

[@bearfoottheory]

Thanks Brent! Can't wait for you to get your van!

[@Schnupp911]

@@bearfoottheory me too just a few days away now 😁

[@opinionatedartist]

For such a nicely built va there are some strange details, from the pee jug to the water meter hidden behind the lazy susan and the control panels occupying a prominent spot in the van which could be occupied by a great overhead cabinet instead.

[@bearfoottheory]

The pee jug and the lazy susan are easily removable and I can actually see the water meter without having to move the lazy Susan at all. There is also room for a portable toilet at the bottom of the closet if you prefer that over a pee jug. As for the control panels, they are meant to be easily accessible so you can track your battery usage, which is something you really want to know the status of at all times.

[@rianebichons]

What an amazing rig! Looks like you have everything you need with great organizational and daily living features. I am wondering if you installed an AC unit? If not what were your reasons not to have one? Thanks for your feedback.

[@bearfoottheory]

We didn’t. AC requires a lot of power and since we like to spend as much time off the grid and not plugged in as possible we decided it wasn’t a good fit for our lifestyle and needs. With that said, summers in the mountains are getting hotter and with an extra powerful lithium battery system you could certainly have an AC…you’d just have to be a lot more careful with your power usage

[@BillWalker3rd]

I really love this layout! The closet is something that I am trying to decide about… How deep is yours? That door looks like a great solution also… Do you know whether they will sell that as a separate unit? Your idea especially for the front curtain is brilliant! Thank you! please keep up the great videos!❤

[@bearfoottheory]

Hi Bill - Here are the dimensions of the closet. Due to the curved walls, the lower shelves are deeper: Shelf 1 - 14” deep x 20” wide x 10 tall” Shelf 2 - 16 deep x 20” wide x 10 tall” Shelf 3 - 17 deep x 20” wide x 10 tall” Shelf 4- 19 deep x 20” wide x 10 tall” At this current moment, Outside Van only does full conversions and does not sell individual components. Hope that helps and if you have other questions let me know!

[@jeffoberlander3346]

Awesome video! If you were to put this van on the market, what would it be worth?

[@LiveToFly-Br]

Nice and detailed video with lots of good solutions. As for the absence of a bath, I reallly dont get it. This is such a big van. Not rock sciences to include a wet bath. Gymns are just not available everywhere. I just cant imagine going for days with no shower. Another thing. Never heard of the need of an extra alternator to the house batteries. Curious to understand why and how they did it.

[@bearfoottheory]

Here is why I don't have a shower: bearfoottheory.com/reasons-you-dont-need-van-shower/ I had a shower in my first van and never used it, and you really don't have enough water to be showering frequently without having to refill your water which is a hassle. we honestly just don't shower that much. I got used to that during my 22 days backpacking the John Muir Trail. As for the secondary alternator, you can charge your batteries off of your primary alternator, but your alternator has to charge your vehicle's battery first. So having a secondary alternator allows you to be charging your vehicle and your house batteries simultaneously

[@maxbutler4698]

Thanks for sharing your experience. You mentioned having the 3rd seat for possible future family expansion and I wonder if your design overall allows for a third, kid size sleeping space apart from sharing the main bed? Thanks :)

[@bearfoottheory]

Hey Max - Turns out I'm pregnant so we will be making use of that seat. When we designed the van, we weren't sure if I was going to be able to get pregnant, so we didn't want to build the whole van around having a kid and a need for a second bed in case it didn't happen. When they are an infant, we will use a travel crib which will fit on the floor in front of the third passenger's seat. As the kid gets older and needs an actual bed, we will likely be looking for a product that allows us to use the two front swivel seats to make a bed. There are a few products out there now like the Cabunk and the Luna inflatable bed. Hopefully by the time we need it there will be even more options available. Alternatively instead of the style of captain's chair we installed, you install a Scopema RIB Seat which folds into a bed. That could also be an option for us to swap out the existing captain's chair for this

[@dimitrius7311]

Super nice van miss.

[@bearfoottheory]

Thank you!

[@patmac7139]

Great video. I used to be a chef in some pretty upscale kitchens back in the day, and you storing your piss jugs above your cookware is giving my a mild aneurysm, haha. Put the piss below anything else in case of leaks/drips!!

[@bearfoottheory]

Haha! Good point but in the 5 years I’ve been traveling with a pee jug it’s never leaked so I guess I’ll have to take my chances 😂

[@acerbug7798]

I dont think i could give up a bathroom/wetroom 😅

[@bearfoottheory]

That's the great thing about doing a custom conversion. You can turn the van into whatever you want. I have a great article on why I chose not to have a shower in my van here: bearfoottheory.com/reasons-you-dont-need-van-shower/

[@hannahhadenfeldt3251]

Love the layout and the personalized storage! Which rumple blanket do you prefer? Theres a couple different fills, but I never know what's truly better for vanlife?

[@bearfoottheory]

We have the original double (2-person) puffy. I find it to be more durable than the down versions.

[@hannahhadenfeldt3251]

@@bearfoottheory Good to know, thank you!!

[@mikelaan61970]

Hey Kristen, great build and video! I’m curious who made the Starlink travel case? I’ve been taking ours in the original box but that’s but a long term solution 😂

[@bearfoottheory]

It’s the Alubox 42 from Equipt Outfitters. The Dishy is a little tricky to get in and out sometimes but it seems very secure in there and it’s completely weatherproof. It was very expensive though. I saw Starlink is coming out with their own case pretty soon which also looks like a good option

[@mikelaan61970]

@@bearfoottheory thank you for the reply and info! I’ll check out both option. Enjoy the van and life :)

[@jasonsandifer3250]

*Newly Updated Safety Suggestions; I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. Although, I just noticed your KZbin channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living. I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc... People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others KZbinrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their KZbin channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Carry Several Extra portable phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission. Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy Smoke detectors and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. Exterior vehicle cameras Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies. Use your own discretion regarding the use of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks. Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. Keep your vehicle gas filled Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, washer fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze. Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate. Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very. Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it. It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe..... God Be With You... Author Advocate for Humanity, Safety Advocate Jason Sandifer, Michigan 10/06/2022, 10/02/2022 10/08/2022, 10/10/2022, 10/16/2022, 10/25/2022 11/01/2022

[@goldiegreenwald9715]

Hey :) was there a reason you chose to switch out the lagun Mount table? I’m having trouble finding information about its durability and trying to decide which one to choose ❤ thank you!

[@bearfoottheory]

I loved the Lagun table. You don't want to put a TON of weight on it, but overall i'd say it's very durable. In this van, I didn't think it was safe to have a swivel table with my baby his carseat.

[@TuHoang-zd5iq]

Hi, Great layout! can you share how much you paid for this camper van?

[@ManWander]

maybe i missed it but no potty? great video!

[@bearfoottheory]

I talk about our toilet in the blog post. We use the Go Anywhere Toilet which is a foldable toilet that uses wag bags. You can find the details here: bearfoottheory.com/outside-van-sprinter-conversion-tour/

[@RyanRoberts-br4lo]

Lot it. Who makes the seat behind the driver seat. Comfort? Ryan

[@adysandeddie]

where is this seat from? Could you please share a link or its name? Thanks in advance

[@markusrobinson3858]

Please elaborate on your remark about the installation of a secondary alternator to "charge the batteries really fast". 1) Is this an actual second alternator or is it a heavy duty alternator replacing the OEM model. 2) How does this secondary alternator effect gas mileage? 3) What is the controller that is managing charging from this alternator? Thank you!

[@bearfoottheory]

Hi! Great questions. I share more details about the secondary alternator in the blog post which you can check out here: bearfoottheory.com/outside-van-sprinter-conversion-tour/ The product is the 280XP Alternator Kit with a Wakespeed Regulator, and I haven't noticed a decrease in gas mileage. We're getting 13-16mpg which is pretty typical in built out 4x4 sprinters.

[@markusrobinson3858]

@@bearfoottheory Thank you Christen! We're just back from three months in Alaska (boondocking the majority of the time) where is rained pretty much four days out of five. Thus despite 660 Watts of solar on the roof, we often could not get any where near full charge of our 600AH house batteries for days on end. Thus I've come to the conclusion that charging from the engine is essential as the second major 'off grid' way to charge the HBs. Regarding mileage, our fully loaded Sprinter 170 is getting an expedition average of 16.9 mpg based on the last 21,598 miles traveled in two major expeditions. This excellent mileage is conditional on never driving more than 60 mph because wind resistance grows as the square of velocity (and who wants to drive faster than that on back roads any way?)

[@bearfoottheory]

@@markusrobinson3858 Totally agree that charging by the alternator is necessary, especially in winter when days are shorter and the sun isn't as high. Solar is great for keeping things topped off, but charging via an alternator is an alternative to plugging into shore power. Is your van 4x4? I'll also say that we typically drive the speed limit, so we're often driving faster than 60.

[@markusrobinson3858]

@@bearfoottheory Yes Christen, like you, we drive a Sprinter 4x4 170 (2017). Four-wheel drive takes about a half to one mpg off the performance (and of course uses up 750 pounds of the Sprinter's legal carry weight.) My experience with MPG reporting is that what really matters is the net over a long voyage (some long drives, some off-road, some city driving). What counts is the net. So I'm pretty happy with the 16.9 mpg. We basically NEVER drive freeways because they are so boring (though we'll hop on them at the start and end of a expedition since we start from the east coast and off-freeway in the east gets really slow because there is another town every ten minutes with its stop-and-go. But even on the freeway, we don't drive faster than 60 mph. Incidentally it is really relaxing to be on cruise control on a freeway at 60. We rarely have to pass anyone, and frankly the 100 miles less in a ten hour drive is worth the chill experience.

[@ScienceIsReal777]

No bathroom?

[@bearfoottheory]

Find the blog post and photos with all of the details of my Sprinter Van conversion here: bearfoottheory.com/outside-van-sprinter-conversion-tour/

[@cokolino2]

There's no mention of a pee/poop situation. What happened with that new system you were supposed to have in your new van?

[@bearfoottheory]

I talk about my pee jar at 6:15 which I keep under the sink. For poop I share a link to the foldable toilet we have with us and use in my blog post. I should’ve discussed it in the video but I forgot 😊. The blog post is here: bearfoottheory.com/outside-van-sprinter-conversion-tour/

[@cokolino2]

@@bearfoottheory I remember long ago you were talking about some new bathroom system similar to nature head, and I was soo looking forward to seeing it integrated in your new van. It was a very promising composting toilet, even if I remember good you were supposed to be exclusively the first one to have that product ?

[@bearfoottheory]

That toilet is called the Cuddy made by Compocloset. I tested out a prototype at my house and had a few issues with it. They are working out the kinks and I think it’s a promising product. I believe they are finally shipping them out to customers who pre-ordered one…but in that whole process I decided that the system we use works just fine for now.

[@kevinwilson3332]

So 1 how do you go washroom #2 he hold the jar for u

[@kevinb3030]

Is it possible to have a toilet in there plus a shower for winter ?

[@bearfoottheory]

There is a compartment at the bottom of the closet that is big enough for a portable cassette toilet. We could have designed the van to have an indoor shower but we didn’t want one so the only (hot) shower we have is outdoors. Check out the blog post for where we shower: bearfoottheory.com/reasons-you-dont-need-van-shower/

[@earlhamil731]

All that effort for van number 3 and no shower/wet bath?

[@baba_babaa2]

I dont understand why everyone uses their inverter to turn dc electricity into ac electricity to give that to devices that can't function on ac electricity, so they have to convert the ac to dc (which is exactly what your van has) in order to function

[@steve-from-toronto]

I’ve never understood the appeal of Outside Van. In general, they are very over-priced with all the aesthetic appeal of a dentist’s office.

[@RV-MotorhomeFlyfisherNZ]

Confused. It is easy to make complicated things that work. It is an art to make simple things that work eaually good - or better. The design engineer.

[@AZRockRunner]

Look like you gave up your indoor shower and potty for more room.

[@FEARNoMore]

You seem to go through vans like tissue paper. lol Have you every considered truck campers, trailers or truck campers with pass throughs?

[@bearfoottheory]

This is my third in 6 years and I’m having a baby so we needed a new van with a third seatbelt. I think truck campers are great too, and I’d only consider one with a pass through. I want to be able to hop in the drivers seat at a moments notice and also to be able to access the living area from the cab without having to go outside. I don’t think I’d consider a trailer for that reason. Trailers also limit where you can camp.

[@FEARNoMore]

@@bearfoottheory Congratulations to you & your husband! 🎉 I wish you a healthy future van life-ing baby. I agree on the pass through. The only ones that I like (other than a van) are the overlanding truck vehicles from Rossmonster. Smaller Earthroamers with a more affordable price tag. lol Take care, thanks for responding.

[@steve-from-toronto]

I guess this channel is dead. Been almost a year since last video.

[@bearfoottheory]

I had a baby, and I've. been focusing my efforts on my website where I'm very active: bearfoottheory.com