Building a sofa bed for your campervan | Vauxhall Vivaro SWB Van Conversion PT4

Join us as we convert a Vauxhall Vivaro SWB into a tiny home on wheels.
In this episode we build our sofa bed and complete finishing touches on the walls and floors before we move on to the kitchen unit. Our next video will be on how we built and designed the kitchen unit.
We will be documenting the full build so make sure you subscribe and turn your notifications on!
P.S The build will be for sale at the end so prepare yourselves to become a van lifer!
Thanks a million for watching and see you soon!
If you enjoy what you see, send a ‘thank you’ cider to: paypal.me/nicolakb
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PRODUCTS
6mm MDF: tidd.ly/7e1109bc
12mm Ply: tidd.ly/a2abc226
Sofa Bed Timber: tidd.ly/d56cc521
Sofa Bed Slat Timber: tidd.ly/db00da46
Spray Paint: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53...
Cladding: tidd.ly/3e098029
MDF Primer: amzn.to/30qUmMp
Farrow & Ball Paint: www.diy.com/departments/farro...
Draw Handles: www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/eneryda-...
Runners: amzn.to/380Pa4b
Laminate Flooring: tidd.ly/db254835
Aluminium Angle: www.toolstation.com/aluminium...
Rope: www.diy.com/departments/diall...
Blinds: www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/hoppvals...
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TOOLS
Sander: amzn.to/2p1exSC
Chop Saw: amzn.to/33sTlUy
Table Saw: amzn.to/2ruNJv7
Combi Drill: amzn.to/34APJRe
Driver Drill: amzn.to/2zZ8hwy
Nail Gun: www.toolstation.com/bauker-st...
Router: amzn.to/2Rf46Vt
Gorilla Wood Glue: amzn.to/2Rae6j6
Small Clamps: amzn.to/2uK52d8
Large Clamps: amzn.to/2sjzhqm
SHOP OUR VAN BUILD:
www.nicroams.co.uk/gj-2/
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HELLO!
I’m Nic, a full time UK based van dweller. I self-converted my Vauxhall Vivaro aka LL Cool Van in to a mini off grid beast so I can run off to the wilderness and never return.
I share my tiny living, eco living and travel stories here, with the hope to inspire and encourage you all to grab your dreams and live outside the box!
FOLLOW MYJOURNEY:
Website: www.nicroams.co.uk/
Instagram: / nicroams
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/NicRoams/
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CAMERA:
amzn.to/2N6vHbQ
DRONE:
amzn.to/3oM97VR

[@bloochoob]

‘It’s a bit stiff when we’re pulling it out and pushing it in’ 🤣🤣🤣 I should hope so

[@V.Hansen.]

It looks really sharp. Or smart maybe, as you Brits would say. The drawers fitting in the space with the pull out part framing around it is just really nice.

[@urvi62]

Brilliant you both have such patience van looks great 👍

[@PaulCarterArt]

Well done guys solid functional build. Thanks for sharing the tips on the journey 👍🏾

[@deancurtis995]

Loving the bed and draws underneath , can’t wait to see the kitchen area well done both 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lacerte421]

this is a great build, glad to see it all coming together.

Beautiful!

[@karoma5805]

Such a good van build series-can't wait for the next one! :)

[@margiesvanmori]

This is so cool! I’m building out my 1988 Chevy van now to travel and live in and I am so psyched!

[@nicroams]

Thank you 🥰. All the best with your conversion too 🍀

[@TBOBrightonandHove]

Hello, this is great! Investigating whether van-life life is a possibility for me and coming across this series is very inspirational. Keep it up!

[@micathasteings]

Ty he bed looks amazing well done guys

[@MrLastsaturday]

Great build, guys! I'm gonna do something very similar in my van.. Thank you for the awesome details 👌

[@jolyoncrow5259]

Looks great!

[@victoriamoreno3850]

amazing content! I am just starting to convert a ford transit and your content is so helpful

[@mikeaustin2716]

Great vid. Lots of detail and simple tips.

[@micathasteings]

Amazing guys well done

[@shadow392]

Planning on doing a bed like this. Saves so much room where I could add some other stuff. Might even use custom cut tatami as a mattress instead of a regular one

[@EvolutionPowerTools]

Looks great! Nice work guys.

[@linacabrera3172]

I love the bed sofa💝💝

[@coryaustin5902]

I comment on the wrong video earlier oops. Love your plan and idea. Drawers are a great adder that I will certainly try and utilize. Thank you

[@dpmurray9795]

This video appears on my page everyday since last year, so i always click it and watch the ads for support. ;-)

[@nicroams]

Aww thank you so much 🥰🥰

[@komsike]

Excellent work with clever ideas,thanks for the video,keep the good work.............

[@Travelling_about]

Great warts and all vlog loved it!

[@jez9633]

Excellent build

[@Scrambler85]

Nice work and a thumbs up video

[@Vpopov81]

gorgeous and great instruction

[@1978sjt]

I just bought a LWB Traffic, glad I found this vid, because it looks like you did a layout similar to what i'm thinking.

[@nicroams]

That’s awesome, good luck with the build 🍀😊

[@VikingFitness00]

friken awesome! cheers

[@brassedoff2437]

Good job! Was going to try something exactly the same so great to see it done before I try! Don't get the "can't stand the music" comments, it's each to their own and the main thing is the build, not the unobtrusive background music.

[@donnarobert411]

Brlliant. We have just purchased a SWB Vivaro!

[@nicroams]

Aw congrats! Good luck with the build 😀

[@gonnafish]

Great build, thanks! Gave me some good ideas for mine. Only detraction was the music that just wouldn’t go away- like 3 day old fish. Cheers, nonetheless!

[@NomaddUK]

Amazingly you are at the same stage as me on my Renault Trafic. I have also made the bed lift to access the odd spaces that remain under the bed. I am now building the surround of the sit down shower area behind the driver's seat as I have a long wheel base van which gives me just enough space for a toilet and shower box. Looking forward to your next video.

[@jolyoncrow5259]

Same here! Except substitute shower for 2 removable passenger seats.

[@typhoon420]

masterpiece

[@blloodstone8762]

Great work. Yer both talented people

[@mlangfordcamper]

I am building a mini caravan and this helps even though I have built five so far

[@nomanthehero5200]

Nice one. That's as good a build as I've seen. Congrats!

[@nicroams]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@jefftilley6512]

Hi guys, happy to have found your build videos as I have recently purchased a swb Vivaro myself ready for a conversion. I already had various ideas in mind but am holding off the start for a little while watching to see how you guys go about things and overcome any problems along the way! The delay is not too much of a problem as due to health and mobility reasons I can't work and van building on such a tight budget takes time. I've just been concentrating on getting the insulation, sound dreading and lining ready to go for now. keep up the good work, I look forward eagerly to the next video!

[@jefftilley6512]

@@nicroams thanks guys, I think I got lucky with a reasonable van at a fair price considering it has had a recent new clutch and recon gearbox. I just wish this weather would give me a break! It's been so wet down here in South Devon. Not ideal for cutting big holes in your van for windows and sky lights! Which I have still boxed sat in the van. I don't really want to start trying to do anything else until I get them in then can fit around them.

[@stephengriffiths8312]

Nice work 👍

[@AlohaMichaelDaly]

Good job

[@timgraaff7551]

You both did a great job, I’m converting my mini van and you gave me some great ideas. Thanks!

[@nicroams]

Thank you! Good luck with the build 🍀

Buen vídeo gracias por la información.

[@caitir0se]

love love love

[@nikkimarkhamdavid1440]

Hi @Nic Roams I love your videos, please can you show us the finished van? I can't find a video with a look round with the final finished off look please? Thank you xx

[@morfic349]

Отличная идея!)))молодцы😊

[@nicroams]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@longhairmullet]

Wow back when we could ‘‘gather’’ at IKEA! And then “head to a party.” Love the build series. I guess id better choose a work jacket to ruin.

[@nicroams]

Seems so long ago!!! 😪

[@bobbigrant9158]

Must Have

[@sofiaacarapi3634]

the pages for the slat and sofa bed frame timber are out of date so no page is found, what were the measurments you guys used?

[@maxpower9340]

Can you explain how you joined the lengthways frame to the widthways frame, at the corners? I would have thought that you need a screw upwards from underneath but how do you screw the from the side when there is already a screw in the way?

[@natawata1]

Very nice! I was hoping to see you slide the bed out after you finished it, though. How does that work with drawers underneath?

[@msshoeka5573]

Nice

[@mrss4328]

Can the sides of the drawers under the bed be made with quarter inch plywood to keep them lighter weight?

[@abzmiller]

Hi Nic. Love your build so much!! Well done!! I have a swb vivaro and plan to convert it this year. Do you have the dimensions of the bed and kitchen unit pls? 😊

[@stephcurtis2515]

Which section of the frame are the drawers fastened to?

[@stevebeard9656]

How high did you make the bed and also what size stainless screws did you use to hold the floor down

[@daviddickson3181]

Awesome bed. I only wish I could buy one for my jumbo

[@nicroams]

Thank you! 🤟🏼

[@samuelparker9800]

Great video guys, where are you going to get the mattress and upholstery from? Also, do you have width measurements (So I can copy!!)

[@calmingmeditationmusic]

Great videos, just currently building a bed at the moment with a similar design, what dimensions did you go with for the width when its a couchand again when its pulled out? and the height from the floor? Thanks in advance :) keep it up!

[@howtodiy2220]

Hi, did you find a mattress for this bed?

[@maxpower9340]

Great but you missed the runner fitting for the drawers. can quite see if they are bottom or middle fitting runners or what they attach too? But its a great design

[@gregfuller999]

Thanks for sharing this. After watching quite a few videos on pull-out sofa beds, this is the one I will model my build after. I was wondering, did you do anything special to keep the drawers from coming out during a turn? Thanks.

[@nicroams]

Hey! Aww that's so cool to hear! We sold it prior to attaching locks but I absolutely would, either cabin hooks or my fave, Japaned locks 🤗

[@taylorpreston8502]

What song was at 3:00. Thanks great video

[@kentishlee2014]

Great vids guys,nice job. I've got a swb high roof Vivaro which I quickly messed around with last year for quick getaways,bed/cooker/storage etc,what's your thoughts on trying to run some sort of flexi trunking from the low level heaters in the cab to the back of the van so its already nice and toasty in the back when you stop somewhere? Do-able or not? Also,have you noticed much difference in the weight of the van and difference in mpg with all the baton and cladding fitted. Cheers

[@kentishlee2014]

@@nicroams Thanks for the reply. I'd imagine it's a lot snugger in a smaller van but like you said it all depends on the output of the heater. I might try it to see how it goes once I've stripped the van out ready for the rebuild, fingers crossed. I'll keep an eye on your build as well to see how the progress is coming along 🚐👍😉

[@markhowells1231]

Hi, great video, and pretty much exactly what we are trying to do in our Sprinter, could you tell me what size timber you used for the frame please? the link is broken.

[@ianbate6716]

Just wondering that myself?

[@rickwaites5057]

Thanks guys. Enjoyed this. Really nice finished look. Peeps need to chill out about the music!😅

[@nicroams]

Thank you! Tell me about it, one of my first KZbin video's ever and even to this day they're not letting me live it down 😂

[@shazzam532]

Great video thank you. I also have an old Vivaro swb van,. Its already been converted but I want to change quite a bit. would you mind telling me what the spray paint is that you used inside the van around the windows please? Im also having problems hanging curtains between the cab and the back of the van due to the shape , I have only just come across your channel but is this something you have done successfully ? many thanks, sharon.

[@shazzam532]

@@nicroams Thanks for the reply. I am not very good at figuring out how to do stuff lol, so may wait to see what you do. I am so worried about drilling into the van . Its hard to see what im drilling in to as its carpet lined. Its brilliant what you are doing to your van I am beginning to wish I had brought a van and then converted it myself. Cheers..

[@sheyedlington9046]

Do impressed with your teaching. I am enjoying the music. I hope you add a mention of the artists I'm hooked 👌

[@joannerichards1112]

Can you let me know where you got the silver trim for the side step please?

[@nicroams]

Wickes :)

[@irishrover63]

I have watched all of your series so far. I am in the process of looking for a van, had my eye on the Renault Trafic which is the same as the Vivaro as you know, then I changed my mind and started looking at Peugeot Boxer MWB vans. Now I am back looking at the Vivaro/Trafic because I thing a Boxer will be too big for our driveway. Lol. I am struggling to find a fairly low mileage Vivaro/Trafic for £5000 and certainly don't intend paying VAT. What mileage is on your van as I think anything over 100,000 miles is excessive? I do intend cladding my van when I get it similar to what you have done, but I intend putting 2 windows in opposite to each other. I am also looking for a LWB even though it's just 400mm difference. I think a diesel heater is important as you can then use the van in the Autumn/ Winter months. You mentioned in a previous video that the van being so small you can just use the cab heater, but that's not really environmentally friendly running your engine to heat the van. Cheaper to use a diesel heater. Great series and I am feeling more confident about doing my van when I get one. Good luck with the project and look forward to other videos. :)

[@irishrover63]

What do you think of the high top LWB Vivaros, might just be able to get one of those with sub 100k miles? The guy who does the MOT's on my cars and bikes also fits out camper vans, he goes for that professional look with fitted units, wardrobes, showers etc. Not really my taste as they look kind of caravan like inside. I like a more natural individual look like you are achieving, just don't want it to look cheap.

[@johnward1475]

Measurements would have been nice but great videos

[@buggsi]

Thanks for the video, this is very similar to my vivaro plan! I've been trying to find a video showing the sofa bed end result, does one exist? If not, please post :) Have to agree with the others on the music choice...

[@nicroams]

Sadly not, this van is now sold and on adventures 🚐🌞. There is pics of it on the IG page of Greenearthlingbuilds which may be helpful.

[@blueskies00]

Hi everyone Sorry if my question doesnt sound exciting Just got a 06 gmc savanna denali. Love the van except...the bed is more like 2 captains chairs hooked together. Comfortable to sit in not.so much when flat. Dont think im the only one not happy about that non feature. Any thoughts of what i can.do wothout removing bed and putting used one in. Costly and frustrating, as I cant do it myself. Thanks everyone. Hope your days are going well.

[@blueskies00]

@@nicroams Hi there thanks for taking the time to reply, Lol....Better laugh than cry. Ive got a topper and doing the best i can. Some manufacturers havent checked out their work to make sure its functional and not just asthetically pleasing.

[@yumi774]

天板の高さ合わせがむずいよねー💦　あと、ワンちゃんかわいい。

[@Ourwaytohealth]

This video is 7 months old, when is the tour coming up?

[@nutnaa]

Nice vid guys!! Need some info.. what’s the size of the bed(open/closed)? How did you fix the bed?

[@nicroams]

Hello, I've sold the van now so I can't remember the exact specs but it was 190 length and I think around 110 when fully open. The bed is screwed in to the floor 🥰

[@nutnaa]

@@nicroams much appreciate!!

[@elohimmatinyhouse6944]

Great music! Just wanted to see you show when it's pulled out!

[@SheDigsitUK]

Hi all 😜 great video thank you for sharing 🙏 your links no longer work for sofabed materials 😜

[@nicroams]

Thank you for letting me know, I’ll try and update it, I don’t get around to old videos but most of the materials are from Wickes 🤗. Hope this helps 🙌🏼

[@yogi4643]

You never showed how well the bed functions, looks like those drawer faces would bother the frame when setting up the bed or using the drawers.

[@nicroams]

Sorry, we were new to KZbin so missed a lot. It all works fine though and the owner still keeps in touch and is happy 🥰

[@melissamorris8939]

Do your drawers have locks on them?

[@darian.explores]

Was also curious how they latched them

[@lorenzomartinellilazaro142]

Hi, possible to send me the step by step procedure on how to make the sliding bed. Thank You.

[@claraboucard5807]

Me too if it’s possible ! Thank you !

[@allanb52]

We have a vivaro too and you have lost so much space with the panelling and a rock and roll bed works so much better.

[@irishrover63]

What's happened with this build guys? Thought the next video would be up by now. I have my Vauxhall Vivaro LWB now since my last comment. Just got the side windows fitted yesterday, getting a roof fan fitted next week. I have started the sound deadening and insulation. Also fitted a wireless reversing camera even though I have reversing sensors on the van. Cladding the ceiling and carpet lining the rest. I purchased a set up 6 lights with remote control for £16, they are surface mounted, so will not need a hole drilled in the cladding only a small hole for the wiring. Hope you are doing well. :)

[@irishrover63]

I'm in no rush guys. Still got a few things to buy, diesel heater, toilet, sink, double seat swivel, etc. Bought a Sportive model, so don't need anything on the outside. Going with the slatted pull out bed also, but it must be able to hinge. I thought you were both full time van builders.

[@TheAndywooller]

would love to see how you are getting on, i've got the exact same van and currently insulating :)

[@irishrover63]

Still got quite a way to go. Not had the roof vent fitted yet. Done some wiring, got all the panels carpet lined now. All insulation and sound deadening done. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnS0o3msl6aFfqc

[@Beeroome]

Sweet van. Good music. Laughing at the comments 🤣

[@LifestyleDJ]

She ruined a really cool winter coat by painting in it! lol At 7:46

[@nicktubara]

What are you the fashion police lol. Paint washes off, mostly.

[@FreshCoastDon.007]

Great video, really liked the rap music lol... who's the artist?

[@blueskies00]

Great job, had to switch off. Omg trashy loud music. Ur talented no need for negative Attention

[@raiza7582]

Hello, nice work. Do you have the project?

[@nicroams]

Hello, thank you. Sadly not, it was sold as soon as completed :)

[@kinross24]

Shouldnt have added the drawer fronts to the under bed boxes, although very nice, they are an unnecessary weight addition, that in all campers you’ll be trying to keep weight as low as possible.

[@nicroams]

This van has 1100kg payload which is the same as a LWB Sprinter. So you really don't need to worry about saving weight. Unless you aim to lower your MPG but we value a homely look over having belongings on show 🤗

[@ryblife4616]

You can use wood dust with wood glue and use it also as a filler than it gets almost the same color as your wood ;-) You will regret the use of Hot Glue sorry to say that, you have so many clamps why don´t use something better.

[@melodypaz7247]

Good idea about mixing the project sawdust with wood glue to make matching wood filler!

[@adrianagalvao3723]

@lugalvaopelomundo @VANLIFEESCAPE

[@TheSamifaiyaz]

17 min video. And you don’t even slide out the bed to show the finished product. 🤦‍♂️

[@1bsbsbsbs]

I really wanted to see this but I can't take another moment of the music. Sorry

[@franciscocendejas1046]

What's up with that "music"?

[@kinross24]

Nice cupboards wall unit but way too deep than essential. Why block off the cab seats? Fit swivels and use them and fit slimmer wall units along the side and make the bed narrower.

[@nicroams]

I think it depends on what you class as essential. Again, we value a homely look so decided not to do swivel seats. The sofa can seat 3 comfortably, it is unlikely you will have 5 people in the van so we found it best to block off the cab and utilise an extra wall for a kitchen. Just remember everyone's layout is designed for the person in mind which doesn't meet everyone's ideal 🤗

[@stevenspainhower5493]

Nice job! I enjoyed the video, the beautiful sofa-bed, the well-spoken English, smart ideas for finishing the build, everything except the music. That intermittent rap appeals to a very small subset of the first- and second-world cultures. Another more mainstream music would have been much better. You could appeal to a much larger audience.

[@TinyLiving]

I had to watch it muted because the "music" was disturbing.

[@deecarter147]

Me too.

[@gildaparrish6551]

the music is crap

[@willhas8416]

Good video music crap

[@unpackthejudge]

great job, really horrible music though.

[@mikestone9129]

Nice video, good build. But could have done without that rap music.