Building a Solar Cabin on Wheels | Van Conversion Framing and Insulation | Dodge Ram Adventure Van

[@dman0042]

Just glued the wood straight to the floor. Surprised you didnt put any spund deadening down or any insulation under the wood floor. Also its good to unscrew the trim around the window and reseal them. I did all three of mine and there were holes and gaps from the factory. I was quite surprised.

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

If you strip a factory vehicle you will recognize that there is thin denim insulation and carpet glued straight to the floor. This holds on to moisture etc. The plywood creates an air gap with the ribs of the van and allows for air flow of the floor. I have nothing against insulating the floor. If you want to save space and money this is where it can happen. I should've resealed all of the windows like you mentioned. I have seen others do that! Thank you for watching my video and leaving advice

[@ricksmith7631]

This is why i love your channel, very hands on and showing the steps you take during the process, plus the music isnt overbearing

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

I really appreciate positive feedback like this! Thanks for checking out this video.

[@AlexVanLifee]

I have a 95 b2500, Going through the process of converting it now. I was curious how you put the framing together? Did you screw each piece together?

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Yes all the framing pieces are screwed together as well as pressure fitted and screwed into sheet metal when available (ribs or bracket holding figerglass topper on).

[@infernaldaedra]

Make sure you coat plywood with a sealer of polyurethane

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Thanks for the tip!!

[@infernaldaedra]

@@SeizeTheAdventureCo I'm currently renovating a '97 that's basically identical, I don't think the interior is that old, but the company that built it used a foam base for the base floor and cheap *Carpet!* Instead of plywood base with hardwood floor which I think absorbed enough moisture to allow mildew growth which eventually spread into all of the wood construction, I also found cheap fiberglass insulation in the door panels which absolutely does not work because it blocks the door drains, it absorbs and wicks moisture and caused small rust spots in one of the doors. In my case thankfully the body doesn't need much work other than a little filler in that one spot and a good amount of paint and scratch work I may try to weld a piece of sheet metal in place and repair it but because it's in a moisture prone area I'll probably just use reinforced filler material. I also like the idea of using JBweld over the holes in the van body to as I was thinking of welding and painting the metal but the JBweld idea is somewhat of a better option because it's easier to work with and will do the job perfectly without adding any more paintwork to the renovation. It might even be possible to just use liquid nails and paint over it on small 1-2cm holes to save a buck too! Thankfully most of the project has turned out better than I had initially thought. But mine has pretty horrendous electrical gremlins which I have been slowly picking off one by one. Don't let any foo just install a sound system either I've been pulling wires that have like 10 different wire gauges along them to the back speakers with every brand of wire imaginable all elec-tweakal taped together 🤣 Also 3m thinsulate I think is much better because it breaths well, stays dry and resists mold growth. 🤮 And from what Ive seen wood is the best way to go all around just for the cost and simplicity of keeping it clean and maintained having reduced surface area and dust mitigation, another good benefit is you can quickly sterilize and clean smooth surfaces. 👍 3M thinsulate or foil backed sound type dampening insulation seem like best options for insulating I'm thinking foil backed might be better for sound deadening but is more expensive and the wood will probably add enough that it shouldn't be an issue. that and thinsulate is synthetic and doesn't absorb moisture from the air. What I am thinking is using 3M thinsulate in the sidewalls and foil deadening in the door panels. And using a brush on eurethane on the back of the wood to maybe improve the air quality and a deck sealer on the base floor to keep it long lasting as possible. Also Rust reformer is awesome I used that after I cleaned underneath the vehicle to make sure there were no bad rust spots and if you stay it right leaves a great primer finish and looks mint 👍 just spray even coats and it's actually a very good protective paint primer.

[@BittyBooBrown]

How many rolls of the insulation did it take to do the whole van?

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

I purchased 1 roll of thinsulate on Amazon (link to the exact one in the video description). This allowed me to do all the walls and doors. Then I used foam board for the ceiling. Hope this helps

[@vlatter9537]

Would I be able to get away with: putting reflectix behind thinsulate (after the thinsulate - opposite to wall) so I could get sound proof + heat reflecting ?

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

This idea definitely has no downside. Remember that reflectix only has a insulating properties when it has a small air gap next to it. Otherwise the insulating properties are minimal. It still acts as a radiant heat barrier, vapor barrier, and sound deadening in this instance so its beneficial in my opinion. Hope this helps.

[@vlatter9537]

@@SeizeTheAdventureCo thank you for this great reply. I will try insulatr, then a small gap for reflectix. Praise Yah!

[@Brnd6n]

This is an old video but I’m currently doing a conversion rn with the same van and was wondering what colors you chose to paint the van with? I like it and want to use it too. Thanks!

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

The exterior was painted with “sand” color Durabak-18 and black rustoleum bed liner for the trim. Hope this helps!

[@Oh.Kayy.cosmetics]

How did you do the frame work

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

The framing in this van was tricky as there are many windows and in my case a rib cut out for them. I framed out the walls by using 1x2 and pressure fitting them against the floor, windows, and where the van meets the fiberglass roof. Once I got basic boxes around the walls I supported them with cross members where I felt made the most sense to do so. I hope this helps and thanks for watching.

[@carlnadal4901]

I have a stupid question ? Where are your jack , and tools ? Thanks Carl

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Keep them under the bed platform!

[@dabeadlady]

Were you able to take out the passenger heater or did you just incorporate it in the design?

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

I left the rear unit inside the van! I routed one of the hoses up to the corner and used the existing vent. I have it angled towards the bed so while I’m in transit my dog can enjoy warm and cool air as well. Hope this helps

[@GlockLesnar_]

Any chance you remember how much thinsulate you had to work with? Starting a build with the same van and don’t know how much to order

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

I want to say it was the 20 x 60 option on Amazon but don’t hold me to it. Pretty sure I had essentially the perfect amount for walls and doors then use foam for the ceiling.

[@GlockLesnar_]

@ wow thanks for the quick reply on such an old video! Gonna grab the next size up to hopefully have enough for the ceiling as well

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

@ no problem, here to inspire and help out when I can. Good idea. The stuff was awesome to work with. Good luck!

[@EastMiNomad33]

Hey for your buddy heater i recommend getting a Thermal electric fan to put on top so that the heat doesn't just go straight up the fan will run off the heat I put one on mine it is excellent

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

That’s a really great idea to ensure the heat is distributed evenly. I’ll be installing a diesel heater in this build, and makes me think that strategically placing the vent in a way where it’s not going to just blow warm air out of the van. Really enjoy when people leave great advice down in the comments section, so thank you!

[@EastMiNomad33]

@@SeizeTheAdventureCo hey thank you man thanks to your videos my van build is going great i was thinking about posting it but i don't know if I'm ready to be on camera lol i have a 2001 chevy astro awd just put the floor in!

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

@@EastMiNomad33 that’s awesome! Glad my videos are helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@fr3847]

are u you using 2x1s for the framing?

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Yes 1x2 furring strips were used to frame out the van, I find they are plenty sturdy once pressure fitted and screwed into sheet metal.

[@felionrobinson698]

When screwing in the boards for the ceiling and floors,are the screws sticking out of the metal and does it leave a hole? Going through conversion myself

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Buy screws to the appropriate length so they don't poke out!

[@brenryan6019]

Fantastic! The wall ribbing looks so professionally done. Glad that heater is getting some use as well. Keep it up!

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Thanks Bren! The heater is getting some great use these days 🔥

[@AudioArcadeWorld]

What was your method to take it out the rear seat? I am currently working on my van and looking for some advice. Thanks in advance!

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

The rear seats were bolted through the floor. I got underneath the van while someone unbolted them from the top.

[@nicolegee2645]

Nice work! Definitely an upgrade from the last van.

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

Thanks!!

[@lindaperez3761]

Did you put any insulation on the floor? Do you also accept converting others van?

[@SeizeTheAdventureCo]

I did not insulate the floor of my van. I’m 5’11” and don’t like to sacrifice the head room in these small vans. I’ve found that the plywood subfloor and vinyl floor with a nice fuzzy decorative rug is sufficient to keep the feet warm. My theory is that heat rises so I’m order to insulate well we need a well insulated ceiling so I prioritize that and sacrifice head room there. Hope this makes sense. If you are interested in getting your van converted, feel free to shoot me an email [e-mail] and we will see what we can do for you 😁 Thanks for watching!