Building Cheap Campervan Kitchen Units - DIY Budget Campervan Conversion

Hi all, in this video I show you how I decided to tackle our campervan's kitchen units. Like most of our build, weight and cost were at the forefront of my mind when building the kitchenette but it had to look pretty decent too! I think they turned out alright in the end.
Below are some of the links* for bits and bobs we have used in this video.
Bosch PST 800 PEL Jigsaw
amzn.to/3qFwmB6
Makita 18 V Cordless Combi Drill, 2 x Batteries, Charger and Accessory Kit, 70 pc.
amzn.to/3u9ctVh
Wickes Non-Structural Hardwood Plywood - 9 x 1220 x 2440mm
www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Non-S...
kuou 10PCS Retro Door Handle, Metal Kitchen Cupboard Drawer Cabinet Handles Knobs Handware, Copper Shell Cup Handles Brass Shell Pull Handles
amzn.to/3Lq7iJm
Door Catches,12pcs Double Roller Cupboard Door Latch Hardwarewith Screws for Home,Cabinet,Furniture (Bronze)
amzn.to/3JAlmhR
Hammerite 5084818 Metal Paint: Hammered Gold 250ml
amzn.to/3JdVqbi
Brass Plated Butterfly Hinge 40mm
www.toolstation.com/brass-pla...
So WHO are WE? We’re Scarlett, Craig and Merlin and along with Helsing, form the PILGRIM PODS!
If you enjoy this video why not check out some of our other content? Delve even deeper into our channel; we thought we’d create a series of vlogs chronicling the conversion of our old panel van HELSING (did you see what we did there?) into a weekend warrioring campervan for ADVENTURING and EXPLORING in the UK.
Each vlog will cover a stage or smaller element of our campervan build, showing our ideas put into action and highlighting our SUCCESSES and FAILURES along the way. With no previous experience this may make for an interesting journey! Our plan is to convert a cheap van on a small budget without cutting corners and at the end, have a campervan to be proud of. We’re hoping you’d like to join us for this journey and that you find our uploads ENTERTAINING and even, INFORMATIVE!
Want to see what we’re up to between videos?
► Instagram / pilgrimpods
► Facebook / pilgrimpods
Thanks for checking us out. MUCH LOVE!
Scarlett, Craig and Merlin x
Music we've used in this video:
Acoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals / davidhydemusic
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported- CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/acoustic-folk-instrume...
Music promoted by Audio Library • Acoustic Folk Instrume...
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley / scottbuckley​
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/l-wanderlust​
Music promoted by Audio Library • Wanderlust - Scott Buc...
*All the above are affiliate links from which we earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
#pilgrimpods #selfbuildcampervan #campervankitchen #diybudgetcampervanconversion #citroenrelaycampervanconversion #citroenrelaycampervan

[@bentraves4332]

Your clearly very good at what you do but you are also coming across as one of the most down to earth real people on KZbin

[@grahamjohnstone3483]

Yours is my favourite campervan build channel. It's so refreshing to see a van built on a budget and given some unique character.

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers Graham, that's really kind of you to say!

[@AMGMANIAC]

You deserve way more views than you get. I've loved watching your build and subbed when I first watched you paint it.. Mine is done now all bar some finishing touches, aren't they always so time consuming? Some great innovative ideas in your build. Thanks for sharing.

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers mate. More views would be nice but it's not like I'm trying to earn a living out of it so all is good. And yes, they are time consuming! 😄

[@arnovanleest3503]

Hope you’re well Craig and that we’ll see an update soon!

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks mate. How are you getting on?

[@beverleydryland1146]

Hi and thankyou for filming this very detailed van build from Bunbury western Australia x

[@alanlovatt]

Can’t believe we’ve just found your channel, binge watched it, amazing build, we love Van Helsing you have done a fantastic job❤️

[@Talleran]

Hi Craig, just wanted to let you know these videos have been really useful for inspiration and methods for us! Coming to the end of our build now. Thank you!

[@mole3481]

You've done a fantastic job. Ply isn't always the easiest material to get neat but you've done a brilliant job. I love the colour and the worktop idea also.

[@errolmagill1611]

The build is great, well thought out and your not afraid to be different. Your video production is real quality, well done, I'm looking forward to more.

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks Errol, really kind of you to say!

[@anthonybrown7959]

Loved all your narration. Clear and informative. Great personal build. I will be taking and using some of your technique and using it on my build. Cracking job. I hope your proud of your build. 👏

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks Anthony, Scarlett is proud of what I'm managing to throw together I have to say. Best of luck with your own build mate!

[@s.gardner9145]

Thank you for the great video. I've been feeling lost on how to start my kitchen build and this was so simple to follow, I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into it instead of dreading it. 🙏

[@heatherread5314]

Never did see the completely finished van. Hopefully you're all out and about enjoying your van. Thanks for sharing have enjoyed and been informed by your vids.

[@PilgrimPods]

Not yet!

[@andrewpriest2263]

Top job as usual. No nonsense quality real world build, nice one Craig .

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks Andrew! It's turning out alright. 🙂

[@merrickwylde5154]

This was brilliant. Simple, real and useful. So glad I found this. Cheers

[@ClanGunnBushcraft]

Kitchen looks awesome brother!! I'm at the same stage on my build... Kitchens going in this weekend. Take care and God bless

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers mate! Best of luck with your own.

[@leeporter70]

brilliant Craig, big slap on the on back, great Job.

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers Lee! 🍻

[@craigbaxter4842]

Great to see a poster from my home town (Felixstowe) on your worktop👌👌

[@jilliansmith9677]

This is just what needed to watch ! Thanks for sharing this 😀 xx

[@rebeccaholohan8501]

Thanks for that exactly what we needed for ours

[@jeb-zf4un]

oooooh looking proper now. good job.

[@PilgrimPods]

Ta mate! Starting to come together now.

[@jeb-zf4un]

@@PilgrimPods I'm just starting to build 24v 50ah lithium battery for use with hybrid inverter charger thingy. Sounds like I know what I'm doing which I don't haha

[@MrGclyde]

Hiya, I'm new to your channel and can't stop watching your vids. Well done mate and thank you for the tips and advice. I'm a chartered building engineer and agree 100% with you on your take on the lack of a vapour control layer :)

[@MrGclyde]

Also, where did you get the curved metal trim from?

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks and welcome

[@HK.Builds]

I'm so glad I found this channel. You actually inspired me a few months back so I went out and bought a van. I am turning mine into a very high tech van, heated water, solenoids to dump waste, 4000W inverter etc the thing that scares me is the woodwork lol. But seeing you do it has realy given me confidence. Keep up the great work. Imo the best van build series on KZbin.

[@PilgrimPods]

Sounds like that van will be a beast! Would love to check it out. If I can do a half decent job with the woodwork anyone can.😊🍻

[@stevewetherall6821]

Solenoids for waste sound useful, can you post a link to where I can get one of these. I thought about doing that so I could crack the waste open on the road. Cheers

[@HK.Builds]

@@stevewetherall6821 hi mate, can't post links for some reason think KZbin doesn't allow it in the comments. But just search for some 12V normally closed solenoids, they usually come with all the pipes fitted and are about £20. They are great. I have to think about how to stop them getting frozen in winter so my waste tank has heated pads and an overflow to the road built into it. Also have put a manual valve just before the solenoid so if it ever does fail I can manually open the drain or close the drain and replace the solenoid. Hope that helps.

[@brianfindsall]

well i,v watchem many van builds on here but yours was a breath of fresh air. your very handy with fresh ideas. and on top of that your a natural at filming presenting and editing. i too binge watched all your vlogs, now i,m dissapointed. where did you go. did you go on hols with your van yer mrs and your fantastic dog ? get yourself back on here your a natural content producer. there,s money to be made on here for folks like you......Best Regards Bri

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers Brian. Work got in the way... 😩

[@maven2k]

Beautiful job! That counter top (bench, I mean, excuse my American!) is brilliant. The whole thing looks amazing.

[@PilgrimPods]

Excused! 😉 Cheers Ron.

[@rejeannagwynn5665]

Love this!

[@T8RTU]

Great and practical kitchen with some inspiration for everyone to learn from and enjoy 😊 Not so long before you can be out and about! 😎👍✅✅✅

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers Andrew! We got back our agreed valuation today from the insurers so will start getting out it in now.

[@T8RTU]

@@PilgrimPods absolutely brilliant news!

[@kevingalloway9338]

Looks brilliant. Thanks for sharing

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks for checking it out Kev!

[@kevingalloway9338]

@@PilgrimPods watched them all buddy

[@alantipple3684]

Love it have given me some ideas although not quite at that stage yet thanks for sharing

[@PilgrimPods]

Glad at least one person has taken something from it! 😁

[@lud1593]

Cracking job mate👍 Ive watched all your vids and really enjoyed them. Love the cooker and the worktops. You'll be out and about by the summer. If your going to the campervan show 5/6th june Stratford on Avon I'd love to have a chat and see the van😃👍

[@PilgrimPods]

Haven't thought about attending any shows to be honest. Would love a chat though!

[@tstuart7333]

🙈🙉🙊 Quick Craig clear the dinning room table the wife is coming.. OOpps too later. The camper is looking really great. The work is amazing . Its good to see you back. Hope you are all better now. Have a great day folks.

[@PilgrimPods]

Ha! Thanks mate. I'm OK but my blood pressure has decided to have an hiccup!

[@debbie62140]

Looking good! I like the individual touches 😀The Porta Potti will be heavy when full and that flimsy catch won't hold if you have to brake hard or hit something, think about making it a bit more secure.

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks for the advice Debbie!

[@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854]

Looks amazing soon be on the first trip out all the best donny

[@PilgrimPods]

Once we have an agreed valuation on the van we'll be out there exploring! 🙂

[@goingmouch3753]

Brilliant mate….good job

[@PilgrimPods]

Ta mate! 🍻

[@paulr7898]

Great series of videos, definitely feel inspired by what you have achieved. A real shame you didn't finish filming the remaining jobs and post on KZbin.

[@thomchambers6469]

Great video thanks!! Could you recommend some good instructions for building the drawers?

[@climbthatmountainuk]

Hi! Thank you so much for all your videos!!! Just to check… are you still going to do a second fox electrics video? Your first one on cabling was so helpful. A follow up would be amazing if you discuss fuse sizes, wiring fuse box etc etc etc. Thanks!!

[@PilgrimPods]

I was undecided to be honest as I'm no expert and wouldn't want someone following my example and doing something wrong! I'll pit something out but how detailed that is I don't know yet. 🙂

[@michaelwatson7223]

Where did you get the sink and hob? They are fabulous! Love your videos and just when I get stuck on my build you release a video of what I need to do!! Best build videos by far, no nonsense, just inspiring people to have a go!

[@PilgrimPods]

Apologies for the slow reply mate. They're a Flavel B600 cooker and a 'utility' sink which were both eBay purchases. As always, thanks for taking the time to watch. 🙂🍻

[@shandelebroyles1099]

Love the floor!! At least it's not grey like so many in the US have. I wish we could get a sink like that and the cook stove in the US. 💚

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks Shandele! Surely there has to be something similar over there in the States. 🙂

[@ramonfamily7129]

Where did you find your sink?

[@PilgrimPods]

@@ramonfamily7129 it's an enamel utility sink. We picked ours up off eBay.

[@andycosway1840]

Got me hooked watching your uploads, awesome work, just need to know where you got the 9mm shower trim from if you are able to help, can only find 12mm

[@michealgillman7418]

Just wanted to say, you cooker like exactly like the one we used to have in our static caravan back in the 70's. We used to use it for heating...oh well, we are still alive luckily 😉 Mick

[@PilgrimPods]

😮 yeah... I'll be doing some thorough research to ensure we make it as safe as possible. When not in use it will most definitely have the gas isolated. 🙂

[@JonNewlyn]

Hi Craig, Sandy and I love your channel. We too have bought a Relay and, upon your recommendation we use Stixall and it works brilliantly. We've also started our channel on our build, it's called Hugo a go go. And we've referenced you.

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks and all the best with your own channel and build!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

I like the color of your van

[@willryan4000]

Great job! You’re the main inspiration behind my van kitchen build. Just wondering, did you use the same ply that you cut out from the facia as the cupboard doors? If so how did you avoid the drill holes being visible? Cheers!!

[@deanaustin996]

Well put together videos did you finish the van

[@mattt1974UK]

Nice, I'm just starting my kitchen. I put my diesel heater underneath the driver seat and plumbed in to the van's fuel tank.

[@PilgrimPods]

Was it difficult to mount the heater underneath the driver's seat? I was going to mount our heater inside the step from the cab I'm building but it's rammed underneath the van with the exhaust etc. Thinking of mounting it underneath the oven now behind the pan door as it's clear beneath.

[@mattt1974UK]

@@PilgrimPods not that hard to do, just a bit of a faff taking the seat out first. I'm happy to send you photos of the job.

[@michealgillman7418]

Stunning job Craig...glad to see your nearly there...think we are level pegging, mines nearly done to! Great job all the way though...that's yours not mine! Hope to see you on the road somewhere?? Regards Mick

[@PilgrimPods]

Exciting times for us both Mick! Hopefully our paths will cross one day. 🙂🍻

[@bikeworldted5893]

Hi gang. Only just discovered your channel and I'm finding it so helpful. Up until now I'd never heard of a pocket hole drill, how neat are they!!! I've gone and purchased one for my units in my T4 and had a quick practice. My question is, did you use glue as well (I may have missed it if you did) or just the screws? Keep up the great work 👍👍

[@PilgrimPods]

Glad someone has found one of our videos useful. I always try and glue and screw with woodwork. That gorilla glue seems to last forever!

[@jamesadamson2261]

love watching your channel, when is the next vlog out??

[@PilgrimPods]

Work got in the way unfortunately.

[@sanctuaryyogadarlington]

Hello! Firstly thank you for your great videos. I’m at the same stage with my campervan. I’m just about to cut the cupboard doors out (I’ve never done this before) and have used a few test bits first. I’ve drilled into the wood but the jigsaw blade won’t fit. If I drill with a bigger bit then I don’t get the smooth finish I’m after. Any tips greatly appreciated 😊

[@UKRussellSmith]

Another great video and some brilliant ideas. What fridge have you got?

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks mate. It's a Vitrifrigo C51i. A couple of independent tests confirmed it was more efficient than the popular Waeco CR50 which was what made my mind up for me. Arguably I guess most of us wouldn't notice the difference though!

[@stevewetherall6821]

Love your van, it's coming along nicely. I notice you have the mattress in, is this a standard double? I saw the vid of making the bed, brilliant. Just wanted to confirm if the mattress was standard and if it bunches up any in the corners? Cheers, well done, keep it up, love the channel

[@PilgrimPods]

Custom made by a local company.

[@janewilson2185]

Hi Craig really love your kitchen. Can I ask the detail of how you secured the gas bottle in the cupboard please? Is the strap simply screwed into the cupboard wall? Thanks

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks Jane. Just a couple of screws to attach the holder. I purposely made sure to have a bit of frame behind the ply lining to screw into. I made a point of showing it in the video though didn't highlight it.

[@brightgreencarrot]

Nice 👍

[@stephenpoessl5464]

Your cabinet work and Finnish I really like give yourself a pat on the back

[@PilgrimPods]

Cheers Stephen!

[@newvannoplan756]

Hi guys, watched many of your vids and they also helped me with my build that I have just finished. I even have the same oven as you. Are you coming back or is that it now. Best regards.

[@PilgrimPods]

I will finish it one day! Work got in the way.

[@debbie62140]

Hope all is well.

[@KarenShellam]

Hi Craig. Can you tell me where your fantastic sink is from please? Also love the oven. 🙂

[@PilgrimPods]

Ebay purchase. 😊

[@deranocasper]

Beautiful kitchen where did you pick up the sink and cooker propper stunner tidy van

[@PilgrimPods]

Ebay purchases.😊

[@residentweavil233]

afternoon mate i had a couple of questions on that gas stove . where did you get it and did you have to refurb or reenamel it. i found a flavelb700 but they are rare and in general in shocking shape due to age. yours looked almost brand new :)

[@Molly.and.squeak]

This might be a dumb question but how much do u think the cabinets would weigh? Your build is awesome. I'm up to the walls and have just found your video about framing the window. Thank you so much for all the tips!

[@PilgrimPods]

Hi Michelle, I didn't have an exact figure in mind rather I was just mindful of the materials I was using to limit the weight. Thanks for taking the time to check it out!

[@Molly.and.squeak]

@@PilgrimPods Thanks for responding :) Gonna binge watch all your videos now!

[@dingdingding0]

Absolutely incredible 👏 Please can I employ you for a weekend to help with my kitchen build 😅

[@PilgrimPods]

😄

[@sierraecho884]

You need to decrease weight as much as possible for a van, thus my proposal would be to use a forstner drill, say ø25mm if your frame is about 50mm and simply drill out some material every say 50mm or so. You will keep about 90%-80% of strength but decrease weight by up to 50%. This is a very cheap and easy method, but it takes some time. You can see similar methods being applied to structural aviation designs since WW1. An other idea would be ( way more labor intense but saves a loooooot of weight) is to use you own veneer sheets and create your own shaped plywood this way. Veneers are usually 0,5mm thick per sheet taking 3 of them will result in ca. 1,5mm shaped sheets, so you can use the shapes sheets like sheet metal and rivet the cabinets without any usage of an underlying frame. This would save the whole frame weight, alternativly you can use thin plywood sheets and an aluminium frame, but this way more expensive.

[@paulg8524]

Have you finished yet mate, will need some adventure vlogs next

[@PilgrimPods]

Never did finish. Work got in the way!

[@paulg8524]

@@PilgrimPods you should keep making vids, you have a good subscriber base and deffo could make the channel a success

[@PilgrimPods]

@paulg8524 cheers mate 🍻

[@natalieleigh1046]

Hi where did you get yoru cooker please?

[@ryanbrownnew]

Hi what size Optimaxx Screws do you use please?

[@leeharris8839]

Hi did you finish your van as we enjoyed watching your videos but none showing electrical installation etc ?

[@PilgrimPods]

Hi Lee, never did finish it because work got in the way. It's sat on the drive waiting to be wired up. 😄

[@anthonyhoran2543]

Hi have I missed the next video in the build . I can’t find it. I want to see it finished lol

[@PilgrimPods]

Work got in the way. 😊

[@paulmullaney5566]

Should the gas bottle have a vent to the outside of the van ?

[@PilgrimPods]

It does.

[@mollyhigham3460]

Where can I find your bed build

[@SolomonKamau]

what brand is oven

[@mikelaverty856]

You're ace

[@PilgrimPods]

Thanks!

[@tentation5328]

Hey man any new videos 😢😢 it's being a full 1 year waiting love from india

[@paulg8524]

did you ever finish the build?

[@PilgrimPods]

Nope! 😩

[@robertstevenson3126]

Will that video be in another 4 month's hopefully sooner

[@PilgrimPods]

Shock and horror it's almost recorded! 😄 I've only really built a step and fitted a table. The end is in sight!

[@iddondepths]

how's helsing doing? hope all is well

[@PilgrimPods]

All is well here. Work got in the way. 😊

[@doraexplora9046]

I like the build. But I don't like your bench top pictures. I think that will grow old really quickly. The cabinet design is much better than pywood sheets and the paint colour is really nice. Well done!

[@dukesdailydiaries9747]

Least your way is affordable pal

[@shandelebroyles1099]

The counters would have looked really good with the plain wood. Too bad. I love the cabinets except that.

[@PilgrimPods]

Oh well, we can't win it all can we! Thanks for taking the time to check the video out. 😊

[@Orangehippo17]

did you die

[@PilgrimPods]

Thankfully not! Work has got in the way. 😊