BUILDING OUR HOME: Creating WATER TANKS from SCRATCH / Van Life Build #13

[@ladiandmargaret]

PART 2! Adding components to our tanks has been a victory so far, but we got PART 3 coming for you soon! I (Margaret) have been trying my best to make these videos easy to follow (even with complicated Ladi projects such as these...) and welcome ALL feedback on how we can make this channel more enjoyable to watch :) We also have CONSTRUCTION AT THE WORKSHOP happening at 7am TOMORROW! AHH!!! 2021 is def our biggest build year yet!

[@afroborilafemme]

Keep it coming Margaret! I love your videos!

[@juliemac5604]

You are killing it on the music.

[@juliemac5604]

These videos are so entertaining. I am curious about the family, though. With everything being so DIY around the workshop, I want to know who built what, and how...I may be asking for too much, it’s just where my curiosity goes as I see the environment around you.

[@Fredzor96]

-> Ladi&Margaret will you add insulation on the outside of the water tank to prevent freezing, i know you added a heating coil but just to save some work for that heating coil ?

[@douglascampbell9809]

I'm watching this in Minnesota, It's -2 C right now.

[@fionar5682]

The take that you two have on van life and life in general is seriously the most genuine and inspiring. LOVE IT!

[@sherylmccormick754]

I'll never build a van but I really enjoy watching you figure out everything and explain and show is all so well. You are super cute together, and I love your voices and positive energy.

[@rebeccahlewis1403]

Margaret, I just have to say, your hair is GORGEOUS. I always enjoy watching your build, you both are so talented! And I love the Millie cameos.

[@romlyn99]

You two are the ultimate example of innovation and grit and intelligence in design. We love all the great things you come up.

[@fractalzoomgoggles]

I dont think anyone will complain about more episodes in this series! Keep up the good work

[@rafaelrios5228]

I forgot it was wednesday, you guys made my day

[@ladiandmargaret]

these video uploads are the only way we keep track of the days too XD hehe

[@georgiahikes]

Just a couple thoughts from someone who has done similar projects in the past: 1. The bulkheads typically use a rubber gasket that goes between the inner wall and the flange. I couldn’t tell whether you guys installed them that way (or sealed them using some other technique) but you may have leakage issues with the modified flange applying uneven pressure on the seal. 2. Also, as a rule of thumb you can screw plastic into metal, but not metal into plastic. Metal expands and contracts at a different rate than the plastic and will often crack the plastic fitting. This may be exacerbated by its proximity to the heater. Not a criticism at all, but I’ve encountered these problems in the past. I hope I’m wrong, and you never have any problems. Thank you for sharing!

[@HarryMac-Scotland]

They’re doing a great job so far - with al, the thought & work that’s gone into it I was a bit surprised with where the water heater is placed, if the element fails they’ll need to remove the drain valve & piping to replace it

[@Jalte7]

I just wanted to say thank you! This is similar to something I posted in response to John’s pinned comment as well. We need people like you to grow and develop actual good products. (I saw the water tanks they gave you and your quality is 1,000,000 times better than them as just beginners) I do worry about flexibility compared to normal tanks if I am being completely honest. But, you are inventors willing to share their ideas, Then improve them and grow together to not only improve your lives, but ours as well. People don’t have to buy/use their ideas. Same as anything you buy from a big box store, online or anywhere. - You engineer amazing ideas, not thinking if profit, but how to improve everyone’s lives. If we did not have people like you, we would not be here today. Keep up the incredible work :) Be grateful, not hateful.

[@DaddySaysGlosOjca]

Netflix has got its "F1 Drive to survive" and YT (we) has (have) got Ladi & Margaret! I am hooked! Great job. I can see myself in Ladi...everything has to be perfect, but...it takes time!

[@matejorsag6515]

Ladi is a great example of a Czech inventor. Czechs throughout their history invented and improvised so many inventions. He is a true son of this tradition.

[@JeanettGilmore]

I’m really looking forward to see whether the water tank and grey water will freeze or not with the temperature senaor. Really cool that you are customising your own one!

[@ladiandmargaret]

really hoping its no issue! The tanks will be wrapped in insulation and the heater should automatically turn on when it gets too cold. But I (Margaret) also do not like cold weather and for many years prior to 2020 I did a good job dodging winter.... hoping that will be the case next year. I wanna ship this van to Santorini for the winter months ha!

[@G58]

Plastic welding looks like something I need to get into. I already know I should be 3D printing. This is a very interesting stage of your project. Because of the exposure and clearance issues you’ve already mentioned, I was planning to put my water tanks inside the van under the floor. And bigger wheels will affect your gear ratios, generally increasing revs in all gears, reducing your top speed and increasing fuel consumption. But, having owned several Citroen BX estate cars in the past, I do like the idea of variable suspension. Ever time you do a new stage, you give me a new set of things to think about. Thank you for sharing your project.

[@DebbraLupien_AkashicRecords]

Love being a fly on the wall for your creative process. Hey Margaret, when the wheelbarrow doesn't go forward smoothly, turn around and pull it. (Bonus) You'll work different muscles and it's so much easier. Have to do that on the farm all the time. 😊

[@jupiteradventure5284]

Well that comment got you a sub Debbra ;)

[@DebbraLupien_AkashicRecords]

@@jupiteradventure5284 how lovely. Thank you. 😊

[@jupiteradventure5284]

@@DebbraLupien_AkashicRecords You're welcome. May I enquire which continent you are on in 3D please?

[@DebbraLupien_AkashicRecords]

@@jupiteradventure5284 North America. How about you?

[@markdemedeiros3239]

No one but the mad Chechen Scientist could create such a magnificent water tank. Congrats Ladi you've done it again.

[@elperro1953]

he is Czech, not Chechen (Chechnya is part of russia, Czech republic - short Czechia is in center of Europe)... but agree, he is mad scientist

[@ninnelis]

Sorry my feedback. Are you going to install a metal sheet under the tank? Rocks, frost, strokes and abrasions do damage the bottom very easily. When the plastic is frosen it might brust only for heavy weight of water. Also your plastic glue might not be waterproof in frost weather. Anyway I really like your new videos and you are one of the most expected vlog to see! ❤️

[@johannab3668]

Omg, these have to be the most overengineered water tanks I've ever seen - AND I'M HERE FOR IT! 😄 Great editing, too. I appreciated the glamor shots of the rolling pipe / fitting thing. And of course, great cat content!

[@kairos3612]

yes awesome, what a pleasure to follow you, so inspiring to follow you, a great craftsman and a wonder woman

[@happycamperinc.]

Margaret i specially appreciate your hard work in those song . Those are great every single time.

[@ianrobinson4501]

Not only do you explain whot you are doing so well but I love the drone work as well

[@bartoszgrzymek9911]

I just found your channel, and binged the whole covid van playlist! Great job guys, Ladi's attention to details and skills are crazy. Great production value too! Can't wait for the next video guys

[@ladiandmargaret]

30 minutes away from upload!

[@MultiPJoys]

Loved it when you said 'Done!' simultaneously 😄 Those tanks look like a piece of art, looking forward to the next episode!

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

omg welding your own tanks, you guys (yes, both of you combined... somehow) are like the Iron Man of van conversions!!!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Cannot believe you stressed so much over Millie on the roof!!!! She got up there. She can get down. Tanks coming along great. Good money spinner too. 👍🏻

[@bensteel3944]

Just seems that everything you build has the potential to make money for you and it's great to see.

[@Jbirdjr28]

In grad school one of my teacher's favorite sayings was "the learning is in the doing". I still say it to myself when I get stuck in analysis paralysis! ❤️

[@steveallen8987]

Nice work. I am going to route the exhaust from the diesel heater through an immersion pipe in the bottom of the tank. Switchable so in summer it is diverted directly to air and in winter it goes through the tank.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Phenomenal! So much to love about this video. Looking forward to part 3 of the tank micro-series.

[@Yannispawn]

In Ladi’s own words ‘WOW WOW WOW’ ! Great job.

[@mihastare3289]

You guys are amazing. Your work is so legit. Ladi really knows how to do everything. Keep it coming!

[@diegofernandez1013]

Yall are an inspiration. I have no tools, skillset, or experience but yall inspire me to one day create my own builds and find my own hobby

[@ladiandmargaret]

that is so awesome to hear, Diego! Thank yoU! Hope you join us for another episode in the future!

[@David_11111]

Ladi wrapped ptfe tape in the bottom of the threads ... that only seals half the thread :) he needed to wrap the thread ! ? Maybe he did LOL

[@lolwu7718]

Those holes are very close. The stress on the tiny piece of plastic between the opening may make the tank fail over time.

[@nagendragpu]

I was thinking the same thing they are too close

[@DomAviationChannel]

I don´t like the heating solution ...you´ll only heat a small part of the tank and when there is not enough water you might even damage the tank. I´d rather take a 12 Volt floor heating solution and put it on the whole tank.

[@blu35cr3w]

I don't see much potential for stress there - taking into account the thickness of the material and the position of the tank. He could've done it with more space in mind but again I don't see any problem during the lifetime of the van. And if you can get a view on professional tanks, you can see (not on all of them) that they're doing it the same way - sometimes even worse than his solution.

[@Waveluth]

@@DomAviationChannel The idea of this type of heating element is to keep the water from freezing. That setup will do the job easily. I understand your concern but it’s unnecessary. ✌🏻🇺🇸

[@MrGundawindy]

I was more concerned with potentially having to remove the drain to access the heater if it ever needs changing.

[@BourderijKabouter]

Tank looks awesome! One recommendation would be to add a level switch in series with the heating element. If the heating element gets turned on absent water, they burn out in just a few seconds. The replacement of the heater element looks like a pain, so a level switch in line would be a great redundant measure to avoid headache.

[@BourderijKabouter]

If your level sensor has a variable voltage or current output, you could use that for protecting the heating element without needing another component in the tank and therefore through the wall. You could use a simple voltage or current switch. E.g., voltage exceeds X mV, then cut power to the heating element.

[@annatyburski6506]

Loved all the love Kua got in this episode!!! Also, you need a pair of Bernie Mittens. 🤣 and of course Ladi is an absolute magician.

[@frankstocker5475]

Margaret, It's so cool that Ladi is giving you a hand to build the tanks.

[@sandygraetz5166]

😅😂🤣

[@ladiandmargaret]

He’s a great assistant 🤣🤣

[@TWSUF-JI]

Millie's daredevil antics did not disappoint! 😻

[@lisaswinson2102]

Ladi is so smart. You guys rock. I dying to see the finish product but I’m so loving the making.

[@TheDIDSBIAK]

You're such an amazing teammates. Keep up the good work 💪

[@ddjwebb]

Just binged this build series. The workplace, the tools, the 3D printing, the music, the animals, the people, the humour -- everything is excellent. Subscribed! One request for a future video perhaps: could you elaborate on your preference to remove the bulkhead behind the cab? I like it in place to properly insulate the back of the van, but I know many others - particularly solo female travellers - feel more secure with it removed. I'm interested to hear your thoughts, but all in good time. Cheers.

[@belindachappell9875]

Amazing!! Great work guys. And go Margaret! That wood haul was massive 💪🏻

[@sas3715]

We can`t wait to see the following videos for the van, Come on guys, it`s almost Mars .. :-D

[@EvaBlake]

y'all are so inspiring in your projects and your joy. Thank you.

[@Aaron-jh7re]

done watching all part and episode. ill wait for new part and episode. thankyou for uploading this vlog ♥️

[@120Livi]

So glad I found this channel a few months ago. It's great!

[@ladiandmargaret]

yahhoooo! Glad you joined us :)

[@richardhasler4795]

Ah a lovely and precise set of tanks! I am going to suggest (ignore if you wish) that you consider fitting skid pans under the tanks, just an aluminium plate glued on will do. Although they are high up and you're going to fit a lift kit and bigger tyres/wheels, if you plan on going off road, you could easily ground the bottom of those tanks and may damage them.

[@hallieissetfree]

BIG props to you guys for taking on the challenge of building your own water tanks. It's really cool to watch the whole process! Also, I love to see those Millie clips 😊

[@ladiandmargaret]

Millie is the true MVP 😉

[@ianhoughton3349]

Again one awesome project. Ladi “I’m no professional” no your better than a professional buddy.

[@georgeproud1686]

Brilliant, I think 95€ for plans for EVERYTHING, and updates, is very reasonable. If we were in a position to do a vanbuild it would be a definite go-to. Top tip, pneumatic tyres on the wheelbarrow makes life so much easier... Roll on next Wednesday, Love from France.

[@Ian_Christensen]

5:36 When you install the tank, put a thick washer on same side as the drain to get a little angle tilt on the tank so it drains completely ;-)

[@source5729]

This tank design will revolutionize conversions going forward 👍🏼

[@galdessa1]

I have never seen anyone needing 150 litres of water. Most people make they vans cheaply, these guys are spending 1000s + 1000s on machinery.

[@ladiandmargaret]

It’s super extra, and we won’t be using all 150L often but it’ll be great to have. We’ve talked about the collection of this machinery in past vids ☺️ very lucky to live in a trade-heavy country

[@AntoineGrondin]

I like this series, good stuff! Having worked on my boat's tanks, let me provide this unsolicited advice, in case you read it; you'll thank me later! Make sure to add inspection/cleaning ports to your tanks for when you invariably need to clean them. Also cut some holes the size of your arm circumference in your baffles so you can reach beyond them. It will stop the splashing around almost as well but it'll make your tank serviceable.

[@AntoineGrondin]

This kind of stuff but in plastic: www.fisheriessupply.com/seabuilt-tank-access-plate-system. You can DIY it by making a plate that with a seal around the edge, with bolts that keep the plate and seal tight on the tank surface.

[@caraluebke9827]

I kinda got caught up in the inauguration yesterday, but this is impressive as heck. Can’t wait to see more!

[@duncanblanchard334]

Really interesting, I wonder how tough the plastic will be when under load. Putting the holes really close together will weaken the plastic, but time will tell. I think you have great skills. I would be interested to see this design made out of metal, keep warm.

[@MoonlightMotorhomes]

Shout out from New Zealand love your work - inspiring ...... thank you

[@christinebunce1640]

I hope the person you ordered the tanks off watches this and sees how they are supposed to be made. Fantastic work.

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

Air suspension! So, it's a low rider! ;) Can't wait to see it bouncing.

[@agkittyhook2257]

Thats ok Margaret, as a fellow Minne-Snow-tan, born & bred, I hate the cold too! When I retire, I'll be a classic snowbird, most likely to Arizona or New Mexico.

[@kellygoddard5798]

New Zealand trades are the best, cheers to Rob 👍😁

[@martinstokes8551]

MAN YOU ARE GENIUS

[@howardtennant5766]

Sorry your wedge design is better then my suggestion well done 👍👍👍

[@ricardosilva-sp2oy]

Super Super Super. Keep Going. Cheers from Portugal. Hoping seeing you here someday.

[@Ruthie888]

Cool info. You're living in a really pretty part of the world.

[@LH-qh4pm]

This looks awesome. So entertaining and informative to watch! Peace from northern Ireland :)

[@ashleyvandokkum]

I know this was unplanned, but I’m kinda glad that guy messed up. Ladi’s work is incredible. I couldn’t imagine anyone else ever doing this to his standards. Beautiful editing also, for whoever does these videos.

[@flyonthewall7026]

You'd make AMAZING parents 👍

[@tekeraq]

I had a similar issue in a tank design, it had 2 drain pipes on fast drainage and another with a L shape that stays a couple of mm from the bottom similar to the washing machine liquid soap drawer drainer. that way you can still use rubber grommets in both ends of the fitting.

[@LhajBELAAIDWorkshop]

Amazing bigg project. Great work 👌👌👌

[@tochriss]

Very interested to see how these shape up when in use. Will the vibration and other forces cause the welds to fail? I really like the idea of putting them on the underside of the van. Space saving indeed. Makes me wonder about locating the leisure batteries under the van or at least letting a box into floor to drop them down. Good for centre of gravity too.

[@paulschimel3572]

I love the attention to detail. #inspiring.

[@BenRawson78]

They say you get warm three times when you have a wood heater - once when you chop the wood, once when you move the wood, and once when the wood is burning. Loving the series so far, your commitment to design with ease of use is spot on, nothing is over complicated, just practical.

[@kris856]

9:32 have I already mentioned ever before, how beautiful this lady is?

[@memoriasIT]

SO AWESOME as always! Loving these!

[@paulogoncalves8054]

Very Nice ideas Parabéns Heating and sensor very very nice

[@SharkBait1628]

Yay, a new video today?! It is such a good day :)

[@ladiandmargaret]

Happy Wednesday, Meg!

[@oscarservin9181]

Hi Ladi, Margaret Congratulation for your channel, It's so funny and interesting at the same time. We (my wife and me) are alienated with the ideas that you present in this conversion. As you say, the space in campervan is highly precious, so in the particular apart of the tanks of water (clean and grey) I have the idea to put in the same space, because when you have completely full the clean water you have empty the grey water and vice versa. So, I was thinking in a grey water tank whit an inside bag, maybe an aluminum bag, with the clean water. I know that if you have a problem, it’s possible that the grey water and the clean finally are mixed (disaster), but I think that if you do all good and strong enough, it’s possible and you will win a lot of liters of space. What do you thing?

[@nomansvan827]

Mad skills, genius at work.

[@womacko]

Finally a new Episode 😍

[@HandyC]

Planks in containers like skips and barrows to increase capacity we call greedy boards in the UK. ☺️😁

[@SilverbackGC]

Not sure if this has been posted but I think I've spotted a potential issue with your heating element. The nut to remove it is on the inside of the tank. Those things don't like being turned on when they aren't submerged in water so if you empty the tank or have a low level and the temp sensor turns it on you will blow it with no way of changing it.

[@bedclintred]

Your getting there. 👍

[@R1S0.]

its always the same.... if you want something to be done properly, you must do it yourself. awesome looking water tanks....

[@troy5007]

Ladi could make a 2 wheeled for better stability electric wheel barrow? Making fire wood trips easy as pie!! 😃 ✌ great videos. Thanks for making them. Namaste. ❤

[@SuperHessu555]

If the drain is too near of an edge the plastic cracks easier. Maybe the pro guy was thinking that.

[@jupiteradventure5284]

That was screaming at me too - but I wasn't going to say it... I'm a weight freak too - but after driving diesel vehicles for 40 years weight isn't very influential on fuel consumption - the way one uses the throttle and the gears has far far more effect @Ladi

[@G58]

I can imagine some interesting dramas crossing borders in this van. I’m thinking customs will be wanting to drill holes in them to verify that there’s nothing hidden in there.

[@ladiandmargaret]

Keep your fears under control 😂

[@G58]

Ladi & Margaret I was thinking of interesting dramas, in the same way think of most likely possibilities. Entering the USA will likely be the most interesting. These are reasonable concerns. I have no fears. 🧐😎😜 Peace

[@EastLondonKiwi]

Hi Ladi. The tanks look great. However I believe you'll regret using a electric drain. In my opinion the unit will not hold up to the abuse of being under a vehicle (dirt, stones, dirty water, salted roads etc). In my opinion you'd be better served by replacing the electric valve with a flexible pipe going from the tank fitting to the side of the van, and attach a marine bung that screws onto the pipe. Its a simpler, and more bullet proof design than electronics. Also I think your heating element needs to be mounted in a plate that acts as a heat sink where unit passes through the plastic wall of the tank. As is, I can see the heater melting its way out of the side of your tank. Lastly, instead of the posts you welded in as mounting point for the lid. I would have made the baffles taller and then cut slots in the lid to fit over those. You'd have more welding surface and therefore a stronger lid mount. I hope that helps, D

[@BackyardMechCon]

Many ways to do things. They are doing great. I was thinking about the drain too. If there was that much room under it where that bracket was a small "sump" drop down could have been made and piped out the side of that. That way you'd be sure to get all the water out and any solids that form after will have a low point to collect. I know your filtering before hand but gunk is still going to form over time only it will form over the entire area instead of being localised in the sump first. I'm not sure how strong plastic welding is but hopefully it holds up to the bumps and thumps of travelling. Best of luck with it! I'm interested in the control aspect of the system as well so have subscribed for more 😃.

[@GehirnfaschingDD]

Love your maker-style ! How far is Dresden from your place ? If you need a hand in the future pls let me know. I’m all in for help! By the way ... I’ve a similar project for a customer now with planing a 100l tank out of stainless steel... heavy duty stuff with a lot of laser-action in between 😀

[@FrancescPinedaMunne]

Lodi, Margaret, amazing work!! I am three years away from retirement, and one of the plans for when I will have free time is to build wooden kayaks and a camper in order to keep my hands and brain occupied.. I have already built with a small boat and started designing the camper.... I would ask you for advice since the work your are doing is second to none. The question that I have, have you ever considered producing and selling the water tanks?

[@myentertainment55]

OMG omg omg Hooray! New episode !

[@ladiandmargaret]

our fav day of the week!

[@etienneE]

Ladi is a very funny guy :)

[@carica952]

Nice work 😍👍

[@andrewgilbride7546]

Surely if you want a tank to drain completely you put the drain on the bottom of the tank not the side.

[@villageblunder4787]

Depends if you want your drain to be left on the road!

[@jjbowman4653]

I think they wanted to make sure it could not be seen, they mentioned it would be hidden for the most part behind the wheels😁

[@Mark_Dee]

Ground clearance

[@The_Arby]

Another cool video guys :-) Hope it all works out for you and no leakage :-)

[@coreydavies5314]

love watching van vids need to make more vids on the ebikes

[@ladiandmargaret]

yes we plan to very soon! Wrapping up production of some CyberBikes and want to show what they are all about! Some pretty awesome customizations have happened

[@saraandmoeandbaby]

I’m surprised you guys didn’t put caulking or silicone on the back of the drain hole plates on the inside so when it made contact with the plastic it would create a seal. I’m very intrigued about the next video and how you addressed leaks and also are you gonna do a test run of the tanks outside with the heater abd temperature monitor?

[@ellipszilonq]

You two are the cutest :D

[@Lugges]

awesome work - as usual :D How about a recirculating shower for the new van? You are one of the few that could figure out how to build this in the most practical way, i guess.. Good Luck with the build!

[@ladiandmargaret]

We found the recirculating shower absolutely unnecessary in the places we most commonly travel. We never take long showers and water is available everywhere. No need for overcomplicated regular maintenance requiring system.

[@Lugges]

@@ladiandmargaret thank you for the quick reply. I guess I underestimated the avaliability of freshwater all over europe. Although a selfbuild van is my ultimate dream, for now I don‘t have enough freetime or money for that. But I‘m getting there. Thank you for all your awesome tipps and videos. Wish you all the best from Germany 😊

[@willswill8163]

I was sitting here, waiting for your video. Thank god, now I can go to bed

[@ladiandmargaret]

Hope you enjoyed it! A video with Millie content guarantees 100% happy dreams. Studies have proved this... ;)

[@jasmineppaladino]

O love how ladi is amazed of himself hahahahahaha

[@Asianess23]

Absolutely love the notifications

[@ladiandmargaret]

Yayay thanks, Karen! Always love reading your thoughts (even in other van related comment sections I see you, its so awesome!) It motivates me to be more comment-involved on other videos in the genre. That is where I've been lacking a lot recently.

[@Asianess23]

@@ladiandmargaret oh no, you’ve been THE most involved you tuber and creator who interacts with their viewers. I think this aspect is what keeps bringing me again and again every Thursday (my time) to watch y’all!

[@ladiandmargaret]

@@Asianess23 that is such nice feedback to hear! I'm a chronic over-thinker when it comes to this platform, and you just completely put me at ease! TY!