Building the Ultimate Campervan for Just $7,000! (1995 Chevy G20 Conversion Van Tour)

[@SUVRVing]

Why am I doing van tours on a channel called SUV RVing? Because I think they're cool! I'm interested in all small-ish adventure vehicles. I have more tours coming of SUVs, minivans, cars, a Vanagon, and even a pop-up truck camper. We're all in the same family, and I think we can all learn things from each other, no matter the rig. (And if you live in northern Utah or Idaho-or if you're just passing through-and would like to share your small rig with the world, let me know.) Thanks for watching! - Tristan

[@freedomdove]

I think the tours are great. Keep them coming. 👍

[@RicardoRoams]

I really enjoy the tours.

[@Iamrosey21111]

I LOVE this van!! Just it hurts a bit to see him unable to stand up in it...I could though if he wants to sell it🤗 He obviously was so meticulous with every detail...in such a practical way!!

[@riamonger]

I enjoy the tours. I get ideas and tips from these

[@jonwarner1977]

My search on YT for Van and Camper travel is how I came across SUV RVing channel. Used to travel for weeks/months at a time in my "converted" 1976 Blazer when doing field work in Nevada. Now looking again this time for fun and travel. Keep em' coming. ;)

[@belovedsbelle]

My parents are the coolest!!! Thanks Tristan for giving Dad a chance to share all his hard work!! He's been building things as long as I can remember but this one takes the cake!

[@007nadineL]

YR DAD ROCKS 👌👍👍👍

[@cynforrest]

Marie you’re one lucky lady to have such a talented and skilled Dad!!

[@cathietonkin5577]

I so admire talented people like your Dad!!!! He can see a need, adapt and actually make what he needs! Totally amazing!!!!

[@SUVRVing]

It was my pleasure! Thanks Marie 😁

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

This is my favourite van build video ever. Thank you for sharing.

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

These are my favorite types of builds. No fancy gear or expensive setup, just ingenuity. It's easy to watch youtube travelers and start thinking you need a bunch of unnecessary crap to get out there and enjoy nature. I like a nice humble build to bring me back to reality.

[@marklittler784]

"unecessary crap" Scotty Kilmer 😅

[@maplesden6768]

yea for sure, im definatly doing that water pump / sink idea and i have my bed set up with hings too i think its such a simple and convenant idea. my bed gose long ways behind the drivers seat though!!!

[@crippyandkaatje]

Amen, ingenuity and upcycling rocks!

[@83wasagoodyear]

Most definitely

[@msgemini478]

I love the ingenuity, and the simple solutions are honestly the best. I bet he's an engineer!

[@007nadineL]

I am amazed at how much he did for $7k. He saved so much money by being a very clever and handy man. What a machine he is. Bravo.

[@lindahopson5003]

My kind of van build! Love that he reused, re-purposed and built with what he had.

[@TJ-mc8uh]

This is just the type of van so many people need when first starting out (IMO). There are so many great tips from this one video, especially the water for the sink. Thanks for sharing. Be safe.

[@timothysebastian6185]

I love the shower setup on the grated back rack. The water drains and your feet dont get muddy! Double purpose of the rack!

[@vondutch666]

super cool Rig! I like the way he thinks. Thank you for letting the owner do most of the talking, very refreshing. take care

[@jeanwest1058]

This man is a genius. Very impressive built. Loved it!

[@lizzy2shoes557]

100% PERFECT display of frugality!! At last an Adventure van with All the necessities At a fraction of the cost..Absolutely ingenious useage of space and $..👍🚐

[@joycecochran4575]

Really enjoyed watching how this talented man made a great van for them to enjoy traveling. You can’t beat his budget for all that they have. Happy Trails! Thanks Tristan.

[@markshaw7947]

Nice rig, looks comfy and functional without breaking the bank.

[@mahinat.coover8972]

Exactly and that was the whole purpose of this van life, sharing knowledge how to build on a very low low budget. That others who might be struggling on budget might be helped by these ingenious ideas. Thank you sir. You are amazing, brilliant, n a genius!!! Thanks for the many excellent tips n ideas. Extremely helpful.

[@davesullivan8073]

To me, this right here is the essence of what a real van lifers are about. repurpose ,stuff, put in the sweat equity, be practical and creative for sure. this van is a 10 in my book.

[@skybluepink998]

That is a great build with ideas I haven't seen before. Clever functional simplicity on a budget!

[@robincrook5630]

That hold back cloth for the memory foam mattress is genius. And really, most of the time they could keep the bed made and sit outside (which I'm sure they do). Lots of reuse of things...very nice. I think the only thing I wouldn't use is the table that comes up if the doors are open. I would think that would invite too many bugs into my sleeping area. That water pump item is awesome!

[@cynforrest]

Hands down this is the most clever, innovative and impressive build I’ve ever seen! Wowzer. TFS this rig and these delightful people, Tristan. Travel on...

[@softroadingthewest]

Wow, very very impressive. So many great ideas, so well thought out, and I love all the repurposing of discarded materials. I mean, come on...pant leg cushions?? Brilliant! Looks like a fun & comfortable way to camp.

[@aniassantiago6445]

This man is an icon. He really thought of everything and was so creative in his approach.

[@wanderingrenegade771]

Incredible use of space and terrific cost effective design. You kept things on the upolstery consistent so it looks like a factory installation. Quality craftsmanship finish techniques. Very inspiring build.

[@reginarassi4169]

This guy has alot of simple but brilliant ideas!!!

[@cartgamerytcarter5729]

That fan tip is genius! I'm taking in a lot of info for my van life in the future. Realistically 10 years from now but it's happening!

[@Amigoof]

Pretty darn impressive! I need to borrow him to build mine out!! Thanks for doing the video, Tristan!!

[@Marimilitarybrat]

I love all of the adaptations this man has used in his van. Wonderful creativity

[@boredandagitated]

I love how he reused so much stuff! This is wonderful! Affordable and sustainable

[@LDR1100RS]

There's practically no end to the ingenuity of this build. Well done!

[@MrTSandman]

I have the exact van and have been living in it for a little under a year now. It's not for everyone, but I do enjoy it. Great van!

[@posteroonie]

The water system with removable bottles and a hinged counter top is exceptionally creative. I haven't seen such a design anywhere else. Since the bottles are refillable at WalMart for $0.39/gallon, it's a great solution.

[@AnnieGill7]

Tristan, what a build this guy has done! The details are really something. He has sooo much storage, who knew! Please keep showing us these little gems! THANK YOU! 👍🏼🐾👍🏼

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Annie! I'm glad you enjoyed the tour as much as I did 😁

[@ronkirby1362]

Ingenuity at it’s finest I am so impressed with this van. I think the outdoor shower might be the most impressive thing on the van. Using the bike rack to stand on is a great idea.Using the vegetable sprayer works well, i made one of those also.

[@marybachmann]

Pretty clever, saving the fabric like that. It makes a nice touch on the custom features.

[@deetrvl4life875]

Perfectly simple water system! I like that. And such quality on the custom work. Another great idea van tour. Thanks!

[@drmichaellum]

I am thoroughly impressed by David's resourcefulness, repurposed items, and ingenuity. It reminds me of my father, now a retired engineer who was always frugal and ingenious like that. Amazing!

[@jeanninebilland5708]

Loving this! Wish I still had my husband to build this. He was just as clever and and smart. Soooo nice to see smart vs just throwing together a 200 K van. Thank you

[@thomas194907]

you sir, have done such a fantastic build...absolutely perfect in my opinion !!!

[@gypsybelle4757]

So many brilliant ideas! I love how he saved and reused the gray fabric. It all looks custom! Congratulations on a fabulous renovation! I’m inspired.

[@SarongGoddess]

The sink area was BRILLIANT!!!

[@fourwheelcamper5491]

Great build and well thought out.

[@catherinewhittington8988]

A very clever guy. Really appreciate repurposing!

[@rcfriscoflyer]

This is in fact the best camper conversion I have seen no hatchet job here I am afraid I will be copying a few of his ideas into the one I am working on. Thank You so very much!!

[@loreneknight9755]

This guy is a space genius. Also, he has thought of alot of things most of us would overlook. Yowzers. Sweet ride.

[@nanchesca3950]

So many clever ideas and I love the repurposing! That table in the door is really neat! 👍🏻

[@drnilraps5007]

to David and Donna you did your van to perfection.....Happy Trails From David and Donna

[@RVingLiveTheDream]

We had the same van years ago. We loved it! Love the sink setup. Now we have a 96 Roadtrek. Happy travels!

[@michellestratford9753]

This reminds me of how my Grandad would build things. So cool to see your ingenuity!!

[@niefiazupancic3063]

Everything is so well thought out - he's extremely creative

[@Marimilitarybrat]

I love this man's creative use of second hand material. Thank you Tristen!

[@johnwren3976]

Very clever design and innovation. Standard wheel base makes it a bit more challenging. I'm doing a LWB 99 Dodge 15 passenger van on a sub 10K budget (barely 🙄). I learned to build what suits how my wife & I sleep instead of being constrained by standard mattress sizes. Ended up doing an L shaped bench with pull out. Integrate plastic drawers into a wooden frame. Use cabinets from Habitat ReStore ($30). Countertops are an old kitchen table butcher block top ripped in half ($20). Buy a lot of stuff off Marketplace (new pull out faucet $40, 750# triple bar aluminum ladder rack, $25). New 4.5 gallon plastic water containers $6. Saving hundreds of dollars. It becomes a challenge to repurpose, reuse and adapt.

[@berylleferal7686]

Brilliant use of hidden cubbies for additional storage. Also love that he saved all the fabric off cuts so everything matched. Extremely well executed build!

[@Willidee]

Wow he did a really good job with this van! I've looked at these and wasnt sure how I'd be able to maximize the space. He has given me some things to think about. Everything he did was really well thought out!

[@vertical.poetry]

What creative and brilliant souls. So many ingenius ideas embedded in here. Wow!

[@clarastrom9787]

Wow! I love all the things that were repurposed and reused. Great job!

[@laurakramer396]

I love the pump in the kitchen counter and the repurposing of all the storage areas. Who knew there is all that storage available in the vans. Genius idea's - awesome job!

[@SmooshMoney33]

Dude this is handy and ingenious honesty! That book shelf cabinet is sick. As well as that door table.

[@alexortiz4455]

Wow! This gentleman is so very clever. Love everything about this build.

[@robiny1823]

So many clever uses of space and basic solutions to daily needs. What a great build! Thanks for sharing.

[@julierawlins5984]

Thank you for posting this van and other tours as they are helpful. This is a very clever build. I enjoy these interviews as well as your hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping videos.

[@jennydahlkar4145]

So many cool sulotions! Loved the smart cloth that help put away the bed.

[@donwyates]

Reading all the comments, I don't think I really have anything to add, but agreement; well thought out and executed build on a reasonable budget - very nice!

[@alvaradacosta293]

I like the change in your channel 😉. I am addicted to looking at other van builds.... I always find something from their build to I want to include in mine

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Alvara 😁

[@michelgilberti5975]

this guy is amazing. he thinks of everything. I love him! Will he help me build my rig???

[@michelewhite4262]

Hello,I have to say this has to be one of my favorites, amazing so simple and comfortable feeling. I'm still waiting to go van life... I have a senior(13yo) furbaby he doesn't do well riding..Be well and safe thank you for sharing..Michele

[@thegroovypatriot]

I love the pole and cloth that holds the bedding together when closing. A lot of cool inventions in this van!

[@LOCDLIFE]

I would like to see his solar buld from the top inner angles. I have a similar rooftop and I don't know how to intall solar up on top. Thanks for sharing. I know there are many other vandwellers with fiberglass tops who don't want to tape down solar flexible panels. My friend panels blew off on highway 5 and now she has to replace them. I like how he created more storage space!👍

[@kitkat3501]

Great van. I love the simplicity of the buildand you can see the love put into it

[@annettefournier9655]

That is stupendous! Every part of it is awesome. Standing ovation for this man.👏👏👏👏👏💜

[@4yellowwolf]

Thank you. I am in the process of choosing a van and having an opportunity to see what people are building and using is so helpful!

[@crawford323]

Great idea with the bed stowage system. It reminds me of the bar and fabric that many vehicles have to cove the contents of a hatchback configuration. A simple but very effective solution. I don’t need that because my wife and I are stubby people and can sleep across rather fore and aft. I have a 2000 high top express. Congratulations on a very useable design.

[@jamesgibbs8827]

It's cool that you're doing them. Don't let people "Rent" space in your head with their negative comments. It would be beneficial though to please put the people's website up like other's do so we may ck out name brands etc of items they've used if we want to build one ourselves like I'm trying to do. Thank you, Have a Blessed Day, Jim G

[@SUVRVing]

I don't believe they have a website. Thanks for watching!

[@larryfulmer]

Great ideas. I have not finished my Van Conversion. I might use a couple of yours like the table cloth to roll up the bed. and the cabinet above the bed in that unused area. I already have taken down the DVR and TV that was up front and use it to store three containers : Kitchen/bath/ and linens. Plus two collapsible sinks.

[@martinreilly4845]

Great video Tristan. Awesome build!! This gave me so many ideas for my 1990 Dodge Ram 250 high top van.

[@bernfran1313]

Thanks for sharing. I agree, impressive lil home on wheels for under 10K. Safe travels everyone!

[@lillygracefollowsourliving4852]

Great Job !! Thanks for sharing !!

[@susanpidgeon9683]

Impressive! Best of all most of them are easy to duplicate! Bravo!

[@rockenrippyadventures]

That’s really awesome. Great job on covering everything and still having it be reasonable. Sweet

[@tikitiki7610]

great usage of space and design techniques using the initial grey fabric, terrific.

[@kaorusuzuki46]

I have almost the same setup, 93 G20 from a Starcraft wheelchair van. I love what you did! Thanks for all the ideas

[@daxinventor3542]

Outstanding job sir. I got a few ideas from your video. I like the solar setup and the space saving cabinets and refrigeration stuff that you also did. I am impressed with your entire van ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@trvlaqwst7570]

This is a well thought out and built vehicle! The guy is a genius!

[@simpleuser0001]

Nice to see Dale Gribble trying out the van life!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Amazingly clever, practical, they can fix whatever breaks down, and on a shoe string !!!

[@thisorthat7626]

Very good video. Especially reusing much of the built in storage, which is something that many people who own this type of van can do to improve storage. I enjoyed this video!

[@jfgreen1959]

I just bought a similar van, 1993 GMC Vandura. Thanks for the ideas.

[@walktheline6731]

This is absolutely fantastic!!!!! I'm impressed 👍😁

[@debscreepy]

Love the way he has his counter and water stuff.

[@lisafowler8731]

Wow great build, every available bit of space used. Very creative gentleman, thanks for a great tour.

[@carolhewett3756]

There are 12v or battery assisted hand pumps made specifcally for those 5 gallon water jugs. I like the lightweight minimal upper cabinets which keeps the van open and uncrowded which can happen by trying to replicate a house.

[@shemajragin4606]

Awesome! 😎 Thanks for sharing 👍🏿

[@rebbeccacoffey188]

This dude is brilliant! Great build!

[@roam4fun853]

I agree..., a lot of thought and care placed into the build. They did a nice job.

[@fjb4750]

I have a 1999 gladiator I WAS going to seem but my wife and I are going to convert it so we can travel a little bit. Everything this guy did to this van I literally came up with the same ideas right down to redoing the spaces up top and removing the inserts to expand the storage places, using the back platform for a shower and using the spray bottle to shower with 😳😂😂 This guys brilliant we must be related 😬 although I might do something different with the bed. I need to figure that out. lol

[@adrianbartlett3450]

Clever guy, cheap and functional. Those American vans have character.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Awesome build, usage of space and well thought out ...Thank you for the tour and video...Have a blessed day..

[@birdman5223]

MrT u nailed it, Very Impressive. That guy is one HandyMan😉

[@janetrobison2765]

So very clever. That guy is a genius.

[@IDR1219]

Best build! Very clever use of space and modifications!

[@davidwellen830]

I wish I had his talent. I have an older brother who did a similar build on a Chrysler mini van. I would love to have a small camper like that without spending over a hundred thousand for it. VERY NICE WORK !!!

[@mybraxtonburns]

An amazing designer/builder. So clever!

[@katiebug_337]

Best setup by far..inexpensive and really nice!

[@pretztel1551]

This is such a badass build

[@dwhite-green9133]

This guy is BRILLIANT!