Converted Chevy Express VAN TOUR (Ultimate Stealth Van!!) [based off The Vanual]

[@4321dud]

What a simple, clean, and wonderfully elegant van build. Happy trails to you.

[@NatalieMartensen]

thank you so much!! Simple and clean is exactly what we were going for. :)

[@violet-fl9ve]

couldn't have said it better myself, yours is one of my favorites I've seen, it's perfect. and those windows are fucking awesome.

[@ruthferguson7438]

Vanual?

[@NatalieMartensen]

@@ruthferguson7438 yep based off the vanual! the link is in the description :)

[@wolfsmith2865]

Peaches is awesome. I love those hatch window units.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Wolf Smith we think Peaches is pretty awesome too. 😊 and yes! The windows are a game changer for us--sooooo nice to have them.

[@mestallbaumer]

What is the setup for the windows? That is very unique and seems like a great idea!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Hi Mark! They are "access panels" --the exact model of this van is a Chevy Express Access. :) The panels can be put in factory, but there are also some 3rd parties that will do it for you as well afterwards!

[@sikantis61]

Well done with all the storage. Everything is organized and accessible.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you! Nick did a good job designing it :)

[@GreenJeep1998]

WOW, that is a nice clean layout and I never thought much about how useful those access hatches would be on a van like this.

[@morg52]

I bought a 2013 chevy van just like yours, with the panels that open out the sides. I got rid of the key fob opening feature because it's just one more thing to go wrong or worry about. I'll be using bicycle cables to unlock the latches. When I looked at it, at the dealership, I was so smitten with the feature that I probably paid too much for it but I don't go that much for haggling anyway. I'm calling it the "Cozy Quinzee". I will have the bed length wise, forward drivers side, with storage underneath and kitchen on the passengers side, aft of the rear side door. A roof rack in the rear of the top for my kayak and paddle board and solar panels up front. Turned the passenger seat around on a swivel so I have a lounge seat. Anyway it's fun seeing all the different ideas people have for their vans. Yours is very well done. :)

[@NatalieMartensen]

Mickey Xtian I hear ya--we actually installed latches on the window, just in case we accidentally hit the button when we don't mean to! Sounds like your van is awesome! We keep talking about changing the front passenger seat to swivel--it seems like it would be soooo nice! Thanks for saying hi and all your kind words!

[@morg52]

Be nice if the swivel seat had arms on both sides but I suppose I could get something custom if I wanted to pay a bunch extra. I want to keep the van build minimalist as possible so that the space is available for all kinds of uses and situations. I had a short bed Redondo Blue 77 chevy van, ( The Blue Pumpkin), back in the late seventies that I upholstered in blue shag carpeting. It had a 5 ft. long, sheet of plywood, with a 4 inch foam pad covered with the carpet on milk crates for a bed. Being six foot two I would have to sleep at an angle. I could easily pull everything out and haul cargo when I needed to or help friends move. I lived out of it for a time until 1980, Traveling the back roads of OR. CA and all over out west. Lived in it when I was working as a taxi driver in Springfield OR for a time.

[@mallorymcguire833]

It's fun planning it all out, isn't it?

[@DannyCano1976]

Hello Mickey Xtian how or where did you get those push out windows? I am looking to do it with my van. Thank you.

[@dotherightthing8935]

Don't sleep on the drivers side! You will regret feeling cars go by all night

[@NomadicGearhead]

sweet van. i love the blue wall panels.... and i neeeeed the "dreams dont work unless you do" poster omg

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks! We are really glad we went with blue--brought some fun color in! The poster is from Society6, you can order it online! :)

[@NomadicGearhead]

oooh yay thank you!

[@KevinWilliams247]

Thanks. I wonder how many people built a van off The Vanual idea. I plan on doing it too, just haven't pulled the trigger on buying a van yet. My family and friends aren't supportive of my dream at all and often make fun of me for it. Do you guys have any regrets ?

[@NomadicGearhead]

Kevin Williams dont live ur whole life for others dude... do what you want for you.

[@NatalieMartensen]

I wonder the same thing Kevin! When we were in Yosemite last week, I saw about 4-5 Chevy Express vans that were camper vans! The only regret we have is not taking even more mold-preventative measures than we did, during the build! We found out more things we could have done after it was all done with. If it's your dream, go for it! Just go about it wisely. :) I'm sorry your family and friends aren't supportive! Such a bummer. Do they have specific reasons why they aren't supportive?

[@hellojuneau8917]

Yeah looks exactly like The Vanual. He did a very clutter free design. Cute colors btw

[@NatalieMartensen]

Yes, we were wanting to do a very minimalist looking design, and when we came across Zac's, it was like YES! That's exactly what we want! He did such a fantastic job. And thanks! It pretty much has the same exact feel and colors as our last apartment--so it felt like home quick. :)

[@cynthiamantzouranis7134]

One of my all time favorite vans I have ever seen! Great home.

[@NatalieMartensen]

whoo hoooo thank you! :) We are pretty fond of it as well. :)

[@alvaradacosta293]

You two are definitely minimalist.... It looks GREAT...

[@angelabraggs7614]

I love y'all vanpartment. Plain and simple

[@briansteinberg1381]

Love the little bed table. I'm building a van and I was looking for something like that to be able to chill in bed and write, edit vlogs, watch movies etc...

[@NatalieMartensen]

Brian Steinberg thanks! What kind of van are you building out?? And yes, we love our tray table--it's awesome! We got two different foldable tray tables, and that one is the best! It's linked in the description below the video if you're interested. 👍🏼

[@briansteinberg1381]

I got the small Ford Transit Connect, a windowless cargo van.

[@frompauls2181]

We had our dashound for 16 years she was a great dog. Great van nice build looking forward to seeing more

[@NatalieMartensen]

Wow, 16 years! Thats great, we hope we have Peaches around for that long. Thanks so much for your kind words! :)

[@reneemitchell157]

wow this is probably my favourite van ive seen! its such a simple design everything is well thought out and there is no clutter. looks VERY comfortable to live in.

[@bilbobaggage198]

This is so far my favourite design

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks so much! The design is based off the vanual, so I would def check that out! :)

[@lauraliekarels4059]

Looks so spacious and open. Loved the colors. Need some holding hinges on that bed. I would get tired of holding it up with one hand while digging for stuff. I loved the hinged windows. Have not seen that before. I would love to get one like that. Great video!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks for the kind words, Lauralie! :) And yes! hinges on the bed are in the works, my husband was thinking hydraulics to make it realllly easy for us! :)

[@Lotuslaful]

Great job Have never seen windows like that Love it

[@NatalieMartensen]

Yeah there's not too many around! :) Thanks for your kind words!

[@theresedignard7445]

Great job. Love the simplicity of this build. Regarding your pins on the shelves...Great idea, but being of a sailing mindset, I always try to factor in quick stops, and a possible roll over. What extra steps can you do to ensure that both of you and your dog would be safe? You could hand stitch a cargo net for cabinet interiors, the library shelf, and to contain any other items that would become airborne if you were to say, slide off the road? Strapping the mattress down with a cargo strap while driving? I guess that is just me. Having dealt with a "knock down" on a boat, one tends to no longer take gravity for granted. But, you did a great job on the layout. It looks very spacious with all those open windows. You can learn the stitch for fish netting and cargo netting on KZbin as well. Wishing you great adventures. I subscribed to see what unfolds with your lives.

[@panorybritz1499]

i love how you called it a garage

[@NatalieMartensen]

haha!! :) It seemed appropriate!

[@mickeyem685]

im a little french of 17 yo and have a van is my dream ! you're is amazing ,he is so cool ,good choice !

[@BeBodacious]

Awesome job on the workmanship and design of the van.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks so much for your kind words! Nick did a great job :)

[@prettylittlephotons]

Those windows are wickedly amazing!

[@DreamStateLiving]

i have the same flooring in my sprinter. It such a clean looking design and great incase of spills too!

[@Doggonewood]

Ya those windows rock!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Yes we loooove them!

[@SQOTW]

@@NatalieMartensen how did you do those windows like that?

[@johntaylor1947]

Very airy and delightful those windows make it next level I am going to have to see if I can sorce them.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Love that poster ! “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do !”

[@LuthorvilleCA]

That is incredible. This is the best design I've ever seen in terms of efficiency. Good job!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much! We owe much of it to Zach Both for creating "The Vanual"!

[@LuthorvilleCA]

I checked it out. His site is really well-done and offers a lot of great advice. But honestly, I like what you two did even more. I think you improved upon his design.

[@FrankGreenway]

just found your channel on Facebook living in a van page, already loving your smiling face and cheerfulness and looking forward to great drone shots. be wise and careful flying.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much! Loving all your comments, kind words, and input. It's very appreciated!

[@FrankGreenway]

If you search KZbin videos there's a lot of good points from very experienced vanners. CampervanKevin my favorite. Many others.

[@raysills]

Nicely done.... and love your doggie. Before our current beagle, we had dachshunds. You'll have room there to add a compact Dometic fridge, too.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Ray Sills thanks so much! This is the first time either of us have had a dachshund--they are such a cute & goofy breed! We really love our pup! Thanks for the fridge recommendation! Checking them out now. :)

[@raysills]

Dachshunds are among the sweetest dogs around, and they are very smart. But, you'll have to control their food intake, or they (like humans) will put on weight, and that's very dangerous to them because of their long long backbone. They are prone to back trouble.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Yes, we are verrrry careful about measuring her food!

[@jamesmays701]

Hey there,love the attitudes,and the windows.....ya ought to get some window screen and magnets...to keep bugs out and fresh air in......happy travels!

[@MrJaspermyboy]

Very nice. Tidy and with plenty of light.

[@mofoboogerroro]

Great setup. Love Peaches/Dachsies!

[@NatalieMartensen]

aw, thank you! :) I seriously love our little Peach--she makes life so much better! Are you a dachshund owner as well!?

[@MatthewSmith-to1hz]

The hitch window unit were ingenius.

[@n8chandler444]

Oh my gosh! I love it so much! I can't believe there is a van with side panels that open up!!! I am interested in living in a converted van too! Glad to know you are doing well!

[@CarlottaART]

You guys are so awesome. Great sense of humor and a great van build...luv it!!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks so much for your kind words! :) Nick did a great job on it. :)

[@CarlottaART]

You're welcome! Best wishes to both of you : )

[@jonathanagre1514]

I’m impressed with you’re video making skills I wish I could make vids this clean.

[@Ben-pd8tr]

I think this particular model of van (with the butterfly windows) has begun to develop a bit of a cult following. It's not quite like the old VW's that are so coveted now... but its got a community of die-hard followers. Its amazing... choosing a window config is a big deal for a van project... and this one really has no equal. :)

[@NatalieMartensen]

Totally agree!

[@mechanicsteve2320]

Ben I have been looking for one of these vans with the access option with no luck. I can only assume that there were not a lot of them built with this option added to them. I have a conversion van myself but would love to find one to make a custom van out of it.

[@freakyflow]

if you have a problem with flys mosquitos you can buy that screen that snaps together for doors and cut it to size for your windows and glue on some magnets I have a Chevy Blazer Not much room as yours But its great for drive-in movies ..We back in and drop the tail gate and have memory foam for a bed and a heavy quilt and 2 pillows with the g/f and me and the dog And camping i have screens for the 2 doors with the windows down when i do start the Reno We will have lighting and a inverter for a heating hook-up And a side slot for a tablet for movies with a bluetooth speaker Truck is good for long distance travel in Northern Canada

[@heatherlucero2530]

Super cool van! It’s so calm and inviting!

[@AlbertaBetsyVanLife]

Building my van. I am not doing a sink and all that stuff either. Your van is almost identical layout. Great video.

[@texasoutlook60]

Love, love, love this van and the inside design. I think I may have found what I have been looking for!! Thanks a bunch. Subbed and liked.

[@PhilChan22]

Great job guys! This is a good looking van. Very jealous that you guys have those windows that open up the way they do. So nice to have all the sunlight in. I like your editing as well.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Phil Chan wow thanks so much!! :) Yes, the windows are our favorite, by far!!

[@baileytindell2597]

Omg that the beginning with the dog y'all are adorable 😂

[@ReganShorter]

Your van is awesome!! And I love how quick and efficient you are with your video as well

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks Regan! :)

[@lifestationexpresslinda9425]

We just got an older Chevy express extended, 3500. Doesn't have those cool windows! Thanks for the video!

[@LucyPitchVlogs]

Hi, new sub here! Love your van. I've been thinking about how to do a pull out draw for under our bed for a while now. Having it so you can sit on it to cook is a great idea. The opening panels are a great feature, I've not seen that before. Have fun with the drone, I love mine!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Hi Lucy! Thanks so much! Am just checking out your channel & subbing. Soooooo fun!!!

[@krippysuecreates]

Love your kitchen/draw area!!!

[@yamieandre7700]

I love the windows & your decor!

[@mdlg1983]

Aaaaahhhhh this is awesome! I love how you presented it also

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much Maria! :)

[@dougrennick2212]

You guys have done such a great job so far to being stealth.My suggestion is to put the thin solar panels on top,as they would never be noticed and I figure a 200 watt system would do the best for you.If you can find a small a/c unit and I have seen them that really just sit on the floor like the apt.size do and you can vent it out the bottom of the van and still be very stealth.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Doug Rennick hi! Thanks for the comment & suggestions! :) we are definitely leaning towards the bendable/flexible solar panels that don't stick out at all. 👍🏼

[@bellrose2659]

So much effort had to be put into this. Looks good!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much Isabella! :)

[@valeriarestrepo7275]

Amazing van, wonderful tour and video. You guys are a beautiful couple/family 👌🏽.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much, Valeria! :) So kind!

[@bigtomsvan4817]

Excellent Van Build!

[@NatalieMartensen]

thanks so much, Tom! Nick did an awesome job!

[@aubryandnic]

Great design! Zach's site helped us a lot with our design as well.

[@jenniefiore14]

this is such a cool video like the van is so pretty and even the camera quality is really good too

[@123Reiny]

cool, simple, clean, efficiënt... I love your van! Best van tour I have seen so far. And I have seen many :-)

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much! What a compliment. :)

[@travisminneapolis]

So fun to see your new digs!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks! This video has been sitting on my laptop foreverrrrrrrrrrr

[@NicoleMarieIsabelCurtis]

Natalie, thank you so much for sharing! I'm looking into moving into a van in a year or so and this is exactly what I want! Thank you for the inspiration!! :)

[@NatalieMartensen]

Ahhh thank you so much for the kind words!

[@rodgerjon]

what a wonderful couple

[@NatalieMartensen]

thanks so much! :)

[@norasteel5353]

You both are so cool! love your dog..love your home!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much, Nora! :)

[@sp10sn]

Your bed is 5'x5'? Gawd I envy little people. Great build in all. Windows are rad.

[@WanderwithIntent]

Nice van. I love your windows and how they open. You have it decorated very clean and simple, I like it. You have a lot of mugs... do you use all of them? Haha.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks! :) And haha!! After doing the tour video we got rid of most our mugs because we were like...this is dumb. We only need two. hah!

[@WanderwithIntent]

Natalie Martensen that's good. I think I'd have 4. 2 for us and maybe 2 more for guests. But I don't know how often you have guests ;)

[@WereReallyRelayCamping]

Love to watch a build tour. love the little table for the laptop just found you and subbed, hope you and your van have many happy miles all the best. Lez.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks so much for your kind words! :)

[@windyventure]

I enjoyed your tour, well done! I hope to upgrade to something about that size as well but for now I live in my Mazda five

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much! This would def be an upgrade from a Mazda 5--tons more space. :)

[@RVingLiveTheDream]

Nice van! Thanks 4 sharing :-) Happy Trails

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks so much! :)

[@swamphick7553]

Nice energy. Thank you

[@NatalieMartensen]

SwampHick thanks for your kind words!

[@cassandrasanchez872]

this van is amazing I love it makes me want to live in a van

[@morg52]

I was thinking about how to put bug screens up and thought about how it would be nice to have clear plastic or plexiglass panels to stick up so I could have a view without wind.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Yes! We have definitely thought about making some screens with magnets on them, or something along those lines. :)

[@johnvas4173]

FYI the model of your van is a Chevy Express Access or Pro Access. Great video!

[@HowieRoll]

Welcome to ''Van Life" ... love it, and subbed...

[@NatalieMartensen]

Howie Roll thanks so much! We are lovin the van life so far!

[@curlywillowflowerfarm7705]

love the windows

[@NatalieMartensen]

Its our favorite part! :)

[@mommahil4323]

Great layout, so uncluttered, especially love that multi purpose unit - congratulations. Any updates?

[@jmrichsonsr]

Very nice van and video. Thanks for sharing..

[@UnstoppableTramp]

Really well done with the video. Nice editing and I also like the van. It has become quite an obsession for me see what people do with their space. Like grand Designs but of the van dwelling kind. I also find that the people that I like the people that live like this, more so the people that also have a canine companion/ It just resonates, guitar too? My my ;) Subbed guys

[@NatalieMartensen]

Unstoppable Tramp thanks so much for your kind words! And yes! I watch van tours alllll the time! It's so fun to see how creative everyone is!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Unstoppable Tramp thanks so much for your kind words! And yes! I watch van tours alllll the time! It's so fun to see how creative everyone is!

[@UnstoppableTramp]

Sure is. I will have to play catch up with your videos now. Give your dog a stroke for me please :)

[@AnnaRobert]

Love this van! It's so cute! Btw ukuleles rule

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much!! I love my ukulele and I'm so glad I decided to pick it up a few years ago!! Do you play too??

[@AnnaRobert]

You're welcome :D Yes, I play it too, it's so relaxing to play it, happy you chose a uke

[@FullyYoked]

Love the video just found ya! As I upload videos I'm starting to see all these really cool videos in my feed and yours seems a lot like mine in terms of creativity and Van Life. Peace to you guys and Aloha 🌈🚐✨🐝

[@elizarobinrobinson4294]

please throw out that fry pan, the chemicals from the coating goes into you food. Get yourselves a case iron fry pan (cure it yourselves, or buy one already cured) Best place to get one is at a Goodwill Store. Good job on your project.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks Elizarobin! I've heard that before--So sad how many chemicals are in soooo much of our everyday things!

[@katiehanes8277]

WOW yalll are so perfect! instantly subscribed!!!

[@NatalieMartensen]

wow thank you, Katie!! :)

[@ashleyhardy1818]

You should do an updated van tour !!

[@freeasabird6799]

Nice rig, I was thinking about this set up but I’m 6”1 and don’t know if a 5x5 ft bed would work for me lol

[@Wilje]

omg i love it, thanks peeps

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much, Wilje! :)

[@julesstone7990]

Hey just subscribed! Great ideas and love your dog!

[@NatalieMartensen]

Welcome! :) And thanks for your kind words. :) I really love Peaches too (our pup!)

[@mattstorrs5651]

gotta be the best one, this is fantastic. any plans for a water pump and/or actual sink? or do you find the tub washing sufficient?

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks Matt!! We keep going back and forth about putting in a sink. :) So far the little tub works well, but there are def pros to getting a sink! Our main thing that's keeping us back is that we feel like taking out the brown water every few days would be annoying. hah :)

[@daniellechance2506]

Do you guys live out of the van or just use it for traveling? Just curious about where people generally park camper vans like this to sleep if they live in it full time or for extended periods.

[@NatalieMartensen]

Hi Danielle! We do live in our van full time! We have no apartment, house, or anything. For three days a week, we are in our van in a suburb(ish) city in southern California (so we can work)---and then four days a week we get to explore around the rest of California!

[@turner5485]

Awesome van! I really want to add those window hatch things! Anybody got any suggestions on a good cheap way to do that? (the remote is nice but almost certainly out of our budget).

[@theresedignard7445]

Ah yes, and thanks for sharing.

[@marisarae2350]

About how much was this van? And about how much was it to convert it all including solar and what you think the fridge and stove will cost? Hopefully mot intruding too much I apologize if I am❤️

[@TheGbortnick]

Where did you get those neat windows? Love your setup all but for the bed. I'm 6'1" and would be too long

[@sarasmith1444]

You are an adorable💑 couple...and girl your eye lashes Rock👀 Love the Puppy and of course THE Van, Blessings from the Caribbean📃🏖☕🍰☕🍰🌺🌺

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thank you so much Sara!!

[@rebeccaswilling1771]

Love your rig!

[@lorismith3072]

Totally love your van! I assume the windows came that way? I've never seen that before. I imagine it's hard to find one with those windows.

[@NatalieMartensen]

The windows did come that way--its specially a Chevy Express "Access"... However I know some companies (and maybe even Chevy?) will do it post production for you--but its quite a pretty penny!

[@NatalieMartensen]

And yes! It was kinda difficult to find--we couldn't find one in California, so ended up driving to Arizona!

[@chrispowelson9153]

Love those pop out windows!! Is that standard on those Chevy vans? Or if not does anyone know how to install them??

[@gregbarbosa0]

I love those windows and am looking for a Chevy Express with one of those. Any tips for that?

[@peevzi]

can you recommend a strong velcro, I'm dubious on which brand will be strong enough. Thanks

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I have never seen those opening side panels before and am currently shopping for a van. What is that option called so I might find a van that has them? Great video!

[@khalilford5051]

What a crisp clean build. Do you both full time it or use it for trips and camping?

[@KarlynnCharette]

My cats name was Peaches, awww :) I just subbed also loving the van life , seems neat !

[@NatalieMartensen]

Haha YESSS! Peaches! What made you choose the name? I chose it because shes so sweet & her ears felt like fuzzy soft peaches, haha!! Thank you for stopping by & chatting

[@KarlynnCharette]

Natalie Martensen my cat Peaches I got him 1999 when I was 7, he was my first pet and cat. He was an orange colour with a bit of white so like a marble tabby. He was the biggest suck always loved his cuddles and his treats. Sadly though, he was very sick with FIV like the human disease but for cats, his mom had it when he was born so she carried through his blood and basically he lost all his weight and his fur was clumping up, not eating, bowels going, so we had to put him down in January 2012. I still remember it like yesterday and I miss him dearly. He was the best cat. My dad wanted me to name him peaches and cream and I thought that was silly to give him two different names I said I just want peaches. ❤

[@Simplelife_seeker]

Lovin it!! Just subscribed guys

[@NatalieMartensen]

Thanks! :)

[@mylittleveganfriends439]

Did you end up making the extension for your bed? I am converting a Chevy express ass well- mine is a 3500 though so it is a little longer than yours... trying to figure out the bed...

[@bigtomsvan4817]

The big cabinet. ..did yoy build it? Its great!

[@pulsartech2945]

Where did you get the powered windows? That's awesome