Converting a Shipping Container into an Off-Grid Shop!

You've gotta see this new Video of one of the craziest adventures of my life 🚀 Let me know what you think!! • ATTEMPTING The Impossi...
My freelance pro tip of the day is build a website! It’s really easy and you can try it out for free with our sponsor Squarespace at squarespace.com/leviallen
╔══════════════════════╗
→ LINKS I TALKED ABOUT IN THIS VIDEO! →
╚══════════════════════╝
Head here to get our free VanLife road-trip checklist! (we are just finishing the graphics) purple-sun-6304.ck.page/4d8c8...
╔══════════════════════╗
→ THE GEAR I USE TO FILM MY VIDEOS →
╚══════════════════════╝
My Current Favourite Adventure Filming Camera
geni.us/cYE8Bg - Sony Alpha A7sii
amzn.to/3z9i9CG- My favourite crop sensor and full frame capable Sony Alpha Camera, the A7iv. This cam is brilliant!
My Lenses
geni.us/ywtr - Sony 20mm F1.8 (my favourite wide angle prime!)
geni.us/ObYZcZ Sony 24-105mm F4 (best all around lens)
geni.us/Zj1J - Sony 55mm F1.8 (awesome 50mm!)
geni.us/8yiKh - Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
The lenses I am saving up for
geni.us/0MwA7X2 - Sony 70-200mm F2.8
geni.us/cvuhfQt - Sony 100-400mm
Awesome folding softbox
geni.us/86AH - D-Fuse Medium (the one showed in video)
geni.us/cbCHL - D-Fuse Large (for 12x12 panels)
These links above are affiliate links to B&H and Amazon.
╔══════════════════════╗
→ VIDEOS I MENTIONED! →
╚══════════════════════╝
Curious about my Van Build? • Full Time VAN LIFE wit... Here is a
Video we just dropped showing all our latest updates and a tour
╔══════════════════════╗
New to my Channel? I've got RAD things for you!
╚══════════════════════╝
My VanBuild 2.0 Build Playlist: → • Our Sprinter VanBuild ...
📢 The most important Video I've uploaded to youtube (Letter to Janelle Film): • Dear Janelle: Thanks f...
The Best Road Trip We've ever Done: → • Road to Alaska - Vanli...
My wild solo adventures: → • Levi's BIG SOLO VANLIF...
╔══════════════════════╗
→ Video Contents →
╚══════════════════════╝
0:00 - Intro
╔══════════════════════╗
What do I do for work? I'm an Adventure Filmmaker
╚══════════════════════╝
The Adventure Film Academy: AdventureFilmAcademy.com
We exist to help creators tell better stories
Practical education for the driven adventure filmmaker.
╔══════════════════════╗
The songs 🎵 From this Video and FREE MUSIC for your videos!
╚══════════════════════╝
We get our Incredible music unlimited with a Musicbed subscription!
Get a free trial (and free music) now left.ly/MusicBed 🎵
Thanks much for watching friend! As always, catch ya in the next one.
- Levi
ps. Remember, life's better when you make stuff!

[@Levi_Allen]

Have any questions about getting into metal work or the container project in general? Let me know and I’ll answer them in a Q&A this week.

[@joshwhitee]

Top five starter/beginner power tools? Just bought a 20v drill/ impact drill set now I want more for my garage buildout ;)

[@dannyawang4677]

Were you always into DIY projects like this? I'm curious how you started? Professional construction/welding experience? KZbin and reading self taught? You seem to have a natural intuition for designing structures that work and are safe.

[@pres7701]

How did you get started with DIY projects aka learning techniques etc

[@BradKnapp]

Ok, I give up. Where do I start if I want to learn to weld?

[@DerSascha]

Don't you get a ton of water on the big door, when it's poped open during rain?

[@zeebov9]

When that gas strut started to bend, I was like NOOOOOOOOO... I would recommend two long stroke hydraulic rams and an electric pump. I've never had long term success with gas struts

[@infocus-media]

As a kid I once watched an ant trying to get a grasshopper the size of a penny into a hole a quarter the size, it was quite comical, the ant did everything that his little brain could think off to get that grasshopper into that small hole, but it just would not fit. But to my amazement, the ant disappeared down the hole and about a minute later he came back with all his buddies, I say He/Him, but it was probably a Female the 3:1 ratio apply to them. But they started work, and cut that grasshopper into smaller pieces in between sampling the delight, but slowly the grasshopper disappeared down the hole. When I saw you struggle getting that door into place, my brain instantly took me back 60 years. All I can say is you are a welcomed participant in the survival of our/human existence and you did not even call on your buddies unlike that "lazy" ant. LOL!

[@tonymontana5651]

All ants are females

[@connormyron7041]

@@tonymontana5651 google that statement

[@primaleffectpaintball7807]

I cannot explain how much I felt your pain when that strut broke as I have done darn near the exact same thing. Love love love that you don’t just show all the perfect parts of the project, you show the screw ups too. Love it, you’re the man Levi

[@EddieWrightBBQ]

dude, when he did that push, i was screaming NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I have too done this to my food truck window, not on purpose of course. Boy am I taking notes. I have a 40ft container that has dreams and ambitions of being something fully usable within my bbq empire.

[@YCImaging]

I appreciate people being passionate about things. I will never make anything like this nor am I even remotely educated, but here I am invested the entire video! Dope video Levi

[@Levi_Allen]

Miss you dude! Thanks for the kind words

[@travelinman482]

@@Levi_Allen Paint your shop a light color (tan, white,etc) to help reduce heat absorption. You could also put a roof over the container to help block the Sun’s UV Rays (heat) from making the roof hot. I did these things to my small, put-together metal shed. Every bit helps.

[@The_Digital_Samurai]

Your life is education my friend. Everything you do is a learning experience. I think the biggest problem in this world is that we forget that and treat it like it is something bad.

[@liberty.b.r]

@@Levi_Allen Perhaps solar panels on the roof to help keep heat rays from sun off of it and power potentially a A/C unit.

[@ac4uv]

Love what you are doing, you're an outstanding story teller. Learn from my mistake, almost lost forever my left thumb... 3 days in the hospital... Put the guards back on all your grinder motors, never use your hand as a work holding device, both hands on the grinder too. 10,000 RPM can unleash hell on earth. So many stories of carnage, don't be one of them. Otherwise its an awesome tool. We only get one body / life. Cheers to the Allens !

[@BeckiandChris]

Man I LOVE your videos! Beautifully shot and edited as always. I appreciate all those satisfying detail shots to help us understand exactly what you are doing, and then at 16:16 UGH 💔 felt that so hard. So much more to say but I’ll leave it at this. Brilliant work all around!

[@ScottBell]

So dope man! Can't deny I was a little stressed out watching you under that heavy door without a secondary latch system. Glad you added some security. Sick build.

[@Levi_Allen]

Oh, it was being held up by climbing ropes through that tower I had installed : ) wasn’t doing anything too sketchy. Promise

[@ScottBell]

@@Levi_Allen I kept telling myself that haha.

[@TuckerPearce]

Wow, what a cool project Levi! So cool to see this one come together. The level of detail in your craftsmanship is so impressive

[@brewerjason]

I was in a glass case of emotion the whole time watching this Levi! Wicked cool. Thanks for bringing us along for this!

[@willfreund3315]

I always love seeing how people build out and develop their own shops and maker spaces. I have done very very little metalworking but want to learn at some point. I feel you on working mostly in driveways and cannot wait until I have a space of my own to work, build, and make stuff. I think it is so valuable to not only see the successes of the project, but also where things go wrong and how you deal with those issues. Thanks for keeping it real and happy making!

[@mitchellnurseproductions]

Levi, that was a great vid! It’s awesome to show the failures and how you figure out the way forward. That awning is a fantastic idea for adding some rain/sun shade and just making the shop larger by giving you some outside space.

[@ItsChrisLloyd]

ugh, I love these longer videos so much! I get so invested and excited to see the progress!

[@SailingPuffin]

This is eerie, so I haven’t had time to watch a lot of videos and subscribed to you on my personal account when I was looking into vanlife. I’m now going into sail life and looking to do exactly this and your video popped up on my sailing account! Looks awesome I’m looking at containers now to move my workshop to the boat yard.

[@bruciorediculo]

great video! I don't trust those gas struts, I believe you should upgrade the door with some safety locks for when it's open. lock the hinge with some safety pins or something , to take some of the weight off the struts, extend their life and make it safer in case of strut failure. I have kids playing around my shed and I always think about their safety! Cheers

[@AllPathsLeadToWater]

That feeling when it all comes together, especially after things don’t work out the way you’d hoped, is the best! This was awesome!

[@jz319]

Love the video !! The maker’s touch is exactly the feeling I have for any DIY projects. Keep up the good work !!

[@MANaboutTOOLS]

You are a talented man! Wish we were neighbours.

[@mgreidanus]

even when he's welding and grinding at 10pm?? ;-)

[@David-ry5il]

I made a shop out of 2 40' containers, put a metal roof on with them 20 feet apart the roof is 17 foot high, cement pad and epoxy floor , car lift ect... really nice space to work on stuff. Now I need a new Van to build

[@Levi_Allen]

I definitely love that idea. I just need property first

[@danielchiu741]

i love watching your channel, you are so incredibly joyful to watch. it's such an awesome idea to turn a container into a workshed like that. your kids are truly lucky.

[@itsbrittjohnson]

The snap to the beat cuts made my heart happy. What a masterpiece 👌

[@matthewTobrien]

Laying down some serious dimes, Levi! Great to see your metalworking skills evolve. Love this shipping container project! 🙌🏻🤘🏻

[@liamadvena2921]

Idk about dimes but it’s not bad

[@RolandKaufmann]

Awesome build Levi!! The gas struts are oh so satisfying!! I was scared about the lid closing suddenly if a strut failed, but they seem to have a locking mechanism which is relieving haha.

[@MikeDowns]

Thank you for sharing, even your issues with getting the roof sorted, honest, and vulnerable. Honestly, great video.

[@ryanoddi8490]

Damn man, this is great! I've always loved shipping container projects, and have been thinking about one as a semi-portable shop for YEARS. Stoked to see what else you come up with!

[@robb9337]

I loved the locking mechanism for the support strut, ingenious and simple. Great problem solving skills on the strut issue, thanks for not editing that out. Watching your video is inspiring and motivating. Thanks

[@Levi_Allen]

Cheers Robb! Thanks for watching

[@LeahandLevi]

lol that intro was hilarious. Great video Levi!

[@lauraleecreations3217]

I love creating things. And I appreciate others who tinker and design things👍❤ glad I found this channel

[@WhoIsJonHarris]

Levi this video emodies the " Life's Better When You Make Stuff" mantra. Definitely inspiring. I've really enjoyed watching you and your family make this transition and work through the setbacks. You all will be stronger because of it. In the moment it's tough but I know you know this is true. Godspeed duder.

[@DadPool_Hyde]

hey, great work, and I love the setup, I'd like to offer one small tip. With regard to the large door, make a door seal, and make some "locks" at the bottom to hold it shut when you don't want it to open, whether a small padlock style loop and strap, or something more complicated, something that will hold the large door shut in the event of weather or anything else of the sort...

[@JDLarge]

Totally love it when a plan comes together! A tip for trying something/anything to help keep that connex a few degrees cooler in direct sunlight and protected is to use some Henry’s tropical white reflective roof paint. We got turned onto it from another channels mini home build so we pitched in for some. Once that container caught up to us in Iraq it soon lost the storage appeal and was turned into a break area. You’ll notice a big temp difference! A 1/4” thick rubber strip might suffice for closing that door gap too. Just thinking out loud. After watching this mod I wanna go fix or build something lol! Thanks for taking us along, 👍🏼👍🏼 from this guy, you’ve made a sub outta me😉✌🏼

[@linusgk5042]

A tip for cooling. Take a water hose and wet the roof. Don't need constant flow, evaporate cooling is very effective and cheap.

[@williambrockmeyer7590]

Ah the sinking feeling. The best way to learn.

[@fredericrike5974]

Levi, some smart arse journeyman, back when I was doing my plumbing apprenticeship told me "Son, when you get something right the very first time you attempt it, you have learned one thing- one way to get it right; When you fail, you invariably learn several things about what you got wrong. The lesson, grasshopper, is that failure isn't the end of the world if you learn the lessons that came with it". Since he was my uncle as well as my official mentor I couldn't quip back at him that day, so long ago. My uncle passed some years ago now, but I have heard that voice in the back of my head , several times a week ever since. RIP, Charlie Brown! FR

[@billybike57]

I get that, when I went through the chairs and got my license, I knew one day I wanted to instruct new apprentices. The last 10 years I got my chance and I remembered all the BS that I’d gone through and wouldn’t have my apprentices be treated with disrespect. The best times we’re teaching. Upon retirement and doing the whole travel thing you do when you retire I become a Pre-apprenticeship instructor for inmates to hopefully go into the trades. Many did.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Dude, so awesome!!!

[@timothydavis6936]

Great job Sir! I really appreciate your persistence after your slight set back. I love to see how people deal with problems and come up with answers.

[@canadawoodworkssignage6564]

lOVE LOVE LOVE ! That you show mishaps and mistakes and don't edit them out ! True life as a maker ! Thank you!

[@dunnadidit]

I really like watching you making things… and then not doing it myself lol

[@EonOne867]

Thing of beauty! I had struggles with those dang gas struts recently as well. Who knew they were so finicky?!

[@Levi_Allen]

I knew! That’s why I didn’t want to use them till later haha. And sure enough, they say “must be installed by a professional” for a reason.

[@sportsphototv]

You are always inspiring me at the exact time I need to be inspired. Thank you Levi!

[@alexmorriss]

What a build Levi!! So awesome! The gas struts are the jam, looks amazing and functional. Love your problem solving. Nice one! 🙌

[@yashgupta2195]

i seriously dk why this doesnt have a million views yet aghhh, otherwise great video levi! stopped everything i was doing to see this beauty. much love from india

[@igorBC]

You have the best landlord ever! 🙌

[@igorBC]

And a great project again 👊

[@JEGHETTO]

This was fun to watch. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Jason-gz9ok]

Awsome to see makers, making solutions, to overcome obstacles, in the way of there dreams.👍

[@TimothyDyck]

Cool cool! I like it. 👍✅

[@ScaleofTwo]

Next video: "why I moved into my shipping container" Nice work man! Looks incredible!

[@CharlesGriffith1965]

Exceptional - love the inspiration, risk taking, problem solving and entire composition. Not only a great project but a great video....

[@EldonYoder]

Love the way this came together... Looking forwards to the crane dropping it on some property somewhere too (and everything between now and then)!

[@BlakePizzey]

Keep the build videos coming! If your ever in Edmonton come by my shop and I'll introduce you to some makers here :)

[@Ididathing]

Great work mate! Very cool idea!

[@theriddleofsteelforge]

Your videos are great! The cats tripping on catnip and the requiem for a dream bit was classic.

[@lukeclarke8054]

Creepy person hiding in the bushes here. I watch you.

[@juanitasellshouses]

Next year will be our 50th wedding anniversary. Hubby is a retired manufacturing engineer. He still gets excited over these kinds of projects. I loved every second of this video! Oh the project stories I could tell!

[@Backslasherton]

The off grid shop in a container is really cool. The army uses something similar for stuff like fabrication and mechanical work. Love the idea!

[@JesseDriftwood]

SWAG

[@Christopherryancantu]

Dude this is inspiring AF man ! The story telling is on point and the project you are taking on is amazing. Really enjoy the whole experience you provide on the process !

[@wyntersynergyundignified]

So stoked for you! And for us since you’re sharing all this with us :-)

[@lukevanhuizen4050]

That came together so well! What a great friend you have to help you 🙃

[@Levi_Allen]

Facts

[@Foxdie503]

I would love to see more detail on the design for your hinges, those are really effective!

[@PatrickJaeger]

First time watching Levi Allen and the best thing I like about this video is the strut failure, he worked through it and didn't give up. Stayed positive throughout the process, and the spring t-handle was a genius method of locking the door up. Keep it up

[@kendellharbin]

Some really excellent ideas and tool inspiration in here. Thanks for sharing all your hard work in such a nicely edited video!

[@mul010]

That sinking feeling indeed, felt it too when the strut bent. Looks great now.

[@peterzeller5736]

Such a fan of your ambition in everything Levi!

[@michaelbenson2024]

Levi Your a rock star for your enthusiastic endeavors.Some projects require extra analysis,you have successfully completed thru extra trials.

[@robertmorris4680]

It’s great to see someone go and simply accomplish things. You may not know how when you start, but you do know that you’ll finish. And I do too. Awesome video. I think the best part of your production is your personality. When you say “hi friend” I know you mean it. I’m sure your audience does too.

[@Blackwater_House]

Three Years of Formal High School Education in Working with Wood. Three Years of Formal High School Education in Working with Metal. Another Year of Formal Education in Working with Metal, in a Government ‘Special Education’ Unit and a Lifetime of My Father convincing Me that I was absolutely useless at everything I touched. Consequently although I may know How to Do something I Lack the Confidence to even pick up a Tool, let alone actually use it. Which is why I sometimes enjoy watching Build videos.

[@stephendandrea5164]

What an amazing video! The storytelling was incredible. Had all the feels going about a hole in a shipping crate! Haha! Flawless, Levi. 👏

[@alex.garrett]

randomly found this cause im a dude who cant really do anything but believes in my core that i can really do anything. you seem similar. swaggy, confident, stupid, and driven. new subscriber here, and a believer in all humans. only 3 minutes in to this, and had to comment and say, whatever it is, you got this.

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Great, I really like that you included the problems and fixes too.

[@JoffJk]

You're an inspiration to just get started with projects!

[@yankey4]

NICE MAN! LOVE the locking! Thanks for sharing. Most of all for now giving up. LOVE IT!! God Bless.

[@OxburgerStudios]

Dude what an awesome project and film to show off the process and the reward of completing it! Bravo! Can't wait to see more!

[@rcppop3090]

I actually love that gas strut idea bro. I now have three 40’ high cubes. Just bought my third off a Ritchie Brothers auction on 6/8/2023 It was a 1 trip and I won it for $2,000.00 US !! Container prices have come down surprisingly in the last few months!!

[@tecate9408]

Cool idea and bravo to you for going for it! Makers touch is where its at, pride of accomplishment for sure.

[@clemensweiss6163]

Finally found the time to watch this, great work mate! Love these videos, appreciate all the effort you're putting into it!

[@dannyawang4677]

Levi this was so frickin cool! I know jack squat about welding or metal working but I was gripped from start to finish. You really really nailed the storytelling on this. Really inspiring, and I'm itching to make something now!

[@jonasfreitag1344]

LOVE the project and love the way you filmed and edited it even more!

[@phfm30]

Amazing piece of work, Levi! Loved it!

[@bobbyblizzard8488]

Great video, thanks for including the problems too!

[@beatdownjar]

I’ve been thinking about doing this for a while now. Seeing you do this is definitely pushing me to buy a shipping container ASAP.

[@cobralyoner]

always coming back for the build projects 😊

[@WorldofColton]

This video was so fun to watch. Can't wait to see what projects are to come. Have a great rest of your day!

[@ajtmoz]

“Life is better when you make stuff” Hell Ya it is!! Nice job!

[@RuckReaper]

I watch a lot of stuff, having my own construction business. I have to say, your production is top 1% of quality here on KZbin. Well done 👏

[@hawaiianstylen]

Great video and cinematography, I can appreciate the hard work you’ve put into this video.

[@maddskillz1969]

Mad respect in showing the failure, trouble shoot and correction. Great vid

[@michellegonthier6251]

Dude, that's a Great Video. Love how you attacked the challange. Love that you shared the mistakes and solutions. Congrats on the growth of your family.

[@brian.walker]

So awesome dude! Great work. Really felt for you when the strut bent. Way to problem solve and get it done!

[@johnthomas5806]

good to see someone willing to take on such a large project......

[@morgannelson884]

I've been following your channel for a little while and by looking at the comments I just realized how many other creators are on here that I follow too. You do fantastic content !

[@FutzWith]

Good video! I have seen people build a vented roof on top of the container to stop the rain sitting and rusting the top, it also helps with the heat. You could make it removeable so you can still use the crane to lift the container.

[@BabisToboulis]

This is so true Life´s better when you make stuff!!

[@terryrogers1025]

Wow, no turning back now, you definitely have the bull by the horns, I like that, I can see your vision, I envy the process as well as what finish product that’s coming. Wishing you well sir.

[@billybike57]

Great craftsmanship in your work.

[@terrilewis172]

Great project and really well explained with your thoughts and method!

[@DaleDriven]

Our boiii Levi stacking dimes on dimes on dimes in this one. I respect the hustle and grind.

[@andrewmcteigue8736]

Always good stuff coming from you dude. Thank you 🤙🏻

[@davebaal8370]

You say you are a beginner or novice at metalwork? I’ve worked with metal for many many years, and the quality of your work appears professional. If you have limited experience, you must be meticulous in your other work, research and study projects, and pay close attention to detail. You should be proud of your skills. This was the first of your videos I have seen.

[@gsmith4502]

Wonderful to see creative genius at work! 👏🏼👏🏼Thanks for sharing.

[@djpattrix]

I like how your a very determine individual and that when your mind is set, you don't mess around! Running into a few quirks here in there, I can see how frustrating it can be where all hopes and excitements vanish. Specially when you only had help 1 time. Glad you didn't quit! I think that little set back improve the performance of a better structured hydraulic lift in general. Can't wait to see your next project! Keep On Keeping On My Friend!

[@justinjermel]

I was rooting for you the whole time. When you finally figured out the strut issue I was like yeah this is pretty sick. 🙌 nice job bro.