Couple Converts Syncro Van for Extended Off Grid Travel

Meet the Oregonian overlanding couple who custom-built a VW Syncro Van for extended off-grid travel.
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Tim & Liz converted a $6000 Volkswagen Syncro to a high top and added, an adjustable solar bank, and an extensive water filtration system so that they could road trip overland to South America and spend longer periods off-road, off-grid, and boondocking. In this video, we hear about their impressive van conversion.
Learn what it takes to swap the 9-5 for a life of full-time travel and van life adventure: kombilife.com/preparing-for-v...
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[@KombiLife]

Learn everything about Living Off Grid and on The Move in a vehicle - kombilife.com/van-life-book/

[@michaelsmith1094]

I am 64 now, health is gone can barely move. I am also glad I did those kinds of things when I was young. Hey my golden years are not materially golden, but I have a lot of memories.

[@cheekcj]

64 isn’t that old

[@MichaelRCarlson]

On the other hand, the guy in the video is a bit pessimistic on age! There's no reason to only do this in their 20's and 30's, aside from conceptions on what life at different ages should look like.

[@revmpandora]

Yup. He'll likely change his tune in twenty or thirty years.

[@Michael-4]

Ill health is a bit of a lottery but the mind makes a huge difference. You are fitter than you think.

[@findermanimages]

Age is nothing to be concerned about. At their age I was raising a family, being posted overseas on missions and trying to secure the family's future. Fast forward a few decades and I am about to turn 50, got divorced, loving life - and my kids - and am ready to invest into an adventure lifestyle to see my days out. Mental strength and a strong belief is all it takes...

[@BradColemanisHere]

Holy smokes, that thing has everything on it! They really solved a lot of van life issues. I would bet the Kombi crew is most envious of that engine that works, and the common parts it uses. :) Great video, and great build, Tim and Liz!

[@Afrikaislife]

I interviewed a forty-year-old woman with two children who took up riding a Harley. Her reason: She watched her mother take care of her children, her husband and work to pay bills. then she died. That was her life. That wasn't going to happen to her. Too many of us find excuses not to do what we want to do and therefore go along with the status quo and get angry. We get angry stuck in traffic, doing jobs we hate, just to pay bills. We even get angry with people like you guys for doing what we feel we can't-do. Thanks to you, and to other's like you, it's important to experience, and that comes from getting out there and doing it.

[@KombiLife]

+Ruby Chung thanks for this comment ruby

[@consaka1]

Nah. to me it is like a mini vacation to see the places they go and hear about their experiences. I'll never be able to go to many of these places. I love watching the 4x4 trips/vacations 4x4 clubs do down in Australia. I'd love to transport my van down there and do a bunch of knocking around in the bush. All good stuff.

[@diutsfuller446]

the four brothers

[@pure9342]

i like how geniune he is that he doesnt sugar coat van life and makes his shower and such by hand

[@cliffp.8396]

Tim and Liz I must say I am thoroughly impressed with your innovative ideas (hot shower, safer tool box, high top storage, on board compressor, self rescue equipment wow what a list. I think if I watch the video a second time I'll find even more to be impressed by. Having been a boy scout when I was young and loving the adventure and today traveling as a professional driver (motorcoach) I feel the travel bug that just as much as you. I'm inspired to find a way to live my dreams. Also watching the two of you I'm certain the younger generation is full of amazing talent and feats of learning/doing the human specie needs to survive and thrive. Thank you both.

[@ItsJustGilly]

This is absolutely a great channel and a great video to learn from. I met my cousin a few months ago and for the first time really got to know him. We went on a bike adventure without actually knowing the route to the destination. We decided to go there, made our own extra bagagecarrier which was really helpfull and left only one hour later xD Well yeah, I'm considering to ask him for a bigger trip through several countries with a van because altough it was hard and exhausting, it was probably the best holiday I ever had!

[@briandufty8362]

did u cook fo

[@JackAcid]

Greetings from the UK. I've got a VW T3 (T25, as us Brits call 'em!), hightop, and I love it. I mean, absolutely adore it. It's not a Syncro, which is my dream machine, but I go everywhere in it. Heck, I just like sitting in the damn thing, making a coffee whilst listening to the rain lash down on the roof. I'll never be without one now. They get into your DNA! One day I'll get me a Synchro, but they're MEGA bucks!

[@MrJan50]

This is called honouring life. I hope all your adventures are memorable.

[@pure9342]

bingewatching this along with Dylan Magaster gives me too much motivation

[@baoqiangli7030]

Never let each other go. Takes a lot of trust to go on a journey like this with someone! Best of luck!

[@redline9979]

Absolutely awesome work! Love how you turn the complex into simple just by thinking differently.

[@EarthStory]

BEST VAN SETUP EVER. Seriously, goals. Our Voyager will have to get some of these upgrades before the trek down to South America.

[@DailyDelsol]

Awesome! I just started my van life art channel! Cant wait to watch more videos like this! super inspirational!

[@nicolec7290]

Good video. Lot of good info. Our 1990 VW carat. Will be road ready within days I’m so excited I can’t wait. The water idea is a must Thanks.

[@sauliusagintas]

This is one good syncro. Very good ideas and so simple to make life easier.🤜🤜🤜👍✌️🌵

[@babbon9043]

Yes I traveled in my 20 and 30 I had so much fun I couldn't do 25%of what I did in my 20 and 30. . I have tried I'm 58 now . so yes do it when you're younger . I highly recommended lol all love

[@SpenserRoger]

Bab bon thanks man I was just wondering if that was true

[@babbon9043]

SpenserRoger what?

[@zippyoftheline8386]

Brilliant,really well done.Best of luck on your travels!

[@sydneyluna]

Great job on the video!! Keep them coming :)

[@DnSAdventures]

You all keep getting better and better at editing. Love the entertaining videos!

[@KombiLife]

All credits for this awesome edit go to Leah

[@iftogo]

Impressive build! Everything looked really well thought out.

[@whatagreatday4906]

Love this. Added it to my playlist! Thumbs up.

[@yoterryh_JTH]

Nice video and a refreshing change from a lot of the click-bait van life videos out there. Also, hello from a fellow Oregonian and van lover!

[@odessaone5863]

Nice clip! I also have a T3 westfalia. Love you’re idea about the shower! Greets

[@hdrk59]

Fascinating video and I admire your story...thank you and be safe .

[@SamTravels]

Amazing build project, Nice one Ben & Leah 👍😎

[@zolaburgess8344]

Excellent ideas! Enjoyed your video! I am thinking of doing the same thing ie: van life.

[@RoadTripEddie]

Love your story/movie of travels, fun and adventure. So glad i found your channel. Safe happy travels. :-)

[@KombiLife]

cheers Eddie

[@Surfitrob]

Awesome! Great ideas. Enjoy every moment! Cheers.

[@bahamasking2063]

Very nice van build and well put together. Everything very convenient

[@sapsantravel848]

I really like your channel! Thank you for the great work!!!

[@alexqg4492]

finally some one that did a DIY water purification system, i was hoping i wasnt the only one who had the idea.

[@64maxpower]

Excellent excellent build

[@geertevers3335]

aqp64maxpower l." ,,,j.

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

They did an amazing job

[@777-Phil]

Very excellent. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!

[@arbyfiles]

This is a serious build. Far more versatile than most that i've seen. 4 wheel drive is big.

[@discreet87]

Ive been watching alot of van builds lately and this is by far one of my favorites! So well thought out and practical. I'm going to start saving my money now so after all your travels you ever decide to sell your van please let me know!

[@mountainconstructions]

Nice Build, great to see you out doing it. 4:10 For long term travel, i'd always suggest 2 x 105Ah AGM or even 3 of them. LifePo4 is good, but don't forget they come with their own particular issues like cell balancing, correct charging and battery management. Ive seen too many people kill $$$ Lipo or LifePo4 batteries from poor management. AGM are available everywhere and are cheap enough nowdays

[@robertround9378]

Great video full of cool vibes

[@brmelectric]

Some great ideas. Great video

[@Irishbatch]

Great video really enjoyed

[@MyFREEFrugalHomestead]

Thanks for the video, you helped me to decide to not sell my E250 and to add the high top sitting in my yard. Nice build !

[@consaka1]

You don't need the high top but you do need a front 4x4 axle. High top just raises the center of gravity which is not so good if you want to go off the beaten path now and then.

[@kennyscott1089]

A very well sorted van for sure.

[@walkingwithjerry]

i turn 50 this year and i will be leaving this summer to move into a van and travel. i want to do it while i still can. just have to save up for a van :)

[@crew0791]

looking for the video on heat exchanger and water pump setup. So rad!

[@stephopalopal]

Want..awe..dang this is sick! Thank you for sharing.. Loved it Alll ..Greetings from New Orleans Louisiana ..peace ☆♡☆OpaL

[@airbrushken5339]

I'm a Vietnam Veteran, who spent his tour in the NW of South VN. We spent weeks in the jungle. I love the idea of a water purification system. We used water from the mountain streams, boiled, iodine tablet mixed into our dehydrated food packets (LRPPS). Un known to us on the ground there were chemicals (Agent Orange) in the water. I am giving up camping and soon walking because of the small nerve damage this has caused. If you are traveling around the world... I'm now in Australia, try to find out what the local farmers and mining companies, ETC are using. Does your system clear chemicals? Loved your Van, in 1969 my wife and I had a split window VW Van... with an 8 track tape player... so very old ... LOL

[@nickihervan9863]

Hi Guys, great video. I was just wondering how you insulated your high top roof. I am gutting my camper but have no idea what to do with the roof, which is just fibre glass with carpet stuck on it. Thanks for any ideas...,

[@KombiLife]

Don't miss the part about the custom hot shower!

[@blueminkey200]

Kombi Life videos are brilliant keep up the good work 😀

[@abdmoner3626]

Kombi Life

[@AngelaVlogs]

this custom built van is amazing!!

[@jesirawr]

Was that the Kombi crew? Yes, yes it was.

[@Ohenry0828]

Have u guys talk or interview to anyone who lived a Vanlife for over 20years or more?

[@mtbjake4168]

Lovin the type 25

[@Cindy-cs5js]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kenkozma9894]

Thanks for sharing. Nice van.

[@iltravelmate]

Hi guys, we are traveling since one year with a Toyota Hiace pop top from 1986, I installed in my roof 4 flexible solar panel by 100watt, 40amps MPPT epever solar charge controller that charge 120amps Ritar agm deep cycle battery, plus I installed a dual sense dual battery isolator that charge the battery while driving. I run my 80lt fridge 24h + we plug toaster, blender, charge cameras smart phone and we didn’t had any issue.

[@nicolec7290]

Nice van. Yes. Keep running

[@IAMMR911IL]

👍 thanks for the pointers

[@arturarruda8151]

That's awesome!

[@katrinamousley6179]

I like the ideas and the van my dad is doing up the van I love some of your ideas from Isla age 10

[@Querenciatv]

Thanks for Sharing ❤️&✌️

[@HellenicVanagonTheSyncroHeresy]

Very nice! The Syncro Heresy

[@MTLWAKEUP]

Fantastic Couple & Van 2 Thumbs up Guys!!! Lots of great Ideas..smart man. Am planning the same.....for real. :-)

[@ChristopherOkhravi]

Pretty darn impressive! :D

[@davidanderson8469]

When those first came out they retailed for $21K. Westfalia package and all. That would be $30K in today's dollar. El Cardon? We used a simple gallon garden sprayer for a shower down there. Lengthen the hose and shorten the wand. It uses a fraction of the water that the tanks do.

[@rogerlao]

awesome couple

[@55ATA3]

Were was Alaska... :( Hope she is doing well. Great to see new video, hope there will be more to come...

[@Rooneycgs]

Super cool van

[@TheCompanyTheatre]

I love this...!

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Interesting vehicle for sure

[@fojnica2226]

nice van and nice video.....greetings from croatia

[@xdjillusionx]

Nice set up.

[@SuperfloDee]

one cool rig ..3 blessed souls🙏👍🍺🌈...😊

[@monaskau1830]

Can you please tell what music is being used in the background? It would be really nice to know, and there is so much information in general about equipment and other things.. please?!

[@oceanscience2240]

Reversed doors on your storage boxes!!!! Thank you. Brilliant. Do you have any idea how much money you just saved me!

[@TheFabled1]

amazing!

[@tomdallas1211]

Now that's a Awesome Rig . I love to have that van :-)

[@minskmade]

nice build

[@-johnny6894]

Very cool and clever rig. -johnny

[@kosybro5822]

The filt on the "walls" between windows etc. What is that? Looks cool!

[@elsebebe6161]

Do you have a video of the high top install? where did you buy it? thank you.

[@yourstrulymanuna]

fantastic

[@devinscott447]

Sickest one yet

[@curtisframe6410]

This rig looks great. My concern is many people take high centered vehicles and put more weight up high. Watch the corners.

[@kriskirby1387]

great ideas,

[@iputasmileonthatface]

Most badass van evaaaaah

[@tracymendiola8345]

Called the cops they should be there any minute now, hang tight guys.

Nice modifications. I wonder if these modifications would be allowed in Germany, since we have really strict rules. Keep it going!

[@tomsummers1137]

Good one!

[@syncrovibes]

Hi mate! may I ask you where did you get the rear rack with the wheel carrier? I have bought a paulchen that I am using to support the spare wheel of our syncro but it's way too heavy for keeping the door open :( . Your seems to stay still without any problem. A rack like this would have made a huge difference in our trip to Norway this summer! best

[@JorgeBras]

congrats for the great channel. Is there more info about the water purification system ?

[@sturmvogelRSR]

It´s a pitty we dont have Syncros here in Argentina... I know they were only built in the U.S., but they look SO goddamn beautiful!

[@liamoregan9866]

Hey any chance you could do a video about everything you brought with you ?

[@jamiestewart1644]

Where did you get the roof rack/cage? I need one badly.

[@rickybrown4745]

❓WHAT ARE THE LINKS TO BUY ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT THAT YOU POINTED OUT THAT YOU USED ON THIS VAN, LIKE WHAT IS THE BRAND NAME FOR THE SINK/stove Combo that you installed in this van❓

[@spannersautocomputerrepair7528]

SO, what springs are you using with all that additional weight on each corner?

[@alexanderkarlsson6193]

Yeah, cause vans are so not designed to carry lots of stuff

[@oceanscience2240]

Are you still out there. I just realize this was from 2017. I'd like to know what happened to you guys. Also, considering the work you did on your van, I was wondering if you have considered consulting? You did some amazing stuff on that little van. I and obviously a number of other folks thought the same.

[@markusunterwegs]

A perfect Car. Gruß Markus from Germany

[@RalphColmar]

Cool van, glad I had a T3 if only for a year ;-)

[@mattmatt333-w3j]

You seriously need to write a book about all your travels

[@alexloweh1]

I'm doing it!!🇬🇧👍🇬🇧👍

[@Swordie100]

Any chance on a little more technical info on how that shower works?

[@jewljackson]

Can someone tell me the name of the track at the beginning please? 😊