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.
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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.

[@tinboxlife]

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...

[@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.

[@baoqiangli7030]

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

[@pure9342]

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

[@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

[@MrJan50]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@EarthStory]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@arbyfiles]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@pure9342]

bingewatching this along with Dylan Magaster gives me too much motivation

[@alexqg4492]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@redline9979]

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

[@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.

[@whatagreatday4906]

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

[@DailyDelsol]

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

[@hdrk59]

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

[@curtisframe6410]

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

[@bahamasking2063]

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

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

They did an amazing job

[@odessaone5863]

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

[@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?

[@DnSAdventures]

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

[@KombiLife]

All credits for this awesome edit go to Leah

[@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!

[@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!

[@iftogo]

Impressive build! Everything looked really well thought out.

[@kennyscott1089]

A very well sorted van for sure.

[@nicolec7290]

Nice van. Yes. Keep running

[@Surfitrob]

Awesome! Great ideas. Enjoy every moment! Cheers.

[@mtbjake4168]

Lovin the type 25

[@crew0791]

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

[@RoadTripEddie]

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

[@KombiLife]

cheers Eddie

[@55ATA3]

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

[@sauliusagintas]

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

[@zippyoftheline8386]

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

[@robertround9378]

Great video full of cool vibes

[@Wooper3333]

You seriously need to write a book about all your travels

[@lukaskorcak5583]

I like to see that somebody is actually trying some different things such as air tank etc and not just typical mainstream way of conversions, which are usually as good as my backpack . Huge credit from my side for R&D even it didn't work ..you mentioned in the video, that your cca 100Ah battery is not sufficient, I would like to gain some experience from you, if you don't mind. Please would you mind to tell me more about it? Why it is not sufficient, is the battery at the end of its life cycle, what is your power usage per day, how much charge it gets per day(vehicle), average W/h day production of your 200w solar panels, how many days you can stay purely battery powered. There is very little about using batteries as main energy source within campers. I am currently building my camper (few years now as a hobby project) and I have already changed and tested lots of hardware regarding to all electric conversion (as R&D project) to get best results. As i am testing all systems on garden, I don't have a proper field experience. I would be very great full, if you would share this information with me. Thanks

[@SamTravels]

Amazing build project, Nice one Ben & Leah 👍😎

[@iputasmileonthatface]

Most badass van evaaaaah

[@oceanscience2240]

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

[@tomlepski8306]

Why would anyone deslike such a good video unless they are born haters without hope in life!

[@rogerlao]

awesome couple

[@sydneyluna]

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

[@sapsantravel848]

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

[@devinscott447]

Sickest one yet

[@HellenicVanagonTheSyncroHeresy]

Very nice! The Syncro Heresy

[@zolaburgess8344]

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

[@IAMMR911IL]

👍 thanks for the pointers

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Interesting vehicle for sure

[@brmelectric]

Some great ideas. Great video

[@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

[@gentadventure4173]

Are Tim and Liz still traveling?… They still have the white van? Looks like an awesome van and a great time

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

[@stephopalopal]

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

[@tracymendiola8345]

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

[@Irishbatch]

Great video really enjoyed

[@TheEthanWadsworth]

Great video of ACTUAL van life. Not the Pinterest hipsters. 👍

[@MTLWAKEUP]

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

[@ryanchase9746]

Please do an in-depth HowTo on the shower. Pretty please with sprinkles.

[@Rooneycgs]

Super cool van

[@xdjillusionx]

Nice set up.

[@fojnica2226]

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

[@kenkozma9894]

Thanks for sharing. Nice van.

[@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?!

[@billienomates1606]

Good vid, but please secure your dog when in motion, you both have your seat belts on but the dog will continue forward at speed if you bang those brakes.

[@64maxpower]

Excellent excellent build

[@geertevers3335]

aqp64maxpower l." ,,,j.

[@777-Phil]

Very excellent. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!

[@Querenciatv]

Thanks for Sharing ❤️&✌️

[@arturarruda8151]

That's awesome!

[@Cindy-cs5js]

Thanks for sharing!

[@arnoldtm31]

Down a shot every time he says LIKE...

[@liamoregan9866]

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

[@Swordie100]

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

[@damianstirling7553]

I would like to know more about their water filtration system..

[@minskmade]

nice build

[@jewljackson]

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

[@donaldeverett714]

Shit! This couple gets Two Thumbs Up! Will be using some ideas for a van I am planning, thank you all so much

[@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❓

[@-johnny6894]

Very cool and clever rig. -johnny

[@JorgeBras]

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

[@J1M0TEE]

Aww poop - their instagram link didn't work. Got another way to keep up with these guy's travels? They're a cool couple with a rad van!

[@jaahdajinnahgoeswalkabout6819]

u-wah! Must have some pretty full on (rebuilt) suspension! Carrying a bit of weight there....n got everything including the kitchen sink. Tho - personally i don't like the sink n the stove that close together! N I didn't get to work out if they had to make and unmake their bed everyday (which i rkn is the pits).

[@TheCompanyTheatre]

I love this...!

[@jesirawr]

I was like, 'is that the Kombi van' and then I saw what channel this was from .-.

[@yourstrulymanuna]

fantastic

[@ChristopherOkhravi]

Pretty darn impressive! :D

[@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.

[@SuperfloDee]

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

[@jimmysix8387]

@south_by_syncro, please make a KZbin channel. I love shows like Kombi Life!