DIY Camper Van Conversion Bed Build, Converts To A Couch!

[@craftedworkshop]

Had a ton of fun working with Alex, go subscribe to his channel, the Singletrack Sampler: bit.ly/SingletrackSampler. All of the tools used in this build are available from Acme Tools : bit.ly/acmetoolscrafted || Check out Arrow Fastener's full line of tools and fasteners : bit.ly/arrowcrafted

[@henryfourie9256]

Seeing two guys on a bed in the back of the van was hilarious...But this was an awesome job.

[@AuzPete]

Jonny, just wondering where to get the table saw push. I had a look at Acme webpage but hey didn’t have it I just built my own with a band saw, but I like the way the one you use pushes down on the job so you can control it better. Thanks.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, thanks!

[@craftedworkshop]

It’s this one, I love it: amzn.to/2zmti6K

[@andreshenry57]

K

[@TooLazyToFail]

I love how expressive Alex is about how happy he is with the work. His enthusiasm is contagious.

[@craftedworkshop]

For sure!

[@The_Sampler]

Man I can't tell you how much fun I had on this build with you. Thank you SO MUCH for all you have done helping me towards my goal of hitting the road in my van.

[@WarMatt86]

just imagine to go back to your Mazda 3 ;-) You guys are great!

[@craftedworkshop]

Can’t wait man! Let’s make a date for Joshua Tree this winter.

[@The_Sampler]

dude, YES! I wanna show you so badly

[@thomashill1438]

Would be cool if u put a small window in the roof to add more natural light

[@hawkeye7862]

So glad to see your nearly there bud what a adventure it will be for you ✊️✊️

[@lass-inangeles7564]

The modern day Diogenes who lived the simple life in his van. I hope nothing blocks your sun! Impressive van build. Loved the structural walls, the sturdy bed, and very functional pull out bike trays. Thanks!

[@scottcarlon6318]

Just proves that having good friends is a persons most valued asset. Turned out nice Alexander, congratulations 🎉🎊🍾🎈

[@BruceAUlrich]

I can't believe that pulley system is so simple and works so well! That's brilliant! A lot of stuff is packed into that van now...very cool!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Bruce, I was surprised it worked so well too!

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Defo cool idea. What’s make it even better is if you could make it work in both directions so that the sofa could face outwards on those scenic days.

[@thevideostump46239]

Dude, the world needs more friends like you guys!

[@tonyfalcon8592]

So that's why I couldn't find the next video of this series. I couldn't find this video on Seth's channel but now I checked the playlist, it's Seth, Johnny, and Alex's series all together on different channels. And Btw..... Alex, You are a very lucky man!

[@jamesspell5090]

Nice video. I appreciate how you integrated the ads into it. I wish more KZbinrs would do it this way because it didn't feel invasive.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks James!

[@motzemog]

Never would I have thought to utter these words until now... "dude, I want a van now!"

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, me too!

[@bijukurian7]

Sell your house and get a van...and when you want to shit, you can sell the van and buy back your house...

[@rodnelson3492]

He was lucky to have this work done by a master builder. Very impressive.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@TheCrashingDad]

I'm totally not a mechanically inclined person... You make this look so easy! I was mesmerized the whole time... You are a true artist 🤘 Awesome of you to work with Alex👍

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks, really appreciate that!

[@wanaraz]

Take on a small project. then on the next project you go a little more challenging. After awhile you build on your experience and you will be surprise at how much you can do.

[@mmagbee]

You guys - Seth- Johnny and Single are killing it. love everything collaborated.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks, glad you’re digging it!

[@wingmanalive]

Just random but an interesting note, I work in the component industry designing trusses for new home construction. In the beginning you mention ripping down 2x8 SYP material into 2x4s. Let me tell you something that may shock you guys. The lumber market/industry is a very volatile one and can fluctuate on a daily basis. The company I work for is a fortune 500 company (but I can't mention who) that routinely buys lumber by the truckload. So much at times that our purchaser may wait a day or two before ordering to get the best price. Now this will blow your mind. In our industry we use lumber from 2x4 all the way up to 2x12 dimensional lumber for our products. Depending on the species and grade each has it's own cost per 1000 bd ft. There are times because of the availability of size of product a 2x4 DSS is more expensive than a 2x10 of the same grade. That's just how the lumber market works. What does that mean? That means to anyone with a sawmill can double their $$ simply buy milling 2x10s down to 2 2x4s of the same grade, with ferring strips left over to boot. It's just so odd that I can buy a 2x10 cheaper than a 2x4 because of how the lumber market works. Now you won't find deals like these at the Depot, only inside guys with the ability to buy truckloads of lumber at a time.

[@craftedworkshop]

Doesn’t surprise me at all, wood is such a weird commodity market! I just like that 2x8s in my area are SYP, much sturdier than the white wood 2x4s. Ripping out the pith gives you super nice, straight grain too.

[@drifterz28]

I really love collaborations like this as I follow everyone in this video and it is cool to see so much come together from different channels.

[@craftedworkshop]

That’s awesome Chris! I love these collabs too, they’re so much fun and really push me to think outside the box.

[@stickybee2]

Great job Jonny on Alex's bed set-up and sliding tray for his mtn bikes. Love it!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@madgeniusmusic]

That'd be great for touring musicians too, just replace the bikes with guitar amps, drum kits etc.

[@craftedworkshop]

For sure!

[@ollieduke8628]

No one is too rich for van life! 🚐=😀

[@guszuccaro9300]

Musicians that aren’t superstars tour too. It’s probably a good way to do as many gigs as you can take.

[@motoace2007]

So Johnny< I just wanted to share my woodworking skills envy with all that you can do. It was Single Track Sampler that brought me to your channel. You've done some amazing things for Alex, Seth etc. Mad props for the time you've donated to those guys! I've subscribed to your channel!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Adrian, I really appreciate that! It’s super fun working with those guys, glad you’re digging my stuff too!

[@dianarobles2781]

love how excited alex was about everything, I felt that joy right through the vid. The bed and the slide out bike storage is gold.

[@stevendenny7260]

This is why social media is great....!!! Loved the cool vibe... and many thanks from Ireland.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Steven!

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

DUDE! LOVE converting dual use things, it just makes us happy lol. So satisfying to see the bed/couch lift and slide into place :D

[@scootscoot2k]

E&K van coming soon?

[@craftedworkshop]

It was so awesome when it finally worked! This was definitely an interesting one to try and think through, so glad it worked!

[@DrPiggy-ph4cm]

I love the small YT wood working comunty that supports each other😁, ps. You guys are awesome!!!!!

[@sosteve9113]

was indeed great to wach

[@miket9396]

Wow ... So sick. Just an absolute dream for a free spirited mountain biker. Really great job!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Mike!

[@miket9396]

Crafted Workshop ... Nothing better than randomly coming across a killer KZbin channel like this one. Definitely binge watch worthy!!!

[@craftedworkshop]

That’s awesome man, have fun!

[@abepacana2274]

Alex brought me here . Wow what an amazing channel

[@The_Sampler]

Abraham Pacana what up Abraham! 🤘

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks man!

[@breitgarner9838]

Loving all the project you do with the MTB guys. Alex, Seth, and Bobo.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks, I love hanging with those dudes!

[@intyou5480]

Great project. the one issue I saw was the direction of the structural slats under the bed/couch frame. you went perpendicular to the long side, when you should have gone parallel to get maximum load baring capacity. because you went perpendicular, the slats are not really bearing the weight of the people/stuff on top, rather only the frame is and that could fail if the weight or any type of impact or sudden surge of weight while carrying a load is experienced. The fix would be to remove the perpendicular slats and replace them with long slats parallel to the long side of the bed frame. This would essentially increase your load bearing capacity by 4x or the number of slats you instal. small structural tip. And if you intended this, why the choice? Otherwise - looks great!

[@Lysergic_]

What about a cross slat system where the slats are cut like a log cabin where they intersect to keep it all even, then all glued and screwed together? Would that be the best system or are there flawd i dont know about? Im conssidering making a van out of a minivan and i might use the system i mentioned

[@muddypawsadventurer7775]

Cool, lots of smiles and soon lots of miles to ultimate MTBing. Alex's dream life begins anew. See you on the trail.

[@craftedworkshop]

For sure, thanks!

[@Jason-pj4bb]

Very cool idea!! Question: Don't you guys' bed need any support in the middle of bed ?? The frame seems not very strong in the middle ...

[@mag31316]

Awesome project! For the pulley system you could definitely use a stopper knot like a barrel knot on the bed holes to make it a bit cleaner looking. Good work!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks! We didn’t really want the rope supporting the bed, really just using that for lifting.

[@davidly8059]

My man Alex now has his dream house on wheels!

[@PedersensTravels]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable video. Great seeing how much fun you had while completing a really useful project.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot!

[@FarOutRide]

Thanks for sharing a link to our slide out bike rack tutorial 👍 Ride on!!

[@craftedworkshop]

You guys killed it on that design! Thanks for the inspiration. We made sure to use your affiliate links when purchasing the slides, among other things.

[@glenncain]

stoked to see Alex's Van love video premier on your channel. rightful rite of passage.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Glenn!

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Great design, well thought out and executed. Alex is so stoked, and I know Seth is happy to kick Alaxander out of his place for a while lol.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, thanks! It definitely turned out better than I imagined.

[@campbellslack8448]

Did Seth make Alex a van already?

[@bigblueassbaby9074]

Campbell Slack same van

[@LucysVanAndale]

OMGOSH I can't tell you how excited I am to come across your video. I have been looking at tons of videos trying to decide what kind of build I would like. The most important thing for me is to have a bed that can be a couch in the rear of the van just like this design only not for a queen size bed (full would be great). No one has shown this except on your video. This is great. I want the garage but some cubbies under neath for my little dogs ie dog den. I will require a tiny shower and compost toilet I can use so keeping the bed small will work for me. That will still give me room for my kitchen and small stove. I would also love to add a wood burning stove (which I have seen in a van) but first things first - finding and purchasing the right van - I like the ProMaster but would like to be able to tow if I need to. Thanks again for an awesome video - Can't wait to watch your other videos. p.s. just curious why you didn't put insulation in the van walls?

[@justinbarney6286]

One of the issues I ran into when it came to Van Living, is that if/when the vehicle itself needed to visit the mechanic shop(keeping the van overnight), I was like: "Where am I going to stay?!?" Solution! ...I still have a van, but I also tow a box trailer. So if the van ever needs to visit the garage again, I'll still have a place in the box trailer(which was parked in the shop's lot), instead of having to find a motel or sleeping bag it.

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

Or you could ask them to park the van outside overnight and still use it and save a lot of time and $$ from towing a trailer

[@smc4lcc]

Great build! Not one of your typical builds, but fun to watch and you can still learn and apply this to other fun projects. Thanks for sharing.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks, it was a lot of fun to build!

[@Tiryk]

Ima keep it real with you chief, I'm stealing both the bed and bike rack ideas on my conversion

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, have fun!

[@smoggydan1640]

Not the only one,

[@howiebiemeck4248]

same here

[@dericdomino]

acme tools they helped kill the roadrunner!!! beep beep

[@JockScrapDraws]

@@dericdomino haha this made me chuckle thanks

[@Lovelace069]

Grand idea! Creativity plus Carpentry equals Coolness!!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@moth.monster]

i wish i could afford a house that fancy

[@craftedworkshop]

It’s a pretty sweet setup!

[@morganedmiston4716]

Buy the van travel to seasonal locations that are busy get a waiting or bar tending job and build it out as you go

[@Len4ken]

@@craftedworkshop noobito

[@Len4ken]

@@craftedworkshop :)

[@evespower1]

Seriously glad I found this build all of the channels are amazing and thank you for sharing. Just wanted to say there is no place better than Asheville, NC to spark creativity when it comes to housing. I went to school there two years ago for 6 months and couldn't afford anything when leaf season came...I learned to car camp stealth, parked all over Ashe...and it was phenomenal! Downside, so many car/van/rv/ dwellers that you can't be stealth there anymore, folks keep an eye out for that... (Ashe people: "is that person sleeping on that moped?.. sir, you have to move"...lol)

[@bkxc]

This came out great dude!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Brian!

[@SOCMTBR]

Would love to have this bus in the future. So awesome! 🚵

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@creeker81]

When smoking bud in bed the smoke goes straight out the fan!! Perfect

[@Marionetax]

What an awesome team! Two of my favorites KZbin channels playing together! You’re great buddies. God work!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Mario!

[@ZacJones]

Been following this build for a while and was wondering how you all would incorporate the bed! great work guys, looks super comfortable!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot, it is mega comfy!

[@garrettbates6018]

ive been fallowing alexes van since the beginning, and its has come so far! congrats on ur new home man! you desreve it!!!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks, glad you like it

[@squalazzo]

at 4:30, wouldn't it be better to have the 4 INTERNAL supports of the 2 tables from side to side instead of from front to right (hope it's clear...)? This way every support would have "supported" the weight, while now only the perpendicular ones on front and back are doing the job...

[@craftedworkshop]

Yea, that might have been a better idea. Makes sense!

[@ridingwiththereids]

Dude! You guys have built my dream! Freaking love your work man. Alex is one lucky dude, that's for sure! Between you and Seth, and of course the little work he did, that van has turned into an absolute masterpiece. I love your work brother. Keep up the awesome videos. I love watching them. One of these days I'll have the extra cash to sponsor you and help you out some. But for now, Live free, ride hard, and get stoked!

[@craftedworkshop]

Glad you liked it man! Appreciate any support, even watching my videos and spreading the word is awesome!

[@wyliebrooke3707]

What was that pocket hole table table that you used? I’ve never seen something like that

[@Bracnogard]

It is probably the Kreg Foreman: acmetools.com/shop/tools/kreg-db210

[@wyliebrooke3707]

Bracnogard Thankyou!

[@craftedworkshop]

Yup!

[@EvilTwin123]

The couch bed pull system was genius!!

[@anettasimpson2224]

I've been wanting to build a bed/couch like this for my van, but every other system I've seen involved cutting the mattress. Thank you SO much for sharing this!

[@GinaKayLandis]

This is so cool! I bet I could make a mini sofa/bed like this for a Ford Transit Connect! Great idea on the slide out trays as well - and what fun you guys had building! :)

[@fonzee2412]

i pressed the bell i love this vid

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@johnchan6191]

Wow, very cool in the van life. Nice build in the platform 4 bed/couch mode. Thx 4 sharing on the internet.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks John!

[@funkymonkeylovin]

What is that counter sink bit you're using there?

[@TimSTimS]

maybe this? www.amazon.com/Amana-Tool-Countersink-Adjustable-No-Thrust/dp/B00PV9AV6S/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1530829946&sr=8-25&keywords=countersink+bit

[@craftedworkshop]

Yup!

[@KUSHIEbudz420]

Absolutely amazing craftsmanship you don't skip any steps measure twice cut once pre-drill countersink notch and glue. This is my first time watching any video from your channel but are you sure you're not a cabinet maker

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks man! This is what I do for a living, so I try to do things right!

[@rgmtb]

Great job guys! Such a cool build ;-)

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@icfbuild1]

Awesome work! I love the brotherhood between you guys. Absolutely quality craftmanship. I would love to have a van like that. You guys rock!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks man, had a ton of fun working with Alex!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

This was an awesome build!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Angie!

[@WinningCustomers]

I don't have words as to how much I respect the work that you did here. It's otherworldly. I really want to learn the basics of woodworking. Got any recommendations where to begin my journey?

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot man! I learned everything from KZbin, books and magazines. Check out some more of my videos if you want to learn more!

[@Kent.]

So good craftmanship... Alex is going to sleep more than ride now... haha!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Kent!

[@coyotedreams3902]

This is a really cool design. Is there by chance a video of a tour if this van? To see and test how the couch/bed fits in with the rest of the build? Thanks for the video!!!

[@Dave2DVlogs]

musta taken alot of daily lattez to build that :P , cheers guys

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, for sure!

[@andyheilmann1656]

I came here because Ive watched Seth almost since his KZbin beginning. I love the singletracksampler and the van project. Your video is great and I'm going to subscribe!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot Andy, welcome!

[@MultiPJoys]

Love love love bed/couch! I was wondering if you've thought about making the couch 2-way so you can also sit the other way around for when you have the doors open and want to enjoy the view? And another question, what is the height from the top of the bedframe to the ceiling in the middle?

[@TwitchyNick]

Awesome work. It’s really cool how you’ve helped convert Alex’s van into a home.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks, it was a lot of fun!

[@michelevitarelli]

No insulation?

[@WarMatt86]

They did... check out Seth's bike hack channel ;)

[@craftedworkshop]

Covered in a previous video on Alex and Seth’s channels.

[@brulew976]

Could Alex have been any happier with your work? No! The best.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks!

[@ThoenWorks]

Really cool build! - and it beats living with your mamma.

[@craftedworkshop]

For sure, thanks!

[@ianvolker2751]

REALLY COOL. Nice work Johnny!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Ian!

[@FlowFinderUSA]

Seriously, what kind of TOOL would thumb this video down?

[@jac_builtWoodworks]

Probably pocket hole haters lol.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, who knows!

[@alpachino468]

A spanner...

[@reinhardtventer8134]

Hi Jonny, I really liked the video of the bed build and I think it is a great idea! You mentioned that you'll add the link for the sketch up file of the bed build. I do not seem to find it anywhere on the description?

[@gregorythomas333]

This is a really nice build! You may wish to seal the slide drawers to protect them from water damage in case any is on the tires/bikes when you store them inside.

[@craftedworkshop]

Yup, they already have a coat of polyurethane on them. Thanks!

[@gregorythomas333]

Ah...kewl beans!

[@austinrentz7825]

I lived in Asheville for awhile! Miss that beautiful place. Great ideas and execution 👌🏼

[@danielselvan4130]

This is the best project you have done! Was really insane, please do more of these builds

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot, it was a ton of fun!

[@ladyB59]

What a fun and informative video. Simple yet stylish solutions. Excellent work. The plaque was so kind and thoughtful. 👍💙

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot Heidi!

[@marcmessina616]

That guys a wood working god. He's shop is sick

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, thanks!

[@MrBlackbamboo]

perfect!!! couldn't be any better, you can see Alex is so appreciative cool van

[@joshuamathermusic]

This was so fun to watch! I love these projects that live between unique and practical!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Joshua!

[@thesaltedbeagles9525]

Got led hear from singletrack sampler. Seriously enjoyed watching all vids from your channel's for the build, great job!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot man!

[@vempriex]

When this van is rockin' don't bother knockin'. Looks good but I can imagine the cost and time put into this. Creative ideas =).

[@drew657]

That's such an awesome build, man! That pulley system is sweeeet! Van living and mountain biking are two things I'm super interested in. I'll definitely check out his channel, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of his van!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot, glad you liked it!

[@albertanasoul]

Great job on the design. I liked the HDPE idea and the pulley system. I do have a suggestion for you guys. I have read that mattresses can get mouldy on the bottom side if there is no room to move the moisture. You can fix that by simply drilling or cutting out some holes into the plywood. I have also heard of a material that you can lay under the mattress which does the same thing without having to cut anything. I just can’t remember the name of it. Thanks for sharing!

[@awbernardy]

I would love to do something like this for a hunting/camping van ... AWESOME JOB

[@craftedworkshop]

That’d be cool, thanks Adam!

[@happymchappyface8271]

Hey Johnny @craftedworkshop you mentioned putting up the sketched plans. I am starting my build soon and the measurements would be a useful starting point. Thanks man, loving your work.

[@allweelz3907]

I’ve never seen someone so happy

[@TomDeLombaerde]

great build with simple, functional design

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Tom!

[@scottweikert5189]

Any chance you still have your notes with measurements on this setup, I'm curious! Specifically the length of each of the two bed platform panels and the distance from the bottom of the bed platform to the floor. Thanks!

[@DaveHudak]

Dude, this is incredibly helpful for what Im trying to do. Something very similar in my sprinter. Very innovative, thanks so much for the detailed instruction on your process

[@craftedworkshop]

Glad it is helpful, Dave!

[@angelxmoreno6477]

kick ass video man. came over from Alex’s channel and you’re channel is great man. i’ll be busy watching all your vids. keep it up!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot, welcome!

[@tamserenity]

Man I wish my wife would be down to do something like this! I asked her and she said no way! LOL! You are going to have a great time Alex!

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, sorry!

[@4eva2bsassy]

I love the way this was explained. I never fully understand what any of these conversion videos are talking about lol.

[@craftedworkshop]

Hah, thanks!

[@jellebeenker4490]

Dude, this is the dopest ive seen so far! I hope i can make it work in my van once i get it.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot!

[@Alexandra-Rex]

This van turned out so nice! It's awesome!

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Alexander!

[@__-pl3jg]

I'm just excited to see how excited Alex was lol 9:12.

[@briantrend1812]

this makes perfect sense in a high roofed van, thankyou great video

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks Brian!

[@anitamitchell3452]

By following Alex around I run across the coolest people .. love the bed/seat .... perfect ... so roomy! PS ... your workshop is awesome.

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot Anita!

[@vanpause]

Very nice Van! Nice Transformer Bed and Couch! Greets from Germany! 🚐 🇩🇪

[@craftedworkshop]

Thank you! 👍

[@azazelone905]

Man... such a good carpenter. I can’t believe you didn’t think of the curvature of the van walls! 😆

[@craftedworkshop]

Thanks a lot! No clue how I didn’t notice it, we were taking measurements when it was dark out so I guess I blame it on that, hah!

[@Sycoholic]

First video of yours I've watched. Yes, Alex's van sent me here. I've subscribed. I'm horrible at woodworking, but I really enjoyed watching Seth and Alex's projects you've helped with so I'm looking forward to watching more of your content, and maybe trying some woodworking. My wife always wants me to do something with wood anyway, so...

[@craftedworkshop]

Nice man, welcome! Woodworking is super fun, go for it!