Custom Camper Van Conversion | Full Tour, Problems & What I Would Change

[@team2jnd]

Mr. Heaton, you have done me a great favor. My wife saw my wheels turning as I watched this video. In order to preemptively thwart my future camper van, she signed off on purchasing a camper cover for my truck. I’d have never gotten the approval without you, so thank you sir!

[@TitouanDebray]

I'm 19, haven't bought my first car yet and have never been particularly interested in camper-vans, and yet, I watched this video entirely with a smile on my face. It's just so damn cool.

[@mihneatatu]

That last part with come and see me, almost had me crying, it was clear that it means so much to you, and it's like you would be able to thank to the people that helped you make it happen, altough, as much as you mean it, it really is your work and talent that made it happen, not us ! Have great times with it, and no further problems with it !

[@lamkaz810]

You feel blessed to have this van but really you worked darn hard for it...so congratulations on the spoils of good clean hard work! 😊

[@glynjones1582]

If you getting the van is down to us subscribers, does that mean we can borrow it for the weekend? Seriously, it looks tremendous and your attention to detail has given you a great living/working space. Looking forward to seeing your adventures

[@arjunsureshlal6366]

The attention to details!!! Everything precisely built for a purpose. Like the tripod storage and the outdoor table and chairs. I loved that.

[@claudec2588]

Excellent video. When you first talked about traveling around in a camper van security was my first thought. You answered those questions. Thank-You. Oh and of course. Congratulations!

[@OnPatrolPhotography]

Landscape photographer from Australia here, and I love my 4wd - plenty of accessories fitted for when I'm staying out in the bush capturing images, throw the swag on the ground and cooking over the fire, pure bliss! But watching this video, mate that is a luxury van!!! Love what you've done with it, very thorough in the accessories you've fitted and everything serves a purpose. Geez I may just give up the four wheel driving and move over to a van, looks ace! Thanks for the insight. Cheers, Simon

[@BenHorne]

You're really making me want to have a van like that!! Despite the delays, it sure turned out nice!

[@GeorgeLoch]

I dig your 4runner setup. Add a Rooftop tent and it's pretty much a camper van :)

[@nobby1969]

Ben Horne - I’m sure it’s all worth it now.

[@scotfalconeroutdoors191]

Having watched countless camper van videos on KZbin over many years this one comes in the top five, you gave an honest opinion of the good and the bad, what you like, what you dislike, great to see you have achieved your goal but still reckon there are improvements to be made.

[@conorphoto]

Actually felt pleasantly happy for you. You have worked hard and deserve it.

[@bagamingshow]

Man you've taught me so much. Not just in a technical sense, but how to perceive things differently. Literally every time you upload a video I get pumped up and motivated to go out and shoot. Even in the rain. Can't wait to see what this van does for you.

[@fijiimages]

Great video Thomas. My wife and I are heading out tomorrow to find out about camper conversions. We are determined after seeing this to get one. Many thanks for the info and congratulations on your achievement. Been following you for a long time now and your vlogs just continue to improve. Best wishes and keep up the good work 👍

[@wliu6381]

that's fantastic, as of today, what I had done in terms of make better use of my vehicle to enable the offshore endurance during outdoor activity is only bringing my quilt so I can sleep in rear seat in my sedan car...with packages of repair tools, drinking water, power adapter and power bank like that in the trunk, I really hope one day I can get a dream van like yours

[@seantuck]

Congrats Thomas. Looks amazing! Hope it opens up new adventures for you.

[@jayv-in1860]

OMG IT'S SEAN TUCKER!!!!!!! (I love your videos (I'm bit of a fan boy (if I say so myself)))

[@danev1969]

Thanks Thomas. You now have us thinking about converting our Subaru Forester. Our photography takes us all through the U.S. and at the ripe age of 75, sleeping outdoors is hard on my wife and I. Your photography is fantastic and we have learned so much watching your videos.

[@paulwayman5137]

Really interesting to see the van at last Tom. Without going into specific's, can you give us a ballpark figure of total conversion cost against buying a standard transit camper van? I'm sure some of us would like go down the camper van route, but are unsure of costings. Love the 'ABSOLUTELY STUNNING' cooker cover :)

[@webmaster4ZLCB]

I'm sure you're finding plenty of little faults with the van, but from an outsiders perspective, it's nothing short of brilliant. I hope you're blessed with years of reliable service and great adventures. Thanks for sharing all your great content, I'm really enjoying the videos.

[@LugiaProphet]

I hope no one wakes me... a channel dedicated to photography and nearly free of reviews and stuff? I can't believe it. That's amazing and most likely a dream. Anyway...! Even if it's a dream, i'll go for a "dreamsub"! Whatever that is... Greetings from the "opposite shore"... or whatever you prefer for Germany. - Kevin

[@FrenchieSmalls]

The appreciation at the end made me smile! I'm glad that we could help you get the van of your dreams, and we're really looking forward to the fantastic images it will help you make that you might not have been able to get without it.

[@Mindartcreativity]

Congrats on fulfilling your dream! You seem really proud and happy. Safe travels, good luck and good light 😉

[@hastiindwero3522]

You are the most humble man, very patient and honestly one of my favorite vloggers and photographers ...

[@sulev111]

I have a portable toilet too, it's called a shovel.

[@kymandjulieanthony3206]

I have one too.

[@jkd125]

why would you shit on a shovel

[@wanderinggoliard]

One of the best presentations of camper vans I've ever seen. The way you blended the description of the features with the utility for you was really well done. Good luck with your professional adventures.

[@stubones]

This van should have been featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces :)

[@colinsmith1928]

My parents had an old commer van many years ago, and we went all over the place with it. Hope you have as much pleasure with yours as I remembered as much as we had in ours.

[@riccoswuave4935]

Your production quality continues to evolve. Well done.

[@ianthomas465]

Congratulations, Thomas. I am using camping cars since years and I understand and share your excitement. It is this special feeling of freedom and the flexibility. Best regards, Ian

[@ericbost4882]

You earned it! Enjoy!

[@gayatrisabne2532]

My absolute favorite photographer! Thank you for inspiring young people like me to get out and capture the beauty in our world!

[@NicholasEJones]

Just an awesome looking van build, you should be able to dim those lights with a simple change of led driver and lamps fairly inexpensive.

[@marque27]

Im thinking he can run some clear tape or wax paper to diffuse the LED lamps a bit.

[@paulborthwick4068]

The addition of a dimmer into the system is a very simple and inexpensive fix. Even touch sensitive switches and remotes can be added to replace the standard switches.

[@spillbeans8434]

A decent set of ND grads should do the job

[@andrewjamesokey7559]

Dimmers use more power and create RF. I would make a simple defuser that slide into place. You could even have colored one that would help keep your night vision

[@paulborthwick4068]

The power that these very small dimmer use is so marginal that you can hardly measure it, we use them to good effect in many builds, also if Colour changing is required we would fit RGBW LED strip in place of the single colour white tape. This is the most permanent and easily changeable way to install such lighting.

[@ianbendall3116]

Hi Thomas. Thank you, what for me, has been the best video that I have watched to date. I have only been looking down the VW route up until now but as you have discovered, the price difference between the two manufacturers is huge. I found your likes, dislikes and experiences very helpful, thank you.

[@MrCochise71]

Photographer version of the Batmobile 🦇

[@ry92ukwj]

Haha! It is!!

[@jakubbialucha]

Hi Thomas. My name is Kuba and I will tell you honestly that I am a big fan of your films. I always watch them in my free time. The films are amazing and the photos are amazing. you are a great artist. I wish you many other great projects. Greetings from Poland.

[@scotty4418]

Thomas your hard work and dedication to your profession is also why you have achieved a dream. I truly believe you will take your art to a new level with the freedom this bestows you. If you dont mind me asking where does your actual diesel heater sit and does it take up much room as I bought a converted VW van recently and use a 240v electric heater when on the grid and a small portable gas heater when off the grid but see the diesel heater as a great alternative solution.

[@lorenzomariasantini]

watching the video 4 years later and having seen the new campervan I can see the "seeds " of the future experience. Really nice to see

[@jamesfindlay7150]

Thanks for thanking us your subscribers Thomas, and on that note can I borrow it for a fortnight in June 2018 lol

[@delhunter7530]

Nice vid Sir Thomas and a small organisation hack for you. Toilet paper tubes! Don't throw them out, I use them to store all my various usb, charging, camera cables etc. Yours in the draw were all over the place. Fold your cables a few times, pop them in a tube, write a short cable description on the tube and there you have it, an organised draw. Just a thought...

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Del Hunter What a great idea!!

[@JakobEvers]

Hi Thomas Now you got a camper, come to Denmark - And i will show you some other landscapes - that you normally only see in Denmark. Some of these places are on the Unesco list. /Jakob

[@emmarita487]

Good for you Tom, anyone can see that you work very hard . You deserve your van. Enjoy it

[@jbairdexp]

Great to finally see the van video....well jealous now!

[@ScoTreVan]

Me too Julian

[@UprootedWanderer]

I believe, every landscape Photographer :)

[@BitcoinBuccaneerBridger]

Thomas your video easily conveyed your excitement, and the disappointments you've experienced in dealing with its conversion. I myself was excited for you, thank you for sharing your experience with me as well as your photography! I look forward to your future content.

[@raphaelfyi]

Bit jealous now 😄 I'm happy that your van is finally ready for adventures!

[@tesalsangma]

I’m really happy for you! The van looks cozy. You’re such a talented photographer! You’ve inspired me more than anyone else here on KZbin. Keep shining!

[@BenKapurPhotography]

Been waiting so long for this Thomas! :)

[@molopez619]

I’ve been waiting for this video for so long! That’s goals!! If I could recommend a safety feature! A brake lock! Depending what that steering wheel is made of, they could just saw the soft material the steering wheel is made of real quick and remove the lock you currently have. The brake lock attaches underneath your gas pedal which makes un drivable. Really easy to use!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

moises lopez You can't with this lock. It has 2 bars, which clamp either side of the steering wheel column. It's a simple, but ingenious design.

[@theofrancisphotography952]

Wow what an amazing van. Love the roof and interior . 👍

[@jogsingh3888]

Theo Francis Photography उओहनव

[@gaznos]

This is the Dream, and 100 percent with you on choosing the transit, the vw’s are just silly prices because they’re “trendy”

[@kozz1984]

18:13 but if the van's a rockin should i still come a knockin?

[@AndysmGray]

That was a great tour Thomas. They say the best things in life don't come easy, so here's hoping the worst is over with the build. It's a very impressive piece of kit. A custom that's been customized...😉 You've worked extremely hard to get to where you are now. Keep living the dream and pop the odd video up when you can. Best wishes for the future............Andy 👍

[@RossJukesPhotography]

ISO 50 :)

[@n1k1george]

Very happy for you, Thomas! You've earned it. I trust you'll invite us to ride along on many adventures to come.

[@valpayne2963]

I thought you might have made a ‘trailer’ for this episode. Lol, get it? Trailer, van ....

[@crappytoe]

pun intended lol

[@lylestavast7652]

we all felt the Payne there... ;)

[@valpayne2963]

Ha ha, very good Lyle. Quite right. :)

[@Alhusam]

Congratulations Thomas on having your dream's van. You really deserve it. So drive carefully and keep shooting.

[@Bonjurro]

If this van’s a-rockin, Heaton’s photoshopping

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's a bumper sticker!! "If the van's a rockin, I'm photoshoppin'"

[@TheGavranatar]

lol, nice one

[@bobdoncaster7663]

Thomas Heaton Can I ask who did the conversion please? thanks bob

[@ktelegenov]

Definitely the best Landscape photography channel out there! Thank you, Thomas!

[@mickyp3357]

Thomas, will you now be changing your name to Thomas 'van' Heaton? I'm sure 'Brendon' would be so touched!!! Ha ha ha. Really ... Do hope that's a no?!!!!! ;-p

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Micky P haha

[@michaelkostic233]

I like the "Absolutely Stunning" touch you got printed on the glass cover in the kitchen/sink area, enjoy Tom

[@topofthehillfilms7539]

Thomas isn't bad at landscapes, but don't you think he should travel a bit more?

[@Alexjetzt]

So happy for you, that you finally got your own camper van. If you didn't mention it I would have never guessed that it was custom made out of a Ford Transit! It became a really beautiful and practical little van.

[@kamel3d]

Maybe you should not have mention details about your safe and security measures...

[@DesertPackrat]

No need to thank us. Your van is well deserved for all your hard work. I think I just missed you in Zion. I was in Northern Arizona/Utah the week afterwards. Your recommendation about late light when inside high canyon walls was helpful.

[@cathattan]

F11 HTN very nice

[@marklanigan1]

5DIV HTN would have worked as well

[@WanderingBird]

Gorgeous van. That's exactly what we're doing- office on wheels to give us freedom to explore for a few months before returning to the UK and living on our boat for a little while before heading off again somewhere new! Hope you enjoy the freedom- we're loving ours! About to head off to Germany and Norway- sooooo excited!!! 😀 💕

[@darthgzuz]

Thomas Van Heating :p (Micky P this sounds better) lovely video and i have been following for years now and ur videos have improved alot ... and i mean ALOT!!! and watching this video one can feel how much emotionally u were into building this van ... really loved the van, how the space was managed to fit in all those things So did who designed the van interior? we would definitely like to see how this thing started :) hope u have filmed some timelapse :)

[@ryanlio9611]

I just finished a van tour in Wales snowdonia.. you are absolutely right on the heater part. Without much campsite open at this time I was off-grid..it's a misery as I discover my rental van's heater works with only electrical hookups.. . it's freezing at night for someone from Texas. Nice built!!!

[@monmioamio]

Cool. Now winter tires :-)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

monmioamio Winter's nearly done.

[@andykeeble1]

What a fantastic set up Tom, only “slightly envious from Leics” here! I love the OCD touches but make sure you add some “van slippers” so you keep the interior clean! This is a serious suggestion btw! I’m sorry it hasn’t been a good experience for you and I think you’ve been very fair with your comments. I hope the van gives you years of great trips, images and memories, don’t forget to take us along with you! Take care and stay safe.🍀👌

[@overseer1361]

The Van needs a name, you can't call it 'van' like your hat 'hat'... !

[@makalu69]

Hertz Van-Hire or Photie McPhotoson

[@vaclavadamek4362]

F11 Van

[@kelv52]

Cam Van

[@pbsalfen]

I think it has one. Did you see the plate?

[@overseer1361]

Sure did but thats just a registration plate, needs a name like a person / pet to give it more life !

[@allansisson355]

Very cool, I'd be excited too. Thinking of places, checking weather systems, not sleeping much. That lock is cool too.

[@Cumbriahandyman]

Like you said, without us subscribers you would not have had that van. So - can I borrow it?

[@mag379]

Get in the queue

[@Cumbriahandyman]

We need to set up a rota...

[@samanthareimerart4627]

I love the ingenuity that goes in to camper vans. Having an organized and secure workspace while on the road is going to be awesome and I look forward to seeing what adventures you will get up to in your new rig.

[@heilandgunner]

You could've washed it! ;-)

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Ha, it utterly pointless at this time of year: wash van>drive away>need to wash van again 😁

[@5ThingsI]

I remember emailing you back in October asking about a video for the van and you said you hoped to have done one shortly, here we are almost in March, that just shows how long you've had to wait!! It looks great though, so well thought out but would expect nothing less. Looking forward to seeing where this van takes you (even if I will be a tad jealous every time I see it!!) Congrats and enjoy!

[@TheRevWillNotBeTelevised]

Just as and FYI to people watching this these vans are EXPENSIVE. £30-50k used.

[@darrell5337]

You mean new...

[@OFGW]

We have been waiting for this video for quite some time. Thank you for finally making it. Sorry for all the issues you have had so far though. As time progresses I hope we get updates on your van. Enjoy!

[@nickseddon9062]

First

[@theofrancisphotography952]

44th

[@jimbean4945]

483rd 😐

[@danielcatalina1806]

You're welcome Tom! Sandy is looking great and I wish you two a lot of great outdoor adventures and many absolutely stunning images!

[@kimreynolds742]

Love your van. I live in Australia and we have an off-road van. We don't live in it but it is a special feeling when we use it. I know you'll love your van - great design too!

[@skidchowder2433]

"Absolutely Stunnin"... perfect touch to complete the build. Im really happy for you Thomas!

[@larrywhite8590]

This is gold - ‘it’s freezing cold on the UK all year round’.

[@jenniemursell3827]

Great to see - how I wish I were 50 years younger and could have that freedom to go and take photographs. So pleased for you I'm sure you deserve it Thomas. good luck and enjoy!!!

[@philg6757]

To have a house on wheels will be the best investment you`ve made in a vehicle,it was for me. If you free camp like I do you end up saving a shit load of cash on accommodation,not to mention being able to have a cuppa or a bite to eat anywhere. The freedom it offers,the constant million dollar views you get to park near,makes it a well worth the investment. Happy travels brother.

[@Davebird51]

This has been my dream for years, I'm so envious. Congratulations, well deserved, you're an inspiration.

[@JosephPuplava]

I hate those thefts. The only insurance that will cover your van, personal items, and you is Progressive Insurance. Most van life people have those type of insurance. I love the design of your van and security you have. Thank for sharing!

[@davidslone9103]

Happy for you, Thomas. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@glydiator090]

i've been looking vans around and this one seems the best one...

[@johnwilkinson7995]

It's always fun for me to see what Europeans do with RVs (that's what we call them here in the U.S.A.) and you've done a very nice job with yours! I totally agree with the one thing you said about thieves. They are the lowest of the low in my opinion. Security for vans is paramount, especially with all of the equipment we photographers have with us as we travel. You mentioned you haven't used your PortaPotti yet. So.........What do you do? How do you keep hygenic (clean and fairly odor free)? One thing you've done that I really like is the pop-up! I haven't found a source for something like that here yet. I'll keep looking. Overall, really nice van! Perfect for travel and photography. Happy you got it put together finally!

[@Taleofale]

Nice little van that. Well thought out. I had an LDV Convoy conversion for years. It was great with the kayak and scuba diving though it was before I got in to photography beyond underwater photos with a GoPro. The convoy was horrible to drive although being a lot bigger, it had a toilet/shower room. It also had the read end of an Audi 80 attached to back for extra storage. The van was named Audi Ass. It got a lot of looks.

[@lisa-marieplevey365]

Love you’re set-up & enthusiasm about the van... which is actually not that many steps away from a narrowboat - now that’s a life :) !!!

[@obroadieswimmer]

Awesome. So happy for you Tom. Very much deserved. An 18 min video on Tom's van. I was so happy when this one dropped and I was not disappointed. :)

[@saxbruce]

I have learnt a helluva lot from your video (you are a really good communicator). My NV200 camper van is 70% finished - this gives me great incentive to complete it up to a good standard .

[@trevorronson7458]

Love that van Thomas. Clearly you have put a hell of a lot of thought into the conversion and I'm sure you are going to have some great adventures in it. I share your emotions totally on the thieves of this world. Another great watch.

[@jospannekoek8712]

Hello Thomas, Really like this video about your photography campervan!! 2 years ago i also buy a small campervan for my photography, the best buy for landscape photography i ever did. ( i have a smaller one the ford transit connect 230 ) In 2016 i drive to the Lake District from the Netherlands. You talk about the light to strong in your van during night, I had the same problem. On the internet i found a 80cm dimmable ledstrip working on bluetooth with your phone. Really perfect, because the phone is always close to you because you need the alarm, and can turn of when go sleep. Something around 40 euro i paid. Keep posting your great video's!!

[@ramirojorge2887]

Now you can have a tour like bands do , going from place to place meeting the people from the community, shooting with us , having a chat... who knows could be fun!

[@bcegerton]

Love it, sure not only will it be great for work but you’ll have so much fun when you’ve got the time to just go where you want, when you want. Enjoy, you’ve worked hard enough for it

[@toptyke]

Great video Thomas with some neat little tips in there for anyone considering buying a camper or having a conversion done.

[@szymonlandwojtowicz]

That's a lovely place to work! I did travel in that kind of van in Iceland and must say that its way much better than typical campers.

[@AndySnap]

Nice van! The Transit is certainly a nice drive, and incredibly reliable. I drive upto 1500 a week in a Transit (when I'm not working as a photographer!) and it never misses a beat. I hope Durham have kept a note of your conversion so we can order a Heaton spec van too if and when business is good!

[@meredithpottery]

Fantastic, Thomas. I wish you happy, healthy, safe and photogenic travels in your amazing van. Thanks so much for showing us all the details. Inspirational, really. Paul seems to have done so much.....