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!

[@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)))

[@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.

[@arjunsureshlal6366]

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

[@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! 😊

[@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.

[@DaviDeMarco]

Wow. I had an 07 forester and now an outback and I've dreamt ao lot of converting it bu never had any courage. Give us a heads up if you do this!

[@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 !

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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 👍

[@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

[@riccoswuave4935]

Your production quality continues to evolve. Well done.

[@hastiindwero3522]

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

[@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

[@stevendenny7260]

Thanks Thomas for taking the time on the vid... and all the points you made. New subscriber, and keep the material coming. Enjoy.

[@Mindartcreativity]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@spectrexfpv]

Finding this channel is one of the best thing to kick off 2022! I came from your 4x4 camper van series as well as you Instagram, and now I'm obsessed with your content. So thanks, Thomas! btw, you have amazing taste to interior designs!

[@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

[@Brockiesteve]

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!

[@jamesfindlay7150]

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

[@emmarita487]

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

[@ericbost4882]

You earned it! Enjoy!

[@allanmarshall4582]

Gosh nice to see you smiling! Happy and safe travels.

[@stubones]

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

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@jbairdexp]

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

[@ScoTreVan]

Me too Julian

[@UprootedWanderer]

I believe, every landscape Photographer :)

[@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.

[@BenKapurPhotography]

Been waiting so long for this Thomas! :)

[@mauistevebear]

You're living the dream! Congratulations and Happy Trails in your new road home!

[@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

[@gayatrisabne2532]

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

[@MrCochise71]

Photographer version of the Batmobile 🦇

[@ry92ukwj]

Haha! It is!!

[@Khajakkodian]

Congrats Thomas. You surely deserve this. Enjoy your van and keep on inspiring us. All the best.

[@cathattan]

F11 HTN very nice

[@marklanigan1]

5DIV HTN would have worked as well

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Congrats mate! It looks like an incredible amount of work and thought has gone into that - I’ve no doubt it’ll provide us all with more great entertainment and images 👍🏼

[@kozz1984]

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

[@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

[@theofrancisphotography952]

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

[@jogsingh3888]

Theo Francis Photography उओहनव

[@davidslone9103]

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

[@raphaelfyi]

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

[@michaelkostic233]

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

[@RossJukesPhotography]

ISO 50 :)

[@paulmatthews2111]

Thomas, just wanted to say congrats on realizing your dream of owning this great van. I wish you safe travels and look forward to the many landscape adventures awaiting you and your van. Perhaps you should have a naming competition for your van!?!?!?!?

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@monmioamio]

Cool. Now winter tires :-)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

monmioamio Winter's nearly done.

[@Jester68uk]

You deserve the camper and a fine job done, look forward to the adventures of the Heaton mobile, all the best.

[@kamel3d]

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

[@ktelegenov]

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

[@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

[@hjmkhalaf]

Very happy for you Thomas Congratulations and best of luck , You deserve more

[@topofthehillfilms7539]

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

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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!

[@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

[@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 :) !!!

[@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...

[@Alhusam]

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

[@TheRevWillNotBeTelevised]

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

[@darrell5337]

You mean new...

[@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!!

[@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 !

[@MrBengourben]

Delighted for you Thomas. It's really gorgeous. Well deserved.

[@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 😁

[@MHTutorials3D]

Congrats Thomas. Well done and well deserved !

[@nickseddon9062]

First

[@theofrancisphotography952]

44th

[@jimbean4945]

483rd 😐

[@toptyke]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Davebird51]

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

[@uttbby]

Congratulations Thomas, well done !! Beautiful color, design fit and finish,,, and above all Monte is sure to love that heater.

[@allansisson355]

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

[@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!!!

[@cookwvinny]

Congratulations on the van!! You deserve it man. Looking forward to seeing you travel around the country with it and taking amazing landscapes as usual.

[@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!

[@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!

[@libork5397]

Well Thomas, Good Luck with your new van. You deserve it.

[@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.....

[@fullconsciousness1448]

Really enjoyed watching this great video! Almost every minute there’s a new ‘surprise’ feature , very pleasant and catching, everything that someone could wish , nothing was forgotten. Congratulations, enjoy your beautiful van!

[@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

[@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.

[@vaithyvaithiyanathan9535]

Thomas, Van looks great & you have utilized the space well. Wishing you many more adventures with this van setup!!

[@alessiogrigolini5109]

Great van! I can feel your enthusiasm when you are describing it. Have a nice life on the road mate!

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

Many safe and happy miles in it Thomas. Oh, and lots of great landscape shots as well.

[@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!!

[@kreygscott]

Congrats Thomas, you’re truly blessed to have worked so hard and accomplished so much. Really happy for you brother keep shooting and sharing.