DIY Custom Van Hightop Build VIEWER COMMENTS

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

I think you made the right decision looking at all the options, you are already familiar with the van, it's dependability etc, AND the older stuff are easier to work on

[@RobertWitham]

I'm actually able to do a lot of work on this van as it's pretty simple, but it does at least have OBD-II which also helps a lot for shade tree mechanics ;-) On one hand, I would love to upgrade to something with a lot less mileage, but after looking around for quite a while we just decided to stick with what we had. Like Melanie mentioned though too, it's an old van so the risk for us of really messing it up was a lot lower than on something newer. So far everything seems nice and solid though. Basically, we tried to build in at least double if not triple protection on everything important - from the structure of the hightop itself to the waterproofing.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Busses under the bridge,had incredible customs . Lake Havasu AZ.

[@RobertWitham]

I will have to check that out sometime!

[@barackmycat9448]

Now the rig is so nice it`s worth a new engine much later hopefully.

[@RobertWitham]

Hopefully MUCH later! LOL We've had the van out for a few trips now and so far everything is working well. Hoping to tackle a few small improvement projects this week depending on time and weather.

[@kathrynarnold1966]

What a job! It's been impressive. Looking forward to when you've made it cozy.

[@jimjustus2004]

Jolly good project Rbt. I'm glad you had the courage and knowledge to bring this project to fruition . There are boo- birds everywhere ! I will be looking out for future episodes to see how it's holding up and other projects ad you dress it out ! Thanks for sharing . watch out for copycats too ? It might be me !

[@RobertWitham]

We've had the van out for a couple of trips now and so far we are very happy with everything. To be sure there are always trade-offs, but we managed to build a camper setup that works as well as we think possible within the limits of a one-ton cargo van. Hopefully this week or next we can find time to work on a few small improvements, but overall we like it.

[@kimruble477]

Nice upgrade! Due to my situation, I couldn’t climb up there to sleep, but it would still make great storage area

[@RobertWitham]

I would imagine that if we keep it long enough I may not want to climb up into that loft for sleep either, to be honest. It's one of those things that works for us now, but with an injury, decline in health/mobility, etc it might well not work. Basically it was just an idea to get the bed out of the main van area so that we would have more room for "living" in the main area.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I've added fuel tanks tripling the range. But I don't plan on using it for long trips I did it to keep my AC going. Sure need it to cool down.79° 9:48 pm . Morgan City Louisiana

[@christineh4782]

You and Melanie built the high top of course it's going to work out great. Your channel just picked up some negative Nancys. Thanks for getting rid of the obnoxious posts.😊 God bless you two your parents and you two.

[@christineh4782]

Question, is the rope on the wall for the kids to climb? The one with the knots in it.

[@willarddenton4360]

Great Work Great Information

[@RobertWitham]

Thank you :)

[@robertwidders2965]

Wondering how van will react to windy conditions. Good job so far, please be careful in windy conditions

[@RobertWitham]

So far it has done pretty well in wind. When it's really blowing we can feel it a bit, but not terrible. I'm pretty much figuring that like when I'm traveling with the trailer if the wind is expected to be bad we will just have to sit and wait until it is more calm. It's definitely not something I want to push our luck with!

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

People do put wood stoves in their vans. That would be nice. There are some very small ones.

[@kevinlarson9707]

The only thing I would have done different was to put an angle to the front for a little bit of aerodynamic improvement. Other than that looks fantastic.

[@RobertWitham]

I didn't mention it in this video, but we are thinking to mount a fairing or wind deflector of some sort on the front end. We opted to not do it in the original build just to keep construction simpler and because I thought that might be harder to build while keeping it strong. We are still debating about the exact design, but hopefully it will help a bit with wind drag and I also think it will make it look a bit slicker and less boxy.

[@emmiep9459]

I have a square cargo trailer that I pull behind my SUV. I talked to one of those guys that has one of those aerodynamic pointy things on the front side of the cargo trailer. He told me that doesn't make a bit of difference in mileage maybe one gallon two at the most not worth it. Great job Robert and Melanie! I enjoyed watching the whole process.

[@clarkleakins879]

Listening to all of your answers and commentary, obviously your budget/available funds was the deciding factor. You dont have $5k to repair the trailer, or a professional high top installed, or purchase a service/shuttle with existing hightop. And you would not expect to recoup much from the sale of this van. And your willingness to travel far to find an acceptable van is limited. What has been the material expense for the basic build? Suggest that soon you create/find a V nose/cone, to add to the front of the hightop. And consider similar on the rear. Those additions will definitely improve the driving at highway speeds. And likely less buffeting while camped.

[@frank_III]

Robert, will you be selling the travel trailer?

[@RobertWitham]

We're still talking about what to do with the trailer. It might end up serving as extra space when we are at our home base during the warmer months, but we do hope with this new van project to spend far more time camping in places we enjoy next year. The current plan is to re-seal the roof good and leave it parked at my son's house the winter and then make a decision about the trailer next year after we see how everything goes with the van.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Robert I'd like to hear about the Prius, because I was thinking if the wife's 2012 Focus plays out I wanted a better efficient reliable vehicle, based on how long they have been making them they should of worked out all the bugs YEARS ago, PRIUS a) Year b) Miles c) Was it purchased new d) If NOT new how many miles was on it before Mel purchased it e) What if anything has been repaired or replaced f) As far as repairs does it go to a dealer only?

[@RobertWitham]

Good questions! I just mentioned it to Melanie and we will shoot a video about this very soon.

[@Alicia-pi1qw]

@@RobertWithamthat would be awesome. My ex had a Prius and it was so comfortable and economical. Loved it!

[@cuddlesanddaisy]

How many miles can a van like yours go?

[@RobertWitham]

I've seen them pretty well worn out and being junked with fewer miles - often around 225,000 - 250,000 - if they were not well maintained. These vans that are well maintained often last past 300,000 with some reaching 400,000 or more miles. Since I know the maintenance history since this van was new I'm reasonably comfortable that this van still has some good life left in it, but obviously that is not a guarantee. I would not buy one with this sort of mileage on it, but since I already own it...

[@GeraldMiedem]

Foresty Forest Y.T. channel for woodstove in van.