DIY Van Conversion Begins! | Installing Pull Out Bed, Woodburning Stove and Maxxfan | Van Life Build

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And so the build begins! This week we get the new roof fan in, build the extendable pull out bed and instal the woodburning stove!
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👋 If you are new here, hello! We're Ben and Emily! We live on our 56 foot narrow boat as full time continuous cruisers with our cat Alan 🌟
Follow us along to see our adventures, ups, downs, mishaps and lots of boating about!
#narrowboat #tinyhouse #travelvlog #travelcouple #travelvlogger #canalboat #vanlife #offgrid #offgridliving #slowliving #slowlife #vanlifers #travelblogger #vanlifeuk #vanconversion #vanbuild #selfbuild

[@tommarshall1660]

I am a new subscriber, it is great to see 2 young folk so excited about their future. It warms my 76yo heart. Keep going guys....

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much 🤗✨️

[@johnmaguire9305]

Guys, tip for you: Measure your height clearance and write it on a card which you can stick on the dashboard. Then beware of car parking barriers!!!!

[@TristanBailey]

Best tip. As you don’t remember the first few times

[@JazzJaguar]

We need to hear more about Dave’s writing!

[@mikeleake9488]

Good thing Alan is available to supervise the tools.

[@BenandEmily]

😸

[@Rachellovescheese]

Alan tool kit! A slug cider sesh, Daves hair! & a fantastic van conversion. What’s not to love! ❤

[@BenandEmily]

😄 Thanks!

[@dexterfitben]

Nothing says i love you more than a power drill. I bought my wife a new boiler!

[@simondraine6798]

That intro was fire!! 😅😅 Go TEAM Alan! ❤x

[@BenandEmily]

😄

[@01timz]

Anyone else get Arkansas chug a bug vibes when the wood burner went in?

[@realamerican6101]

The little guest boat house came around at the right time..

[@MuddyHuddy259]

You make life art and silliness. You two are a treat, you are! 🤗

[@MelG-ut3hs]

You are both great at DIY and the van build is coming along great. I like the way Alan is keeping an eye on everything. Emily your dad is so cool and such an asset helping you with this.

[@annagraham4556]

I've recently discovered this channel. Ben, Emily and Alan, you are all just lovely to watch. I have anxiety and this is my new go channel to put on repeat. I think I may have watched and liked most of the videos by now. It's so happy and calming. Ben and Emily are lovely, unique but relatable. And Alan is so cute. Thank you for sharing your narrowboat adventures.

[@jbfbracken5810]

Please please please keep the use restraints sign. Would make a great spot to hang handcuffs, straight jacket etc.😂😂

[@jozsefmolnar6873]

The 2 metal strips in the roof is added for structural support in case the van rolled over. They put them in the ambulances in the US, in case of an accident, and it rolled over, so the roof wouldn't collapse in.

[@dfree1here]

When I saw you posted, I said out loud……HA THERES MY KIDS, I MISSED THEM❤(I can say that because I am 75!) Love you guys from Palm Springs, Ca, USA

[@BenandEmily]

🥰

[@prezzeruk4054]

Love bennys music, its so original!! Unlike most music these days!!

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much! 😀

[@nealeburgess6756]

I'm so pleased decided not to tongue and groove the ceiling. Your new solution is great! I love that little wood burner. Good idea to install LEDs. So much more energy efficient. Drilling tiles can be seriously difficult. I think you were doing it correctly. Special drill bit and using water to cool it. Things are coming together well. I wish it was my van!

[@johnlewis5663]

Unusual lifestyle!!!! Brilliantly understated and only Emily could find a slug with a cute face 😂😂😂

[@wayneharris7534]

Well done folks the van is coming along quite quickly. It will not be long before you are on your way .to a new chapter in your lives.. All I can say is . I wish you well . with everything you do.. Having spent many years travelling to European countries..in my camper van.. safe clean drinking water. In some countries was not always available So I always took water purification tablets with me.as there is nothing worse than a upset stomach . when off Grid.. Even when I returned to my narrow boat I always put purification tablets in the water tank every time I filled it.. Anyway folks that life style is beyond me know due to health issues that arrive with old age. So folks make the most of life whilst you are still able.

[@jennyfulcher8035]

How exciting! Ya'll are doing a super job with all of your renovations and I'm sure it'll look super when you're finished. It seems like you're all having lots of fun too. Alan the toolcat is certainly thrilled (as thrilled as she can be!). I love the Little Lenny woodstove, which rhymes with Benny! It was meant to be. Jenny

[@pdxyadayada]

I’m impressed. Most remodeling is tedious and can include bouts of frustration. Good job ‘creating interest and anticipation’ with your project.

[@lynmoore8355]

OMG looking good guys...except the slugs............. you have done such an amazing first 5 days... well done the wood burner or Lenny is so cute...

[@20wrighty12]

Wow. Seems like you've won the lottery with the new boat and camper with all the accessories to match

[@sianwarwick633]

Amazing 👏 re-fit. glad you're not agonizing, but ripping right along. Dave looking powerful with his hair. Oh my gosh, the Woodburner is a thing of beauty. Can't wait to see more. Note to self: suggest nothing.

[@claire0donovan117]

I think 🤔 it's going to be so lovely ,and the best part we will be going along 😅😊.See you next week .🤗👋☘️💚

[@damianbutterworth2434]

Yeah ditch that insulation and glue 50mm of kingspan to the walls. I`m sure they do thinner stuff. Oh great to see Alan again.

[@natashab2304]

Love it - amazing work!! A cute slug LOL!! And the opening credits were superb ✨

[@sailingheretic]

Drilling thru glass and tile really sucks! Love the music Benny 😀🎶😀

[@ArizenVision]

The cat should have a business I see "paw"tential 😂 Alan's very own mobile paws n tools trade! 😆

[@debrandw246]

You are making amazing progress and it's happening so fast. It looks so professional because it is. Can't wait untill you light your lovely stove. Emily, your dad is such a cool guy. Really like him. See you all next week.

[@obiblooze5902]

Wow, you two (three) don't hang around. Great teamwork, the beginning was great, so funny. The van is going to be amazing, can't wait to see the rest of the build . Love Alan too💖

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@paulplant6486]

The van is coming along really well, It looks amazing

[@Nofear25]

Vinyl wrap the roof you can get any colour/pattern you want 👍👍👍

[@Cheekymonkey1]

Good night benny and Emily good videos of you and your adventures on your campervan build I love your videos of you and your on your you tube and watch them all I hope that you all enjoy building your new campervan how you like to live in it

[@captain.eddy333]

You might consider using a watertight, windproof, marine grade chimney top called a "Charlie Noble" to finish your heater. It's looking great.

[@annjarvis9300]

Alan always looks on with helpful advice you are doing grand with dads help nothing can go wrong all tc good luck n luv from us oldies 👍🤗🤗🤗

[@johnekins4408]

I was looking forward to weeks of entertainment whilst you guys did your van conversion. But no, I have never seen such speed………but it’s looking really good, well done.

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Ben and Emily. You’re doing so well in the conversion of the van 🚐 Definitely need to get a kitchen before you prettify the van Benny 😄 Take care. Nick

[@yureituesday]

Good to see Alan’s not a freeloader like my cats

[@ianglamb]

was great to meet you whilst cruising last November. Been a subscriber for years to share your UK canal cruising experience - now that this has become yet another van channel I will leave you to it as this "doesn't float my boat". Good luck& best wishes.

[@Jemma.and.Ganymede]

How exhilarating to see you all super happy! Loving the build!! Looking forward to more…

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much!! 😊

[@scottlomas5509]

It's looking brilliant guys 😊

[@jewelrussell8288]

Hi guys, great to see your dad on your videos again

[@rogerr1296]

Love the special relationship you have with your father/father-in-law. It may be a project for when you have the time but, as far as the ceiling lights, you could do something like cut stained glass with lights behind for a more personalized look. You could design and make your own or just buy a design. I even saw one online of a cat that looks like Alan. lol...

[@coltonupchurch4368]

I've been waiting for this for like a week🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@adeporter6611]

Emily is one awesome bed builder 😊

[@danfeldman6616]

Awesome job on awesome job on the conversation really looking forward to seeing all the different steps on your conversation and hearing about your van travels as well you guys are awesome 😎

[@althearoutledge-reid8034]

You two (or 3) are so good at working together and quite skilled. You might want to install outside cameras for security reasons when you are wild camping and you wonder what the noise is outside or someone trying to get inside. Also, buy yourselves a baseball bat. I don't want to be negative but you need to protect yourselves in a world that is not always kind depending on where you camp.

[@carolinewilmer7925]

We're just amazed how skilled you both are to be able to change an ambulance into a liveable space soo quickly!

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks!

[@bigcmoore]

Slugs and snails actually are attracted to beer and such. You can make a very effective trap for them in your garden with beer.

[@marj1585]

Nice tweed, Benny 😍

[@brionyhall4250]

You could do a starry night on the ceiling? Sand to slightly to remove the 'shine', and then pretty much any paints can go on top

[@BenandEmily]

Ah good to know! 😀

[@marielouisebeck8732]

Wow that was fast, well done guys

[@bindatek8801]

Good progress - Coming on fine, and already looking like the dream camper van!! 😊 John

[@misselvira8369]

I’m so proud of you both ❤

[@md2320]

There's a place near Crewe that builds ambulances. I'm sure if you get stuck with something they might be able to tell you what's behind things!!!! I think all the plastic surrounds is like a shell that just slots in the back of a normal van.

[@paultomlinson528]

Making good progress and goos idea to make beds wider

[@judewilliams9345]

I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it 😂. Well done each of you. Absolutely love seeing the transformation of , Van der Graaf ❤

[@gloriawaters1455]

Good luck to you Beny and Emily you are truly great couple I so look forward to watching your vlogs better than any TV god bless be safe and be well ❤❤

[@dingnextstop]

Hi Ben/Emily, excuse my ignorance but are there no rules/laws regarding wood burners in vehicles? ie fire hazard/ carbon monoxide etc? Plus what about when you travel over rough ground or have to emergency brake? will it not tend to move/ vibrate the flue? Sorry I’m only a boater and have never lived in a camper van 👍🏻

[@0liver0verson9]

CO in a van is the same as CO in a boat. It's an equal hazard. I imagine they've secured the burner & flue to withstand the vehicle movement?

[@pattichambley2779]

Love the lil stove

[@frankquevedo3453]

Fantastic job the 4 (Allen too)of you are accomplishing. Glad to see RAMBLER IS FINISHED(?)

[@edwardkrarup8816]

Whenever I drill through tiles I always use a masonry bit a good one. Just remember when you enter your van through the sliding door don't grab hold of your wood burner to pull yourself in. 😮 you're all doing a good job.

[@Improveng1]

Well done guys...Alan seems to approve of your efforts thus far! 😄😄👍👍

[@Risingstar0324]

What a fantastic job you are doing in the van. It looks great. Anxious to see the finished project...and you guys on the road. Love and luck, Freddie ❤️

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks so much Freddie! 😊✨️

[@brianlopez8855]

The chimney needs to be double lined/ insulated where it goes through the roof.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Great progress, can't wait to see the finish line. 😊

[@misticnmoody]

Amazing work guys... 🎉

[@tangie777uk]

I love watching you two, you have such a positive energy you make me feel good. Love that little woodburner. Cant wait for your next video. Love to Alan

[@johnwelch2224]

i hope you guys dont mind me saying but the timber supporting the bed should have been put sideways because it will bow very quickly laying flat without support in the middle i love your videos lovely couple

[@lizjones8984]

Oh guys, it’s lovely to see you two getting this van together so quickly and how amazing is your dad Emily! What a great fella! So helpful! 😊👍

[@robertfarley8425]

Great work guys👏👏👏👏 lots of love 🤟

[@Moonshadow84]

You all Looks so Happy 😃 Are you going to put a wood stove in Emily and Ben 😊

[@robertmcnallie8848]

Alan Tool Kit-ty

[@terrywright8610]

Love it looking very good great job so far keep it up.

[@westaussiejeff1547]

Lookin' Good!

[@shirleygreaves9650]

What an amazing job you’re all doing! Absolutely great vlog, so funny in parts. Hard to believe, a kitchen, shower, bed and everything else is going to fit in your van, can’t wait to see the progress. Lots of love. xxxx

[@quavernote4307]

Hi I can see a funny. Situation coming like carry on Nurse !! somebody coming out to say oh good my wife is having a baby 😄!!

[@lyndaodell3619]

You are both so talented you save so much money because you can do all the work well done .Very excited to see this in stage two.

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another ace video guys ❤

[@vivnutter2156]

So exciting. Hope you don’t leave us behind when you go to Italy xx

[@Remoskateer]

Great job guys.

[@milesbaigent4534]

Such talented DIYers. Great Vlog as usual guys, thanks.

[@alexgilman1079]

Looking forward to seeing what internet options you decide on for the new van. Very curious!

[@rustyjohn3272]

Follow your dreams. Its what you are doing. You both look so happy. Good for you. You told me that the van meant more versatility when I met you both at the Trent Lock and mentioned that It was what I did. So happy for you both. Love watching your channel.

[@lesliehouston5949]

All is good ! But why not a nice clean burning RV propane heater ?

[@wayne1243]

Doing well looks like you’re all having fun . Nice to see Dave giving his experience van building knowledge 👍

[@MsRachaelRoberts]

Loved the intro 😂❤ Alan is definitely the gaffer!!

[@genghisthespringer]

I love it ❤

[@vintagevic4593]

Glad to hear your dad name-checking Roxy Music. I am guessing from his general coolness that he was referring to EARLY Roxy Music 😂

[@ytanki]

I love your enthusiasm and your ideas for this beautiful van❤️. Thank you for sharing ❤️🙋🏼‍♀️😘

[@smoore2306]

Love how the new van is coming along. I think that when given the chance, you should paint a little design on the wooden planks on the ceiling.😊

[@dougquaid]

Wow, great Vlog, I’m real excited for you, love the progress, it’s going to look fantastic! 😜

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks! 😊

[@louiselage7740]

Thanks for making my day, you guys! I love to watch you plan, build and generally get stuck in to whatever you're doing. Can't wait for your summer travels! Love the Little Lenny stove!

[@johnshaw4140]

good progress so far, well done

[@mommahil4323]

Loved the intro to that one - especially the tool Kit. Glad you added the note about the fireboard you probably had a few folk all ready to message you about that; looking so good in such a short time

[@SallyCurrell]

Great work team. Even Alan joining in🙂. It's looking great. Love that little stove. Sooo cute. So exciting for you..New adventures to look forward to xx

[@vynleshmynle7372]

The Van looks great. Just hope you plan on driving it on paved roadways ONLY. Anything with a bit of gravel and bump you’re going to ground out.

[@BenandEmily]

Thanks for watching 😊Why would it do that?

[@vynleshmynle7372]

@@BenandEmily Well, it has a wide wheelbase (distance between the front wheels and the back wheels) and the height of the bottom of the van to the ground.

[@samphipps7651]

It’s really coming on, we’ll done 🙌 Alan’s creative import is absolutely top class 👌 nice work Alan 😀

[@carlf8291]

You guys are moving very fast and your van is going to look great when it's done can't wait to see it.