You've inspired my girlfriend and i to get a Promaster. We like your build so much and the fact that you openly admit mistakes/regrets so we dont end up running into the same. The videos have been fun to watch while we're still gathering information and learning, as opposed to several other channels that are incredibly lacking in personality and entertainment, and apparently dont ever make mistakes, if their build series' are to be believed.
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I'm glad to hear you've been inspired to snag a van and that you enjoy seeing the mistakes along the way. I sometimes wonder if I should be showing all the issues I run into since the popular channels don't tend to do that and they seem to be getting far more views than I do, but when I first started watching build videos I would've appreciated seeing the pitfalls in converting a van before I got going so I figured I'd share mine with everyone.
@charisma-hornum-fries2 жыл бұрын
So true!
@augustrich2 жыл бұрын
I have a 1984 travel craft always wanted a pro master but I’m become so attached to this funky thing… it’s my submarine on wheels.
@i_love_rescue_animals3 жыл бұрын
I always marvel at how many HOURS and HOURS it takes for you to make these amazing videos!! You are filming, then editing, adding some animations, sound fx, etc - this all takes time people!! LOVE your videos!
@matildaadventurer413 жыл бұрын
I agree! That’s why I always take the time to watch the full length of the ads. I appreciate the time taken and skills required to make these videos.
@nmartin55513 жыл бұрын
Come now. There isn’t a cheap bathroom. Only a cheaper. Great video!! The advantage of my super slow build is I get to learn from your experience! My second full watch through! It really is great!
@erichtomanek47393 жыл бұрын
Ahhh, my young Padawan. When Tradie say one and a half weeks, you must automatically triple it. Then you get happy surprise. That is the way of the Force.
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Haha you'd think I'd know this by now!
@reneelynn66453 жыл бұрын
“Found the closest colour chip... not that it matters” not sure why I found that part so funny but I did! Looks great! With so many build videos out there I really appreciate how you talk through, and show the actual work being done! Both setting realistic expectations and showing how to do the job right! Not to mention seeking wisdom and help from people along the way; the series is just very human and heartwarning ....urg - gentle-man-ly and humble... to put it more masculine.
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure if people would prefer seeing a more "professional" approach to the build process or not, but I feel pretty burnt out on the whole "no mistake" videos even if they are the ones that seem to get the viewers. I think there's more benefits from seeing me learn as I go haha
@charisma-hornum-fries2 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan noooooo. Finally were watching a realistic build with the important stuff in it.
@JTArndt19912 жыл бұрын
Just got my FRP for my shower walling ( Skoolie Build) Thanks for the Tips!
@dogcatmanvan2 жыл бұрын
Good luck putting it together! Thanks for watching
@JTArndt19912 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan Thanks! It should happen very soon! (Maybe within a few day videos)
@gmanDSP753 жыл бұрын
man, the sound effects get me every time! lol
@moonie08133 жыл бұрын
Please dont ever stop making videos. Whenever I get a break from studying you're the go to for me.🖤
@myfavs2533 жыл бұрын
I love the greenish stain on those doors. Keep up the goid work on your van.
@avryduckworth52133 ай бұрын
This was super helpful, thanks! It's been 2 years living in my van with a shower that i could never finish, im excited to try frp shower walls and finally have a shower!
@MrNoFear263 жыл бұрын
Who's the Datsun hoarder? Your pops? Noooiiice 😎
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Actually it's Greg who has a bunch of Datsuns in his shop
@mariemiller9263 жыл бұрын
I've watched a lot of vlogs and yours is really awesome because you are witty, real, and making it into a story. I like the sound effects and the fact that you don't have that weird voice fluctuation that vloggers develop; you sound natural. GREAT JOB!!! Oh, and the shower looks great; I especially like that trap door for the toilet cassette! Now pay that big beautiful dog with the googly eyes a big bone for all his help!
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
He got too many bones while I was staying at my moms working on the van so he's on a diet now haha!
@augustrich2 жыл бұрын
I’m finding so many cool channels now that I posted working on my travelcraft !!! Your channel is great I’m almost done with my shower pan using the epoxy fiberglass method but my shower is at the rear end and used massive 2x6 boards for the curbs of the tub 😂
@ninja1antelope3 жыл бұрын
Danny the dent, may he Rest In Peace. Nice bathroom!
@paigest773 жыл бұрын
Big upgrade!
@truthjustice19212 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting about installed bathroom! Very nice simulation! Your dog is so cute! I will watch other your videos! Thanks very much!
@jcbaily55593 жыл бұрын
What a treat to get to visit with you today. You are quite a lucky young man to have the knowledge you do regarding constructing so many different things. I have never known anyone who possesses the experience/knowledge that you do with all the things you do. All I can say is thanks for the journey you share with your viewers and may you remain healthy and safe! All the best to you!!!
@jfxl19773 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! The new bathroom looks fantastic and I'm glad the dent has been fixed! I like the new bathroom much better than the original. ROCKY! So cute! Thanks for sharing the rebuild!
@dennisshay94493 жыл бұрын
100% improvement. Looks good. Great job. Special thanks to supervisor Rockey
@MultiPJoys3 жыл бұрын
It looks great! More spacious and fresh, job well done!
@kingbryan47253 жыл бұрын
Great footage bro👍rocky is Cool 😎
@rickfromvirginia3 жыл бұрын
Good video! Its great to see you got rid of the rusty sheet metal! I have been following you since the original build and this is definitely an improvement! Thanks for taking the time to share! Rick From Virginia
@ongoingawakening42572 жыл бұрын
All part of the adventure. Good content.
@ChrisHawkswell3 жыл бұрын
I always love your videos. Especially Rocky’s commentary. The bathroom looks great
@s2442b3 жыл бұрын
I'm honestly surprised your channel doesn't get more views. I've been keeping up with your vanlife channel progress for a couple of years now. Please don't change! Your edits are super funny, you're a likeable dude, and I really appreciate the honesty and explanations of everything. 👍👍. I've been thinking about vanlife for a few years now, and I think I'm ready to make a plunge soon.
@caddymeep3 жыл бұрын
Lol Greg looked really worried when he was next to you.
@jeffverysmallhouse3 жыл бұрын
Good video. I like the way you all work and think. Thanks.
@MestizaMetaphor3 жыл бұрын
Looks wayyy better! The white makes it seem bigger, too. Nice work. And no worries about space between posts or not looking as fancy as some Instavans. You do you!
@BSGSV3 жыл бұрын
GREAT JOB!!! I hope Rocky gets over not getting that sweet space as his room.
@h.b.40583 жыл бұрын
The old roof in my camper was FRP, and after 44 years it was still in great shape. 😁
@VannaMae3 жыл бұрын
Awesome renovation. I dig it man! Keep going!
@westsac12163 жыл бұрын
Love following you! I miss the traveling from Florida to California many years ago in a motorhome. I wish I had made youtube videos back then with me, my 2 🐕🐶. Love how with you make everything ❤. Keep on, keeping on!
@Kick_Rocks3 жыл бұрын
Great shower! My BF and I used the same material in our box truck. We used Red Guard under it which was kinda over kill but it turned out great. FRP is good stuff. Thanks for the videos.
@ginog.47816 ай бұрын
That wet Head turned out nice. Great job.
@pangeyi3 жыл бұрын
Nice update on the van. Love to see when you dad and Grag and you work on your van. It feels like together you can achieve goodness.
@michaelmcclure42633 жыл бұрын
Loved this video, the new bathroom looks awesome!! It's dog approved, and that makes a big difference. Sad about your hat, but I really like the gold one you wear too.
@jessj.jesusistheonlyway3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'm doing this myself...and the frp panels is something I can do!! Your too cute lol
@annegatter88663 жыл бұрын
I like your green wood paneled garage doors!
@dreastag903 жыл бұрын
The time between uploads doesn't matter cuz your videos are all rewatchable and you put a personality into it that's very entertaining. Hope you don't feel burned out on uploading at all! Excited to see more build and Crusty Crusaders!
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Sadly we've lost several subscribers do to the Crusty Crusader uploads, but we've been having a lot of fun with the edits and at the end of the day that's what matters. I'm glad to hear you're following along with everything though!
@phoenixgirl703 жыл бұрын
I think it looks quite nice! The nook for shampoo/soap looks great and I love the faucet. It looks very sleek and clean. So happy you could finally get this fixed and Rocky did a great job too!
@TheEthanification3 жыл бұрын
New design looks great, Ben! Always love the build videos because they're always so inspiring to create stuff. Also just like seeing you make change that works for you and makes you happy! Cheers
@0CraigD03 жыл бұрын
Awesome job - the materials are functional and workable. The finished product looks professional and high-end. You worked within a budget and produced a result that would be worth far more than the component parts. Testament that you don't have to break the bank to have a great finish. PS the obligatory plumber's crack made my day! ;)
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Haha I was going to leave it out, but instead decided to put a little emphasis on it!
@zazarays2 жыл бұрын
looks good to me. I plan on doing several small bathrooms with this stuff. Starting with mine then Mothers and grandmothers. I plan on trimming it with that PVC trim to hold it in place and back it with tar paper so taking it apart is easy if has problems
@hoekstrapic2 жыл бұрын
Dang good video, thanks for detailing that process out!
@b.s.adventures94212 жыл бұрын
Nice editing. Good storyline.
@pineconefiddle3 жыл бұрын
Yay! I was thinking of using the FRP on my build. We use that stuff on the farm for milk houses and wash stalls and it works great. Love the videos!
@ezell70793 жыл бұрын
great job. I really like the bathroom renovation
@olivetrees3423 жыл бұрын
Love your video edits! 🤣 Great work on the remodel. And thanks for keeping it real and showing us it’s ok to make mistakes.
@BdManus3 жыл бұрын
Very nice remodel, looks great!
@kathleenreyes43453 жыл бұрын
It looks really good!! Keep is posted on it’s longevity!!
@Scrambler853 жыл бұрын
Good job, looks like the same thing I have planned for a van shower. I liked, commented and subscribed 👍
@Tussse3 жыл бұрын
Budget build or not it still look great. Everything dont have to be expensive as hell as long as you have a great idea and can do magic with what you have :)
@naep32352 жыл бұрын
Loved it. simple and very nice.
@mjremy26052 жыл бұрын
This was a very useful video, many thanks! I have to do a remodel of my bathroom and wondered how FRP was put up. I also could not get a smooth finish, it is textured like yours, at Lowes. Apparently the texture does not matter in the bathroom? How is yours holding up after a year? Please let me know. I want to be sure the bumpy texture will not get moldy in the crevices or is hard to clean. Ceiling looks real nice with the cedar paneling. Showing how you used the mastic adhesive was very helpful as was the alcove for shampoo/ soap. Very nice job. Your bathroom looks functional and spacious with lots of light. Ceiling adds warmth and depth. Please tell me how the sides are holding up to soap scum and mold.
@dogcatmanvan2 жыл бұрын
I've actually sold that van, but the walls held up fine for the 8 months I had it after the install. You will gradually build up soap scum and dirt on the walls, but it's very easy to clean. I never had any issues with mold. There's also a chemical smell that the FRP has for a few months after you install it, but it dissipates over time. Overall, I think it was a pretty easy and budget friendly shower wall solution.
@myhousehaswheels3 жыл бұрын
Looks killer dude!
@andreawisner73583 жыл бұрын
Mr Clean Magic Eraser is like a superfine sandpaper sponge which would probably work well for something like that shower pan.
@levt21563 жыл бұрын
Looks great!
@beetlebees3 жыл бұрын
Looks great and easy to clean :)
@van.gypsies3 жыл бұрын
This is incredibly informative 😎👌🏻
@anneliesjoss3 жыл бұрын
Yep, we’re thinking of using FRP for our van bathroom. I did get some stick on subway tile I may add to make it look a bit more like an upgrade(.!?).
@sueschultz93583 жыл бұрын
Br looks very nice! Good job!
@JulianValentine3 жыл бұрын
I really hope your FRP holds up! I’ve got quite a bit in my build (polywall) as a veneer replacement and this winter in Wisconsin has DESTROYED lots of it. The polywall is very prone to temperature warping and I’m pretty much remodeling the entire van this summer because of it 😂
@ComeIntoTheOut Жыл бұрын
I just bought polywall for my van, would you suggest using FRP instead? I liked that the polywall is not as heavy.
@JulianValentine Жыл бұрын
@@ComeIntoTheOut honestly, after 2.5 years of living in it full time, I don’t think either will stand the rest of time with constant temp changes. It also stains really easily, which was the opposite of what I thought would happen
@Galluchh3 жыл бұрын
super functional bathroom! sometimes simpler is better, and it doesnt even look bad! any hints as to what upgrades we should look out for next?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I've added some portholes to the backdoors and replaced all the wood paneling on my doors so I'll be putting a video together covering all of that. I made some changes to my projector set up so I'll probably make a dedicated video on that. I've also been redoing a lot of my electrical set up and making my own lithium battery so that'll be a couple videos as well.
@Galluchh3 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan You're making your own lithium battery?! HELL YEA! I suggested that on one of your videos a while ago!!!! I hope it's all been going super well! You the man, Ben !
@lizahermandez57 Жыл бұрын
Great job!
@andrewpquinn3 жыл бұрын
Should have has Nick come help. He owes you that much.
@lukevanginkel73803 жыл бұрын
I'd say it looks better but I actually think it looks worse 😂. It definitely seems more practical though and definitely worth it Edit: now that I've seen the final product I do think it looks better. I better watch the whole vid before commenting next time lol It looks great
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I'm personally a bit bummed on how sterile it is now, but it's lighter and it was budget friendly. It's all about experimenting I suppose.
@lukevanginkel73803 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan It looks less white and plain than it has in other vans I've seen, did you paint it light grey or is that just the color grading
@julianplamann50763 жыл бұрын
A super clean way to cut FRP that doesn't require the metal rubbing and messy jigsaw shards is to heat the FRP along the section you want to cut with a heat gun until it softens. Once it's soft, it can be cut as easy as soft plastic using a normal box cutter blade. It's also a good way to add bends or do complicated curved cuts or holes. It's a stinky process, though, so best to do outdoors and with a good respirator mask on.
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip!
@edgardoguzman28583 ай бұрын
Great video. How is your remodeled bathroom holding up after three years? Thank you
@dr.animallover2 жыл бұрын
You are the best
@freenorthkorea73173 жыл бұрын
Are you a perfectionist
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I don't think I'm good enough at anything to be a perfectionist haha
@evilcam3 жыл бұрын
I liked the sheet metal look with the exposed plumbing, but I think the new bathroom looks even better. If the old bathroom topped the van weight off int he 8k range, how much do you think it weighs now? Less obviously, but how much less?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I won't know exactly how much weight was shed by removing the sheet metal until I go and weigh it again, but I would assume it was somewhere around 75lbs. It's going to take a combination of things to really drop some weight. I'm slowly chipping away though haha
@cackleberryfarm45982 жыл бұрын
Great instructional video. I noticed at the end the toilet is facing the wall and is kinda right up against the side wall... how are you able to use it for the "deuce"?
@andrewpquinn3 жыл бұрын
Tidy in the end. Nice work. Can you build a van for me and my wife?
@michaelsherrell63893 жыл бұрын
The new bathroom looks great!!! I am thrilled that your Dad and Greg help you out. I like that you guys problem solve and work together. I am really curious about how you are going to solve your air conditioner problem. Great video!!!
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I'm still curious to see how we figure out the air conditioning as well haha
@susantosi6953 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed..thanks
@evypr0ductions Жыл бұрын
great video! so after 2 years how are the FRP panels holding up? With all the vibration from the road are they still stuck to the ply? or are you noticing some bubbles?
@Journeytoeveryland3 жыл бұрын
Great video, so entertaining and informative! :) How many days did this take you to complete? I am at the point in my build where I am doing my shower and I'm going to do it very similarly to yours (FRP, etc.).
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
It took about two and a half days excluding the time it took to get all the supplies
@heatherm4276 Жыл бұрын
so does the FRP board go over the shower pan lip or behind it? Great video, thanks for sharing!
@dogcatmanvan Жыл бұрын
Your backer material should lay flush to the lip and the frp should overlay both the backer material and the shower pan lip.
@gulcesahin3849 Жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvanwhy so? I have pipes under the shower pan and if sth goes wrong I want to be able to remove the pan. So I covered the walls with frp and then put the pan on the backer slats and seal the corners. Did I do sth wrong? 😱
@kiddiescripterkiller2 жыл бұрын
Skip the panels, use marine grade epoxy and fiberglass chop strand right on to the 1/4" plywood... I even just use epoxy only and seal both sides and the edges and have it outside and no rotting of the plywood. Want color gel coat it after or the epoxy on the plywood alone looks good too.
@dogcatmanvan2 жыл бұрын
Do you have any photo examples of this I could check out?
@kiddiescripterkiller2 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan The place I did it is hard to photograph. I made a matching bulkhead plates on the outside of the box and cab so I could use accordion seal in between and go from box to cab. I have a 26' 89 International diesel S1600 LP Uhaul. The LP is the low profile package where you can drop the truck 4" with the air bags. There is about 7 inch space to see it, but I painted it so it looks like a steel plate and not plywood. Here are some links to other projects using that technique. Tank kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4i8gXWjZdmoaZo Boat wheel house m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqvOiJireJWshtU Plywood Shower and tub kzbin.info/aero/PL4cGhq-GjyFk6do3YfNMpIkGsbfgNRrds The key is to seal every thing and if you drill a hole or nail it reepoxy those spots and it won't rot or get wet... If it gets wet, and freezes it will pop the fiberglass and epoxy off. Had that issue with my box... They repaired a 4' x 8' hole in the side of my box with bondo and not marine grade fiberglass. The wrap, primer and sealer cracked and the bondo sucked water in, rotted the plywood next to where the bondo was and where it wasn't, water soaked in to the frp and popped the panel off the plywood. So I had to cut it off to where the connection was still good and feather the edge and chop strand it back to level... I only noticed this when I took 5 layers of wrap off the box because spots had cracked and I wanted to seal the roof and sides with Raptor bed liner. Don't use automotive grade fiberglass or epoxy... They aren't water proof. They rely on the paint to seal it. Marine grade epoxy will soak into the plywood. Or if you have deep pockets, you can use starboard and not need to seal it. The project is on hold I got cancer 4 months ago, beat it and now trying to get my strength back to finish it. Was getting ready to put a non roof penetrating roof rack on. It will attach to the box sides. I have zero holes in the roof and it doesn't leak so I'd like to keep it that way. ;)
@KattsyChams3 жыл бұрын
Yay update
@DragonPilot3 жыл бұрын
I flip my FRP face down when cutting. The jig saw metal marks are then on the back side never to be seen after gluing. You don't need to caulk the corner channel receiving the new panel, just along the bead that's pressing up against the new panel. Pro Tip: after running a bead of SILICONE caulk, spritz the run with "ammonia-free" glass cleaner and then dress the bead with your finger as we used to do with latex caulk. A "water wetted" finger will mess up the silicone caulk. A "window cleaner wetted" finger will give you the best dressing you've ever done. After the dressing just let the window cleaner dry, don't try to wipe it.
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I'll have to give the window cleaner method a shot. Thanks for the tips!
@michaelhamilton89823 жыл бұрын
Awesome remodel ! Still making great videos. How's the shoe business doing?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
We're hanging in there. I might make a little update video on everything soon.
@t-money85723 жыл бұрын
Respect. I did this in my van and came out like shit. My caulking skills are absolutely garbage
@chrispekel57092 жыл бұрын
Use tape to get straight lines
@stevennevers30063 жыл бұрын
I was thinking of using FRP on the ceiling on my build but was told it off gasses and really smells. Did you find that to be the case? Oh...and I love your dog, I have a Heeler too (red) their the best.
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Yeah the FRP definitely has a chemical smell, but I've noticed it's starting to fade a bit.
@stevennevers30063 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan thanks for getting back.
@SuperClare3 жыл бұрын
Nice!
@maryrekar21503 жыл бұрын
Good job! Did you get your hat clean?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I sure did!
@christopherbrown66972 жыл бұрын
What is the footprint of the bathroom? I'm considering 24x36" in a smaller van, with a removable self-contained toilet that can be set aside for more shower space.
@dogcatmanvan2 жыл бұрын
That's the same size shower I had in the van
@antidecepticon3 жыл бұрын
I live in Canada and am thinking ill have a switch to drain the lines out after I use them.
@thom74633 жыл бұрын
This episode sponsored by calk
@277kne3 жыл бұрын
Your shower looks good. What are the dimensions?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Roughly 2ft x 3ft.
@277kne3 жыл бұрын
@@dogcatmanvan Thank you for getting back to me. I was thinking about that size for my van build or maybe 4'. I found a FRP company online. They make different types of panels for commercial use. The cost is more than the big box store because it's a different material and different thickness. The company name is Marlite. I enjoy watching you build.
@erentraut57403 жыл бұрын
👏
@wordgirl81003 жыл бұрын
A magic eraser might work when cleaning the shower. Fyi
@katt45673 жыл бұрын
Did the corner things come with the sheets or you but that separately
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I bought them separately
@Biffmin3 жыл бұрын
What is this van stuff doing on the Crusty Crusaders channel?
@sailingsolar23713 жыл бұрын
Looks like you have to sit on the toilet sideways. How's that working out?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
It has a rotating top so I can turn it forward.
@PIPITandMALAYLAY3 жыл бұрын
But were you able to save the beanie though?? Haha
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
I was haha
@karenfranz72623 жыл бұрын
👍
@Abszol3 жыл бұрын
May have missed on the once through but what are the shower dimensions?
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Roughly 2 feet wide by 3 feet long. Then about 6ft of standing room
@w1lDstYLe3 жыл бұрын
Last!
@suedefringe3 жыл бұрын
Keep a Mr clean magic sponge in the shower to clean the FRP. Every few showers wipe it down with the sponge (yes, while.you are in the shower naked) then take your shower. You will never have to really scrub again. You're welcome 😊 Cover with masking tape or turn the piece upside down Ps it's better then half bad. Don't sell yourselves short. I like it better then the fancy ones. A shower In a van doesn't need to be fancy. It needs to be functional and hold up. Besides, I can find plenty of things to use the extra money on !
@dogcatmanvan3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip! I've already got some magic sponges in the van