How to Build a Home Made Camper Van - Start to Finish DIY

[@aidenlindsey871]

Why does anyone go out of there way to dislike a video this guy has been working really hard to make, and he is the one spending all the money for the van and to make this vid possible

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha everyone is different, some people think I’m just a lazy lowlife when in fact I work my ass off

[@jbeef4306]

Cause of comments like this. Trolls

[@fredbouwman7218]

Because this is the internet and people have to complain about something. It's easy when they are anonymous. I think he did a great job and think he should focus on his trade skills, much better than going to University. He could drive in his van, do different contract jobs and make a good living and combine it with travel.

[@michaeltewldebrhan4131]

Very cool and good job

[@Niko-pt9li]

Eli Peterson “Lazy” WTF

[@IzzoWingChun]

Why the hell is this man going to college when he’s already a genius?

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha thanks so much!

[@RipYouTheMan]

Doesn't know how to spell strength though.

[@jayprivate825]

Yet he can’t spell the word bottom

[@crimsongaming7924]

Dominick Izzo VERY GOOD QUESTION

[@miked3168]

Being handy doesn't make you a genius

[@SolarSailor1967]

3 things I like about this 1) a young man that has trade skills gives me hope for youth 2) the level of craftsmanship is beyond my basic set up 3) he is smart enough to escape the rent trap that I've spent my life in.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Tom! Check out the newest video I just uplouded!

[@irshicosmos3233]

craftsmanship whahahahahahaahahha good one!!!

[@ignorethis68]

@@irshicosmos3233 lets see yourz jak@$$!! 🎃

[@arthurfisher7198]

@@irshicosmos3233 it’s a lot harder to do detail work than you think. Especially with the basic tools he used. Considering he used raw materials and the rudimentary tools of carpentry, it came out fairly well

[@herbb8412]

So smart he doesn’t need eye protection

[@MayaAshAnimation]

Just imagine the hard work that we didnt even see

[@EliPetersonjp]

check out my new van!

[@stormstorm7396]

I agree he a cute white boy to 😍

[@hmm4711]

GallowGlass huh

[@mont5584]

Would like to see step by step work on floor.

[@salemluna8328]

This video is giving me fake confidence 😂 I need tools now

[@Anthony-nq4ki]

These two people are brilliantly smart. I should’ve did this when I was single in order to save money for a down payment on my first home. Paying rent for an apartment to a landlord makes people poor. This guy is a genius.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha thanks so much! With the money I saved I am now traveling the world

[@Cloud987600]

@Austin Jon get a gym membership youll have that and a gym

[@Cloud987600]

@Austin Jon personal space is nice but if you're sacrificing now to save for later? you cant have your cake and eat it too. You sound like a pansy though just take a really loud shyt to declare your dominance

[@Cloud987600]

@Austin Jon lol

[@chrisparlow6282]

Michael Bertolino ---Yea very crazy . When you can live in this ,you get to see and really live paying test ? What a wast of money when you can leave it in the bank.

[@oldmancrow6676]

Only thing I ask, this is purely from my job as a safety guy, next time you build something like this, please, I beg you, please wear a pair of close toed shoes. Other than that, your van looks amazing brother. You did a fantastic job on this.

[@lenadublavais4273]

Friendly T-60 armor it’s a very common occurrence. It being this mans profession you don’t know what he’s seen

[@tennyis28]

Get off the cross we need the wood

[@TeaSesh]

oldman Crow kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHO6fKiYrb9_fas

[@macaulayculkin5022]

Safety first, then team work.

[@tomastkadlec6181]

And he put the drill in between his legs at one point... 😣

[@403.FORBIDDEN]

Make me wanna go live in a van down by the river.

[@EliPetersonjp]

its honestly not bad at all haha

[@403.FORBIDDEN]

J G Yea my bad I didnt know that everybody's living in vans nowadays lmao him and his girl working on an older van together seems pretty original to me though

[@MrJOHNEBOB]

Lived in "Klaus", my 1971 VW Dbl crewcab I retro fitted, down by the Arkansas River in Colorado for two summers. People thought I was nuts because I was a Process Engineer making 80k a yr. Best times of my life.

[@alistergoh9744]

*ALMOST HEAVEN*

[@thenorthfordnewscom]

@J G thats cause chris farley is an everlasting genius. no one ever saw how nice his van was

[@MFRiley]

That was a steal for $1500. Great job man!

[@EliPetersonjp]

yeah it was a great deal

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

All including reno & cost of van, how much total $?

[@janetutman3533]

What?! That is incredible. His skills were priceless.

[@saqdaboy9591]

My dream car Lamborghini no Bhugati no Maclaren no This van yes

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha yes!

[@filipolofsson]

You spelled bugatti and mclaren wrong

[@topfloorb0ss]

Bugatti*

[@KevBounce]

You practical bastard.

[@GrapeJellyStudios]

Definitely

[@jbt369]

You have more power tools than Home Depot

[@EliPetersonjp]

My gf's dad owns a good amount of power tools that I was able to borrow.

[@elijahbryce2922]

The home depot

[@EvilTwin123]

How can someone be homeless enough to live out of a van yet own or know someone who owns THAT MANY POWER TOOLS? I did my basic van creation using tools at a friend's bike shop and wood cuts done at home depot. 7 months. 1500 miles. $150 Warm weather. I'd never use a conversion van for cold weather living.

[@EvilTwin123]

@@EliPetersonjp Your gf's dad is okay with his daughters bf living out of a van? His daughter is going to be living in the van too. Guest bedroom?

[@kkeyz69]

Harbor Freight. Lol

[@susansharp985]

Quite impressive...I love how it was step by step....I'm watching and thinking I can build things too!!! Thanks for a great vid!

[@EliPetersonjp]

You can! Thanks for watching!

[@AchillesWrath1]

Great job! I want to build something similar for work. Sometimes i have to work a few hours away from home and i work 10 hours a day as it is. The location always changes for job sites. It would be nice to have the option of having something like this to stay in and sleep a few days a week instead of traveling 4 or 5 hours every day. I've been watching a lot of these videos. You did good.

[@misdesixtysix8255]

Hi Eli, yes, I recall viewing much of your build, lol. Nice to see added curtains for privacy. Your are to be admired for all your diligence; work, school, and building out your van. Good luck in Asia!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you so much!!

[@tlk1427]

this is sweet. my boyfriend and I are in our first year in college and we’re saving up, hopefully we’ll be able to do something like this before we graduate😊 thanks for the inspiration, it helps a lot!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Good luck!

[@stoneisland1000]

Interesting guy I'm thinking about leaving my wife and doing this

[@EliPetersonjp]

Take the wife with you!

[@adventurevanner8884]

lmfao

[@forevermoor8902]

Take your wife and fall in love all over again.

[@SPEXWISE]

Get a trailer for the wife

[@davidrandall4446]

Do you know why divorce is so expensive? It's worth it!

[@Steve-ns2hb]

To say I am thoroughly impressed would be a massive understatement. They say necessity is the mother of all invention. You are a talented young man.

[@inesgarciagao]

Hullooo. This was the first van conversion video I ever watched. Back then I thought: this looks interesting. A year later, I'm planning my own van conversion to live in full-time and this is still my favourite build video. I love what you did with this space, how it looks, how it works... I'll be using some of your ideas in my van, for sure!! Thank you so much for filming, editing and sharing this. Xxx

[@EliPetersonjp]

That's so awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@theiyrosthenes1639]

Imagine being in a traffic jam and just chilling in your bed

[@tristanheck2209]

imagine not being in a traffic jam, cause you can sleep close to the place you want to be

[@odin520]

@@tristanheck2209 imagine if what you said made any sort of sense..

[@tristanheck2209]

@@odin520 imagine AALL the people...

[@MaximC]

@@tristanheck2209 Imagine.

[@LorisEntertain]

@@MaximC imag

[@nameredacted1176]

It reminds me of those old Saturday morning shows where the host completely disassemble and reassemble monster truck transmission and carburetor's lol. I wish it was this easy. Either way, you're video was tops and you're van is beautiful. Have fun with her. 🤙

[@libragirl4471]

Auto young and limber again like that. This is one of the best van build videos I’ve seen. No noises. No drone shots. Just a barefoot builder who’s very skilled. Thanks

[@iamyourfuture808]

wears protective gloves and ear defenders ... and no shoes hahhaa

[@EliPetersonjp]

2/3.... not bad :)

[@iamyourfuture808]

naa.. i forgot to mention the hair hanging down lol !

[@mistermusic140]

@iamyourfuture808 And no safety glasses...lol!

[@user-tt5js4bh2v]

Hopefully he's studying medicine.

[@landonstainbrook1183]

I bet you guys can't grow hair 😂

[@fresh2deth]

It's a really old van, I'd be more concerned with the mechanical side of your vehicle. Great job on the van, and i hope it'll run forever

[@EliPetersonjp]

Old vehicles just mean less sensors and things to break :) Been driving it for over a year now with no issues :)

[@Tnecniv12321]

Douglas Kelly didn’t you see the previous video? The former owner gave him a warranty and the engine was recently replaced by an award winning mechanic.

[@cheesmastr5303]

Douglas Kelly it's a Chevy 350 v8, itll last forever as long as you maintain it properly and when something does need replacing on it, dirt cheap

[@chasedoe4722]

Douglas Kelly it’s a Chevy plus it has a 350 in it keep it maintained and it will run forever

[@fenzy825]

If he reeeeally needed to, he could swap the engine.

[@NoProGoPronto]

I know it probably took a lot of time to put this video together. Editing can be a pain. So Thank you. You did a great job. Where were you that you had access to all the tools you needed? A friends house or did rent them all?

[@EliPetersonjp]

Girlfriends house :) her dad is a HVAC contractor so he had most of the tools, I bought some here and there or figured out a way to do it with the things I had

[@jacebrown3230]

NoProGoPronto ok

[@devanmichealmiles7916]

Eli Peterson investing in some good clamps would go a long way in preventing frustration

[@tylersvids8650]

NoProGoPronto ih

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

NoProGoPronto I agree. Awesome presentation.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

This is more than a build of a van, it's your story as you journey in life. You'll be able to go back on this video years later. Thumbs up 👍

[@babydollnicole27]

She’s so badass! Girl power brings everything together smoothly. Awesome work guys 😁

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much Le Bella!

[@rokiatherock35]

this is like low-key asmr. and i’m loving it.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha glad you liked it!

[@haruu5489]

Dude, I am so doing this with my dad! Best Trips ever, here I come!

[@EliPetersonjp]

good luck!

[@votesudanusa]

I am proud of you. I like it when people make it happen. This guy will likely be successful in whatever venture or adventure he chooses. BRAVO

[@metricton8167]

Man, I wish I had your carpentry skills.....sausome video!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Just takes practice!

[@sorensoul]

@nietzsche I'd like to see you do better you nihilist fuck

[@belingonza318]

You've got skills! Travel but make sure you get your education. Keep it up your going to do alright in life.

[@Miguel-ve1lh]

Experience is the best education life can get!

[@seyeriv2804]

This guy is very creative 👍🏻

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha thanks so much!

[@konkret7]

I love your approach and attitude!!! There seems to be no plan, no measuring, just giterdone. Favorite part was the screw on a string circle drawing, then when the bowl didn't fit perfectly, you just shrugged it off with a smile. Thanks for sharing.

[@Monstervolging]

I think KZbin is implying that soon I'll be homeless... Wtf am I getting all these "my home is a van" videos?

[@aaronzermeno2274]

Same here, I better start saving up for a van

[@MrKaMa94]

You watch 1 and KZbin spams you with van videos. I watched 5 now. I don't know why, I'm not planing to live in a van. But I like the idea...

[@chrisj197438]

Stormcloak Shreds When my friends property taxes on his home that was paid off exceeded $7K per year he did just as this guy did. He bought a van converted it and sold his house. He now travels the country and does odd jobs when he feels like it. He has a freedom fee of us will know.

[@chrisj197438]

debunker300 So what if he does. Do you have over $400K in the bank? I think not.

[@chrisj197438]

debunker300 Try pooping in a bucket for a while you might be able to save $400K

[@SetlingAxe]

Girlfriend: so where you live Him: do you want to help me build my home Girlfriend: *ok*

[@EliPetersonjp]

and now she is my wife

[@nancyanneberg403]

Eli Peterson congratulations. We like your vid and you did seem to have all your toes at the end.

[@MJ-vf1im]

Sweeeeet!!! Congrats!!!

[@allim.5941]

DIY Eli Awww 😊

[@allim.5941]

Motive how is that not rude? Just by saying “not to be rude” doesn’t make your question not rude and highly inappropriate.

[@michaellapierre1244]

Great job! Love it. One comment - I noticed your girlfriend wearing gloves while using the chop saw once. Be really careful about that. It's a safety hazard. If the glove gets caught by the blade, it sucks your hand in. Awesome build project!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Ya great advice. I actually caught that too after and she no longer does that.

[@vincentmullins6607]

@@EliPetersonjp Please use eye protection cos I have had metal and super glue in the left eye my center vision is very poor like looking down out the bottom of a thick beer mug,lol, done that through the good eye many times !, beautiful skills You both have me a thinking.

[@MrHAPPYHAWAIIAN]

Michael LaPierre I want to see that👊🦄😳🤘💩

[@wuestion9473]

Yes to shoes, and no to gloves. Comments be educating.

[@lonironi3754]

Working on projects with your partner is a sure way to build a great relationship. I am watching because my husband and I are getting ready to modify a van. Amazing job!

[@ranggawb5388]

It's even cheaper than someone's pc

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha that’s true

[@filipolofsson]

How much did it cost? My pc is 3k $

[@ranggawb5388]

@@filipolofsson his van and renovation is $2k

[@drmago69]

@@filipolofsson no it's not Stop lying

[@filipolofsson]

@@drmago69 Not at all 64gb ram i9 and a rtx 2080 ti

[@dailyorangepill3338]

Amazing talent!!! Smart idea and saving thousands of dollars. Putting money in your own pocket not corporate.$$

[@EliPetersonjp]

glad you liked it! i saved up so much money living like this!

[@jurgenbrandt642]

salute to your camper-building skills

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha Thank you!

[@machella1233]

I gave you thumbs up because this is the first van remodel that I have seen that the person living in it remodeled it.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha I am honored to have your thumbs up!

[@philbennington5817]

How refreshing to see a young person with some initiative! You have restored my faith in today's youth, bravo from an old fart. Phil

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much1

[@wuestion9473]

I'm so tired of boomers being unwilling to compliment a young person without putting the rest of us down. We ALL have to work MUCH harder in this century just to barely survive. It's not rare. Can anyone say something nice without negativity thrown in?

[@finnm1370]

Q gonna cry?

[@koledoyne427]

Nice build, dude! This is something I really want to do. Rent is too expensive and so are college dorms, and I want to be able to travel after college. As an engineer, I just have to point out that you could do so much more than you did as far as design and using space more efficiently. I can still give credit where it's due, though; you got the job done in a way that suits what you need. Thanks for sharing.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Yeah I didn’t really have a plan and just kinda winged it

[@itxy4283]

I wish I had the knowledge to convert a van like that😂 You did a great job 👍🏼👏🏼

[@EliPetersonjp]

All it takes is a whole lot of trial and error

[@CurtisDrew1]

Brings back memories of when I was in College in the early 70's. Had a 68 Chevy Van I built to go camping and dirt bike riding in the Mohave. Could load my dirt bike in between the couch/bed and cabinets to go riding. The ice box and kitchen were behind the front seats. Eventually put a Corvette 327 motor in the van and built a bike rail back bumper to carry the bike on. Good Times.

[@annettemcilwain4652]

THAT IS SOOOOO FREAKING NEAT & A J.O.B. WELLLLL DONE!!!👍

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you so much Annette!

[@OldLadyInFL]

Great job! I'd be proud to have a van like that.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you!!

[@DayDream-RR]

Dude this is really freakin nice. Being 17, and "financially comfortable", the people around me would never agree with my choice to do this.. but hey, you never know.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Doing this will help you go from financially comfortable to financially independent :) I count how much my investments make each week while I'm traveling :)

[@peterlamont647]

Your family may look down on you and even tell you that you can't do that, or only losers do. Ask yourself this question....do you want to have a mortgage at their age? Or enough money to buy two houses. It's your life, go your own way. No one can tell you how to live, they can only offer their suggestions.

[@dieselram05]

Peter Lamont I couldn’t agree more!! Stay out of debt at all costs!!!

[@rayanddenisemckinney1038]

This is a great build! Every bit of space is well-used, yet it doesn’t seem cramped. Well done!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you!

[@metoo5669]

Always good to use an angle grinder to cut rusty metal with bare feet👍

[@hardrays]

true. welding naked saves shoes too

[@dnb888]

With the correct disc, of course ;)

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

Great job on your van build! You're gonna have so much fun traveling and living in it. Just found your channel and sub'd. Safe travels!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hi Tammie! Thank you so much for your kind worlds! I really appreciate the sub too!

[@dakdjonsey2398]

ditto

[@explorewestcoast]

Love this build Eli! Great job!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much Tyler! Glad you enjoyed it

[@explorewestcoast]

Your build is simple yet looks comfortable. You used the space you had really well. . That adjustable rack is slick! I used easily sourced and free materials and brackets on my build. Made it waaaaaay less expensive to do. I am sure this video has inspired others to take a shot at it :) I recommend lining the cooler box with some Reflectix. I have found it to make a big difference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIeZqYmVobunetk Check out my build if you have some time! any feedback is great!

[@dorisward2629]

Enjoy watching you renovate your van. I hope all goes well with school. Be safe working without shoes! You can get a splinter in your foot.

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

You two did a great job. Sweet little van!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hey! don't call my van little ;) its not the size that matters :)

[@coolcatcarolena4951]

Eli Peterson haha, I was just quoting you@0:15

[@jamiewinter8188]

Eli Peterson "that's what she said" 😂

[@eliteshots7389]

HeyItsJamie OML

[@tienanhvu2855]

+Alex Uryuski i think the ugly bitch is your mother

[@masonsatterwhite8782]

Ingenuity at its finest

[@EliPetersonjp]

Glad you liked it! Actually just sold it and moved to thailand

[@dilly2047]

Eli Peterson if you dont mind me asking, how much did you sell it for?

[@JudiChristopher]

Please wear Eye Protection... Always. Shoes help too. (Smile).

[@tonyfortier8835]

Gloves

[@adasanchez5042]

I like how he take his time on the videos and doesn't talk.

[@Yodathesolja]

Who cares about the protective gear or his spelling. Great great work. Ever need a buddy to smoke a cigar with . Hmu partner .

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much Earl!

[@husky701rider9]

I’d be honored to share a cigar with earl hickey. Please bring randy.

[@sjk160]

Who's earl jrs dad?

[@husky701rider9]

scottkjr22 well. It took me years to let go of that mystery. Now that you’ve brought it up again I’ll be up all night analyzing the possibilities.

[@sjk160]

Jacoby 1911 I just looked it up and the writers said they didn't know yet and we're planning on making it someone famous like Dave Chappell

[@deandoss2105]

Should have used the bowl itself as a template brother possibly would have fit pretty snug but awesome job all around 👍

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks!

[@AlexS-sc3gb]

Why remove the VCR? How else will you watch your movies?

[@fmgmailaccount2445]

Its had Shag Carpet i think he means he got rid of the Visible Cocaine Residue.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha laptops. but yes, got rid of all the hiv

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Um.. These little devices everyone has these days called a cellphone. I know crazy. 20-30 yrs from now we'll be viewing out entertainment via hologram projecting watches.

[@Drinks-and-finger-food]

juntjoo nunya you missed the joke for a mile...

[@jaxw2628]

juntjoo nunya r/wooosh

[@brandongriffith7529]

Dudes a beast. Cutting steel. BAREFOOT .Great job!

[@laurensnieuwland4657]

Add solar panels to the roof!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Never really needed them.

[@tinabeane]

Very well done, can't wait to see where you go on your travels. All the best in 2018! :) Tina

[@EliPetersonjp]

Will be posting new videos weekly so you can see what we are up to all 2018 :)

[@SunnySideDown916]

Thanks for sharing your journey! GOod luck in college :)

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you so much Sunny Side!

[@labelmelola368]

You are inspiring me. Thank you for your quality content. It has taught me alot about where to start to make my own build DIY. Thank you and your girlfriend for documenting this amazing, hard and satisfying journey... truly grateful

[@EliPetersonjp]

Our pleasure! check out the video i just uploaded a couple hours ago, working on a new campervan with a crazy hightop

[@tonyfortier8835]

Man drop out college and start a van conversion buisness. God bless you.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha working on my 2nd one now!

[@maryd5217]

@@EliPetersonjp do you work on others people's van as well

[@mattp9883]

good build! First time I've seen someone build something and cut it to size after hahaha

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha work smarter not harder

[@clintonspears9356]

I guess you can call that building nothing lines up my 4 year old could do better

[@Viiis]

Guys my van is done *crashes it the next day* “How to rebuild your van that your turned into a DIY RV”

[@EliPetersonjp]

I kinda did that with my home made truck camper.... I drove it under a low clearance and made it a convertible truck camper by accident....

[@peterlamont647]

I always think about this when I see these $50,000 luxury conversions on other channels. They spend something like a year of spare time, and all their savings on it....and then smash it into a tree on it's maiden voyage. That would be devastating.

[@christinecabana4169]

You are AMAZING!!!! I have a Jeep Patriot, but if I ever come across a van that's similar, Oh sweetheart I'm down , especially now with Covid 19 and the recession. Been looking at doing this since the kids grew up and their father passed. Congratulations on the marriage! Remember..Take your highs and your lows and find a middle ground, all the best..travel safe.

[@Brandon_Jackson]

Now I wanna live the Hippie life.. I wanna see the world Mann!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Do it Brandon!

[@Brandon_Jackson]

Eli Peterson I just need a girl that will come with me and explore the world with me in such a small place. But I’m seriously going to try and do it!

[@Brandon_Jackson]

Alex Uryuski lame ass nigga

[@Brandon_Jackson]

Alex Uryuski you don't even know how to spell😄

[@elpresidente4409]

@@Brandon_Jackson you will need plenty of pot to smoke.

[@sisterearth]

What a beautiful counter top! I love that!~peace

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you!! peace!

[@megaice1030]

sisterearth especially for 10$

[@techoverdrive5772]

Gotta install some crazy security system.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Or just have faith that people are good?

[@hiemsx]

@@EliPetersonjp you would put your faith in the wrong stuff.

[@molyhayes5335]

Eli Peterson stop don’t ever trust people they might try to assassinate you

[@Reggaeshark.]

Eli Peterson hello sir do I have a business opportunity for you! 😂

[@margiesvanmori]

Love this video! I am building out my 1988 Chevy van now to work in film/tv and travel. I love the ideas in your build. I just put a shower in mine! Thanks for the video!

[@birdsong63]

For all the great work you're doing, maybe a deeper, larger sink would be more useful. Just sayin'. Where did you learn all those skills? I'm really impressed! Be safe, happy travels.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Just been slowly accumulating them :) built a truck camper before this

[@BushRat253]

That bed is sweet! Did you use plans or just wing it?

[@EliPetersonjp]

Winged it :) kinda copied an IKEA pull out couch

[@taradead]

yeah, definitely like the bed design...and lengthwise placement (sucks having to sleep diagonally on a perpendicularly placed van bed)

[@davidstraehl6924]

7:36 "Only know you've been high when you're feeling WRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR"

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha didn’t mean to put that song in the video

[@sandywieringa7421]

I love the concept of the slide-out bed! Awesome!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks! glad you liked it

[@MississippiWomanOnTheDirtRoad]

SUCH A FREAKIN’ GENIUS!!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank so much1

[@jamestansey]

Omg, he is literally building everything! Her didn’t buy a thing!!!!!

[@josht5103]

I've always wondered about these......... What if the van breaks down?

[@EliPetersonjp]

It happened! But we lucked out and met a very kind mechanic who had us back on the road in less than 6 hours. We really didn't expect to find such amazing help but our mechanic got a part delivered from another shop and really came through for us. It sucks breaking down, and I bet it sucks even more if you have to work with a bad mechanic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXbLlJdjl6hsjdU

[@richardthomas8832]

anything made by man breaks given enough time... even a million dollar rv needs maintenance to stay on the road it just cost more. and with the money he saves from no rent or mortgage I'm sure he'll have no problems getting any issues fixed

[@juntjoonunya9216]

Not much different than any house being "down". Just get it towed to a safe location til you fix it or tow to mechanic

[@bowerbirdstyle7661]

Ingenious build! Everything that opens and shuts. Great bed, basin and slide-out cooker.

[@Parker-ty7kg]

I love how he says curtain

[@EliPetersonjp]

Me too.

[@seaweed6668]

Actually this kinda looks like fun

[@EliPetersonjp]

It's a lot of fun!

[@seaweed6668]

*dabs*

[@lenadublavais4273]

Does it stil run? You’re amazing for this byw

[@EliPetersonjp]

runs great!

[@susanadam6094]

Duuuuuude. Look what you did all that and not a shoe in sight. Imaging what you could achieve if you had shoes the list is endless. It's beaut am sooooo fricking jealous 😍😍😍

[@lokisfriend]

this guy is lucky he still has all his fingers and toes

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha I agree

[@Leries0]

Thats what I was flabbergasted about the whole time

[@lasagnapepeeno]

@ohh geee I cut the tip of my left index finger off with a miter saw when I was apprenticing as a framing carpenter. Circular saws can kick unpredictably and with a lot of force. I cringed when I saw him cutting so close to his bare feet.

[@miqueenw-p4421]

I think he’s too talented to lose his fingers and toes 😂

[@taytaysharrard]

I always wanna know how much repairs they have to do and how long their vans last because a lot of people buy EXTREMELY old vans bc they're cheap but I'm scared they'd break down

[@Miguel-ve1lh]

Same

[@keithmoser8533]

When I see those cut line my OCD goes crazy

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha yeah his project was a little rough

[@zednevada7362]

dont know why but this made me laugh so much

[@cameron8619]

You probably don’t even have OCD

[@BENYEET]

@@cameron8619 fr people are so feminine these days..

[@drumclaypete]

Cameron Gentry You probably don’t even get jokes

[@MrDrivingFaster]

Don’t know how I stumbled across this video, but enjoyed every second of it. Through the video I can see that you have the skills to make it in this crazy world. Through your replies on the comments, I see that you are a great person with a positive view on life, who utilises both the left and right brain. Have a good life and live it the way you want.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hey Vlasis T! I am glad you stumbled upon this video! Thank you so much for your kind words

[@tanggang6824]

the six inch miter saw is cute😂 NEVER where gloves when using a saw man it will suck your hand up in there, I think you would rather loose a finger then a hand.

[@xingmenneigong]

$1850 van rebuild + $2000 for tools = $3850

[@mcanultymichelle]

You should check the prices out at Walmart for tools I just brought a cordless drill with a bag for 30 bucks

[@jatinrustagi9763]

He is using his girlfriend's dad's tools.

[@f.-j.j.5738]

He borrowed the tools

[@EliPetersonjp]

borrowed most the tools. bought about $150 worth of tools

[@Games2Gains]

and let's not forget that you can also buy used tools. works the same and is way cheaper. everything he used I've seen at some time or another selling for $20 or less but then again I'm a deal hunter so that's normal for me.

[@KAgentGOD]

True legends never wear socks.

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

Love that kitchen counter top he bought for about $10.00! Awesome...love the look!

[@walkinginthedarkness4540]

Hi, @Eli, I am curious, have you checked how much of weight have you added to the van? Asking as I am considering similar van, 90's Chevy G20 or Dodge RAM B250. They got pretty decent payload, but it's good to know the numbers before I start.

[@FenrirFabrication]

doubt you are going to overload a g20 unless you fill it with brick or shingles... yea done both. he probably added 3-400lbs, remove the seats, if 3 rows thats - 200 or so lbs from the start. completely filled with 2x4s isnt overloaded. overall this is a pretty solid build plus he can still pull a trailer and the static weight is right over the axle so a bit better in the snow. nice job

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hi! So I never weighed it before after but did some mental math. I found the original documentation for the conversion (hi top, captain seats, and a back row that folds down). Wth 7 200 lb passengers it said it had a cargo capacity of 30 lbs (hope no one brought any luggage...) when I removed the big heavy seats I probably lost about 150 lbs. I only drive with it with 2 people so 7-2= 5 then 5x200 +150 (from the seats) = 1,150 lbs I can add to it. I am guessing I am no where near that number. However the van is old and the rear leaf springs are a bit worn out, the stuff I have added and the dirt roads I drive the van on probably does not help. The only problem I ever have is if I have a trailer hitch on and go over a deep bump my hitch hits sometimes.

[@galardmills5306]

Please take the time to weigh it; front and rear separately. Your safety depends upon how much weight is on your tires. Then the tire manufacturer’s weight tables will tell you the minimum pressure you can run.

[@tacticalguy8358]

Very smart I always whated to do that

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you, best of luck!

[@ruthnotestine6888]

Beautiful work, and I know you were on a college student budget, but it makes me sad that it was a $1500 van.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha it worked great for me!

[@texedwards3039]

good job !

[@Miguel-ve1lh]

DIY Eli does she still run?

[@michaeljohnston777]

She is absolutely amazing and BEAUTIFUL!!! You better keep Her forever!!! Oh, and the Van is pretty nice too I guess. :) :) :)

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha she says thank you!

[@alexyoungberg5232]

*Now you just gotta put a procharger on it..*

[@EliPetersonjp]

whats that?

[@doitaljosh]

*Tesla Supercharger

[@alexyoungberg5232]

@@EliPetersonjp lol it was a joke but its a centrifugal supercharger for your engine that would make your van fast af. It would be a sleeper.

[@thatblue3.617]

Alex Youngberg literally

[@cayden1969]

Why you look like the drummer from foo fighters

[@李先生-n7c]

Cayden Andres

[@GenevieveMathews-bu4ve]

I want to leave my home, and live in thism

[@kanyeistrash9802]

Awesome video man! I’m only 16 but when i move out of home I would like to live out of a van just like this. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@EliPetersonjp]

My pleasure! Best of luck! I’ll be posting a new video of a new camper van soon!