Completely DIY Hightop Camper-Van Tour - Star Gazing Hightop

[@guillaumefg]

I’ll admit, I was pretty skeptical when I saw that wood frame going up in the first video. But you pulled it off and the finished product looks amazing. Nicely done!

[@Veganwill]

Lol me too

[@eej902]

I love how he took heat expansion into account as I've seen many a hardware be pushed out of wood from the elements. I was a bit worried about water sealing techniques but he caught onto that and made sure it was remedied. Cool guy.

[@Debrajoy]

This kid can do anything! I watched all his old videos and we had Vans that were almost alike! I hope he's doing really, really well Eli I know you won't see this but just in case you do I love you sweetie! 💜🙏🤗

[@funkyjones]

You should get a medal for the originality of the plexiglass roof. Also building the high top was no small feat. Kudos.

[@ramzy1013]

Thank you for your service in the forest fire fighting. Love the Van project

[@cruisepaige]

I love how you say “curtains.” You are adorable.

[@deadmanprodinc]

I had no reason to watch this as I don't own a van but I found your build rivetting both Part 1 and part 2. I'm a hands on guy myself but it is always great to see how others navigate hurdles but also share great ideas. Well done video and great finished product.

[@Mityman64]

Been subbed since the first van tour. This is a major upgrade! Well done and safe travels!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hey Mityman! Thanks so much! I for sure put a lot more work into this one than the other one haha. Safe travels yourself!

[@eej902]

Just subscribed today!

[@AnnsTinyLife]

Dear God, you're the master of Van build! I anxiously await all of your videos. You should make more kiddo! You're an inspiration. If only I had your skills. LOL

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha thanks so much Ann! Practice makes perfect!

[@Silencedbearar]

Super cool video. Glad you went over the leaks and admitted the faults of the caulking so others can maybe do the way that works the best first vrs going through the trouble

[@kennifer8262]

I'm definitely not living in a van, but if I were going to live in one. I would build one like yours. Great job, on the build. Color me impressed.

[@mariawinzler]

Thank you for your service fighting forest fires!! Love your camper van!!!! "One who makes becomes appreciated!" Thank you God Bless!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much!

[@mayajones4015]

She's beautiful!! Great job! Thank you for showing us the whole thing.

[@markchristie5577]

When i first saw the start of the build i was thinking WTF. Man what an awesome job you did. Have to share this to my kid who would like to make a campervan.

[@jarenjackson7139]

Great job on the van and thank you for your service fighting those fires out there your a great asset to your community and the environment stay safe ......and keep fighting the good fights

[@georgiacorey954]

Eli this is spectacular. The best I've ever seen.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks s much Georgia!!! I put so much work into this van. I truly appreciate the compliment!

[@georgiacorey954]

@@EliPetersonjp yw. I can tell that u did. Plus I've been following along. You 2 will have loads of fun.

[@astronoteimportant1753]

I agree it looks like it came that way. Such great craftsmanship and attention to detail.

[@yardfowl3149]

Eli......AWESOME brother. Excellent craftsmanship and functionality. The clear roof panel is super impressive, i think it even helps make that space feel larger than it is. You may consider having torsion bars added to you van, they will help with the sway caused by the heavy top (if that is even an issue) Best of luck in all you do brother, thank you for your service and for the inspiring video! God bless and much love sir!

[@ZeusAndKiller]

I would much rather have this than one of those pop up tops. So cool!

[@caribooskidoo3997]

Damn. This van is amazing! Great work. So many awesome ideas. I love the way you framed the walls with studs like a house. The wide windowsills are nice too. And now I want to put a window in the roof of my high top Astro van.

[@brentgolbert2402]

I can't put into words how much I enjoy your 3 video's. They are the best. I have been thinking about doing my that way. After watching how you did I believe I will. Or at least try. Thank you sir. God bless.

[@sonnyvalenzuela9844]

What an awesome build. Thanks for taking the time to share your dream.

[@laurarenfro5136]

By far the best of the best with the plexi roof - FYI- there is a tape that goes on rv roofs that last 20 Yes so you won’t have to reseal anything. If I ever do a build - I am putting the biggest sink I can !!!

[@dahak972]

Take the insoles out of your boots, and then rub rubbing alcohol all over the top of them. That’ll kill the odor causing bacteria. Instant results. Great video, awesome van! Thanks!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Not a bad idea! Thank you

[@trevordinwoodie3231]

@@EliPetersonjp A shot of Lysol spray in your boots after taking them off is another good option. Fixed my boot stank problem immediately!

[@jamesroberts9192]

You did a great job on your van. You put alot of time and money in it and it turned out A-OK. You get a 👍up.😎

[@call6060842]

I'm a fan. That was some flex when you pulled out the chain saw dude. Good on you.

[@vanjoy1974]

Dude, that is bad *ss! You are very creative and thank you for risking your life fighting forest fires. You are the man. Best wishes

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much!

[@catherinenelson4162]

Firefighters always get my vote! I'm a former Tahoe National Forest employee. I used to drive food and supplies to the firecamps.

[@EliPetersonjp]

nice! we always like it when people bring food!

[@biafoundationinc.2295]

You my friend are a craft master! Beautiful job done! Please more videos of you building things!

[@raymondray3232]

Wow it turned out amazing. And thank you and the rest of the lads fighting fires, much appreciated.

[@davewenners6722]

I haven’t been able to follow the build videos, I just found a few so far. This build isn’t what I expected. You did a freaking great job. It look awesome.

[@paulheart5178]

Why would anyone give this young mans video a "thumbs down" ? Ridiculous. I stumbled across your van videos and thoroughly enjoyed them. You're a very talented individual. Is this van for work or is this something you and your wife will use for camping or travelling ?

[@EliPetersonjp]

Van was mostly for me to live in while i fought forest fires this summer

[@paulheart5178]

@@EliPetersonjp What will your next project be ? If you have one that is.

[@babbalouie3166]

Excellent build. Incredibly ingenious in so many ways. Have not seen a topper like this before. Looked at buying a high top for a long time. Decided to go with a cube van. Far to old to go through all the work you did. Good job. Wish you safe travels.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Nice! I like the cube van! Safe travels to you as well

[@braznartn5176]

I am totally blown away by this guy.

[@EliPetersonjp]

haha thanks Braz!

[@margemargie9891]

I love the silver backsplash with the wood, looks classy. You're a very hard-working young man. I can see you being a renovator teacher if you ever get tired of the fire-fighting. My husband is a firefighter as well and a retired Park Ranger. Just wondered if you have a potty in that van...

[@lauratibbles6598]

This is a great build you have a very interesting and exciting life be safe in your travels and be safe in your job in the field thank you for sharing

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

Thanks for sharing .. I can tell there is a lot of time, effort and love that you've put into the van. I especially love your positive attitude and smile!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Hey Dreamer! I for sure put a lot of time and love into this van! Positive is the best way!

[@MrJpw1974]

Just cant figure out why someone would give a thumb down.. Nice Job!

[@20TonChop]

Hey, I hope you read this comment. If you haven't already thought of it you should attach a cutting board to the insert you put in the sink so when you pull it out you can flip it over and underneath use the cutting board. That way you wouldn't damage the wood and you could also replace it when it got too damaged. You can just buy a cheap square one cut it to shape and attach it easy.

[@interestingcomments5178]

This guy was the reason I built my truck camper. Now why I got a high top van.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha sorry for being a bad influence...

[@chasecather1647]

Love your craftsmanship and talent my man, definitely given me some more inspo and ideas. Much love 🤟

[@KP11520]

You know Panasonic makes a 340 watt solar panel that's 63" x 42" if your needs expand. Of course, your system would need a fork lift upgrade as its output voltage is ~60 volts. Maybe make an outdoor shower between the back two open doors with two curtains, one for privacy and one to keep water out of the van. With more electricity, hot water perhaps or when not too cold and sunny, a solar shower bag spray head combo. Two for when you entertain the Mrs. Happy travels! Glad you addressed the insulating the acrylic during Winter nights! Maybe consider a diesel outside vented heater. It would need more amps than you create on short Winter sun days though.

[@stevejohnson712]

Look into diesel heaters. Very convenient, safe, economical and effective. Nice job on your build. Very craftsmanlike with the pegged joints. I do agree with those couple guys who won't use silicone in boats or other exposed construction. It just seems to fail to seal. The one guy who said you should fiberglass, I don't agree with that, necessarily. There are epoxy and other marine paints that will last years. Your finishes look good. Looks quite comfortable.

[@brucebryan2806]

I think your van kicks ass and to have all that head room is fantastic. you got me thinking, but i think if i do this I will use metal studs to save on weight. and a little less peak but I think you did awesome and great gas mileage. Thanks for sharing.

[@peggychapman7835]

I think you did an incredible job on your build Many blessings to you and your beautiful wife

[@des2610]

The roof looks freaky from the outside but from the inside its freaking amazing! Love how you just plug into the inverter for AC power! Great job and very creative!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much

[@eej902]

You're very inspiring 💚. Good work! It DID come out good 🙂 Boot tips: After each use dry them out in a warm, dry area as well as possible. To remove odor pull out cushion insole (wash insole separately) and apply approximately 3/4 C of baking soda to the inside of each boot. Shake and agitate into all the inner crevices, let sit in warm, dry area as long as possible, agitate/shake, empty out the baking soda- and you're all set. Also, changing to clean socks halfway through work will increase your foot health. Food grade diatomaceous earth is a good alternative for baby powder and you can sprinkle a tiny bit on your feet or socks to encourage dryness and odor neutralization

[@quevoy6611]

I come across your video on the foldable Rockpals solar panels and had to see how the van came out. Got the panels for $159 on blackfriday. For your boots try sprinkling them with baking soda. That will take care of the odor and keep'm dry. Good luck with the van looks great.

[@graceproby2662]

You did a fantastic job, watched from the start and couldn’t believe how well it turned out.

[@jesuscross9]

I love it. Awesome job. I've been trying to figure out how I could make a high top on my van and make it sturdy enough to stand on. You gave me some great ideas.

[@pdelgado24]

What a unique and original idea! One of the best vans I’ve seen.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you! glad you like it!

[@RonPaulLover123]

For that boot smell use arm and hammer shoe refresher spray ($4). Works like a charm. Also, baking powder it self works well for taking smells out of the air or shoes ($1). See how your feet react before using it constantly. It made my feet more pruney. So I use the refresher spray now.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Haha nice! Yeah I tend to try and stay away from using to much in the boots because my income relies on my ability to hike basically all day and every day haha. If my feet react weird I wouldn't be able to work so I can handle a bit of stench but great suggestion! When I am wearing them I just lace them up real tight so no smell leaks out :)

[@RonPaulLover123]

If interested just use the baking soda in the same compartment. Dont actually add it to shoes. Will help. You'd be amazed. But anyway good job on van build. I subscribed after seeing a video how you explained you lived in a van for college. Great stuff Eli

[@68bellamia]

Your build is absolutely amazing!

[@cam-bo11]

It came out great! Totally different than your last build and way more innovative. Looks a lot more polished now too. 👌I just love your positive attitude and how you kept powering through with your unconventional idea.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much!

[@CharlesButler]

WOW!! good job on the build! love the interior!

[@jcblackmon]

Awesome build, Eli! Well done. It’s great to see young people enjoy the fruits of hard labor! Great job!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much Jonathan!

[@ComputerLearning0]

Great work.

[@EliPetersonjp]

hank you!

[@ryanheintz191]

I've been watching your channel for quite a while now. So cool. Great job

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much Ryne!

[@adolfogomez-herrera1348]

You are the man; best rig I've seen.

[@dannydougherty4243]

You should mount a cutting board to the under-side of that wooden sink cover. You should be able to find a way to attach it that won't blemish the wood at all, np.

[@aforeignerlivinginthephili2663]

Good job Eli! I stumbled across your channel and couldn't stop watching the vids. You are a cool guy moving around and living in different places. What an exciting life! Watching from the Philippines...

[@theacrane3336]

Your conversion is so unique! I love it!

[@marysiniawa5371]

Beautiful job. I love that you built it yourself. Thanks for sharing.

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much!

[@jimnelson7740]

Really nice work, Eli. Nice layout and finish. Love that acrylic roof.

[@ronniec8038]

Really nice build man. I'm impressed. The use of space is nice. And you have a vacuum! Hell yeah! lol

[@TheOnlyOneStanding8079]

That's a good job fighting fires

[@j33pster14]

Most awesome job - love the whole ceiling skylight!!!

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thank you! me too :)

[@1wolfpup]

That’s fantastic! You did an incredible job. It will be really nice for you and your wife to travel in. God bless.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much Shannon!

[@jorgemireles9308]

You need to do a night review of it..so wee can be stone with your ceiling

[@josephdupont]

I drape a reflective. Mylar blank over my head and shoulders to keep snug when read sitting works great

[@EliPetersonjp]

nice! Sounds cozy!

[@MapleMarmite]

Excellent build! One of the best I've seen. Not overdone with gadgets and made to be like an RV but a great balance of vehicle and accommodation. I love the roof idea and construction method. I like to be able to stand but as I'm about 10' shorter than you it should be an easier job for me! I once saw someone create a high top by putting an old fiberglass boat upside down on the top - seemed to work okay. Probably a truck canopy would work, too, but they are pretty heavy and might throw the balance off. A tour of the electrics and how you wired it up would be interesting as that is my weak point. Anyway - you are a man of many talents and skills - well done with the build and the very best with the future adventures!

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much! I am glad you like it!

[@Ipherix]

I might have to use that roof idea, it's incredible!

[@EliPetersonjp]

just be careful and safe!

[@raulgil7389]

Do it yourself van-home home-van. How much Imagination and vision needed to build it. Fantástico

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much!

[@adamhavelock2104]

Dude you’ve done an absolutely wonderful job on that van. 11/10👍

[@paulgardner4931]

Wow what a cool build, what a great idea for the roof top windows, happy travelling lad.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Joseph!

[@DeclanBurger]

This is awesome man hope you're still enjoying your van, stay safe

[@astronoteimportant1753]

You definitely thought everything through. It looks so nicely done on the inside that you would think it came like that. I think the only thing you are missing is a halo from Amazon.

[@EliPetersonjp]

a halo?

[@astronoteimportant1753]

@@EliPetersonjp Its a battery pack with about 59000 mwh. You can jumpstart tour van, charge laptops, phones and so on. When something goes wrong it's perfect to have around. I got one when I started living the van life and its saved me a lot of trouble.

[@lilmissdaydreamer4741]

So cool! Love the slick creative yet very functional design! 😍👍

[@danokitemanotoo1791]

Great build Sawyer!

[@ZekaVirus414]

Nothing beats a good old fashioned MRE

[@EliPetersonjp]

yEs sir!

[@paulinefriar6916]

It's very nice & you are very talented. Good luck to you.

[@vangilanteryan713]

Hell ya. Its dope. I'll def. be doing a DIY hightop if i do one.

[@mbkeepitfun]

Alright!!!! Congrats, You did it! I've been looking forward to this video, you've actualized a dream that I can't reasonably do myself. It's been a pleasure to witness the creation, I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR SHARING

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much Zooka!! WIll do. I am so happy that I was able to finish it

[@thesarahjewel]

So so so in love w you 😭❤❤ thank you for all the amazing vids!

[@towerswe]

Impressive work, both on and out of the van.

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you

[@armandoramos1949]

Excited to see the finished product. I watched the video when you are constructing this van. It looks awesome, great job. Love the Pano roof, more power to you.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much! Glad you like it

[@greggfla]

Outstanding build! Love the counter top! 👍

[@EliPetersonjp]

thank you!

[@7949bp]

very nice job dude you are a craftman

[@williespoonemore3392]

Yep , I think you did a great job !

[@sophiejaysstuff4026]

Very nice! Took me 2 years to build my E-350 shuttle bus.

[@EliPetersonjp]

it always takes longer than you would expect

[@Namethatsmine]

Looks so much better now. Looks like I missed some videos

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks Aaron! I put a lot of work into this van :)

[@djantix1200]

Very nice job. Looks great!

[@Keepupit]

great design , nice work.

[@swamphink]

Great job on the van....your finishing touches really look good....watching from Florida.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much! The trim is actually all just a 2x6 I split on a table saw

[@donnaarmstrong1193]

Amazing build! Thank you for your service!

[@PeterJames143]

Bed idea is awesome.

[@OldLadyInFL]

I watched all the videos, and you did a great job. Not a lot of time and effort for building a home, right? I love the skylight so much! Be careful out there in those fires.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks so much! haha spent a lot of time on this van

[@jameshollingsworth1750]

Great job ! Love the vacuum and the counters.

[@EliPetersonjp]

Thanks! glad you like it!

[@tom-ss2mn]

Awesome van build

[@rosabivins2558]

Just gorgeous love it .. thanks for sharing 🤗

[@Steel_Valley_Vintage_Cycle]

Great project! I think rubber RV roofing material would have been a good idea to cover the plywood.

[@MrKenFernandes]

One word.Awesome

[@EliPetersonjp]

thanks so much K Ferndes!!