Fiat Ducato Van Tour Review w/ Shower, Toilet, & Oven / Custom Conversion

[@curlyhaircamping]

Happy Wednesday! How lovable was Claire though?! Low key obsessed with her. Disclaimer that at one point during this review I referred to her van as a ProMaster instead of a Ducato... but they are practically the same anyway, lol. Fun Fact: Here in Europe we have Citroen Jumpers instead of Ram ProMasters. Really hope you enjoyed this layout. I was thrilled to see her bathroom because Ladi and I have spoken about this concept a LOT for the past few years, but you already know we have some automation plans! ;) Let me know your thoughts below!

[@dominika1203]

I totally love your reviews :)

[@LisaRenewsLife]

I'm enjoying the design reviews. I'm in the process of doing my van and find many of the things interesting. Point of contention, the small door in the "attic" (spot above the cab). Like any attic they aren't convenient for access but are perfect for long term, not needed often storage and if used that way, the small door isn't all that impractical. The other thing about the small door is it does allow for cabinets in built in front of the space that doesn't normally exist in vans and allows for easy access/convenient/extra storage. The "Did you catch it" (cute by the way), I was interested in how her plumbing was run since its below the sink and I don't think she mentioned the gray water tank. One of my pet peeves in van builds is the heights of the benches. Hers was too tall and would be uncomfortable sitting in long term. Basic (and time tested) furniture dimensions get ignored in van builds! Chairs, generally 18" tall WITH cushion otherwise your feet dangle or the edge cuts into your thighs. Thanks for doing the critiques, very informative! Curious, do you ask permission to critique a van?

[@tine8849]

Why don't we have a Citroen Jumper in the UK, weirdly we have a Citroen Relay?

[@managainsthouse]

Tine, in Europe we have 3 identical vans from different car makers: Fiat Ducato, Citroen Jumper (Relay in the UK), and the Peugeot Boxer. The Promaster in the US is the same van, only with yet another maker label.

[@tine8849]

@@managainsthouse yes I know it's just I was wondering why the name is unique here when the other sevel vans have the same names

[@StacyForest738]

Since she also has a thick wooden door blocking the cab as well, maybe it’s more for security than insulation? I know a few females that do “extra layers” for security.

[@Anlbe1]

Also stealth

[@wangdangatomictango]

She says it is for security and stealth. The main door can lock from the inside and I think her cab door has a lock too. For me, it wouldn't have to have windows. I'd rather have it > no extra door.

[@questioner1596]

It also allows less heat transfer when open by making the opening smaller. One concern is whether it's possible to open that slider from the inside? It looks like the handle may be hidden behind the fixed partition.

[@YNotBeeAntoine]

Hi! I love your series. I do have a content comment. When you put an entire screen of text, you need to leave it onscreen for at least 6 seconds. I feel like you're trying to save time by a flash of words, but they need to be left onscreen long enough to allow the viewer to read it. When we paused on the TV, the bottom rows were covered with overlays that covered your text, so it was difficult to get through. Also, "dissolve" transitions for your cuts will make viewing much smoother. Keep up the great work! Can't wait for next Wednesday.

[@southsurreybc]

Came here to say exactly this. Excellent video, and I learn a lot from these. But the wall of text disappeared so quick, and on mobile it's really hard to pause in time. You can leave it up for like 6 seconds, and maybe even do a voice over. Love the text... Just leave it on longer 😀

[@stefaniasantoro2863]

Thanks for saying this! I 100% agree and wanted to comment the same thing

[@curlyhaircamping]

Antoine Bee great suggestion! I’ll do this next time! Thank you ❤️

[@dennisbergkamp7795]

Well said. I thought the same

[@LisaRenewsLife]

Thought the same thing and forgot to mention it in my comment!

[@debm1889]

I love everything about this van... It works for her and that door is amazing.

[@alexandriafitzwater9927]

I watched the original video and she is so sweet and just a calm person. Plus her van has a lot of personality that really reflects her. I really enjoy your videos on van builds. Hope you keep this series going.

[@HoileeUK]

I'm so hooked on these, you're enthusiasm is infectious. My only issue is that there aren't enough of them. I'm already looking forward to next week's one. 😁

[@curlyhaircamping]

Thank you Lewis! This comment is seriously a day-maker!

[@sgazzz]

Seriously, do one on every van tour video out there please!!

[@brendanthompson4463]

She’s got that Aussie country charm and it’s amazing!! Being from Australia I can tell you that the extra doors, while being more secure, would insulate against the cold AND heat very well. Country Australia gets 35+ Celsius during the day, and can reach sub zero during the night in some places so it would be VERY handy

[@wandawas2]

Thanks Margaret. All of your series help in prepping for a van build. All of your input, ideas, suggestions; all of it helps a great deal. Many mistakes can be avoided, more money saved, less headaches and more adventures and a great way of life for as long as one chooses. Thanks for sharing. Namaste.

[@treenamacdonald1325]

I love how Did You Notice? became Did You Catch It? Margaret, your sense of humour is delightful as is all the info in these videos! And most of us don’t even want to live in a van, we just find it fascinating and enjoy your reviews, insight and deep dives. Excited to watch them all!

[@loliita2726]

Claire’s such a lovable human being…. You can feel that she’s a true veteran, with plenty of life experience 🤍

[@hrstangebye]

I just binged this whole series! My BF and I are about 50% through converting a ford transit. I watched so many videos beforehand, and continue to watch more. Our plan keeps evolving and tweaking into something truly unique which is what I love about DIY conversions. I really enjoyed all of your comments about design and hope to see more of these videos. I am curious as to what you would say about our design. I wasnt planning on doing any videos, but maybe I will do a van tour just to see what people say😏 Features that will make ours special are that it is both tall person and cat friendly 😊

[@dennisbergkamp7795]

Loving this series. You're a natural and your enthusiasm and insight adds so much to these reviews.

[@cesalt2408]

Love this woman and her van 100%. Been a fan of her for a long time.

[@innerstream]

Clare can do no wrong! We’ve all adopted her as our fav Aussie! ❤️

[@khushijaiswal1274]

Love the fact that someone is pointing out on the design issues in the world where everyone is showing the pros .

[@shannonstrong2237]

Margaret.... I love these videos. I have watched every tour. ALL the tours! I didn't put myself in the owners shoes... Literally envision coming home to that van... Never thought about actually sitting in that bed... Etc. You have changed the way I watch tours. I now see the realities for what they are in vanlife. I am tent camper so I understand rustic living...The realities aren't scary to me... But I now understand that design is SO impactful in such a small moving home and it can't just be moved easily like a tent. That second door is there. That overhead cabinet is there. Think things through for a happy home. I don't think youre harsh at all. I think youre honest. THANK YOU!

[@maritsaappollis7966]

Wednesday is becoming one of my favorite days of the week now because your videos come out!! I live the “did you notice” segment at the end and of course I so LOVE your energy and sense of humor. I hope these videos reach so many people!!!

[@unknownkathryn1255]

Claire's place does give such an artistic vibe which is very different from most of the builds I personally see...which is very white, and minimalistic. I want to see you do "uphill adventures" !!

[@cassierobertson5778]

This is a great series! I love how well you balance showing love for the person with critiquing their choices. Maybe do a series of stuff you liked in van tours? What not to do is helpful, but what to do is helpful too.

[@lelamercy5939]

Ahh!! that’s how the 🥁 ‘did you noticed’ was born! 👌🤣 love this van and drawers. Good job Margaret, Milly and Lodi 💖

[@katrinalyons5995]

Please continue doing these videos! I am planning to retire by the end of this year and want to build out a van. Your videos are showing me some of the problems I would have encountered with my design plans and also some better solutions. Thanks so much for doing this series.

[@JLaurieRobinson]

I had to come to your channel...who could resist that smile! Thanks for your opinion!

[@MaliMishMarlene]

My whole family makes fun of me because I never watch anything on KZbin but look family! I’m on KZbin! Loving these reviews, Margaret. Your enthusiasm and love for what you do shows. ❤️

[@curlyhaircamping]

Thank you for the support!! haha KZbin is thrilled to have you, as am I!

[@Davidfca1]

finished all the episodes in one sitting. Great videos. More episodes, please. Thank you. I enjoyed a lot

[@The-Growroom]

"and you can love things with flaws 👀👀👀" lmaoooo

[@simonwoo5450]

Haha! My wife (and I) got a big laugh on "loving things with flaws". Very entertaining and insightful:)

[@chescarockwellgabriel]

I dont have a van nor was i planning on getting one but i cant get enough of these videos. Theyre so entertaining and informative. Keep em coming! :)

[@maritsaappollis7966]

Me too!! I don’t have a van and will never have one either, but I absolutely love these reviews Margaret does!!

[@hannahwashere433]

I love this series! You do a great job of critiquing the van build in a way that might inform someone else doing a van build. You are always so kind and complimentary to the people in the videos 💕 I would love if you reviewed Trent and Allie’s van build!

[@RJNeel-hb9sv]

I'm in the early design process for my build and your critiques are so helpful (and you do them in a sweet way so as not to destroy the person being reviewed)... Keep it up!

[@joanmcerlean7158]

Just discovered your channel and I love it. Never have done Van life before but I’m thinking about it and your analyses, born of experience and thoughtful consideration , are just what I need to comb through all the tours. You’re also really good at communicating and producing high quality content. Bravo.

[@rustyred459]

I like your reviews .... you are polite and I am learning a lot of things watching these reviews

[@jerseygirl1871]

OMG you are a critiquing is done so tastefully. I am going to binge watch your videos.

[@MrGundawindy]

I think the door was more about aesthetics than anything. She's an eccentric artist and when she pulls up to camp she can open the sliding door and then she has a wood cabin with a regular wood cabin doorway. Totally impracticle but it absolutely fits her aesthetic. For me, that thing would be way too heavy and a pain to deal with, but that's the beauty of vanlife. Everyone can build their own life in a van.

[@nadaalmosa66]

I am loving these reviews! I'm learning a lot as a potential future van dweller.

[@heidesmichelle]

I’ve binged all 6 episodes and they are bomb sauce! Love love love this series!

[@littleRose848]

Claire's energy is beautiful ;A;

[@ellipszilonq]

This series is just getting better and better! I love the editing and very good insight from you!

[@amieloria6319]

True, it's good to have a great plan first for your conversion van before doing... Your videos are very helpful😀😀👍👍

[@StephErr94]

I have a small GMC Safari I bought already built out. It is definitely my starter van - lots of things I would change. I can't wait to have a high roof van (standing up, yay!) and I absolutely want to design my own layout. Anyway, point is I'm STOKED that you're doing this series. I'm taking notes! Thank youuu! Also love that you are able to do this without bashing the owner of the van. Except for those two brothers I watched with no kitchen..ahaha.

[@ladiandmargaret]

😂😂😂

[@olivia7592]

So happy I found you!!!

[@jacquelineg3987]

Love your channel! Gonna have my own van someday and learning lots! Hey I just wanted to say this was one of the first van videos that completely inspired me. I totally relate to her space. It is so beautiful. And! Thank you for posting the original videos.

[@Tom111060]

.. isn't Claire Australian? ... so the cost of car and conversion sounds more reasonable ... (x 0.7 USD) ...

[@lexandluke]

Tom111060 Yes Australian which also means the cost of the vehicle, everything you put in it and the labour costs will be more.

[@krsfsh2744]

@@lexandluke so it would be even cheaper in a places with less expensive labor and easily imported goods like the US?

[@maryjane1851]

So she spent about $49,000 usd.

[@pooheadlou]

@@krsfsh2744 yes

[@pooheadlou]

@@maryjane1851 sounds about right. Maybe even a little less.

[@jenniferknaus6551]

Omg we LOVE you!! Your critiques are so helpful as we are sketching out our van! We are building everything to include our two electric bikes we are planning to purchase. Would you both consider doing a how we met/ where we are from/ how we got here sit down and share video?! Love to get to know you more. Congrats on your success! Your personality shines in every video. Cheers!! ❤️

[@thefangirlray]

I love 'DID YOU NOTICED' I didn't catch it at first until i rewind it, it also has a nice ring to it

[@amieloria6319]

Thumbs up for Claire👍👍😀😀

[@erinbrand1311]

Another great review. 😃 Clare was such an adorable VanLifer. And Yup I did notice the push open drawer...love those! Thanks for bringing your and Ladi’s audience more fabulous content!

[@emanuelagabriela4448]

The flaw~Ladi joke omg 🤣🤣🤣🤣 you make these reviews so enjoyable

[@soulonasolojourney391]

Funny coming across this video here! It was my very first video about van life! Best of luck to Clair! Blessings to all!

[@annecaulder9495]

You’re totally right about that huge overhead compartment in the Promaster! I’m 5’4” so I need a folding stool to reach up there!

[@AlmaChick]

Did you notice? Your red shirt is very beautiful. Things can look very nice on KZbin I love the way you spot flaws

[@Richard.blackburn]

I love your reviews Margaret! 🤓

[@nathairsgiatach2757]

I would love to see your review of Humble road. He is a great craftsman and thinks of everything. He is also on KZbin. Love his builds and ideas.

[@pooheadlou]

Second that! Love George.

[@lauraleydon5056]

Wow how lucky I am to find your channel. I have been a fan of Claire’s little cabin van for a while and I so enjoyed watching you enjoy it. The down side for me is at 6’2” I could never fit. Love your enthusiasm

[@morganrogers8463]

I love Claire, she’s so cute and her van is so beautiful. Also cute glasses, Margaret! 🤓

[@curlyhaircamping]

Morgan Rogers thanks Morgan!!

[@64maxpower]

I like this format and I like your personality

[@curlyhaircamping]

thank you!

[@64maxpower]

@@curlyhaircamping i can see why your cat likes you

[@jasmineppaladino]

I want a petfriendly van 😍😍😍😍😍😍 we need more kitty content hehehehe

[@curlyhaircamping]

Jasmine Pérez Paladino I’ve been wanting to do a tour with pet customizations! I can’t wait for our next van for all of Millie’s special spots!

[@earthangel1elana]

@@curlyhaircamping The indie projects have their van with a set up for their cat :)

[@JohnBaker3000]

Beautiful van! Nice review! I loved the Did You See That moment!

[@curlyhaircamping]

haha I'm glad you liked it! The van is so unique, which might be what I love most about it :)

[@everyday1392]

@@curlyhaircamping the fork draw could have been at the top.

[@hlic7941]

A really really good review! Well done.

[@VanInhalin]

Imagine a fire. She has to open two doors to get out of the side door or the cab. And both doors open in which makes it harder. I'm not sure if promasters have interior latches on the back door or how accessible they would be with that bed setup. Trying to get out of that skylight could be a fiery tunnel of hell as the draft would draw the flames.

[@JanieKemper]

Love your channel and have had so much fun watching you review vans. You do such a great job on camera! Love it!!!

[@curlyhaircamping]

thank you so much, Janie!

[@maayanana]

Margaret I don't usually reply on these but I absolutely love your videos. You have such an excellent vibe! Every van build video I watch now, I think to myself gosh, I wonder what Margaret would say!! Haha have a beautiful rest of the week and catch you next week no doubt. Ps you have to look up this kiwi (new Zealand) bloke who does incredible conversions and multifunction vans. He's very old school, I'll have to go have a look see to try and find him again. :) (ps, no, not Bryce from tiny homes)

[@cara4996]

Yay! New video. Love you guys 🧡

[@lkj974]

I believe she made the door within a door for security (and ventilation). Think about it: an older woman traveling and living alone. What do you do if someone scary wanders into your camp? The van body has no windows (good for securityl and she has a door into the cab so she can squeeze into the cab and drive away without having to go outside to get into the cab. The extra wall and door with windows give her natural light where she works, and if someone comes knocking at the door she can see who is there. She can also open the door just a crack but throw her body weight behind it and close it quickly. That’s why it opens to the inside. If it opened to the outside she could be in a tug of war with a much stronger person and she would lose. Also, this is much stouter than the usual trailer door, but much more convenient to open and shut than the heavy metal van door. So all in all, this was one of the most clever parts of the build in that it meets her need for security. Also, as regards money: I do think she paid an awful lot for a van with about 100,000 miles on it, but I am not familiar with the australian used auto market. And the exchange rate with our dollars is not one to one so it’s not quite as much as it sounds. And for what she got, I think the labor cost was quite reasonable. She knew she couldn’t actually implement her ideas herself in a professional way and hired expertise. Very sensible. And also unavoidable. After all, this is her new home and she had the money to spend from the sale of her house. The van will have some value if she ever decides to sell it. She will not recover all of her money, but that is the nature of all RV’s.

[@Chaseosa]

You should check out Snow & Curt's build. Really amazing shower setup and layout.

[@curlyhaircamping]

Yes also on my list, I’m just waiting until they finish the video they said they’d do about the cost.... because when I bring it up I don’t want that to be the first time the internet learns lol

[@johnsexton3841]

At 12.33 we see her sitting eating but if she has to stand up, while not having to move the table out of the way, there is a sharp edge of a cabinet waiting for some close contact. You idea of magnets for the shower curtain is actually a game changer. You could use the magnets to secure the curtain to the metal surround thus keeping a cold wet curtain from clinging to your body while you shower. As for the cost, she did just sell the house and liquidate that mortgage so...

[@tiffanychin5711]

This is my favorite one so far! Every part of her van felt so purposeful and intentional. I don't think she mentioned though where she keeps her personal items like clothes or shoes. Did I just miss it?

[@samantha.roberts]

I believe Claire is a fellow Aussie so $70 000 AUD is more like $51 000 USD/$67 000 CAD

[@curlyhaircamping]

yes definitley, but to be fair, I still find that expensive... Without labor it likely would've been half that, which is the main point I was trying to get across :)

[@samantha.roberts]

curlyhaircamping oh yes definitely for sure 😄

[@gadagkarus]

Trent and Allie's van? Or a van with s similar layout (fixed raised bed with a garage, fixed seats and a full, albeit small, bathroom)

[@rose8662]

Yet again, thanks so much for the review. I learn a lot with each one! 👏🏻☺💖 🌞I loved that skylight. As I dream about my future van, I would like a skylight that you can go up & out of onto a roof deck. The deck would surround the skylight and somehow there would be additional deck slats with which you could cover the skylight so you could use the full area for hanging out. This would leave the rest of the roof for solar and a fan. Hmmm...😉 Just haven't figured out how to store those extra slats...

[@jillliankp]

I am bingeing this series and I love you. You remind me of OAC and I love her too.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

I love these videos, they make my day

[@triciaheine9806]

Hi!!!! I saw Claire’s van tour awhile ago and saved it! LOVE LOVE LOVE that you covered it on today’s amazing episode! along with Claire’s orig utube van tour I also saved YOUR orig van tour! I just sold my travel trailer and towing vehicle and now looking for a gently used pro master and found a custom builder with an opening in nov. I told him I wan your electric bed fra

[@PhoenixBlade538]

This is the first video I've seen of yours, but I loved it! Can't wait to check out more! :)

[@gypsybelle4757]

So excited to have discovered your channel and your unique view on van builds. Brilliant! Great catch on those push/pull drawers. 👍 Newly subscribed!

[@elliervine4342]

I am so loving your van reviews! They are so helpful and also entertaining and funny but still remaining so respectful of the van and owners of the van. Looking forward to the next one!

[@garyarg]

It's like a fairytale cottage...or perhaps living in The Shire. 😍 I thought the bulbous lines of the pots and kettles added quite a bit of cozy charm to the kitchen. A Pacific Northwest US forest version could have little glass terrarium moss gardens as the hanging plants! Overall (although I have not lived in a van), I feel like many of the design issues are relatively minor and not dealbreakers. Some minor modifications would fix them right up (e.g., replacing the fridge cabinet panels with a performated wood panel or fancy CNC-carved wood panel) Actually, while I'm on that topic, it may be worth it to viewers if you kind of rate how much of a "pain in the ass" each design "quirk" is. Some things are nonstarters from the beginning, some are annoyances that you never notice again, some are like the idiosyncrasies that were cute when dating but breed resentment 10 years into marriage. Also, if time allows, offering alternatives and solutions seen in other van builds that get around the problem while acknowledging tradeoffs. From viewing just 2 videos, it appears you have quite an exhaustively-researched wealth of first-hand and second-hand knowledge to draw from to guide viewers.

[@triciaheine9806]

Sorry I hit send b4 I was done! I meant I’m asking builder to do an electric moving bed like you guys have to save on custom build costs and also so I can have a safe like you and also be able to get to my equipment that may be deep in the back.im a tv/film makeup artist that will use this can to travel to work and also to travel when I’m not on a project. Wish you guys lived on east coast I would totally wanna here you! thank you for this video series I’m just starting my design phase and you are totally helping so much! Your adorable and funny and very smart. CHEERS! Tricia

[@Eve5555-u2h]

Just found your channel and I am a new subscriber. Binge watched your review videos. Really an eye opener. Love the suggested reviews from your subscribers too...now I have a new bunch of recommended van tours to watch. Your reviews will really help me plan my van build. Looking forward to your new reviews.

[@monkeyshinemmie]

Thank you for your reviews. I am planning a small van conversion soon, and therefore love the topic. You have a lovely outlook!

[@curlyhaircamping]

so glad it's enjoyable for you!

[@Odan6969]

how cute are you, luv this channel. i am researching a tiny mansion build my self, all these little ideas help. thank you.

[@nathalieohlson1572]

Love these reviews. Keep them coming!

[@MikeBensonmichael2pointO]

That cackle cam shot... Haha

[@emknickerbocker]

Great perspective on a van I was curious about :) I definitely look forward to your videos in this series, keep it up!

[@my_van_apartment]

Loving this series style of reviewing van builds as I’m hoping to build out my first van in the next couple of months. As an Aussie myself loved seeing Claire’s van featured on here as I had seen her van tour previously. Love Claire and her van for her but it’s a little cluttered for me.

[@Uracas2012]

Love the glasses!

[@Greg-tj8rg]

That is pretty much the same way I thought to make my shower toilet combo. Counter space toilet and shower in one. I would use it as my hamper and washing machine storage too (5 gallon bucket plunger method) I like the aesthetics of that door behind the door. I personally would never do it tho. I want to be able to have the sliding door open for a nice view. Also cuts down on weight, labor and material costs greatly

[@Sharian84]

Awesome review, I've loved all your reviews. Some of the conversions styles I really liked, you've pointed out some important details on the dos and donts. Thank you, with every review, you helps me narrow down what I want and need in my future van. Keep up the great advice and recommendation.

[@curlyhaircamping]

thank you!! I'm so excited to help out!

[@rislachius]

love her and this video !!!

[@jennymichelle81]

Tbh ..I doubt she would ever have big bags of shopping .. she's a single occupant plus she's already said that her sauces are in the cupboard opposite ..I think they are valid points for other van lifers ...just not this one x

[@Nikkimorox1]

I agree, she may also rather not open up her living space for all to see giving up her stealth and just use her front driver/passenger doors to place her shopping bags

[@cryptian8730]

Create a Did You Notice Vanlife review channel. Great insightful content and ur sharp. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@ShannonNara]

LOVING your reviews!!

[@curlyhaircamping]

[@robinprice6879]

Such a cool van

[@luanaguimaraes2727]

I looooove hers reviews!

[@carrliinhj1110]

70k Aus dollars is only 50k freedom dollars or 44k Euros not that expensive considering cost of new van

[@crankyoldbutchbuildsout2013]

One of my favorites! Pallet wood is my friend! Upcycle!🥳

[@zacrussell4267]

Yeah I love Claire

[@quickdry3]

regarding fridge air flow (same thoughts), there Sailing Millenial Falcon did a recent rebuild of the fridge in their yacht, specifically dealing with ventilation flow to maximise efficiency of the heat exchanger coils. Interestingly, on the drawers, I wasn't so much thinking about the redundant handles, but that push-to-open usually means they latch shut. GIven the way Claire seems to set up, and the outdoors for us being the outdoors it is - I'm surprised she didn't opt for a fly screen inner door, then everything could be opened up with out infernal flies getting in. Her van feels more like one designed to post up for a long time, and to feel like you're living in a bush cabin, it was cute. Curt and Snow have some really interesting, and technical van designs that might be interesting to review e.g. the filtered, UV sterilised, infinitely recycled hot shower system.

[@nerena2852]

Clare is wonderful, what an inspiration! I love this series, really informative. Have already saved them to my playlist for my own van build (one day!). Would love to see your reaction to the Indie Project van. Thanks 😊

[@faith_made_me_strong]

omg i love your videos! lol

[@terristenacious2279]

Beautiful van