Final Walkthru of My Promaster Van Conversion April 2018

This is the last of my series on how I did a van conversion on my 2017 Dodge Promaster 3500 Extended.
5 Foot Sliders: www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...
Power Step powerdoorandstep.com/products...

[@ChristianBjork]

I've seen many people say this, but first time I have to add my "this is the best conversion I've seen!" comment. :) Seriously, though... wow. I LOVE your garage area sliders... I haven't quite seen it done like that in the videos I've seen so far. And just so many ideas that I loved regarding your organization and build. Thanks for sharing!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@unastasia]

One of the best van conversions I've seen yet. Well done...very impressed indeed. Thanks for sharing.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@vancamerawoman7399]

8 weeks is pretty darn good for such a lovely build.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

But then, I didn't have to build a shower, or a toilet, or put in a hot water heater and water pumps, or a sink and water pumps, or a heater...

[@Stephanie9959]

The best build is the bottle opener for beer. Thanks for all the advice and explanations of why you designed your van this way.

[@magcollis2380]

Your red wood cabinetry is quite beautiful. The finish you've chosen is so perfect to accentuate the wood grain. True craftsmanship and attention to detail. Thanks for the tour. Just subscribed!

[@stacykrett]

A beautiful and well thought out build. I really like that the fridge is so accessible.

[@derekdowns6275]

One of the nicest, clean builds I've seen yet. Great design & execution.

[@cathietonkin5577]

I love the wood!!!!! I really love your build! And the storage..... wow! Keep it simple but totally comfortable! This is how I want my van to be!

[@mitchwinder1204]

Most impressive build I’ve seen on KZbin. I like your parameters and how you executed the build around them, rather than just cramming stuff inside. Well done.

[@eugeniogoitiajr4128]

I haven't gone in yet, using my minivan to start simple, i.e. just a bed, and I really appreciated viewing this video, I've watched hundreds and get good ideas from some of them, you give reasons and they are all solid. I don't plan to live in it just travel from one part of the country to the other, and want to avoid complicated builds. thanks again.

[@Scrambler85]

That's a very impressive build congratulations to you and your wife on such a nice vehicle

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@FranzKrachtus]

So nicely done. I mean the conversion, your video, your thought process, your respect for your wife, your explanations, your craftsmanship, your style...do I need to go on or are you getting it? Thank you for creating this wonderful video. And a big shout out to your commenters, who ask great questions and leave constructive feedback. The van conversion community seem like such nice folks.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Wow, thanks for such kind words.

[@rubeclayton8233]

I Agree... I Like The Whole Setup ... We Think alot alike..

[@christianfontaine202]

One of the best conversions I've seen, very well thought

[@meanderintven4156]

As a hiker I can understand why you kept it simple..My own buildout started out of those minimal principles too..It looks great..

[@Twobarpsi]

The sliding drawers out of the back of the van are just incredible!!

[@johnvancamper1987]

Hi from the UK. Great van. Thanks for sharing and especially for the explanation about top loading fridges keeping the cold in. Obvious when its said out loud but I've not heard this in all the hundreds of van build videos I've digested. Happy travels everyone. John

[@Jfowler1223]

Enjoyed your entire production. Great to see the wonderful workmanship and attention to detail. I learned a lot from your commentary about the little things that usually don't get talked about. Thank you for sharing!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

yea, it's a struggle between saying TOO MUCH and not saying enough

[@mmich2932]

Wonderful build!! Franz said all I was thinking in his comment so .... Best I've ever seen. I love the fridge on top! Happy travels to you and your wife!!

[@jeanniewinters847]

Hi Bart! This vid just came in my suggesteds. I really appreciate all you guys and gals selflessly sharing all your time, knowledge and effort to produce these vids!!😊 Your build out turned out beautifully!!! 👍👍👍You got so much packed into a small space but doesn't seem to be crowded. Love the wood! Seen a few other builds with wood but yours is the most well thought out that I've seen. Beautiful construction while giving wifey her wants.👍👍👍 I can imagine the wood fragrance is calming, too! No worries about no sink, toilet, shower.....life is all about you doing you!😊 Happy🎶 Trails!🎶

[@kellykelly7747]

VERY NICE van build. Really appreciate the thought that went into the design and quality of build. Bravo! One of my favs. Keep sharing the great information. I am planning to become a full time van dweller in about two years from now. Hopefully sooner. Thanks again for the video!

[@subversivevegan]

Your build came out just great; thanks so much for sharing the process and the final result. Really appreciate it!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

My pleasure.

[@craigsadviceonlife102]

By far the best Van Build and Conversion I have ever seen on the internet so far. This is the most organized, orderly, multipurpose and nice looking Van I have ever seen anyone do a tour of and I have viewed tons of Ram Promaster videos because that is what I will convert when I buy my first van. Maybe You can help me do my van build in the future. My compliments to the both of you for your home on wheels!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@sandracraine2983]

Beautiful, love the wood. Awesome craftsmanship!

[@michaelbranigan7892]

Thanks for all the videos Bart. I truly enjoyed watching your build as I plan my own. Happy backpacking!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@johnmclaughlin1347]

You have the best and practical van set up i'v seen..perfect for me

[@toddsingleton7415]

Thanks Bart! I enjoyed your whole process on building this out and your philosophy of why you did it.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching!

[@mirageseekr]

Excellent finished look. Love that you put some professional looking carpeting in a couple places. And the wine drawer 😲 Im in love!!

[@mattmatheny7054]

Bart. Thanks for the channel it has been super valuable. I am about to get a promaster myself and do a similar build. I am sure I will be watching your videos countless times as a guide. Thanks!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

glad it's helpful!

[@Sharpie37377]

I believe that's the most aesthetically pleasing van build that I've seen so far!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@rowserm]

You have mad skills. Stay safe in your travels. Take care.

[@lylestavast7652]

Nice job - nice to see someone omit things they know they'd not likely use; keeps the costs down and makes it all much simpler.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

As I say, "Less is More".

[@lylestavast7652]

so did Mies van der Rohe ;) and, I agree.

[@fratermus5502]

and reduces weight

[@darrenjones3681]

Fair point about top loading fridges, but in Europe/Uk they are available in the build in to unit type which also means you can choose the location of the compressor unit and controls a bit more

[@paulholdsworth344]

you have made a lovely van there Bart. i have to agree with you about leaving a lot of stuff out like the shower and toilet and even the propane tanks. enjoy and thanks for sharing.

[@lesrouessurlaroute7694]

Nice conversion, thank you for sharing, this gives me lots of ideas ... Keep sharing your experiences and skills! Carlos from Belgium.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks Carlos!

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

This was a really good overview, well filmed and explained. I did laugh when you said "I swear I will make a video on the shower tent" hahaha! Thank you.

[@CanesFan65]

Nice. I would suggest "ripping" all your DVD's using "Handbrake" or something similar and storing them on a 2TB hard drive. Play them from your laptop connected to TV. They are taking up WAY too much VALUABLE Space especially when. Space is at a PREMIUM. Maybe even be able to just put them on a 256 GB Micro SD card with a Raspberry Pi 3+ $40.00 Single Board Computer as a media server connected to TV via HDMI. All will only take up the space of maybe 3 decks of playing cards.(I KNOW I KNOW - there are ALWAYS places to improve! It's a never ending battle we face in life!!!!) Ha!

[@wandawilloughby6052]

CanesFan65 thanks for this info. I have wondered how not to take all the DVD with me

[@yphasukyued]

I had watched your van build from started to finished and learned a lot. Thanks!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching!

[@FlyeBooks]

Your van design is awesome! Very thoughtful!

[@mikes4352]

Really well thought out design. Nicely done. Thank you much for sharing.

[@johnr8439]

Very well thought out quality build and craftsmanship.

[@karamedina1091]

Finally a video that shows the things I am interested in!!

[@JVONROCK]

Following you work away at it was fun an educational, I’m gathering up. You’ve groomed up this splendidly. Even with the view so tight the van looks so roomy, it sure looks good an fit. Safe journeys

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching!

[@katokhaelan4881]

Bart, I just stumbled upon your channel. Thank you so much for this inspirational video!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@havechopstickswilltravel2990]

Looks great. I love it. Very practical. Love those hooks too. We are finding that we need more hooks because things go missing or flying when we stop too quickly.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

I got the hook idea from this video. Definitely take the time to check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moaulGSKfLhgmLc

[@kiwivanman9035]

Kiwi Vanman 1 second ago Hi from all us vanners in New Zealand, Nice van well done, safe travels, William

[@Wired7124]

Late viewer here, but I must say, You are kind of setting the bar here. Well done! Everything is well thought out, located, considered. I want that. Pretty sure I will be revisiting this video a few times. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

thanks for the kind words

[@dougmoench9233]

Love the simplicity with no onboard water, shower, etc. And very nice craftsmanship.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

thanks for watching !

[@FlyingCameraGuy]

Great job on the van and the video. We are currently working on our 2017 Promaster conversion and you gave me some good ideas.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

good luck with your van

[@hfortenberry]

Your van looks gorgeous!!

[@WannaBFree]

Very nice build, I love the simplicity.

[@TheHummingbirdBus]

Such an excellent job! Had fun watching the build videos Definitely learned a few things. Thanks Andy T

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Glad to be of service

[@DontSWAT]

Looks great; well thought-out and quality workmanship.

[@AshleyinTN]

Nice build! Good advice about keeping the fridge ventilated. No need to rent a room just to shower in cold months. You can pay for a shower at a truck stop. Pilot, Flyin J and Love’s are the cleanest by far. My husband is a retired firefighter turned truck driver. We just purchased a wrecked 2005 GMC Savana Extended Cargo Van that we are planning to convert.

[@paulhunter546]

Very cool build and tour ! I like the natural wood look..hate it when people paint all the wood. Good job !

[@JerseyStyle7]

Unbelievable, beautiful build, and great idea with the fridge, I agree 👍

[@jjc5061]

Really enjoyed all your videos, super informational. Final build looks amazing! It will be my basis of my build , hopefully buying a 159 Promaster in the next couple of weeks!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Promaster is a great van

[@commoncents456]

Did you do your build on your promaster Just checking 👍👍👍😛

[@DoggyU]

Really awesome van! I love it! My van has one of those “fridges in the drawer” that is kind of a pain sometimes. I really like how you did yours! I have the same fridge and love it! Nice build!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@purelypassiveprofits152]

Exactly what I want for my own conversion. Awesome video. Thanks!

[@ronnietolliver7483]

I really enjoyed watching the entire series. Learned a lot hope to do something similar

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching !

[@dannykane3068]

Lovely build well done. Enjoy your travels

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@tayninh69]

Job well done, I sure wish I had the talent to do something like that. We have a 2018 Winnebago Travato 59K and we love it.

[@danwood9838]

Your videos have been so incredibly helpful! Thanks.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Glad you liked them !

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

super nice, basic, functional, and well thought out. nice work.

[@TheRemyRomano]

This is my absolute favorite build. Awesome!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@fredbennett5044]

One day you will forget to switch the step back on and do damage to your step. Wire up a relay to bring the step back in when you switch on the vehicles ignition.

[@wb5mgr]

That or he will clobber the heck out of a cyclist in some campground 🤔

[@mainepants]

@@wb5mgr Well everything should have secondary purposes, Id say thats a feature!

[@flaco5158]

Rhetorical question... Why in the sam hill do many over build w/ 2x4s and 3/4:" lumber... Your cabinets are perfect in every way! 1/2" and 1x2s... Bed is another good example of not over building... Great job Bart!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Yeah, I'm not sure why. I think people try to transfer home building practices into van building. In vans, the lighter the better. Even the 1/2 inch plywood I used was super lightweight.

[@fastgurrrl]

Really nice job man, some very thoughtful design/layout. You seem like a good hub. Cheers. : )

[@skepticalmechanic]

Jodie York what’s a hub?

[@nadyalushnikova724]

Husband )

[@thizizliz]

Wow, it is beautiful! I hope you are proud!

[@305dreamhonda]

Just finished you build series, thank you.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

glad it helped

[@tammynorris3093]

I really like the simplicity of your build, it is very efficient and pretty.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks !

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching !

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

sorry, caught in a time worp!

[@rubeclayton8233]

This is EXCELLENT.!! .. Keep it Simple, That's The Way To Go.!! Awesome Van.!! Great Video.!!

[@debthern]

Thanks so much for your videos...i have a Promaster as well and my build is just starting so your ideas are very helpful. Wish i had your building skills but its ok. Not having them is the mother of invention, lol. Take Care, deb from Iowa

[@johnhunter4008]

Nice job Bart. Very impressive!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Hey! Practice makes perfect.

[@lindylund280]

Great build. Beautiful wood.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching !

[@NomadicNicoleCamperTantrum]

Great van tour! Thanks for sharing.

[@JMMGarza]

I am very impressed. Congrats!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@gypsyways203]

Love your build, so logical. I travel like you do, part time.. staying in state parks, some private camp grounds and some primitive camping. I don’t see the reason for plumbing, I think the gray and black water are nasty. I also love your layout and admire that you accommodate your wife’s need and wants. 👍

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@greasytony9727]

Very practical all around. Perfectly done

[@musicismydrug58]

Thanks for all the work you did in recording this, so the rest of us can learn from your efforts. I am shopping for the exact same vehicle to camperize and travel full time in when I retire. I love your pull out storage in the back. Will definitely be using that system. Safe travels! 😊

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Happy trails

[@alanparadise3139]

@@onthetrailwithbart523Hi Bart Where did you get those big sliders for the back storage area Can you provide a link and the latch to close them from sliding out when driving.

[@CharadeTV]

nice rig! very functional. you gave me some ideas. swivel seats seem like a must have, and the drawers for storage, excellent. I think a futon of some sort that slides easily from couch to bed, that i could somehow leave made, would be ideal for my build

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Yeah, if people are willing to play with the bed (and deal with a less comfortable bed). My wife is not willing to do either.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Clear thinking and beautifully built. Water weighs a tonne.

[@rollingbnb2146]

Wow! beautiful! Well thought out and well executed.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks for watching!

[@greggm7056]

Nice work Bart, thank you.

[@jedics1]

Some great design decisions which saved you a lot of headaches when improvising something simple makes much more sense....

[@krispeterson1021]

Beautiful job..very well thought out.

[@jenniferhill6523]

I really like what you've done. It fits your needs. I had to laugh about the bed & couch debacle some opt for. We live in a funk wide as we didn't want e try some going into a house. It's pd for. We also have a utility trailer, which we use for Summer camping. (If I ever get well enough to go, again.)

[@joewong438]

I love your build.

[@TerryManitoba]

I spent 4 months living in my van and then the last 3 months building it out. My layout is much like yours - for my use it is pretty much the way to go. Other than mine having a small sink (to rinse stuff and brush teeth) and a Whale foot pump my amenities (or lack there of) resemble yours. Solid Build THX...

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

as they say "less is more".

[@TerryManitoba]

I mentioned a small bar sink 3 months ago. Now I have a 14*19* 10" deep sink and i couldn't be happier.

[@tamieleer]

WOW. Very impressive.... the best I have seen

[@cleokey]

Nice job, the front seat(s) rotation makes a big difference. A lot of work done in two months, it would probably take me 12 months ☺

[@catemistruzzistaff7155]

Really nice conversion! Enjoy!

[@peyabass3426]

beautiful build 💕

[@starla8749]

Really nice set up.

[@glennmattingly4765]

Well done! I enjoyed the series.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Thanks!

[@marig1972]

Nice van build. You did really good. :))

[@bigtomsvan4817]

yes...no folding this or that moving cushions blah blah… I did all that and changed it all lol...VERY impressive build. your woodworking talents are superbulous… I have 500 watts now in 5 panels but the prices are so low now I can do the 4 panels like you. I really like the step box wine cellar and I hope you don't mind me using your idea. I been trying to figure out where to store wine and you solved that problem for me. perhaps we will meet up camping sometime. Big Tom in the BTV over and out.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Sorry for the delay. Busy on the road!

[@carolhewett3756]

Thx for the common sense argument in favor of your fridge. I also like your set up. You could have a large cutting board on top to temporarily use if extra countertop space is needed.

[@sharib5922]

Super nice conversation!

[@onionfield5306]

Simplicity...love it.

[@VikingVanMan]

🇨🇦 VIKING VAN MAN ! Real nice conversion !!!