Camping in my van down by the river for the first time | Ep 27

Go to drinkag1.com/explorerx to get your FREE welcome kit that includes the canister, shaker, a year supply of vitamin d3k2, and 5 extra travel packs of AG1! Thanks to AG1 for sponsoring today’s video!
In this video I camp in my semi-converted 2021 ram promaster van for the first time.
IN TODAY’S VIDEO
Computer fan amzn.to/4algIBS
Fan grilles amzn.to/3xnqhSh
Thermostat amzn.to/4afAa2Z
Magnetic door catch amzn.to/3U81g6E
CAMERAS I USE
INSTA360 amzn.to/49xHghX
INSTA Invisible selfie stick amzn.to/445z1ZL
Sony ZV1 amzn.to/3J9ZN9x
WOLFBOX Mirror Dash Cam amzn.to/49yqwrB
WOLFBOX Hardwire Kit amzn.to/49wexKO
ELECTRIC
5KWH ECOFLOW POWER KIT shrsl.com/4gxaz
30 amp RV Adapter amzn.to/3Q1mIb5
12 AWG wire amzn.to/4arHND9 (red, black, green, and white)
18 AWG wire amzn.to/3TQStG2 (red and black for puck lights)
Cord protector amzn.to/3TUmkgS
Wire connectors amzn.to/4abC4l4
MaxxAir Fans amzn.to/48aJMdC
FRAMING:
1x3 pine wood strips from Home Depot
Astro Pneumatic tool kit amzn.to/4c0Ut5E
M6 stainless steel hexagon rivnuts amzn.to/3ICmOBP
M6 machine screws amzn.to/4ck2WAL
M8 stainless steel machine screws amzn.to/3SNVoO1
10/32 stainless steel machine screws amzn.to/49rT1au
M8 Hexagonal rivnuts amzn.to/3uKReOL
10/32 rivnuts ​​amzn.to/3uKI1pI
RV INLET
Furrion 30 Amp RV Inlet amzn.to/4bxo9qy
2 ½ Hole Saw amzn.to/3SyEfaQ (the one I should have used)
#8-32 1 inch machine screws stainless steel amzn.to/3uAohoA
Nylon nuts amzn.to/3IfhcNL
Flat washer amzn.to/3OJ2uSz
SOUND DEADENING AND SUBFLOOR
Kilmat Sound Deadening Sheets amzn.to/48xc2aQ
Rubber Roller amzn.to/4aFiHBO
Reflectix Tape amzn.to/4axzwyt
Utility Knife amzn.to/3vikix1
BullsEye 123 Primer amzn.to/3RY9Svw
Construction Adhesive amzn.to/3NJShol
Insulation Panels for floor www.lowes.com/pd/Common-0-75-...
Countersink drill bit set amzn.to/47cjqHC (used for plywood pilot holes)
1 ¼ Stainless Steel Screws www.homedepot.com/p/DECKMATE-...
¾ inch birch plywood www.homedepot.com/p/Columbia-...
INSULATION FOR WALLS AND. CEILING
3M Thinsulate amzn.to/3ulOZkI
3M Spray Adhesive amzn.to/3So7xJ6
Heavy duty scissors amzn.to/47SEALe
SOLAR PANELS
NEWPOWA 200W panels amzn.to/3ueR4yW
T-nuts amzn.to/42kUf4I
Washer split amzn.to/48T8vUJ
Crimper tool kit amzn.to/3UkjCSg
Grommet kit amzn.to/49gKyXf
3M Tape amzn.to/48SIyVt
Solar Cable Double Entry Gland amzn.to/49iBP7c
Butyl Tape amzn.to/49duWUw
Lap Sealant amzn.to/48j7i8K
Roof Rack (NOT SPONSORED) flatlinevanco.com/collections...
VINYL FLOORS
www.provenzafloors.com/waterp...
MaxxAir Fans amzn.to/48aJMdC
Sliding door window vanwindowsdirect.com/vwd-soli...
Bunk Windows www.rvwindows.com/products/ra...
Miscellaneous
Curtain track used in van amzn.to/3Iaf4GX
Magnetic phone holder amzn.to/49rCnIg

[@hereintranzit]

In this era of inked skin, duck lips, excessive face paint and spray on skintight clothing, your decency is indeed a breath of fresh air ! In top of this, you also exhibit signs of a fully functional cerebral cortex. You’ll be a blessing for the lucky guy that gets to marry you ! Take care and God bless you !

[@rebar-king]

Or lucky gal? Or no marriage at all!

[@cmx_plus]

For someone doing this for the first time and succeeding at it, I take my hat off to you 🥰

[@monicamestas7566]

How did we ever get along before KZbin tutorials? Once I forgot how to thread my sewing machine, after not using it for a long time. Sure enough, there was a little girl with a close-up tutorial, showing me how to thread my specific sewing machine model. Blew my mind.

[@TheBearDenPhotography]

Impressive! It's so nice to see someone who wants to learn new things and apply them to such a challenging project. And, you do it all with a smile and a pleasant, positive attitude!

[@timothydavis3703]

We aren't surprised. You've been doing a wonderful job. Love seeing you smile every time you complete the next steps. Keep up the great work.

[@jamesnimmo1049]

You don't give yourself enough credit,that van build looks awesome,keep up the awesome videos.cheers.

[@justkelly8389]

And dont feel like you have to do everything right away. Get the basics done in the van, and you can add to it later, after youve tested things and figured out what works best. I cant wait to see the kitchen.

[@WilliamFluery]

The selfie stick really adds a new dynamic to your production value.

[@raulmoreno9736]

I love how surprised you get when you get something to work. Love your determination. Keep on going, it’s looking really great 👍

[@_Merica_USA]

Yes! A Sunday video from my favorite young lady!

[@Karl_Reyes]

You are such a powerhouse of ambition and positivity. I'm pretty sure you could do anything you decided you wanted to do. Keep goin - great channel.

[@tomwoods9154]

“Alligator, enjoying his day off”. Priceless!!! 😂.

[@erikvaldur3334]

Additional support idea for your panel with magnets. If you add a track along the bottom for the panel to slide into that will/should help greatly in keeping the panel from bouncing or shaking loose from the magnets. If the panel is 50" long and 3/4" thick get an aluminum track 50. 1/8 " long by 7/8" wide with closed ends. This will allow for easy removal yet still insure the panel will not be able to "walk " while vibrations from driving occur. You can also add felt or something soft to the panel bottom or inside edge of the track to keep the panel from damage during any rubbing. Just an idea❤

[@stevencjones5236]

You are just SO enjoyable to watch and listen too... your dialog is pleasant and calm. You openly share your uneasiness about doing new things, then forge ahead with patience and perseverance, despite being fearful of making a mistake. Your surprise when things actually work is endearing and fun. Lots of KUDOS to you for taking on the van conversion challenge... making amazing progress... and then taking the time to video, edit and share your efforts. So glad I happened across your channel!

[@soloelisa]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you like my videos :)

[@sblsbl7600]

Matt Foley would be proud!

[@redfishradical]

LOL! Juuuust a BIT more comfy & cozy than when you first crashed out in your car! 💥👊💐🏆

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I admire your courage with the alligator. No thanks! You can take me there with your eyes and videos.

[@BenDorm]

Well done Elisa, you are a real inspiration using your common sense and being able to figure things out by yourself. Before you go too much further and close in your interior roof. Turn a garden hose onto the roof of your van and check for water leaks. Do this a few times before you finish off the interior, You have done such a great job and it looks great.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Now you're getting the satisfaction of your work. Those little trips to test things out are the best way to know if things are working properly and as expected. By your smiles, id say things are going along just fine.

[@harleyhoracio1]

Glad you pulled the trigger on the fans. Heat is the #1 enemy for electronics. I have fans in my entertainment center that is totally closed off for aesthetics, but I use a remote to turn them off and on when needed. Now you’ve helped me with the little thermostat hack, so thank you! I’m quietly cheering on your progress, keep up the excellent work.

[@Wanderingpianoguy]

I'm probably not the only one here waiting with baited breath to see what's next. Just wonderful to see the events unfold on your van project!

[@selbord1]

Hello Elisa, your personality and spirit put a smile and warmed my heart I appreciate how you are building your Van because it will be your home, and the well-thought-out needs you are addressing with your comfort, security first and foremost with a style of impeccable taste.

[@Fezzler61]

Have fun. Be safe out there. Please make safety and security a top priority for planning.

[@whomarjb]

Coming along well, Elisa. Your design work is far better than my own, I've got some DIY stuff on my channel but it's utilitarian, at best. I may redo some of mine and model after yours 😉

[@dskains]

You can save a bunch of $$ by buying a mattress from Amazon. (Versus ordering a custom made one) I picked up an 8 inch Zinus (or something like that) from amazon. Was my first attempt at getting an rv mattress but really needed a 10 inch. But my wife picked up a mattress topper from Costco and it’s great now. She had to cut it to fit which you can do with an electric carving knife pretty easily.

[@gitrdunnnn]

She needs a patreon

[@camrodger8638]

You are doing such a wonderful job on the van conversion. Great work!

[@RolandoNispiros]

It’s coming together nicely. Good idea on taking a break to see how your electrical and other stuff are working.

[@CentralIowaAudits]

I just love your spirit and your style you are an inspiration to all of us, thank you for all of your content,God Bless you.

[@renecueto2918]

Glad to see you in the camping! You worked Hard, you deserve the Best.

[@gonewiththekale]

You are SO INSPIRING watching you figure these things out! I'm so appreciative of your videos too, because they are a great source of information for me. Thank you!🙏🏼🌷

[@soloelisa]

Thank you so much! It's fun learning to do this on my own. I never thought I would! Good luck with your project 💕

[@KennyveeHET]

I’m happy that your learning and challenging yourself through the process . It can be scary and overwhelming . Although doing it like you are , one step at a time , then before you know it it’s done . Trust me , this is one of your most rewarding experiences. The beauty lies in the journey not the destination. Looking forward to seeing it finished .

[@stuartkorte1642]

Today’s magnets are the way to go especially with the neodymiums. They say shakedown and trial runs help you figure out the good and the bad. Don’t forget to mention how bad the mosquitoes, creepy crawlers and humidity is in Florida. 😊

[@carodrig8425]

Me encanta la calma y la paz con la que trabajas y explicas lo que haces, tienes una voz muy relajante, inspiras mucha paz.

[@richie3854]

Awesome, hope you have a wonderful weekend.👌👍👋

[@grandpasadventures8525]

I’m so very excited for you. I can see in your eyes and in the way you speak that you are like a child with a new toy; all giddy and sparkly! Go for it, Lady! The world is your oyster!! 😀😀😀

[@alanbaute7688]

Your doing terrific work to your van , I believe when anyone needs to no something we all just googled it and a you tube video always pops up to explain what your looking For 😮 ain’t that awesome 👏

[@danrodriguez8372]

You are doing an amazing job on your van and on your own!!!! I put a futon mattress in my R V ,best decision I made , it was also custom made. Just make sure it is at least 8 inches thick , you can get it any firmness you want, good luck and maybe we will see you in the PNW

[@justkelly8389]

I just found your channel this morning. Im retired now, and would also like to do what youre doing…traveling the US. I really enjoy your channel and i’ve subscribed. Ive already binge watched about 10 of your latest videos on the van conversion. Kudos to you.

[@sapoverde65]

A step on the sliding door side would make getting in and out easier and get a Matt to put on the ground when camping to help keep dirt out.

[@BlueAside]

I was getting those caprese salads from Publix when I was in Florida recently

[@dannyeicher6173]

Yay, it's great seeing you out on a camping vlog. I feel better when there's other campers near by, if you need help or for safety reasons. Beautiful scenery and the wildlife is great. Love the ootd on you, Elisa. Beautiful legs. Love your excitement on your Amazon packages. Great job on the magnets and the fans. I'm proud of you, girl. Thanks for sharing, Elisa...🎥😃👍👌👊🚙🛠🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@diffusesden5455]

Explorist is a great resource, I utilized his videos early on in my build as well. I would recommend a power switch to turn the fan system off when you are not in the van, essentially to remove any potential for vampiric power loss of your battery system.

[@kimlee6970]

Thank you for sharing your progress in renovating your van! Most people don’t~ and it’s sooo cool to watch your creative process. So far, so GOOD!

[@garydoyle5755]

Your van looks great! Excuse me if you already know this, but if you have both fans running in a closed and relatively sealed van, one fan should be blowing in and one should be blowing out. Unless you have open windows or some other air inlet, then both could be blowing out. Best of luck!

[@davidgherardi7414]

Good idea with installing those fans and nice job doing so! 👌

[@AlanKinsella-nu4gm]

Easy access to the electronics is key according to an expert I just watched, so try to keep that box easily accessible. This person said new DIYers make this mistake a lot.

[@BenbenDesalapen]

You may want to flip the bottom fan with direction pulling cold air in while hot air exiting at the top.

[@husa58]

I think people will be watching you for your van conversion tips and tricks for sure, your doing a great job. best wishes from Australia..

[@Cashyonyt]

Great, love that you're using it as you build it! For the foot runner/step, cover it in skateboard covering. Its great for grip in the wettest conditions but also scraping mud off as well and washes easy. For the mattress, look to Koala or similar foam mattress. They're easy to cut (heated wire or even a sharp knife) and then can sew the cover and edges to remove the excess fabric.

[@charliepeach2367]

You’re doing great. I’m impressed seeing how well thought out you have been each step of the way. Hillsborough River park was nice I will visit there for sure. Keep up with the great videos.

[@edgarbautista829]

I've really been enjoying the series on the build out. Well done with the electrical and especially getting the thermostat and fans working.

[@rayzvibe]

There are soooo many of these "van life" channels on KZbin... Yet here I am. Mesmerizing.

[@anderspetersson6451]

I’m impressed, well done, as always.

[@burnie3911]

Very impressed with the work you’ve done,I’m not sure I would be brave enough to do that

[@saddlebutte]

Awesome job with your van project. Looking great as well...❤🤗🙏🏽

[@matthewenglish8782]

Great work of the conversion! Love your show!

[@mervspence4601]

Your hand seems to still cling to the comfort of home & security which is cool. Total respect, as It is a big world to get lost in. Except Ireland 😎 ☘☘☘

[@ManWander]

it's such a joy watching you learn as you go

[@yeahokyep]

Yep, I'm in love😊

[@DaveCarpenter2112]

Looks nice still to cold to camp up here in NY still snow on the ground

[@the1andonly]

I really love what you said about sharing and learning. It's really the sprit of KZbin for me. Greetings from a fellow sharer 👍

[@BillyBentley-tj6df]

Your awesome work puts me on top of my goals

[@dalehunt1383]

"Living in a van, down by the river!" 😂 ❤ cuttie!

[@gman9353]

Awesome job! Coming around really nice.

[@ralphcramden9775]

I’m not sure if you have them yet, but You should get window covers for all your windows for privacy.

[@MandoLocoX]

@soloelisa I just found your videos...completely impressed with how eager you are to learn and very quick. I am former Military/Government Electronic Tech. you would have been excellent to work with...I loved training people like you...GREAT WORK!!!

[@BillyBentley-tj6df]

I want to see your van finished please send me more videos please

[@s.williams2327]

You're doing such a wonderful job, can't wait to see the finished van build😊

[@Makin1up09]

I have to suggest that you might have an issue with your fan installation, and that's where you put them. One suggestion is that you should have one blowing in, and another blowing out to get cross flow. The other potential problem I see is that when you close the doors, the fans will be very close to the door, not allowing for much air flow, especially when you get your bed installed and begin storing things under it. Under those conditions I don't think they're going to be very effective when the Florida weather heats up. Another possible issue may be humidity. It might be a good idea to put some large desiccant bags inside the enclosure too, within a large plastic tray of some kind just to keep them from shifting around and potentially breaking open from the wear of shifting around on the floor. Of course those bags don't work indefinitely. You'd have to put new ones in every so often.

[@justkelly8389]

Well she cant move the fans now.

[@Makin1up09]

@@justkelly8389 She has a couple of easy fix options. One is to just turn the fans around so they blow in and then put at least one on the opposite face blowing out. She could move both fans to the other face, one blowing in and one out and then leave the holes on the back face open (you'll only see them when the doors are open anyway), or put a piece of hardwood veneer on that face.

[@biker4646]

Sunday is so much better after your video, love it ❤

[@robertkravitz202]

Love it when you explore. Wonderful quality of life.

[@ceelwhit]

Congrats on your progress! I'm sure it is so satisfying as you get closer to completion. Good for you 😊!

[@lt6209]

Nice job so far! I’m learning with you and I hope to be building my van next year. Keep the videos coming.

[@RedSandAdventures]

Van is coming along great 👍

[@DWPIXEL]

Buy a memory foam mattress that is almost to the size fits into your van ,the cut it using a sharp blade ,it easy then take the top cover to a local siestas to resize the top cover or get custom fitted sheets, this is the cheapest option

[@jackkeller737]

your van is really coming along, glad to see you enjoying it!

[@tittyskillet3413]

Gosh, ive binged all your videos since you bought the van. Youre doing so good. Your transition from novice to expert is progressing well. You WANT to build all your subsystems…so if theres a problem later on…then you know the layout, and you can troubleshoot it.

[@liverpoolrichie5305]

Elisa! Congrats on your first van trip!!! Great job on the electrical vans too!! Besitos!!!

[@robertsvideo1962]

Elisa, felicidades por tus videos, creo que son excelentes. Yo también soy RVer y no estoy muy lejos de ti. Mi familia también vive en So Flo. Me gustaría conocerte en alguna ocasión. Nos vemos!

[@MrBettercheck]

You are doing an amazing job on your van conversion!❤

[@johnrdunbar]

I hope you travel safely...and get to see some amazing places

[@jimfischman-xg4qw]

Been following the build, it's coming together and looking good. You should be proud, you've got a goal and your making it happen. Cheers!

[@bondservant79]

The van is looking good!! Congrats on your first day!

[@tonymorris1571]

Van looks great!! You kick ass!!

[@rono33]

I always enjoy watching your videos, you are just easy to watch never boring, and quite informative even as a ‘beginner’. I notice you taking advice from comments. Good stuff! Liked and subbed a while ago :) thanks for taking us along!!

[@BillyBentley-tj6df]

Thank you Randy ❤

[@phantomxter]

Yes! I do the same and totally agree we learn from others. Awesome stuff you’re doing. The magnet and fan ideas are cool. 👍👍✌️

[@papabear1417]

Beautiful scenery

[@bonnavideo]

Proud of you and I hope you are proud of yourself. Great job!

[@johnriordan288]

You’re working so hard. Well done. Love your videos. Take care

[@richardcarter5404]

Things are really coming along nicely Elisa, you are doing an amazing job. I have followed all your videos from the beginning and have particularly enjoyed the Van build, so much so you have inspired me to sell our travel trailer and start looking for a van to convert. I hope your channel keeps growing, you deserve it !!! Such a nice down to earth personality, certainly a pleasant change on YT these days.

[@soloelisa]

Thank you for such kind words. I wish you the best in your van conversion! I’m having fun with it, I hope you do too :)

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the video & don't worry you will get there. Just remember to take your time slowly but surely you'll have exactly what you're want & looking for. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@davidgherardi7414]

Looks like the project is coming along nicely! It's good you take your time, put in everything the first time around so you don't have to go back and things apart. Look forward to seeing your progress. 👍

[@marcmckenna4956]

Well done Elisa, you’re doing great! Really enjoy watching your videos 👍🏻

[@defend223]

So glad to see you out and testing your rig! There's no better way to see what you need and where. I was working on my square drop earlier in preparation for a trip this weekend coming up. Stay beautiful

[@gary4983]

What a feel-good video this was, Elisa! So great to see you out staying in the van after all your hard work to make it ready and how you use the instructional videos to do the wiring! So impressive! Thanks, as always, for sharing your work with us--you are quite an inspiration to so many! Wishing you continued success with your plans!

[@paul4835]

You find very scenic places to camp. Your van build is progressing nicely . I do like your channel.

[@juliebelize4285]

Excellent work on your van.

[@doiyama4575]

Great video you did a great job so far that’s awesome thank you for sharing

[@LarryeWhite61]

As always another outstanding video. Your skills get better the more you build. Keep up the great build and content :)