FIRST DAYS OF VAN CONVERSION | Flooring & Roof Fans

[@Fjdjdjw]

If you aren’t too late, I would HIGHLY recommend adding more sound deadening material to the roof and panels. It’ll not only help with road noise, but all exterior sounds helping with sleep!

[@JChurchua]

Id agree, and the ceiling is good for rain and hail too. All around good ideas.

[@skrtskit1521]

I agree-don't skimp on this one.

[@33elvis]

Yes! More sound deafening. I’d be happy to help with the $$$

[@oldskooldriver9379]

Watch the weight, though. People that did 100% coverage of sound deadening in a Class B regretted the weight gain.

[@jerrywestin3447]

@@oldskooldriver9379 more weight more fuel right?

[@xwasp58]

I love this couple . There so nice to each other x

[@senforex]

Insulation of the floor is necessary if you want to protect the interior of the van in winter or when you will visit north countries but for the hot temperatures too!

[@roadtripdave6188]

You guys are an amazing couple. Your definitely an inspiration to those that need a little kick to follow ones dream. You both have a wonderful plan that will come to fruition. Keep inspiring others and show you can make anything happen as long as you work together as a team and know what you want in life. Thanks for the video and the start of your Van build.

[@1D10CRACY]

Sound Deadening mat makes a big difference. I've now used it in multiple vehicles and am getting ready to put some in a boat. You can get it in different thicknesses, but my personal experience tells me the difference between 50 mil and 80 mil is minimal if even noticeable, I haven't used anything thicker. Love watching these videos! You guys are a great source of entertainment, learning and ideas!

[@farmershelper6203]

I'm only 4 minutes in to the video. I would just like to say you two are awesome and doing a great job. I'm just a viewer but I'm proud of you both. Thanks for sharing with us

[@traceyhuff2228]

You two are like professionals now, when are you opening J&N Custom Van Builds. 😉

[@haraldweltzin5117]

About 40. years ago I rebuilt the inside of a van and I used carpet pad behind final to finish the interior of the van. I used carpet pad under plywood on the floor, with carpet on top of the plywood. This resulted in a very quiet van, that retained its heat in Northern Minnesota in the winter time long enough to go to eat in a restaurant and find it still warm when we got back after eating.' I used spray adhesive and enough carpet pad to make the walls flat.

[@louparry7721]

Wow! YOU TWO, are really meant to be together. YOUR work is magical and amazing. This build is really fascinating to see. Please rest well and eat your veggies! Hugs, Louise

[@scottwallman4335]

I can’t believe you’re doing this right NEXT to your bus. I can hear the bus saying “ hey guys, whatcha doin?”

[@JimmyandNatalie]

Haha, we hadn't thought of it that way, but that does seem a bit cruel of us! 😂 Hopefully we can sell the bus, and then she'll be off on her next adventure soon enough! 🤞

[@DoRC]

I would really strongly recommend getting some sound damping on every single panel in there. More important than complete coverage of each panel is getting something on every panel. Even if you buy cheap sound deadening for the roof I'd still strongly recommend doing it. It'll make a huge difference.

[@klouism1]

You guys are doing amazingly well, getting a lot done and it looks great.

[@darlenewillbrandt1628]

Night shift has its advantages I worked hospital nights loved it. Staff was like a s.all family. Cooler temperatures helped even inside in Florida. So nice to see how you are getting the van built well. Great teamwork and when things don't go the way you wanted . Stop think talk and work it out.

[@cindywales2428]

So impressed with your attention to the smallest detail.

[@2acresevolving777]

I am so glad you showed that you didn’t use insulation on the floor. The van I’m planning on getting will not have a high roof so the less I use on the floor, the better!! It’s looking so awesome already!! I am very happy for you guys!!

[@natedunn8956]

Any time your building anything like a bus , van , or cargo trailer it's not insulation that's important it's condensation control. It's not a big area so unless your plans are to travel in those really cold or hot areas it will be easy to keep it conformable . Limit anything that can hold or retain moisture!

[@FlipnripDIVING]

Fun times! Nice work!

[@sylvainroy9356]

Good job good video America 🇺🇸 is proud of you 👍🇺🇸🫶🏻🎶🇨🇦

[@James_P60]

Your doing a nice job on the van, like those fans you installed and can't wait to see how you do the walls and ceiling.

[@carmenmoyet1222]

I’m happy to be with you both again from beginning to the end please think about a bathroom for safety

[@3DPScott]

Loved your videos on the Grand Canyon, Zion and Arches. Brought back memories of when my wife and I visited them back in 2009. Thank you!!

[@oldskooldriver9379]

I just added a small AC to my Class B, if your budget can afford it, a rooftop AC will be well loved by you guys. Don't let the battery/solar/inverter details for a rooftop AC scare you, reach out, lots of helpful resources.

[@ExploringJ]

Niceeee now time for insulation!! Don't go cheap!!

[@doramather4729]

We have aluminum toy hauler and before we did the floor and the roof, the toyhauler was an ice box because metal draws cold because of the metal. My husband put a roll out ceramic rhino type coating on the floor and and a Ceramic coating on the outside metal roof of our all aluminum toyhauler. What a difference this made , it is warmer and not an ice box. We drove to Alaska in August and spent September sightseeing in alaska by October 1st first we left and weather was in 30 degrees and the rv with the floor and roof coating made it very comfortable. The temperatures in Canada were cold wet and snowing and in the 20s, we had ice on the sides of the rv and the truck. The money and time spent on the coating for the floor and roof were worth it and we can travel to the desert 🏜 or to Alaska and enjoy the sights without worrying about the weather in our aluminum toyhauler. Great investment for now and the future of our travels.in our toyhauler.

[@PovertyEntertainmentOfficial]

Maybe you could find a swivel chair somewhat newish at a junk yard somewhere.

[@badgerpa9]

The matching bibs is cute. They are great to wear when working. Be safe.

[@mespaul2]

I think your good with the floor in extreme cold or heat area rugs will go a long way. and 50% coverage will also work well for sound. Good job keep up the good work.

[@williambranham6249]

Yes I think that rugs would be a good adea. I use to own a popular tear drop fiberglass trailer called a Casita. The walls were covered at the factory with a carpet . It reduced the feeling of being cold.

[@randy1203]

I have enjoyed your journey, and now building out your van for me will be very interesting to follow. The two of you are a great team, and I can't wait to learn something new from this build. Have fun with it! Thanks for sharing. Toledo.

[@notyouraverageexplorer]

Check salvage yards for the swivel seat. Our local shop sells them for approximately $45 each.

[@richardpalmanteer9798]

Great to see the van coming together, Oh forgot it's name (Opp's) Oh well, any who you've done quite well with what you have accomplished so far. See you later this week and as always, "Enjoy The Adventure." 🤠👍✌

[@do.it.better]

You are doing a good job. I will affirm some of the other comments for additional sound and thermal insulation. If you are only doing a sound insulation 50% will do ok. The product you are using does not provide thermal insulation. Maybe I am ahead of myself and you are adding a different product for thermal. Insulation later in your build. When you do the thermal insulation if you can provide a thermal break between the exterior and interior walls.

[@AnnettesVanTease]

You’re both so cute in your matching work gear. I like the idea of keeping the subfloor together. Wish I thought of that. Our adhesive is super strong, I’m not sure it’s separating. How fun watching you from the beginning building your new home. ~A

[@wendee2022]

Just a thought re bathroom and toilet .... having these convenience would help with resale. Being an older person I would not consider a van without these conveniences. Love, love your channel guys. ❤️

[@davidstewart1153]

If you wedge a stick between the roof crossbars and floor, it'll give you more clamping pressure than the concrete blocks. Wood, PVC pipe, even bamboo will work, just a bit longer than the roof to floor length so they spring in place. Get some shims, cheap thin wedges to adjust the length.

[@cnjsharp2]

Another good video. You’re making great progress; be sure to spray something to insulate from underneath the holes in floor or you will get water and rust damage. Keep up the momentum.

[@netposerx]

I used Reflectix on the walls and ceilings and Polyiso on the floor. The sun beating down on the van and you don't really feel the radiant heat. For the past 5 years it's been great. Even when it's freezing out my van stays 10 degrees warmer without heat. And even with a lot of insulation the van will get hot or cold unless you have a/c and heat. Pro tip: If it's warm and you get to where you are going open the sliding door so your van cools down faster. The engine and metal parts of the van will radiate heat to the inside for a bit after you stop.

[@FearlessFred848]

For venting, it works best with a fan on exhaust and an open window farthest from the fan. With no opening windows, You could have one fan low in and the other out.

[@garyaaron8425]

Love watching you guys. As my son says: "Teamwork makes the dream work!" Very good video and don't worry about the light..or microphones. 😉 Last thing: Do NOT give Jimmy a pitchfork and do not take a picture together wearing the overalls! Instant flashback to Norman Rockwell! Other than that great job, get some sleep, and hurry with the new video...sound optional!🤣

[@mikemanjo2458]

American Gothic is the picture I think you are referring to. Grant Wood was the painter. (Not being snarky...I missed it on an 8th grade History Test and will never forget it again.😉 You are right...as soon as You said pitchfork, my mind caught up with you...clever!❤️

[@vickyharms2554]

I think an American Gothic style picture would be adorable. Have Jimmy hold a tool that's representative of the van build.

[@garyaaron8425]

@@mikemanjo2458 That's too funny. Yeah, I'm not an art fella. BTW...I flubbed the word Chronological in my 3rd grade bee...has Haunted me ever since. 😉

[@johnboy4067]

She's a little sweetheart it's nice to see a girl not scared of getting on the tools and not just making the tea , you go girl

[@thomastevis8655]

Awesome videos sorry im so late

[@FieldToTableOutdoors]

Totally just saw your bus for sale online lol. Love it! Your bus design on the inside is actually the biggest influence for our skoolie build to come! JUST BOUGHT OUR BUS! Got to pick it up this weekend. Will be crushing the videos on your bus build haha.

[@debbieroyal1728]

I think you two are so smart and have got it altogether. Godspeed with safe travels

[@cboyle707]

I can't wait until next weeeeeeek!😫😫😫😫

[@BrianandAor]

Carry on, living the dream ✨ 🎶 🙌 😍 🙏 ❤

[@joycehagins9900]

I left black mat in van for installation and put the ply wood over the mat.

[@forestsky7064]

Real quality. When I get the exact same van, I plan to keep the "build" very simple. Two roof vents, isolated, 2 deep cycle batteries, floor with padding and carpet plus a removable 2nd layer of carpet, wall, ceiling, and wheel well insulation, bedframe at wheel well level, under bed storage, small counter for cooking and desk, small dining table, vented cross-flow windows, walls covered with very thin interchangeable material, and make small adjustments as living vanlife (already been 21 years as minimalist in mini vans). High roof, Promaster, 2500, gas, VANT WAIT... been looking for a year, no rush, mini van works, yet, CAN'T WAIT!!! Will use portable propane cooker, portable plastic tub for dish washing plus multiple other uses, 24" smart TV, mobile hot spot, possible an extra small woodburning stove with glass front with a portable (easily removeable) stack, plus propane(?) heat. So...big-low level bed, small dining table, counter for cooking and part desk, swivel passenger seat, black window coverings, and keeping it lightweight, simple, and roomy. You two are doing intelligent, fine quality, and happy, for sure. Great buy, great build so far. Me? I just like super simple, and lots of space, and ventilation. Plus, I might have a foldable portable solar panel if I'm not driving for a few days using the isolater/alternator system. Plus, I don't use much electricity. In using my Odyssey and Sienna mini vans, I learned how to use minimal electricity. With a battery bank, that'll be "wow!" And stand up room!!! Yes!!! You two are super. Loving how much you've learned, and how "homey, down to Earth, and genuine" you two are. Thank you for sharing👍🌻🎶🍇🎄🙏🌎🎶

[@elaineg4921]

Wow it's really coming along nicely.

[@catherinaarnett395]

Way to go, glad to see you guys moving along

[@saltlifess6226]

Firring strips then insulation on the floor!

[@par0104]

Careful adding the vent fans. Jaylena's vent fan did have a leak around hers, & she had to take it back out & reseal it, & then it worked perfectly. So make sure you use some good kind of sealer around the edges of the fans frame. Good luck from Ky subscriber.

[@VST2424]

Looks great and you are moving along nicely. Stay safe and going to be nice to see what’s in store for the build.

[@terrymathis4213]

Awesome job. And it's so good to see you both.

[@newman_LaRue_Jr]

Just a little info make sure to check the holes inside goes down into the firewalls for anything that has got lost from previous owners you won't regret it

[@SaYeager]

Looks like the first thing you needed was a roof ladder, if the floor screws went clear through you might want to undercoat the van, which might give you a little more insulation. Might be able to find a used roof ladder. But you have a plan and your killing it good job!

[@mikeellindonut2004]

Love watching the building of pankake

[@mikemanjo2458]

Y’all look so cute in your overalls! Wow,! Y’all are doing so amazingly well! Working thru the night and sleeping in the day is such a good idea! I’m glad you thought ahead about where your windows will be so you didn’t waste sound deadening materials. Two fans will be great to keep you cool! We have one (plus the little bathroom fan that was already there) and I wish we had two. Y’all are so smart! You both have such mad skills and work together so well! You are making such progress! You should be so proud of yourselves! Much love from SC, Jane❤️🙏🏻

[@donaldshields2483]

You are doing a very excellent job keep up the good work and I will we watch it I see you today

[@jenniferl350]

I had the same issue with my plywood subfloor. Promasters have about an 1/8" dip in the center of the floor vs the edges, makes it tough to get adhesive to work properly. I ended up bolting it through the metal.

[@tamiestevespaulding4016]

Sure would like to see more videos than 1 every week. Love watching you. Love seeing van, bus and rv builds.

[@mikeg3360]

As for the floor covering, I would have glued down LVP (luxury vinyl plank) to the plywood because the click type floating floor material IS NOT waterproof. Once you get in and out of the van with wet shoes or spill liquids on the floor your installing now, that cardboard material under the veneer will warp like crazy. Take an extra piece, pour water on it and let it sit overnight. You will regret you didn't glue down waterproof LVP instead.

[@melissabritton3315]

Good to see u guys working on your dream!!! I admire that!!! Can't wait to see you on the road again!!!

[@2acresevolving777]

That what’s app comment is spam. I reported it.

[@johnberryhill8106]

AWESOME Guys !.........Great Video!.......keep 'm coming......howdy from Springfield Missouri!

[@3DPScott]

Over the past couple of week I have been binge watching your videos. Loved the bus build series, and I think I’m going to love the van build series!! Think you guys are great, and you put out some awesome videos. All the best!!

[@sariozariu2598]

very nice build

[@barbaramena2377]

Cuddoo's you both work so hard but your excitement of building is doing wonders and since you have all ready built before it makes it easier, and working at night when cooler helps a lot see on the next video 🥰🥰

[@wintergirl3298]

Was hoping the news was that you sold the bus. Sure hope and pray there’s been a lot of interest. I know you’ll get it sold. It’s designed so nice on the inside and you’ve put a lot into the mechanical part of it. Making good progress on van. Good luck

[@Masterryman]

It will, its one of the nice builds.... But you never know the marked situation....

[@janephillips3627]

The Lighting was Never a Problem just to let you know. LOVE the Floor.

[@chhook949]

Great Start Keep The Energy Level High Going To Be Some Long Days Ahead The End Result Will Be Well Worth It!! Be Well Be Safe & Stay Blessed.

[@TrevorBoughtABus]

Butyl tape 😍😍😍 I skipped insulating my bus's subfloor for height too. No regrets but my vinyl plank flooring is getting a little messed up. I wish I would have used adhesive on the flooring pieces but it was a learning experience. 😀

[@jeffreyrandolph5848]

Thanks!

[@JimmyandNatalie]

I'm so sorry we missed seeing this earlier, but thank you so much!! 😄💚

[@mikeg3360]

The reason your plywood didnt adhere to the vans metal flooring is because you treated the wood with Thompsons water seal. Liquid nails and Thompson wont bond. Screwing the plywood to the van floor was the best option. Now if screws passed thru the vans floors, make sure you silicon the pointy ends on the underside so water cannot splash up into the screw holes. The silicon will also prevent the screws from wiggiling loose.

[@33elvis]

Between your videos and the Mountain Beaches couple doing a off the grid acreage in Idaho, you are great examples of teamwork and living your dreams!

[@Slugnworm]

You guys are kicking butt good job!

[@angelamurphy3331]

Good luck on your exciting project 🍀💚🍀💚🍀

[@timh8543]

This is great I won’t have binge watch like the last build. Can’t wait for each vid as time goes on. Great job

[@kathyinwv250]

I'd put that black mat between the van floor and the plywood. It will help deaden sound and insulate the floor a bit.

[@luckywarriorakabonnies.1855]

Looking good already. Sending vibes of Blessings and Love for your continued adventures on your journey.

[@soundarajanchakravarty8075]

Great going to start with. As some one mentioned in the comments please start numbering the vlogs for continuity and have a separate playlist created for the van builds. This would also help your viewers to find the next episode easily if anyone is binge watching.

[@calcon6]

Did you ever look this up ? Opuntia chlorotica is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is a species of prickly pear native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its common names include pancake prickly pear, flapjack prickly pear and dollarjoint prickly pear. I was searching after you said the name . But there's a couple of Cactus with the name Pancake. Looking good ! One thing if you have problems down the road, when chalking outside you should always smooth it out. This keeps water puddling up. with some chalking you may need to use something to keep it sticking to your fingers, saliva will work or Windex works also. I'm really surprised the adhesive didn't hold, but adding some screws won't hurt. I'm a contractor been in business for 32yrs, adding the flooring first was a great idea. Are you going to run all your electrical first ? What kinda ceiling lights will you use ( led's I'm assuming) will you have a switch for the fans ?

[@nancyheneghan4760]

Love the flooring! Can’t wait to see the layout.

[@danawadeandramboadventures2657]

Looking forward to seeing you guys 🙂

[@TheRentVeil]

2pm EDT time or 2pm MDT (Salt Lake)

[@KennethZerba]

Hello! 🙂 You are doing a great job! However (I could be wrong), I think you installed the rear fan backwards. I believe they should be facing the same direction. I'm enjoying watching. 🙂

[@TheTexasDuke]

So cool🤘🏻 stoked for the next vid.

[@tubbybrutus]

you guys are doing a great job i did notice with the roof fans makes sure you smooth the outer silant ang the edge of fan also cover the screws to stop them rustin incase you ave to unscrew it but keep up great work on van

[@robertwill1694]

Why you guys don’t put some solar panel on top of the van

[@melissahoffman4687]

Did you want to add a ladder to your van so you can clean your solar panels easier over time?

[@ronaldsnider8078]

You can buy only the swill for the seat if you like that seat. Save a lot of money that way.

[@patriciahagedorn5694]

Looking good! How about putting the rubber mat under or on top of the sub floor for more padding and installation.

[@mohork]

Can I let you know about the roof insulation now. I regret not putting insulation in the roof, so I had to make a ply wood roofing over my roof. Then I figured why stop there, I then put a single 455 watt solar panel on top of my minivan with 5 x 100 amp batteries under my bed, I used a 40 amp mppt solar charger Epever. I should have gotten a 100 amp not 40. I have ran my 22 inch TV for 1 week in my car in winter at about 10 degrees Celsius and it still was enough power to run it from a cigarette lighter. That's a bad week.

[@jerrywestin3447]

Cute couple! Your both going to have such a beautiful family when the time comes!😵‍💫👶😴🧸🚼

[@jerrywestin3447]

Green acres is the place to be! 😂 😂 Love your over all's🪕🚜!👨‍🌾👩‍🌾he haw!

[@michaelmccullough9668]

Congrats on the new van. Looks really nice. You guys work great together. Can't wait for the next video.

[@samydamico9843]

Love watching the build in real time. Please be safe working at night, hopefully it’s inside a locked area. ❤ you both!

[@mildredlackey1938]

Great work kids, keep it up ,with me the closer the finish, I get to working longer, easier,and loving it more and more,

[@brianpeterson5559]

That was good progress, pancake will be more efficient than the bus. Thanks be safe

[@JennyLeiviska]

Great progress on your van. You’ll be back on the road in no time ❤️🙏🤗

[@glennlacewell5766]

You should cover as much area as you can , try Rattle trap brand , It comes in rolls. Remember not to put it in places that you will end up having to remove it later. Seal the fans in the roof with Acryl-r , there is no better sealer . I have built RV's for 45 years and used them all .

[@brenthiteoutdoors]

Awesome! Great job on the flooring and fans! I enjoyed the video! Looking forward to the next one!

[@comicmikesilverageadams8360]

Wow what a great job

[@paul-bo5dm]

Looking good guys it really looks looking good I think you’re doing a good job I think you’re doing everything that I would do and the way that I would do it so far keep up the good work can’t wait until next week

[@gregprior8271]

Great job so far. Might look into doing the ceiling before you do your cabinets so you have less cuts.