FULL VAN BUILD | Detailed Walkthrough of Construction Process | Promaster 136" with Huge Wet Bath

Detailed walkthrough of the full van conversion process of this 136" Promaster!
Find my van conversion resources (like sample wiring diagrams) here:
www.mosermakes.com/vanconversion
Links below to products used in the van
↓ Links are Amazon affiliate links which help to support me making these types of videos 👍
Main roof vent: amzn.to/4dt0Sau
Shower exhaust fan: amzn.to/4aUrNKm
Refrigerator: amzn.to/4dfEqRY
Microwave: amzn.to/3WinHHw
Sink: amzn.to/3wcD7m3
Faucet: amzn.to/3wcJgid
Drawer locks:amzn.to/3Wj4W6L
Light switches: amzn.to/3JC9pKv
Under cabinet LED strip: amzn.to/3KB6l1u
12V outlets: amzn.to/3Wklvj4
Windows: www.motionwindows.com/van-con...
Wet bath:
Shower tile: amzn.to/3JC9uOj
Composting toilet: amzn.to/4bax1Bw
Shower mixer: amzn.to/3Qk21ag
Shower sprayer: amzn.to/3wl0QAv
Shower drain: amzn.to/3UbLcPO
Flexible curtain track: amzn.to/4bsOlSm
Retractable shower door: amzn.to/4dIOTFB
Shower roof vent: amzn.to/4aVy1c6
Adhesives:
High strength marine adhesive: amzn.to/49VSxJl or 3M 5200 Fast Cure
High tempature sealant for heater: amzn.to/49RhOEs
Butyl tape for roof vents: amzn.to/3xYgUsD
Flex seal: amzn.to/4bjiyn3
Threaded rivets:
1/4-20 threaded rivet: amzn.to/4bfTehs
1/4-20 plus nut: amzn.to/3xUi20i
Hand threaded rivet tool: amzn.to/3JCuRPq
Pneumatic threaded rivet gun**: amzn.to/3UAalFu
Longer screws needed if using plus nut: amzn.to/4dbGVox
Metal reaming tool: amzn.to/44mTr0s
Wiring:
Anchor marine duplex (mostly used 12, 14, & 16 AWG): amzn.to/3wcOx9q
Anchor marine triplex: amzn.to/44mqOQH
Split loom (1/2", 3/4", 1"): amzn.to/4dkKQ28
Mounting zip ties: amzn.to/3JHf4yV
Adjustable outlet boxes: amzn.to/4dfF0iC
Electrical:
Solar charge controller: amzn.to/3WeYX32
Alternator charge controller: amzn.to/3UrtGrg
Lynx distributor: amzn.to/44retek
Victron battery monitor: amzn.to/3UkMzff
Cutoff switch: amzn.to/3wjOEju
ANL fuse holder: amzn.to/3Qme7zI
4/0 AWG wire: amzn.to/3UCIiVX
4/0 x 5/16" Lug: amzn.to/3y0Bt7S
DC breaker: amzn.to/3UlPiVG
AC/DC combined distribution panel: amzn.to/3UfOSQR
Water System:
Pex clamp tool: amzn.to/4bfTo8y
Pex clamp rings: amzn.to/3JFKWEc
Water pump: amzn.to/4baxwLU
Pump strainer: amzn.to/4bhZipJ
Pump accumulator: amzn.to/3JEgREY
30 gallon fresh tank: amzn.to/3y70dek
20 gallon gray tank: amzn.to/3JFL32A
Let me know if there is a material not listed here that you are curious about!
Video Sections:
00:00 Intro
00:14 Insulated floor
02:11 Framing
05:13 Wiring
06:22 Roof vents
08:04 Insulation
08:52 Aluminum strut channel
10:05 Wall paneling
12:34 Windows
14:41 Closing the walls
16:36 Heater
17:23 Electrical system
18:53 Water system
20:10 Interior structure
21:26 Wet bath
23:42 Interior finish
25:16 Tour
#tinyhome #vanlife #nomad

[@shamblesandrambles]

Hands down you’re the most open source van builder ive come across in five years. Not to mention some of your methods are pure genius

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!!

[@bitminerbob6731]

My mouth literally dropped seeing that custom shower tray that you built. That is seriously impressive, as is the entire build. Very nice job!!!!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@randylls5341]

Impressive attention to detail. What would parts and labor cost?

[@Iron2017]

Wow! The amount of detailed work u can do is amazing. Ur a plumber, carpenter, electrician & designer & all to a high level! Well done, the van is gorgeous 👏

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you! that is what I've always enjoyed about van projects is that you get to wear all those different hats.

[@sonyathompson7570]

Best build I've seen so far. I've been watching van tours for 4 years

[@MoserMakes]

Wow thank you!

[@tbomber7716]

Absolutely amazing! It's a 136 wheelbase! Incredible!

[@jtr82369]

I love your construction methods & choices of items like the locking cabinet knobs & SS countertop.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! First time trying a SS countertop but I think it’s a great option for a camper

[@mohdaminbinahad-38]

brilliant built.. i love the fact that you can disassemble the wall for future upgrade and troubleshooting, and the bath, awesome!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you very much!

[@ellenwelch8267]

I’ve been looking for rear bath layouts…. This is the BEST I’ve seen!!

[@nicktubara]

Well done, such a great build. Ive watched more than enough van builds n yours is quite well polished and very unique and luxurious. Much love from Australia, subbed.

[@theq-ster6981]

Dude! So impressive! Such high attention to detail for every aspect of the build and what a fantastic finish! Kudos to you, man!

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks a ton!

[@kinomitsu1265]

It's like looking at my dream vanlife build😯. Specially the shower part.

[@FreeMissions]

Great video. A nice way to make the plywood stable is to route a channel into the middle of the sides where they meet. Then you sandwhich an aluminum bar between the two pieces when they meet. Then you can also screw into the plywood through the aluminum bar and into the plywood after the bar from the top. I'm not sure that makes sense but it made my flooring rock solid. It really wasn't hard to do either. I also made sure that my insulation below the plywood had. seams in completely different places.

[@martinchilders2220]

Enjoyable and informative to watch a master at work. Bravo !

[@MoserMakes]

Many thanks!

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

An unbelievable amount of detailed work. That is a beautiful van. You are an artist!

[@MoserMakes]

I really appreciate that!

[@parkervarin]

This is by farrrr the most helpful video I've seen for going into how to build stuff. Thanks.

[@MoserMakes]

Glad it is helpful!!

[@cheryl7917]

As always, everything you build is thoughtfully done with skill. Very nice build!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you I appreciate that!

[@shaunoshaungo1305]

All of your patience and hard work created a very beautiful home! Hugs from Seattle!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@JetP20]

Great craftsmanship, excellent design, great attention to detail and great workmanship.

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you very much!

[@millerhoo]

Wonderful build. Great job documenting it and posting it in such a consumable way.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! Happy to hear that!

[@chrisholliday1330]

I'm purchasing all your schematics just because you saved me so much time. I've wired and built several tiny campers, but the altentor was throwing me for a loop. Thanks!

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks for your support!

[@mitchelhoggins]

Very impressed with your work Moser, super clean! Been enjoying the detailed videos

[@MoserMakes]

I appreciate that!

[@wikdstixofcheese]

@MoserMakes you're amazing dude ! What a beautiful build and a great video. Well done 😊👍

[@ddlang2514]

Impressive and inspiring build. Especially in a 136’!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you very much!

[@scoopold]

Your content is the absolute best dude!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you that means a lot!

[@MartFPV]

WOWWWWWWW!! You are a allround expert bro!! 👌👍

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@FionaMaguire]

Excellent finish and quality

[@timmrobertz9]

This is the cleanest build I have seen so far. I really appreciate your work! Thanks so much for sharing this build with us!

[@MoserMakes]

I appreciate that!

[@susans8539]

Create job! I’m quite impressed with your thorough thought, time and work you put into this build.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks so much!

[@susans8539]

Do you only customize Dodge Ram Vans?

[@MoserMakes]

@@susans8539 This was my first full promaster build actually. I've worked on a little bit of everything but before this had only done in depth builds on transits and sprinters.

[@sbkpeace.24]

Awesome build Great workmanship very professional video too 👍👏 well done sir !

[@real1184]

Vraiment Exceptionnel un gros Bravo!!

[@adamfcplm]

Very professional! Although this is not the layout i would personally prefer, I love the quality of your builds!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you very much!

[@kumitakumi]

insane dedication and quality awesome stuff

[@sadimontoya965]

I agree with all the comments !!! I’m speechless 😱😱😱 wonderful as all your proyecta

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@bjornsoderlund8123]

So cool tent,! Hi from sweden sir great video.😊😊

[@gregheinrichs5047]

Super clean build Sam! Thanks for sharing!

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@shamblesandrambles]

Hold on you just blew my mind on the maxxair install. Woah

[@tinab6032]

Always a nice job with attention to detail and quality!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you very much!

[@approverman]

Has always impressive to see your Van builds. I was wondering when I would see a new one. It was worth the wait.

[@MoserMakes]

Glad you like them!

[@ladyjjj]

This video was so detailed. The layout is functional and the finishes are so professional and sleek. Great job!

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@billwilliamsonjr9250]

Sir, wow. You did an exceptional job, also schematics on your web site showing people what to do!! Exceptional. Thank you

[@MoserMakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@martinhaejuha9625]

The best I've ever seen

[@amyvillanueva8963]

Very impressive! I love your attention to detail!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Nice build Moser! Your old videos were helpful in getting started on my van build.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks!

[@drark82]

This has got to be the best Van Build ever!!!!!!!!!!!! Imma follow this. Please make an intensive guide 😁😁😁

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@woodpeckercraftsandbuilds]

Great job brotha! You have shared so much great info over the years. I have learned a whole bunch from you! I build vans full time and I know how much research and time it takes to build things. Something like this took a whole lot of planning and research. Great to see someone with enthusiasm and attention to detail. Keep on beautifying your surroundings!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@Terry_1111]

Very, very nice! Great job!

[@adrianosupertramp6888]

masterclass!!! wow from Italy !

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@deemayes7834]

Beautiful.

[@okwrite7120]

A very nice, clean and tidy build.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks!

[@sherettasharif1358]

VERY NICE!💯

[@timr672]

this right here is why I'm a subscriber!

[@MoserMakes]

I appreciate that!

[@user-jo8og4wb3w]

Very nice!

[@rizeSLIME]

very skilled man! great job 👏

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks a lot!

[@p.treyben5567]

SOWELL done and thought out!! NOW I know who to call for my build- YOU Sir!! lol!!!

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@isanderbermudez9452]

Amazing 👌🏽

[@TraderChick]

looks amazing, great knowledge

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@mireilleharding4587]

Amazing! 😍

[@jameswinsbury1617]

fantastic build, thanks so much for sharing

[@MoserMakes]

Glad you like it! No problem

[@NoteFromSELF]

Very nice, and you do the voice-over very well. I also want to have a front bed in my future build. Great job.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks so much!

[@tedilearnstoluxe8679]

Beautiful work 😊

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@margueritethurston3913]

Love it!❤ great job!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks!!

[@mts982]

nice job.

[@YaBoyJon]

Amazing

[@rod4095]

Wonderful

[@GoCrazyBaby3]

You are amazing

[@travelvan68]

More than proud owner 🙂

[@MoserMakes]

So happy to hear that!

[@BossLady263]

its beautiful

[@BossLady263]

@@MoserMakes you are amazing

[@jedics1]

Nice job, you apoxy shower pan makes me want to redo mine....

[@user-sb9lx5cb5e]

只能說太厲害😂

[@Scrambler85]

It's good to see you posting again 👍

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks!

[@spleerfloof]

Am I blind or is there no refrigerator in this build? The internal air conditioner is a revelation, and I appreciate the conciseness of the time lapse/voiceover style.

[@MoserMakes]

It is in the end of the galley cabinet facing toward the front of the van (slider door opening area). It’s a pretty standard Dometic 65L 12v fridge.

[@spleerfloof]

Ah! I guess I missed that since I was focused on the half inch Birch ply cabinet construction :)

[@MoserMakes]

No worries! Didn’t really highlight the fridge in the video but the location is kind of cool because the fridge door can pivot open about 180 degrees which means you can also grab stuff out of it while standing outside the van.

[@Paul.Douglas]

Are you or were you an aircraft mechanic? Wet installed rivnuts brought a tear to my eyes 😍

[@MoserMakes]

Hahah no but glad to get more confirmation it’s a solid method!

[@goofe.washington953]

Sam, this is a thoroughly enjoyable video - more detailed, and certainly minus the buffoonery - compared to the TV show you were on.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! The producers of that show were definitely aiming for a different target than the thorough/technical details I try to cover in a video.

[@dougle03]

Ohh Sam, what a fantastic build; I'm sure the new owner is going to love it. Please do a handover video. Well done sir, top work. - And did we get a glimpse of a new little Moser in the family... ? 😎😎😉😉

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! We sure do have a new little buddy in the family! He stops in frequently to inspect my work.

[@zeflixy9814]

this is better then some van build companies imo

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you!

[@makusznik]

W pytke. Brawo!

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks!

[@lanbolanon3128]

Wow..

[@soloelisa]

Wow! It looks amazing! What air conditioner system are you using?

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! It is the 12V model from UndermountAC

[@denimillie]

Excellent video and gorgeous van build!!! For the palisade tile - what did you use for that inside corner trim?

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! I didn’t use any inside corner trim. Palisade sells a matching inside trim profile but I wasn’t sure if it would be able to handle the curve in the outside wall. So I just made sure I had clean cuts on the edge of the tile (they cut and sand easy with normal wood cutting tools) and butted them together. Besides the adhesives I used a clear silicone behind each seem and then once done I added a bead of white silicone done that whole inside corner. Not using inside trim worked fine since I didn’t have a confined edge on the other side. If it was a back wall between two fixed walls then I’m not sure it would work without the trim as some side to side movement is needed to get the tongue and grooves of the last tile slid together (the palisade install pdf has a good illustration of this).

[@denimillie]

@@MoserMakes thank you!!!!

[@stuartkorte1642]

Love the clean beautiful execution of this project. What is the length of the bed?

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! The bed is 72"

[@drm6601]

Hey man! Congrats for such an awesome build!!! I've been designing mine for months and it looks pretty similar to yours, any downside you found after building it?? Thanks a lot!!

[@MoserMakes]

Hey thanks! This one was for a client so the layout goals were driven by what they wanted and they are really happy with it. There are pros and cons to any configuration. I think the downside of this layout is you don't have as much gear storage due to the large rear wet bath.

[@eddielalowskibmx]

What a build! How did you do the curved shower curtain rod?

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! It's just a flexible curtain track. amzn.to/4bsOlSm

[@MarcoMartinsM]

Incredible as always! I really appreciate your videos, it's such a good learning space, thank you for sharing :) May I ask how much time roughly did you put into it? I am considering building one DIY and I am just curious.

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you! Too much time on this one haha! You can really put as little or as much time into a van conversion depending on how detailed you get with each part. My very first van conversion I didn't track closely but estimated it at about 400+ hours. Each van after has gotten longer not shorter as I've increased the level of intricacy of both the woodwork and the built in systems (and significantly longer - more than double - on this one).

[@recess677]

Wow those shim blocks are cool for your roof fans. Did they come with the kit?

[@MoserMakes]

They are from vanlife outfitters. In the past I’ve typically used the adapters from DIYVan (also great) but those promaster shims are cheaper and worked great.

[@christiancarlson8107]

Nice work! Definitely a craftsman. What do you think about running all the wires into a conduit so you can run new wires if needed?

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! Good question and a little complicated but I'll try to answer as best I can. I think it can be a good idea in theory but may be hard to execute effectively in a van. The biggest issue that comes to mind is that fitting conduit everywhere needed would be hard as there aren't always good wide passages for wires between wall sections within the van and often you have to fish wire through smaller gaps and hard to access areas. This varies a lot between the different manufactures too. I don't think it would be worth trying to cut holes all through the inner wall structure for the sake of running and conduit and also access is so limited inside many of the wall spaces that I don't think you could easily cut holes anyway. Running the conduit at the wood framing level (outside metal van structure but inside wall panels) probably wouldn't be practical as the wall framing would have to be thick to accommodate the size of the conduit (size depends on number of wires inside - lookup conduit fill tables). Beyond this, once you start talking about a closed conduit system you need to adhere to NEC conduit fill rules otherwise you can run into issues of wiring getting too hot in the conduit. Inside the conduit you really need to use single conductor wires as opposed to a bundled wire as the conduit size for wires in their own containers would be impractical. Then once you switch to individual stranded wire you run into other issues like how NEC prohibits running high voltage and low voltage wires in the same conduit which would then mean separate conduit runs for the 12V and 120V circuits. it becomes a slippery slope of figuring out an effective way to do it inside a van from here. If you search around on the sprinter-source forum there are some old threads on this with some interesting discussion. I've dug through some of this in past when trying to come up with my idea of wiring best practices. I think I had searched around the terms "conduit" or "Smurf tube" to find the threads. If you want to be able to easily change or add wires later then it may be more practical to just plan to run wiring outside of the walls and hide it inside cabinets. Or you could use pieces of conduit or closed loom (no split in the side as the split gets trouble some when pulling cable through) through just certain hard to reach wall sections you may want to run wire through later. Leaving a "pull string" inside the loom would additionally make it easier to a pull a wire through later but a narrow fish tape could also probably navigate it.

[@neglectedloves]

Fantastic build and great video, but how long is the van? 136 inch is 3,45 meters which can't be, or is it the wheel base? Thanks for elaborating 🙌🏻

[@MoserMakes]

136” refers to the wheelbase of the van and is how RAM denotes it from the larger 159” wheelbase option. Inside this one is about 10’ of buildable space

[@MzBrown-yx5re]

I really like your work. Do you build out vans for people?

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! This one was for a client but currently I’m not booking new full conversions for clients. Instead I’m moving toward testing out a build-to-sell model.

[@CNormanHocker]

Where did you run the line for the condensate from the AC/Heater? Are you using it to aide with water collection, or is it channeled to the outside? It would be an interesting concept.

[@MoserMakes]

It is channeled to the outside. It passes down the back of the floor to ceiling cabinet and then goes out the floor and drains underneath the van. I'm not sure how much water you'd be able to collect but interesting thought!

[@dansul28]

Very genius, love it, only thing is the fridge if it can a bit bigger without the drawer over it. ***** excellent job. Just a question, how much that cost build same design on transit? Please let me know.

[@MoserMakes]

Thanks! A larger fridge may be possible, but if the galley cabinet got any wider the bed would have less opening width available. Moving forward I'm moving away from client commissions to try out a build-to-sell model.

[@brendawarner1342]

Are you not worried about the heat exposed to your batteries?

[@SAsh-zg6ln]

I would like a bigger bathroom instead of this one with a closet. I also wish there was a residential style toilet with bidet in there.

[@TeutonicNordwind]

Incredible build! You do a really excellent job of expelling things and your thought process 👍 I don't see anything about your A/C though in the links here or your website. I also tried searching your YT videos with key words of "air conditioner", "air conditioning" and A/C but can't find anything. What brand is it? Are you satisfied with its performance in hot weather? Thanks, Dan in Michigan

[@MoserMakes]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate hearing that. The A/C is the 12V model from Undermount A/C. undermountac.com This van was for a client so other than the initial testing (which was before the weather got really hot) I haven't used that particular A/C in depth. While not a cheap A/C, it can pump out a lot of cool air and is supposed to be more efficient being a split system verses a rooftop unit (which loses efficiency from the evaporator getting warm since roof units get beat on by the sunshine).

[@TeutonicNordwind]

@@MoserMakes Thanks for the reply. That is a pricey one! I'm getting ready to start a Promaster build and that price tag is crossing the line for my budget. People do rave about that type of system though. You put out great content 👍

[@laotu3776]

How much total, parts and labor, not including the van?

[@kimroberson2931]

@mosermakes, where did you get the bathroom door?

[@MoserMakes]

It's the "Stoett Nautilus Retractable Shower Door" and they are designed with RVs in mind. Here is the amazon link: amzn.to/4dIOTFB

[@HaDoan-vc3us]

Hi Moser, what strip led light did you use?

[@MoserMakes]

Hi! I used this one mounted behind a recess at the bottom of the cabinet: amzn.to/3KB6l1u

[@karenfranz7262]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AlbanianRS]

How much would you ask for this van?

[@rebeccadunn3979]

What kind of A/C is that please? Awesome build!!

[@MoserMakes]

It’s the 12V model from UndermountAC

[@rebeccadunn3979]

Thank you!

[@thatdudefromthefuture3346]

Wont water get in from the heater? Incase you drove into a little bit high flood water?.

[@MoserMakes]

Hey that's an interesting question. I don't have an exact answer because I've never had water enter one, but here are my thoughts. This is the standard method for installing these heaters (due to intake and exhaust between on the bottom they are designed to be installed on the floor and vented under the vehicle), and I've never heard of this being a concern. There are versions of these heaters for hydronic systems which are very similar and are usually mounted totally underneath the van. If water was entering the heater then it would mean the water is above the interior floor level of the van. If you were in water this deep you may have other problems as well like water trying to work its way in from the door seals.

[@allancruz8115]

This is the Best van conversion. How much for you to build me one?

[@yuegan1939]

I had my mind on rear fixed bed until I see your design. Maybe I can sacrifice the ease of getting in/out of the bed to get a shorter van🤔

[@MoserMakes]

pros and cons to each! you do sacrifice gear storage space by not having a rear fixed bed.