HOW TO build overhead cupboards in a Camper Van

[@sheyedlington9046]

Hi Mel. Iv just started following you. Love your work. I'm hooked. I will join as soon as I get a new card 😂. I have a Swb Iveco to build. Feeling a bit apprehensive, I'm officially an OAP and my knees hurt 😅. Thanks for your natural humor.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi thanks for your positive feedback really appreciated good luck with your build make sure you get a little step my knees hurt for all that stepping in and out the vans all day 👍🤓👍

[@sheyedlington9046]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Top cubourds build is awesome. I'm now loosing fear on this part of my build, one ticked, lots to go 👌

[@Chasingthesun2019]

Flipping amazing man!!! Thank you soooo much for sharing this build. You have saved me so much anguish. 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You’re absolutely welcome good luck with your project 👍

[@davidmeadowcroft7626]

Great video. Very informative. Cheers Mal and Dave

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍😊👍

[@bulletrogers]

Thanks Mel. I built my cupboard from your last video. Worked out so well. Thanks once again.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for your encouragement and support really appreciated

[@denjack2542]

You're awesome! Thank you so very much for making this video. So simple and just what I needed. Im so grateful to you!!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterdavies7828]

Nice work nice and simple but very professional thanks Mr Mel👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍

[@ROUTEPLANNERPAUL]

Think that's the best way to build overhead cupboards. Great vid Mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@andriesvanr3422]

Thanks man, your step by step approach is very helpful. And your up-lifted attitude also is by the way :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really kind of you good luck with your build 👍😊👍

[@peterbakker2572]

Good choice, i am gonna do the same to my van....Greetings from Holland.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@mariorossetti9275]

Really awesome technics.....thanks a lot for Sharing....😊😊😊😊😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Most welcome 😊

[@rayshamrock8906]

Nice to see how you make them.mell

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@rayshamrock8906]

@@BigVanSmallWorld I love all ur vidos mell you really help other camper van.youhave don amazing vidos...and you show use all ur tricks...just like to say thank for being so kinde and replying mell ...Ples feed ur 2 cats

[@marymcmanus]

I love building in situ, much like you built the bench in your van ❤️🐾

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Well done 👍

[@MrWalbudri]

Great video mel

[@katcankan7129]

I liked the extra detail video Mel 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Kat 👍

[@johneatonsr665]

Mel done a amazing job keep watching the end product is fantastic

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Members have already seen it pmsl 😂

[@johneatonsr665]

Lucky members 🤣

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

John Eaton na lucky me lol 😂 👍👍

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

Loving the easy step by step videos as always Mel. Makes the whole issue of a self build van for newbies a fun and useful experience instead of a stressful pressure 👍🏻💚🚐☀️☕️ x

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@skookumjack]

Excellent stuff Mel! Got me a gallon of that Rhino goo this week and going see how it works on my old boat..... I won't send you any photos so not to worry ha ! Keep up the great work 👍 👏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hahaha that’s brilliant let me know how you get on with it won’t you 👍😊👍

[@rucebaybruce6174]

Thanks Mel. It's a very educational video!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you you are absolutely welcome 👍

[@torywatson8663]

Going to have a go at these one day, thanks Mel👏

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You’re absolutely welcome 👍

[@arwelowen6006]

Another quality video Mel. Starting on the floor tomorrow. Not the best at DIY but got your vids to help. Cheers 👍🏻

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Owen just take your time it’s not a race try to visualise what you want to achieve and just make it as simple as you can good luck and thank you for your support and encouragement really do appreciate it 👍😊👍

[@miserablemongoose1670]

That looks great with the shelf as part of the whole unit!! Nice job!👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@keltic_nomad]

...as a professional carpenter and joiner for 30+ years, I always like to build in situ you guarantee a better fit 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that means a lot coming from a professional 👍😊👍

[@tonytca9439]

I do the same except i have a build tolerance of about + / - 1" 😊

[@Namdor2012]

Think it is the way to go Mel a simple yet effective approach especially doing it on your own, a lot over engineer the overhead cupboards but they don't hold bricks and dive weights ..Always put bigger doors on for a fancier look over a country look too, if one chooses....I see how you put the 3 mm ply on the bottom as a finish but put a solid internal shelf in as support so your back runner must be a few mm up, punters might not work that out though even though you kind of mention it pre install and don't show the installation of the cupboard shelf/bottom support..Pocket holes might be better in the front frame as it would keep the joints tighter from road vibrations and stop cracking through a paint finish...Love that cupboard with two little shelves, I will nick that idea👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers 🍻

[@BernardChestney]

Great job Mel another great video. Keep the coming.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really appreciated

[@kevinhughes9801]

Great video clever stuff

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@optomisticostomistsmith501]

Love them cuboards Mel. All goodto go in my build. I have saves tve video for reference, 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really nice to know my work has helped you thank you for your encouragement and support really appreciated 👍😊👍

[@desendean6488]

Thanks 4 sharing mel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You are so welcome hope it was helpful 🤓👍

[@alanhorbury8389]

Hi Mel , I've got similar cupboards as you but want to put a middle Shelve in that's my next task . Great vlog !

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s a brilliant idea send me some photos on Instagram 👍😊👍

[@inlinefourtr]

I have a Talbot Express Camelot which has no bed, and no place for one. so i am going to have to re do it all. You have given me some good ideas; Especially with how you are doing Johns Track day van.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s brilliant good luck with it 👍

[@philiproots5530]

excellent video mel as always and great timing as i am about to install my overhead lockers and a great way to install them.keep em coming mate, still the best DIY channel on youtube.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really appreciated so kind of you 👍😊👍

[@londonjacks8371]

Nice job on those cupboards Mel, I’m converting my Iveco and will be using your cupboard building method! 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck with your build

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

Thank you mel i was wondering how to make my overhead lockers...

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

No problem thanks for watching

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

@@BigVanSmallWorld hi Mel just about to build my cupboards could you please tell me what size wood you used for the front frame please.

[@alanthomson108]

Keep it simple keep it safe, look after your chickens -good eggs👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha that’s brilliant thank you 😊

[@patrickjobling8676]

Well me ol mate ..once agins great performance.. stella installments ..wees talkin Spielberg n beyond...get it there ..😎

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers 🍻 me old mate 👍😊👍👏👏

[@patrickjobling8676]

@@BigVanSmallWorld ya gettin good as this movie makin high fallutin lifestyle stuff ..and wees havin a few laughs along the way .. i.d say that in itself is a great achievement..😁

[@jonesdecorators]

Feedback: I’ll be using your videos like an ikea manual. I’m going to be doing my shelves exactly the way you’ve done it 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s a great compliment good luck with your build

[@davidguy6412]

Great video thanks

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

It’s always good to improve from your first one. They are great :) watching how you build yours helped me build mine :) thank you for making great videos :) 🙏😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Awww thank you that’s really kind of you 👍👍

[@peterbakker2572]

Good job, thanks...

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you you’re absolutely welcome 👍

[@irishrover63]

You could glue the cladding to the ply Mel and avoid the screws showing. I made those under bed storage drawers you made in a previous video, they look and work great. Cheers. :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s brilliant well done 👍

[@feckneddy]

Most useful particularly 9:40 ...I learned two other lessons this week No1:Transit seat bolts are not T55 torx they are actually m11 Ribe No2: thin cutting discs for angle grinders do not like sideways force at all and can 'explode' in your face ! (PPE, use it or get on the list for a guide dog )

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh my goodness me hope you’re ok 👍

[@tilly1950]

Hi Mel GREAT JOB & WELL MADE . Robbie U K

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you Robbie UK that’s really appreciated 👍

[@garrybeard7718]

Top job mate well done looks great.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@jimmyreuben6919]

As for measuring as you go mate, whatever works for you it's gotta be right ain't it. I'm just starting on mine today putting in the floor. Wish me luck never done this before 🤞

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good luck take your time keep it simple you won’t go wrong 👍

[@danielpoltorak7172]

Most people seem to cabinets after walls, do you prefer doing it before the walls? Why? Starting my build and love your videos!

[@TheGoodlifeoffgrid]

You are a god thank you this helps me a lot 😊👍

[@marks-0-0]

Just the same way i built mine Mel. Light, strong and budget friendly. I used 38mm square CLS for my frames and i plan to have sliding doors insids the openings. I am struggling to find 'plastic double u channel' for the runners though! Does anyone know where to buy 4 metres without having to order 100 units? 😉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Sounds great 👍

[@kevinmoxham7456]

Hello Mell, great video, ive just started looking at methods or plans to build my own overhead lockers. Your designs and ideas are good, i think attaching at the top and botom definately makes for a strong design, i will be copying if u dont mind, including the little shelf on the end. Thank you Kevin

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi Kevin of course I don’t mind you making yours the same that’s what I want you to do it’s an honour thank you 👍😊👍

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

Hi mel , I just had a look around my van (winnebago explorer ) the 3mm panels are glued and stapled ?I wonder if its a weight saving ? Looks great mate now go change your cabinets ,,,,, always something hey ,,,,R.J.T

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s really interesting and yes never finished 👍😊👍

[@feralfreebirds]

ahhh ROCK N ROLL tshirt smile every time !!!, reminds me of my dad, he was a builder too! (ur too young to be me dad ;) !!great video...once i get into my refurb inside..thinking of making some over head cupboards, was gunna use much thinner wood...do you really need such thick wood for the frame (in your opinion)i won't be storing very heavy things...socks n me smalls (hahaha!)n t-bags- cheers again simple 'how too' video again mel !! non of my vanlife videos are going in my inbox past 3wks... :( clicked off then back on & still not recieving them !!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you it’s up to you what wood you use 👍😊👍

[@davetinnion]

Great video Mel. It's inspired to have a go with a job I've been putting off for ages. Would you mind telling me what type of timber you used and dimensions if you can remember? Thanks

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck with yours I can’t remember the size I’ll have to try work out and do a video all about it as I get asked all the time 🙏

[@simontrotter2678]

What do you do about the central locking? I see you fitted some separate locks, are these as well as or in replacement of.? Sorry being out of context 😬

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That was up grade locks from lock 4 vans 👍

[@adventurevangirl2540]

Hi Mel ... I want to use the same hardware for your cabinets ... what are the bottom twist claps called ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi do you mean the shed turn buttons ?👍

[@adventurevangirl2540]

@@BigVanSmallWorld yes I was trying to figure out the name of them thanks so Much

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

@@adventurevangirl2540 here you go try this link ebay.us/yyarSk

[@peternorman7989]

Hi Mel, just built cabinets as per your design. Can you tell me where you got T hinges. I need them in white. I assume they are 3-4". Love your videos.👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Here you go these have the nice screws with then too 👍🤓👍 amzn.to/3voIoDO

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Here you go these have the nice screws with then too 👍🤓👍 amzn.to/3voIoDO

[@peternorman7989]

@@BigVanSmallWorld Cheers Mel.

[@simonsimpson4695]

Mel, I broke my folding work bench doing something it wasn't designed for. I thought I'd just go and buy another. It turns out a lot are made of plastic or have critical parts made of plastic. Also if you thought the metal in your 1980s or 90s work bench was thin, imagine it being half as thin again. The key message is don't break it. Look after it, cuz you won't ever get another as good again.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s so true thanks for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍

[@OLDMADBIKER1964]

You going to the international campervan show on 19th sept

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m sorry I got no plans to go

[@nickhigson7540]

Doing my shelves as we speak Mel! Exactly like this, though it's a little more difficult with my xxxhighroof Sprinter as there are few easy angles up in the rafters, lol. It all slopes inwards darn it. Cannibalized my wardrobe and chestof drawers for the cupboard doors to! Perfick size and colour...needed new wardrobe anyway.🤣🤣. I find this the easiest way to do overhead cupboards mate, though might put doors on proud rather than flush next time. Carry on the good work mate. Lovin it.😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and good luck with your build 👍

[@LostNative]

Nice one Mel, I'll add these extra bit to the next cupboard. I'll have my video up soon with me copying your step by step video. I've also realised I've added an extra bit of wood you didn't which has added loads structure upport. So you'll see that as well. Your doing a very good job. 👍 Are u coming to the national caravan motorhome fest?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks Bex I’ll keep an eye out for your next video 👍😊👍

[@jimrodda]

It's not everyday you see an airstream pass by in the UK 😀🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

First one I’ve seen 👍

[@mikepell9326]

is it easier to build an overhead unit before or after cladding the roof?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s really down to you and how you want your van to look for me I prefer to clad first so they can be removed or changed good luck 👍

[@justinsmith6296]

I thought you usually put the ceiling in first? Also are you giving him a secret safe place like you've got in your lockers lol ;)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Shhh 🤫 don’t tell anyone 👍😂👍

[@oldskoowlpebblestravels]

Mel couldn't you wood putty the end shelf on your Cuboard sand it and paint over it to hide the join line just a thought

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I could if I could be bothered lol 😂 thanks Mark hope you’re not to could it’s been crazy hot here this week over 35 c 🥵🥵😂

[@oldskoowlpebblestravels]

It has been as cold as a Mother-inlaws Kiss here the last few weeks

[@JayGadsby-in7lu]

Mel what size and top of wood are you using

[@paulfletcher4331]

hello Mel! , great video , learning every day , what kind of wood do you use for your cupboards ?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s just pine I think

[@paulfletcher4331]

@@BigVanSmallWorld thankyou Mel , looks great 👍

[@charlesgillard5157]

Great cupboard build Mel, what size wood did you use for the framework?🤔🤔

[@deanwood2332]

Mel if your not liking your overhead locker end section cant you fill in the joint and re-paint mate .... by the way i love the channel and your locker

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s really kind of you 👍😊👍

[@justaguy8223]

Lovely job Mel, I thought I was watching lukes' Van Life's dad what with you wearing your cap backwards, lol ;)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oi I’m not that old 😂😂😊👍🍻

[@justaguy8223]

@@BigVanSmallWorld lol sorry

[@nickhigson7540]

I defo find this the easiest way mate.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you I’m glad you thank so 👍😊👍

[@andrewgallagher487]

Would this work over a side kitchen in a t4

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Don’t see why not 👍🍻

[@David_11111]

yay

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers 🍻

[@MrNugget425]

I have a complaint Mel, no outtakes 🤔. Ha, as always brill vid 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you there’s out takes at the end lol 😂

[@robertlee3734]

mice one fella

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Cheers 🍻

[@HonkyHorton]

Nice one Mel. Is the solar panel in Johns window a sheet of paper? 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Lol probably 😂😊👍

[@johneatonsr665]

Haha it is just a envelope of solar lol

[@abodeless]

💙

[@jasonoliver9549]

The bed looks really high in this video, especially when u add a mattress

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes it is 👍

[@DUB-sential]

Its a race van, crossers need the room underneath.. It is high though not sure I could kip up there

[@sunnydaze6974]

Top job yr honour :)

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@andyfletcher154]

❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😊

[@project-vision9570]

👍🔝🔝🔝❤

[@bridgeworld1]

Please dont use shed T hinges !

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m not going to 👍😂👍

[@derykmacleod4979]

Everything in a van is so "un square" your better off making it in the van and adjusting to the changing angles of the van.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yep 👍

[@tonybucca5667]

Those frames look FAT! You could easily have built those with half the width boards!

[@rockoutrainbow5440]

Is this still your preferred method of building your cabinets Mel? Really helpful tips, thank you 😊🪛🔨🚚

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

hello yes 100%. was lovely to meet you 🤗

[@denjack2542]

You're awesome! Thank you so very much for making this video. So simple and just what I needed. Im so grateful to you!!!!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

You are so welcome I hope it helps you with your build 👍