How to build overheads/upper cabinets for your van conversion | Vanlife Conversions

[@jackwilliam2965]

Your scribing has opened a whole new world for me thank you.

[@vanlifeconversions]

thank you!

[@Christina0623]

Good morning from New Jersey, USA. Love your channel. You've taught me more and have given me wonderful ideas for my forever van. 3 more years and I'll be living full-time vanlife ❤

[@vanlifeconversions]

Christina Williams amazing thank you for your comment. All the best for your van!

[@Rob555ism]

The scribing method is more than worth the entire video. Superbly done video. Five Stars

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thanks so much

[@sarellac5008]

This is the best video about how to do this cabinets! Tysm!

[@vanessence4340]

Great guide for beginning builders! Is there a video for the cupboard fronts?

[@Tlwstg17]

Good afternoon from Canada. What a great idea, and lightweight too. Just what I am looking for.

[@brianmi40]

NOTE to builders: You should always fasten structural elements in your van with Rivnuts and use angle brackets with through bolting, and not screws. Rivnuts far exceed the holding power of sheet metal screws, and are not subject to rust where the screw meets metal, where usually only 1/16" of metal around the screw hole is doing the holding and has to do so for 1,000s of miles of rough road without weakening. Also, angle brackets with through bolting requires the plywood be torn apart rather than simply stripping out a wood screw. Most DIYers have no idea of the forces imparted during even a low speed collision. That is why RV manufacturers and trade van outfitters always use rivnuts. Build as if your life depends on it, as it may very well one day. In this build he can get away with this a bit because of the shower wall that runs floor to ceiling and will help strengthen the structure. But without that dividing wall of the shower, these would be significantly under attached to be safe. I'm also not a fan of MDF being used in van builds. It is not as strong as plywood and is subject to moisture degradation, which is why code does not allow it to be used in mobile home sub-floors any longer. To me, it's just not worth the small savings.

[@louiswalsh8585]

Rory deely

[@errolmagill1611]

Totally agree - the average person is not aware of how deadly unsecured items can be in the event of an accident - they become missiles. Anyone who builds a camper van has a responsibility to make it safe and not just pleasing to the eye.

[@brianmi40]

@@errolmagill1611 Absolutely, and eventually this will end up in court, where a passenger dies and sues the builder for obvious unsafe design. There are videos of people installing kitchen sink cabinets made out of PARTICLE BOARD being held with a few self tapping screws...

[@junglist32]

Hi B, I'm refitting a crafter that I bought part converted. Do you think it's possible to drill through the batten and into the van rib to install a rivnut for overhead cabinet without taking the entire ceiling down? Also, thanks for the video. Definitely using this method!

[@brianmi40]

@@junglist32 we'll give some thought to it and try and get back to you driving right now

[@musicalbabysteps9863]

Amazing very short and straight to the point ! Really easy to understand thanks so much.

[@vanlifeconversions]

So glad you found it useful

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Love the van build on the Relay...I. Doing also same van L1H1 looking fwd to seeing all the videos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🚐

[@manny-perez]

Exceptional work, that is some excellent carpentry work!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you very much!

[@1anonlyedwiltshire]

Damn Ollie these vids are so good thanks a million.

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thanks so much!

[@jallen881]

Hey. Great video and came in really handy. I am struggling with the gap, where the wall meats the ceiling. I’ve no idea how to attach an “angled” piece of ply. Any hints or tips? Keep up the great demos! They’ve helped us a LOT 😊

[@OIII-IOOO]

great tutorial. thanks for posting.

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulgartner3051]

Thanks for sharing!

[@angeeelalala3657]

Thank you so much for this video! It is so helpful, you explained everything beautifully!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leiamaras]

Finally someone who can work with the metric system. Subscribing.

[@romatou18]

man your scribing technique and explanation of it is by far the best I've seen!!!!

[@slaavichii1129]

Great tutorial and advice. Thank you very much.

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fibranijevidra]

MDF? Are you kidding?

[@gnarlyfox]

Too heavy ??

[@fibranijevidra]

@@gnarlyfox Isn't?

[@lkazanov]

What’s wrong with MDF? It is dimensionally stable. Holds paint well. What is the alternative, quarter inch Baltic birch plywood?

[@fibranijevidra]

@@lkazanov Well, if Baltic Birch is good enough for aerospace industry, it must be good for you too. ;)

[@Clowningabout001]

Clown!

[@makinganarrowboatwithnannyandg]

Great job👍

[@thejspotvlog]

Nice video Ollie btw do you have a video of putting the cupboard doors on ?

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

Im rebuilding an old caravan and this helps me so much. Thank you!!

[@MyBarryboy]

what a lovely piece of furniture. I enjoyed watching the construction and learned alot. I'm going to use this framework method to build my kitchen overhead cupboard with driftwood facia. thanks

[@darrelmyer935]

It was a little flimsier than I expected. I had to add a 2x2 piece of wood to the bottom on the rear side in order to stabilize it better kzbin.infoUgkxXTh-lz-8W6GcB219vTLp27-MxbZYObBX . It is also starting to bow a little at the outer wall ( I've had it up for about 6 months), I've already had a shelf tumble down because of the bow and the fact that the little shelf brackets are quite short. I went out to home depot and got some longer ones so that the shelves don't tumble down again. Overall, it looks very nice for the price and it holds a lot ( I use it as a pantry). I am very satisfied with my purchase. I just strongly suggest reinforcing it before putting it up.

[@hermanherman5550]

Very helpfull video. I am almost finished.. However I miss the second part: fixing the cupboard doors. Did you make a video about that part also?

[@nicholasabbott6922]

Not once ounce of wood glue.... shame on you.

[@AndreasEUR]

MDF?? Couldn't find anything heavier? :P That sucks up water and moisture even better? MDF can't handle water at all afaik ? Why not plywood?

[@Tabs-Caps]

Very good work and step by step. The scribe technique I learned on your channel will be a game changer in my build. Thank you for doing these amazing videos.

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you so much for your comment it really means a lot to us. We are pleased that it has been useful

[@daviddring8692]

You could really do with a better mic for when travelling. Couldn't hear loads of dialogue

[@claramerlino2413]

How did you actually attach the structure to the van? You say you screw into the ceiling framing, but anything else? That alone doesn't seem strong enough

[@cosycamperconversions]

hi Ollie love your videos. Can you tell me do you cut an angle the back of the frame to secure level into the sloping ceiling? Or is your ceiling level!!

[@HC-oy3jr]

Excellent video sketching prior to building awesome tip. Thanks man

[@nirwin]

For the middle struts of the frame, why use 2 pieces of wood instead of 1?

[@vanlifeconversions]

It just gives the door fronts something to rest on that is equal on all sides when you open it up

[@sarahdotkrause]

please more videos like these! the scroll pencil trick was awesome, you are a great instructor, I could watch hours of these videos and take notes

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thanks so much, will do!

[@sarahdotkrause]

@@vanlifeconversions I am looking at buying a scribe but realized you just use a piece of wood and a pencil for yours. It's my first time making cabinets or using a scribe so I'm wondering if this is easy enough to do myself with a piece of wood i cut to size or am I better off buying a scribe tool?

[@wendistraight6425]

Hi! First, thank you! This looks to be far less complicated than some other upper cabinet builds that I have seen and your instructions are very clear. Quick question, though - Why use MDF as opposed to something like baltic birch? I'm just nervous about MDF around any kind of moisture (which will invariably exist in a van).

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you, we ensure all sides are painted with moisture proof paint when using MDF

[@wendistraight6425]

@@vanlifeconversions I'm still curious, though....Why MDF instead of plywood?

[@glennclark762]

@@vanlifeconversions Surely using a lightweight wood is better and mdf is heavy?

[@anvanhilderson6001]

Can you tell me what the weight is?

[@JonathanR13]

What size pocket hole screws are you using?

[@jamieniche]

Nice work, I always prefer using a proper scribe tool (compass type)

[@imcurious1009]

this isnt a tutorial.. its watching some dude build his cabinet.. no instructions on how to measure.. bad cuts.. see ya!

[@Josasil454]

Thanks for the video It was amazing. I´m brazilian and I would like to know what wood did you use for the structure, because I didnt understand. Thanks

[@christopherclark8373]

Pine for the structural pieces and MDF (medium-density fiber board) for the bottom, ends, and dividers.

[@daviddring8692]

Why don't you use 2x2 for 2 central posts. Instead of 2. Of 2x1 .

[@hairball1006]

Excellence in simplicity, just add glue.

[@jamalet-taheri5221]

i have to say that the finishing work is neat and beautiful just watch one v log of yours and can not wait to watch all them thank you for all clear details best of luck 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you so much 😊

[@BenTedesco]

How did you mount this to the roof?

[@ryveralexander8511]

Thank you Sir, I'm trying to pickup bit if pieces knowledge on how DIY van conversion. I check some more on your channel, God bless everyone!

[@fellow-earthling-5369]

MDF is very uncommon in vans because it it has poor specific strength (strength/density) and is not moisture resistant. Do not recommend for van applications.

[@martynholder1971]

as a carpenter l was surprised that your wood joints were not glued

[@FreedoomRock]

Especially in van van glue everything

[@bobbyfischer6786]

I didnt know LEONARDO DE CAPRIO was buildi g a van lol. Full power m8. Keep on keepin on

[@sampayne6318]

Nice video. How come you used mdf instead of ply? Cheers!

[@vanlifeconversions]

It gives a nicer finish once painted. It is best not to use it on lower cabinets and paint all sides to prevent it taking on moisture

[@dakarios]

Great video with easy-to-follow instructions even for beginners. However, I'm missing instructions for installing the front panels including the opening/closing mechanism. Any follow-up infos on this matter & how you've done it?

[@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431]

Do you know any good carpenter in West Sussex Hampshire area. Want to have cabinets made please.

[@questioner1596]

Was that a left hand drive Jumper? I thought you were in the UK?

[@vanlifeconversions]

Yes we are, we converted a LHD last year

[@Merlinsluck]

Great video. Thank you.

[@tiaaleo]

THIS! Bless you!!! ❤️

[@PINKLUNAMOON]

Isn't mdf heavier than plywood? Also damp sucker...

[@figueredoruley8050]

There are many similar projects in woodglut's plans.

[@demonhogo]

Wait, we’re not just supposed to eyeball it?😩😩😩

[@AnthAmy]

Another fantastic video, amazing job, well done!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thanks for your continued support!

[@figueredoruley8050]

I have done very similar with Woodglut designs.

[@iannorth5958]

Good work Nice job👍

[@imanenigma3348]

Good info re the Rivnuts. I would like to add in place of the humble self tapper on thin sheet metal, regardless of what you are trying to fix, descent size diameter, large head pop rivets have their place on brackets and fixtures you don't wish to remove all that often. They can be drilled out if need be and fitted correctly, with the load in mind, have good long term holding power with the added benefit of matching similar metals where is a concern. Think of those lovely stainless steel self tappers going into your mild steel roof or other body locations of your vehicle and the electrical current running through same, Galvanic corrosion. The windscreen stone guard on our Toyota Coaster got the pop rivet/anti corrosive sealant treatment, after years of miles flogged the self tapping screw holes out. Not the be all, but an often overlooked fastener alternative, when the correct style/size is purchased and not from Bunnings!

[@imanenigma3348]

Sorry "where corrosion is a concern"

[@alnicholson4344]

You make it look so easy.. But I'll follow the steps and hopefully all will be well

[@robinbakker1342]

Wow man this is such a nice tutorial, really gives me such a good overview and gets me really wxcited to make my own cupboards!!! Thanks!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad I could help!

[@louisscudamore3071]

Good chippy! Fair play mate. I had a go but it didn’t come out as well as yours! Always struggled with drawing stuff out on paper and relaying it accurately

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@-_AjB_-]

Please can you tell me which gas strut you use? Thanks

[@passenger3]

Nice tutorial 👌🏻 I like the 22° angle at the bottom front of these that some have done

[@djdrogs]

What about the doors?

[@LoveUrLife365]

Fantastic video mate! One of the most comprehensive and enjoyable videos. Straight to the point with no useless chatter, awesome pro tips and entertaining music!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thanks so much!

[@LoveUrLife365]

@@vanlifeconversions I just want to follow up that I have finished my campervan build on my 2020 Ford Transit 22ft. I followed your cabinet build instructions and am ecstatic about how sturdy and easy it was to build Forever grateful for you sharing your knowledge!

[@paulus47]

nice build however never use MDF in van builds! it consumes moister

[@mariorossetti9275]

really awesome technic...thanks a lot for sharing ...lgmario😊😉🙃

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@craftythecamper7318]

this was so helpful thank you so much!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angusdrum]

What happened to your jumper?

[@misterrob3513]

Brilliant. This is how I'm going to do mine

[@AlanMacdougall-c2w]

great video, easy to follow and covers everything, thanks

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matsf8268]

mdf is not that light

[@ginapieroable]

Do you have a cut list

[@seboo123]

Nice, but, no glue? :O

[@Justkissthis]

Damn he made all that look easy

[@ToniReviews]

What is the depth of your cupboards?

[@vanlifeconversions]

They vary for each van but roughly around 30cm deep

[@nmartin5551]

Great instructions! Thanks!

[@mafffew9700]

That was such a helpful video- thanks very much

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@findmeintime]

So professional, thanks for outlining the sketching and planning part

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you so much 😀

[@karlalliban]

Thanks for the great video. We will use this for our current build 🙏 What is the tool you used with the freehand circular saw to get a straight cut on your plywood? I definitely need one of those!!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Its a track, they are great as this saw sits inside it so you cant slip or move off the straight line

[@karlalliban]

@@vanlifeconversions great, thank you 👍🏻

[@johnduncan4887]

Awesome video, much appreciated!!!!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doraexplora9046]

Noice !!!

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Great video. Clearly a very skilled professional

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you very much!

[@barry-cq4xg]

Great video, full of detailed instructions and tips.

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful! thank you

[@extramedium3920]

Best scribe tutorial on the tube. Thanks!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Wow, thanks!

[@erikaamac2727]

Thank you so much. Great video.

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joycedigiovanni9719]

Great design and technique

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you

[@predragv.365]

Great great video 👍

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you 👍

[@saater92]

thank you! i will make this one

[@vanlifeconversions]

Wonderful!

[@muminavan]

Great video ❤

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you!!

[@junematte3441]

You make it look easy, great job!

[@vanlifeconversions]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnmca5643]

Great information.....thx

[@vanlifeconversions]

Glad it was helpful! thanks

[@NotJustSawdust]

Oh, come one. brackets inside as an alternative for not being able to use some simple joinery? This is not light weight, MDF in the same thickness is heavier than plywood. This has nothing to do with building a decent cabinet.

[@gawainelewis1234]

Totally harsh reply. The MDF comment is reasonable. Not all of us have the skills you clearly posses

[@jimmibram]

Great advice on the rivnuts vs screws. On your build, do you have experience on the wood dimensioning? It seems to me that you could save a lot of weight halfing the dimensions?

[@TucciDaGucci]

Right...I knew a 10min video wasn't going to properly explain.

[@Dickie2702]

MDF has no place in anything described as lightweight. When it comes to scribing forget all this garbage you see online. Just set a pair of compasses to the necessary dimension. I have done this my whole working life and am still using the compasses I've had since I was at school.

[@fr4163]

I like to put this on as I’m going to sleep as it’s so fucking boring

[@petegaskell4274]

It helped me out a lot actually, with my build not my sleeping, glad you’re getting some use out of it too