How To Build The ULTIMATE Conversion Van

A quick look at what I did to update the electronics in my 92 Vandura!
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[@rwdplz1]

We have a 2002 Econoline conversion van, I'm bookmarking this video so I can go back later and make these modifications when the economy crashes and I'm living in it down by the river.

[@AshelehsA]

Looks like your time has come.

[@moretrash4you]

It’s getting worse by the day

[@user-ht5ce2it3z]

Yeah, how you doing man?

[@baronvonkaiser9912]

hows the river

[@noahmccleary2562]

Is that you Chris Farley?!

[@DielectricVideos]

Nice work! I'd definitely recommend powering the inverter from a different battery than the starting battery. Cranking-style lead acid batteries typically don't last long under deep-cycle conditions, and you also wouldn't want to accidentally run your starting battery down while in the field. The shore power connection is a great idea. You could even make an automatic transfer switch using a large relay, so as to automatically switch to shore power if it detects shore power, and then back to the inverter if the shore power is disconnected. I would even suggest looking into lithium iron phosphate batteries if you do install a separate storage battery, as they have better energy density than lead-acid batteries and typically have a cycle life of 5000-7000 cycles. If you're willing to go even higher-end, you can even go with lithium-titanate batteries, which have a 10,000-20,000 cycle lifespan, albeit at lower voltage per cell.

[@NicksGarageDoorService]

I was going to suggest a separate battery as well. Adding to your info, there are companies (I think Painless Wiring is one of them) that make dual battery setups with an electronic solenoid isolator so with the key off the batteries are separated, allowing you to run your “house” battery as long as it will put out power and not have a draw on the engine battery. Then when you fire up the van, it automatically connects the “house” battery to the van system and the alternator will recharge both. May want to consider installing a higher output alternator to compensate. Another plus to this is if you leave something running accidentally and the engine battery dies, with the flip of a switch you can connect both batteries together and emergency start the van.

[@MrWoodfiddler]

A suggestion for your Iowa winters would be put a better, weather-proof a/c plug at the shore/extension cord connection. Or have the ability to pull that plug inside so as not to catch all the road grime/salt where it would be protected. Great old van. Bulletproof drivetrain and comfort to boot. How do I know? I bought a new GMC conversion in 95 and daily drove it for 14 years and 160k, and 3 girls loved it. Chuck in NE Kansas

[@eaduece]

Dayum!!!

[@mattp.7002]

I had a 1974 GMC Rally STX van that I used as a Scout Van to haul Boy Scouts around in. It had a 350 V8 and a Rochester four barrel carburetor. I always had trouble with the points ignition, so I updated it to the HEI ignition. It was a really good running van after that. On one of the first campouts we went on the boys kept mooning other cars out the back window, so I built an entertainment center that sat between the front seats. I built a wooden box and put short nap automotive carpet on it. I installed a DVD deck in it along with speakers, an inverter and a tv. I wired it up so I could control the inverter and other functions with some toggle switches and relays. It worked wonders and kept the Troop entertained so they stopped mooning cars. It was a fun project and worked great. When I sold the van I kept the system I built and have used it in 3 other vans. I just bought a 2018 Chevrolet Express van and I’m planning on setting up a second battery with an isolator so I can run the system without killing the van’s main battery. It’s cool to see your set up, thanks for sharing

[@Digital-Dan]

Now I know why having the fire extinguisher was so important.

[@JustinDaniels]

I certainly wouldn't trust the wiring setup. I don't think it can handle the load!

[@vampirwrr]

@@JustinDaniels what load? curents in this instalation are minimal.

[@JustinDaniels]

For one thing, the heater...

[@jamesgill5511]

@@JustinDaniels He also mentioned putting a 'portable AC' in there. That means it would be pulling its power through the $10 power strip in the rear overhead. Those strips are only meant to power TV's/DVD players/computers and such. The manual for most AC units will instruct you to plug DIRECTLY into an outlet because the manufacturers know most extension cords/power strips are crap. I have yet to see a 'portable' unit that pulls less than 800 watts, but more than one power strip melt down running high amperage loads. A short can easily cause a fire before it trips the 30 to possibly 50A breaker at a camp site hookup. It's why RV manufacturers put in a second dedicated breaker box with breakers sized to the specific components they power. He has over 30ft of un-fused, and branched, power wire running from his 'hookup' and through his van. Everyone wonders why manufactured RV's cost so much but never take into account that they have to comply with building codes for things like the 120V power systems(or crash testing, DOT regs on propane systems, etc).

[@JustinDaniels]

I know, and I don't even think those power strips are designed to handle as much current as an AC draws.

[@BuildProne]

You should put an ssd in your xbox for faster loading and better survivability while driving.

[@justjarsvan104]

I have a 1998 Dodge van but has been turn into a livable van and honestly its was way better than my GMC I had got a hundred and something thousand miles on it Dodge Ram got it for 1500 and I love it. Any van every vehicle will and has to be fixed sooner or later but this is the best thing I've ever invested in.

[@davidgrason161]

WOW, I really love your van. I also have a 1992 GMC Vandura 3/4 ton that is so similar to yours that it's uncanny. Even all those silly wood panels on the dash, doors, throughout the headliner are virtually identical. Mine has the 350 with the TBI and it runs like a real champ. And you're right. It's very easy and pleasant to drive. It is somewhat top heavy because my van is a mobility van with the very heavy wheelchair lift and I've always got at least one of my parents' power chairs in the back. I like the way you wired in your accessories. That inspires me to do the same thing. Thanks for a great video.

[@ProducerLare]

Awesome Van!👍👍. Wood was the way of the 90s Conversions!🤣 About 12yrs ago, I had a 94 Suburban that was also converted with wood accents, tube TVs, etc. I also “updated” it at the time. It was great to travel in but unfortunately I didn’t take any videos/pics of it... social media wasn’t really a “thing” back then lol. Keep the awesome content coming! 👍❤️👍 P.S. I also had that exact same “mood lighting” running the length of the vehicle in the middle & both sides...I pulled it all out & converted it to LEDs...saves a lot of draw...⚡️

[@MadStiles]

Shaggin Wagon!!! I love conversion vans had one in my 20s . It was a blast! Great video buddy.

[@DUSaggin]

i remember taking a trip from North Alabama to New Smyrna beach Florida about 600 miles there and 600 back with my Grand Parents and Cousins in a chevy van exactly like this one, one of the best memory's i have with them. these vans are pretty reliable, roomy and comfortable.

[@terryroths4254]

I had a 87 Chevy conversion van and the girlfriend and her 4 kids loved it. Back seat made a nice bed and frig worked great. Her brother liked it to so I sold it to him. Still going.

[@ruwithlee1970]

Do you run everything off the engine or Batteries when static? Ever think of adding Cheap Solor cells to the roof? I would add airbags in rear for added ride stablity, add on for over load.

[@ddd228]

You can add2 solar panels and and an inverter, if you wish.

[@antiqueshistoryandconspira3791]

We had a 1990s chevy astrovan. We got it to transport stuff to the farmers market since our gmc cargo van died. For a while it was also the family van. A few years ago, we were going to cape cod, and we were taking the van. Took a lot of convincing to get our dad to take us, but we got him to. At some point in the trip, maybe an hour along, the van started to overheat, and we had to go back home because the engine couldn't take it. Sold it a few months later because of that overheating problem got worse. It was sort of sad, I liked that van.

[@josephsperrazza3082]

We use to run a custom van conversion company , all your wood trim , windows and furniture ,came from Indiana, creation windows , flex steel , Goshen seating , everything else built in house down to the patterns , jig saw , and table saws , and a router , fun days .

[@guyroy4857]

Well done young man. I’m looking for my next G20. Very rugged, these vans can jump a curb, or jump over a RXR crossing. I recommend painting the roof white.

[@djentyman4002]

13:35 AC/DC power..... hell yes. Rock on brother 🤘 lol

[@junkman6456]

Ha! We had one like this for our workshop to transport the heavier spare parts to the sub-dealers. It was a 305 3-speed with a squeaking and rusting body but its hauling capacities where famous at this time. A competiting Euro 1.5 ton was more then the double price of the Chev. Basically crap and poor quality but it was FUN! YOU found a decent camper. Nice!

[@CallMeAdam2023]

A good idea for your inverter issue might be to find a wrecked small RV in a junkyard and if there is one left grab it up for your van. Usually the inverters in RVs are plenty large enough.

[@96tyren]

I personally prefer chevy vans 😍 my dad had an chevy g30 1991 I think it was, interior by starcraft, loved that van 😊 had over 200000 miles. I love it when I see chevy vans on the road, especially here in Norway cause there aren't many left 🤔

[@96tyren]

The van my dad had, had the bench back that you could transform into a bed 😊👌

[@mitchellnelson6249]

I can admire all the work that went into your setup but I can't help but smile thinking about how simple my ecoflow river pro will make my van electrical 😁

[@uber2tuber]

We need to talk! I have a 91 chevy G30 and a River Pro as well. But I do need to do some of the wiring he has done for 110v and DC outlets in the back, and especially for the lights in the back. Or do you just move the river pro around all the time??? seriously need to know how to do this. Thank you for any help!

[@SpringdaleJim]

nice van, beautiful '65 rambler next to it

[@tedpreston4155]

The transmissions are a good feature, and the engines are too: if you wear out a Chevy smallblock v-8, there's just no engine on the market that is easier to find a replacement, less expensive, or easier to find a world of maintenance and upgrade parts. I drive a Chevy Express conversion van, a few years newer, but very much like yours: overstuffed blue velour seats and chunks of oak trim screwed onto the interior surfaces everywhere. They are nice variety of stealth camper as well. AS long as you're careful about using lights inside, camping in a conversion van allows you to park nearly anywhere. Conversion vans are common enough that nobody looks twice at one and imagines that it's a camper rig.

[@fazerainbow5674]

fanstatic video kevin i love trucks and vans like this always wanted one or have the chance to camp in one its one of the thingds on my bucket list lol and this van in such good shape not a dent rust or anything on it not a thing love the interior color really like the set up you have and the ideas you did or going to do in the future thumbs up and shared

[@TheHermitHacker]

Nice van. I'm rebuilding my 79 wide body trades maxi van! Less than 20k miles, no rust. High top. 360 engine!

[@PatrickCiuch]

Really nice van, but you should make a board to have all connected at the same time and switch automatically if you have external power or dc power...

[@jacklyons2557]

Clean install, ingenious solutions, all terrific. All that blue plush, though. Nothing says "lingering disco era" quite like a plushmobile. On the other hand, it was comfortable and durable -- as is obvious here -- so, as one who is all thumbs, they're all up for this one.

[@kingrastatv802]

Your van conversion is 🔥 big inspiration

[@asmith5090]

I have a 1992 ford falcon with solar panels and generator propane for heater cooking and hot water heater for showers I love your videos thank you

[@theyoyokill68]

The van of my dreams !

[@jackiepope1742]

Omg this is the closest that I've seen that matches mine so closely though mine is an 85 . I'm on my own so really it is just like I got it . I really wanted to convert it but doesn't seem to be in the cards for me . But hoping i can get a few tips that can make it a bit more doable for living in. Thanx for posting

[@traviswoody629]

A level kit would be great on it. Maybe a little bigger tires (highway tread) would also make the look a little cooler. Everyone lowers them but if your gonna use it and camp that's not feasible

[@SoCalSlaughter]

You can get 12v TVs from RV places so it can run off the battery/solar.

[@ddd228]

The bad news: they are expensive.

[@eirik_halvorsen]

Very nice van! And some of the similar concepts with power that I started on with my caravan. Pretty simple, pretty smart 👌

[@Treylopez1997]

I now at this moment want to do this because it is the perfect road trip van

[@ShadowWolfIA]

Wish I could find one of these vans for a good price but the prices are so high anymore. It's also nice to see another Iowa guy

[@BlazedOrange29]

When the conversion is rockin don’t come a knockin

[@MadMaxx570]

Gotta agree on teh transmission thing. Now, i am a GM kinda guy, but love the other brands aswell, but MAN, i have just not encountered many oldish Fords with proper working transmissions. Got two 1994 E350 vans for scrap money, BOTH has the "blinking overdrive light" and jerky shifting issue. Error code readouts basically translate to: Something is wrong somewhere, dang vague crap

[@bren42069]

i have a gmc g3500 van i built out and lived in it for 3 years. the tbi engine never gave me problems, everything that's broken on it is basically my fault for not knowing how to take care of it. had to do 2 water pumps and a radiator, the suspension is worn from me not knowing i needed to grease it, etc

[@curm1778]

Aw, man. What a sweet, sweet ride. Best vehicle in your fleet, you say? Easiest to drive you say? Given the average condition of the rest of your rolling stock I am unsurprised that the cleanest, best maintained, non-rusty car you have is the best to drive. Irregardless of any of that, you did an awesome job thinking through your power problems and getting it wired. Now screw down all that electrical stuff. It'll rattle like a maraca back there.

[@NOWAdwaltz]

Chris Farley would be proud lmao awesome build tho man you made me wanna get one to do something like this

[@Zecrid.]

BTW you might want to add a vent and a fan to that Xbox. Consoles don't like not having air flow...

[@coltenwest9309]

PLEASE MAKE MORE VIDS ON THE F250 please I have been watching that series and I’ve fell in love with it please post another

[@truckerenoch8824]

I'm not telling you what you should do, but I will suggest you at least consider going with a LY6 mated to a 6L90 when you do the swap. They're extremely abundant, easily run 250,000 miles before a rebuild, quite cheap, easy to find parts, decent torque and they're also designed for use with a transaxle, if you've ever thought of doing a 4×4 conversion. First place I would look for one is, a wrecked, or rusted (low mileage) 2007-2013 Silverado HD, Sierra HD, Suburban HD, or Yukon HD You could be at max weight (with a trailer) and still pull through the mountains with ease!

[@IDR1219]

This is a cool van!! I need one of these for travel with our kids!

[@lougonzmart9466]

I loved your van!!. How much You play for it?

[@classicjoe8014]

Weather lady was predicting cold fronts

[@uber2tuber]

Awesome vid! I thought it was just going to be about xboxes and tvs.. lol. But I love how you did the wiring! I have a 1991 Chevy G30 and will be using a power station (ecoflow River Pro) for power needs in the van. I want to try to take your concepts and use with it. The inverter in the River Pro is only 700w, but I am not going to be powering tvs or anything super heavy. Maybe a compressor fridge down the road. I love the trickle charger to the van battery! One question, I have read that van/car batteries are inherently limited to about 200w (I believe that's if you are trying to use the front cigarette lighter only). So how does the inverter get to 1500 W on its own? without a battery? I love this concept of your wiring because the front cigarette lighter is not working in my van, nor the radio (which I don't really care about)... so this shows me how to get around that. And my van does have a shore power plug in already, so maybe this will be a little easier than I thought!!!... thank you so much.

[@josephpacelli3691]

Something like this would be great for storm chasing, would be an office on wheels practically and a hotel in 1

[@midwestmonsterhunter6034]

Digs ur a freckin genius but u might need another couple fire extinguishers just in case buddy.. great build

[@KaltrinaDemiri]

this is the type of van i want for myself to convert like this

I like how he doesn't lay directly under the TV. 😂

[@DieselDoc78]

Love the ubiquitous tach on the dash as well as the pornscreen, I mean flatscreen TV. Man, to be your age again! Live it up kiddo. Be safe and keep bringing us kick ass content. You and VGG rock!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

I have a f150 Lightning from that era. Similar drivetrains as the Ford vans. It’s been super reliable for me. No problems with the EFI system, or anything really. The e4od trans seem to pretty good too. Not sure if they used those or the aod in their vans...? The Chevys definitely were simple. Simple is good. I agree about the Dodges. Junky. Still see plenty of Fords and Chevys from that era on the roads. Not many dodges tho. Just my 2 cents. Others opinions can very. Isn’t that great though.

[@NikolitheRussian]

I genuinely want this so much. If only I had space.

[@americanpatriot3638]

I must have this van!!

[@Partywithbighomiemontez]

How much did it cost ? I'm trying to buy one

[@AwesomeGames56]

What a beautiful setup.

[@jamespaulson5486]

Be careful with grounding and that inverter, as they have a floating ground and not a grounded neutral like 117 Volts at home. You hold onto something that s plugged into that standing outside you might just light up your world.

[@IntheringwithCoach_Cha-Ding]

Where is the outside security cam? Its a fly van though. Respect.

[@ddgatewood71]

I've been wanting a van for so long!

[@AdamSNook.]

what a awsome van great job on the entertainment i wouldent want to leave this van ahahaha

[@mamateee4981]

I have a 95 vandura. I'm too scared to start pulling things out and trying to update them. It has an old cassette player in the wall. I want to put a charging station for my kids phones and games, but I'm afraid I can't mount it well enough for it to look nice lol

[@audvidgeek]

I've been able to find some Vizio TV's that actually run on 12 volts. I Cut the power brick off the cord and wired them directly into the 12 volt electrical system in my campe

[@aaronlockhart9491]

You had me at TV on the ceiling ;).

[@waynepfremmer9921]

So going back to that fuel injection, can you put a four barrel on the newer vortex 350 with spider injection? Without swapping the intake?Or can you only do that on throttle body injection?

[@BigWave6890]

God I wish I knew half the stuff you were talking about

[@AtomicDiecast]

How do you fix a burnt out side marker light on that van. The white rectangular one.

[@LOCDLIFE]

What size is that TV? I have a 92 GMC Vandura. I want to take out the stock tv and put in a smart tv.👍

[@portermcsorley]

Wait wait wait now hold on a minute...is that a 1965 Rambler Classic in the background?

[@Passive50]

Great setup..

[@engir63]

Why have you not put a couple solar panels on the roof of the van, or got a suitcase setup?

[@finnenjr]

was that a dubbel deck casett player?

[@donaldhairston6604]

how does the winter effect your van

[@CATDADDYDIESEL]

I got the same Honda generator lol

[@kaseykurtwood7175]

As a 19 year old girl I know nothing about cars/vans lol, but I love this van. Can anyone tell me how much something like this would cost to buy? and do places like carmax sell these types of vans? thank you :)

[@langer24106]

I love how you can get to about 1/20th of the engine...

[@fp9097]

You can go solor powered for under $100.00 and save your battery

[@60EFFIE]

A challenge to Luke, build a similarly cool conversion/camper vehicle! Do it!

[@JunkyardDigs]

He's the one I got the idea from! He also has a van

[@vincebenego8548]

get some lithium batteries and a higher wattage inverter and only use the sure power to charge em batteries.

[@turkeytrac1]

If you have the space for 2 extra batteries,why not put n a small solar panel, that way you don't run down the Van's battery?

[@dennislynn2955]

Nice van.

[@spencersand2754]

I don’t like vans but that is freaking awesome

[@bodge6886]

Lovely job guys 👍

[@fedorkorolev6088]

What is the multimeter brand? Like it

[@426superbee4]

A van is like a mini motor home > i can live in one Nice to pull over take a nap any time you wish! Or go on long trip, camping, hunting or fishing Dam motels and hotels Are way to expensive, 100 bucks a night for a cheap motel NO FREAKING WAY i run a generator with batteries . so i can use either one! A/C is a 5000 btu window unit, ITS LIKE ICE COLD. I cook in it too a 700 watt micro wave and propane stove as well

[@denniscoughlin7437]

Woods better than plastic!

[@VANESSASBLESSEDLIFE]

*super cool*

[@aaronwright497]

They are fun to drive lol

[@jenseninterceptors]

I like the van but I love the weather girl ;)

[@JustinDaniels]

Does the built in audio system work, and does it have at least a CD or tape player? Also, does the dash air conditioner work?

[@skooby_doobie_doonkann3334]

Do the strip lights work

[@nataniaeliana]

Whats the size of the TV in the front?

[@EFTProf]

Or get a panel on the roof and plumb it into your a/c and d/c system.... 😁

[@krussell2713]

Dumb question real quick, I know what the drive train is but what does LS stand for

[@cavalierliberty6838]

The chevrolet LS series of engines. It is the code on a vehicle's option list, starting with LS and ending with a number between 0 and 9. Popular models are the LS1, LS3, LS4, LS7, AND LS9.

[@henry_03_03]

What size rim and tires do you have?

[@joeydrumstix]

What is the size of the Samsung TV mounted?

[@SRNCRX]

bro does your model have a hole in the floor between the rear passenger seats for a table top? My dads 1989 had a table that went into the floor :D

[@jimmywarledo4930]

Where was the junkyard?

[@hughsonj]

I'm triggered by that bare wire on your external power cord.

[@ColeMilesThe]

Would Love your help with my 1987 G20 I am purchasing soon! Let me know how I can get ahold of your shop!!

[@ColeMilesThe]

My 87 is in complete stock condition and I could use the help as the first project I've taken on. I'm looking at using it to live in for a while before moving. As a former OTR truck driver I'm cool w the small spacing. Just want the creature comforts. Mine has the port hole in floor and table. Etc... like I said would love to get ahold of you and willing to pay for your guidance on this venture!!