HOW-TO CONVERT A VAN | Full DIY Process in 21 Days

🚀 FREE online training - Zero-Cost vanlife: www.diyhero.me/
📖 The Van Conversion Guide Book: bit.ly/2WERxIN
🎓 The DIYhero Course: training.diyhe...
After selling my old van for more than I bought it for three years ago I embarked on building a new one to keep living a 100% rent-free life - doing the things I love, wherever I want and hanging out with amazing people.
My first van - • How to convert a Van i... - gave me three years of travelling around the world and some really amazing times - at first, it was hard to imagine how I could make it better for my needs but somehow I managed a HUGE level-up. This might sound like hyperbole but it's not, this new van has a super-king-size bed, a bigger kitchen, table & seating for six and a hot outdoor shower.
How to convert a van - the best van I ever made: • The Ultimate HOW-TO Va...
SOCIAL
📸 Nate is on Instagram: bit.ly/2ZVaHri
🔥 Check out my girlfriend’s channel here and chuck her a sub! bit.ly/2KqIoM9
She is also on Instagram… 📸 bit.ly/2YT3CGA
And… our gf Ella is too; bit.ly/2BkiYe0

[@MDHGames]

I have no intention of converting a van at this point in time, yet I can't stop myself from watching van conversions 😂

[@Moranah]

I've been there. 😅

[@domo3552]

Yeah I'm in the same place. One day though, maybe I'll take someones van from them for a fair price? I couldn't do all that work!

[@connectedevolution]

I want to convert a van ASAP. I just don't have the money needed to complete it.

[@armedjester81]

I watched them for over a year before i was like "eh fuck it, babe lets get a van." Little worried about how fast she said yes but so far so good.

[@MrHSIE]

Same. Don't have a van. Don't want a van and yet I follow the adventures of 6 #Vanlife channels daily / weekly.

[@singletrackdan]

Came here for the hot babes, but it's just some dude building a weird house

[@justicewarrior9187]

I think you didn't see it till the end.. You build a van and the girls come 😏

[@reeemoooo8356]

Shit made me hella lOl!

[@awanawan9730]

22:30

[@phoenixalexander8310]

cause thats not inappropriate

[@burtbrasket1683]

Yo Tambien

[@freddibblee541]

Did his "14 day" Transit van conversion a couple of years ago. It took us 45 days! So be aware you need all the tools, workshop and you will probably encounter Tears as well as the Blood and Sweat! The ebook was a good help but like all things- for the 1st time it takes ages and 2nd and 3rd it gets quicker and easier. Good luck and give yourself loooooooads of time if you're doing a van conversion.

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks for watching! 📖 Get the Van Conversion Guide here: bit.ly/2WERxIN 🚐 FREE Parts List: bit.ly/2ZypQE0 Don’t forget to Subscribe for more! Thanks

[@andyLS4]

Hi Nate - Great conversion again. I bought your build guide for my first conversion then after 2 years recently re-did lots and improved it. Again, your conversion has shown me some bits i'd like to pinch. Where did you get the table runner/rest from? And where did you buy the fold out speaker brackets from? Thanks, Andy.

[@NateMurphy]

@@andyLS4 Check ebay for something like caravan table rail, or table slider rail and the parts should come up. They are used a lot in T4/5 type conversions and are fairly cheap and adaptable. The speaker brackets are just folding hooks from Ikea.

[@vishy696]

Oooo

[@_Daljinder_singh_]

👍👍👍

[@-M0LE]

The best things about these videos is I’m watching and learning new ideas but also thinking what I would do differently. So I definitely recommend to anyone planning on doing a build watch loads of this videos and read the comments and make a plan before you start, plan it all. Thanks Nate for another great upload.

[@bornfree2237]

FINALLY! A video without fluff for people that know how to build, but are learning to adapt building on a vehicle.. The most efficient 36min on KZbin so far.

[@faeline_]

I'm only a 15 year old grade 9 in highschool but my boyfriend and I dream of making a build like this! Our goal is to complete it by grade 11-12. I'll make sure to use the products you've used to make this great build, every aspect of this build is such a genius idea. This video and your channel really help.

[@christianperez7038]

It's been a year since you commented this and I'm curious to know if you guys are still together.

[@jurimatula7008]

@@christianperez7038 ahahahh

[@kristynkazumi]

@@christianperez7038 now it’s been 2 years and I’m even more curious lmao

[@romatou18]

I find this work amazing ! but same as for other videos or IG about van conversions: it looks and end up more expensive than anything ! Such luxury, everyone has different goals and wallet size but in my view a DIY van is first and foremost a way to cut cost on a factory made RV. Also putting so much wood at all cost for the looks would end up making this just so heavy and bringing the matching petrol consumption and environment unfriendliness. I would like to see sometimes videos about how to make a van i.e. keep the weight low and looks good but without going crazy on i.e. electrical, quality thick and heavy real wood etc. Just including, as in the current context or natural resources becoming more scarce, economies of petrol and material in the the requirements. Just a point of view but I don't think I'd be the only one to think this way.

[@punchinface123]

"Remember, Nate. Remember why you're doing this." Cuts off to girl on girl out in the mountains. Shit, that would motivate me. For real, tho. My girl and I talked online for months then finally met up with each other in the Rockies for our first week together, since then we only think about traveling. Now it's my dream to surprise her with a van we can take anywhere.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Nicely done build! My build's going to have a longitudinally (lengthwise) 1.7 meter wide bed that slides (curves) up to the ceiling in the very back to form a nice couch. The 1 meter + of room created at the foot of the bed will have a slide out table at the top of the storage bed - base with two wide, comfy seats facing eachother on the floor (widthwise to the van, supporting the bed with table between when bed is down) with storage underneath. Saves a TON of space! Got the idea from a Swiss engineer van builder in a smaller Sprinter. Brilliant. Metal bars for bottom support, and curved notches in the walls for support for the layered bed are necessary. But worth it!

[@jm4672]

This was the best and I mean the very best band build that showed everything so I could understand it and you didn't leave nothing out Harley I really do appreciate that thank you so much Nate awesome van build the best out of every KZbin I watched for the last five years honestly thank you

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks! And thanks for watching & commenting

[@DukeOfChirk]

If you think you’ve been clickbaited? 22:30... yep, there it is..... BUT WATCH THE WHOLE VIDEO! IMO it is genuinely interesting and very informative. If you have moderate to good DIY skills, thus project should not be beyond your capabilities. It’s a very impressive van...

[@georgehumphrey7178]

I don't think it's worth building in such a rush. Take the time to finish everything nicely: you'll be looking at it for years to come.

[@NateMurphy]

The trick is to do it well and fast.. either way not easy. I mostly do it quickly so I can move on and get on with something else (have a house in Catalunya which needs to be totally renovated). The van is a tool to help me do this so speed was of value!

[@in-the-vanpeter5157]

Nate Murphy , good answer Nate I do love comments like that generally from someone sitting in their pants who never get further than saying one day I’ll do that.

[@georgehumphrey7178]

@@in-the-vanpeter5157 oh no! I didn't realize that we've met before! You've exposed me as the pant-wearing, lazy fruad that I am! 😢

[@cansfloatbottlesdont857]

George Humphrey Lol!😂 You’ve been exposed!!

[@superplanetbruh]

M8! you are a master, not just van building but editing videos, perfectly used time, all the info without wasting even seconds of watch time. thank you. also the 21 day factor really inspires confidence as some van builders take half a year to complete their build, I am descently "handy" and seeing half year builds really scared me as to how long this would take but after seeing this i think i will take about 2 months to build mine since it wont be full time.

[@harryjones94]

Like the idea of gluing where possible instead of hundreds of screws through the bodywork.

[@mztwixed]

Nate, your skills are so awesome to see. Your mastery makes it seem effortless which makes it all the more remarkable. Watching a master so skilled is like watching ballet. Seriously. Thank You for sharing your talents with us.

[@rubyabbott5675]

One of my fears of using a drill is that when your drilling it’s like the wood or whatever is screaming in pain

[@HalkerVeil]

Everyone thinks a crash is perfectly head-on and the battery will go straight. The reality is most head-on accidents are off angle and the battery can end up anywhere in a cone aimed toward the front. It needs to be strapped down with metal ties to the vehicles frame. Wood frames might as well be paper fodder. It's also about people in the other car that can be easily killed by that cannonball battery. If it was not strapped to the frame, as the law requires, then it is negligence and involuntary manslaughter. Even when the accident wasn't your fault.

[@adventureaways1534]

If Nate ever made a van build without wearing Flipflops i would be shocked!

[@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath]

My dad always said never trust a guy wearing flip-flops

[@andrewcgillespie]

That is the coolest build I have ever seen. Way better than any commercial build by far, and such a cool video, well scripted, and interesting. A fantastic job all around. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BrokerBasil]

Awesome video of an entire build - kept my attention for 35 minutes! I have a Sprinter van ready to begin conversion in northern CA but fear what takes you 3 weeks will take me 3 years (if I ever manage to finish, that is - need a backup plan).

[@NateMurphy]

Aw, just work as intensely as you can and it will happen faster :D

[@rigatone]

Outstanding conversion and having the 'shower area' outside the van was a great move, freed up a lot of extra room and no drips of water inside an internal area.....I'm only new to these ideas and off to learn engineering so this is very inspiring

[@IMTHATN1NJA]

I imagine this dudes kids one day while he’s tryna get them out the house saying “but dad I don’t have anywhere to live” and he’s like “give me threee weeks” lmao

[@simoncooper8272]

People seem to forget the waste water tanks designed for caravans with wheels and handle designed to fit under the van emptied and stored within the van whilst traveling.

[@MrHSIE]

Well done Nate. Great video. Really, really well edited and good breaks for a little humour to lighten up the content. Impressive build. Not over the top yet something anyone really could achieve. Lived the foam knife. Good job all up but.

[@cuanmuyllaert6930]

I'm not sure if you realize it or not but by hinging your solar panel you have made it possible to catch lower winter/Evening/morning sunlight. Bought your book for future conversions. Thanks.

[@NateMurphy]

Yeah, it can be handy if you really get low in winter!

[@bwest6275]

Thank you for the detailed BTS build log. It has convinced me to buy a van that is prebuilt for living :D

[@w12f97]

One of the better videos I have seen on Van Conversion.

[@ScoobieDee]

What sort of thumb nail is this ..... I haven’t seen the conversion vid yet but I am wondering if Nate’s got another new business up his trousers!!

[@0xstev3]

my guy's living the dream. TWO CHICKS!!

[@scriptorium-in-candelight]

hes got something up his nickers and I think its a surprise lololo boys will be boys

[@colsonj929]

@@0xstev3 Dumb ass bros. 🤢🤮

[@NZdiagnostics]

Tip... those particular fans fail very quickly. To avoid having to replace the whole fan, just fit a wall mounted reversible speed controller available for a few bucks on ebay.

[@acandy7]

“Sacrificial finger” 🤣 ❤️

[@frankfromupstateny3796]

Nate,....your lady only makes the videos more powerful. Keep her in the videos. She's a nice addition. Hope I've stated this, without offending anyone.

[@moved2bitchute779]

This was very impressive. The competence and problem solving 👌

[@stalnaker576]

Was skeptical at beginning,but by end,thoroughly impressed! Alot of effort,but came together beautifully.

[@latishasanders1511]

U make everything look so easy. I'll just have to hire u.

[@Andy001z]

Great build, your waste tap water supidly simple solution went right up my flag pole. Fantastic use of the KISS method. Happy camping and climbing.

[@NateMurphy]

Yeah, its been a real winner!

[@300leothelion]

Sold the 2 birth caravan a couple years ago with the intention of buying a 4. Built an extension instead. No money for another caravan. So next year I’m buying a Mercedes sprinter and going to do what this chaps done. Bloody good job mate. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@imjody]

😳😳😳 Nate, you are INCREDIBLE at van conversion!! If I were to ever be rich enough, I'd love for you to build my future van home, if I were to ever convert. 😍 You could make so much money building vans for other people, I'm sure! This was amazing. Absolutely mind blown by your knowledge, and the beauty you create, and how you can foresee all issues before they ever become one. LOVED THIS!

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks Jody! Appreciate your positivity & thanks for watching!

[@xianli8494]

I wish someday I can make a van house like you do and travel around US. Mark my word here.

[@peggychapman7835]

Genius design congratulations on your new home design congratulations on your adventures You are an incredible young man Many blessings

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks 💚🎉

[@typhoon420]

22:28 remember why you doing this :)

[@soljahSlim]

Good looking out now I'm gone!! Lol

[@alejandronunez7650]

best part tbh btw.. xD

[@Jason-wm5qe]

Thanks, you saved us a lot of time.

[@IvanWheatman]

i hit the like button hard on that one :D

[@judahnanas9772]

Clickbait!

[@dellunn7026]

one of the best step by step vids i seen, spec about how to fit the batons ect, really really helped me out to work out how to do it, thankyou

[@NateMurphy]

No problem - thanks for watching!

[@hfortenberry]

"Safety flip flops", LOL

[@a64738]

One thing to look out for when it comes to insulation that some of it burns like gunpowder and is a real fire hazard... Tried to insulate my sailboat with some very good thin extremely cheep insulation but when I tested if it did burn it was absolutely horrible, it did burn almost explosively and I removed it all and used much more expensive insulation that to not burn like gunpowder.

[@zetacon4]

I totally approve! You have done a wonderful job. Glad to see you were so careful with gas and electric. It is surprising how much work goes into a very small place you are turning into a living space. Looks good too.

[@u3962521]

Loving the shower is on the back instead of inside, much prefer that. If you're in anywhere that isn't minus 20 outside this is a much better set up than an inside shower imho. You have space to stand for the shower.

[@NateMurphy]

I will never go to somewhere -20 :D

[@Natascha1979]

Drinking game: Have a shot everytime Nate says basically!

[@clayh2766]

so basically, what are you saying ?

[@Adam_Adam_Adam_Adam]

I just played the Nate Murphy drinking game where you take a shot everytime he says 'basically' and now I'm basically hammered!

[@NateMurphy]

Not nearly enough typos in that comment - watch it again! 🍺🍺

[@amycarrasquillo2952]

Aw Nate...say it ain’t so!! Did you seriously give in to the clickbait lure. I would be disappointed if I didn’t laugh so hard!! You do you! Respect! 😉

[@NateMurphy]

Haha I dabble from time to time. Mostly its a really cool photo. Thanks for tuning in and commenting again :D

[@amycarrasquillo2952]

For sure. I love your content - in truth, I started following from your first build, but continued cuz your content is different. It’s not all climbing, building or regular life. It’s all of it & makes me think in the process. Side note, of all the builds (and I’ve seen tons) I find yours to be the best use of space without compromising aesthetics of it. So very practical & simple. I do have a quick Q: LOVE the shower setup! But do you have any issues with the inside/bedding getting a little wet? Do you cover it with anything before you shower or do you find since the water pressure is fairly modest, there’s no issue with splash back?

[@NateMurphy]

@@amycarrasquillo2952 That is cool, thanks for watching along... I do notice you often appear in the comments which si cool & appreciated. The shower - it does have a bit of spray as it bounces off you so I just put my towel over the edge of the bed and its basically good. The pressure is pretty sweet - as are the temps!

[@euroovca25]

it looks absolutely incredible... i wish i had one like this so i could get out and clean my head.. live a little off grid for couple months.. years

[@-M0LE]

euroovca25 I think once we take the plunge we might be addicted for life. I would like a small building just for a permanent base for post etc

[@FreedomStrider]

three years to buy a new van, 3 weeks to convert it

[@ginnyhorn2708]

Love it! Makes me feel a bit more confident in doing my own build. Yours is perfection. I understand so much more after watching. THANK YOU NATE!

[@bobholmes65]

These videos are so interesting I can’t stop watching. Well done mate!

[@WorldWalker23]

Insulate with carpet underlay. Especially if you are doing your house carpets and they are clean. Stuff it in and you will get loads of sound deadening. My transit van rear doors sound like a Bently

[@christophecaron7105]

Fantastic van conversion, great job! It's very inspiring and gives us lots of good ideas. Great video as well.

[@MrMJBall]

Looks great! But you've got a large water tank, waste tank, pumps, heaters, gas bottle, battery, inverter, cupboards, stuff in cupboards, you as a driver and a shower all down the right hand side of your van... Needs more balance!

[@hotcrazycatladyme168]

You should include the artists/songs from the music you included in your description! :)

[@MsSingingcindy]

Impeccable workmanship.

[@lurekayaklrf]

How to convert a casual browser into a subscriber more like aha ✌🏼

[@MrKeenaz]

This Nate is the best build I have seen to date. Not dragged out over weeks and having to wait and not to mention the excellence in your crafting skills and usage of space. Well done buddy and thank you for all the pointers. Regards, Mario.

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks Mario!

[@daddygeek4463]

Here for the Thumbnail!! 😛😛😛

[@MaxKoenig-Mk001]

best Conversion video I've ever seen. I'm planning for a few months now and watched hours of videos, read articles and stuff. But you showed me all the small details that I wasn't sure how to figure out yet!

[@NateMurphy]

Glad you found it useful!

[@ricroflxD]

Great build like always! I'm nearly finished with my build where I used many of the tricks that you showed also in this vid. I would appreciate a sequel upload though explaining how to install two lingerie models onto my bed.

[@tdivyak]

Great idea on the table via the kitchen cabinet and so many other great features.

[@bc-kelley]

Just trying to figure out how to fit a composting toilet in this build!

[@Zappa943]

Get that mask off your face.

[@bc-kelley]

@@Zappa943 rude much

[@livityvillage5659]

Thanks for really showing how to convert a van into a home, details....

[@g.s.5110]

"Check my girlfriend's Instagram. ...and our girlfriend's Instagram." Me:

[@cake3291]

did he really say that lol

[@mauroangioli4819]

Complimenti sei stato davvero bravo a trasformare un furgone da lavoro in un camper puro. Hai fatto un' ottimo isolamento, degli impianti gas, elettrici e idraulici, fatti davvero bene. Inoltre avere rivestito tutto in legno ha reso davvero piacevole e accogliente il tuo mezzo. Complimenti. Un caro saluto dalla Romagna. Mauro.

[@michaeljohnson7009]

Great vid, lovely conversion.

[@sliderrider88]

Hey next time you need to cut mattress foam try a large serrated bread knife. Works like a charm. Nice build!

[@rachel.doremi6974]

“Secret to building your own van is to see and wait what Nate does and copy it” - the idea of the channel, lmao

[@iZilly]

One thing with these van builds is that i feel that far too many is choosing to have a bed taking up so much of the space, why don´t more people use murphy beds that can be put up the sides and create more floor space in the actual van if you do not have the need for a large "garage" under the bed?

[@CathyWs]

I thought you would have used the excess mattress for the chair instead of buying foam

[@anthonyrmay1502]

Thank you very much indeed. My VW Bus is waiting for chassis repair, new floors and other panels (including a Westfalia roof). After that I shall incorporate your design ideas which are great.

[@jfarrisdesigns]

I'm getting the feeling that a couple of the folks commenting about the ladies in the thumbnail and intro pic don't realize that they are the ladies that he sold his old van to.

[@jennfarris9812]

K R ah ok, I assumed she had gotten the van because she said “thanks for the van” in her pinned comment which was why I even made my comment. I kept seeing men with their “excited” responses and wondered if they even saw her pinned comment saying it was her and her gf.

[@jennfarris9812]

K R as for the objectification, she knows it’s there and it feels like she has pride in the photo and pride in her relationship. I can’t control the decisions made and being angry about it isn’t going to change things so I just took it for what it was intended to be which is an intimate and loving photo during a camper van trip.

[@louisleclercq9372]

Actually love these videos rewatched both like 20 times. Brilliant job mate

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks Louis

[@franks.5069]

Hey Nate. Really nice build. I'm quite curious why you made different design decisions for this new van. Do you plan to make a video about some of the reasoning? Cause seeing the end result of a van build does not necessarily show all the experience which had to be gathered to get there.

[@NateMurphy]

I might do a video on this - I will think about it

[@monkeh22222]

At 29:37... you don't need an electric carving knife, just a carving knife because in the next shot what you have built out of stanley blades is..... a carving knife!! In my line of work I cut foam all the time and use an ordinary carving knife - just make sure it's very sharp.

[@NateMurphy]

Haha makes sense!

[@sexyladyakb]

Wish I had a man that was down with this lifestyle at least on weekends to get away from the rat race lol

[@SoMooLand1nine7]

Im waiting for the one too

[@askey316]

Gave a like solely for the foam saw.... Bravo!

[@gcrichlow17]

The ebook idea is genius, so is monetizing your process💡

[@zanilhyder5859]

Very few bother to have ebooks or tutorials. Welcome to my channel give me suggestions.

[@Jarv263]

You have to be so careful using expanding foam, it can cause bulging and affect the adhesive supports on the side panels. Don’t over do it.

[@ynech]

Lovely mobile home.

[@issaeloiardi3232]

بني زينب

[@thomaskriekenvander3276]

one comment, i think you should always paint the holes you made throu to the outside. just to prevent rust forming, and prevent long term the paint.

[@stuartcraig237]

Hi Nate. Given the substantial nature of your conversion, what did it do to the vehicle's available payload?

[@NateMurphy]

About 700kg based on the weigh machine at the local quarry. This leaves about 800 for load.

[@stuartcraig237]

@@NateMurphy great - pretty substantial

I watched the 5-minute commercial for your precious labor, meanwhile I made my filter coffee. Congratulations! It is very nice

[@harrietartes]

Love this conversion - such a nice surprise for your gf!! Just wondering how much mileage the vans you buy usually have? :)

[@lee121280]

Yeah that's a good question, that hasn't been answered. I'd like to know. But I think you gotta put yourself in the "generic" buyers shoes. I've been looking at vans (to buy) and many of them are high milage, which isn't something a buyer is going to like. What I am seeing are lots of people carriers, with ramp conversion, at much lower milage (reasoning is obvious) (throughout the brands) of similar prices to there related vans. Enough of them seem to be in the 20-40k range. Personally I'd be delighted with a van (deisel) with this type of milage. I start getting sketchy once we're hitting near 70k-90k, from a buyers point of view. One thing I can tell you, is that most people don't know a great deal about milage, but once they see triple digits they seem to shy away towards the doubles, even if it 90 odd. Those who know, know a well serviced deisel has a lot to give, but for the general public, without performing a survey 😂, I think the above sounds ok ish +/- 10k 😂

[@thesecretsquirrel5935]

Nice Channel. You are an entertaining kind of person. I have done refits, but on Yachts. My own Yachts. Buying them cheap, Old one's, neglected and doing total refits. You have inspired me to have a go at a van. Great channel. keep it up.

[@bikereadychanchal]

He literally slap the back door differently. 😶

[@garotanomade]

😅

[@jempuka73]

As a Finn, If it looked like a sauna it would Be cool. I wish i was you because on the end it looked so cool😎

[@sofia-uw5dt]

25:47 SAVAGE OML

[@MrZimmaframe]

6:42 for anyone using a junction box like this, use "IP68 20mm glands", they will be a lot more water tight than a dob of silicone, lol. 😄

[@CMM5300]

Cool, where the chicks? I've been click baited. Anyone else fall for it?

[@empireprotege]

Why are you clicking on thumbnails because of hot chicks in their panties anyways? If anything you deserve to be clickbaited, you're the type who clicks on it. ;P

[@Nan-59]

21 days. TWENTY ONE DAYS!! It took you 21 days to accomplish what it would have taken my ex 21 YEARS, yes! TWENTY ONE YEARS to do! BROVO!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 (Wish I could hire you! I’m 62 yo lady and my camper. Needs. HELP!!! ☹️)

[@CMM5300]

I wasn't interested but when your thumbnail is like that!....

[@pinkmarshmallow352]

Just got to say, this video has my full attention, I'm not in the market for a van conversation, just enjoy watching the process and the finished end result, I so enjoyed your well explained,enthusiastic attitude, fantastic result! Loved the flip flops! Lol. Happy traveling! 😘

[@NateMurphy]

Thanks & thanks for watching :)

[@donner101]

"I met someone else when you were in London"

[@NateMurphy]

I hope she is hot!

[@SteHughes90]

Next time you cut foam just get some resistance wire and make a hot wire cutter, it's how it's done professionally.

[@Diana-hl7cg]

oh my god. i extremely dreaming for a husband like this.

[@manugr2303]

Thank you for the cool tutorial. But what's missing is a bunvh of coloure to feel more familiar and home like! And assecoirs