How to efficiently design modular SLIDE-IN VAN COMPONENTS using 8020 extruded aluminum

[@esparka]

Unlike many YT offerings, the 15 minute length of this video flashed by in what seemed to be an instant; yet, the sheer volume of information imparted took a second viewing in order to digest properly. (Plus, you be so darn funny) Thank you George for taking the time to share your work with us.

[@esparka]

On my 2nd viewing, I find myself thinking I would want the option of requesting that the finished floor be left intact, to be cut if/when the fuel sender flubs out…. Just hide the floor square spare behind the [insert tight-tolerance location decision here] for when that fateful day arrives. Hopefully, Humble Road will consider accommodating this design substitution…

[@esparka]

Finally, my ride is the Ram ProMaster 1500 (136”) with 13,000 miles on her. And, no, I have not built her out. I have my hippy-level, small-footprint, modular system working for the camping trips I take. These modules come out(i.e. are removed) for the rest of the time, where she is, unfortunately, put to work on her regular gig. George, let us know when the HR Mini Production Design is expanded to include install for this model (tall roof). I would think eventually you would be able to modify your floor plans to fit an increasing number of vehicle offerings such as my Ram. One day…..

[@HumbleRoad]

I have on order, 3 RAM Promaster 118 WB low roof vans. These will round out my product line as the Maxi-van. Mini = Promaster City. Midi = Mercedes Metris, Maxi = Ram 118 low roof.

[@Stewbular]

@@esparka All worthwhile culture came from hippies & the African American community

[@WestyPDX]

Oh man your outtakes and rants make my day! I’ve been working my way through all of your videos as we wait for our Transit to be built and I really appreciate that we’re on the same wavelength! “I’m not OCD, I’m thorough… thorough!” … that right there is the inside of my brain LOL. Keep up the helpful and hilarious videos, and thanks for all you do for the DIY community!!! 💙

[@RussSchoonmaker]

Lol, I would like to see George print this phrase on the back of his HR shirts 😂

[@julieplant444]

Always the artist, George but the real art for me is all the beauty at the end. The lipstick 💄. You are still the best. Julie

[@kennymeehan]

Helicopter ride won me over!

[@dougmanck4149]

Love the wallpaper border. :) And the floor access port is a work of art.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks so much!

[@agentbey]

What the world need… Thoroughness and Consistency.

[@LJ-jq8og]

GEORGE: Beautifully done... LOVE ❤ your "rules of gravity" about "it will fail" coupled with "easy access." Long term interest in your customers 💪. Rules we can live life by. Sounds like jesuit advice. 😊

[@HumbleRoad]

In the dorms, I lived next door to a Jesuit, my sophomore year at Georgetown. 😊

[@LJ-jq8og]

@@HumbleRoad 💪 Do you remember their name ? I loved Father Shaw and Freeze... Will never forget them...

[@HumbleRoad]

I don't remember his name, but I can still see his face in my mind. He was rather young. That was the top floor of Old North. One of the original 1789 buildings, I believe. Horse hair for insulation. The year prior, my freshman buds and I were instrumental in stealing the hands off the clock on Healy tower. We made it all the way to the last door, but did not have an adequate saw or tool to cut through the lock. With our intel, the next assault, by our floor mates on New North made it and stole the hands. I believe the final part of the ritual was to send the hands to the Pope...

[@LJ-jq8og]

@@HumbleRoad I LOVE it.... That is too funny... BTW, sadly how times have changed at that place... NO longer "jesuit" at all... And they have "built-it up" building-wise, almost to the point you would NOT recognize it... You saw and experienced GU at its best my friend. God bless... Your success in life is a true testament to the old-GU admissions process AND the old-GU-instruction. 💪

[@mikedegroot3547]

As a retired Tool & Die maker/Engineer, your design and craftsmanship is second to none. 👍

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Mike!

[@daveparis339]

Hello George! Bella and I are wishing you well! Still enjoying the heck out of every episode; and we even sometimes go back and look at your earlier ones. Love the production line. Your genius continues to be evident in every episode. Thanks for the journey, the learning, your example, your humor, and your humility. You are a class act!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you, Dave! Always love hearing from you! 😊👍❤️

[@kellee6551]

Still Smiling and Jonesing for the next Video ... Definite Goldie Locks Syndrome ... and Rock Star Master Builder ... insert Applause. I have a 2008 Sportsmobile, which I love ... however ... I think of you EVERY TIME I need to track down or replace ... (water pump is just one) I'm sure their techniques have gotten better with the years ... I'm still in AWE of your talent and thoroughness. You Be The Man.. Thanks For All Your TIme.

[@LisaCisaPisa]

Looking forward to you sharing Melissa from Minnesota’s write up. 😊 They’re so cute.

[@stugryffin3619]

Always love listening to you talk about your work. I hope you are well, sir.

[@anthonymarino4260]

DESIGN IS EVERYTHING WELL DONE

[@howardbeacon4602]

Good morning I love how you make it easily to service what you built , these vehicles now you have to remove half the of the engine to get to the starter.

[@HumbleRoad]

Right on

[@goducgo]

You need to spec out a 25 ft Airstream. Your work is well thought out and amazing. Entertaining too.

[@lynnekerr3890]

Good morning, George, and HR fans!

[@HumbleRoad]

Good morning!

[@julietremblay1583]

The use of vacuum to remove the hatch: PRICELESS!

[@RonBrownLightworkxStudio]

You’re the boss when it comes to great van builds and Cholula! Makes all things good.

[@markmauro2569]

Even more brilliance!

[@mikefranks4528]

13:12 now that I am revisiting this video, I can absolutely attest to not watching or even caring, for that matter, the popular industry vans out there. They just don't meet our expectations as DIYers. I hate to say it, but they are not for the select few that KNOW what they want and BUILD it themselves to satisfy their check boxes. Only then, IMHO, will you truly have peace.

[@CocoaPimper]

Wonderful. Just wonderful. Greetings from Germany.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lesbowen1]

Having recently found you on KZbin I've been catching up on your previous posts. I like the way you think things through, trying to avoid pitfalls and planning for the future. Its good to see van builds that aren't a blur of self drilling screws and a lick of paint. Keep up the work

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you for your kind words and welcome to Humble Road!

[@stuartkorte1642]

Ditto on the sender access solution. Definitely shows the level of professional you and your team has. I’m with you on the improper use of OCD. You’re ATD (attention to detail) or DTRTR (do the right thing right)

[@deepsea5107]

"I’m with you on the improper use of OCD. You’re ATD (attention to detail) or DTRTRTFT (do the right thing right the first time)" Fixed it for you. :)

[@anngosselin4180]

George, we love you! You always give us great content. Look forward to your next video

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks so much! More to come!

[@mjremy2605]

Beautiful detail on the water tanks sitting lower in the floor than the galley carcass. This is genius. The water tank is so heavy that in a crash or sharp turn, it could dislodge and damage everything around it. By sinking it into the floor, the load forces on it are distributed along the entire floor which acts as a fence to hold it in. Really smart design. You would make a world class chess player, George! Always 3 moves ahead of the rest. 12:00 - A small rug on the floor and that hatch joint will remain dust free forever. Another brilliant solution to a problem. Lovely design, George. I am loving it! Thanks for another great build and video! Best from CA! Now if you could only learn how to cook eggs without burning them! 😂😂😂

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you, MJ!

[@rmsbrooks5606]

LOVE your videos!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Yay! Thank you!

[@josephpiskac2781]

Your interiors are beautiful.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you!

[@dodgeplow]

I like the rubber isolators on that pump - reduces noise. I'm sure you also know there're varying pumping noise levels depending on the type of pump you use. I sail often and the water pump noise on the average boat annoys me. The gerotor type is much quieter if you haven't looked into these.

[@leonardcroft1467]

Hey George Always Enjoy Your Van Build Videos Love The Channel !!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks 👍

[@TerryManitoba]

Another Grand Slam in Design & Functionality... Making every millimeter count! Pro Tip - Carbon Steel pan will not burn UR eggs Son-:)

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks for the info!

[@-joe90]

My real hero ¡¡¡😀

[@barryblackwood6050]

What model helicopter. Great pilot!🤣😁

[@HumbleRoad]

Ha! Bell 429

[@barryblackwood6050]

@@HumbleRoad I'm in Australia. Like your attitude of care for more than just designing for looks. Beauty fades but wisdom lasts forever!. Shalom.

[@Yumirj]

You are amazing man 👍👍👍👍

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks! 😃

[@wkw4095]

Oh my ohhh my...Only if you were a bit younger you could do this for another 5 decades. Your style and approach reminds me of Catalina yachts in the early years. After the RV craze/boom I have been tempted (like everyone else) to do a class B myself and the simpler the better. I love the water tank and systems right there with the galley....even on a full size class B. After owning sailboats I could stand in and the sailboats with "crawl around" headroom.....the extra cash and inconvenience of having a larger van far outweigh the Mini. The head bumping and sore back with those short cabins...ugh!

[@amythinks]

She's not "visiting family" she's sneaking Californians out and helping them escape to Tennessee. Good cover story though. Still in California myself. Might need to hire her.

[@Deltro61]

George. Do you normally do a cutout for a kick plate at the base of the cabinets? How is that framed out. Do you have any videos showing the construction?

[@HumbleRoad]

Normally, I do not put a tow kick under my cabinets however, in the sprinter, I have in house now I will be using a tow kick and passive radiant heat under that cabinet

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Could you use a cell phone windshield mount with a sucker cup to remove that round floor access panel?

[@HumbleRoad]

Possibly

[@docbreezy4900]

Do you recall/remember what check-valve you use for the water in-take line inside the water tank?

[@charlevoix418]

Tee Nuts have "teeth" to prevent its rotation, I assume that the screw you added assure the the Tee Nut won't pop out accidentally when inserting the screw.

[@HumbleRoad]

Correct. Belt and suspenders...

[@charlevoix418]

@@HumbleRoad BTW, I used a plastic marine thru-hull for the water pick-up tube, which is made of plexiglass and glued inside the thru-hull, a marine plastic check-valve can be added at its end. The water pump hose can be then securely attached to the barbed portion of the thru-hull.

[@HumbleRoad]

I use the thru hull fittings for my tank vents. 👍

[@fretless05]

I enjoy watching your videos and learning about building with extruded aluminum. While I'm not building out a van, I want to learn about designing and building with extruded aluminum because I'd like to use it to build some storage drawers in the back of my Ford Bronco. Do have any advice on designing the frame and drawers?

[@RussSchoonmaker]

Since you have refined the mini-me concept to a couple of standardized designs, it seems like you could have a dedicated team to building them. Assuming customer demand and supply of vans was suitable, i would think their quicker turn time would generate a more steady cash flow. Which would hopefully allow you to devote more of your time and attention to the custom vans. I suppose it also depends on whether you have enough space and manpower🧐

[@HumbleRoad]

You read my mind, Russ!

[@fountainvalley100]

To diversify the cash flow just offer the mini-me modules for sale. The customers could install them in their own van, trailer or remote cabin.

[@HumbleRoad]

It's not that simple.

[@Deborah986]

I could listen to you forever/ you are thorough and hilarious.😀. Is the pro master mini me still available?

[@HumbleRoad]

Mini Me solo travelers are built to order. I have one in the shop now and I am searching for a used PMC for another client.

[@lyfandeth]

Cut the zippies? You've got to try 3M's industrial hook and loop fastener. Velcro on steroids!

[@walter--]

A drawerbox; no better alternative to have the drawers against the 80/20 directly? Saves some weight...

[@shabazan]

Rather than a round hatch that has to be aligned, why not make it a bit of a trapezoid, or round with single flat edge? Easy-Peazy alignment!

[@HumbleRoad]

We considered using registration pins. But, one time we inserted it a bit off alignment and I liked it! I think they call that "art"... 😊

[@snarkylive]

Does water movement in that unbaffled tank cause any issues with that water pickup? Seems like if you hit the brakes or accelerated too much to might get a little blow by through that grommet as the water moves.

[@HumbleRoad]

Nope. Those grommets are made to install at the bottom of a tank. Last for years. Very tight fit.

[@ifell3]

Do you get condensation on those water tanks?

[@HumbleRoad]

no. another reason to have them sitting on a thermal break from the van chassis.

[@juanitasellshouses]

By sitting the water tanks directly on the metal van floor, doesn't that make them more susceptible to freezing?

[@HumbleRoad]

The tanks are not sitting on the floor. There is a 1/4” of plywood sheet under them. You must have missed that part of the video. Now go back, young lady, and re-watch that part! And you will still get your passing grade! 😉😁

[@juanitasellshouses]

@@HumbleRoad I definitely missed it! Thanks for the clarification.

[@bf5420]

I have been watching your videos for a very long time and I do have a question. In your videos you are using the dodge promaster city for your camping videos. What is the advantage of using the promaster city over the ford transit connect.

[@HumbleRoad]

I chose the RAM PMC over the Ford Connect for several reasons. The shape of the cargo box allows for a better living experience inside the PMC. The up front cost as well as maintenance and repair is more attractive with the PMC. And I just think they look more quirky than the Ford! And quirky is good! 👍

[@janetdupree6353]

Triumphant.

[@agn855]

Listening to him is like having a "Van Life Bob Ross"-incarnation.

[@KatyInNH]

❤

[@DrychronRed]

May I ask why you chose to use hose clamps on the input side of your Shurflo water pump? I know that due to vibration, there should be flexible pipe for maybe 6 inches on either side of the pump (or so they say) but you're taking the hose clamp usage seemingly all the way to the final fresh water tank intake. I know you use and like Pex-A, and that's what you have on the output of the pump. Thank you! I just noticed it... great video BTW!

[@HumbleRoad]

I prefer flexible hose all the way to the zone manifold, which is where the Pex starts. Flexible hose offers better vibration dampening and the hose clamps allow for easier maintenance and repair. Have you ever had to repair an Uponor fitting? Very difficult!

[@seanyounk1]

Do you ever do spray foam? It seems like it would seal everything up really nice. Thoughts?

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

Hi friend! Helicopter sound ala Apocalypse Now, talking about thanks (maybe water tank?) shooting video... is this a war against all the other mediocre warriors (vanbuilders) out there ? Sorry, Putin is killing me. 😆Love your work man!

[@brianp7938]

Very impressed w/you builds - just returned from Overland East and could not find anyone with the same attention to your level of detail - very impressive. Question, do you lose any space due to the 8020 being straight, and not conforming to the wall shape as well? curious how you handle this - assume it’s fine due to the back of the ‘frames’ being open?

[@HumbleRoad]

I "step" the verticals to hug the wall curve.

[@scotttoner9231]

Yet another typically great show - but a point to note: be careful in differentiating between “Thorough” and “O.C. D.” - based on experience, a combination is possible but “Thoroughness” provides the more correct alphabetizing to “C.D.O.” 😂

[@nfr3416]

How do I get the mini me that's available? Cost, time, options, thanks ...

[@HumbleRoad]

Email me to start a discussion [e-mail]

[@greatcesarsghost]

How much do think u would expect to spend $ on the aluminum .. I think they come in 8 foot length .. at least with wood u can make a mistake or so but with the aluminum I don’t know might be a little costly … wats your opinion I would like to know ..

[@HumbleRoad]

Aluminum extrusions are certainly more expensive than wood. It is lighter and stronger. It is easily edited and reconfigured. The waste I produce across 20 vans fits in a 5 gallon bucket. However, my builds will last longer than organic wood. Also have a higher resale value.

[@gregboyd4321]

I need ur skills. Do u sell kits for say the kitchen area. U know the sink,water, draws and do on ? Let us know pls and tanks!! Ciao till then

[@HumbleRoad]

I’m sorry but we don’t do project work.

[@aruniochoa5944]

Nice sir! Very well thought out as usual. But a commentary on some aspects. Why not use dovetail for the drawer boxes? They look so mass-produced with only 3 screws in place on each corner. Also, why use wood for the water pump mount? You could use a composite material that will never rot and should be fire-retardant or aluminum material. Lastly, the T nut can look better when they are flushed and held by a transparent composite material instead of a screw. Just my thoughts. Thank you.

[@brunogiffard7856]

What is the water heater that you use in this mini-me ?

[@HumbleRoad]

It is a point of use hand wash warmer.

[@ManWander]

any reason why you do not use crimp clamps on your plumbing?

[@HumbleRoad]

I prefer the adjustability, the stainless steel material and the availability for the end user. They are easier to work with for the older clientele I cater to.

[@hwsascha]

Always love you attention to detail but the fuel pump access is over the top. Think marking the place on the plywood would be enough. Also like your outtakes.

[@ronbrand3121]

The main reason for the access is that the possibility of an auto mechanic making a nice, clean and repairable hole in the finish floor to maintain/replace the fuel sending unit is rather slim. The CNC makes quick work of fabricating the perfectly round hole in the subfloor as well as the subfloor disc and finish floor disc. :)

[@kimruss6476]

I was stoked by your solution!

[@vinceocratic]

The real mystery here is why this guy doesn’t have a zillion subscribers

[@THeChickmagnet0031]

What tool do you use for your plus nuts? I find mine spin often. Any tricks? I use an Astro Pneumatic Gun

[@HumbleRoad]

Bollhoff 4090

[@garrisoncummins7812]

I'm a retired carpenter, George and when I am in a house or a building my eyes just go to mistakes. It drives my wife nuts sometimes because I will say look at this, look at that. It's just the way we are wired.

[@africandreamchild]

What size 80/20 are being used? They look smaller

[@HumbleRoad]

10 Series

[@sunsetjen2398]

Ace vid 🤩 Love that you ‘get’ to ponder & fine-tune 😜 Always an Adventure 🛠 Cheers 💋✨👍 🚐

[@MultiPJoys]

I'm sorry to say, I'm not a fan of the round hatch in the floor. It would annoy the 💩 out of me when the pattern isn't aligned and it being round, it will get out of line. As someone else suggested, why not make it square so it will always be aligned or have it snapped in place with magnets if it has to be round for some reason. I would actually much rather prefer the second option you mentioned, with the vinyl intact over the hatch in the subfloor and have the coordinates. You could even provide a template to cut along. I would cut a u shape so it's a flap (I'm not sure flap is proper English, sorry if I don't make any sense here) if you cut in an angle it will nicely fit again. As you said, the chance you'd have to do this is close to zero % so I'd rather have a nice floor in one peace instead of having a circle in my floor which you can't unsee once you've seen it. Perhaps let the customer choose between the options.

[@HuangXingQing]

I get looks every time I ask to borrow a pair of dikes at work but I refuse to say "diagonal cutters". I prefer to inset as many components as possible just for peace of mind. Mercedes mimics the aisle flooring of older Vanagons and just like VWs, it's a love/hate thang.

[@Greybeardmedic]

I like the access hatch, but how about laminating a plate of ferrous steel in it instead, ON THE BACKSIDE. You then experiment on how much steel and how many magnets you need to pull the access panel off (we all know how much you love to do research), and then make a magnet handle for the owner of the van. Make sure to document how much magnet power it takes to lift the panel so that you can add that to the specifications of your vans (someone is bound to lose their magnet handle) and buy some improvised magnets at Home Depot to pull up the hatch in a pinch.

[@HumbleRoad]

Magnet handle knock-offs?! 😳 I better prepare my cease and desist letter...

[@Greybeardmedic]

@@HumbleRoad The Magnet Source on Amazon: $25, now you don't need to design a handle, and you have a specified lift weight of 25 lbs.

[@ranig2848]

Too bad ProMaster City was discontinued. All of these are going to be museum pirces😢 On a different note - it seems like you’re using a LOT of 90 degree angles on those water pipes. I believe that the best part is no part. Won’t it be possible to remove some of these? Might also help water flow (though this is less of a priority).

[@HumbleRoad]

In such a small system, the fittings have not been a problem. Good pressure and flow.

[@coolworx]

3:02 I haven't heard them called dikes since I was kid.

[@lyfandeth]

Bottom burned: heat too high, pan too thin. You know some things can't be rushed.

[@HumbleRoad]

Words to live by..

[@nbc902]

on the mini: since the water tank is on the floor of the van, how do you keep the water from freezing on those cold nights?

[@HumbleRoad]

As I mentioned, we lay in a 1/4" plywood panel for the tanks to sit on. That acts as a thermal break. And if the van is in use, with a person inside, I highly doubt the interior water tank would freeze.

[@snidelywhiplash6862]

Thanks for NOT beginning each video with: "What's goin' on everybody?!" ...like the rest of YT.

[@RussSchoonmaker]

Or saying, “…And now, without further adieu, let’s get started”😏

[@HumbleRoad]

I respect your valuable time. I get right into it. No need for fluff.

[@retiredandroaming]

Love the designed in access to everything, attention to detail, practicality, quality, etc EXCEPT those awful, cheap, leak-prone screw-down hose clamps!!! A proper Pex crimp clamp ring will almost never leak or loosen and are easy to replace. PLEASE reconsider using those terrible clamps!

[@HumbleRoad]

Disagree. Particularly with your adjectival abuse! 😉 You should not use Pex crimp clamps on hose, only Pex tubing. I prefer Uponor fittings and ProPex over Pex 100% of the time. In an automotive (high temp/high pressure) application, I could accept the use of tension clamps. But for low pressure/low volume water systems in a RV, I prefer the ease of use, stainless steel material and maintenance of the hose clamp.

[@retiredandroaming]

@@HumbleRoad as a 6 year full-time traveling RVer living out of 3 different coaches that use a mix of similar stainless steel screw hose clamps and Pex style clamp rings, I can only talk from my own experience that every leak I've ever experienced has been with those screw hose clamps. Not one crimp ring ever leaked. When I see such hose clamps, I replace them with crimp rings and never have a problem again. Good luck, as I can virtually guarantee you will eventually hear from customers about leaks in a few years. Regardless, there's no doubt in my mind that Humble Road makes the very highest quality vans available.

[@Stewbular]

Yippee! I love our hero ❤ Lonesome Roads ❤ But our guy doesn’t show up in my Sunday feeds any more Now I have to do searches for him It’s funny Several other maker channels don’t show up in my feed anymore either All my radical leftwing political channels keep showing up & even a few rabid right-wingers Being a student of propaganda I tend to consume more rabid rightwing media than God’s own word, leftwing media But I digress……..

[@jamestreanor182]

mini-me is not for me...too mini...

[@jamestreanor182]

OCD LOL