How to install a DURABLE SUBFLOOR | Ram Promaster Van Build

[@UVBlueHoneymoon]

I watched this at least 800 times, but now I have a subfloor in my Promaster! Thanks for taking the time to make these. 🙂

[@yeshappynomad7510]

I've watched it 700 times - it's starting to sink it. Hopefully 100 more times and I, too, will have a subfloor in my Nissan NV 😁 Thank you, Linnea!

[@debbiblakeslee2373]

Ditto here …..:won’t admit how many times I’ve watched this video 🤦🏼‍♀️but I’m almost ready to buy the materials yay 😁 I also have a 2018 Nissan NV2500 high roof. I’m so excited

[@aimeeditomo3597]

Im buying my material right now for my Ford Transit High Roof subfloor.....and I'm joining the group by saying, Ive watched this hundreds of times also.

[@donalddrake7133]

She is very pleasant to watch work.

[@stoneygreek]

that sense of pride and accomplishment is exactly why I have been a carpenter for 40 years. nice job young lady

[@missscarlett7422]

I have a 2015 PM ext and, like you, am building it out by myself (except I'm 1000 years older than you are). I have no clue what I'm doing except creating new 'adult' words to share with my neighbors. I so appreciate your videos because the majority of van builds are either by experienced woodworking electricians, people with friends/parents/helpers, or those who edit out any mistakes made. They make it look so easy. Simply having a screwdriver handed up when you are rooftop is so helpful. You are awesome. Please keep uploading videos- they are appreciated!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much for this. I appreciate this comment more than you know! When I decided to do this myself, I constantly thought "oh, boy, what am I getting myself into"... but it has been an amazing experience so far. As I'm sure you are learning as well. Also, yes, I will never edit my mistakes because that is how we learn! Good luck on your build, let me know if you have any questions or advice, and I hope you have fun!

[@BelizeanBeauty86]

Out of all the van builds I’ve watched yours is by far the best!.. You have made it more simple, very informative and helpful. You’ve been such an inspiration, knowing that you are a young woman doing hefty work by yourself. You’re awesome!.. Thank you and keep shining. 🌟

[@robertkelly3131]

I love watching you get that rush of accomplishment(and defeat🙂) that drives many men to spend all their money on tools, etc. Get after it ladies. This young lady should be your role model! She figures it out herself and makes it happen. Well done!

[@tammyyoung8695]

Linnea is a role model to me . She rocks on so many levels 😂

[@josephjuno9555]

I think how u were proud of the fit? I know that feeling? I've done things no one will ever see but thing Wow! That is PERFECT!

[@goldielocks2621]

I haven't read the comments to see if anyone has wrote this but you never cut wood tight as you have to allow for expansion, if you don't do this, as the floor expands and retracts which it will with the changing seasons, when it comes up against the hard edges it can't go any further, it will rise in the middle. Holes in the floor doesn't cause squeaks, I know this has been a while ago but for anyone else reading this I hope it helps. Take care and enjoy life, you only have one! ☘☘

[@BrendaGonzalez-nx4my]

This is the best explaination for the subfloor installation I've seen so far. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@faresmahamde9166]

This video is a year old so you probably won’t see this but I just wanted to say thank you!! I was procrastinating on redoing my floor because I couldn’t find anyone to help, but seeing you do it alone made me realize it’s possible!!! You did an amazing job!

[@elizabethdadd7409]

This video was so informative. We are about 8 months away from buying our own Van, probably a ProMaster and you are my teacher! Thank you grasshopper! Old reference, Google it.

[@davidsmith2122]

Thank you for sharing. I am a journeyman carpenter searching for ideas on a van build, your advice and workmanship is spot-on. Great work on the floor framing. Not really a more efficient way of laying-out inside corners, the cardboard template is perfect.

[@Rain3Silver]

Hi! Linnea, Great video, you did a fantastic job on your sub floor. Thanks for being candid and humorous on your thoughts and feelings while doing your floor build. You make your videos to be educational and entertaining as well, LOVE watching. Kudos to a job well done! Your beautiful friend is awesome too!

[@lisagardner9798]

Just found your channel from TikTok. Awesome job on the floor!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!! 😁

[@atrizzle022002]

Me too LOL!!

[@kiaramanuel3056]

Just bought my van. Watching your videos for help❤️

[@Linneaandakela]

Congrats! I hope you have a great time with your build :)

[@megtheetiger]

You're an inspiration to me. As someone who has recently been doing in-depth research on van conversions for my own needs, your videos have offered me the inspiration I need to keep moving toward my goal knowing I can do this. Thank you.

[@karaleigh_eva]

I watched your entire build series while day dreaming about Can life, then again while planning for it, again after I bought it, and now again and again for each step throughout my own build

[@irishauldfella]

Hey Linnea. Only found your channel through tik tok a couple of days ago. I love your videos. The way you problem solve. The way you break everything down and just seeing how hard a worker you are. Really glad it's working out for you. Well done. Keep it up. Can't wait for finished product.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment - I appreciate it a lot. Also, thanks for joining me as I troubleshoot and work through this project :)

[@irishauldfella]

If I'm very honest, I'm a bit jealous😂. It's something I might have done yrs ago but a bit old now(as you can tell from the grey beard😂) Anyway, I'm enjoying watching you on your journey.

[@guzziryder6566]

Thats how I found it. I enjoy watching this type of videos

[@neilgabriel1436]

Your delts, arms and traps are awesome!

[@an6350]

hey just fyi ya'll, u don't need to put so much framing in the floor, the foam itself helps hold the weight of the floor and everything that's gonna go on top. framing is for a bit more support and for the specific spots u might need to nail something in.

[@jaylamothe4099]

Thank you for doing this video . I have a big Ford Transit that I have been trying to put a subfloor in and thanks to you I think I can do it !! God Bless you and The Pup !!

[@robertpa13]

I’m impressed that you are tackling a project like this by yourself. I love watching your videos. Keep up the great work. I’m a fan for life.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you, it is certainly a huge learning process, with lots of frustrations. But when I finish each project the feeling of accomplishment is totally worth all of the struggle. Thank you for the support, I appreciate it!

[@bluejeans8001]

Give yourself lots of credit for the subfloor job, well done. Be proud and not critical of the time you took. Since you don’t do this daily it will take time to make custom templates and custom cuts. In the end it’s the quality of the job you’ve accomplished vs the time. This is a project of love vs a project you hope to make a profit from, then time matters. Well done👍

[@livewiya]

I LOVE watching this videos. You're very self aware and smart... You might not have the know-how that comes with many years of experience doing this kind of work but you have an awesome attitude. Right - there's no 'right' way to install a subfloor, only consequences (I don't say pro's and con's because we'd be kidding ourselves if we can anticipate all of them). You've got a new subscriber

[@silviofontana3666]

you will succeed in anything you put your mind to, as you have well displayed and put into action. the old rule of kiss, you hit the nail on the head with your approach, inspirational for simplicity and attitude. I see my daughter with the same approach, with my tools of course.

[@johngrant1337]

You have done a Great Job ! Sealing the plywood was one of best thing that I have seen ! Your building is better than a lot of van builder ! (I got my first van in 1968 (1959 VW cargo van)) I hope this will help you the next time you need to copy or make it fit. #1 Take a compass and open it up so you can use the pointer part to trace the shape you want to copy and the pencil or sharpie end on the piece you need to shape. #2 Go on youtube and find humble road vans look at the 80/20 alum and see how he is using it and not wood ( it is stronger and light and thing will not grow on it ) It need less hole in your van and can be transfer from van to van . It is easy to make changes to lay-out. I hope this help you

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate all of your feedback and your tips. I will definitely be taking a look at the 80/20 alum. I love learning so keep up the advice!

[@johngrant1337]

Thans Thanks

[@nicovanzyl1979]

Nico 😻😍

[@robtaylor9063]

I am from the UK and i have watched many van conversions, and may i say that yours is by far the easiest to follow and understand. When i start my build i will be copying (if that's OK) many of your ideas. Thank you for taking the time to film your progress through the build, I for one am very grateful. Cheers, Robert from across the pond.

[@mamaksstorytime]

My daughter is following you step-by-step right now. She is going to live in her van during the second half of medical school. Thank you for sharing all this information that is so empowering to young women.

[@tammyyoung8695]

You are so inspiring to me on so many levels . One day I have been dreaming of doing something like you . Not sure what I am thinking , but by watching your videos I am sure I will figure it out . 😊

[@Linneaandakela]

That's amazing! Figuring it out along the way is half the fun. :)

[@truthbtold2910]

Well done! Listening to U and ur hounding, work out ur process is encouraging. I'm still doing mechanical stuff to make my '87 Chevy Van road worthy. Never the less, it both encouraging and fun to watch U build ur dream. I'm proud of U, I'm sure ur parents are too. Keep those vids coming.

[@Linneaandakela]

This is so kind, thank you ♥️♥️

[@journeywithserenity5655]

Loving your build series. Love that you took your time to do a quality job despite DIYing it all yourself! I'm so OCD and your series and one other are my fave and go to. I'm in a vintage RV right now but plan to build a van hopefully by end of year. Thank you for documenting your process so thoroughly!!!!

[@oei301]

Great job on the floor, I hope you enjoy the freedom of having the comforts of home in van life. I have a Dodge Promaster we take it everywhere.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! I am glad to hear you enjoy your time in the van too!

[@jesuscross9]

Just bought a 2014 ram promaster high top and was getting ready to put down my floor. I was planning on doing it exactly like this, then I saw your video. I hadn't thought of the liquid nails idea. Thanks. Great video. Shows me what I have to look forward to. Ugh.

[@dirkdiggler5821]

I've watched a few van floor videos now...many in fact. This one I have decided is the example I am going to follow. The liquid nailing in particular appeals to me. Well done ✅✅✅✅

[@mike76rob]

You done it right with the liquid nails I reckon. As you said there's no need for any more holes than needs be. On my first build I done exactly the same, I changed up the 2nd builds and had layers of sound deadening and bubble wrap reflectix to provide the insulation underneath which works well even in the harsh Scottish winters. The rest of your build that you have already finished will also firm everything up which is why I never secured my floor. When the whole van is built it will be solid. I really do think folk over engineer builds with regards to this but the floor isn't going to float away or jump once you have units weighing and bracing it down.

[@TVCAVEMAN213]

Considering your knowledge, and experience, You did a remarkable job on your van floor.

[@Merlinsluck]

The flooring looks great! I just picked up my wood today to start my subfloor install. I like your idea for liquid nails.

[@Linneaandakela]

Good luck!!

[@douglasvdoran]

Hi Linnea, I stumbled across your video on the subfloor and after watching dozens of other videos, yours seemed like the best route. I pretty much duplicated your subfloor in my promaster! Also want to say thanks, I have gotten little take-always from all your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@Shel731]

Yeah! Some good real instruction for real people thank you for taking the time n energy, alot of us to be van lifers will benefit from your videos. I really enjoy watching and can't wait to watch more . Good job 👍

[@peteriley1656]

I’m doin this in my van right now and I have a bit of experience doing this kind of stuff and just want to let you know that you are awesome

[@johnbroystonjr23]

Hey Linnea & Akela!!! Another great instructional video. I'll have to remove the plywood from my floor and seal some holes, but the process that you used looks as sound and practical as any others that I've seen. Great job and Thank you for sharing. 😎

[@Linneaandakela]

Absolutely!

[@linneab1235]

im gonna start insulate/build the floor in my van today, this video helps me because it feels relatable =)

[@theshepard22]

:) Does it also feel relatable because you've got the same name as her!? Way cool. I'm being very nonchalant about my actual process, but I feel like I could also just pull the trigger on it and start on my floor tonight! My furrings strips are cut, waterproofed (non toxic), and marked on the floor already.

[@Gene-kl1br]

I find amusing of myself . Watching you same Meticulous perfectionist !😅 Smile and laugh with myself

[@renatebondar8515]

Do you ever reflect on all the progress you have made? I’ve been following along your journey gosh for what feels like years. And it’s just so amazing how much you have accomplished. Do you ever look back at these and tell yourself you did it? And you are rocking it. 😊thank you for sharing your amazing journey

[@dthomas3065]

Have greatly enjoyed all of your videos. Now that I finally have a van, I can use this as a guide. Thank you

[@RK-qu3nj]

I'm going to use this method in my van. Thank you. And, you are super inspiring!

[@ccaatttiraffe]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I'm going to be building out a van in the spring up in Canada, so thanks for being a great resource especially for solo females!

[@alyssaherring5027]

I've been binging your videos for quite a few days now as I'm super close to buying my chevy g20 to convert! i just want to say, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for dumbing things down! there are millions of electrical videos that I've watched and they seem to be speaking greek! well, to me at least XD. i can't wait to start my own conversion, with your help!

[@veronicavandelinde9812]

So I found a video on tiktok and started following you and saw that you have a KZbin channel so this is me catching up. And well done and I'm so proud that you are doing this all alone.

[@Zerpersande]

2x2, 2x4, 4x4 lumber all started life at that exact size. It’s called rough sawn. Then it’s planed to make it smooth. Thus the size reduction.

[@ellistrohbehn3311]

Thanks for sharing!!!! This is what I was thinking but loved seeing it all done.

[@sydneykenyon9728]

You're doing such a great job. Thanks for making the videos. They will be a great resource for me down the road.

[@melanie3500]

I love how thorough and careful you are. Thank you for sharing your work. I don't think I've heard you say which length your van is. I'd love to know. Thanks!

[@TheRealFlowerGirl]

It looks to be a 159 like mine.

[@Celtic4Life9]

This is a great video Thanks for the info, we're going to customize our van and go traveling What a beautiful dog you have Have a great Summer

[@dbbyleo]

Just started watching your journey from the start. Hats off to you for endeavoring on this project. I’m excited to continue to follow the progress of the build. One thing I was curious about was whether or not the use of those furring strips (the 2x2) is common? You see… in general, those creates thermal bridge from the external elements you’re trying to insulate from. Essentially, the strips act as a conductor (of heat or cold) and transfer that from the outside and to your floor. I wonder if the furring strips were needed at all. Couldn’t subfloor just lay directly on the foam boards? The furring strips would also transfer noise from the chassis of the van and into the subfloor… whereas without it… the foam boards could have also served as a sound insulations. Anyway… just a thought on that project if anyone else is reading this. Great job though and very impressive work.

[@samanthaharman7096]

Honestly your videos are so helpful! Ive watched so many and I just binged about 10 of yours! Thanks so much!

[@andreageller4804]

me too!! videos are so great!

[@abramneitling4204]

Wow, you’re a bad ass for doing this 😎

[@Zerpersande]

I’d drill some holes in that horizontal member at the door to allow ventilation and prevent moisture buildup. And the small horizontal pieces in the center are not needed. Removing them would promote ventilation.

[@liondirk]

Just found your build and your detailed build is impressive. If you keep this quality of build throughout the whole process you will have a fantastic van! Good luck!

[@1dowsey]

Hi from Liverpool UK 🇬🇧 this video has been so helpful thank you so much for posting x

[@heatherhickman9116]

So satisfying watching all the pieces fill lol 😆

[@MikeBaxterABC]

11:48 .. I am going to be using rivet nuts (1/4' 20) for fastening down the plywood in the van (1994 Chevy Step Van) ... My plan with no insulation, I will spray the entire bed with "bed liner" to seal everything, even small holes can seal with this stuff. .. then put 5/8" pressure treat down first, drill through for rivet nuts ... THEN!! .. a second layer, 3/4" Pine or Fir Ply plywood that will equal R 1.5 insulation value. Drill through both layers the plywood and steel for the top layers', bolts .. then remove it all ... set all the rivet nuts ... seal them with paint and primer both sides ... put it all back and bolt it down! :) The bedliner spray will be the "course finish" type, really biting into the first layer of plywood, As my van will be "modular" with it set up for Cargo, Workshop, and amping Living, at different times .. I will add cargo tie downs routed flush into the 3/4" plywood, and bolted into the box frame of the van .. for tying down, moving loads!! :) My thought?? Pine is more rot resistant, I could be crying loads with snow or ice that will melt ... but Fir Ply is quite a bit stronger and more wear resistant. .. If I did use pine, and it got all gouged up an worn? ... It would be simple enough to replace it every few years if necessary.

[@balthazarquinn]

Best van build video ever. Not kidding! Every other KZbinrs talks about how they built out their van, but they never document the build process so that subscribers can use that knowledge. You put a really great amount of useful detail into this video. It’s wonderful! Thank you. ❤

[@kimwebster203]

awesome videos. informative and inspiring. I have hearing loss from hunting as a kid. Sucks. Now I wear hearing protection around loud stuff like power tools

[@scarroll451]

Great job Linnea. I am at this step right now, and may start today. There totally are so many ways to do this, and it stressed me out too. I have been thinking about how I want to do it for like 10 days. My way will be pretty close to yours, but I am going to put the furring strips side to side, not front to back! No one right way to do it. I will be glad to have it out of the way.

[@Linneaandakela]

For sure! So if you are placing strips side to side, what size are you planning on doing and will they be place on top of the ribs? Also, are you going with rigid foam board as well? Send me a picture when you are done! Certainly one of those projects that feels great when it's complete!

[@scarroll451]

Linnea Schmelzer I bought 2x6s and i plan on ripping them down to 1 1/4" thick (I have a table saw). yes rigid foam board, same as you. will put strips on top of ribs. i know there will be air gaps below wood and ribs, but there is not much i can do. time will tell if it creates any condensation problems between the metal and insulation (or not?). there is only so much i can worry about... i absolutley will send a picture. have a nice day, linnea

[@TheRealFlowerGirl]

Humble road used 1” aluminum side to side, placed the insulation board right on top, then cork flooring for added insulation.. I need to go watch him again but I love your floor, he says it needs to breath, he says everything needs to breathe. I’m priming and painting mine right now but I think I’m going to try using the aluminum bracing.. but a lot of your ideas, I’M USING. You are so helpful and make it interesting.. I’m following you step by step ..

[@coolcoconut3603]

Your so focused... I love your diy vids.. keep em coming

[@ladylavender7411]

I am learning so much from your videos! Thank you for all of the little details that so many people just glaze over.

[@wisconsinfishingadventures]

This is a great subfloor setup, thanks for sharing your build!

[@pattycakestunts6091]

Definitely 💯 percent DIY n a lot good advices, that I didn’t get from no other video I’ve watched !!! I am way more confident now build subfloor and insulation , to start my mini nv200 van this week thanks 🙏 … I’m follow U now 💪😎

[@ronnyglenn5126]

Wow. I really love your Promaster van. The job you've done on the flooring was top notch, And i can't wait to get started on my van build. My van is MUCH smaller/shorter than the promaster, But at $300 for a running van with no rust or body damage, i have no complaints. I bought a 1991 Chevy Astro van,the short one, But it has great bones. Filthy dirty, but great bones. I begin tearing out the old nasty carpet tomorrow... Thanks for posting your video's and you've got a new sub!! Ron in Eagle, Idaho...

[@beeamerica5024]

Very good job and it may have taken you a while but patience is a good thing to learn and you know the floor is right and solid💪💥🐝

[@Zerpersande]

It’s better to make your template for the flooring AFTER the insulation. The dimensions 2” off the floor can be different from floor level.

[@fernandarodrigues5447]

I just watched your video, the one about the subfloor, I loved it. I will try that on my van 💕🙏

[@stephenlambert9826]

Use cable trunking in place of the wood lats,it is lighter and can be filled with foam insulation

[@Zerpersande]

Got a lot of ideas from this. Very useful video! Thanks!

[@georgeflora1178]

Great job on the floor! this seems like a great solution!

[@elleyd6985]

thanks for making this video , there are so many floir options i was frustrated but you made it alot easier wanna come to nyc n help lol and i also dont want to screw into the metal either so yay glad i found ur video

[@Linneaandakela]

Of course! I am glad it could help

[@Bum_Hip]

You must be pretty tall! Looks like the roof is JUST tall enough for you. Great job so far. Cool dog too.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! Yes, I am 5'7'' so I have a little room to play with!

[@terryb3993]

Wow love your videos. Very clean and with a lot of detail. Thanks.

[@ecftube]

Thank you so much for this video ! Best in KZbin !

[@carlosbarria8445]

I really enjoy watching your videos... and the van build too!

[@OveBakken]

I'm in love with your "supervisor" (8:11) ... ❤

[@davep6977]

I could play a Back to the Future moment and say that the adhesive tape you used for your polar panels would have worked to hold the flor down also :)

[@NegretesPainting]

You do a awesome work with your van

[@shamyshamuswow213]

I like the way you did this i think i will do it this way for my van

[@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena]

i went with manual cuts of a plywood, it became a nightmare of a handcraft😅 your way was waaaay easier❤

[@innerartdotnet]

Nicely done and I appreciate that you edit out all the repetition and rambling that is so annoying in other van youtubers

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@regmountain2224]

using glue\liquid nail\etc., on the floor slats, before screwing, helps prevent squeaking.

[@jenny_q]

I also bought the same pink boards for the floor and the 1x2 .... 😂😭😭😭😭 you did a great job with the floors!

[@mxwlj6974]

Great job on the floor. Think about eye protection on your next cut, I'd hate to see another 1500.00 go to Urgent care.

[@dysonvs]

I don’t know you, but I’m very proud of you and I think you are doing an amazing job. I enjoy your honesty and I enjoy watching you learn as you go. This is nothing I ever plan to do, but I think this is really cool. I would love to help one of my daughters do something like this! 😍👍🏻

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much for this kind comment!! I appreciate it a lot :)

[@CaptivatingCam]

Found you from TikTok. Your channel is soooo satisfying!!🥰

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!!

[@sue-zschwab9250]

Amazing......binge watching you ..

[@boblakatos7894]

When you mark the wood Mark the position on the floor as well or wall etc

[@regmountain2224]

like the use of the weights :-)

[@cttc1016]

Great start and it turned out so gooooood!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks you!!

[@AmericanPatriotANomad]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for you're video. Random vanners. east coast VA. 2%

[@truthbtold2910]

O, I forgot. 🤪 Get that eye protection on! And knee pads too. Super proud of you. ✌😎👍

[@Linneaandakela]

I know I always forgot! Next project I’ll be better about it. Thank you!!

[@natenewsome5470]

I do make readys for a Restoration Company you are doing a excellent job

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@prbprb2310]

Omg!!! Awesome floor

[@Linneaandakela]

THANK YOU! I love my floor so much.