HOW TO MAKE A CAMPER VAN From Start to Finish (Low Budget Interior) 2020

[@rickvanman]

Hi folks, been getting lots of enquires regarding cost. I’ve added some notes under the video 👍

[@lisaandthekozykittykamperv7952]

🍀❤☘🖒😇☘❤🍀

[@SD-hs2pk]

Really like the idea of warm water for the shower with it being close to the kitchen

[@kennethnewman4854]

Just wondering what the water tanks you used where for the shower where they mounted under the van?

[@romskiii]

any chance you have a list of the products used here?

[@teedub68]

I love the van build out bro. 👍

[@Teknamli]

When i first opened the video i thought 1 hour listening seems boring but as soon as he started explaining things didn't want the video to end

[@SadbhR77]

I swear the first person I have watched who's explained everything so well.

[@tonyford7987]

Try Greg Virgo’s channel if you want everything explained

[@DaleLadDaz]

@@tonyford7987 what a recommendation...his channel is excellent and just what i need...thanks pal

[@namesake-mx9nl]

im sure a lot of people will appreciate this , theres a lot of videos dealing with American systems , its good to have a step by step walk through on a british conversion dealing with uk systems

[@thecompetentman1]

Using neporene sheets to line the exposed metal parts, genius! I am a professional van upfitter and you have taught me something new that will be incorporated into all my builds starting today. Thank you.

[@andrewholden3853]

What's your company name Sir ? I will be seeking a custom build on a can soon. BW Andy

[@bergman11260]

Thank you so much. So many 'vanlife' videos amount to little more than narcissistic travel vlogs. This isn't one. Deals with the nuts and bolts of creation. Excellent

[@CriticalRoleHighlights]

You put a battery right by the shower and below the water system. The slightest water leak or moisture buildup behind that wall and your electrical systems are screwed. Redesign it as soon as you possibly can. Rule of thumb: electrical systems high up, plumping systems low down.

[@traida111]

I plan to do this, once I have money, I must say a lot of things scared me about doing it because of the unknown. But your instructions really gave me confidence. When I saw this video is an hour long it made me extremely happy. Thank you so much for sharing such a well explained video

[@johnhodges3110]

Great tips such as dodo mats and neoprene. Liked the toilet & shower design. Don't get why people (especially single travellers) obsessed with big kitchen spaces. The bed could be a lowering bed on pully creating loads of space to hang out on bean bags on the floor.

[@cynthiapreston5930]

I have been mesmerized with all you expertise I have watched ,then reminded at least 20 times,I-have enjoyed you for 2 hrs. Please don’t apologize for waffling on TQ

[@edwardseth1230]

Suggestions 1. foldable ladder to get to the roof 2. Roof Rails (attached to each side of the roof) that way you can carry more hardware on top for future projects for the van)) 4. 2 security camera front and back and 2 smaller lcd to view from either the cabin or the front drivers cabin

[@Crosshatch1212]

Old caravan ,

[@Tanoniem]

Rick, I'm in for 90 seconds and I have to say, you sound very down to earth, very honest. I love it.

[@cicottrell]

Thanks for the opening window tip! I almost made exactly the same mistake! My order has now been changed to sliding windows for the rear. Cheers!

[@bertholtappels1081]

Thank you Rick for taking the time to explain all that, including the “mistakes”. I have watched many conversion videos over the last few months and this is simply the best.

[@ameinavan]

Thanks so much for the vid! I’m converting a van atm and can’t wait to finish the conversion and use it! Thanks again for the tips and time put into the video ❤️🚎

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

Well I have to agree with you on the galley. The open plan makes it easy to find things and the lip retainer means no broken parts and less complexity. I would use sliding fridge containers to organise storage. Otherwise very practical build.

[@globaldragonfly85]

This is by far one of the best conversion videos I have ever seen, so, so good!

[@brendanryan262]

Love the shower idea - so simple and would save a fortune and the hassle of installing a hot / cold water system. The exterior is beautiful too

[@nickboylen6873]

Nice final layout, with some very good solutions. Your honesty in showing some of the flaws in earlier iterations is as useful as showing the final fit, illustrating some easy pitfalls that may not be obvious.

[@davelee-00]

Great video, nice build. I've got the same model Master, but older and have a similar layout with a sliding door to a toilet/garage area. Mine used to be used to carry big equipment to shows so from the start my kitchen split into two units. So the cooker section can quickly be unbolted and slid back between the bed and the sink unit. That has two major advantages. 1) I can still get large items in like a fridge or furniture if I need to, and 2) It allows access to the door panel. Being an older van, I have had to get into the door to change the centre rollers and also the door handle mechanism which is a weak design.

[@stociberry]

Great to hear from you Rick. I hope you're well :)

[@barbaramewburn2475]

Have you thought of a) instead of the sliding door, having a fitted caravan door with integrated security fly screen which opens out? It is fitted into a custom panel that replaces the door. This will make the whole van quieter & give more useable space inside. Also, there is an Australian Ecoshower that fits into it’s own case. It either A) hangs from the ceiling or B) can be free standing outside. The beauty of it is that it is self enclosed, waterproof, has an incorporated reticulating water pump, so that you only use a couple of litres of water, which you heat however you choose? Cheers

[@paulsheehan2998]

I searched for diesel heaters and ended up watching this for an hour... Awesome video

[@The80sBoy]

Rick, it's so good to hear your wonderful voice again. I do hope your situation is improving but you have to take as much time as you need to get to where you want to be. Perhaps it's me being selfish, but I do miss your vlogs. The variety and entertainment was interesting and involving. So look after yourself Rick and I hope to see more of your brilliant vlogs soon.

[@simonsimpson4695]

Great video. I've been doing our van for a while but somehow missed your vid until now. It's great to see the basics explained which others gloss over and leave people guessing. Wish I'd seen this a year ago. Never mind hey! I'd say a nibbler was a better tool for cutting holes in panels though. It's a tool actually designed for cutting sheet metal. I never followed the advice to use a jig saw for it. I'd only use one if it were an absolute emergency. A nibbler is way better. They fit on a corded power drill and make short work of steel sheet. Much less noise and vibration. Much easier to use. They produce half moon pieces of swarf. This needs care as it easily gets immbedded in skin, the bottoms of shoes etc. I use a vacuum to remove as much as possible. It produces one piece on the up stroke and one on the down stroke so waste is produced on both sides of the cut. It is a very effective device; so much so that care is needed not to cut too much! Masking isn't really needed especially if the cut will be sealed behind a flange of a fitting etc. It only makes very tiny marks on the margins of the cut which get painted over after the prep work for the hole.

[@fringedwellermccatintyre730]

I loved this video. At first I wasn't going to watch because of it being a bunch of stills, but I'm glad I gave it a try, because it was actually MORE clear listening to your logically laid out articulate explanation. Good Job, and a lot of good points made.

[@MrDazP1adv3ntures]

I really enjoyed watching this from start to finish and listening to your narration along the way. I think your attention to detail on the first fix was excellent . It might be the boring bit as you said , but this is the foundation of the build. Super video Rick

[@tomservo75]

I am sitting here in complete awe! I would have neither the technical know-how, time, or patience to do anything like this. Of course this is your 4th build and I have to keep in mind a lot of this was learned from experience. But I'd be very scared of doing something like this. Once you cut holes in your roof, it's build or bust!

[@williedrogers6046]

This is the most explanatory video I have seen on this type of job

[@4468]

How bizarre, I saw a camper van today and happened to mention to my brother how it had been ages since your last video and then you upload one! Nice to see you're still about Rick and I hope all is well with you :)

[@philprivate]

Excellent from start to finish, after watching a few builds i find this is by far the best

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

The best insulation to use for your van would be low expansion foam insulation. It’s sprayed on, it’s water proof. You only need to spray it all in place, you’re done. You could bury your wire in it better R value than anything you have in there with less space taken.

[@P7YCE]

Spot on, Rick. Thank you for sharing your build, errors and changes.... I need to add in my 2012 LWB Sprinter (Wheelchair Accessible) 'Window' van. It has a tail lift with automatic opening back doors and I 'park' my mobility scooter (30ins wide) in the rear. My idea is to have a shower base that is capable of standing the weight of 'drive over/park on' for me+scooter (300kgs). One fixed wall (with all workings behind, very similar to yours) transverse base with heavy duty (weighted) shower curtain, and adopting your brilliant water feed solution to shower. May add a roof light but might just open one back door a 'smidge' ... My scooter would be outside during showers....

[@micksmith106]

That is a very nice camper van conversion.. Took me 9 months on my own to build my Master mwb.. And I still look back at her.. And wished I had done some things different. But that is how it goes.... Happy camping Rick..

[@robby.barron]

I’m about halfway through watching you vid and I am at the part where you’re installing the shower tray drain. Here’s an idea for next time. Get under the van and drill from the bottom once you find your gap? That way you know exactly when drain will go and avoid the spare wheel, edges of ribs etc Looking good so far and will now continue to watch 😁

[@menelvamovie]

Didn't get to see how the kitchen was set up in it's final build. More pictures with where everything fits together. Beautiful outside and the bath is awesome with the pocket door and exit out back door. Love the layout.

[@mincento]

After about a hundred self build vids, this has been the most inspiring and helpful of them all....and of the actual van I'm planning on getting for my own self build. Well done and thanks, hope to see you on the road when mine is done.

[@androzetga1916]

If you set higher your sofa bed, so the top of the backrest is in level with the window...it would be more fun to sit there

[@ianlaccohee7180]

That was a great video. Way better than the average time lapse, because you explained everything that you did, along with your thought process. I’m not in a position to criticize anybody for their video’s, because I haven’t done this myself, yet. A great conversion for only 4k.Thank you.

[@cynthiapreston5930]

You are my man ! Will truly appreciate if you Will be our main guru for your splendid services when we are ready to get our van.

[@MrDaveB123]

Just looking into my first van now and this is exactly what I needed Greatly appreciated Have watched so many videos and this was the best so far Thanks again

[@subatomicdig8520]

Hi rick. Just a thought buddy. Make the shower room same way as the kitchen units. Scrap the skeleton system because it’s old and not used anymore plus you’ll save just under 200kg in weight as well. Don’t use chip board because within a year it be like a pack of weetabix and use 15 mm light weight ply. You’ll save time money and weight. Buy a 240v small water heater that you can run the ducting from your diesel heater through like a Truma therm or something similar.other than that buddy keep up the good work your vans have improved and I’ve been watching for the last 8 years. All the best

[@stevenparkin6486]

Thank you for your fun and conversational dialogue to make a fine journal of this project. I agree that your Mark II kitchen is better of the two; I'm glad that you are happy with it. - Steve, Utah USA

[@bugsea54]

I rarely see bathroom in the back and it really is the best place for it! Great job, love the layout!

[@trumpsahead]

Beautiful design. You have excellent taste for design and function. I love your van, and after being lulled into queen size bed at the rear of vans, I see your sofa converting to bed is more practical indeed, and less expensive to build. I don't care for your toilet/shower which is the one over-build in your van. I would go with a portable basin and round 4' diam. piping at ceiling level to hold a shower curtain with portable shower head; basin has hole through flooring into tank or outside. When done showering basin and shower curtain is hidden away in one minute. As for toilet, a discreet composting toilet is costly but a better way to travel. But your design won me over, the simplicity and comfortable look is the way I will build, that is if ever I do this. Thanks for the show.

[@alexreyvpal]

Pangako sa iyo

[@Gerry-Hat-trick]

I'm looking to buy myself a broads cruiser to live aboard, but was also curious about van life. The great thing about this video is, not only is it a brilliant van conversion, but has given me many ideas for the probable living space upgrades I will have to undertake on a boat. Thanks!

[@gasgas2689]

Nice build there, Rick. I may be 'having ' to assist a pal to build one. For anyone who doesn't know, the Calor gas has to be stored in a sealed cupboard with a vent downwards to the exterior, and the outside of it must have a diamond shaped LPG warning sticker, as does the actual van door itself. If there is a fire, the fire brigade needs to turn it off quickly.

[@boatdesigner12]

On the floor, your supposed to put the wood strip supports on top of the ridges, not in the valleys, where it is at it's weakest point.

[@dawnbryant8778]

This is the best van conversion explanation I’ve seen, Thankyou I could even think about having a go myself with this video?

[@sunnymas2656]

Thank you a lot for sharing your experiences. It helps me by making my kitchen area. But my van is very smaller. (Vauxhall Combo C) I still have bought my diesel heater with his own diesel tank. Now I know, it´s the right choice. You were much busy, with your bathroom. I thought at my layout also for having two escapes. And I convert my back door for also open it from inside. At your Van, its better because you can full stand inside. But I would like to have more storage space. Greetings from sw germany.

[@sheyedlington9046]

Hi Rick. I just bought my van (Iveco MWB) I thought I would have a look on youtube . Wow-what a great job and great instruction. only halfway through. I'm hooked. Thank you in advance, so far so good. Thank you for all the time you have invested in delivering your knowledge to my sofa. Making the most of the day resting before to start tomorrow.

[@paulmallen8342]

After watching this iv now decided to attempt my own and brought Renault master lwb. Great vid and will definitely be watching over and over as I start my own thanks

[@theadventuresofthebluecamp9617]

We’ve got a Wildax Solaris. The problem you’ve got with the window above the sink is easily fixed. In ours we’ve got a sliding window and I think you can replace the outward opening for the sliding opening. True, it doesn’t open as much, but at least is something

[@rickvanman]

The adventures of the blue campervan XL Thanks for the tip, I’ll look into it (no pun intended 😁)

[@MG-cp8xk]

Great build . I would run a few thin cable ducts under the floor and walls for future proofing the van - you might want extra sockets/ lights/security cameras/etc. Again GREAT BUILD vid

[@robshorts]

A lot of work and time but it's paid off, It looks fantastic! Very individual, how a personal space should be.

[@debracottrill7989]

This video will change lives, got to feel good about that!

[@stevebarratt6648]

Really useful run through of your build. It was particularly helpful to see the bits that weren't quite right first time around, and how you changed them. I'm currently looking at options for a new donor vehicle for the next self-build conversion and this has helped rule some in and some out. Thanks again

[@mikej557]

You should build a doubleback. Like the vw double back but much bigger. A whole cab to slide out of the back when parked, to double the living space. Just a thought.

[@alaynebrand422]

Wowww.. I watched from start to finish and found so much to go back to (over and over)... Thank you for the time you invested to show us exactly how for each build and why you opted for the next version. Bless you and Bon Voyage!

[@jeffschofield1441]

Don't know if anyone else has said this but I believe you can use RED DIESEL in your heater,as it is in a separate tank and is not linked to the main vehicle diesel tank.

[@aberavon]

Nice one, Rick, in our commercial motorhome I was always glad of our 3 corner wash basin in toilet area.

[@Madders23]

I love this. It looks so homely, not like a van. Brilliant.

[@deeparker5782]

Great to see you back Rick! I do hope all is well with you!

[@pnoman316]

I think I would’ve kept the bulkhead and Cut a doorway and it put hinges on it and insulated it!

[@ianhill9817]

Thank you. Just started my build and have gained a few good tips from this video. I'll watch it more as I go along.

[@michaelstanley3833]

Love the "Scribe work" Great job, got some brilliant ideas to help my granddaughter build hers. Big thank you.

[@maxmuster3993]

Hello Rick, I just wanted to thank you for your "little" video and all your explanations that gave me brilliant inspiration for my own conversion. The funny thing is that I happend to buy the exactly same van (2020 MJ) even in the same color. Thank's a lot allowing me to sit back for an hour on this rainy afternoon and watch you do the job ;) Cheers from Germany.

[@DaveCassin]

Like so many others say, this is so good and so easy to follow, thank you.

[@fxw1788]

good to have you back. looking forward for your video update

[@dave4803]

That turned out nice, probably the best home built camper I've seen. I noticed the MK 2 kitchen made the access into the van larger and more practical. I might have to reuse the running light side board idea.

[@davegriffiths8388]

Thank you for a very well explained video, I have built 2 vans so far, 1st a Fiat Doblo, 2nd a Renault Trafic and was thinking of using this size van for the next, so found it very useful. Keep up the good work and happy vanning.

[@Adventure.with.Robbie]

I've always followed your allotment videos until they come to a end. I'm now starting my own van build, Your videos are always very informative with great advice and tips. Thank you again for another great video

[@slev8871]

Wow, what a super detailed and uncomplicated job. Well done!

[@piggybakkers]

Nice build and good video. Rafters go into roof structures. Joists or bearers were what you put in the floor.

[@rickvanman]

Thanks for the tip!

[@funkyprepper]

Wow mate, that's one of the best videos I've seen. Really liked the whole thing. Learned loads and thanks so very much for documenting and sharing. Vantastic

[@mishafrog8786]

Nice conversion Bro but I think that an extra long high roof base van would give you so much more , then felt lining will absorb smells in time so cladding or some sheet product would give better surface long term

[@cocobunjee6676]

Thank you Rick for this upload. Your campervan interior is truly one of the best designs I have ever seen. So glad you revisited it with this video. Hope that you are now OK to make more videos. I have missed you.

[@Coxeter1947]

Watched the whole vid when I could have been watching the Test Match! Beautifully explained and, were I twenty or thirty years younger, I'd love to have a go....

[@nancynurse]

February 18. Massachusetts, USA, here. Rick, this is my first time viewing any of your videos. This 2018 van is beautiful. It looks so slick on the outside. One question, tho: Isn't that vehicle ceiling material you used to cover the walls, etc., not "washable" ? As a clean freak, I'd want to be able to wipe down walls, especially the wall behind the kitchen area. Love the bed pull out slats design. I've seen that a lot here in America. Whomever first thought of it is a genius ! And, you are after my own heart with the pocket door to the bathroom. If I ever design a house, I'm ordering no hinged doors anywhere ! Even the front door. Pocket doors only. Great job.

[@GrahamA63]

This is really good - thanks. Building a very budget car/work van/day camper from a 200000 mile Citroen Dispatch. We haven’t the money for fancy but the back seat area needs to be nice for our daughters - the self adhesive neoprene and the breathable roofing felt underlay are great ideas. Thanks and all the best.

[@MarkBriers369]

Thinking of converting a van to live in and your video was a great insight. Your clear and concise explanation of the build was great. The preparation instruction was particularly helpful. Good luck for the future with your van and trips to come.

[@rickvanman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markknopflerisnot]

What a brilliant presentation......enjoyed every minute of it and could only watch in admiration of your skills and talent......Mark II kitchen was a huge improvement so kudos to you Rick for sharing, am envious for sure......fabulous job and so interesting

[@strekev]

Thanks for providing an absorbing take on van conversion. Next step for me is the purchase of a donor vehicle that suits my budget (10 grand )

[@rickvanman]

Best of luck! Hopefully you should get something nice for that amount

[@69healymonster]

Really informative! A great starting point reference wise for someone like me looking to do my first van conversion. Thank you for posting!

[@KICIUGDYNIA]

super, takiego układu jeszcze nie widziałem. Chyle czoło wyszło rewelacyjnie, pozdrawiam

[@DriveinnTheater]

One of the issues I have with the van builds I see... they NEVER appear to talk about the electrics they put in, the plumbing... it is just suddenly there... It would really be nice for a van builder to spend a decent amount of time discussing the electrics, the plumbing, etc with in-depth detail.

[@rickvanman]

its a tricky one. Electrical and gas installations can be dangerous, even life-threatening if done incorrectly. Amateur van builders are usually not qualified to give others advice on such installations and can potentially get into trouble if someone follows their advice from a video and that advice is bad. I think there is a general assumption among us van builders that everyone doing such a project will either already have a reasonable level of competence in such installations, or will get someone qualified to do it for them. Either way, I think you are unlikely to find many videos on such installations because of this.

[@rickvanman]

(plumbing) on the other hand, yeah that would be okay, I might do a video on it 😊

[@bicanoo_magic3452]

I have been building my Ford Transit out as well and had noticed that the exposed beams ofcourse had condensation on them. Your idea of neoprene is brilliant. i'm using XPS foam whichis basically a foil covered neoprene. Your van MUST be quite and well insulated from what I've seen.

[@xtrem1st]

Fantastic build video, lots of great tips that will hopefully stop me making huge mistakes on my fit-out! Thanks Rick!

[@domdoesthethings]

Thank you for putting this video together. Fantastic work. I'm 99% sure I'm going to be living in a van full time within 6 months - this is really helpful to see. All the best

[@michaeluttley3386]

Did you do it then? I want to do the same thing but my dream is further than 6 months away.

[@domdoesthethings]

@@michaeluttley3386 ha, 6 months does fly by... So, my Citroen Relay I bought has needed the following, since I've owned it for 12 months, air con regas, brake pads front and back, oil, pollen and air filters, fresh oil, tyre (puncture), battery, starter motor, and now the alternator is fucked. I've still got the motorcycle I planned to sell to fund this project, my head is just about above water... My 15 month warranty with the van is not easy to claim on! However, I had my insurance renewal come up, and Acorn, my current insurer came up fairly cheap with the renewal, so, for the first time EVER I let a policy autorenew. Big mistake! Despite my address and bank details remaining identical they couldn't take the first payment and decided to charge me £25 admin fee! So I promptly shopped about and spoke to Adrian Flux who insured me £200 cheaper for a "self build motorhome" registered on v5 as a panel van, but I can make any changes I like, windows, bed, fridge, gas etc throughout the year with no need to inform them. Safe to say, I'm happily insured but still replacing every bloody thing this 2015 van needs before it becomes my mobile home. Get a new van, 100%, used vans are always fucked

[@colindonnellan1735]

Excellent Video Rick and easy to follow stage by stage. I think it will give you years of Happy Camping

[@bettyteh7294]

Great you have packed in a lot considering the space. You even have a bathroom with shower. Thta is amazing and the kitchen. Really nice! Cosy but a little too dark color. But amazing van

[@johnward1475]

Great video picked up some great tips only wished you installed D.C.converter with your solar thanks for the tips

[@rickvanman]

John ward Not a fan of DC converters if I’m honest, they are an incredibly inefficient way of using electricity. Everything in this build is geared towards 100% 12 V living 😊

[@bleepbooster]

Hi Rick, was just about to ask the same question!! All i can therefore say is thank you for sharing all your advice and thoughts. Will defo come in handy when I start my own project.

[@philkfoto]

Wow the end result was superb and I really enjoyed your narrative, photos and video. A master craftsman at work. Like you I love working with design, wood and and electrics. But my only attribute was in a creation of a new build house in the Scottish Highlands. I would just love to own a camper van like yours. Now subscribed to see more of what appeals to me.

[@goofe.washington953]

A very informative (and enjoyable) video. Thanks for all the detailed explanation. A fan from Mississippi in the U.S.

[@mesmogruvinski]

Thankyou. The kitchen especially. Happy camping.

[@hermanmunster3358]

Good job mate. Love the fact you have a proper bath room. But I don't see much storage for clothing, shoes etc. You could put some storage boxes under the sofa bed I suppose. But apart from the meagre storage, it looks great, ideal for weekends away.

[@sjackson666]

Dear Sir. Thank you very much for all the efforts making this comprehensive video. That's brilliant and absolutely loved the way you explain things for UK people. Nice work. Well done. All the best

[@rickvanman]

Many thanks!

[@kadiyamrajshekar7253]

Very nice, detailed and practical approach thank u for putting this video. Though i dont know when iam going to have my own campervan but this is really good

[@spocksbeard76]

Nice van Rick!! Too bad ya had to redo the bathroom, & other things. But at least it's too your liking. I love the sliding bathroom door also. Good luck with it. Hope you get much enjoyment out of it.💯👍👍🌄🏕🏖😎😎