How to Save Weight in a Van Conversion | 5 VAN BUILD TIPS

Weight is one of the most important yet overlooked factors of a van conversion. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetic of your van and lose sight of just how much weight your buildout is adding to your poor vehicle. ⁠
⁠
In today's video I'm talking about some of the things I'll be doing in my new Sprinter build to help keep the weight down and avoid hitting the van's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). ⁠
Listen until the end for my top 5 weight-saving tips when converting a van.
📖 Video Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - Tip #1 Batteries
03:14 - Tip #2 Wood
05:22 - Tip #3 Flooring
09:29 - Tip #4 Wall Panels
10:36 - Tip #5 Countertop
🔗 Products
Lithium Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Marine Vinyl Flooring: www.jackson.ca/ (What I used is called Nautolex)
Other Flooring Options: lonseal.com/, www.chilewich.com/store/, www.gerflor.com/
Duotex Wall Panels: www.richelieu.com/ca/en/categ...
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[@willpea1445]

While I value all your content, you can skip key details in your demonstrations of work. However, your content before the camera sharing your lived experience is outstanding. This information has been priceless. Thank you!

[@OKFrax-ys2op]

Just bought a van and the main focus is to built it like an airplane, light weight. Saving on wear and tear, of course more mpg!

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

Saving weight is one of my top goals in my first build (coming summer 2023). So glad I found this video. Other ways I’m saving: 1. Tin ceiling on birch frame 2. Kitchen wall framing lined with vinyl stick on “tile” in white herringbone 3. “Bedroom” walls - MDF shiplap 4. Sheet vinyl flooring (wood look) 5. Faux marble countertop using an epoxy pour over on 3/4 in birch Cant wait to order your window covers :)

[@2o3ief]

MDF is considerably heavier than both plywood and solid wood, also generally doesn't take screws well--i wouldn't recommend it for a wall

[@stevel1451]

Have you thought about using sheet aluminium, it makes very good lightweight studs and panels, then cover the aluminium with wrap. A lot better glossy finish and it’s easy to change the colour scheme weight saving is astronomical

[@aremisstudios5149]

Thanks Scott. Some good tips for my first foray into a van build out. I'm a highly satisfied owner of your window coverings for me 23' T250 Cargo van and do recommend them highly.

[@mart7404]

I imagine you are aware, but if not. Another great flooring choice is Marmoleum. Which is a green-sustainable product (linoleum) made from linseed oil. Single sheet without seems and lightweight. Super tough too.

[@lorenworthington8739]

Fun fact; even the 8020 product has two versions. The “LS“ is the lighter version of the exact same product. It’s actually a little cheaper because it’s less aluminum.

[@scottadamson6116]

Is that the stuff thats hallowed out in sections?

[@lorenworthington8739]

@@scottadamson6116 yes. At ea corner is a internal bore (hole). It’s notably lighter but more the strong enough. Sent you a DM on IG.

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

So glad you are back on the air. I haven’t started construction on my 1TN 144 yet. Living and caring for Mom(93) has taken priority. I have been cutting the weight of my build day by day. You have so many great ideas Scott thanks

[@e.7867]

thank you for addressing this issue! this answers the voice in my head while watching the majority of van build videos. also Very Grateful for the sourcing of these alternative materials

[@scottadamson6116]

Glad to help!

[@stephencorona1158]

Glad to have you back, Scott! You're fantastic at your craft. Congrats on all the success of Wanderful.

[@scottadamson6116]

Thank you kindly!

[@MrksGrsh]

Really good content 🙌 Thanks for sharing your Tips and Ideas. Digging your videos

[@AdrianSinner97]

FINALLY someone who understands that WEIGHT is the enemy!!! - I weight my van before the conversion and i will measure it again after all is finished.

[@Sustainavore]

Appreciate your videos, and all the information. I do feel like your vocal audio is too low in your mix though. Bring that volume up, so we can hear that beautiful voice!

[@GKRUnlimited]

So good to see you. So appreciate your videos. Very interested to know how the RedArc system worked all. Grateful

[@marcusallenyt]

more great info for all trying to keep the weight off . it all add up so fast . thank for sharing

[@scottadamson6116]

Yeah I didnt think about it much on build 1

[@thudang3039]

Thanks for sharing! Would love to see more vids like this from experienced van builders who aren't just hacking things up on their first try (like I'll be doing)... LOL It's great to learn from others experiences, but for instance, that acoustic panelling you found, awesome! Finding more clever ways to keep the center of gravity low (especially when I've got a high roof Transit) is definitely going to be a win in my books.

[@joeblow1942]

5:40. Sheet vinyl flooring is about 100 pounds lighter than vinyl planks.

[@ramzizaz]

Great video as always. Can you share more information about the foam core products you briefly mentioned?

[@hitchpost5822]

Very useful information, I am looking into getting a van. Probably a Ford Transit and probably not do the work myself. In watching all the build videos weight never seems to come up. I have always wondered what all that weight does to drivability & gas mileage ? I plan to emphasize keeping weight down when working with a builder. Thanks for the video.

[@drivesurfcamp]

Any plans for making curtains for the VW Crafter? 😃 Super hard to find… thx for your videos, super helpful. Cheers!

[@brianchetelat6601]

Scott, I was considering using 1/2" Birch plywood over my 3/4" Polyiso Board insulation to save some weight but I'm guessing you'd recommend 3/4" plywood for flooring? Also, do you rely on only fastening items to the wood floor or do you penetrate the wood to reach the metal van floor for securing items? Seen all your videos and you're at the top of your game... along with your silently partner there, DAD!

[@GianniSeghers]

Any weight saving „bolt-on‘s“? Wheels, exhaust, brakes, suspension,…?

[@drewhodge3820]

What is the weight difference between using 80-20 aluminium framing and the same length in timber?

[@LeslynLeong]

How do you see prices and purchase acoustic panels? I signed up for an account but doesn’t show prices.

[@PezRacer]

Why did you downsize from a 170 to a 144? Any regrets? Which size do you prefer having owned both?

[@TerryManitoba]

👍So what is your trip-ready weight on the current van❓ (all in - water - full gas - food - people )

[@scottadamson6116]

Not sure yet on this van old van was 8650

[@TerryManitoba]

@@scottadamson6116 Ya that's heavy as **** - Mine is 8K lbs all in❗

[@Jbridge621]

In this video the music is very loud but the voice is very quiet

[@some______guy]

I'm guessing this is sort of a reaction to advanced RV that managed to go way over on one of their builds recently. Edit: this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqrCe6OEi9-LbtU

[@some______guy]

I'm also thinking about this very issue. I'm looking to have a onboard desalination system, so I can get away with less water onboard. This would give you unlimited water, even off grid.

[@scottadamson6116]

I had not seen that video but ARV makes amazing stuff and I see that they offered a refund so it shows how professional they are.