Humble Road Van Build Series 17 - Radiant Floor Heat In My Van - Done!

[@JOHNNYGIX]

I’d undo the spool on a hot summer day and layout the pipe in the yard, with some help of course. Helps ‘reprogram’ the pipe. Nice install!

[@shamrockgirl6595]

Always detailed, meticulous & quality oriented. Great job, George.

[@harrismagnum04]

no idea what hew is doing

[@prizantsproducts4u]

I am binge watching once again. I have not been well, so I get up in the wee hours of the am, and catch up with all your new news! I am good, just pray for healing. Thank you for sharing, G-d bless!

[@darlacurry149]

You are seriously funny! I love your sense of humor!

[@lynlalalala]

I love your way of thinking, your thought process and the end results in your van builds. I save every one of your videos to help guide me in my future van build. Thank you so much!!!

[@Den3productions]

I like this guy!

[@dianeedmondson4301]

Brilliant! Don't let anyone steal your idea! Good to see you!

[@gwenerikson7356]

♥️....humble...I was naturally impressed with the radiant flooring....then you touched my soul with the wheel well blankets .. those are a pet peeve of mine. I have seen many videos of Van builds and I always think they are not insulated well enough...I AM IMPRESSED ! I bow to your Majesty 😊

[@HumbleRoad]

Gwen, impressed means you know what's right when you see it! That's what this effort is all about!

[@carolesea]

Cool addition to assuring that the van is really four seasons and cozy!

[@ronwrable843]

Love the attention to detail. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@linedog5928]

Its 86 degrees and 100% humidity down here in Daytona bch.. after 10 minutes of sweat rollin down my eyes I throw out all the perfection and just slap it together..Damn you do good work sir..Please keepin coming and thanks !!

[@Dulsanaya]

Love the Wheel Well Blankets!

[@KarasekUS]

I've just found another material option for that purpose : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKSzfnpuitZ7eK8

[@annieoakley5075]

You are putting so much thought and effort into this build I just can’t wait to see the final product. Love it.

[@HumbleRoad]

I'm getting there. Now that I am inside, I can see just how productive I can be, week after week!

[@marylandgirl7358]

I really like your ideas, Humble Road.

[@kathleenreyes4345]

You think of everything, George!! So appreciate your ingenuity!!

[@epvb6361]

What a great explanation, in such detail! You should win an award for it!! Thank you very much!

[@epvb6361]

I've been reading through the comments and haven't seen which "motor" you have bought for this heating system. Could you please let me know?

[@HumbleRoad]

Whole system is based on an Espar hydronic furnace, using various types of heat exchangers and mixing valves. Go to the community tab on my channel and scroll down for a diagram of the whole system. Also check out Rixens in Oregon for complete Espar kits.

[@epvb6361]

@@HumbleRoad thanks!!

[@LostOnLandAgain]

I hear that Pex stuff is pretty light weight. Brilliant! Doing dishes with warm feet. Now that's what I'm talking about!

[@HumbleRoad]

If your feet are warm, you are more likely to stay at the sink and do a better job of washing the dishes... because in van life, washing dishes is what it's all about... 🤓

[@LostOnLandAgain]

@@HumbleRoad So you are saying if I ditch my paper plates I'll have a more fulfilling van life experience? Who knew! :)

[@mattbach7001]

I am about to start my first personal van build. All of your videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you VERY much.

[@anthonymarino4260]

Beyond words well done

[@shane7579]

Awesome thanks for taking the time to share in detail your build, it's AWESOME

[@rollshow3024]

You do great work! Fun to watch, EZ on my mind LOL.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you!

[@caryalburn790]

Glad to see that your floor heat is just a tootsie warmer. I have electric radiant heat in the tile floor of my 16x20 sunroom, which I run at 78° early morning, then at 70° all day, then back to 78° in the evening, dropping to 60° all night. But the main heat source is a gas heating stove. Without the floor heat, the tile is unpleasantly cool. The room is comfortable, but the feet in socks aren’t. But vice versa, the heated floor without the gas heating stove could never heat the sunroom. Just for the heckuvit, I cranked the floor up to 90° one day when the outside temperature was in the mid 20s, and the room temperature only rose to 64°-and the floor was uncomfortably hot! I’m enjoying your build reports, Chip. You have more skills than I have and infinitely more patience.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Cary!

[@freeeagle851]

Looking good as usual, great idea on the heated wall against the bed.

[@mwmurrell]

I would work for you.... I dont much care for working for anybody. Seriously, keep up the good work, friend. Very funny and great craftsmanship. This is great advice for me as i am about to begin building my floor. Thank you

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Matthew and good luck with your build!

[@MaximC]

Incredible video and audio quality, I'd day. Including the explanations and the pace of speech, etc.

[@HumbleRoad]

Appreciated

[@finntrew9184]

George your videos help me get through my horrifically long work days! And make me come back to my dream of living in a van full time, thank you for keeping me grounded. Your videos are amazing, keep up the great work ☺️

[@TheSkiseeks]

George the angry tubing tamer. Nice work.

[@simpleliving3506]

A thought for future builds when working with the pex tubing. Have it sit in a hot bath of water before installing and it will become more cooperative to follow the path you have choosen. 😉

[@cliffmorgan31]

.....or do this bending/fastening down in the summer in Phoenix or Death Valley.....

[@Makelifehappennow]

Or leave it in the sun for a few hours. Works great on pvc

[@unbiasedlycurious]

@@Makelifehappennow Cept UV ruins pex and breaks it down making it brittle

[@Altenurgy]

@@unbiasedlycurious It would be more like months if not years before the sunlight would hurt the pex. Now using 1/2" instead of what appeared to be 3/4" would have made it easier though.

[@AlexOvechkinSucks]

A few hours in the sun will not hurt PEX

[@kimberlyjeanne9456]

You need to market those wheel well blankets!

[@HumbleRoad]

Say it 3 times fast; WHEEL WELL BLANKET

[@edithp.7213]

You think of EVERYTHING!

[@HumbleRoad]

oh Edith... :-)

[@keirburgess]

Another great video. Just what I was needing to know.

[@HumbleRoad]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrJFoster1984]

Your wheel well blankets look wheely well made

[@HumbleRoad]

:-D

[@MrMun33]

5 star hotel!!!! Great job mr.G!

[@megrier]

Excellent work my fiend!

[@joannecaton-frank7514]

Awesome idea for heated floors! Love the wheel well blankets.

[@kimruss6476]

Hello George, Can't get enough of you and that van! I'm a Michael Franks fan too! Good job my friend!

[@DaringDanielletravels]

Radiant floor heating in the van is such a dream. I'm glad you made a how-to video that doesn't include purchasing an expensive kit

[@HumbleRoad]

Well, this radiant tubing is the last leg of my Espar D5 diesel fired furnace system. The system makes on demand, unlimited hot water and heats the cabin. It's a pretty complex pricey system. :-(

[@ameliaantonelli906]

@@HumbleRoad what would you say the estimated cost for a DIY or to put this in a Ford transit gas model though

[@ronfoster6351]

I use PEX for many things. I've used it to build heat exchangers and I also use it a fuel line. Great stuff and very very easy to work with if you know the trick..... heat up your oven to about 250-300f degrees to warm it up and it will go anywhere you want it to go.

[@ramhammer10-4]

I use a heat gun to get it to bend to my will. Lol

[@chantaledaudelin]

Super formidable thank you Mr

[@naturalhairdiscovery]

I really like how you explain ur builds! You have a very New Yorkish...... east coast vibe , and I love it!!!! I’m from the NYC...... I love that u use 80/20, if I ever one day have a van build out, that’s what I would want to use. Keep up the awesome van builds!!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you!! 😊

[@CareyOnVagabond]

It’s good to listen to wise old men.:)

[@swisscamperronniecool5419]

Carey On Vagabond George is not a "old man" but he sure is wise ☺

[@scottanson7524]

Your getting it done man ! Great work !

[@rosabivins2558]

I'm learning something new every video.. awesome.. thanks for sharing 🤗

[@edwardvarga2017]

Nice touch to heat the van wall where the sleeping area is. Can attest to the cold wall even in a house.

[@ChrisOh]

One of the best van builds on KZbin by far!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you, Chris!

[@crv20051]

Nice work, fun to see the progress this week. Wheel Well Blankets--all cars could use them!

[@GoodCybrations]

You're Brill Mr. George!

[@MattBoltonMusic]

Great video George. It was 38 degrees in Los Angeles today! Wishing we had some radiant flooring in our van!

[@dr.winner2516]

Detailed with humour, AWESOME

[@t-hex6876]

Lol. You love that vinyl! Looks great!

[@HumbleRoad]

:-D

[@immrnoidall]

nice and quiet . holding heat for a long time. camping ain't much fun while listening to a fan go most all the time. and much safer. all RV's and campers need to come with this system. another thing is,the more tube you use,the longer you can hold that perfect temperature when off. this must be incredibly efficient. i want to do this in my old 69 fireball 18 footer. nice and quiet ,and warm,as you look out at the frozen nature outside.

[@cuddlemymicky]

Thank you! Last year I suggested radiant flooring to someone putting in a floor. I was told that this couldn't be done in a van.

[@HumbleRoad]

Oh no! Many install the electric pad. I feel it consumes too much additional energy, considering the diesel is being utilized for cabin heat at the same time. In my design a single fuel source (diesel) is used for 3 needs; hot water, cabin heat, radiant floor. More efficient.

[@stacymarie719]

Hi. I thought about doing this in my van but I thought I was "the only one". Thank you for covering this and sharing! I feel like this is a good move for my conversion.

[@HumbleRoad]

Best of luck Stacey. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

[@rogerthat5803]

When a heat gun on low comes in handy when bending PEX. Beautiful job!

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

Someday soon your van will be the best built in the market !

[@magpiegoose]

Good job George from Sunny Australia 🙏🏻🇦🇺

[@ryanhurt6876]

Great video

[@lll.l-k6q]

I subscribed to you through "Less Junk, More Journey" and I'm glad I did. Keep up the good work!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you! And welcome to Humble Road! 🌞

[@kayfalls5807]

So glad you're back, missed your videos. Love the work you're doing, I bet everyone watching wants a van like yours. Can't wait to see you finish.

[@charlevoix418]

3M 5200 is a fantastic adhesive-sealant stuff: sailboat manufacturers seal the hull to keel joint with it and after it cures, even if you remove keel bolts it stays there, you have to beat the keel with a forklift to remove the keel. Evidently, it is quite a permanent bond, we have to be sure that we will never have to dismantle the glued components.

[@vidguy007]

People often use the incorrect adhesive for the wrong reasons. A sailboat manufacturer used it correctly. Most other uses it's an overkill

[@MaximC]

I wish I could work for you, building great vans... And I wish I lived where you live, so that I could help you with your builds (while learning myself how to do this handicraft), but I live in Italy.

[@brinnonvallere]

love the idea, in theory. and quality work. how this all works out in a cold setting only time will tell. please keep us updated good sir.

[@kutlut]

İts the first time I saw.Awesome...

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Love the idea of warm toasty toes in my future Humble bee. 🐝.

[@75kwbsrdds]

Proof of concept...A+

[@HumbleRoad]

It's gonna be great!

[@marttk.2605]

Radiant heat , excellent idea. But then I expected nothing less from you.

[@janina8559]

George everytime I consider an option U wind up covering it. I can’t afford all that but looking at under the floor mats. U are a Genius love to watch Ur process. Really U could be a teacher... guess U are cus I always learn somethin! ( I kno how to spell btw 😝)☮️❤️🤗

[@MitchOfCanada]

nice idea but running pipe long, front to back. be way easier and run plywood sleepers beside them for heat mass with those transfer plates on the top of the sleepers (pipe inset), then install the flooring on top. Keep a blow dryer handy and heat pex to give it a new memory, or attach blow dryer to the end of the pex on static end then it will become like a noodle.

[@jodierhea8093]

Feeling envious! 😉👍

[@ChristianTravelers]

Really like the wheel-well blankets! Hope the radiant heat floor is an option so non-cold climate RV'ers can remove that extra layer of complexity. Always afraid of Murphy's Law in that regards. Reminds us of macerator pumps versus blank tank hose in that gravity never fails. BTW, keep up the good work as your target market has increased exponentially with the demise of Hymer North America!

[@vickiewhite4603]

I love it thank you

[@waltgongaware2710]

Nice work George ! I am retired from the RHVAC industry and found this video very interesting. In plumbing anything , less joints= less leaks. It is nice to have zones with ball valves connected to a manifold for balancing and isolation should there be a leak. When a leak occurs in a concrete slab with radiant heat finding and repairing is a nightmare. For your application I understand your reasoning and agree. I couldn’t see the size of your Plex but it appeared to be larger than some and that certainly makes it a worthy opponent. I like your 90 turn brackets ... easy to put on where needed. Commercial installers often use pvc conduit long radius sweeps to turn the tube. Just use next size larger conduit I’d for over the od size of the pex. Downside is they must be slipped on from the end of the pex. If you don’t mind going to Canada there might be a good deal on a large space with plenty of manpower available. Looking forward to next video. Don’t burn yourself out, take a break with your crew.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks Walt. Yes, the entire run is a continuous home run. I will have a 3-way ball valve which I call the Summer valve. It isolates the heat portion of the the glycol run, providing only hot water in the Summer months. The pex is half inch. If you don't mind, send me an email, I'd like you to review my schematic.

[@marykaylayman1078]

I admire all the thought you have put into your creation, I'll bet you don't get much sleep tho (:

[@SalsaChips11]

entertaining presentation

[@normanmazlin6741]

George, that floor heating is pure genius, or you could just move down here to Aus where we regularly cook our eggs on the floor.

[@HumbleRoad]

:-D

[@11031]

Figured out you are like the Bob Villa of van building.

[@StellarFella]

Tame that loop! Stolid and set in its ways. A serpent it will nonetheless become!

[@HumbleRoad]

Alas!

[@patrickmaloney6757]

Wheel well blankets. Reminds me of horse blankets.

[@bdcsluper]

Excellente! - as usual

[@intoart340]

Absolutely Brilliant ! Thank you for sharing . I just found you and i am subscribing now. Then I will check out all your video's . Outstanding.

[@HumbleRoad]

Welcome to Humble Road!

[@Lumaport]

I'm loving seeing your videos and am inspired for my build! I think I saw you on Patrick Botticellis video and am also inspired that you all are in NJ like me! :) :) :) Thank you for making the videos! 8020 + Lithionics are in my future :)

[@HumbleRoad]

So cool!

[@ramhammer10-4]

Very smart

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Dang that is clean! I was under the impression mlv needs a foam decoupling layer. So closed cell foam between the wheel well metal and the mlv.

[@brichusi]

One of my most favorite parts of my last rv was the hydronic heated walls and floor.

[@4149natalie]

Dr. Pepper? What did you use for flooring?

[@2terryp]

"Gentle Bend" would be a great name for a movie about wheel well blankets.

[@HumbleRoad]

Love it! 😁

[@rixanneh18]

I feel your pain! I have developed "Gamer's thumb" from all the tweeking I've had to do to my van build. 1/8th and 1/4" clearances fill my nightmares.

[@HumbleRoad]

:-D

[@debinvegas2500]

You are a tease. Come let us see more!!!!!

[@jamessutherland4238]

Bout to start my build gonna be following ya

[@DennisWintjes2]

#1.1K. Thanks 4 sharing!

[@JohnMason-Hill]

Off the charts!!

[@robertschilling3308]

All good and great ideas. It's gonna be one hell of a van. I'm lurking in the background waiting for the culture shock of total finished van price. I have a neighborhood guess now...but that's all it is...a guess. 👍

[@HumbleRoad]

More than a manufactured van, but less than the big custom builders. It's a niche that needs this product... ...and I haven't forgotten about the Schilling Curve! I intend to get back on the old PW for some major enhancements.

[@robertschilling3308]

@@HumbleRoad ...oh yes. The Schilling curve!. Sales are doing fantastic. Like you...i had to move into larger manufacturing facilities.

[@ameliaantonelli906]

Love your video and your attention to detail. What about heat strips for by the water tanks?

[@HumbleRoad]

I keep the fresh tanks inside and the grey tank - which is under the van, is empty more than it is full, due to good vanlife habits.

[@ameliaantonelli906]

@@HumbleRoad I was thinking of putting my water tanks under the Van so I have more space inside I'd. Do you not recommend water tanks outside under the van?

[@HumbleRoad]

@@ameliaantonelli906 I prefer to keep the fresh tank inside the van. The grey tank under the van and with proper evacuation methods, it is empty more than it is full.

[@mrdave22]

great radiant heat flooring. wouldn't it be simpler to just put a heating blanket on the floor? they don't use much electricity. that was my thought if i ever built a camper van. good vid, love the sound deadening wheel wells. thumbs up, thanks for sharing

[@jrmason]

Very nice! Hey the Russo's are looking for a new rig. Maybe they'll buy your design! Have a good one! -Jon

[@rogerstarkey5390]

George, A suggestion, Rather than run the tube across the van, (12 bends?) why not up and down the length? You could save a lot of bends, and therefore a lot of hassle! If you had a a manifold at the rear, you could run a length up and back, only 1 bend at the front, return, then terminate at the manifold. Repeat 2, maybe 3 times. Done!

[@HumbleRoad]

The way I ran the tubing was initially more work, but it will provide a better quality of life for the long term. More surface area = more heat. Also, the entire run is continuous, no joints, nor manifolds to worry about leaking.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@HumbleRoad True, just a thought, maybe less work. Love what you're going!

[@SkiwiAS]

Great details and I love the jokes, haven't laughed this much on build video ever.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks!

[@panamafred1]

You wascally wabbit, wow, wickedly wonderful wheel well warmer widgets! Now, if you name were only Wally and not George!

[@0jeraco0]

Mass is your friend in under floor systems. I would fill your air around with sand. Sand will hold the heat and reduce how often your system recycles.

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes that would work, but way too heavy for a van.

[@DrShonto]

❤️ the Radiant 🌞 Heating‼️...to be bare🦶and toasty in the van-when it is COLD...and utilizing physics of 🌞💥🔥...❤️ it‼️

[@TheBigBangSpark]

Hello, George! I truly appreciate you for creating such wonderful content, you have changed my life completely as I have watched all of your videos and have learned so much. Now I am looking to create the same Radiant Flooring on my own DIY Build, and I have a few questions. What are the size of the Pex tubing and what size of 80/20 are you using on the floor? Thank you😇💚🙏💫!

[@HumbleRoad]

The Pex tubing is 1/2” Don’t use 8020 on the floor. Get thick walled square aluminum tubing 1” x 1”