More van build tips to improve the quality of your build

[@BillyOfTea]

Came for the t-slots. Stayed for the philosophy.

[@directorpat]

You're THE Gold standard in van builds! 🎉

[@ryanmikita]

George you are a true inspiration! Can't stop watching your videos!! Thanks very much!!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Welcome to Humble Road !

[@whiskythrottle8421]

Genius I tell ya! Genius! Boy I bet you really looked forward to matimatics and Englamish in school 😂. Oh boy my grandfather told me that one morning on the way to school as a kid I thought he had the weirdest sense of humor. But now I love it, he's 92 now with alot of health issues, when he retired from New York he moved down to Florida to be with the rest of the family. He built my mother my brother and I a duplex in the 80s with no construction experience at all to help my mother out with us so she could collect rent from one side while she worked 2 jobs as a single mother and we lived on the other side. He's a brilliant man even at 92 with cancer he gets his friends and some family to pitch in every year to rent a catamaran in the Virgin islands for a week or two... I bring him up because Everytime I watch your content not only am I amazed at the work you do which is truly amazing! If you we're to combine my grandfather and my uncle's personalities and characteristics it reminds me alot of yourself. So other than the builds themselves I get a kick outta of that. Not only that but you can really tell how much you enjoy designing, making, and shooting the content of these builds. It truly shows the passion and craftsmanship you have towards this stuff. I feel it's what alot of these other builders are missing they like to do a walk through of the finished product and maybe a timlapsed version of it or a couple things here and there which there's nothing wrong with to each is own. I follow this guy Jarrod Tocci on KZbin he has a engineering degree he built two vans on his own. He's originally from Boston but he's been on the west cost for awhile he's built a pretty big following by networking and touring people's vans and on his second van he had radiant floor heating put in by van life tech which the owner is the guy that designed this system which runs off glycol I believe, draws very little power. But the company has to get companies certified if they want to install it so it can be under warranty. Anyhow I'm always telling him about you and how beautiful your work is. If he's ever back on the east coast to visit his family to look you up and maybe be able to check your work out. Whether you want that or not who knows but I'm always bragging about your work. And I just think it would be super cool if you could start incorporating those radiant heated floors by @vanlifetech. He does alot of film work with Marc from nomadik customs out of Oregon. He's another gentleman who's work I really admire because he really likes to do full blown custom builds is his thing. But he also has templates that he will do if the customer doesn't want a full custom build. Anyhow I can't wait to see some more of your Shoulin Technics ✏️📐 🎎🧧🎥☯️

[@pll2bs340]

@Hog Dawger8_ For whom can be credited. Thank you EBERSPÄCHER(EBER) for glycol system. It was a good idea for VLT to use this technology. Does he site/credit where learned first? Really important for KZbinr's to do this. EBER' began marketing the RV and freight industry with this product over 8 years ago. With sales as early as 2011. Ethylene glycol is an alcohol compound commonly known as "anti-freeze". EBER' makes the heater. Which torches the anti-freeze by burning fuel. Heat exchange that and your gonna get some hot water or air. For shower, sink, and floor. Draws little power. I found as low as a 1 amp configuration(@ 12V).

[@whiskythrottle8421]

@@pll2bs340 I'm not sure where he learned it from. But you're correct it barley draws any power. I'm definitely going to use it when I start my van.

[@skcapture]

I am travelling for work. You make my 14 days quarantine bearable

[@HumbleRoad]

Wonderful!

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

Every sunday that starts with a Humble Road video is better than one without. Amazing how much thought you put in the engineering design and I saw a lot of innovations in just under 20 minutes. Have a nice day George!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you very much!

[@anthonymarino4260]

So true lots of planing

[@ArtyVanHoming]

ahh sanity in the world again ,finally got my fix of Humble Road.i can go into another lock down feeling good and knowing George is out their keeping my sanity alive.

[@GENECARP]

I give George a thumbs up before even watching...the only person on YT that I do that with..

[@jstoney6471]

Good Show today! Was finally able to get set up in Condo on the Beach and watch!

[@HumbleRoad]

Have fun!

[@jstoney6471]

@@HumbleRoad Stop By next time you are down my way!

[@cigarmann]

After watching hours and hours of Van builds using the same tired formula you are pushing the envelope of innovation forward, godspeed to you man! Btw, I would have switched the 3rd board with th 11th......lol!

[@HumbleRoad]

Wow, thank you!

[@lisalutterbach6843]

Haha....

[@antoniabaker7770]

I'm looking to start mine. Love his ideas but makes me doubt my capabilities.

[@seven_o_savage]

Great tips George. This was perfect to watch while drinking my coffee before going out to work on the van.

[@HumbleRoad]

Perfect!

I'll never own a van by George, but I sure do appreciate the journey.

[@dimbaboy]

This video showed your 80/20 war chest of parts I previously inquired about. Appreciate you.

[@velcrots]

I'd love to come apprentice and learn from you in the shop!!

[@lisalutterbach6843]

Me too.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Me too

[@happyhong8779]

Einstein of Van Build !! My life goal and Dream is my Van build by You!

[@cesalt2408]

Hot coffee, new ideas, and a whole day ahead. Makes me smile!

[@latergator3367]

Thanks for being so inventive. Your innovation and long term strategy will help us Nomads well into the future . And as you say, limit the cussing ! Godspeed.

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate that!

[@alliejr]

Inspecting the boiler! I grew up in an old house (on Long Island) with an old oil boiler. Every day, my dad assigned one of us to check the boiler water level. He knew and had obviously seen (born in 1914) the result of a "dry" boiler and the resulting catostrophic explosion. Thanks for that memory. Great video. Great builds. Great channel.

[@HumbleRoad]

And no one was allowed to touch the thermostat!

[@alliejr]

@@HumbleRoad FACTS!!!

[@dh9644]

If I could give 2 thumbs up I would. Great video. I got very good results with using alcohol to drill holes cut threats or cut aluminum. Cheap and easy to clean after dry. Only the aluminum chips are left.

[@HumbleRoad]

Interesting, I'll look into that. My first thought is fire hazard with the heat. No flare ups?

[@ovmn]

Looking great George.. another great design with thoughtful improvements.

[@HumbleRoad]

Many thanks

[@Roobah]

That was 18:22 seconds of pure information and not a spot of wasted info at all. HEY! I LOVE my 90-pound pull magnets. I use them to put the cover on my windshield and keep it secure in even the wildest windstorm. Problem: When 2 of the magnets stick together it takes an act of Congress to pry them apart, so you have to make SURE you put the nylon insert between each magnet each time you disassemble and put away. Maybe try 90-lb pull magnets? Would make that wall even more secure in case of an accident? ($12-$14 per 10-pack.)

[@Brandon-ik6ty]

Me when I see a new Humble Road video posted: 😍😀😍

[@NaomiEvolved]

Always happy to see your videos. Since I am close by our location I pray before my PCS move i get the opportunity to work with you in my first van build. Also thanks for emailing me back.

[@davidsdiscoveries2835]

About to restore an old shuttle bus so I've been watching lots of videos relating to van builds. I have to say, out of all the videos I have seen, yours are the most informative. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Much obliged.

[@ronwiejaczka8635]

Another great video George, I think I will call you Mr accessibility. Thanks again for your Sunday video.

[@tomthoman457]

Thank you for taking so much time with your builds. Quality over Quantity.....that's what I appreciate. Hope to have you build ours.

[@argates6507]

I truly admire the way you "future proof" your designs. I love your creativity coupled with your practicality - a rare combination. Glad you have enlarged your workforce. I think I'd better start saving for my van build. It's obvious that I would get more bang for the buck having you do it, rather attempting it myself.

[@lbyvik]

MAGNETS! EUREKA!! Brilliant. That solves a puzzle with my truck! Thank you

[@crv20051]

George, I just watched Mike Neundorfer do a walk through of their new "B Box" option at Advanced RV. As you have often said, their work is just some crazy custom amazingness. As I watched that video, I was thinking of what would happen if you got your hands on one of their B Box chassis and then started the build out... Hhhhmmn. Might be too easy! :-)

[@HumbleRoad]

That's a pretty large living space! I've always wanted a butler's pantry...

[@dindog22]

I want to see George get his hands on a skoolie

[@lynnekerr3890]

Watched the B Box thing and had EXACTLY the same reaction. Where would George put a butlers pantry? Hmm. By the jacuzzi?

[@GOJ739]

dindog22 or a Cargo Trailer conversion.

[@Roobah]

@@dindog22 Or a full-size bus build.... one of those previously million dollar machines in need of a full restoration would be amazing.

[@as6709]

Love that hot water slider, George - Brilliant!

[@HumbleRoad]

No unnecessary labor, no creative new cuss words!

[@daviddickerson495]

The magnet system is so obvious and brilliant!! Talk about access!! And options!! Especially in a service area like the garage. Great idea.

[@HumbleRoad]

Totally agree!

[@GreenVegan816]

I'm very particular, but you make me want to take it to the next level. I love how you think. You really have something great when you own a Humble Road built van.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you! 😊

[@luvnotvideos]

I absolutely love the methodical logic of your builds. It's incredibly soothing. Just wish I could afford the 80/20. Maybe next build....

[@fflanner]

I've used a fair amount of Rubio for my floors, trim, etc. It is great stuff. If you really bought a whole gallon, you probably have enough to do 50 vans. A little goes a long way. Be aware that the hardener seems to kick off over time. My guess is that the crappy cans they sell it in are not air tight once you open and reseal them. try decanting to a better container or vacuum sealing the hardener after use. Also, my local hardwood floor distributor sold me the 1.3L size for $80-90, but It's been over a year since I bought any, so prices may have gone up.

[@patokelley]

You are such a master craftsman and genius when it comes to making these mini home vans. I love your videos. Very entertaining. It makes want a van. I bet yours are very expensive. Worth it. Its wonderful how you share your knowledge.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you very much!

[@sepocon]

Your videos are amazing. I can't help thinking that if people lived a slightly simpler life then they could save thousands on filters, batteries, heaters, etc. Each to their own though. About to start building my second van and will be heavily reliant on your advice - thank you.

[@HumbleRoad]

I wish you the best! Send pics!

[@kathleenreyes4345]

I love how effective the magnets work! You are so clever, George!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you very much!

[@KA-pq3yz]

The best information about camper van building , thanks for your videos

[@TheSkiseeks]

Thanks again. Outstanding design George.

[@HumbleRoad]

Very welcome

[@EyesMindOpen]

You are a master my friend

[@crv20051]

One more thought for today. Terry Minix, over at Embassy RV uses those bladders for clean water and grey water tanks, they lay on top of each other, so that as you use up the clean water and that bladder empties, the gray bladder fills--saving space because they are maintaining same overall area--a pretty interesting approach. He also puts them inside, in his case, under a sofa. Looking at the physical space of that fixed clear water tank you are wrestling with, I like the sturdy fixity of it, but the bladders, hhmmmn.

[@HumbleRoad]

I saw those stacked bladders at one of the last Tampa RV Shows. Very clever.

[@luisacevedo324]

now that's using your head. Just BRILLIANT... way to go. 👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mmac4047]

Hi again Mike here, use mis matched Velcro - use 200 hook and 100 loop, for a belt and suspenders solution.

[@mmac4047]

You can get torque setting screw drivers hit the same torque every time.

[@JenSwarbrick1966]

You are an absolute genius, George!

[@LeoSundayMusic]

George, excellent tips today! I especially liked the 80 20 tips .... very helpful!

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tonym5878]

Thanks for the info George. Your production style is back!!!

[@dvfreelancer]

Emphasizes how cheaply modern RVs are built. This is true craftsmanship. A well-built van is better than any RV on the market. It's worth the money.

[@mobileempire5522]

I like your magnetic walls , good idea. Instead of mounting your water heater with four bolts how about one side having 2 notches it slides into and then you only need 2 bolts to mount it instead of 4. I recently started mounting every thing using the 2 notch 2 screw method . Good work as usual Thanks for sharing

[@HumbleRoad]

The water heater comes with two notch, two hole feet, just as you suggest.

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

So much ingenuity and information! Love seeing what you come up with for each build. I know the pro master owner wants a microwave but it sure requires a lot of space. The walls held with magnets 🧲 seems like a fantastic idea. Sunday Funday watching you at work. Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you next week 🚐🚐❤️❤️

[@HumbleRoad]

Oh yes, big surprise next week! You'll never guess! Thanks for watching!

[@berniekeene868]

@@HumbleRoad BIG surprise next week!! I’m so excited I can hardly wait!! I bet it will be even more exciting than a big box coming out of Ohio!!!

[@andreasdahl717]

looks like very high end, high quality builds that you are doing. great job

[@sifudan9244]

i forgot thank you for all your knowledge it’s been a huge help on my first build

[@tamo9520]

I absolutely love your thought process. Your detail in thought & explanation is irreplaceable! Thank you for your genius mind!

[@HumbleRoad]

You are so welcome!

[@janetdupree6353]

I love watching how you combine the art of form and function. You might consider adding magnets in strategic cabin areas where the owners can secure small items. I say this because I have seen other van owners demonstrating the convenience of having a place to secure loose items with a 🧲. For example, magnetic knife holding strips are good example of form and function. They come in a variety of sizes and design.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Top build solid modern and easy access to fix brilliant system I’m impressed ,old jimmy Australia ,we have the iveco daily earth cruiser here not cheep but tough for the out back ,your a knowlegble builder

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you “Old Jimmy!”

[@BelindaTOV]

Beautiful wood! Cant wait to see this one finished.

[@HumbleRoad]

You and me both!

[@SKYFLYBRI]

Fantastic video has given me great inspiration on how to build something in my campervan so I have learnt from you and I thank you for that

[@davidblood9882]

I am just starting my MB build journey and appreciate all of your wisdom and content. Thank you!

[@HumbleRoad]

You are so welcome!

[@berniekeene868]

You think of everything!! Thank you for another fun, informative, and INSPIRING video!!

[@mothermedicinemusic]

Love the magnets, really thinking all your builds thru with such detail! Great artistry in your work! Love me some Humble Road!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@FromShetoMe]

Magnets; brilliant! I have screws dropping out of our upper PW cabinets; too many dirt roads.

[@maggiebrattoli383]

She mentions George at least every other episode. Love her 💕💕💕

[@bukit2361]

Good stuff! I've already got my magnets for a ceiling in my pro master. What fun it has been trying to stuff a home in a van. Your videography is so good wish I could get better at it sooner. Working on a van to try and sell and really wanted to make more vids of the process but that is a world I haven't been able to wrap my head around yet. I have one video showing where I'm at on my build if your ever bored. Trying to incorporate a recirculating shower on top of a standard system with a UV light filter and a heat exchanger. Wanted to go the PexA route but it wasn't in the budget. should be an interesting build upon completion. Not near your level of equipment or strength but I think my thought process of accessibility is a lot like yours. Thanks for all the information!

[@mandaroo1021]

@bukit23 What pull strength magnets are you using for the ceiling, this is brilliant!

[@freedomdove]

You think of everything, George. 👍

[@harryhimpson5663]

this has just given me a idea to cover the panels behind the galley i mean with 16 pound pull magnets that aint going noware

[@HumbleRoad]

I use magnets everywhere!

[@harryhimpson5663]

@@HumbleRoad i love looking at your builds its so much cleaner looking than just using timber the units look like something from a show room keep it coming dude

[@turkeyssr]

Common sense quality build. Great work.

[@ArchWayE]

Easy acces fun! Getting access to the wires and plumbing over and over again. Wow! Can you list the components you used (listing for the magnets 🧲)?

[@tangwendeo]

first class build in every step!

[@stillwalking64]

Hello sir I've been following you for several years and you have been a great inspiration to myself and a lot of other people. I have a shuttle bus that I am converting. And I will definitely be using some of your tips. Thank you so much.

[@LilyWasHereMB]

George, GEORGE! magnetic panels? ... its going to work really well. I wanted you to see that, now I'm going to put this rack in ... Humble to the bone, even when exhibiting genius.

[@rexgold101]

Genius at work... loving the detail and thought process..

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@okmmauh]

Poetry in design

[@charliethewanderer6872]

Great design and build, where is the cloth washer ?

[@diconustra]

Attaching the panels using magnets: It's a great idea. But the panels will float on the wall and have small amounts of motion relative to the van body - the van body will move more than the rigid panel. I have a case where a magnet holding a door in a B van has annoying metal-metal squeak as the van body flexes. I'd suggest making sure that the magnets don't squeak. If they do, a very thin layer of something will less friction might help, without reducing the hold strength too much.

[@HumbleRoad]

I have an idea to keep the panels stationary.

[@stevethurlow6284]

I installed a underwater marine led lite in my water tank about 4 years age and it still is working, you can mount a surface mount or they make a very small round led lite that mounts in a thru hole..... to see your level..

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes, a light source on any side of the tank will work. Using a momentary contact switch.

[@manny-perez]

Exceptional video as is your work!

[@277kne]

Hi George, Your videos have been very helpful and informative. I watched your videos several times and took notes. The measurements were useful. I'm determining what size van will be good for myself. Could you mention again in your upcoming videos some general measurements. I would like to know what a good size asle and galley should be.

[@HumbleRoad]

Cool, thanks! I have touched on all of that in my weekly videos.

[@modems516]

Learn so much from all of your videos. What is the part supporting the I beams called?

[@HumbleRoad]

aluminum angle

[@exechobo]

George, I am in the process of planning my 3rd van, a Transit. Your vids are opening up new ways of thinking and building, thank you! I have a couple of questions (for now)- How are the magnetic attachments for the wall panels working out? Worthwhile or no? What is your current thinking on flooring, floor insulation, and anchoring 80/20 to the floor? My van use is as a minimalist camper, and as a flexible hauling vehicle, so easy, repeatable removal of most cabinets is important. I really appreciate your approach of making everything accessible and serviceable.

[@tamaradabney9069]

Excellent. Thanks for the info.

[@travelinghearttattoos5482]

Genius George 💡

[@antoniabaker7770]

This made sense but cracked me up with delivery.

[@daved2143]

Very nice 👍

[@TC10394]

The philosopher of van build 👍

[@CareyVandenberg]

Your 4" C channels are quite far apart and I'm wondering if rather than using 3, 4" that 4 or 5 3" could be used. That would give your plywood mattress base more support. Having said that... I am just starting building my 1st van (I might only do 1) and having watched so many videos on this topic over the past 2 years I must say.... YOU are at the top of the heap George. Thanks for putting them out there. It has helped me immensely.

[@1monagale]

Brilliant, so much for me to learn!

[@markhamilton8765]

Thanks!

[@birdnest5814]

Magnets...whodda thought? You’re the master👍💕😊

[@HumbleRoad]

😊 thank you

[@mikecarpenter6703]

Amazing design!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you! 😊

[@rkkc]

Another great video production and explainer. After building your last two vans with self-made 80/20 connectors, did you find the return on investment of time better with the branded fittings that it was worth the extra expense?

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes I did. The biggest drawback is trying to achieve perfect alignment and offset of the holes in the hand made. Near impossible! It will bite you in the A$$ later on.

[@rkkc]

That’s what I’m finding too. Unless it some one-off piece that 80/20 doesn’t make, the time it “costs” to make the brackets is not worth the time spent. Thanks and look forward to more insights.

[@Greybeardmedic]

You need someone to make you an alignment jig on a mill for you. Would be simple enough. Oh, hey, a CNC Router could cut you a very nice alignment jig out of aluminum! 😁 👍 hint hint

[@_GntlStone_]

Wondering if you put any rubber anti-vibration damper pads or strips under the microwave and water heater in the Promaster? Or is the metal on metal contact not a big deal once the components are secured? The builds are coming along beautifully. Each video inspires thoughts of future projects. Can't wait until next Sunday!

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes, I'll explain all that when I do the final install of those components.

[@sprinterdiscovery]

Does the Sprinter also have a drain hole / chaseway like the ProMaster?

[@HumbleRoad]

yes

[@lynnekerr3890]

Nice to see you!

[@David_11111]

Looking forward to more on the Hot water :)

[@HumbleRoad]

It's coming.

[@geoffsimns8424]

"The utility rack holds the battery, the water heater, the inverter, the pi... you know the thing...." - nice Joe impersonation George (oops, I forgot this is an apolitical channel - I am a bad bad person - I humbly apologize....)

[@HumbleRoad]

😎

[@nielskuipers4404]

Great content and very nice to watch. I’ve got question regarding fixing the 8020. What kind of screws or bolts are you using in order to fasten the 8020 modules onto the structural aluminium members underneath the plywood?

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you for your kind words. I use self drilling screws through the finished flooring and into the aluminum joists. All side wall fastening is done with nut/bolts or PlusNuts.

[@sprinterdiscovery]

Looking forward to knowing what water filter system you purchased. I purchased my 12v Remco 3200 pump based on what you purchased for another of your vans. Are you able to say which water filter with UV light you're going to using?

[@HumbleRoad]

It's a custom job, does not exist for consumer market.

[@marko651]

Magnets , simple but brilliant .

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes they are

[@reishiramzi]

Love the videos, George! What is the model of that water heater anyways? I'm designing a similar closed loop system and it just seems so high quality, but I haven't been able to find a product like it...

[@277kne]

I like the aluminum beams. This has a garage and raised bed. I'm a single guy looking to travel. Don't like cutting off walk through access to the rear doors. Is there a way to mount a bed on the wall that folds down? I didn't know if half on one wall and half on the other for full width sleeping instead of North to South. I'm thinking 48" width would be wide enough. George you get me inspired and thinking watching your videos.

[@HumbleRoad]

My next two builds will be rear bath twin bed galley forward floor plans. One of the twin beds will contain the mechanicals, the other, a long workstation that will convert into a bed for the occasional guest. stay tuned!

[@chipbrown433]

I like the I-beams as well. Is 4" overkill for this length? I'm really impressed with how stiff it was in the PM, but would 3" work as well and maybe save some weight? Can't wait to see the Transits! The two methods I can think of to open up the walkway and still have a rear bed/garage would be raising/sliding a bed section ala Hymer Aktiv/Thor Tellaro, or a full Murphy bed like Travato 59G. Or you could raise the entire bed with straps like the Revel. Or if you want really cool go for linear actuators - see a video from Ladi & Margaret.

[@HumbleRoad]

I would have considered a 3 inch I-Beam, but not available within reasonable distance and shipping was not an expense I was willing to bear. You can invent all kinds of convertible beds and such. My experience is, I don't want to go through too many contortions to get ready for bed. Same with a shower. All that maneuvering gets old very quickly. But to each his own!

[@277kne]

I see the insulation in the walls. Could one glue ridgid foam insulation board to the plywood panel and then put the magnets into the foam board? I'm not saying you should do that. Thinking about my own build.

[@HumbleRoad]

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I PLAN TO DO! 1/4" foam board with the magnets recessed. Wait until you see my pin registration for the uppers!

[@277kne]

@@HumbleRoad Thank you for the reply. I was thinking 1/2" but might be too thick. Looks good. I like the vinyl on the walls and ceiling. Maybe not the garage.

[@johnvancamper9581]

@@277kne Hi from the UK. If you want the thickness of 1/2" Kingspan style board, but the flex of 1/4 for shaping simply use two 1 / 4 boards one over the other. You can fix together with spray adhesive once the first board is in correct shape and position or leave unfixed from each other as long as they are clamped firmly into the final position. Hope this helps. John.

[@277kne]

@@johnvancamper9581 Thanks for the tip. I saw bare metal in the video and was concerned about the cold metal. George said he is gluing 1/4" foam board to the plywood. And I was thinking all the wall panels and other finishes will all be sealed or tight so no cold coming through.

[@dnalyen]

I use Rubio monocoat also it’s great