VAN BUILDER TRUTH :: So you wanna build a van? What could go wrong? I'll tell you what went wrong!

[@LeoSundayMusic]

I don’t recall ever seeing a van builder highlighting issues they have with design/building methods, etc .... Bravo, George!!! This video will do much to highlight not only your creativity, attention to detail and custom design work, but most importantly, your integrity and transparency as a builder and human being! Keep “em comin’!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks Leo 👍

[@miarena111]

100% agreed.

[@Wookey.]

Not professionals, no, but plenty of self-builders have been back over what didn't work and they had to change or wanted to change. Levi Allen did a good review of his build IIRC. George certainly has an exemplary attitude.

[@amproehl]

Couldn’t agree more. Kudos George. As a designer, much respect!

[@jstoney6471]

Like how HONEST You are!

[@rvwall-e]

George, my expectations of your business ethic is high. You’ve just exceeded them. Bravo for the craftsmanship, but even more for your outstanding “warranty”.

[@paigeturner102]

You're a gem, George. An absolute gem. What an honor for us to see the first yearly inspection: I hope you can hear our clapping hands as we praise your integrity and transparency, and as we celebrate the masterful work and acknowledge how well almost all of it was spot-on. It's a pleasure to watch you execute your brilliance each week. "Superior" is so much more beautiful than "average." We love you George! Kudos to Alex as well who makes the magic happen with you.

[@HumbleRoad]

Absolutely! Thank you for such kind words, Paige.

[@edithp.7213]

I’m not at all surprised that you’re a man of honor. Your family and your customers are very lucky!

[@charliewhite6369]

Van number one is still your best lay out good job.

[@HumbleRoad]

I love the layout, but the cost is less storage. You must learn to live as a minimalist.

[@lisalutterbach6843]

I rally liked the first van layout too. Guess cause the bathroom wasnt the first thing you saw when getting in the van

[@baronistheone]

Coming from a former product development engineer, you are a lucky man to have (only) one product to look over after a year of 'normal' use. It's great you are taking the time and reevaluating both the design choices and component selection - both make for better products from you in the future. You may give some thought into an extended warranty program that benefits both your and your customer - sort of an annual maintenance agreement that provides less trouble for your customer base and further quality control and feedback for your future builds that isn't too costly for you or your customers. This is way vans should be designed and built - slowly, methodically, and thoughtfully. Nice job George!

[@NealHill0]

Really love your commitment to excellence, sir. I gotta admit: even your B-roll is of craftsmanship quality. (I saw that billowing shower curtain.) IT'S IRRITATING! 😝 ... A video of George brushing his teeth? I can only imagine: dedicated, focused back and forth motion, with appropriately selected jazz and B-roll shots of toothpaste being extracted and faucets turning on. 🤣 Honestly, you could probably do a series on how you do your series. Thanks for making my autumn NJ Sunday a little warmer!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Neal.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

It is very rare to find integrity these days. Even rarer to find a builder who is an artist and craftsman and who takes such pride in high quality design and execution. You are that rare breed, George. Besides the incredible documentation, flawless photography and audio quality, your absolute honesty even with mistakes, you warm my heart with your refusal to be mediocre and your continual striving for the highest quality. This is a martial artist trait. You are a black belt in your profession. I can appreciate that and hold it most dear. You give me hope that the best in us humans has not been sold out to money and cannot be bought. Bravo, George. You are my hero in so many ways. I salute you! You did a fine job with your son, Alex as well. Hiqhest quality craftsmanship, well done, Alex! Your walnut drawers and cabinets are painfully beautiful.

[@HumbleRoad]

Lass...I don't know what to say...❤️🙏

[@RoadsandRipples]

All Van builders need to be making these videos. Georgie, you pioneer you !

[@F-Bomb313]

I love your channel, and the fact you are very open about your mistakes

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate that!

[@cheryltaylortaylor]

This video shows true character...admitting mistakes and fixing them....and doing it publicly...very rare today. ❤

[@ovmn]

Van 1 is still my favorite :) glad to see her again. First Borns :)

[@T8RTU]

The benefits of doing the right job the first time, spending time and thought in the build process clearly pay off. Products WILL fail and your design has made it super easy to service/repair/replace or even redesign and add. Very impressive 👍

[@HumbleRoad]

Well said!

[@anthonycbrown1952]

I won't mention the brand but they would kill to have so few warranty issue as HRE (Humble Road Enterprises). Most of their Class B products can't make it off the dealership lot without a dozen or more 'warranty issues' (aka poor assembly quality because their product is in high demand). It may take 4-5 campervans before you standardize on preferred build methods and parts suppliers. This is a total win for George and validates build #1 was well conceived and your belief in 'design for long-term ease-of-repair' is a winning strategy for the customer and Humble Road.

[@joann7749]

Wowza!!! You are a true and rare craftsman George. Honest, integral, passionate and a truly goodly Godly person. May you be blessed 10 fold. 💫💜💫

[@doris1826]

Full disclosure is so refreshing! We cannot learn from your mistakes if we have no idea what the mistakes were, much less how you propose to rectify them. Very helpful and right in line with your channel name, "Humble Road". Thank you!

[@HumbleRoad]

So true!

[@marykaylayman1078]

Your a good example for others. A+ customer care 💜

[@zoltanvarsanyi1]

I’ve been watching quite a few similar RV construction videos lately, but I haven’t come across that kind of thoughtfulness, attention, and this kind of professional construction. This is truly the highest standard. Thanks for the videos!

[@joshyoon]

Really glad to see a van builder admit their flaws. All van builders make mistakes yet most of them try to hide it and I feel more and more people are getting scammed.

[@whiskythrottle8421]

George using only glue to hold springs and buttons? This can't be🤔! Lol I can only imagine what your brain goes through for the sake of design, strength, easy access,"that's what she said" practicality, functionality, and most importantly looks! Well it seems beautiful looks lost the battle to strength when it comes to springs and buttons. But that's okay because George will fix it on his yearly button up, store it in his memory bank for future projects and boom Bob's your uncle! All jokes aside you're the man George things are going to break. This video just solidifies your integrity as a builder showing us all what works what doesn't and fixing it! Well done my friend 👍

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Hog!

[@RenieinMN]

You're one of a kind, George! If I was only rich! Whoever gets a van you've built is very fortunate indeed! Good job, George, hats off to you!

[@dimensionalfuse1810]

GEORGE!!! Stellar workmanship! Great warranty! But best of all - full disclosure! So many errors and sins can be excused by being honest about errors. As one of your earliest subscribers I once mentioned that I may order once you’ve done 8 or 10. I know this FOR SURE: if I can coax my wife into spending our final years on the road, you are the one I will come to. I value honesty and ‘truthiness’ highly. Hopefully you would accept a challenge of outfitting the Cybertruck I have on order, along with building out a 15’ dual axle cargo trailer. Of course that dream includes 8-10 KW solar panels nicely stored in the trailer.

[@rexgold101]

George, that is excellent Customer Service... keep it going...

[@HumbleRoad]

That's the plan!

[@lemonherb1]

I loved van build #1. Overall the issues presented aren’t bad at all, especially for the first build. And already your build philosophy has paid off, under an hour to pull all that apart is amazing! I’d love to hear her feedback on the rest of the systems

[@ahagan1930]

It's refreshing to see someone stand by the work they do!

[@treelinehugger]

We all make mistakes, but admitting them and sharing them is evidence of a true professional. I learn more when people share what they did wrong and what they will do differently next time than simply sharing what they did right. Thanks so much for posting this video.

[@edbyron3483]

George, you provide just what this country needs - INTEGRITY. Thank you! Thank you!!! 👍👍👍🛠🛠🛠😀😀😀😀😀

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Ed!

[@ediemarie4475]

I can’t believe you took the whole build apart as an annual inspection! Oh my goodness! Vans aren’t made for those deserts! I’m sticking up for you here. BTW the customer should be more careful with their water source! There I said it. God bless you. This video makes me hope my van build doesn’t fall apart. 😂😂😂 you are amazing.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Edie. The bad water was put in here at the shop last year! 😳

[@ediemarie4475]

@@HumbleRoad oops.

[@RoadsofLife]

Quite a video! Don't think I've EVER seen any builder or manufacturer point out their mistakes! That is the mark of a true gentleman, scholar, and honest human being. If only more people were this way, we wouldn't have the horror stories we hear throughout the RV industry! Kudos and best wishes to you and yours! Be seeing you!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you for such thoughtful words.

[@IanSmithKSP]

Maybe MDF will help in some areas in the future. Unlike even marine grade plywood’s or Baltic birches, mdf doesn’t move at all. My standby for gluing wood surfaces to other things is - if it’s being glued to a different material, always use mechanical fasteners and glue. Gluing two different materials together seldom lasts, but glue assisted fasteners will last forever. If you have to go with only glue just etch the shit out of the materials with low grit sandpaper to give it as much tooth as possible.

[@GENECARP]

You are the best....Humble Road.....

[@infinitycubed9311]

Under an hour to tear it all down for service is incredible. It takes me a good 45 minutes to tear down my work truck and put it all into winter storage. And that’s on an exposed flatbed, with probably half the overall complexity of a camper van. I just found your channel, but I know I’ll be learning a thing or two from your design philosophy. Good work. Also, has anyone told you that you resemble Judd Hirsch, especially in your voice and manner? That’s a compliment, btw 🙂

[@DJJonPattrsn22]

Thank you! Your designs are beautiful & so well designed! Furthermore you are a very good teacher. And best of all you have integrity & strong ethics!

[@exechobo]

Valuable comments! Your objectivity is the mark of a craftsman/artist. Now you have my attention!

[@margaretmatteson-hammer7911]

You continue to amaze me. Your attention to detail is awesome and your workmanship is detailed and precise . Keep up the good work

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks, will do!

[@thepokerpilotapp]

Hats off to a real man. Integrity is too rare and you are a great example. Merry Christmas 🙏

[@valeriemacpherson9626]

👋 Hi there George ... I don't think anyone does it better when it comes to vans. Your attention to detail is phenomenal!! The minute I win the "Lotto on Friday" (Big Canadian lottery) my hubby and I are flying out to your workshop and ordering one of your vans. When you want the best of the best, whether we are talking functionality, comfort, and longevity your vans excell! Hugs Valerie ❤ 🍁👵🇨🇦

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Valerie!!!!❤️

[@Jollyprez]

On checking the 80/20 screw connections - what we used to do on such things was paint a little line along the nut and surface so you can visually see if the nut has moved. You can also use a sharpie.

[@HumbleRoad]

Brilliant!

[@Greybeardmedic]

Yeah, that's a GREAT idea.

[@ovmn]

Jollyprez great idea.

[@waltgongaware2710]

Hey George, we all learn from our mistakes. Mistake is an opportunity to change an do better. How many businesses keep making the same mistakes over and over and never rectify the issue. I applaud you for your honesty and hard work. I noticed a comment from another of your followers about marking the hardware as to indicating still being tight. While working for VW at the New Stanton vehicle assembly plant a paint dab was applied to various parts of the vehicle for that very purpose as well as to see if something like a speedometer cable had been tampered with. T

[@johndavid4831]

Absolutely, appreciate the honesty coming out of these videos.

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Wow what a treat to see van #1 back. I so enjoyed watching you brainstorming and building van #1, with such passion and sometimes frustration. Oh and your videos of that futon 🤣. Some great comedy and creativity went into those. This certainly validates your mantra of “ options, ease of future repairs”. It’s incredible to imagine you were able to get all those components out so quickly. Anyone that’s lucky enough to get their hands on a creation of yours is lucky enough lol. I love my Sunday Humble Road fix but this one especially touches me. It brings back a sense of nostalgia as I watched this video. I remember imagining the van was mine and all the adventures I would have in it. What a great way to start my week. Thanks for another example of what a great van builder can be. I don’t think I’ve seen another builder demonstrate such commitment to excellence even once the van leaves the shop. Have a great week and as always stay safe and healthy. 🚐♥️

[@greglenoir8363]

Super attitude, I’m a fan.

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you for sharing George! Awesome 👍😍

[@junglekutz5625]

One of the good things about dealing with or interacting with someone that's consistent is experiencing all that's healthy .......when concerning your communication with them. It's typical to experience someone not wanting to be wrong, behaving and saying whatever group of words to defend their mistake, short coming or whatever. But to find and experience someone that is healthy in mind and behavior, minus the need to be right and exhibit "fearful" behaviors that has them fear to do something as simple as apologize........ just makes things run smoother and sounder. There's really nothing to fear when and if your intentions and practices run along lines that want and has an interest in producing the *best that you have to offer. So far, I see nothing but perfection when watching your videos. I like that the outcome is orderly and pristine.q

[@wakeupandbord]

You're a mad man... keep it up

[@mymicks]

Much respect for sharing and owning design / challenges!

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate that!

[@wspwl01]

I ABSOLUTLEY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. AND EVEN THE WARRANTY STUFF . WISH YOU WERE HERE IN SCOTLAND

[@7443jan]

The best explanation on building a van I have ever seen, super professional. Living in the Netherlands I have to built one myself. If I will do that, thanks for all your examples. Tip: In the car industry security check paint marker is used to check if a bolt loosens. You don't have to touch the bolts to check, you can see it.

[@THEHAPPYBOX]

So much respect for you and your product. You have so much emotional maturity in you and your build!

This whole time you've been telling us how to design and build for when there are problems. Some of us didn't believe you'd ever have problems. Well color us red. Thanks for the 1 year update.

[@eldongriffiths2770]

Outstanding! You might never achieve perfection, but minute attention to design and execution, coupled with a constant joy in correcting deficiencies will serve to move you far toward that goal. A gentleman and a scholar - outstanding!

[@HumbleRoad]

Well said!

[@louisag5410]

Ah Van #1 (shhhh George, don’t tell its siblings but this one still my favorite )...the attention to the aesthetics a thing of beauty!! (Of course, not that the other vans are not also very beautiful and masterfully designed.... love them all...)

[@lindajoplin8054]

Your videos are ones I could watch for hours! They always end too soon. Thank you. This is a good reminder that if you pay someone to build out your van, be sure it is someone who will be there for you a year down the road to make repairs. You're a good man, George.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Linda.

[@RichinZhills]

Hey George, awesome work dude! I know it's six months late, but if that pump is anything like the jabsco's, there should be a clip on the back of the filter unit that allows you to just remove that from the pump. Should save on pulling the whole pump unit in the future. Another thing I don't see that you might consider is adding an inline filter on the water hose feed. Maybe come up with an 8020 mount system for the filter itself as its own little component for easy user replacement when it gets dirty. Lots of bad stuff out there (especially where they Frak) in the tap water that could probably be stopped or reduced before it makes its way into the "house" system.

[@crv20051]

George, really appreciate re-opening that space under the frig and sharing the examination. Honest and informative. Many thanks.

[@alliejr]

You are the BEST! That AC outlet under the fridge (8:00 and at the end of the video) looks pretty rough, like something has been smashing against it.

[@HumbleRoad]

No, no smashing, just one single attachment point. I'm going to reattach with two points to prevent the swing.

[@heatherpannell9873]

Thank you so much for reviewing design fails! There is so much to think about when all these connections are subject to regular shaking.

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hollandduck79]

Hello . I am planning the construction of a van with your construction method and construction philosophy. I'm almost certainly going to do this on the base of a Ford Transit Jumbo. BUT I'm going to do one thing completely different. I'm going to make EVERYTHING removable. so all modules are attached to the van with rivnuts. I just want to be able to empty the van before being able to use it for a house move or to be able to get the building materials for a renovation or suppose I want to sell the van so that everything can be easily removed. and also to be able to make any interior change easily. for example, depending on the trip, a larger wardrobe for a long vacation/trip but no shower because I know that I will be staying in places with shower and toilet facilities. so everything within the van becomes interchangeable. I have adopted this idea from the design of the Dutch Navy ship HM.Rotterdam. so the water tank and everything has to come under the van. I really enjoy watching your video's and it is very useful for my future construction. with kind regards Hollandduck from the Netherlands

[@Malumbrus]

Lol literally everything broke. Lessons learned though, I will consider some of these mistakes in my build.

[@FromShetoMe]

Making mistakes and sharing them is empowering; thanks for empowering us.

[@HumbleRoad]

Always!

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Thanks for sharing your warranty work👍 I wish we had that kind of Warranty on our Hymer haha !

[@HumbleRoad]

Any time!

[@geoffsimns8424]

As always, George, your videos are awesome - the way you present what you are doing, the reasoning behind your decisions, the follow-through on putting ideas into action - and now a review of how well van one worked out, along with solutions to issues encountered. Awesome! As many have commented, your integrity is the headline - a genius with integrity, a rare breed indeed - how do you stay humble?

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate that Geoff!

[@mikeallensonntag]

I kind of binge watched alot of your channel tonight. You cracked me up with your honesty on this van #1 lol. There is definitely some stuff that fell apart that's for sure. I respect you showing that to all your potential customers...it's all R&D and process improvements it takes time. Your vans are still built better then anything mass produced that's for sure.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Mike.

[@christianwinkelmann8477]

Well done , not sure but primer could help a lot with glueing , had the same problem with stainless and sika.. on gfk, with the right primer it worked.

[@NaomiEvolved]

Humbleroad when will you have the opportunity to do my military van build for me. I am always moving not ready to buy a house yet, but want a home on wheels. Love your work and how detailed you are. Thanks in advance

[@Martin-xr1mo]

I Lov using Red Loctite. Red Loctite will need to be heated to break loose. Great 👍🏼 video

[@HumbleRoad]

Great tip! I've been using the blue because I have done multiple removals in the 8020 design process.

[@deirdrebrown3069]

Hi first let me say this is awesome & your awesome truly 🤗 i luv your work ethic. You def take pride in all of your work. Why can't there be 50 more like you? If there was the world would be a better place. Thankyou for the breath of fresh air, im so glad I stumbled upon your channel. New subscriber from RI.👨🏻‍🔧🚙

[@noflyzonnn]

The best invisible shower room ever

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you so much! And welcome to Humble Road!

[@deirdrebrown3069]

@@HumbleRoad Thankyou for letting me be apart of Humble Road Family.😉😎

[@mishu3271]

What a fabulous video Humble. Consumers rarely see this level of quality control/revision. I agree that adhesives are often a weak link and the marketers have no idea of the chemistry of the product. I often had to work with the chemical engineers and sometimes presidents of companies who might have imported the product to get the “real” performance parameters of the product. If they had nothing to hide, they were a joy to work with. Sometimes they asked for an NDA which I had no problem with. Has this route been available to you?

[@HumbleRoad]

I've decided, or reconfirmed, as it were, that adhesives in a vertical application have no place in a van.

[@msk806]

Thank you for your instructional videos. learning from a master builder is a huge help on my conversion e350hd van.

[@ArtyVanHoming]

i couldn't see any major van builder doing a warranty check like George does , and if you have a design flaw ,you learn and make it better .GEORGE FOR PRESIDENT

[@Greybeardmedic]

MAHA Hats: MAKE AMERICA HUMBLE AGAIN

[@marcusallenyt]

George it time to get someone to film and edit so we can get more of you wisdom .

[@HumbleRoad]

I'm working on it.

[@linda_lawson]

If I were in NJ, I’d volunteer. ♥️

[@JRR31984]

@@linda_lawson You should be. GO MARIJANE

[@shamrockgirl6595]

Agree!

[@casalino1969]

Magnets, hummm, I and the Army was on board of your velcro ideas

[@timsmith7625]

Nice review of van 1 issues and that life on the road is can rough.

[@as6709]

Great work, George - and, as always, a great video, too!

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SergioBalacco]

Hi George, may I have a link where you procured the springs for shelf? Are very interesting!

[@michelthibodeau8550]

Congratulations sir, interesting to se our product after a year of use. You offer very good after sales service ! I love your builds !

[@dindog22]

at some point you're going to need a dedicated warranty department. the more vans you build, the more warranty work you will have to do

[@berniekeene868]

Congratulations, this all seems like pretty minor stuff compared to what I've seen happen in mass-produced and even some other custom builds!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Great point!

[@russellault2391]

Have just starting watching your videos and the attention to detail and quality us outstanding and now with your year in return for checking customers needs after a year awesome

[@HumbleRoad]

Welcome to Humble Road!

[@lynnekerr3890]

Yup, that van, so innovative...still my fav, as well.

[@richkucharski8824]

Always interesting...Thanks

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davec5209]

Great video George, good to see your design/build put to the test in real life and brought back for 12 month health check and you get to see what works and what doesn't make your grade. Well explained and the thought process as to why you did things in the first place. Interesting to see the failures are not really your manufacture except the kick panels, even then easily fixable, even the glued parts, easily fixed. All designed to make maintenance easy for whoever in the future acquires the van but still a great looking interior that does not have to be destroyed in order to get at the workings behind the scene. A credit to the thought process and detailing of the designer/builder.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Dave.

[@WereReallyRelayCamping]

love your builds.

[@tamoshanter6268]

Well done sir! Quality and craftsmanship is shining through. Excellent video, great to see what can go wrong and why, and also how difficult ( or not) to fix.

[@brwilkinson1977]

wow awesome, talk about labor of love. . . that b-roll intro, such a great looking van build.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks so much!

[@Stewbular]

That shower/ toilet solution in that 1st is still my fav

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks. Like #19!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Your honesty would inspire me to buy from you 👍

[@SkamGame]

Wow... transparancy in 2020!

[@mikekendig6781]

George, I love all your videos and they make me smile every Sunday morning. I have 1 question, where did you get the water tank? I'm looking into doing a cargo trailer conversion and think the tank you used on van #1 would work nicely in my trailer. Mike

[@mxwlj6974]

Hi George, another great follow up video. When you check all the 80/20 nuts does it break the loctite seal doing so? or does it still work after a 1/4 turn. Thank you

[@manny-perez]

Great video, your vans are beautiful.

[@sohailchaudry2240]

definition of insanity! too funny George!!!

[@rkkc]

Wow. Never seen any business critique their own work (good and places for improvement) like that. Terrific! Hey George, any idea when that new Xantrex/Lithionics system you teased a while ago will be ready for review? Excited to see the new options.

[@HumbleRoad]

There are actually two distinct breakthroughs in the lithium systems I use. I will explain as soon as I have possession.

[@lolacasanova2000]

Thank u🌱

[@HumbleRoad]

You’re welcome 😊

[@mrlaws3365]

George- swap the locktite for a nut with an encapsulated nut lock washer- you will never need to check the whole van during your warranty check. OEM use them and after 200000km durability testing they do not lose torque- l have worked in OEM engineering for close to 30 years- good luck with your builds. If you get sick of van builds come and work in OEM automotive.

[@HumbleRoad]

Just did a futile search. Can you give me an example? TY

[@shamrockgirl6595]

1 yr flew by!

[@wtnguyen1]

Your build quality is truly amazing. I love the open shower. Do you have a video on that?

[@HumbleRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qn2Zc4uBgdx4i6c

[@lisavalentine1717]

Love your channel and work/design - Thank You! You didn't mention how well the heated floor worked out. Can you comment?

[@HumbleRoad]

The heated floor portion of the build was deleted as part of the purchase negotiation.