Cardboard van design // A true hidden shower refined!

THE CARDBOARD STAGE OF THE VAN BUILD PROCESS IS IMPORTANT FOR SEVERAL REASONS. OBVIOUSLY, IT HELPS THE OWNER TO WALK THROUGH A TRUE THREE DIMENSIONAL FLOOR PLAN, WHICH YOU WILL SEE HERE IN A FEW WEEKS. BUT IT IS ALSO A TIME TO TEST IDEAS AND PROVE CONCEPTS.
file name: proof of concept.mp4
Music: www.purple-planet.com
#onahumbleroad
#customvanbuild

[@-joe90]

Generous !!! Thank

[@solutions4tenants141]

George as usual… I live for your content

[@johnzee691]

Excellent. Everything.

[@Lifebehindbars88sg]

i love CAD. Cardboard Aided Design.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

Who needs lousy CAD software when you have cardboard, tape, and a little wood? 😎 When I saw the cardboard pieces during the HRV #1 project, I laughed, observed, and later genuflected (virtually). 'This guy' is validating his design and performing a motion study with a small capital investment (no prototype campervan needed). Forever a Fan!!!!

[@hoogabooga9736]

eagerly awaiting an update on Sam's van :-)

[@Stewbular]

Our boy’s cardboard on wooden frames are better than most of the van builds finished projects

[@-joe90]

Fiberglass cover and finish¡¡¡¡

[@mujiangtan3238]

I love this guy, funny and thoughtful, good job

[@brianruttle1526]

Class ... Well-done

[@miratronproduction974]

Ingenious !

[@deborahlaranjo3267]

I love to watch ur videos. Who knows I can build my Own van , wow give me more guts . Yeah soon I’ll fly to a warm beautiful island. Bit scared alone but I’ll be fine . Goodluck for me.❣️

[@BennyMack]

very snazzy my friend

[@thehistoricallyadequatesea4395]

This is just so damned smart!

[@HumbleRoad]

Actually, I was always concerned about the awkwardness of this design. And as my Guardian Angel always does... she had some one else build it and demonstrate on KZbin. Sure enough, it's very awkward to operate and in the case of the other builder, the hinges will never hold up under van use. I have completely redesigned this area of Sam's van and my current videos will be showing the build progress. With a final van tour in a few weeks. Stay tuned!

[@RobinHagg]

Love the ideas. Not much room for insulation but still love the concepts

[@cheryldavis2655]

Like It!

[@woltra1]

OH MY GOD!! THIS IS AWESOME!!! Perfect!!

[@thejackjackgirl]

yep, the small high shelves are adorable

[@johnmca5643]

My jaw dropped wide open. This dude is brilliant.

[@erinharman6984]

I love this man!!!!

[@rebeccaparker9703]

If only all van builders cared about their clients as much as this guy!!! Yes I’m sure he is being paid well for his services but most would not go to such care as this man! His customer will be extremely happy with the finished van. I’m extremely jealous!!!

[@RollingThunder808]

Great use of the shower space. I would use the toilet in the shower and slide it out only to shower.

[@phillippowell1740]

You should think about a patent on that shower idea. That is amazing.

[@Meghanandmatt]

This is incredible!

[@KarasekUS]

Regarding 3 storage cubbies - make them fold upward an close flat. That would be cool. Even if they extrude from the wall.

[@KarasekUS]

Kinda like this: www.ikea.com/us/en/p/trones-shoe-storage-cabinet-white-00397307/

[@DanyRivard]

You are very clever !!!

[@tomm6789]

George. I think you should take your videos to a cable channel on TV. I think you might have something here. Look how successful the car cable shows are. You could be the first one on doing vans. Make some money big guy. You could make a special video for your Pilot as your presentation. Great idea.

[@HumbleRoad]

Sure, but then I’d have all those “executive experts” telling me how I need to change based on the research. I like my independence and besides, my main income comes from building vans. So help me out, buy a van! Tell your friends!

[@wdb391]

I’m sure the owner is giving you a huge thumbs up 👍

[@texanlss5531]

Looks good

[@kingrafferty]

love it

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

George, you're not gonna believe this, but I ran into a kid down the block, around the corner with NJ plates. Stopped to talk to him, he was out shooting pucks into the net. I could tell right away he was a player. We talked for 2 hours solid about life, hockey etc. His family is from near you - Brick Township, I actually brought it up because of you LOL. His eyes lit up because who else is randomly gonna know anything about Brick Twp. here in Canadastan like that, he could not believe it LOL. I asked if he knew you at all, he said he might, but he knew of a RV dealership beside or across from a rink there. He was being offered tryouts at the US National team, he came to Canada because the hockey is better and all that. He may be getting your van building mixed up with someone else I said but how funny is all this???? Remember way back in the day I asked if you knew who John MacLean was - the hockey player for the Devils? Both he and his son lived here and played here, I learned all about NJ area minor hockey, this kid is a beauty. That talk was about 5 hrs ago, I figured you would enjoy this info.

[@paula.jackson5463]

The Whole Build Philosophy.........When They Break......and they will break. You are wise beyond your years my friend!

[@larryvito8769]

YOU ARE A GENIUS!

[@farishaahmad1517]

Omg, i got the idea last month about combining a shower with a wardrobe and i can't stop thinking about that. What you did in the video is very similar to my idea. You are my main inspiration.

[@HumbleRoad]

Perfect!

[@farishaahmad1517]

@@HumbleRoad Cant wait for more ideas from you.

[@overlandervanman4775]

I like your thinking. You are as obsessed about using every square inch as I am. I have always maintained that a built in toilet/ shower area ends up being a glorified cupboard. Your solution is just brilliant.

[@HumbleRoad]

So true!

[@neil9383]

@@HumbleRoad I'm so mad, LOL! I thought I had an original idea. I was going to build a storage cabinet that could swing out of the shower area... never seen it before until now... you beat me to it! 😄

[@marcelcurious2111]

I just stumbled upon your channel and you got me hooked up immediately. I love the way you think and rethink the design. You have a new subscriber. Thank you for your time, effort and knowledge that you share

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Marcel. Welcome to Humble Road!

[@ygreq]

That whole shower room / armoire is nuts. You're a genius!

[@HumbleRoad]

Major discussion to take place in an upcoming video on this concept.

[@marcusallenyt]

sooooooo nice

[@serzok1]

Replace WHEN they break, not IF they break....hahaha, made me smile. Superb van conversions. I had never seen before the cardboard idea.

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you like them!

[@jennifergrainger2480]

You are one smart dude! Best van designer on KZbin!

[@joniboulware1436]

I love that you are so weight conscious. So many RVs are full of heavy composite material and leave too little capacity for weight of the full tanks, and personal goods. Perfect idea to wrap hanging closet in a fabric.

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes! Thank you!

[@esparka]

@10:15 - I always react negatively to the giant overhead cabinets over one’s head in the sleeping compartments in many vans, as you stated. It is always the very 1st thing one notices…. So, even I see it… In this & in other aspects of your build process, it is your policy of endless dissatisfaction with “good enough”, therefore, that is the related tenet to be added to my upcoming ProMaster build. You have proven it (the policy) to be crucial, when dealing with the “balance” that is needed to maximize the effectiveness of such a small space that is The Class B Van… Thank you

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

I’m so fangirling behind my screen. Everything is so matriculate and precise. It remind me of my grandad who build chariots for the royals. Perfection!

[@lycotropo]

Sir, you're a genius!!!

[@HumbleRoad]

Wow, thanks!

[@texasoutlook60]

George I just love your "I got an idea" moments because I know it will something ingenious!!! You are such a good teacher! Thanks & Blessings ~Sidney

[@HumbleRoad]

You are so welcome

[@justhaulincars]

Really like your storage cubby concept above the head of the bead.

[@007nadineL]

*bed .

[@davidspain2416]

I have never seen anyone spend the time you put into planning a van build or truly any type of build. You are a true Artist!!

[@vitomartinelli5596]

Here I am looking and watching your videos on youtube.....you`re a genius ....an artist when it comes to "van house building , concepts or ideas. I would hire you to build my Sprinter van as a ' mobile house" any time.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Vito!

[@rowdysgirlalways]

I like it! You're kinda really brilliant.

[@LeoSundayMusic]

A beautiful cardboard mockup of the Amoire/Shower ... It is truly a “game changing” concept George! ... and ... I’ve got the perfect spot for that module in my Ford Transit! going to start my “cardboard mockup” this week!

[@HumbleRoad]

Wonderful!

[@BreakerInc]

Glad I'm not the only one inspired by this shower setup! Hope to see how yours turns out Leo. :D

[@JoseLopez-eu5qg]

@@HumbleRoad Hi George, just new to your trade but as a natural problem solver, if you would use the same system you use for the cabinet above the toiler for the toilet itself, on a platform or a box you swing, that would easily swing below the lagoon table and voila! (that's what I plan for my next design ;D. If the composting toilet would need to be emptied, you will have it even closer to the door (on that way) and easy to access. The cabinet for the toilet could be used as a carrying trolley too to minimize lifting (thinking friendly on the old fox :D). The most important benefit is that you do not need to "cut" into your wet room. If you need more alignment feel free to reach (CET times!). There is an inspiring mindset for perfection - customer focus - durability and practicality that makes your work very special. Keep brain turning, that's the best medicine against age :D

[@neil9383]

@@JoseLopez-eu5qg Did you ever build this swinging toilet idea? I was wondering if the toilet is too heavy to do this or not.

[@bitbyterjr]

When cutting off the edge of the table, perhaps add some kind of load-bearing structure so that it now becomes an extension of the kitchen counter (more workspace) when it is rotated to provide access to the toilet.

[@tammytaylor4310]

Stunning use of space! No one else does these vans like you.

[@smandler2000]

Well darn George! Now I’m going to have to start over with my design! Love the closet/toilet/pantry !

[@DennisWintjes2]

Sam - you gotta like it. I did. Like #38. Thanks for sharing. I watch the ads, so you get paid.

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate it

[@hardtailjefe]

I love how he keeps things so simple and executes them so well.

[@rynolin342]

Every single video you think of something I never would have myself. You put so much care and creativity into your builds. Others should take notes.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

I've always loved Swiss Knives with their compact functionality. This van is like a giant Swiss knife, all sorts of pulling, sliding, rotating for multiple functions. I love it! The curtain for toilet could be the same one for pulling across cab. If you make the raised cab platform at a slant from passenger seat to front lounge, the curtain behind passenger seat could follow the slant, effectively blocking the toilet from side door view. Add another curtain track behind drivers side which goes straight across to passenger side. Now you have two curtain options - use one to cut off cab area, use the other to cut off front lounge and cab area (slanted), and use both for toilet use. I am curious to know how you will solve this privacy issue. Also wanted to know how you solve the electrical connection of toilet to the fan and the gas venting, if you are moving it. With the number of vans you are building, you may want to consider making your own toilets at half price. It is galling to pay Nature's Head $1000 for plastic toilet! Imagine a nice tiled box unit that doubles as a seat in a fixed bath location. Lift lid and toilet plus compost bin shows up. Its fascinating to enter your mind and see how the gears turn. You are so much more than a van builder. You think like Da Vinci - click, click, click go the gears and out comes the solution. Absolutely love the outcomes. Thank you, George!

[@HumbleRoad]

I like your bi-track curtain idea. I had a double pull in van #01. At this point, there is no privacy issue. The whole van is the bathroom, and then, it's not. The Nature's Head is only an actor for this demonstration. I believe we will be fabricating our own toilet. Stay tuned!

[@tsadickmelehoff9081]

So far the BEST van-build concept on the internet!!! LOVE IT! I love the fact you are Using 80/20 allover.

[@ovmn]

So many beautiful concepts.. you are an artist..and one day I will have a humbleroad masterpiece :)

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you so much 😀

[@source5729]

Me too!

[@aj3114]

Where has this guy been! Been trying to figure out my shower/toilet design for a year and a half. Freakin’ genius.

[@HumbleRoad]

coming soon.

[@stan.rarick8556]

Man, I REALLY REALLY like your ideas. The driver workstation is exactly what I already had in mind and the cabinets swinging in the shower is genius. Now if I only had the $$$$$.

[@stan.rarick8556]

SUBSCRIBED

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you for the sub! Welcome to Humble Road!

[@statewidefilms]

Genius .. pure genius.. I've been waiting for this development .. there's some wild bed designs out there .. ones that drop down and others that scissor up to a bench seat , I'd love to see what the mad scientist could do with a bed that is multi useful in a van like this shower space . Swivel front seats are so multi functional . Nice one George .

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad you like it! Stay tuned, the bed arrangement in the Sprinter is gonna be pretty cool!

[@lynnekerr3890]

I am just so excited to see how the armoire in the shower works out. So excited! Lol.

[@HumbleRoad]

Can't wait!

[@sopark434]

Thats the best shower design i have ever seen in an RV. :)

[@HumbleRoad]

Stay tuned, it gets better!

[@juliec5309]

Wow. You sir are a van magician. The use of space is pure genius

[@smallseedvideos3258]

You are the man! Truly one of the best van builders I’ve seen. Love all of the tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@danielkopaee9241]

"getcha bisness dun and git on wit ya day!!" hell ya

[@Frantic618]

Brilliant designs by someone who can actually think!

[@geoffsimns8424]

Love it when you let us inside your head, George - it's a nice place to be, for a while at least...

[@HumbleRoad]

So true! 🤣

[@gpan62]

Ah, Tetris! 😉

[@averagealice8877]

Prefer a hidden shower pan in the hallway floor and shower in the hall. No need to move the toilet around and potential privacy wall if toilet is inside the armoire cabinet (when doors are open and using the toilet). I know it’s a old design but it works. But I enjoy you videos and seeing your creative ideas! This one just seems awkward to me - hope you don’t mind honest comments. Being able to quickly and easily use the bathroom in public places is a great thing particularly with COVID around. He needs privacy just IMO

[@jacklyncramton2958]

Wow! You are a true engineer! I love your thought processes!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks! 👍

[@crv20051]

The armoire/toilet/shower/food pantry is great fun--nice to see both sides. Adding that 7" shelf above the head is another nice adjustment to the Vagabond design. Thanks for taking the time to post these, George, really appreciate it.

[@Mor4me]

Nice ✌🏽

[@cesalt2408]

Revisiting the whole channel this holiday season and really appreciate the design adventures. Not all designs pan out, but that's why you design and prototype in the first place. My dad used to advise, "Little by little gets it done," all the time, and it absolutely applies to custom van work in my experience.

[@HumbleRoad]

I will be revisiting this idea in an upcoming project.

[@jumonjii]

I've had the armoire idea in my head for a year but couldn't get it drawn out. I've gone through some of your videos and A LOT of your ideas...even building with cardboard first....are the same as mine.... I'm not a builder so It's cool to see the ideas I've thought of come alive through your videos.

[@HumbleRoad]

Great to hear! Stay tuned for the actual build.

[@erikj.3796]

The build ideas are awesome, but your video's about it.....same attention to detail, i just love them!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you for noticing.

[@pauljking6705]

I am mesmerized by your ingenious ideas and building concepts. Going to use cardboard mockups in my renovation of a 96 PleasureWay!

[@waltgongaware2710]

Sunday morning coffee with George..... good way to start my day ! If you save the cardboard mock.ups build times could be greatly reduced. I know you are a custom builder, but your designs appeal to me to a point where any of the ones you make are a good choice. I’m sure you have a build list with cad drawings for each van you build. Carey on George, see you next Sunday hopefully.👍

[@peterwhitcomb8315]

The cardboard mockups serve an important step as he has talked about in the video. One thing you hear every van builder talk about sooner or later is making changes to their "original" plan because of the shape of the van not conforming to their idea. He's just eliminating as many of those problems before he starts cutting. For example in this video he addresses the toilet slide he'll need to find a solution to. The table he discovered was slightly too big. And it looks like he thought of another use for the second door by possibly doing a clothes hamper (that and designated trash tend to be on van lifers "next van build list"). I will definitely do a physical mockup after watching this vs. people who don't. Much easier to make needed changes with 2x2 and cardboard than once the project is already started. Yeah it adds a week to the build but this is something that will last year's if done correctly.

[@nailekara]

Man I LOOOOOOOVE your concept design ... that closet- shower space deserves a zillion thumbs up !! Just an idea popping out of my head.... wouldn´t it be more practical to use de toilet right inside of the shower space and slide it only when you want to use the shower? I think it feels less exposed although it´s front is open , and it would need less effort to use it( and less wear for the mechanisms) ... just open the closet doors , start the fan to exit odors, do your business and close the doors. And the last tiny idea... instead of two different color led strips ... why not use just one remote controlled RGB strip ... so Sam can have a rainbow of options to choose from ;) Greetings from La Paloma , Uruguay .

[@HumbleRoad]

The beauty of this design is that you can poop wherever you like! Inside the shower, or outside in the hallway! 🤣

[@amosluyk]

Blown away by your shower concept! Been agonising over how to have a shower and not use too much space, and you have solved the problem in a brilliant manner! Great work :)

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Amos!

[@johntatman9168]

Hey George if you turned the toilet towards the back of the van you could use it in the shower and only need to pull it out while showering. Just a thought.

[@HumbleRoad]

So then you've got to open those armoire modules every time you need to use the toilet? No. toilet use outpaces shower use.

[@007nadineL]

*Opening the armoire doors to create privacy doors around me using a toilet would 100% work okay for me!!*

[@007nadineL]

*Slide a toilet out / open armoire doors are both the same amount of effort.* .

[@jon_collins]

I'd probably use the toilet outside the shower for #1 and inside the shower for #2, besides - shit, shower, shave... the armoire action all at the same time.

[@grahamewebber6760]

I agree the bottom half of amoire could be hinged separately to top and toilet facing N/S towards rear could be slid out into galley area or used in the shower space thereby negating the need for gasket seal in wall and complicated slide out under table. Just my humble opinion George, we all know you are the “King of Cool Ideas “.✌🏾Grahame

[@kathleenreyes4345]

I just love how creative you are George. So cool with the bathroom and toilet design and the shelf over the bed!!

[@trmom3]

One of the very best van shower designs I have seen yet! Awesome Creativity! ❤️

[@brigitte2348]

Love your ideas and the cardboard build to give a look at what it would looks like before building for real.

[@mayinnlin1879]

Love it George! Amazing build and beautiful. Thank you 😊👍😍

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks so much 😊

[@BlackDogShores]

Great ideas and great work. I love the double and triple plays (functions) with your designs. Your slide out toilet has me reconsidering the location of my toilet. Thank you for sharing.

[@HumbleRoad]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Dingocreek]

I like your initiative with the toilet and in general with the layout you have in mind. I think you will have allot of South African clients lingered. Insulation against heat is imperative.

[@felixmarquis9775]

One of the most famous setup I've seen! WOW!

[@passwatersadventures7126]

I would love to see what you could design for an ambulance conversion. I think the wheels in your mind would really come up with an amazing conversion that could repurpose and utilize the abundance of sturdy features already present in a creative way, rather than just ripping it all out (that just seems so silly and wasteful to me considering the quality of what they come equipped with) or just leaving it looking like, well, the inside of an ambulance. I have seen some where people have come up with some creative features, but it always seems there could be so many more, or there could be a way to make them look so much nicer, and after watching your videos today, I feel you're definitely the man that could do just that!

[@Drone360pilot]

Respect ! You're so far kind of Leonardo Da Vinci in the RV building field!! So impressed! Fallowing !

[@HumbleRoad]

Welcome to Humble Road!

[@e210dall3]

I've been using CAD for years before it became a computer program. Cardboard Assisted Design works every time. Van innovation is looking awesome btw.

[@kevins6725]

I love ur videos

[@GreenVegan816]

Wow, you are so thorough. I want you to build a van for me, but I'm thinking I couldn't afford it. You're the best!

[@sarahr.1076]

I love this concept, especially because I want a full shower in my future van (without a toilet in it and where you don't have to construct a pool with a curtain, everytime you take a shower). I am now thinking, if I could take your concept a step further and instead of just heaving the toilet slide out, have a "toilet room" slide out. Where the wall (where the lagoon table is mounted) is double and you have a few 80/20-slides on the floor and on the roof maybe. Then you'd just need a curtain / or sliding plastic foil door and you'd got yourself a private loo... Hopefully I'll find some time in the next week to sketch it in CAD and look, if it could possibly work.

[@gblakev]

That seems rather complex. Why not leave the toilet in the shower when you want to use it and slide it out when you want to use the shower? I don't understand why George doesn't do this is in Sam's van. The shower is already a private space. Take advantage of it.

[@sarahr.1076]

@@gblakev You're right. I was thinking too complicated. That would probably be the better option.

[@Roaming50]

@@gblakev I think this is a better idea. I have a Winnebago Revel and while I often use the toilet with the door open there are many times when that is not practical. Keeping the toilet in the closet and just opening the doors (perhaps with privacy screen attached) seems like a better idea.

[@MrGuanxin]

@@gblakev As George explained in another reply, people use the toilet multiple times a day but (most likely) will only shower once, so having a much easier access to toilet is preferable. Sarah's idea sounds great to me, as long as the design automates to allow one human motion to start using the toilet. The toilet can face the driver seat, with its back fenced with a water proof board. Wait, this doesn't with the lagoon table -- to have a shower: lagoon table needs to be at the nook for driver seat to open the shower doors, but with the lagoon table at the nook the toilet with walls cannot get out.

[@rjostusa]

I'm excited to see the conclusion tour. The host points out a tall front curb shower pan, but the sliding toilet base encroaches on the tall curb. One comment mentioned a gasket seal when the toilet is pulled out. I am looking forward to see these detail solutions! Personally, I see a shower/tub as a large utility sink. Outdoor showers are great in summer, for much of these needs. However, sanitary issues like washing hands after using the toilet, and using the kitchen sink for this purpose - it breaks some commercial codes I had in the past. An alternative hand washing station is important.

[@birdnest5814]

It’s fascinating to see how every inch of the van is put to optimal use, while maintaining beauty and comfort.👍💕😊

[@HumbleRoad]

Absolutely!

[@leosmith4287]

Shoot, I’m #1! Great work on the vans

[@trudihearts3329]

George, you're such a Teaser! Now I can't wait to see the built-up floor storage you'll come up with!! Plus the access hatch or drawer system. My personal fantasy design runs a raised floor down the center aisle, where I can run a/c ducts, as well as store shoes, tools, supplies, manuals, office supplies, etc.

[@deborahgiles3649]

You are amazing!

[@TheSkiseeks]

George that sure is the Swiss Army Knife of shower stalls. Nice work!