I Built This Campervan In Seven Days, And It Works!

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

Cool video and you're correct, we don't all have the money, time, tools etc. to make a 5* camper, as long as it does what you want that's all you need ✌❤

[@McTrailRider]

Well said!

[@doclowe5184]

6:49 days

[@kisilvan]

You did that in 7 days pretty impressive tbh. Takes many months for most people. Enjoy your travels both of you. Memories made are the things I relish now.

[@McTrailRider]

Memories are the most important things we can create in my opinion 👍

[@apryason]

"Don't let the perfect get in the way of the good." Great motto.

[@stephenmorrison4811]

Great video and great motto. The van looks cracking, but more importantly look where it’s got you. What a backdrop!!

[@McTrailRider]

Exactly 😊😍

[@TJSSheppard]

Love your van build. That is a fantastic sized garage. From a safety point of view, please look into getting a proper sealed gas locker with floor vent when you replace the kitchen.

[@McTrailRider]

That's the plan!👍

[@Sonofsun001]

I like these type of builds, they work and are non nonsense. You don't need exquisite kitchens and bathrooms that weigh a tonne. You certainly did well in 7 days, great job

[@McTrailRider]

Very good point with the weight! It really compromises the drivability and fuel consumption of the van.

[@doclowe5184]

@@McTrailRider 3:42

[@k9kayaks]

As a side note what a beautiful scenery behind you with the reflections of the lake …..just wow ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@roamforloam7917]

Fair play you’ve done a grand job in 6days. I build vans as a part time hobby to make extra cash. They take a lot of time and money to build now. As you say, Instagram makes you feel like you need to spend £80k to have the dream. I fitted out my sprinter 6 years ago, threw it all together with whatever I had (since been refitted to a good standard😂) and took off for 6 months through Italy/Spain (Ainsa!). Basic van build but the best time living like a hobo and biking all over. Good job🤙

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers! There’s something nice about making do with what you have, and making it work. Like taking a hardtail down a dh track 😜

[@mattmorrison9185]

The fact you made this by yourself without knowing exactly what you'd need is really impressive - looks awesome

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks. It really was tricky trying to get enough materials, but also not over buying things I didn’t need either.

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks. It really was tricky trying to get enough materials, but also not over buying things I didn’t need either.

[@geoffyoung8149]

Nice work, can I recommend putting a bike slide tray in the garage works a treat in my little caddy and makes getting bikes in and out a breeze

[@McTrailRider]

I did consider doing that, but then again, it works as it is. Not ruling it out for the future.

[@01FozzyS]

Just as long as it does the job is all you need. Well done, Andrew!

[@McTrailRider]

Exactly 👍

[@TheBillybeetroot]

It’s also handy being a joiner. Saw a cheeky Festool systainer in the back😊. Good honest build, enjoy the van fella..living the dream . 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers! The systainer actually holds my basic bike tools 😉 I’ve got the Festool jigsaw and rail saw, which is primarily what I used to make this van build.

[@Kozza-13]

Dont put down your van build it has everything that is needed, well laid out and looks very comfortable also you done it in 7 days.

[@garioch_gravel_rider7376]

You've done a cracking job with it Andrew!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks dude

[@damsonpirate]

Awesome, this made me feel slightly bad for not finishing my van after almost 12 months...but was quite inspiring to see your quick progress. I think perfection has led to stagnation in my case but yes, I just think I need to aim for perfection and work with the result. I found all the van information on the Internet a bit overwhelming and I don't think that has helped either. I think there is such a thing as too much choice. I agree with your sentiment, good job and video !

[@McTrailRider]

I’m totally with you. There are so many options and layouts that you can choose, and I found myself getting overwhelmed when trying to decide what direction to go in. Having a time constraint forced me out of that, and it was probably for the best👍

[@briancunningham1975]

Spent a few days in Aberdeenshire last august , blow up bed and a duvet and I was sorted . You defo don’t need to spend a fortune to get the basics , good video 👍🏻

[@McTrailRider]

I’ve spent numerous nights in this van pre conversion with my camping kit setup inside. So yeah, you don’t need much really.

[@briancunningham1975]

@@McTrailRider shortly I’ll be attempting to get a proper set up in my trafic , If I had the room outside the house , it would be a no brainer , sprinter/crafter like yourself , have a good trip 👍🏻

[@controller2152]

I love the Van and I’m stoked for your travels. Cheers. 🍺🤙🤙🤙🤙🚐🚐🚐🚴🚴🚴

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks 👍

[@bridgefootcottage]

Superb work Andrew. I’ve been looking forward to this video. We travelled with bikes using at Toyota Hilux for a decade and got a crafter based VW grand California last year and loving it. Only downside is I can only get one bike in garage. Really impressed you did all that work in a week ! It took me months to kit out the Hilux.

[@McTrailRider]

The Crafter based California is such a nice machine 👌

[@leetori1]

Eberspacher heaters need a really thick copper wire for the high current glow plug when starting. Mine didn’t work until I improved the power feed.

[@darrylhausman-pk8cq]

Over in my part of the world , we have a couple of phrases ....number 8 wire mentality & kiwi ingenuity. You've just demonstrated both Andrew . Well done , I'm not going to ever mention that Slider Door again .

[@McTrailRider]

Haha, you can mention the for anytime mate, it’s kind of a running joke.

[@davidbuchanan7766]

Excellent video and great to see a basic functional conversion. The bed looks like a winner

[@McTrailRider]

The bed is a highlight tbh 👌

[@peterianstaker5386]

If that took me two years to build I’d be proud of it. To do that in 7 days is an incredible effort 👍

[@McTrailRider]

I appreciate that 😊

[@HD-dz4uk]

I like it and it seems to have all you need, bed looks a good set up too. Had 2 factory vans, 1 a camper and the other a small motor home bed's were poor in both really. Good luck with it and many miles of enjoyment on 2 wheels and 4.cheers 👍

[@McTrailRider]

I previously had a Motorhome and the bed in that was not good at all. A full sized, normal mattress was one of the first decisions I made for the van as a result.

[@Thematty635]

Looks killer for only a week of work 🤘

[@McTrailRider]

Cheers

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Love the Camper Buddy going to build One Soon 👍 great Video buddy 👌🚴🚴

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks 👍

[@k9kayaks]

The van looks great!!! Nice carom set up 👍🚵🏻‍♀️

[@royrcf]

Perfect, does the job which is the point.

[@McTrailRider]

100%

[@weekendbikingwarrior360]

brilliant video mate. right to the point

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you think so!

[@jeronomosp]

That's a cracking build and in 7 days I take my hat off to you! I think there will be a few who copy your electrical system for sure!

[@McTrailRider]

I think many are already going for these all in one electrical setups, they are so much easier to get going 👍

[@brianbathgate4944]

Excellent mate!! Great work!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@seanbannon155]

Get a jolca hot tap game changer I have a 20 year old renault traffic seen most of Scotland in it and spent about 10 nights with 3 people a dog 3 bikes and an inflatable boat not the prettiest van but works still trying to change it up and its my only transport ,enjoy it man van life 😂😂 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Your getting the full use out of your van, that’s for sure 👍

[@user-ci6pq6zq3u]

Brilliant love it & love ur attitude towards ur build, 👍🏻

[@Bloodpig]

Nice, I just bought a stripped van that I want to use some Rhino spray on the floors and up the walls a foot or two and be able to take everything out easily and be able to spray the inside clean. I'm hoping to spend as little as possible because I can buy nice used camper trailers for $10-$15K and have everything needed, which is what I plan to end up buying at some point and using it as a home and if I want to travel I got my van and can hopefully rent out the trailer as I travel. That's my plan at least. lol

[@rognevs5695]

Well done 👍 the main thing is your using it not looking at it. Hope you got a co alarm mate

[@McTrailRider]

Very true. A better alarm is definitely something I should consider, given the contents of the van.

[@KBR1C3]

@@McTrailRiderHe means a Carbon Monoxide alarm, but definitley worth beefing up the security😀. Great build there. You’ve done a great job. 👌

[@cb6866]

Thanks Andrew...it looks awesome , look where you are ! Iron oxide ? Fe2O3 ? I forget the name ... The ride is the goal , eh ?

[@McTrailRider]

It’s already taken me to some amazing spots 👌

[@ericwortman7334]

Love you set up you could definitely spend some time in it .can you charge your ebike with your power bank?

[@McTrailRider]

I can indeed charge the e-bike up no problem 👍

[@marzombasar]

Looks great mate!

[@McTrailRider]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kevinw1129]

Nice van conversion Andrew and all in 7 days. 👏👏

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks, I’m quite pleased with it considering the time 👍

[@chrishallracing]

Top work chief, in. very modest time scale!. Need to pick your brains when i see you next about it all. Huge fan of don't let perfect get in the way of Good. It doesn't exist anyway and never will.. I like

[@McTrailRider]

Happy to help if I can 👍

[@AJDT40]

thanks for showing us, really good job👍

[@McTrailRider]

My pleasure 😊

[@TheTommo2]

brilliant enjoy your travels

[@ianroberts5387]

quality andy lad

[@McTrailRider]

Charts Ian 👍

[@outlandishmtb]

Nice job. What was the total budget so far? I bought a 1995 Dodge camper van for $16,000 Canadian. Converted Sprinters start at about 60K. I figure the savings gives me a lot of gas money! I bought an EcoFlow 1000 watt battery system with 320 watts of portable solar panels to charge my bike and augment the onboard house battery. I love your attitude towards this build. Have fun!

[@McTrailRider]

I think the van owes me about £14,500 as it is. The electrical system and the insulation being the bulk of that cost.

[@Axr24have]

Cozy! 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Yep 👌

[@br5380]

Voltaire! I use the quote often at work.

[@McTrailRider]

I feel it’s a mantra that definitely helps you simply get on with things, rather than sweating over smaller and unnecessary things 👍

[@br5380]

@@McTrailRider absolutely, plus it's a more a more acceptable phrase in a work environment than "FFS just get it done!""

[@estimateparagon]

Nice setup

[@McTrailRider]

Glad you think so!

[@mitchwarren1600]

That is the chariot to the kingdom of freedom.

[@McTrailRider]

I love that Mitch 👌

[@stevepayne9691]

Lovin all the videos aswell, keep it up,

[@bobtknob]

Van envy is real, excellent job

[@McTrailRider]

Very true

[@AlanMacdougall-c2w]

great job on a budget, welll done, does need a side door tho

[@McTrailRider]

Always has, may always will too 😜

[@gregorypepper8674]

SUBSCRIBED - just found your channel, interesting, what happened to the Chausson 610?

[@dazbbgful]

Gets the job done mate, happy days. Did you put a drop out vent next to the gas 👍

[@McTrailRider]

Not yet, but I will be redoing the gas/water/kitchen section very soon.

[@Mandylove999]

I built a day van using a 17 plate lwb Renault Trafic, it took near on 2 years to build due to minimal spare time and the weather conditions as it was all done outside, to consider a 7 day schedule to convert a van would be an impossible task for me 😎

[@McTrailRider]

It did help that I’m a joiner and have tools to do the job in fairness.

[@Mandylove999]

….. I tend to finesse and ponder too much 😎

[@kevincross9206]

Those sound deadening pads by Dodo are brilliant. I have a lwb Vivaro and used them to keep the resonance down for when I have the dogs with me. How easy is the carpet covering to the ceiling to install? I have another Dodo product on the roof to negate any condensation that works well, but would like to finish it wot a covering.

[@McTrailRider]

Expensive, but a great range of products 👌 I used spray adhesive for the carpet onto plywood and it worked very well.

[@Izzi-n5t]

So true.

[@richardgray6603]

Cracking set up there mate:) how does the power bank do with charging your ebikes?

[@McTrailRider]

It charges the e-bike no problem. Can easily charge the bike twice without actively doing anything to charge the van up.

[@MrButuz]

Cool - your 12v wires look very undersized I recon 30 amps would cause them to glow!

[@McTrailRider]

The wires going into the fuse box are the wires that came with the power unit, and are meant to be used with the 30amp supply.

[@stevepayne9691]

Hey lovin the van, just got similar a few days ago, was wondering what victron booster is it that your useing? The Glentress park looks wicked, hopefully be gettin up there for a few days this year once the van is done cheers

[@McTrailRider]

The Vitron charger is the Orion 12/24. I’m pretty happy with it 👍

[@stevepayne9691]

Cheers for getting back so quick, happy trekin

[@DieterVanHolder]

Cheers!

[@McTrailRider]

Thanks

[@DizRidesMtb]

Great job dude . Hey its a belta bro. 👏👏👏❤❤

[@McTrailRider]

Hey, thanks

[@DizRidesMtb]

@@McTrailRider no worries bro.

[@DizRidesMtb]

@@McTrailRider . Iv neva passed so my only transport is bikes lol unless I got lifts or trains bro 😂😂👊. N I'm 50 nxt yr bro pmsl

[@McTrailRider]

@@DizRidesMtb think of it this way, you’ve probably spent a while load less on travel than me over the years.

[@DizRidesMtb]

@@McTrailRider Defo dude but iv also had prob over 100 bikes too lol

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

Great stuff....👍👍 (BTW, which route did you take getting the Van to Spain? Did you go via ferry from Portsmouth to Santander/Balboa or a long drive via France?)

[@McTrailRider]

Went the long drive through France. The ferry to Bilboa is quite expensive tbh.

[@stevepayne9691]

Hi again, hope all is good with yourself, just checking is this the victron your useing? Victron energy orion 12/24-20 dc- dc converter? If not could you send me the link please, as like everyone else we aint got the cash to loose, cheers. Were down in the Midlands a place called telford and are hoping to be on a few of your great tracks by end of summer. Be lucky steve

[@McTrailRider]

This is the very one, and I believe bought it on this site too. www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/Item/ORI122420020?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7-SvBhB6EiwAwYdCAfnMkVI3EUFWF1a70GPw8_v-sSwxUUYQP6LmAjE9g9Vh-_hncDEpPxoC5KwQAvD_BwE

[@stevepayne9691]

Brilliant, will be ordering this on the weekend 😅​@@McTrailRider

[@MartyFaeScotland]

nice 1 m8... its not how it looks, but how you use it ;)

[@McTrailRider]

100%

[@monday1973]

Not sure if I missed it but will you power bank thing charge your ebike? That's hoping you for it fixed.

[@McTrailRider]

The power bank does indeed recharge the e-bike no problem. Can do it around 3 times before it’s depleted all its power👍

[@monday1973]

@@McTrailRider that's sweet. We are passing back through Tremp Ainsia way in the next weekish. Wondered if you fancies biking up for a ride if you're still that way?

[@McTrailRider]

@@monday1973 I would have been interested, but we got home yesterday. The weather is less favourable back home 😢

[@monday1973]

@@McTrailRider ah gutted. Yes reports from Knoydart are not good on the weather front.

[@samjones4170]

Great build in 7 days but if you're anything like me it'll never be finished, there's always something more to do!

[@McTrailRider]

Of course it’ll never be finished, and I’ll never be fully happy with it, but it’s functional as it is.

[@normawalker4428]

Very impressed, not the best idea showing your number plate ,remember you never know who is watching

[@McTrailRider]

I’m not sure what people would do with the reg number, but you’re not the first person to say such a thing.

[@normawalker4428]

They can be very good at what they do, Fort Bill enduro a while back 3 guys in the cafe taking pics of riders coming in and out, then spotted in car park filming regs then spotted south waiting for vans to pass, Police caught them near Stirling.

[@spartanmtb2640]

it's perfect ;-)

[@McTrailRider]

Haha, glad you think so.