I gutted my camper van - The start of a van build renovation

It’s time to fix some things in my minimal build camper van, so I gutted it.
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[@robinw285]

🎉Enjoyed your video. There are 3 improvement/decor ideas you may wish to consider. 1) Using bamboo or fabric, create some type of mini 'headboard' for your bed. 2) The three kitchen drawers, use a different paint color for the front of each of them. 3) Could consider a vanity mirror that's expandable and lights. Something you can use while in different locations, on a swivel. 🎉 (Probably can find one that runs on batteries.)

[@mindbodyfitness99]

Please don’t cut your hair!! It’s gorgeous long! I regretted cutting my long hair! It’s growing out now. I know it’s a pain to wash but just deal with it!!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I only cut a few inches off. You can't hardly tell 😊

[@donalddillon9258]

Yes indeed 99, because my daughter’s mother convinced her to cut her hair so short that I couldn’t believe it and it hurt me so bad that that I won’t have anything to do with her mother ever again because I truly believe that her mother and my ex wife did that to her just to hurt me and didn’t even care about what my daughter would have to deal with because of this, so I’m with you on this one..”💯and I love your comment!❤️✅

[@serenityjewel]

Telling an adult what to do with their hair is serious entitlement. She's not you. She needs to do what she likes with her hair, nor what you like.

[@susannordstrom5065]

It's only hair

[@chartmann43]

Man I get this! My hair is so long now I can’t manage it anymore! And when I’m working on my van and my hair ponytail and all gets caught in the hand sander! Haha! I am thinking about chopping it off! It’s even too long for a normal bun! Ha!!

[@debbiedrake1638]

Exciting times!!!

[@michaelburne3936]

I love your dog and your van you are a interesting vlogger I enjoy your videos😊have a nice day

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you Michael! 😊

[@RestorationRanchHealing]

I’m a new sun I saw you on Kim’s channel. I need to do some spring cleaning too and I’m watching van and bus builds and rebuilds to get me motivated. While it’s technically spring season we are bouncing between warm and cold still. And unfortunately when I’m at work it’s warm. So here I am watching videos for ideas. I can’t wait to see your renovation . Safe travels !

[@bluedog4619]

I’m excited to see what you do with the van. So exciting.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Hey! I'm hoping to get some work done this weekend. Counting down the days till our next meetup!!

[@robertholman9743]

That’s a lot of work! I love your ride or die he’s cute❤❤❤❤ my red healer is my ride or die

[@Ron-wk7eo]

Hi ya , I thought it looked really good, I'm a guy can find nothing untidy sod I am. Your pal in Scotland ,,Ron x

[@destinysisco3142]

Insulate behind the walls including those plastic corner pieces? Why not put your bed on a pulley system and build a sitting area underneath.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I would lose my storage space and have nowhere to put Sophie's stroller. I'd also lose a lot of head space. This is a 130 wb van, so it's pretty small.

[@sandyb1464]

Hi..is the van your full-time home...❤❤

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Hi Sandra! It use to be, but now I stay with someone part time.

[@cherylpeters8466]

why such a large bed?

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

It's all I had. I bought it in 2003 as a king size when I lived in a big house in my previous life. I cut it to fit the van a few years ago. It's on the list of things to replace/fix.

[@ShamimJahuri]

Lady you abeautiful soul,the paradise garden with the paradise lady.i will meet you or invite you,just wait.shamim zahuri from bangladesh 🌷 🕊👫🫂🎎🤝🏡🏢

[@Shiconey]

Get a cutting board to lay over the sink to extend your counter top 👌 👍 😊

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I've been looking for one that's 12x12 but they're so expensive! I might make one 🤔 🤣

[@jazziered142]

The problem with compression bags to me, is you can't see what's in them.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Yeah I was thinking that, too. I might label them. But I was also thinking because they're different sizes, I'll start remembering what's in them. Like our dressers and kitchen cupboards. They all look the same, but we remember what's in them.

[@myjournalingcorner]

Can't wait to see your build Michele. Have fun!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@freeinFL]

If you cut your hair, save it for me! I love your hair. Maybe I can somehow weave it into mine 😂. I’ve admired your hair from day 1!

[@midlife_journey]

😂

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I cut 3 inches off today. You really can't tell, but it feels silkier without the split ends. Speaking of admiring.. I keep seeing your bus in the background of these van tours on Kym's channel!!

[@freeinFL]

Yes, we are having a blast but really miss you and Sophie. Can’t wait til June 10!

[@dismaldog]

Looking forward to updates,your hair is perfect,but I am sure will still be perfect after a cut too.❤

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you! I just trimmed 3 inches off the bottom. It doesn't look much different, but it feels better!

[@martinhenrybezer8516]

Looking forward to seeing the retrofit of the van...maybe a mural on the ceiling...your hair looks nice I hope you don't cut it too short...

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Hi Martin! I was thinking about a big gold foil sun around the fan. We'll see when it comes time to put it back together. And thank you for your kind words about my hair. I only snipped off a few inches and it feels so much healthier!

[@daisydardar1527]

Have you thought about raising the board over the frig to counter height? And maybe making your passenger seat one of those seats that turn around? You can get a portable step to put in the middle and slide under the bed for the puppy.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

I had it counter height and it didn't work for us, so I paid someone to shorten it. I need a place to sit and for Sophie to get up and down off the bed without hurting herself. I don't have room for a portable step under the bed. I am considering a swivel passenger seat tho! And maybe a swing desk with it. Maybe 😁

[@dfros1957]

I'm not sure how much room is between the counter and the bed. If there is room you might be able to extend it by adding a small piece that folds up when you need it. I have also seen where a strip is attached to the side of the counter and the extension, you can take it on and off. One end hooks to the other. Does that make any sense at all .🤔lol ....

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

That's a good idea! I wonder if I would have enough height for a fold down extension, charging basket, and power stations. I could maybe add a 5" extension. Thanks for the idea!

[@ElsieClark-o7k]

Hi 😊 I like the idea of a cabinet door under your sink that is hinged on the top so it can open up flat with fold down legs for more counter space when needed it could double as a work space

[@cherylpeters8466]

I would put a piece of plywood, attatched to kitchen sink area so you could put it up and down as needed for extra spce.

[@EdwardBussell-x5d]

Michelle I love watching your KZbin videos and your precious little dog I hope to see more of your KZbin videos cause I'm 52 years old and I'm in love with you sorry

[@widowswisdom-soulflower9147]

Can’t wait to see what you do ❤

[@evamaria644]

Thanks for showing these reuseable bags. I need them for all of the little things I have around the house.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

They really come in handy!

[@RUTHSOFFGRID]

I gutted my 200 Dodge ram 1500. It's already insulated and carpeted. I kept the back couch as it turns into a bed. But I keep it up for more space. I'm on the hunt for an old wooden dresser like yours. As for your top wiring, I probably would have hung baskets and art work over them and lots of plants. Honestly, your van was gorgeous before, so it will be nice to see your fresh ideas.

[@ginabrandt6168]

So this is about looking good on camera?

[@chantallaliberte5658]

I wouldn’t block the steps going into your van for your dog’s step; instead, build a narrow set of steps between your bed and fridge cabinet that you could also use as a step to your bed. If you make that removable, you’d still have access to your battery under the bed.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

That sounds like a great idea, but there isn't room for steps there

[@dyingbiker]

SHES GORGEOUS

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Um. Thanks 😊 ❤️

[@heathershaffer9731]

😊

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

😊🤣

[@rictech.]

Goodmorning beautiful. I would not put doors on sink ??? I think it will get in the way every time you open. As for the high bed? You have to be comfortable.. bottom line only get the best. If you were close to me I would be happy to help with all the wood and handyman stuff.. but anyhoo you need to do what you’re doing. Go through everything and get ready. Be safe, have fun and thanks for another great video. Tell Sophie I said hello? And you’re hair looks absolutely gorgeous. Your friend ric in nor cal.

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

With the kitchen curtain, things tend to fall out while I'm driving. A door would secure them, and I'd also be able to hang a small organizer on the inside of the cupboard door. Easier to clean, also. Too bad you're on the other side of the country! This roof issue might be a pain. I did talk to a carpenter yesterday who's going to come take a look at it this weekend. Thank you for your kind words.. I may be cutting my hair a bit before the next video 😆✂️

[@midlife_journey]

can't wait to see what this will look like aftre the reno ❤

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

😊🔨😁😆

[@abyss5350]

I couldn’t help but not ignore your socks when you said ignore the socks totally had the opposite effect on me

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Haha! I almost always wear socks except for in a heat wave!

[@widowswisdom-soulflower9147]

Yay!!! Englewood Beach tee!!

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Such a beautiful place!!

[@terry4265]

I really enjoy your videos. I'm hoping to get a 20-to-21-foot RV. I know what I'm looking for and will wait till I find it then I'll do some traveling. Great Video. :)

[@johnadams7323]

Hello Michele , I would like to know if Sofia is Minn Pinn? I have a male named Tiko, I bet they would get along.❤

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Aww Tiko! ❤️ Sophie does look like a min pin, but she's a Chiweenie. She was a breeder mom until I adopted her just over a year ago.

[@johnadams7323]

Sofie is a lot more mellow than Tiko, he can be a handful at times and he is 11 years old.😳 I rescued Tiko when he was 2 months old, I would put him in the pocket of my bath robe.🤣❤️

[@Thecargohustler]

You made my day ❤ Keep up with great content

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you Kenny! 😊 ❤️

[@southerngirlyall6497]

Did you insulate your van?

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Just the windows with reflectix, but I'm going to add some insulation in areas I feel the heat coming thru. There's some holes along all that wiring that you can feel heat wafting out of!

[@Bodilly66]

Enjoy your video’s

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thanks so much!

[@_corrine12_]

Why did you take the plastic off all around the top?

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

So I could cut a hole for the fan, and I also wanted it to look more like a tiny house.

[@Vstrom650klr]

Please please please don't cut your hair beautiful

[@LifeWithMicheleSilver]

Thank you for the compliment, but it's always in my way