The *ULTIMATE* Bike Van Conversion

A huge thanks to The Ply Guys for kitting out my dream van so that it's perfect for all kinds of bikes and adventures. The camper van conversion has been something I've dreamt of since I was a child so I still can't quite believe she is mine!
www.theplyguys...
Gifted products in my van:
Bed system:
Torridon + Clachan
www.theplyguys...
www.theplyguys...
by the Ply Guys with Harris Tweed from @harristweedhebrides
Bike slide:
Removeable Drathair bike slide (side exit) from our Slidey Outey range
www.theplyguys...
Panelling:
Suas van ceiling with Torridon mountain range engraving
Balla walls
(all natural birch)
www.theplyguys...
Floor:
Urlar floor for Kombi (2+1)
Additional filming and thumbnail by Andrew 'Hammy' Squire
I'm grateful to the following sponsors for their support:
pedaled.com
www.marinbikes...
www.sram.com
www.zipp.com
www.smithoptic...
+=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=+
If you're after my routes, they're always on Strava
/ strava
+=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=++=+=+=+
F O L L O W M E
Instagram: / julietelliott
Website: www.bikes-n-stu...
Facebook: / juliet.elliott
Twitter: / _julietelliott

[@kirkrobertson2099]

Lived in a van o er 4 yrs with my two bicycles. Such a great felling to be home in the woods after riding a trail. Awesome. Happy for you. All the best from the states.

[@John-un2co]

Congratulations Juliet you’ll make many wonderful memories in that van. Take care Juliet

[@matthewvelo]

Love the van! I've hired quite a few for trips over the years (from small ones to big-arse RVs) and will probably buy one eventually. Not sure I agree about the outdoor-only kitchen - shitty weather and sandflies/midges/mozzies always makes inside cooking a lot more enjoyable. Can't wait to se all the adventures that the new van opens up for you.

[@jonfrance7201]

Very nice. Only one thing missing. I love the pop up roof in my T5. It’s good being able to stand up and is cooler in summer at night.

[@ecopennylife]

Looks brilliant, loved the countour lines on the roof & trig lights, and the little mountain peaks under the window - enjoy 😍

[@garethjones3806]

So pleased for you. I know you have wanted this for so long and your excitement really comes across in the video.

[@roddas26]

Never trust anyone who is "always" excited.

[@lindy-loumaddock5979]

Oh wow, Juliet, that is absolutely fabulous!! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your adventures already!! 🤩

[@bah5310]

So beautiful. You are going to a blast with that. We purchased an 05 Airstream Interstate that is built on a Sprinter. Now we parked it at trailhead, ride, have our little home with us. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@rushja]

that is a sweet van, and the tweed is the icing on the cake

[@Cous1nJack]

This is cool. Most of what you need and not much you don’t. Peeps should look at the stitches and steel kits too for the uncomplicated layouts.

[@inkstickart]

this is awesome! Im DIY building out lil SUV to be home/art studio and house my bike (on a hitch on the back) super exciting!

[@anoshya]

Great!!! My wife and I have a new VWT 6 but not as sophisticated interior as yours but I’ve put my open sliding drawers in and fully insulated the whole van..Travelling in VW vans is the only way to travel

[@helloAdikhere]

The van build guide I really need, finally!

[@loadedbikes8877]

Looks awesome Juliet. We really rate our eberspacher too. Do let us know when you're ready for any additional fork mounts so you can load up, roll out and wake up to adventure 👌🏼

[@timmo3351]

Love it! Super adaptable and agree with built in kitchens etc. Fair play for those that need it but a portable hob and a decent width bed is the combo for me! Enjoy and look forward to seeing it evolve on your adventures.

[@CyclingMikey]

Awesome! I just got a Yeti myself, they are so good. Yes, and bikes on many UK trains is a horrible setup.

[@andrewmerriman2963]

Wow! very nice, a real memory maker. Take care Juliet, we look forward to you sharing your journey's with us . ... Chow!

[@wilfwilliams]

You deserve it , you work hard. The harder you work the luckier you get !

[@rtw9655]

Loving the Harris Tweed finish 👍

[@Cezex]

Very cool van, congrats! But please please please turn on auto stabilization in your camera cause I got dizzy watching this video. Thanks in advance from all the people that have really bad motion sickness ✌🏻

[@dj0men666]

Looks great Juliette. Do you have to get in via the tailgate when the bikes are in? Have a look at the power banks you can buy for 240v - you can charge at home or when you have access to power and run all your 240v stuff and not need to plumb it into the van plus you can take out of the van if you need to for other things. You can even run hair dryer and straighteners etc if you use them which my wife wasn't happy about when we were off grid and she plugged one in lol. You could also add a solar panel to then trickle charge that power bank which is a great addition. You only have the coolbox so if that is powered you need a power source for that as you have no fridge from what I saw. The rest id say just use the van for a bit and find out what works and what doesn't work before you add more as you will get some niggles and things you want to tweak until you get it just right. SHame you had to lose the other captain seat. Wish I had those at the front so you don't have to go outside the van to move from the front. Can you collapse the double when in the front? Anyway - happy adventures - they're brill things to have. I have one I converted from a panel van myself. Should get away in it more than what we do to be honest but other things always get in the way. Enjoy! :)

[@FanaticQuattro]

Looks amazing 👏 congratulations! Can you give an indication of costings?

[@Fishd1]

I love the work they’ve done on the ceiling, and that hanging rack is pretty cool. I also agree that natural materials look way better than the glossy piano black conversions you see everywhere. Personally, electric hookups are overrated having a decent solar panel on the roof and a battery to battery charger means I only need to plug in during the depth of winter and that’s only if I want to keep the fridge running. I do find it quite ironic though that you live in what must be the UKs campervan nexus yet travelled to Scotland for a conversion! So many great conversion companies in Cornwall and Devon. Look forward to seeing your adventures.

[@anderscoffin6111]

Superb😱 Everything you could ever need👍 You’re going to look so professional parked next to someone in a cold, damp Ford Transit😄👍 So glad you’ve shown us around the van! It’s inspirational in itself🤩👍

[@thebrowns5337]

Swivel seats are great. It's nice to face each other when parked up. So wasy to install if you change your mind.

[@jwarne]

Absolutely brilliant! Congrats and hope you have many years of fun with it!

[@hoser7706]

An amazing build. The side slideout is cool. No solar, shower or toolet and water tank? Congrats on it!!! Hope you love it

[@ChrisBarnettX10D]

I knew you would eventually! There's so many places to go and ride, and a van makes it all more comfortable. Brilliant. (240v hook up does make life easier if you're parked up for a few days).

[@samsonhx]

Like your new ride - a dream 😍 Btw: Ebersbacher is pronounced with "ch" like in "Loch Lomond" - and if anybody wants to know: Eber is a male pig and a Bach is a small stream. End of lesson, time to go out for a ride 😉

[@sr131272]

Looks like you’ve parked up in one of my favourite spots, Loch Arklet close to Aberfoyle, some awesome gravel routes there 👍

[@Bscott-390]

Awesome!! I'll take it!! send it to me. lol!! Fun video as always!

[@Francesco_M.]

I might be the only one left devoid of any kind of van these days, ouch! 🤕 The set up is nifty and well-arranged, surely fit for purpose ! You've got everything you might need in there; the pegboard is a gem! A dream that has finally come true, yes it is. Wish you and the children a lot of blessings and so much fun with the van! 🚌

[@guerrerodaniel4415]

Wow... it's a dream van!!

[@nateisright]

Fit and finish look great, nice details for a cyclist too. Enjoy your van in good health!

[@GULNARTIRES]

Awesome camper✨👍👍 Luv to see more vdo’s on van trips🤩

[@wikSp]

Beautiful build, I think I just fell in love with the van

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

Love the meow, my hundred pound puppy always comes around right quick..cheers.

[@k-mac5511]

Congratulations on your AWESOME camper bike van!,,

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you!

[@Sunday_Jazz]

I love how its super simple and perfect for the job! Looks awesome.

[@dibbygibby]

Harris tweed wears so well and gets better and better with age - that is so cool- also cleans well - sorry the rest of the van is very cool too but I love Harris tweed!

[@barryf1966]

Looks lovely I love the rear side out cooking station set up enjoy the great outdoors

[@glennoc8585]

Nice van Juliette. You know that that won't be your forever van. It's like a gateway drug you'll start with the van conversion and before long you'll ll be eyeing up a fiat Ducato. You can get a transformer Unit from a 240v plug in straight your auxiliary battery. Depending on UK regs you may need a dedicated isolator switch with an earth to ground.

[@thomasmarker8198]

I love the Harris Tweed touch. High Class!!

[@waytoomuchcoffee]

So cool, love the slide our tray for the bike. Can't wait to see your vids

[@coolkel1971]

And a set of 10 heavy duty bungee cords, army camouflage tarpaulin as it looks cool and looks eco friendly in the environment .This will act as a wind shield ,rain guard and extra privacy !

[@martinschwartz7342]

Very cool van, indeed. I am very happy for you. May you enjoy it in good health and much happiness for years to come.

[@martinschwartz7342]

Hi Juliet. I just received a message to message you on Telegram for a prize. In 71 years I have never won anything. I am Skeptical that this is you sending me this message. Is this message legit or not. Thank you.

[@aoe76]

Only one error, the steering wheel is in the wrong side 😄… very nice kit they built, such a lovely van now.

[@paulbrook2459]

Cool van , good for you 👍👍 You don’t need a 12v hook up , just buy a camping cable ! So many of these vans are over engineered 👍

[@davidsaxby5400]

I’m just catching up with your videos after missing so many. I love the van conversion, such a great execution of a well thought out design. I’ve recently been on a few overnighters with a mate in his camper van , a very pricey VW with kitchen and bathroom, but the bikes have to go out on a rear rack. I believe I prefer your set up with the ingenious slide out designs. My only doubt is about cleaning up after a sweaty ride. Will you use a portable shower?

[@robbonner]

LESSSSSSSSSSSSGO congratulations JE

[@TrimaranSpirit]

Sweeeet! Nice rig let us know when you want to come do some gravel rides around the Dolomites we have some fun ones here that we’re sure you’d love :-)

[@tnan123]

Very cool van. So many things I would do if I had a van setup like that! Enjoy!

[@tommotomlinson3370]

Top Notch 👌 the bike rack/yeti is genius 💪

[@PlanetFletcher]

This is actually a really good setup! Too many vans have too much in them and you end up driving a heavy vehicle about with all that kit in it all the time. I love this setup though - easy to remove bits when you don’t need them in the van!

[@bromptinowner763]

Wow Jules i'm green with envy! maybe you and Laura can do a van meet up video? Nice van !!

[@RedBatteryHead]

Enjoy the experience. Looking cool.

[@danwiddon3854]

WD65 AEW needs a name you've not revealed in this enJulietastic Vlog!! Mine was air-cooled, with a pop-top with bunks, but I guess you don't need room for the kids to cramp your style now you're free to not book rooms to facilitate adventure and vlogging rides nationwide.

[@onelove8062]

I'm biking Alaska to Argentina and to fund it I'm moving into a van when I take a break after Panamá. Absolutely non negotiable need to keep the bike inside... dunno how my yogi self is gonna live in a cramped little van (I'm broke) all right lets see.

[@JanekDetko]

That van is unreal 👏👏 so so jealous !!

[@alecrisdan]

Hi Juliet . greetings from sunny Cape Town South Africa . been following your channel for some time now . Amazing van build , i will be starting my build early 2023. i have been off the bike for quite a few years but recently the bug has bit again . my children compete in a schools mtb racing league. any chance of doing a video on training for couch potatoes like myself that would be awesome . keep grinding and cant wait for your next video

[@davewest6788]

Congrats looks great. Have a blast

[@ianhoulden2930]

Harris tweed, great call!

[@serhiychukur995]

Just GREAT GREAT GREAT IDEA!

[@nicholasfulford209]

Have you seen Matt Jones van , that’s a awesome van with built in Redbull fridge 👍

[@ferencczuczor7766]

Hi Juliet, hope you are doing great! This looks like a real adventure machine ;-) I was wondering if this is the long version of the VW Transporter? And what's the length of the bed if bicycle is also there? Two of you can sleep? Thanks a lot

[@crcomments8509]

I sometimes take the train, from Kent up to London, then to Southampton to go cycling and camping on the Isle of Wight. Trains are a nightmare, I never do it at a weekend as if they do engineering works and put replacement bus service on, you are totally stuffed. Having a van is something I’m seriously considering.

[@roblastname9133]

Ah awesome,great adventures ahead. 200kg pull out😳that's the muts conkers 👍

[@subdvr]

I love it and love the kitchen unit, I think I might go for their version that sits behind the front seats to pull out to the passenger side of the van, then sits under the awning. I have a Caravelle and really need a non invasive cooking unit. Whats your thoughts on the quality now you have lived with it all for a year or so?

[@Spookyb329]

Nice alternative to the regular rear slides :)

[@bernardporter4589]

Such an inspirational person!

[@AlignmentCoaching]

Love it. Just back from my first van rental in Banff and Jasper...now considering getting my own in Europe fitted for bikes. I found having a refrigerator invaluable, unless it’s just a 2 day trip. I’m guessing as yours is fitted out there’s no space for that. Also curious how much it cost you but maybe that’s not something you can share....

[@kidplan5577]

Great setup.😃

[@rickmtbhaywood2311]

That’s amazing.well done

[@22Jeffers]

You can get spinning front double seats.

[@TJWiggers]

Love it. Enjoy.

[@RoamingQuinn]

Great video! Been considering a van for a good while now and this sort set-up could really work for us. Can you post a link to the guys who installed the awning for you please? Thank you 🙏

[@pierrehenri2297]

Great looking van! 🤘🏼

[@sirsilentsandler]

Where did you say your bikes go when your sleeping? 🤔 Do you have them on one of the front captain seats?

[@PurePresentations]

Wicked van, look at getting enough solar to run your electrics and you'll never need an electric hook up. I can stay for weeks on end off grid.

[@andyoffler3494]

Sick looking van

[@pedeepete]

looks mint that.

[@SioLazer]

Yeah van is cool but the editing on this video is really slick!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Cheers!

[@reneegroeninx7076]

Fab van! I want one....Please can you link the heating system you have in the van?

[@kendeon5271]

Very impressive !

[@conradreimer]

Just two words - F... Awesome

[@davidaspden3553]

FFS how awesome is this van

[@richardharris8538]

Enjoy!

[@marcos_rueda_]

Gran Rebiu y nada que te puedo decir pues qué resienta genial el viajar y Acer gran de porte como es el gran ciclismo y MTTMTB

[@NorfLondonGardener]

Awesome

[@marcos_rueda_]

Qué te sienta genial el viajar y el gran de porte perdón quería decir

[@lauragatehouse7935]

What fun!!!!

[@fa1coner]

My dream! One day....

[@markx9623]

clever build .. love it 👍

[@ashleyfrancis2903]

Hi Juliet - beautiful van. I’ve got 2 kids. How do you fit them in with their booster seats as well as yourself and your partner?

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

We have four kids. We have a second row of seats that I put in by removing the sliding rack. So when it’s just me on a bike adventure, the rack comes but a lot of the time we just leave the second row of seats in

[@Andy-co6pn]

Looking pretty fly for a ply err van

[@joeyc8623]

There’s no such thing as a “forever van”, there’s always another one that does everything better until you run out of money😂

[@edwin_slager]

Very nice van.

[@myroncunningham9042]

Juliet love it girl, sweet

[@alistairmcardle1435]

like the Cat that's got the cream!! ;)