I Built My Dream Van

[@paulinalouise4502]

You're so lucky to have your Dad to help you with your dream van ! .....I lost my Dad when I was only 18, and 4 of those years I was away at boarding academy. I felt like I could have learned so much more from him, but it was not to be...........So treasure all the time you have with your Dad, as I know you are. I LOVE how your van turned out, especially the woodstove ! A wonderful survival addition if you get stuck or broke down somewhere, at least now you can stay warm !

[@Fogelmiser]

Looks great Kelly. I hope the van serves you well. I lost my dad a couple years ago and I miss doing projects like this with him. I’ve enjoyed your interactions with your dad in the past couple videos. Cherished times.

[@athiker7209]

You and your Dad did an awesome job! What I found out, burning wood for 27 years in an Earth stove, lumber burns hot and quick. Regular down limbs and cut firewood, burns slower and at a lower temperature. I'm wondering if you could, at some time in the future, provide a pipe that comes up at the front base, right under the stove, to provide combustion air. What ever air that exits the chimney, has to be replaced someway, such as through cracks in door seals, etc, Providing the an air inlet right at the stove provides the outside air directly to the stove, thus your not creating a vacuum in the van. The pipe can be adjusted with a damper to allow the amount of air you need. Happy Trails!

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

Making memories with your dad are priceless. The van is looking awesome! I have been saving and still saving to buy a van to build out. I am watching and taking notes. I also want the small wood heater, so watching this helps a lot. Many blessings!

[@nicksam5518]

It’s winter, cold, your in ‘post major thru hike’ phase, this makes a lot of sense. The music also was well done, gave a good feel of calm prep, the van is ready for your next adventure.

[@nancysatori4744]

It looks great! Nice job. Just a quick reminder from someone that has a camper, remember that when you are driving, your van goes through basically a long term earthquake, specially on bumpy roads(but you’ll never go off road…😂) Also measure the height of your flue stack and watch driving under low hanging areas. And if you ever need to replace the bumper on your new shelf, a pool noodle is an inexpensive replacement and a pop of color😂. My dad taught me lots of things, but he wasn’t much of a family man and ran off with one of our long time neighbors, she was an awful person, I didn’t see him much after that, and now he’s gone. I love that you still have a great dad. ❤

[@teresap.5991]

I'm absolutely loving the remodel ❤. The wood stove is so adorable! I hope it keeps you up toasty warm in these freezing temps! I can't wait to see you out camping in her! Are you going to name her? Or have you already? God bless your Dad with many yrs of good health and love from you ❤.

[@InTheShadowOfTheMountain]

Pro tip for cleaning your wood stove window. I personally find wetting/spitting in a piece of newspaper then dipping the newspaper in the ash from the last burn in the stove. And scrubbing the inside/fireside of the window. It’s honestly the best and easy way to get that tough soot off the window I’ve ever found. (I’ve been living with a glass window wood stove for the last eight winters in my yurt up in the Pacific Northwest)

[@Iiacach57]

Good morning Kelly from Cali! You are so lucky to have your Dad helping you out with your project "Van", you guys have a great team work. God is Good all the time. You are Blessed! Your van is looking great! Looking forward to seeing when you are finished at the end of this video ❤🥰😘🙌

[@OakleyOriginals]

Your van looks awesome! What a fun project to do with your father.

[@CodyandKellie]

Your dad and you did such a great job. We really like how it turned out!

[@RickINFJ]

😮 Oh my, what an incredible transformation! 👏 HUGE shoutout to your Pops for everything. 😊 It's beautiful Kelly. It's your van, but the green faux glass tile looked awesome with the other finishes. 👍 Congratulations, you so deserve this. Dang proud of you girl, BRAVO! ✌️

[@richardross7219]

As a Dad, Its hard to let your kid do things. Yesterday, I was teaching my son how to change the oil on his car. I got impatient and did it while he watched. Good job, nice video. Properly install the heat shield behind the woodstove. The heat will damage the panelling eventually. As it is, the shield is upside down and backwards. Be sure to leave a gap between the bottom of the shield and the table top so that air can circulate. If you can, make some emergency logs. A half gallon juice carton filled with saw dust and soaked with melted old candles will burn for a long time. I am concerned about the chimney. Will it get damaged at 65 mph? Will water get blown down the chimney when driving in the rain? I suspect that it needs a shield infront and over it. This project should give you an idea of what building a house will entail. When building my house, the first mistake that I made was that I should have built a pole barn first. It would have allowed me to store my tractors and materials out of the weather. If you do build, I strongly encourage you to go with a simple passive solar design. My passive solar system has been working for over 25 years now. It doesn't cost much extra but it requires that the house be oriented along a true east - west line and that most glass is facing south. My wife and I land shopped for 2 years before we found a useable site(it is very rocky). When are we going to get a tour of your Dad's car collection? One of these times, we will have to talk about a recovery system incase the van gets stuck on a back road. Have fun. Good Luck, Rick

[@twhite1004]

Speaking as a dad, your father will forever cherish this time with you..! I'm glad you took his guidance and worked together with him and not somebody else ...! He might enjoy an adventure or two also..? Any plans camping with him..?

[@danbar32]

Great job on the van. You might need to put a cap on the flue when you are driving so the ash does not blow back into the van. A Fernco cap of the correct size can be found in the plumbing dept. of your home improvement store.

[@richardthorne2804]

OMG Kelly that looks so beautiful and you will enjoy it that much more since you and your dad worked so hard to together…those are some amazing memories. Well done 👍

[@sammymartinez556]

Kelly my friend love what you’ve been doing with the van looks great. But what I liked most in this one is you working with your dad , those are memories that will last forever… love ❤️ from New Mexico 😊

[@kevinmurphy5613]

Greatjob Kelly! The van looks amazing! So cool you were able to work with your Dad and make memories. Congratulations on making your dream come true!

[@joankline343]

Kelly you and your dad did an excellent job with the van. It looks absolutely beautiful! 💖 You're a very gifted and talented young lady. I can see that your dad is a great influence on you and in life and you're fortunate to have him. Can't wait to see your next adventure! 🤩🎉 God Bless 🙏

[@user-David-Alan]

You and your dad did an amazing job on the van interior. Simply beautiful. I guess you realize how much money you saved doing the work yourselves. Ask your dad about a piece of outside corner round molding for your upper cabinets lower edge and see what he thinks. It might look more finished and easier on your head if you happen to bump it. It looks so wonderful and functional all at once. I'm sure your dad is so proud of you. Can't wait to see the maiden voyage in the new rolling adventure mobile. Stay well, safe, and warm. lt's like a tiny house on wheels.

[@josephjones6454]

O 😢die 😮😮😮😅

[@robbinwhaley9378]

Wow it looks so GOOD!!! You did an awesome job. Your Dad was so nice to help. Can't wait to see all your adventures. Enjoy!!!

[@Theclaw1981]

Looks fantastic, KH! It’s nice to see how genuinely excited you are about this finished van project. Looking forward to future adventures of where this rebuild takes you.

[@sapoverde65]

Father and daughter bonding 😊and you look so happy to have the van 🚐 done,looks great especially the siding and cabinet doors.❤

[@RolandKrastins]

WOW!! 😅The van is looking awesome!!.I like the small stove you put in the van!! 😊 You're so lucky and blessed to have your father helping you with this project!! 😅

[@aquajennc]

Love to see you working with your dad and his work looks great. Please send our best wishes to him RE his sweet dog ❤

[@p1hikes]

Nice! Great job. I laughed when I saw the hole saw because I knew what was comin lol. I remember my first time using one that large on my tiny house and it bout breakin my wrist lol. It is still so freaky every time I catch a video (I’ve only seen a handful so far) how much our mannerisms and life choices are similar. I used to have a KZbin where I built my tiny, but left the arena post trail 2018 for more privacy on my homestead. Remember the moment I did my preburn outside for my tiny stove just like you. Stoked for ya. You ever sailed before?

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Cool build!! Nice job braving the weather and getting it done yourself!! I upgraded my truck setup in December 2023, lucked out with 40-50 degree weather in Wisconsin somehow for the 3 weeks it took me! Edit- only change is have is to wear glasses at least when useing the saws 😉 7 years of woodworking, that's where things go wrong! From experience can say a splinter in the eye isn't fun!

[@charlesjohnson9662]

Dads are the best! Great job, years of fun to come I’m sure.

[@AndyandShari]

Omg! You did an awesome job on your van! That is the best one we have seen yet. Love your videos. Followed you on you CDT trek and it was to see something I know I will never be able to do. But it was fun to see your adventures. We arecalso from Arkansas and we are part time campers. Great travels to you in your new van.

[@leedanielson7452]

What an amazing van rebuild Kelly!!! Love it! 😛👍👏🏻🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🎉🎉🎉

[@bill8384]

Be careful when using your wood stove when sleeping. Keep the van vented. The fire needs oxygen to burn, but so do you! Don't axficiate? yourself.

[@kellyhays23]

I have a carbon monoxide detector in there and crack my window a bit when I have the stove going just to be safe :)

[@debbieh1895]

Kelly, it’s gorgeous! Great job! I know you were glad to have your dad helping you and I think he was happy to be there helping and spending time with you. I’m loving your tiny wood stove! It’s perfect for your space. Be sure to get a carbon monoxide detector to go in the van. Anytime you have an open flame heat source you need one. 😊 I can’t wait to watch your new adventures! You’re gonna have so much fun! Stay safe! 🙌🏼💖

[@EdwardsOutdoorAdventures]

Great smile. Having a dream, even something like a van rebuild, and completing the task can be so satisfying. Keeping on keeping on.

[@lalasteen3860]

Amazing!! You and your dad are so talented/skilled! I really enjoyed watching the transformation. Will be fun to see more van trips.

[@gabriellemarella9127]

Wow looks incredible! Props to you and your dad for doing all of the work 👏🏼👏🏼 time to enjoy it!

[@MannyWC]

Yes to the green tile backsplash. 🎉❤

[@carolwerner3881]

Omg!! Your van turned out absolutely awesome!! I love it all, especially the wood stove. I bet you loved looking at it from outside seeing that plume of smoke!! Great job Kelly and thanks to your wonderful teacher, your dad!!!

[@mikehawk3152]

Loved your CDT journey! This is one of the most competent van remodel! Incredible! Long may you run! Run wild as long as you can! Too soon old!❤🎉

[@patryan2222]

Hi Kelly your van came out awesome. So nice to see you and your dad working side-by-side . His work looks incredibly awesome. Good luck with the new look van and look forward to seeing it in upcoming videos

[@brianh1345]

Awesome job! Making memories with your Dad that you will never forget!! Maybe inlay some cedar on the upper cabinet doors? Enjoy your “new” ride on next adventure!

[@aimeebethine]

I love your van… can’t wait to do similar things to my 1972 VW bus. I plan to start working on it this year in my spare time. Unfortunately there is way too much snow upstate NY. So I’ll just have to wait.

[@Golfpt62]

It looks amazing. What cool adventures you will have now. Kudos to Dad!!!

[@billcarson6186]

Wow! Amazing job and you fixed the problem that started the adventure. Congratulations!

[@WarrenWilderness]

Nice job on the van Kelly, looks fantastic! Excited to see you take it out on your next adventure.

[@outdooradventureswithshane3319]

Dont know if someone already mentioned it but get a convection fan to set on top of the wood stove to move some heat around. Another setup to get ideas from is the KZbinr Firesty Forest. He has a nice set up and has a wood stove in his van. Nice job!!

[@kellyhays23]

@@outdooradventureswithshane3319 I already have one just didn’t come in in time for the video

[@outdooradventureswithshane3319]

@kellyhays23 awesome!! We use them on our wood stoves whole hot tent camping up here in Iowa. Crazy thing is we still have no snow!!!! Lol!!

[@rockercover]

Very nice end result.. Insulation sure makes a temperature difference. Cedar walls, cute cat pillow, such perfect added touches.

[@bluecorners]

Great build!! I’d worry ‘bout the stove pipe topper wind resist. and/ or letting rain in on the highway. Special toppers are made for small boat stoves…do a Google search! We love yer work!

[@Jaxon1776]

You have great parents. The van looks great. I love the wood stove. Good job Hays

[@susansharp112]

Well done. Looks cozy and functional. Your style is very lovely and you have a very talented project manager by your side. There are so many new adventures ahead of you and when you get back from a long run you will have a delightful place to rest. So happy for you Kelly.

[@blacksheepexpedition6347]

This is the inspiration for me to start my build. Had the van 4 yrs. It’s time .

[@brenthiteoutdoors]

Wow, your van turned out great! I like the stove! Looking forward to future videos!

[@wandering_butnotlost]

Looking so so good kelly!! I'm excited to see where you take us in your new home!

[@AbleHammer]

Love it! Nice job! And with that fireplace…nice and cozy! That overhead shelf is an awesome useful addition!

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

The van build turned out great! I’m looking forward to your first adventure in it!

[@Robert-hd4ld]

Nice job on the interior of your van, it's really looking nice. Just a thought though, have you given any thought on low hanging branches hitting you stove pipe on the roof as you drive by. I assume your be going out maybe on forest roads to camp once in a while . Lot of times there are low branches hanging down, wouldn't want to see your pipe on roof getting damaged or even ripped off by limbs. Maybe metal guard protecting it line a cage of some sort. Just asking cause I have been in places where good sized limbs or branches drag along roof at times. Just curious if you thought of that or maybe you won't be going in places that you have to worry, I don't know.

[@kellyhays23]

Im thinking it’s guna be okay up there as long as im mindful

[@13squier]

Awesome job! That wood stove is sick!

[@greg.jacobs]

The rebuild looks awsome, its going to be a great space to hang out in.

[@jamesadams2334]

Great job on the van! Looks functional and very cozy.

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy Kelly! U n Dad r killing it! Have you seen Timmy from Truck House in Alaska? He has an amazing wood stove! Congratulations on your project! Van on! 🔥

[@leedanielson7452]

Love the cedar!!!😊

[@Anna-uh7qx]

The best part was seeing how happy you are :) Huge congrats, Kelly!!

[@DavidHall-d8q]

Well done .. the van looks really nice and open . Happy Trails Kelly . PK

[@teresap.5991]

Love the adorable wood stove 😊. She will definitely keep you warm ❤. The whole van looks so pretty. I'm jealous but happy for you, can't wait to see you out camping.

[@CrossKnight]

That was fun to watch! I'm not physically capable to do the things you do ,so I live vicariously through you! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us!

[@uoobwatcher]

The van looks so good Kelly!

[@RJ-ix4co]

I love your Dad! You are so very lucky! You two are so adorable together and I know he’s so proud of the woman you are! ❤ Also, I think a “rock” backsplash would look awesome.

[@jamesjustin5095]

You're going to start having fun early this year! Good for you. Looks great especially the stove Kelly.

[@MichaelMayoDiscGolf]

You and your dad are killin' it! Well done!

[@southernlife6584]

The new headliner looks Great! Cider walls are Awesome. Great build..

[@davidlogan3874]

Congratz on the van! My only question is how is the top of that chimney going to hold up on the highway? Also you might wanna get one of those fans made for on top of stoves that push heat using convection?

[@kellyhays23]

Yes that fan is coming in the mail soon!

[@jasonjones5213]

Great job on the build, I love the wood stove.

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

Looks nice! Use water, heavy-duty paper towels, and ash to clean up the glass in the stove. Dip the paper towel in the water, and then the ash, and go at it!

[@ArsenalFC-hp7xr]

Wow! That looks really good. Great job by you and Pops!!!! Memories for sure!

[@MichaelWaladkewics]

You’re doing a great job!!!! If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher get one. You need some fresh air when the stove is running. Adding vent visors on the front doors would allow you to crack the windows open while keeping out rain and wind. I’d like to see a deflector in front of the chimney to block the rain and wind from blowing down the chimney while driving. Measure your overall vehicle height and write it on a sticker on the dash or back of visor. I’d hate to see you post a video that you hit a drive through and ripped your chimney off.

[@starman9458]

Your van looks beautiful with the hard work and upgrades you've done to it! Can't wait to see it out on an adventure! ✌

[@yoda3029]

“Statue-squay”. Instead of “statue-esk”. Ha ha. I love it. Almost as good as roosters “Roosterin’”

[@BobbyLivingsworth]

i cant believe all the van work your doing. that is quite a project !

[@kellyhays23]

It was A LOT

[@fretlessed25]

I laughed at the 18:36 mark when your drill spun around as I have done the same thing so many times- sometimes really banging my fingers on something as a result.

[@michael_cheryl_vanlife702]

Hi Kelly the van looks awesome. We met at Woolley Hollow State park a while back. We live in your area. My husband Michael built our van. If you ever need any help let us know. Enjoy your new build and make lots of fun memories.

[@kellyhays23]

Omg yes!!! Thank you so much! Hope to see ya out there again soon!

[@kristinamoody3180]

Wow! That's awesome! Have fun in it!

[@maxmillion4216]

Nice job Kelly....enjoy your road trips.

[@millmill67]

1:38 Loving your pronunciation of the paint- “statue-squay!” 😅

[@ARhiker]

Great job! Many great trips in this rig to come. With the wisdom and knowledge of a dad passed along for the next generation. Enjoy

[@ndan3746]

Great job with the van Kelly! Its perfect!

[@tonyclark6958]

Great job really looks good. Love the wood stove.

[@randybeeson3424]

Hey go to Ginnie Springs with your new van and bring your paddle board. Just don't go on Memorial weekend! Lots of KZbins of that craziness but super tame in winter and during the week.

[@staceyw586]

Amazing job you both did!! Now enjoy all the work you put into it!! 💜

[@tomesguerra5495]

Fantastic remodel on your van! Very capable young lady! Look forward to your next vlog!👏👍👌✌️😉

[@amgaines7036]

Fantastic !! You guys sure did a great job Kelly. Hope it gives you years of enjoyment.

[@lisasescapades]

Your van turned out so nice. My Dad wanted to help me build a cabin and he would have been perfect for a van build. He was quite the carpenter. Unfortunately he is no longer with us. I miss him so much. Treasure these moments.

[@StayInMyLane-c2n]

Longtime subscriber here…Awesome van build. You and Dad made a great team!

[@mykirbs2002]

I love it, it’s so cute. Good job happy to see you with your dad. I bet he enjoyed it too❤️

[@rastamanchant4688]

Super jelly but excited to see what's coming with your van adventures. Let's go!!! Look good Kelly 🤩

[@Madison-i2q4g]

So happy for you! Not even done watching the video yet but this is awesome😁

[@steveruck-sb6iu]

This might’ve been mentioned before, but I was wondering if driving at highway speeds if ashes might be blown from inside the stove into the van. Not sure if you would need to add a damper to prevent that or not.

[@spsmithlaw]

Your Van looks great!! You did a great job!!

[@renoflames]

The van looks very good. That was excellent work. The wood stove was perfect.

[@markhite4782]

Nice job. Started out as fix the leak. Finished up as a total rebuild. What’s next solar panel and batteries unit rewire?

[@chrissaunders8284]

Congratulations. It looks wonderful.

[@BecCook]

Looks awesome! So cool you got to work on the project with your Dad. Love the stove!

[@tandyjenkins7495]

Your van turned out beautiful. Good job.