REVIEW of Beautiful Van Tour / Unique Sprinter Bed with Bathroom?

[@curlyhaircamping]

Happy Wednesday! I'm really getting into the groove of this routine now, and each week I'm more & more excited to share with you! I have a massive list of all the van tours you've suggested I review, so I will be tackling those (slowly but surely!) My plan is to space out some of the bigger names (maybe do 1 big name every 4 videos or so), as I think there are PLENTY of incredible tours to share that aren't done by vanlife influencers. Let me know what you think of this review below, and even if you have some cool conversion ideas of your own! This comment section is full of viewers interested in pursuing this lifestyle in the future, and there's no such thing as too much learning! Thanks for watching!

[@rosskilla216]

Love your videos Margaret!! I cant wait for the next one! Keep up the good work!! ❤💪

[@maritsaappollis7966]

Your videos are so fun to watch and very educational. Your facial expressions and the little extra fun sounds and visual effects are truly wonderful, so those hours of hard work is worth it! Also remember for another video that you wanted to say something about the placement of the kitchen sink in this one but said you’ll talk about it another time - I guess it’s another thing for your long list!! 😉

[@rose8662]

I LOVE this series and really appreciate that you're doing it! IDEAS... 1) water storage-large tanks: can you discuss maintenance of these large water tanks that are built-ins and can't be taken out. How does one clean inside? Is that even necessary and if yes, how (access & with what) and how often? 2) recirculating water: would appreciate anything you can say to this...value of it, practically, how best to do it (i.e. mechanics of it) I'm so intrigued by it. If I could do it, my preference would be to have everything inside the van rather than tanks underneath. 💖🙌🏻🙏😊❣

[@lourlopezsk]

I looove your reviews on van tours. I saw a van tour a few days ago that drove me craaaazy. It has such a unique layout. I'll put the link here because it would be really cool if you could analyze it someday. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoeliJyDqsmEnJI Love from Argentina ❤

[@juliacochrane7427]

I only started watching your channel about 3 days ago, however I absolutely love your videos!!! I just came across another van I think is suuuper interesting and I NEED to hear your opinion on it! Think you can review this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmeVd6KOqbqKrpo

[@Diyaba207]

Yes, please do the toilet talk! More than just chemical vs composting, but tricks and options for fitting it in

[@curlyhaircamping]

YES! Part of me as always a been a bit hesitant to do it because I know the comment section will be something fierce, but talking about it directly needs to be done :) Hopefully the edit will make it a lil less... icky lol

[@sawyerhaffner4506]

I would love this! It's almost time for me to get the toilet for my build and would love to hear your thoughts

[@darahobbs3960]

Yes!!

[@KeithofPlanetEarth]

@@curlyhaircamping include the no toilet option! - is it realistic?

[@michielmeijer5653]

I just can’t get over how much value is in these videos. I hope Margaret will walk us through many more videos. It really gives me a sense of what to look for and weigh the consequences of design choices better. Its not easy to get back from a decision and rework. There is a lot of time between the design of different systems, ad hoc choices during the build stages and finally usage where everything comes together.

[@roughrosa]

I watched countless van builds and this one included. What Margaret pointed out were also the pet peeves of mine. Before this I wondered if anyone else noticed those things, now I know I am not alone or being too perfectionist here. I hate dead space. I hate spaces that aren’t accessible. I hate redundancy and extra steps to a process. I even noticed the extra counter’s edge that made the aisle narrower...most people probably not.

[@krystalfigueroa2852]

Yes, please bestow your toilet wisdom! Just binged your entire series. I said the same thing about all of these videos when I first watch them. I feel so validated! Currently working on our build, and I think you would love it!!! Thank you for your push to open drawer suggestion. I have been stumped by that one for months and been unhappy with all of the solutions I came up with. Praise the lord, I won't be saying up at night pondering that pain point anymore!

[@jannezack]

I’m so glad you are doing these “reviews”. You are so kind about the things you don’t like. As a home designer I design what is asked for (if possible) but I also say, “I don’t have to like it to design it because I don’t have to live in it.” Just because there is wasted space here or there doesn’t mean it’s awful but that I wish I could have talked them into something with better functionality. For example, under the sink, they may have originally planned to put their toilet but it may not have fit...oops. I think there is wasted space in all their drawers as the drawer part is so short and the drawer faces are so tall. I think these may be “store bought” drawers that all came in one side. Tall things will totally fall out if they leaned over during driving. I would hate not being able to sit up in bed but then again I would hate to HAVE to climb on the bed to get to my clothes too. (Huge thing in most vans). Maybe I’m too “County”, but has no one in the stealth RV community ever heard of a “spit bath”? (Wash rag, bar of soap and a basin of water). Just because we enjoy showers should not demand that we use such a high percentage of a tiny living space to one. But if that’s what they like, I say go for it. It is really pretty, but I find about 60% impractical.

[@natashaarvanitidis7184]

I can’t wait for the choosing the size of the van video!! I’m probably 2-3 months out from buying a van and this series is helping me so so much

[@bediracule4600]

Thank you for feeding our van obsessions! BLESS.

[@donaldkoval8278]

I’m enjoying your van review videos, Margaret. The best part by far are your great facial expressions!!

[@curlyhaircamping]

😅 finally they have a purpose! In real life the response to them is a bit different 😂😂

[@katherinekelly5380]

I find watching these so fun! Thanks sooooo much ! I was watching a video on a barn conversion in the UK - ‘Grand Designs’ artist couple, amazing build - huge open area space for kitchen, living etc Imagine a Barn with the level for the hayloft removed all open - maybe 20 feet, from the floor to the ceiling. and they built their bedroom in a much more contained area, with lower ceiling and a door. And she talked about how people need to cocoon to feel safe and comfortable to sleep. It’s a comment that really spoke to me. I hadn’t thought of it before, and yet I’m someone who can’t even sleep with the bedroom door open ! 😁so yeah, I can think how nice it would be to sleep under the stars, but I probably wouldn’t last 20 mins

[@nefetirisiannephele5725]

I love the insider/experienced knowledge on these van layouts! it helps to avoid the pitfalls for newbies. I'm looking forward to the deepdives on the cost, the build and the toilet situation

[@curlyhaircamping]

thank you! I'm so glad to hear that!

[@MamaKim.]

Yes please on your “deep dives”. Separate videos on each topic and there are so many!! Please include awnings. I’m at research stage. Don’t want awning on side of van as want to be stealth. As a solo traveller some tarp options would be difficult for me to erect by myself. I saw one that looked like a roof rack but slid straight out, no support legs needed, was good with wind. It was tagged onto the end of a van tour and I’ve never found it again!

[@calliopejackalope1087]

I saw the most hideous van in my home town. Then I noticed a young solo adult was living alone in it. Full functioning kitchen, bed space and desk, it was great inside! (no rest room though but like nature (I guess))

[@genevievetina]

YES!! Please do a vid on toilets!! Love all of your videos :)

[@brileon3528]

I've been binge watching a lot of her videos because HELLO they're AMAZING, but like can we just take a moment to appreciate her smile in every single video!! B E A U T I F U L

[@nicr361]

Hi Margaret, I'm absolutely loving these van tour critiques, you have a wicked sense of humour and you're really getting into your stride with these! Keep them coming :)

[@Blue-pb7kz]

I would love to know if you've noticed any cultural differences in van builds? For example, looking at a lot of french van builds, I've noticed they are a lot more concerned with having an indoor shower than north american ones, and I think it might be because there isn't the same availability of country-wide gym franchises? And I've noticed lots of the fancy american vans have a 1000$ nature's head composting toilet, and a lot of french ones have dry toilets (essentially a human sized kitty litter box with a lid). Have you noticed any thing like that? Also I'm still trying to figure out how one would manage moisture with a "shower in a box" type situation, because regularly drying out shower cutains that then have to be stored seems like THE most annoying chore ever and the whole box seems like it would never really dry out unless you left it open all the time. Anyhow I really enjoy your review videos -they're super useful!

[@curlyhaircamping]

Oh my gosh what an awesome idea! Yes, that has definitely crossed my mind, but I guess it never registered as a video concept! Thank you for this comment!

[@Greg-tj8rg]

I would suggest you set the shower up to overlap your fan. That will help a bit. And you could have magnets that you can then attach the curtain to the outside of the van for more thorough drying.

[@Blue-pb7kz]

@@Greg-tj8rg True, but the point of an indoor shower to me is to be able to be stealthy in cities or for cold weather, so hanging the curtain up outside would defeat the point. Maybe something semi-permanent built around a ceiling fan but I'm not sure what that would look like.

[@Blue-pb7kz]

@@curlyhaircamping I think that'd be a cool video! Oh another thing I noticed was a lot of French vans seem to favor cork insulation - I've even seen DIY spray-on cork. And I've seen a lot more expanding spray foam in the States. Also lots of people in France try to comply with VASP regulations for insurance purposes(to be able to register the van as a camper van and not a utilities van, which is often cheaper and allows you to insure the interior installations), so that really dictates some of the layout (emergency exits need to be at least 45cm wide, gas tank in sealed cabinet with exterior vent, permanent ventilation in the living space, any permanent burners need to be surrounded with I think 20 cm of non-flammable material, gas installations must be professionally inspected, there have to be latches on cabinets that are more than 1m high, countertops and tables have to have rounded edges on places that can be bumped into, beds over 1m high need some kind of fall prevention and some kind of step or stool to get up, weight must be well distributed over both axels...) It's annoying until you see some people's mishaps in videos and then the regulations make sense. I've only heard about people trying to get this kind of certification in France though, so I really wonder what it's like in other countries - I don't understand that many other languages though so I'm sure I'm missing out on some stuff.

[@Hitycooking]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ObqKx9l56Dfsmb

[@heidesmichelle]

Yes to the toilet/shower room solo vid!

[@jameslazar2933]

When I first saw these vids thought they were a little mean, but actually soooo helpful! Nothing wrong with constructive criticism

[@evelynkrull5268]

You popped up on all my research because im hoping to renovate a van/camper soonish and just love design

[@annecaulder9495]

Can’t imagine many things worse than the thought of pulling out that toilet, using it, then having to hoist it back in! I feel physically anxious just watching how cramped this van is ... she can’t even sit on the bed ... so the only place to sit is the front seats? Wow, so much wasted space beside the bed! I don’t believe anyone will sleep well exposed to the elements.

[@samanthalodgebewellandwand3604]

Not sure how popular this will be but I would LOVE to hear you talk about showering/toiletry routines with curly hair on the road!

[@anitavermaak2616]

I REALLY appreciate your honesty on everything...it absolutely give us much better and practical ideas for van conversions..keep up with your videos..it is much appreciated.😊🎉🚛

[@timetotakeabreak]

Hey Margaret! I am OBSESSED with your series. would you be able to review Kenny Nguyen’s van tour? It is probably the most functional and safest van i’ve ever seen for the amount of people it fits.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Love your thought process and especially the faces you can pull 🤪🥴🤪

[@judyconway6149]

That idea was radical

[@chandi015d7]

Lol yeah the pull out bed is funny to me, half the time living in my van i don't even leave my slider open during the day, let alone pull my whole bed outside at night!

[@thomashopson3722]

I am loving your reviews, definitely would like to see you do the same sort of thing focusing on one aspect of the van and showing several different ones eg the toilet or the bed or electrical would be cool to show a realistic use for peoples electrical systems like how much use you can get out of them

[@krajca666]

Haha thanks for another cool review Margaret. Such a complicated can in this episode. I would personally hook up a hammock somewhere on back door. Or put an air mattress on roof if I wanna sleep under the stars.

[@gabrielafarias9582]

i love your videos, kisses from brazil

[@joma1970]

Ideas on the use of so much timber? It looks amazing, but to me seems that it would add a great deal of weight?

[@wendybyrne1301]

In general, your videos are some of my favorite I have found... very much appreciate your sense of humor as well as your honesty and your discussion of design. Thank you!

[@rizatacsagon]

Please do review for snow and curt van tour.

[@trulylivinggood]

Thank you so much for keeping the pop up shares up long enough to read them. I am really enjoying these.

[@AngelNote1]

Thanks for making your text commentary stay on screen for a bit longer so I can catch it and pause the video to read it.

[@gailcraig4495]

YESSSSSS!!! I was thinking the same thing, Margaret! Works perfect...can read & comprehend or at least have time to pause if I need to.😉 Keep up the great work!👍

[@thefangirlray]

I love this series, you notice so much that I don't notice. Thank you!

[@paulnorberg3869]

Your idea about doing a video about toilets, and showers is fantastic! I’d hope to include kitchen grey water as well. Sanitation is a neglected topic. I’ve lived on a boat in a marina where black water disposal wasn’t available. Grey water management was worse. This autonomous van life is crap if it doesn’t manage crap, eh?

[@leonie2636]

hey there, just wanted to say that your reviews are absolutely great!!! they can be incredibly helpful for everyone who is planning on converting a van. i am not (yet) a vanlifer myself, but coming from an interior design and carpentry background, i completely agree with so many things you say in your comments (every time i go like "finally someone mentiones that!" :D). also i was wondering a lot, why nobody else did such a video-format before, because it's so important to consider good functionality in designing your van - and i think a lot of people underestimate that. looking forward to see your next videos! :)

[@AliciaMarkoe]

Thank you 💝💝💝

[@laceyalbrecht293]

Love this series!!! More more more!

[@johnsexton3841]

@1.55 Margaret! Do not get distracted! @4.44, that overhanging countertop also limits access to the drawers.

[@taryn1069]

Love this van series.

[@carmendarlinseattle]

Such good design advice. Extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@MiasarahLai]

Deep dives! Deep dives! I love your analysis. Could you do a video on office spaces?

[@ChrisAlford]

I’d like to see what you think about Humble Road van conversions.

[@howardtennant5766]

Great practical advice 👍👍👍

[@aloegoblin9138]

I LOVE your videos, and I almost never actually hit the subscribe button.

[@ladiandmargaret]

Thank you!

[@OnVanLifeMode]

I love watching this reviews! 👍👍👍

[@melissahoffman4687]

Having a cubby in the bathroom is a great way to store the toilet, so it's not carried out of the bathroom every time it's being used.

[@bishokhan8926]

Love love love this, Margaret!

[@AntiUgg]

I’d love a bathroom talk! And please please review Foresty Forests setup. Not your typical vanlifer, but a pretty great guy.

[@deelama2060]

For it's few faults, this is one of the most beautiful van self-builds I have ever seen. I have been waiting for the builders (malex) to post their build series. They must be busy travelling in it instead!

[@terristenacious2279]

I agree they need you

[@bobbythompson901]

Good job! I like this series. I'd love to see/hear thoughts on office setups. I'm planning on a full-time build, but I'd also be working out of it. I need a place to have a full monitor (I might downsize from a 32" to 27" - but no farther lol) and a real chair for long days of editing. Thinking about mounting on a swivel arm behind drivers seat. Then I could sit there, or move to the chair on the side, plus I could swing arm out to watch movies from the back of the van. Fitting a full edit studio in with everything is going to take some careful planning. Haven't seen many van videos addressing this. Both of the ones I've seen were both mountain bikers, and were the closest to what I'm hoping to do.

[@bobbythompson901]

@@lisaf-d1616 Yes - I forgot about that one, pretty close to what I'm thinking also, with just one monitor. Thanks for the reminder.

[@terristenacious2279]

Agree prevent all what ifs with electrical and water

[@terristenacious2279]

Why do they want bed floating in air mosquito barbeque

[@ninacoli2770]

I would love a video about toilets. Ha ha. Never thought i would say that.

[@curlyhaircamping]

😂😂👍👍

[@HoileeUK]

The more deep dives the better, I love the functionality focus and find it incredibly useful. Re the shower door, I have the same one. I ordered it because the options for space saving shower doors are frustratingly limited in the UK and Europe. It is a very clanky janky door, but it serves it purpose without having a huge hinged door that will drag water into the van when opening. 🤷‍♂️

[@Greg-tj8rg]

In the US it is common to use a boat/yacht self cleaning wetbath door. Are those not available in your market or are they just unreasonably priced

[@Beckydolittle]

What are your thoughts on a skylight for a van

[@Greg-tj8rg]

Big high five. Now to finish watching the video 🤣

[@sarahbaker8217]

Please do a toilet video!! We are leaning towards a competing toilet but we’d love your take on it.

[@ladiandmargaret]

yes, we have one toilet talk! I hope it helps :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/npjQoaOwoa-mpsU

[@trishna_6815]

Loving these reviews, thanks! Yes it would be great to have deep dive into each aspect of van design/build with does and don't, things to consider, examples of good and bad design.

[@silviuflorescu6838]

Good ideea about van's reviews. Just one advice... inverse the windows sizes. Make yours smaller and the other with the vans bigger. 😉

[@Aastan]

Love your analysis, keep up the good work!

[@lynnekerr3890]

Just found these videos! I’ve been binging videos and dreaming for about a month....building a wish list and learning learning. This series is a fantastic resource. I wonder if I can afford Humble Road? Hmmmm.....lol.

[@juri14111996]

you can use a solonid to hold drawers closed while driving.

[@The-Growroom]

180 cm is NOT 5'9 lol, thats at least 5'10 but i'd say 5'11

[@marcelafillol8144]

I was about to comment exactly that. It's 5.9 ft or 5 ft 11 in

[@eviemiller8100]

Love these reviews! You are such a geek with them, it's fun to see your facial expressions!

[@YNotBeeAntoine]

Great job on the editing this week! The full screen captions were perfect timing! The length of your videos is great, too. I sometimes feel that they could even be a bit longer... I am often surprised that they're done as quickly as they are! I really enjoy your reviews. I would be very interested in an "in depth" bathroom discussion - as well as the electrical -- May I ask - what is your insulation? We are considering using the natural wool bats. Have you used it before?

[@amberatartimec2564]

I've just found you- possibly the best critiques and ideas for van living on KZbin. Could you do a deep dive, with words of one syllable, about electrics and energy? Solar, inverter, amp hours...watt???? I know you're not convinced of induction cooking, so is propane the only other option? Many thanks,

[@lizzybeth6558]

Really enjoy your videos :) great practical ideas

[@cwestte]

I love this series!! You do a really good job of explaining your thought process and bring up so many good points.

[@jamesredgrove6141]

Another excellent video, i wooped when i saw you had picked this one! 😎 You're bang on right with the constructive feedback! Very important to understand as many aspects as possible of van design before building 👍🏻

[@heyitslhen]

Margarette love your vids❤️❤️❤️ love from PH

[@gaemay8179]

Slot of wood is heavy and insane 😸

[@ashtonrobertsss]

I loved this, never been so early 😳

[@loveloki6688]

I love your videos .. very informative 👍 thanks 😊

[@jaysalazar1207]

Can you review Trent and Allie’s van? The Pamala Vanderson one. I’m curious what you would think about their bathroom

[@quickdry3]

A welded up ladder that hinges from the bed to swing down and be a structural support would easily be doable. Using strong magnets or latch to hold it when it's folded up it could easily fit within the vertical apron of the bed sliders so when folded up it doesn't intrude on the storage area. If you had the feet of the ladder on a clutch mechanism like an ironing board, spin down screws, or locking pegs, it could be both external access method and a structural support.... let's be honest, if you have an "under the stars, open air bed for the middle of nowhere with nobody around" it needs to really be able to handle some errr... "dynamic loading forces" so to speak.

[@aileenlatulippe9528]

Loving the series, but cupboard doors opening into limited space drives me crazy. Why aren't designers using tambour doors ... vertical for uppers and horizontal for lower cabinets?

[@Pacocrator]

Better than tambour doors, which lost space (somewhere has to hide), are the sliding doors

[@MamaKim.]

I’ve also seen cupboard doors opening downwards so can use door to put stuff on whilst you’re rooting about inside

[@MiasarahLai]

What are the other kinds of doors? Couldn’t find what you’re describing as horizontal for lower cabinets

[@MiasarahLai]

Also would love to see a video on this

[@aileenlatulippe9528]

@@MiasarahLai Vertical tambour doors are part of scroll top desks and appliance garages. I've seen them sideways (horizontal) on console tables. They curve open onto a track recessed in the unit and can expose the entire opening, unlike sliding doors that can expose only half the space at a time.

[@MsJacquese99]

Love these videos 😊

[@TheFadedFate]

If I was wanting to sleep outside, I'd just put a mat on the ground and pull my blankets out

[@katrinalyons5995]

I really enjoy and appreciate this content. I plan to retire at the end of this year and want to build out a van. The van I build wont be for full time living but we will take it out for months at a time. I am really struggling on should I make a shower? I want to keep it simple... but I also want it to be comfortable. These tips are helping me to see problems with design decisions I was making so much so please keep doing this. :)

[@arroyobaby38]

You remind me so much of Allie from “TRENT & ALLIE” both so pretty. Love your channel by the way. Great content!!

[@cosivantroopy7047]

if you've ever dated anyone just for their looks ahahahaha

[@mr.fidelio7464]

Láďo super, jako vždy. Jen tak dál. Víc lajku ti přeji. Měj se krásně a pozdravuj ženu 👍

[@mjluna5913]

getting a lot of perspective from your reviews! so excited to build my own next year!! With love, MJ from PH

[@curlyhaircamping]

So glad to hear it, MJ!

[@emmablokland1330]

Hi, Many thanks for your review videos. I want to start converting a van and your tips in those videos are really helpful!!! Although you're more positive about a fixed bed, my personal preference is a bed/couch construction because of the work activities and the small size of the van. I was wondering if you have any advise I should take into account by using this construction. Please let me know! :)

[@sashafainberg1825]

Yes, another vote for the couch-bed solution! We are sketching ours out in The Van Notebook and very excited to see how the sliding actuators (thanks for previous tips Margaret) can make this easy/useful. :)

[@AhCup]

This van build is unbelievably non-practical. Can't believe all those positive comments on that video. Your reviews are right on.

[@djay2380]

Plants help with filtering the air and provide more oxygen to the van.

[@thefangirlray]

Can you do Snow and Curt's van tour, it's one of my favorite

[@johnphillip6328]

I love watching your videos Love from ph🇵🇭

[@curlyhaircamping]

Thanks, John!

[@jennifermacintyre7121]

Can you review some of Sara and Alex James' van builds? they have so many tours on their channel and I want to know your thoughts!

[@amberbambergaming]

Love these videos, would love one going in depth about water systems and toilet options. Btw, 180cm is 5 11, not 5 9 x

[@Thomiqe]

I do not agree with the leach for kitchen storages, because the gas struts may be a strong enough to hold not only doors open/closed but also to hold moving stuff inside. To ensure I would prefer usage of neodymium magnets which are pretty strong. Only thing I would recommend is to use some "baskets" to keep stuff on place to prevent its "journey" across the storages.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

There could have had magnetic catches on the kitchen high level cupboards doors.

[@ChelseaGiorgia]

Please please do a review on Tio Aventura's new van build! Would love to know your opinion on their Murphy bed! PS loving the content!

[@_.WildMoonChild]

Yesss!!!! I'm planning on a murphy bed deaign when I do my build (I saw Shaiden Valentine's van on Jarrod Tocci's channel & fell in love!) - I love Mariajose and Chase! Their new build is beautiful! Murphys seem so rare in van builds! I wasn't a huge fan of the way they used the space within the murphy bed, but it works for them and they love it.. & seeing Mariajose get excited over things melts my heart. She's the sweetest! 💜

[@TUBEalicious]

I wonder if when they were building it they planned to put the toilet on that slide out under the sink. That would explain why that drawer was so shallow.

[@RachelAugusta]

Hi there! I'm wondering if you offer consultations? I'm in the process of planning my van and womxn have the best insights for beauty AND function... which you are proving in these videos. :)

[@valerieshepherd5925]

Thank you for these reviews. I'm in research mode now and your videos are really helping me learn what I want. Question- can the passenger be swiveled back while the van is in motion and have a seat belt on?

[@haripriyaparamanik]

Please make a review video about exploring alternative's new van tour. Pls........