Layout Considerations for a Camper Van Build

[@laharden4261]

I am a father of 5 children. I am very proud of them. Your kindness and intelligence exude from your spirit!! Thank you for providing such great information in each of your videos. EACH of your videos answers all of my questions concerning our Van build. Once again, thank you and God Bless you!!! You are a true gift!

[@drewholmes9338]

You are a gem. Both intelligent enough to gather all of this information and hardworking enough to lay it out so concisely for all of us (not to mention perform the build itself). Enjoy your travels!

[@roundstone2020]

I'm 48. My oldest son is 17. The other is 13. I would say they are nearly perfect kids. I am very proud of them. That said I think your parents are very proud of you. If not, they should be. Great video. You are a great and cool guy!!

[@ArlineVinson]

Appreciate your clarity in providing valuable information. Don’t stop!🌺

[@TheBourbonFarmer]

Probably the best, no fluff all content van videos. If I could only subscribe to one van guy- you’d be the one. Thanks

[@oldgoat8861]

For a young man....(from an old fossel here) You are very articulate and clear, in your description and reasoning. Also allowing others a different course of avenue in their personal needs and requirements. WELL DONE !!!

[@Makelifehappennow]

Instant subscriber. I am an engineer in my 50s and am building a conversion van and put a lot of though into the design. Today, I learned several things from you. Thanks.

[@meredithevensen-lynch5892]

This young man has a great head on his shoulders. He's the type of dude that this world needs. Capable, adaptable, and practical. Bravo!

[@chrisemmert1387]

Best and most sensible explanation of how to 'layout' a van conversion. I might disagree with some points but you did a VERY GOOD explanation. Good job.

[@scotttea2048]

Van space ad was perfect for your content. Actually watched it all the way through. Will give it a go

[@mikemead2315]

Thorough and Succinct. Well said. You have covered all the areas it took me 5-7 years to figure out. Good job. Difference: I put Electrical outside the walls in electrical chases for easy debug and modification due to past horrible problem isolation experiences. Note to emphasize: Solar roof area! The one thing that shocked me was how limited the solar area and shape was on the roof after vents, making roof planing critical. Solar panel cost per watt gets way cheeper as they get bigger. 5.5 foot or 6.5 foot by 3 foot panels can be had for 1/2 to 1/4 the price of small 100watt panels. My old two panels totaling 550watts of solar cost $250 (cheaper now), but take up 80x66 inches! However, if a lot of recharging is done during driving, minimal solar is needed.

[@Tim1968-l9l]

This is an excellent resource, Thank you for putting this video together.

[@wilsonram39]

Tablr of Contents; adding this to reference later for my own use as well. 11:10; Stovetop 11:49; Sink

[@mikel5140]

Well thought out and well presented. I am impressed.

[@hopelesswanderer6891]

Dude these videos are clutch! You explain this all so well! Not all heroes wear capes lol

[@wagonron]

One of the best van build videos. Super young presenter and van build engineer.

[@pondhobby]

Starting out on small ford connect LWB conversion . I found your videos both informative and generous in the detailed explanations given. Very grateful to you .thanks 👌🏻🇮🇪

[@dusyola35]

*Hi from istanbul. Now working on a T5 conversion. Great video. Thanx*

[@bque9444]

Nice build. Impressed with your explaining why you did things a certain way. It helps.

[@karlmahlmann]

Starting with top-level requirements....Thinking like a Systems Engineering - Great video!

[@MrTubeman123456]

Very helpful I'll put a 55 gal drum I know it will be heavy but it will be a step van conversion shower 20 gal gray tank solar roof top water heater 750 watt 500 ah solar propane cook top roof vents shower compost toilet I make full size sink windows the idea that no windows looks like a work van makes people want to break in thinking something good is inside your right on with a lot of your ideas helpful very good info and advice thanks.

[@_QuiteSketchy_]

Even though I knew a lot of this, it was invaluable to hear it presented in such a thoughtful manner and broken into systems I hadn't thought of so individually. Well done.

[@jamiesmith1343]

Fantastic video! Lots of very useful information. A lot of stuff I didn't even think of. Thank you for sharing your gifts!

[@Lmt1wp]

Very comprehensive, My search for weight distribution has ended. Thank you!

[@mikemead2315]

I like the slates under the mattress to let it breath like it was designed to do.

[@twisttwister8254]

Thanks bro, im converting myself and watched your vids which very are helpful for newbies

[@greathornedowl3644]

Thanks for the video. Lots of tricks for those considering similar conversion. The water storage (fresh and black water) and electrical gets complicated (solar power, water heated in winter). Nice to keep water tanks over the rear axle. Nice to keep bed small, see many vans with queen bed, nice for two but downsize everything a full-size bed would work. I like Sara and Alex James' videos, mostly Sprinter vans. Down the driver side (bathroom toilet and shower) dinner, seat, bed. Down passenger side door, kitchenette, seat, bed

[@HeroCP7]

Here's my personal input on regards to cooking. Aside from using a propane tank type gas stove you can also use: portable Butane stove(canister type gas stove) charcoal stove with exhaust hood or just make a campfire outside your van if you have solar or a good source of power Induction stove if you have more than 2kw inverter and extra power Electric stove if you have less than 1kw inverter. Around 1kw induction "generally" uses 2kw there are plenty of cheap 1kw electric stoves. if you still prefer a propane stove I recommend getting infrared gas stove because it can save you gas.

[@sandygraham7943]

I am just starting a Promaster extended van build out , I'm so happy I found your channel ! This is a excellent informative video , I'll be checking out all your build related videos . Thank you for putting out such no nonsense videos !

[@scotttea2048]

Just watched three of your vids and I’m hooked. 🚐

[@HalkerVeil]

I like the video. But I can't say it enough on van builds. The best position for your batteries, at least in a smaller vehicle like a van, is either in a metal box bolted to the frame. Preferably in the center between the front cabin seats, under both seats, or under your vehicle in a protected battery boxes on either side of the vehicle. NOT boxed in wood that "feel" secure. It only seems secure to a weak human. That becomes nothing but cannon fodder in an accident over 40Mph between two vehicles for a combined 80. If someone has tiny golf cart batteries and place them in the back to make a large battery bank, and they don't secure it to the frame, then think shotgun. The spread of fire increases the chance that you will get hit by at last one. And by hit, I mean pass right through you like the cannon ball they become. If nothing else, many states have laws that require batteries be secured to a frame if they are behind the driver seat. On a side note, having too much weight in the back can cause the tail end to slide out in front of you when you slam on the brakes in rain or snow. Especially in single axle vans. And the water tank complicates the issue for weight distribution. It shouldn't be used to counter the weight of batteries. Due to it being a changing variable at any given time depending on it's fill. It ends up changing your vehicles handling dynamically. You never know what state your vehicles handling will be in and can cause oversteer. The exception being a fresh water and grey water system where the volume is the same between two containers near each other. Also, should be strapped in with nylon to metal. Not wood. End of Chapter 1

[@Makelifehappennow]

Excellent advice. Much obliged, Anon. I will use this as I finish up my conversion van.

[@pintorthepintor3964]

Good observations! He does have the metal partitions that have a gap to protect them to a degree. But still, if you look where he has the battery sitting. Its literally on a launch pad. Even a 15 mph crash will just destroy his bed and be a massive headache.

[@tonybalz2726]

You are a smart young man! I like several of your ideas on your install.

[@ThatGuy-mu2rr]

I am doing a tiny wood burning stove for primary heat source and a roof unit for the air conditioning.

[@bengilkes7676]

You have such a pleasant demeanor.

[@reikosoukup7323]

Fantastic! I’ve not seen a resource like this and answered some questions I have for my build that I wasn’t seeing else where. Thank you, thank you!

[@LiveToFly-Br]

Very good video with tons of good ideas. For those considering traveling to Latin America, an internal shower is a MUST. There is no such thing as gym membership or anything like that down here (at least not on the road, or not everywhere). Also, consider carefully the flow of fresh air, and solutions for hot weather. Many people doing van conversion in America somehow do not consider properly the hot weather effects on a closed van IMHO.

[@karatheriault6715]

I love your videos!!!! Thank you for all the details and the considerations:) Happy Holiday!

[@craigsmithx]

I'm an instant subscriber as well. My wife and I were right on the edges of our seats listening to what you had to say. Thank you.

[@natek3954]

Thanks for the detailed explanation for your choices!

[@michaelmagores5929]

Straightforward and to the point. Much appreciated.

[@WillN2Go1]

You know what I'm surprised I haven't seen. A 'bag' shower. 'Curtain and pan in one piece--so no leaking. Then there's just a hose. The 'door' is an overlapping flap. Biggest problem with showers even in larger campers is they're too narrow. A hanging bag has the advantage of if your elbow needs more room, it just presses against the bag. The biggest problem with cleaning a shower and curtain is, anything that stays wet grows mildew. With a 'bag' shower, you just take it outside and hang it inside out for an hour or so. Sunlight is better than Comet or Clorox.

[@mjremy2605]

There are fold out shower curtain rods like Extend A Rod that give you elbow room then tuck in neatly. Curtain dries fast in a van.

[@mysteriousnotsoseriousdeb]

So much great info! I've made a ton of notes : ) Thanks so much, and looking forward to more videos.

[@sierrafakler7903]

Such a well put together video!! Very helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@apogeedesign4348]

Not sure if someone else suggested this already. But why not install the propane gas tank underneath the van, hooked with heavy duty bunggies, similar the ones that hold the exhaust muffler. I checked. There’s plenty of space for that. Plus u take it out of the van to begin with.

[@Curiousnessify]

seems pretty dangerous with rocks and other things that it puncture it. but from what i understand its pretty hard to get a propane tank to explode but you are dealing with a can of explosive gas so its a tough call.

[@donjacoby8581]

You cannot store a standard bbq propane on its side.

[@x4ku]

This was really helpful and well put together - it confirmed a number of things for me and brought up some additional things to consider. Thanks!

[@conovan5081]

Your videos are a Godsend, friend, thanks a lot!

[@thomasdipaolo2349]

Very articulate and helpful

[@vaughnh8748]

you should secure your water and battery down if you haven't already just in case of accident they would become huge projectiles

[@prizmgirl]

Systems view, sweet

[@kenrice]

My wife and I are in our initial planning stages for a custom van build. We have watched more than 450 videos in a 6 month period. In regards to weight distribution, this is one of the best videos we have seen. Thank you for sharing.

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

You definitely did your homework on this build!

[@sighlinwesley5281]

Wish I would have found your page earlier in my build! You're awesome

[@xedonite1179]

Congratulations on another excellent video!

[@tehdreamer]

Nice video thanks! You could use your propex 2000 to blow intake cold air instead of a dedicated intake fan btw.

[@tehdreamer]

@@MoserMakes Interesting, thanks for the information, I was under impression that you can. Will take that into consideration in my build right now as I have the hs2000 as well.

[@sherwinscott1713]

You could hang some damprid to get rid of excess moisture

[@gillosborne9516]

This was really helpful. Thank you.

[@DavidWalker-wz9rl]

New subscriber :), really enjoying your succinct, organized and detailed talks.

[@susanjos2315]

So thorough! Thanks for the great info!

[@davislad2700]

I love your videos so much man

[@victorgomes7585]

Fantastic video. Subscribed! Hi from Melb. AUSTRALIA. CHEERS mate!:-)

[@ALMAPAGAN]

Great advice and perspective...you gave me a lot to consider ...thank you.

[@briancollis9352]

Great video with lots of excellent tips, thanks.

[@xanitajobe5920]

Very informative 👍🏻 thanks for sharing 💕

[@ItsCalilum]

Great work!

[@craigj6277]

Well done video with great information. I’ve been watching many van build videos lately and I have a question: is there a requirement or structural standard to attaching the interior to the structure of the van? Nobody talks about the importance of attaching something heavy like a refrigerator to the vans structure so it doesn’t break lose during an accident. I’d hate to rear end someone and get hit in the back of the head with a toilet! Thanks.

[@Curiousnessify]

"how did Craig die?" "a toilet to the back of the head" "... crappy way to go"

[@kourtneysacco4156]

Will you be putting up the systems videos soon? - great videos, thank you

[@ian9toes]

Wayne’s world party time!

[@TrefyJot]

Great, well thought-out tips. Ty 👍

[@bjbhehir]

Appreciate all the time and effort you've put into these great videos!! Your van came out really nice!! I'm selling my Winnebago Aspect 26A tomorrow and going to start looking for a Van like your's with the AWD, I'll wait a year and pick up a used one. I'm mainly going to use it for skiing in the winter and music festivals in the summer, so I'll probably add some A/C.

[@mfsolutions]

Love your approach to design and the easy way you communicate it. I like your idea of the sinks with the covers for counter space. I had a thought that you probably all ready figured out... that is to use these spaces as food storage bags of apples, dry goods etc or cooking implements knives, strainer.

[@karenolson5556]

Great Informative Video! Thank you!

[@michaell132]

The most logical man known to man.

[@MaximC]

For batteries - there is a good if not great option of ordering those new LiFePO4 batteries, I believe 100Ah for about 150$ for a quality one. Which is very reasonable as price compared to what was available even just few years ago, and the chemistry is way better than AGM batteries. There's one guy on KZbin (with long hair) that found a good reliable source from China (the price is bigger than other sources, but the batteries are actually new).

[@MaximC]

"Guy with long hair" 😄 More precisely it's Ray, from Ray Builds Cool Stuff.

[@petep5003]

Youre the man

[@mattinnj979]

Excellent!!!

[@jimgood4966]

Thanks for your content. I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!

[@yadahahlayasharahla467]

What program did you use to create your layout? Where can this program be found? What is the program cost?

[@keitho77]

What's the best method for maintaining your fresh water tank to prevent issues such as legionnaires disease?

[@johnwren3976]

Drain tank. Mix 1/4 cup chlorine bleach* per 15 gals water. Fill tank with solution. Run solution through system. Let sit overnight. Drain. Flush until you no longer smell chlorine. Refill. *pure bleach, no dyes, no perfumes

[@nancystrickland5507]

Thank you for the great information.

[@k2774]

Your videos are super informative and well presented. How wide are those doors to the cab? Would you be willing to share your floor-plan drawings with measurements?

[@ErikStenbakken]

Great content. Much appreciated.

[@thomasstaples4385]

Good and very informative. I have a couple questions and possibly you can help explain in a new episode? Assuming you bought a cargo van and its registered and insured as a cargo van. Have you or will you register as a rv and then switch insurance as a rv home?

[@mikemead2315]

Thomas Staples, it is state rules dependent. I dont know who really controls those rules, state or insurance, but the state does the classification. If a person is more of a full timer, picking a residency state that has broader RV classification requirements could be included in the residency state selection criteria. I just read one person who tried to reclassify their conversion in their state, and they were declined, because was it was not “in the spirit” of an RV!!?? So some rules may be squishy and arbitrary, but that also means a small change, different person or time may work. Still, individual state dependent.

[@mikemead2315]

Thomas Staples, one more thing. Insurance people talking about RV insurance say to talk to your insurance agent for your state. It could be you just need to buy RV insurance and reclassification is not needed.

[@johnmaciejewski4]

Thomas Staples Working with my cargo van I had the same question? My DMV in Nebraska says to reclassify to RV you need #1 cooking #2 refrigeration #3 self contained toilet #4 heating/cooling #5 potable water supply including faucet and sink #6 separate 110-125 volt electric power supply #7 LP gas supply If I have any 4 of these they will classify my cargo van to RV I haven’t gotten to insurance part yet FWIW?

[@mikemead2315]

John Maciejewski, That is very interesting. Nice details. Do they check, or is it just a form?

[@johnmaciejewski4]

Mike Mead Well I did ask the lady at the DMV about that and she wasn’t exactly sure? So I don’t know?

[@ileanamorales8169]

Excellent

[@robertgiancola]

Great Video! Which program was used to design the layouts in 2d/3d?

[@darren100880]

how long is your bed in the transit?

[@pintorthepintor3964]

He said it is 6 feet wide in a previous video. There is no insulation, its just plywood on the metal parts of the van where his bed stretches out. getting max width.

[@Alex-Of-The-Yooper]

Great Information - thank you! I appreciate knowing your thought process.

[@ackmartin60]

Great video. It's commonly thought that heat rises but it doesn't!!! It goes in all directions evenly. But hot air does rise.

[@AnonymousXIII]

I didn't notice, is there an overlap in your electrical and water systems to allow for heated water on tap, or is that a luxury?

[@Curiousnessify]

if i remember correctly he said he doesnt have a water heater

[@jdwilsun]

Great!

[@mrgcav]

Understatement of the year : 8:41 " A Propane leak in side your van is going to be bad news"

[@bishokhan8926]

I’m thinking of having 50 gallon fresh and gray water tanks. Gray water tank mounted under the van. How can I have them on opposite sides for weight distribution?

[@Krehtan]

You do not want to vent the fumes under your van... it'll rise up into your van. That's why all of them vent out the side or the top.

[@pintorthepintor3964]

Do you mean, IT, the clown?! HOLY SHIT! Maybe you mean Carbon monoxide, He has carbon monoxide detectors in the van I am sure. Also his fans are running off a battery, so his vehicle is hardly on when he is parked and running his floor vent fans. Another thing, the vehicle exhaust is pointing away from the vehicle, it is warm air, and rises up quickly. The benefit of having the floor vent out weighs any risk that is mild and protected behind the monoxide alarm.

[@DannyTulu]

Great content! Great resource touching up all the things you need to consider when you make such a small space a home 🏠

[@johnwren3976]

Water = 8+#/gallon Why carry all that weight if you dont have a shower and flush toilet? Built in tanks need sanitized often. 5 gal containers are much easier to do. A few 5 gallon containers would easilt suffice.

[@richkreyche7064]

Absolutely correct! Keeping weight down in your van at some point, will allow you to live another day. Don’t need to be adding water pumps, hose lines, water filters, risk frozen ruptured tanks and lines under or behind flooring or walls. Simplify everything in a van. Such a minor sacrifice! Save your gas, brakes, transmission . Van weight also contributes to rear end collisions, sliding further on ice etc. keep everything light for all your travels . Saves money too.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Smart!

[@georgewashington3986]

do you take on builds for a customer???

[@oddopops1327]

👋😊

[@petep5003]

Could you share your pinterest so I can see the stuff you were looking at to get an idea?

[@Wookey.]

Someone put intello in their van! I've been wondering why I've _never_ seen anyone do that, given that it's fairly obviously a good idea. Now we wait a decade then check how well it works :-)

[@dona62851]

Good job. Do you know of a software to use to set up the layout options?

[@Curiousnessify]

paper&pencil.exe

[@jonathanmartinez607]

Graphic by autodesk.. available on Apple products.

[@HalkerVeil]

Bucket. Hammock. Sleeping bag. Done.

[@kimmarcus4099]

As an older van camper, I want a really stable and comfortable bed....bucket, sleeping bag and done...