CUSTOM DIY VAN FOR A TRAVELING FAMILY - FULL TOUR

[@SchoandJo]

Great van tour y’all! Thanks for shadowing us around and sharing so many great details 😊

[@MathersOnTheMap]

You got it excited to see how your rig turns out and your next chapter!!

[@donnab9015]

Taylor chatting about the toilet is much much better for women 😊😊 And, Kevin doesn't like a wet shower curtain touching his butt 😅😅

[@aureaherod7709]

I could say im hooked to your travel vlogs now❤❤❤

[@ChuckBarron]

Killer tour, sorry to drop in on you at the base. a member now. A noob on this subject so super informative. Thank you.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Chuck no worries! Let me know if you have any questions!!!

[@Scrambler85]

Another excellent build. A fixed bed is a must. 👍

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Jackie!

[@samuelmcphee1747]

Hi guys, long time viewer, outstanding tour! I watched your first van build and tour as well as thousands of other tours, your's was one of the best, really fantastic! The quality and decor is top notch inside and out!! You two explain everything clearly and concisely as well! Enjoy your vacation!! Thank you for inviting us into your fam and lives...Love you guys!!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Samuel! Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!!! 🎄

[@Meghanandmatt]

Great build guys! I’m definitely taking notes from you on the bathroom setup. The cost breakdown was a great addition too I love the transparency! See you guys soon hopefully 🤙🏼

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Appreciate guys!!! Let me know if you have questions on the hydronic system 👍🏻

[@DrifterJourney]

Beautiful work guys! I like the angle cabinets. That was a good solution for that space.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!!

[@Freezetyle]

Been watching all the build video! So hyped to watch this

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!

[@rod8073]

Best build yet! Loved the Christmas market crawl in Canada! Can’t wait to see Europe’s Christmas markets! Merry Christmas

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Rod! Hope you had a great holiday!

[@Dripshotsmedia]

Enjoyed the tour. Do you know if it’s possible to customize a van or trailer and finance as RV loan?

[@braxenaeurasiers]

OMG your baby is adorable! .

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!

[@fernarango]

Very nice build. I am planning to use a similar seat. What is the clearance you have from the bathroom wall to the edge of the floor by the driver’s seat. Is it just 1150 mm (45.27”) or did you have a bit more. Greatly appreciate your feedback.

[@surferjoehangten]

Kevin, Taylor & Wyatt: A great tour, very impressive and well done. Have a great time across the pond. Have fun! BTW: I heard the EURO is getting cheaper to buy?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!!! USD is about 93 to 1, it was 1-1 earlier this year I believe that would have been nice!

[@MikeCris]

Quality build!

[@LizHouck]

Omg! It is even better than I though!❤ What a great job! Kudos!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Elizabeth!!! 🙌🏻

[@aureaherod7709]

My dream is to give my son and his fsmily a van like yours,they love to travel too❤❤❤

[@FWDXPL]

I have a 5yo, 100% understand the stress. You guys are beasts.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!

[@samanthakauffman2426]

Looks phenomenal! I was sweating watching Wyatt on the bed behind you praying he didn’t pull himself right off hahaha my mom brain/worry is impossible to turn off. I’m impressed by all you did with a little! Enjoy guys!!!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Sam! Yep we gotta really watch him now and completely revamp his railing system for the seat /crib

[@leilal8053]

A drop-down sink in the shower that uses the existing fixtures would turn that shower with a toilet into an actual bathroom. With kids especially......a bathroom sink is pretty important. They're bound to have to go to the bathroom when you're pealing potatoes or washing dishes, then (hopefully) wash their hands.....

[@drivetheglobe]

Nice job guys! Love it.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Mike!!!

[@AARonPaisano]

Awesome video and awesome van build! Thanks for linking everything, there are numerous products I'm looking at from your build. Question? How long can you run your Velit for with the battery bank and solar system you currently have? If it's not as long as you wish, do you think you should've went with the Gamechanger batteries from Battleborn instead? Reason I'm asking is AC use is a must for me, so pretty much my build will revolve around that.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

We haven’t ran it 24 hours straight yet but the AC runs around 400-550 watts depending so you can kind of gauge your battery bank by that. We have two GC3s which are amazing, but the challenge you’ll have is if your solar can match the draw unless your at a campground plugged in all the time.

[@dmwi1549]

I’ve built my own van, used a similar electrical system. I’d say you did pretty well on cost given the components you used. My van has also been a pay as you go build instead of a high upfront cost with a mega-interest loan. I’d be interested to see a recap on your last van cost versus use-mileage versus resale. I know a pro built or big company like Winnebago might retain value but it doesn’t have the features yours has. For some, that RVIA certification can help with insurance while you own it, lower rate it longer term financing and resale. I’d also be interested to se a comparison of insurance rates and coverage levels between commercial builders and DIY vans. Just some topics for the future. Thanks for posting.

[@AdventureOtaku]

This is a gorgeous van, You guys do really beautiful work. I too built my first van pre-covid (2019) and my second van during the pandemic and the only place I went over budget was on the lumber. It was ridiculous. Does Electronics include the starlink?

[@shadowfire77]

Amazing job guys, but how did you seal off everything in the shower when you take the toilet out? You had some kind of lid/plug for it to cover ventilation and power cables?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you! We use a boat hatch like this!! amzn.to/3SJclKA

[@shadowfire77]

@@MathersOnTheMapbrilliant, thanks for inspo!

[@TomBedlammusic]

Holy moly! The van is absolutely fantastic and the work is amazing but it always amazes me how much some people spend on a van. I just built out my third and most expensive van at $22000 all in (including the van) and I had several panic attacks along the way at how expensive it was getting haha. Good on you guys!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Tom! I think that's the beauty of the DIY van, you can make whatever budget work based on your needs/desires 👍

[@braxenaeurasiers]

OK now that I watched your whole video instead of being smitten with your cute son, and commenting right away lol. Now Ill comment on the build! ;-) I am surprised your only spent $56k, the discounts sure help, and DIY!! I am going to order the rixen heater and floors as well, and it's over 10K, then the Orion stuff I just ordered was also over $10k including the walkable solar panels, deck plates, rack. The Crusie N comfort AC that mounts under the van, just under 6k. Curious why you didn't go with that AC btw? However I will have to pay a builder and I have a 170 ext so little difference there in material costs, but mine is probably going to be with the builder about $100k not including the van I got for 60K. How do you like the Havelock insulation? Is that what you had in your last van? If not, can you tell a difference! I ordered that too! I love non toxic! I am getting my awning windows from VWD as well! Are you trading in your 150w panels for the new 170w panels of the same size? I ordered 710 watts (3 170's and 2 100's.) Is there a reason you didnt do Agile off road suspension? Also curious why you didnt get a Laveo dry flush toilet? They are worse for the environment but better to deal with. Ill be full time in mine, I have been researching so much and just like to know why people with experience picked what they did! ;-) Thank you. I subbed to your channel! Oh PS I liked the long hair much better hahah! ;-)

[@RickyP36527]

I noticed that you are using the Victron Dc/dc charge controller. In your electrical build you had referenced plans to use the LI-Bim. That you had used on your previous van. Was there a reason for the change? Was it a performance issue?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Battle Born no longer recommends them on Sprinter’s 2019+ due to the smart alternators only handling 80amps. The LI-BIM can charge up to 120 amps which could damage the alternator over time. I didn’t want to risk losing an alternator out on a remote beach in Baja with our baby so swapped it out. I loved it though, charged so fast!

[@carliiiis]

Great build! Can you guys share where you got those kitchen backsplash peel and stick? Did you glue it to a wood wall? Any special glue used? Heard they don’t stick pretty well to wood…

[@audrey9888]

What kind of system did you end up using for the baby’s bed to help keep him contained? We are getting the same convertible seat bed for our 1 year old and are struggling to come up with some ideas.

[@ryanrowe1975]

Great build!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Ryan!

[@ryanrowe1975]

@@MathersOnTheMap You're Welcome!

[@davidnorton1201]

I saw you mentioned the LiBim 225 wasn't working well with smart alternator, so it looks like you switched to Orion. What was your experience with the li-bim while you had it installed? would it charge just not at the amps you wanted? I ask because I recently installed in my 2022 sprinter, but I only got to test for short 10 minute drive, before pulling batteries out for framing.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

It works great, but Mercedes recommends pulling no more than 80 amps to prevent additional stress on the alternator. I've seen up to 115 amps pulling from it with the LiBIM. We had one on our last van and we put 35k miles and it worked great, but now traveling with the baby, I can't get stuck with a damaged alternator in the middle of no where. Just a more cautious approach to increase the life span of the alternator and one less thing to worry about.

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Very Nice build! I also have Rixen’s installed and your right it is not difficult to DIY. If you need help the support is AWSOME. I have never used my electrical heating element though. Have you? Did not install the engine capability. Do you get any unwanted heat in the summer from the engine coolant integration?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

We could get unwanted heat when driving in warm temps that’s a good point it is pretty isolated in our water compartment area though but it would warm our water

[@liberatingleash]

Hello! What size is your bed? More specifically, the length from back to front. It may have been mentioned, but I didn't hear it during the bed area section.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

It's about 60 inches long and we have a 14 inch pull out extension for 74 inches or 6'2"

[@liberatingleash]

@@MathersOnTheMap thank you

[@TeutonicNordwind]

Wyatt's a cute lil guy. You guys did a nice job on the van! You should name it. Like a ship. What stove did you go with and are you happy with it? We're getting ready to do our first build on a Promaster 3500 extended but got no inside space to fit it into in Michigan.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!! It works well for us! amzn.to/3tuhlJo

[@tonireed4308]

Outstanding build Guys...Hi Wyatt :)

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you Toni!

[@tonireedagency5006]

@@MathersOnTheMapYou are welcome! I remember your first build…You Guys show cased it with Patrick and I have been following your travels ever since❤❤❤

[@jemjr1628]

Looks great Kevin - Taylor!! I am so jealous. Kev, here is a ques for you. Have you ever had an exterior outlet GFI keep popping with Xmas lights? I have a ton plugged in? Could it be overloaded or water? I’m dreading calling an electrician!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks John!! It could either be moisture getting into the outlet or maybe the gfci outlet gone bad? I’d probably replace the outlet first if there’s no noticeable moisture

[@siddikmohamed9891]

This is a dream for me

[@amandanelson9145]

What is the name of the convertible seat/bed , i can only find the rock and roll style but this one is fab

[@MathersOnTheMap]

It’s by Broad Arrow Components!

[@hillarygranger]

Good but I think baby crib should be near your bed

[@MrTitanTopper]

Awesome AGAIN! 👏🏻

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!!!!

[@glenradtke8358]

Love the Van..... well done.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thanks Glen!!!

[@leslyestephen7629]

Love it!!!

[@dskains]

for the cost of that toilet I would be happy putting a pool noodle on a bucket and doing my business in that!

[@MathersOnTheMap]

haha that's fair

[@morrobayhunter]

Does that total cost reflect actual consumer cost or is it with your discounts and partnerships?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Actual consumer costs 👍🏻

[@lucasrichardson2003]

I’m sure you know of the option but when I was living out of my car, the cost of those green propane tables added up so I bought a 5 lb Ignik tank and it’s only 3 dollars to fill up verses 10 everytime you need a new green tank.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

I hear ya on the cost savings!

[@AdventureOtaku]

I use the ignik growler too, and love it. Honestly both times I have had it filled, the guy was too bothered to write a ticket for $2.75 and didn’t charge me.

[@joec.4238]

How has the Velit a/c worked out so far given it's much less expensive than the 12v competition?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Worked great so far Canada wasn’t insanely hot so didn’t use it for extended periods of time but it was great to quickly cool down the bed area. We used it a ton during the build this summer though and it kept us cool. I’d get it again

[@shanebedard4335]

What’s the brand of the 10 inch display? 37:01

[@susanoerter1419]

Nice job

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!

[@barbarareed2041]

What brand is your AC? Love your van.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Velit!

[@OldExodus]

This looks great for $125k……you did a good job.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!

[@nedyarb2000]

Nice van

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Thank you!

[@joonapigg1927]

How much does that weight total?

[@MathersOnTheMap]

Great question hoping to weigh it soon I suspect lighter than my first van since we built this with 1/2" ply instead of 3/4" and that one was right around the max GVWR

[@angirdt6715]

Have nothing against van life but poor boy will have 0% privacy as a teenager until he will have enough money to move out. If he even can make money with he's parents always moving to different places.

[@MathersOnTheMap]

haha that's under the assumption we will be traveling in a van for over a decade...