My DIY Van Build Regrets and Essentials

[@ramblingnomad]

Hey Maddie, don't be too hard on yourself....part of the adventure is getting to learn new things as you go. Nobody get's everything right the first time. Most 'van lifers' find themselves doing upgrades and tweeks after a few months or so on the road, as they realise what works for them and what doesn't. Keep going forward and enjoy your journey...you got a whole lot more right than not so right. Stay safe and have fun.

[@perseus-vanlife1763]

In your upper cabinets, maybe try those fabric low baskets / boxes? I use one for loose ends in my upper and love it!

[@perseus-vanlife1763]

A shot of the container in the upper cab I'm trying to describe is in the video I just uploaded at 4:30 if curious ^_^

[@jasonlucas2328]

Maddie, don't be too hard on yourself. You did a great job in converting this van. I don't dare what you've done. You're ahead of me. Be careful and safe travel! 👍👍👍!!!

[@corkaczarownicy]

This is a really great van! It has all the features of a normal home which I think for me, makes it feel more safe and grounded. Like the fact that you can bake a cake, see yourself in the mirror and use the toilet in the peace and quiet.

[@sleepingxrose]

I'm honestly so impressed that this is the short wheelbase van and how you made it work so well for you

[@christybrown738]

Put the fridge in your closet and use the fridge space for what drawer just a idea

[@carlfraser2384]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for giving us more insight into your build. It's refreshing to hear your thoughts on what you like and what you would have done differently.

[@Maddie.taylor]

🥲 tysm

[@MsRotorwings]

MDF? Ouch! Beautiful table! You did an awesome job on building out your van. I ended up building a fixed bed cross ways in my van. I knew I wouldn’t want to make up my bed every night. I’m jealous of your oven. I want one. Thanks for sharing. Subscribed. Some of the things you don’t like about your van can be easily modified.

[@Maddie.taylor]

I know, the MDF was a MAJOR mistake... lol. Thank you and welcome!!

[@linshannon4480]

Thank you for the frank appraisal of your cozy home. I love the work-in-progress aspect as you evaluate the pros and cons. There are several ideas I've noted for our own build, and you've managed a couple of genius ideas. I'm bearing in mind the suggestion about the table mount and layout. All the best to you.

[@Maddie.taylor]

I’m so glad to hear you found it helpful! Best of luck to you and yours in your build process!

[@ardnfast]

Well done on a great "things I would change" video and awesome van build! 👏👍

[@foundwheels1939]

thanks, im building a trailer build in the rockies of AB rn. this has helped

[@norm5785]

You did an awesome job on your van. You have learned a lot and can make changes when you want to

[@michaelirizarry5037]

that is a sweet build. that table top is cool af,so is that door under the stove. and that sliding floor storage thing is amazing as well.is amazing

[@monicamestas7566]

Dear Maddie, I'm loving your videos. And today, hearing that your built out your van BY YOURSELF (applause), is super impressive. You go, Girl!!!

[@livingauthenticallyonmyownterm]

I was giggling through the whole video !!! You’ve got a wicked sense of humour, and the outtakes were hilarious !!! 💕😂🌙

[@FreedomLifeFriends]

I agree with Ian Raftery, Don't be so hard on yourself.... I think you did a fabulous job, but I (and the Van community) really appreciate you sharing your 'mistakes" and regrets with us. I am in the process of trying to get started building out my own 2022 Promaster 2500 Hi Roof, but the storage unit I was storing all my nice Ryobi tools (along with all the nice batteries and battery chargers) got broken into and all my tools were stolen (along with some sensitive paperwork, soo i am also dealing with ID theft as well...) So, My van build is on hold indefinitely for now (until and if my renter's insurance will pay me for the stolen items). So, and I am forced to live in it as-is with absolutely no insulation in below freezing temps in Austin TX now because all my tools were stolen and it will take time to get the money to replace those tools. August of last year (2021), my rent was raised by $300 for a really crappy apartment in a really crappy apartment complex... it's just above living in the ghetto, and to raise my rent by that much is an huge indicator of just how terribly expensive rent is getting and how unaffordable it will be for me now and in the future... So, I was forced to make a very quick decision to not end up being on the street - literally. I also have a very painful chronic illness that affects my mobility and my immune system, but I'm not "sick enough" to get disability... so, There is no help I can get from the state. Honestly, I would rather be independent living in my van and not relying on the state for any disability at this point anyway, and I refuse to pay outrageous rent for really a crappy apartment (which is all I could even begin to try to afford.. not just in Austin, but anywhere these days). Anyway, thanks for sharing, and I hope I can do as good a job by myself with no place to build out my van (ig, I have no friend close by and no family that can or are willing to help me). I also have PTSD form some very old and fairly recent events in my life, and all of my friends and family ran the other way instead of sticking with me to support and help me heal from it and help me through it. It was easier for them to just look the other way and ignore me. So, my only friends I have left live very far away and can't help me in any real practical way. Anyway, thanks again for sharing, and I hope I can do as good a job by myself with no place to build out my van. Also, I guess I needed to 'vent' and get that out in the KZbin World as part of my healing process so I apologize if my sharing is TMI, but I guess I needed to get that out. So, if you have read this far, thank you and I thank your van is amazing- especially with you doing it all by yourself!!! Awesome job!!!

[@jo100]

Also Maddie, you have a very very beautiful personality to 😊❤️❤️❤️😊❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LiveFree123]

Hi Maddie, this was very interesting. Always look forward to your videos. ❤️

[@donnacorliss9368]

Great advice! Love all the candidness on what is and isn’t working

[@shannonelhartcounselor9582]

Love your honesty! Could you add the U part to the couch, use stronger wood, and then install a Lagun mount there?

[@Maddie.taylor]

I’ve thought about it- maybe at some point!

[@DeBoerVan]

@@Maddie.taylor keep the storage sliding as it is, just build a connecting cabinet above the sliding door/floor.

[@jo100]

The inside and outside of your Van looks very very very Cool 😎 Maddie😊❤️❤️

[@renegaderoamer9994]

I did the same thing for my swivel table but I used a galvanized pipe and fittings where you have the pvc bits and it’ll make it way sturdier. I tested it by diving elbow deep into a rack of ribs and it held up perfectly lol

[@pcs5852]

Mineral oil is great stuff as it's food safe. So, use it on your wooden cutting board(s) and you're good to go. For your butcher block counter top, use a water-based polyurethane. MinWax has a 16 oz bottle of wipe-on poly (easiest to use) for less than $19 on Amazon. You're going to have to do more than sand the butcher block to prepare it for refinishing. You'll need to extract the mineral oil from the wood and the best solvent for the job is acetone. It is flammable and stinks so insure that you have lots of ventilation. After you're satisfied that you've removed the mineral oil, all you should need is a light sanding. I prefer a Scotch Brite pad. I use a folded, good quality paper towel to apply the finish. Just pour a bit (less is better than more) on the butcher block and spread an even coat around. Go over it with a dry paper towel to remove the excess. This entire process should take you less than a day and will give you a countertop finish that will last for years. Good luck.

[@Maddie.taylor]

I appreciate this! Thanks!

[@pcs5852]

@@Maddie.taylor: You're more than welcome. Happy travels.

[@Flash1857]

Love your van that you made with your own two hands.

[@warriormama5415]

Great video! I'm about a month away from living the dream and this was really helpful. Especially the information about propane. Well done!

[@tobyneufeldt5763]

Thank u for being so insanely cheerful all the time. It makes the 🌎 a better place. 👍🏻👏🏻❤️

[@billnalen]

I realize this is an old video, but I have the same Renogy 2000 watt inverter and it works perfectly with the Bosch 2.5 gallon water heater. I don't know what you read but there is no surge that I can see on the meter when I turn it on. Heats up 2.5 gallons in about 10 minutes which is enough for my wife and I to shower with. We end up using about 30 ah a day for hot water. Also, if you end up hooking up your dc to dc charger, a lot of times while driving you could generate power but the batteries are full. I turn on the hot water heater or the crockpot to use up the excess power.

[@billnalen]

And I meant to add that the Renogy inverter can peak to 4000 watts according to the manual. This is typical for inverters, but they can't hold that peak for very long.

[@audreysmith6579]

To stop the things from falling out of your upper cabinet, go get a roll of the open foam like shelf paper that comes in a roll at Dollar General for 3.00 and cut it to fit into your shelf. While there buy 2 small eye bolts and 2small bunji cords per cabinet. Put and ehe bolt inside the cabinet about 3 inches from the bottom and run the bunji across to the 2nd eye hook.

[@manuelpazmino8011]

Very smart and thank you for the ideas!!!

[@jess4mathews]

Totally loved this video Maddie... im designing and re-designing a build for a transit I finally got my hands on... and have need sort of hemming and hawing.... about the oven... was already 78% sure I did want to spend that space on having one ...but your thoughts about your ovens importance has taken that percentage much higher... thanks so much for sharing about the quality of materials too... your mom must be so proud of all your accomplishing...go get em kiddo😉

[@Badjujucrew]

What a FANTASTIC VIDEO GIRL ❤️

[@martykong3592]

Brilliant share and build! Lots of great ideas and KUDOS for having the skills to do so! Interesting that 136 inch works as well as it does for you, but as you pointed out, any Van now is hard to come by, let alone a high roof. Thanks again and all the BEST to you! Cheers :)

[@shiraleematehe6486]

Maddie your such a kool chick, fantastic personality and great sense of humour. Good on you for doing things people only dream of, thanks!

[@Maddie.taylor]

:') thank you

[@hanm3205]

I will definitely keep your propane setup in mind!

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Hi I like your floor closet.

[@kirstenmc68]

I love your bookshelf!

[@Maddie.taylor]

It’s my FAVORITE. Gotta have that reading collection with me at all times 😂

[@kirstenmc68]

@@Maddie.taylor yes! No home without books 🥰

[@aimeeqn9397]

Your van is incredible your so smart 😊

[@TheBobelly628]

Your van 🚐 is beautiful 😻

[@user-nestornugpo]

Hello Maddie,wish u all the best...Cheers👍👍👍

[@setiabudhysetiawan619]

very nice and very neat

[@epicelements5528]

Live and learn. 🤷🏻‍♀️ You’re out there living and doing it and that’s impressive. Thanks for the useful info.

[@huntressflorals]

beautiful and thoughtful van build!

[@Maddie.taylor]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@christine9604frisco]

Looks like adding the bench mid-back would be easy…if the table mount is far enough forward…. Say, Mdf is weak, but is naval plywood stronger than regular plywood? Maybe it would warp less. Love the stove!!

[@hannaharmer9606]

LOVE this video! You're so cute and I love all the bogey parts of your van too- and you've learned so much in the process. Install your inverter, nature goddess women! Miss you xoxo

[@Maddie.taylor]

🥲🥲 love you Banana

[@user-yy3jv1yw8n]

Perfect! Thank you!!

[@noahn]

It's about to freeze again here in Austin! I'm about to go move my car so limbs don't fall on it overnight. Drive safe!

[@phil4v8]

Like you can get to driver's seat from inside👏👏

[@DeborahLong7777]

I love your home! I think I could use a cassette or bucket over the nature’s head work and cost though. Beautiful job Maddie. You came up in my subscriptions but I am not subbed anymore lol. You tube game’s I get it. My channel is not van life YET 😂 Much love from Texas ❤️

[@Maddie.taylor]

There are a ton of great, more affordable options out there! Best of luck to you, Debbe :)

[@veterandog]

You did a great job! Your dinette/bed is exactly what I want to do - what are the dimensions for the seats and the foot platform? Ty!

[@rosiewolfe7866]

Hey maddie do you think you could do an in depth van tour? I would be very interested in that :)

[@Maddie.taylor]

Hopefully soon!!

[@rosiewolfe7866]

@@Maddie.taylor yay thank you!!

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

About your gas , a toothbrush and some Soap liquid frothing it around the hose ends if you see it blowing bubbles it shows you have a gas leak , you probably just need to get a screwdriver and snug the jubilee clip up .

[@pubggamer-qf8xi]

There's a tankless water heater you could purchase it it runs on propane

[@ashevillegeorge3316]

Very good!

[@DavetheUberSlave]

Even though I have four hundred amp hours of lithium when I turn on the 1400 W hot water heater it sucks so much power I'm ready to add another four hundred amp hour just for the hot water heater and I'm trying to figure out how to add propane hot water heating ultimately I like the isotherm that uses the car's engine

[@jessieandtalie]

Thank you!

[@gracecallowayable]

Your home is gorgeous!!!👠🚌👠

[@Maddie.taylor]

Thank you Graycee! You leave such sweet comments!

[@chrisgatdula1360]

You did good!

[@raresubstance]

Thank You for Your Honesty🎙💡

[@MGEE8572]

You have better water pressure on your shower than i do in my rent flat in the uk..... LOL You are a smart cookie .

[@Maddie.taylor]

Lollll better than in my last apartment too 😂

[@tomgreen5701]

Great job

[@tesslerae]

The white jeans are 🥰😍😘

[@jadaruczienski1130]

very good video thanks

[@kirbycairo]

The dreaded drama of the fridge drawer....oh no. Good luck on that front.

[@Maddie.taylor]

A daily dilemma 😂

[@virginialee1909]

If you “Maree Kondo” your closet hanging space and add another drawer and fold the hanging things into the drawer you will be able to put your bedding into the bottom of the cupboard. Think about it. Love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Maddie.taylor]

This is cool idea, I’ll think about it! Thanks :)

[@tammyturbide9463]

❤️Thanks for sharing!

[@staceyhayden5826]

What about the farmhouse kitchen sink? If you were to do another build what would you choose for a sink?

[@Maddie.taylor]

Hey Stacey! I think I’d keep the same sink tbh :) it works really well as a solo traveler!

[@staceyhayden5826]

@@Maddie.taylor Thank you for replying! I love that farmhouse sink too!

[@kihntagious]

The best background music on anyone's channel.

[@Maddie.taylor]

YES!! so glad you enjoyed :)

[@007nadineL]

Can you explain with more specific detail why you don't like yr fridge pls. .

[@waynemorgan1577]

It's all about getting the right material and also to know it's limits and how to reinforce.. (such as the plywood that is warping,.. just needs a frame to reinforce). Ask for advice from cabinet makers or carpenters etc... I'm sure you would get plenty of help. I would if someone asked... since I am a carpenter and handyman.. jack of all trades. Good luck.. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.

[@Chasingsing]

Love this video lol keep it up 👍🏼

[@Andy-Mesa]

Things that spilled in my RV before I finally jerry rigged something that worked (lots of bungee cords): Bottle of olive oil (twice) Gallon of milk (twice) Half a watermelon Glass jar of pasta sauce The olive oil was the worst, even though the pasta sauce got into my furnace. I don't even want to know the mess that's underneath my floor boards right now.

[@Maddie.taylor]

I’ve had the olive oil tragedy myself, I feel for you 😂

[@DavetheUberSlave]

I'm curious what they had to do to fix your sliding door get it to open again

[@Maddie.taylor]

Hi Dave, there were a couple things I had to do. I used a grinder on the latch that was jamming it, cutting it in half, and then took the door apart to fix the mechanism that causes the latch to open when you pull the outdoor handle.

[@DavetheUberSlave]

@@Maddie.taylor awesome you were able to fix it. Mine wouldn't open from the outside so I moved a little white plastic thing on the cable a couple notches and it's working but I'm worried for the future

[@MsBerries25]

4:57 🤣🤣 too funny

[@meladytwo]

When you leave your dog in the van, do you have anything that will alert you if it gets to hot? If so what do you use?

[@Maddie.taylor]

Hey Melody! I never leave Eliza in the van for longer than around an hour or two tops to run errands, but when I do I have the max air fan running and the back window open. If it’s even a little toasty outside I’ll put the insulated window covers on the other windows and have the insulated curtain by the front seats closed too. That keeps it nice and cool in there. We also, as a rule of thumb, avoid going to super hot areas and try to escape the heat as best as we can!

[@kingrafferty]

Melody, we have a cat and dog and of course use our fan or AC. We have a Waggle that we use for temperature/humidity alerts and loss of power alerts. So far so good. Hope this helps.

[@jaxszeszko5291]

Use metal pipes for table

[@erickrick3901]

Today was the day that I spent like $800 on switches, wires, solar controller, after spending like $400 yesterday. Dear god does it get old researching products and figuring out what is right, wrong, good, bad, smelly, dangerous, safe, simple, complicated, etc. I'll take your advice before I get started with the carpentry though and research materials more thoroughly even though I almost just wanna slap it together and move on. Oh yeah, and I spent 6 months fixing the van mechanically before ever even touching the inside lol.

[@Maddie.taylor]

Omg does it get old. I feel your wariness, BIG time. I’m so glad I didn’t have to deal with mechanical issues.... what a headache. I hope that the rest of the build goes “smoothly” for you, Eric! Maybe see ya on the road one day.

[@saratemp790]

I'm still not sure why your fridge drawer does not open well. Looks like there's enough room for me. Does it stick on the corner or something?

[@lisalamorey3453]

Baskets for the pantry?

[@josephjuno9555]

I have same PM HR 136" I am solo OK but my next can will be a,159" a little bigger wud be better?

[@carolhewett3756]

Why not make a portable box seat for the space between your 2 bench seats to create a Ushaped table area. It will provide another storage space and it can be moved outside as a seat or table. Your van is one of the most attractive I've seen after viewing hundreds of videos.

[@nruguone]

❤"Frozen🍕 from Safeway"😋

[@DVaccarelli1988]

You don't actually have the shortest wheelbase for the Ram ProMaster, the shortest would be the 118" wheelbase, but it only comes with the low roof.

[@Maddie.taylor]

True, true! I didn’t specify that I meant of the high tops. Truly, the low roof wouldn’t have worked for me!

[@vibecat4899]

The beauty of getting distracted with a snack & leaving regret #6 out of your list of regrets is that you only have 9 regrets instead of 10. or, perhaps there actually WAS a regret #6. now i am curious what it was.

[@Maddie.taylor]

We’ll never know 😉

[@RA-tj8lv]

How much did the van cost and the total amount when you were done?

[@aprilgriggs5071]

♥️♥️♥️

[@BigJFindAWay]

Young people are impulsive. Not to worry about it. You'll learn as you go along. I also was at your age. Now at nearly 50 I plan everything. It's almost inevitable that you all make some mistakes many of them serious bloopers. It's part of any process of trial and error. I certainly hope that you'll replace the erroneous things so that your van becomes more practical and comfortable.

[@mijskalk]

What fridge do you have

[@clivegable9387]

Hey Maddison. How do you wash your clothes on such a long travel 🧳

[@LETSGOBRANDONFJB]

How you learn to do all that?

[@muchmorethan10words]

You are a funny guy!

[@naalielmarcio996]

Hi... Good morning! I from Brazil, seu canal é incrível. Sou apaixonado por esse estilo de vida, quero muito viver assim. Sua camper van é show!!! 🐕 🍀 😉🌷 💓kiss kiss

[@ashaikh]

Cute

[@noodles.dumplings.kimchi2878]

Marine ply. Remember. Marine ply.

[@erikgeorge3770]

🤗❤️🤗🥰

[@kennethsvard8611]

Wahat kind of dog is Eliza

[@Maddie.taylor]

She is a Vizsla, pit bull, lab mix!

[@alphaapple1375]

#MaddieTaylor, does your van include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? If it does, then congratulations 👍! With both of these built-in head unit applications, you could access phone calls, text messages, maps, music, etc. Just try to be a safe and responsible driver. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were launched in the mid-2010s, which changed the game of how we all drive for a living. According to a lot of consumers, they found it beneficial to have their new vehicle include these two head unit applications.

[@kamleshpatadia389]

Very nice beauty

[@zumezoom9593]

ooooo multi-tasking, you can make eggs and wash your vegetables all the while using the toilet

[@Maddie.taylor]

Lol you get it 👌

[@Eric-fg6uj]

Tell her that

[@lynnielu7852]

You remind me of Amy Adams.