My First Camper Van Project (part one)

[@bigjoe4020]

I am no expert either but you might want to ad a ceiling fan and a roof aircon to the list of things to fit to the roof. The best advice is to watch one of the RV channels that showcase a ton of different design, ideas for the electric etc etc. I recommend Bobs channel CheapRVLiving. I'll be following your build to learn from your mistakes when its time to build my own :) If this is going to be the same attention to detail build like your bikes its going to be first class.

[@hand666]

great video. A diesel heater uses about 0.1ltr a hour, so not much fuel at all if you want to use your van fuel tank.

[@alancampbell1008]

I agree with going for AGM or standard leisure batteries. In the winter LiPo batteries if they have the correct protection in them stop charging at about 5C to protect the cells which will be an issue if you're storing them outside the van. I got a system I use in a remote shed that's nowhere near a mains supply off Ebay. It came with the panels, correctly rated charge controller, cable and an inverter so I can plug in 240v items. It powers up lights and runs a mains electric fencing unit with power to spare from just over 200ah storage capacity, never come close to running out even using power tools as well. The AGMs have a life of about 10 years and while LiPo apparently can last 25 years I reckon the cost difference given the charge problems isn't worth it. Just make sure you set the controller for lead acid as they usually come set up for LiPo, only a case of selecting an option on a screen or flicking a switch. Good luck Craig.

[@mrlangdon2379]

Hi bro, you can even use red diesel for your heater it’s legal as long as it’s in its own tank and they are very economical anyway. Anything you need to know just ask, I’ll help if I can👍

[@l.j.b9863]

Craig I've valeted many vans over the years. I've parked van on steep slope and with soft bristle brush, plenty of soapy car wash shampoo and hose, wash van throughly inside and let water run out back doors. Once it dries after a few hours, you'll have a spotlessly clean van to start on.

[@bobd3330]

Tampa Florida check in

[@HepcatHarley]

Be nice to have a opening skylight above and posh if you have room to fit a Thetford cassette toilet. You could also have a unit half way across the side door opening so that you would have somewhere to store / hook-up your gas bottles. Maybe put the sink above it and a cooker beside?

[@bertbog5088]

Norfolk Man cave is doing up a van and has a fitted a heater to his small caravan :) love the idea of updating the van for your adventure tours

[@danielr82]

I'm just starting my second time doing this. (previously converted a SWB) now starting on a LWB. The best advice I have (since you asked) Decide now (right at the very start) if you're making a van that you will be able to sleep in, or making a camper van. (meaning are you thinking of changing the body type on the v5 so that it's a "real" camper van, (so you get cheaper insurance.) Take a look at the requirements the government have if you're thinking about that. Better to plan for them from the start than try and shoehorn things to meet requirements in at the end... Second best advice I have, keep an eye on websites like freecycle and freegle, (I got my original hob/sink/grill from there for nothing. -on the second "build" that's been one of the biggest costs.)

[@troycunningham8645]

Dont chuck out that magazine. That's a L1A1 mag. My dad used them in Vietnam and i used them in the beginning of the 90s before the Steyr f88 took over in the ADF

[@nightster6378]

Hi Craig sorry for the long comment it was a learning curve for me and I havent got everything right yet the "old caravan thing" was because you mentioned the words "on a budget" but hey your visions are classy and cool and having seen your workmanship if done anywhere near as well as the REs it will be excellent. There was other hints and tips you may be interested in but my comment was continually deleted, I don't know if this was because I included links I gave removed, and a link to a picture of my own vintage camper, no not a VW mine is way cooler. I. Fridge. Personally I would not buy a fridge as they are extremely expensive, even though my own camper has a 3-wat fridge fitted I use a large 12v/240v cool box under a seat, access is so much easier and easy to keep clean. 2. Toilet. I don't recommend crapping in the van unless it is absolutely necessary, I use a pop-up tent where you can stand up in it with the portaloo inside it, I can assure you if you have someone with you they will thank you dearly for it (you may think you smell of roses I can assure you you don't and I include myself in this analogy, plus it's a bit of privacy. It can also be used to shower if you prefer the smell of soap as opposed to the stink of your mate after 3-days. Buy a good size one it takes about 30 seconds erect and 10 minutes and a battle to put it down having thrown it across the field a few times, after using it the battle comes down to about 3 minutes. 3. Sink. I tend to use a basin as most camper sinks are on the small side though in your case you can have the choice of a bigger sink and for clean water, I use the 5-litre water bottles or preferably 6-pack 2-litre bottles put of Lidle. I dont like using water resting in a tank for sometimes weeks. 4. Bike. I sometimes bring a Honda ST70 with me or a Honda P50 and a Honda NC50 for some transport when parked up for a few days. 5. Heater. Fit a diesel heat exchanger heater, these are excellent and no chance of getting killed with carbon monoxide fumes or setting anything in the camper on fire. Also bring a workmans brazier and coke for a fire when sitting outside. 6. Insulation. In the holes of the panel strengthening struts you just sealed, spray fill them using tins of expanding foam and before paneling the body especially the roof fill the cavities with 2" Kingspan to insulate it, as you know if well insulated its quieter, warm in the winter and cool in the summer and difficult to do after fitted out. 7. Ramp. Look for a ramp from a Motobility car/van, when you're putting a bike in the van you can walk up with it making it safer to load the bike if your on your own, and make it quickly detatchable should you want to remove it, and I see you already have a wheel choke. Of course you know this. lol. Oh I near forgot, dont let the smelly guy from the garage help you if you want it done right or taken to bits and left unfinished for the next 8 or 9 years. lol. Incidentally, my own camper though old can sleep 4 in comfort and fully fitted with fridge, water tank, cooker, toilet area etc and in excellent condition and attracts a lot of attention, I will try find a way of posting it or could email it and you could post it

[@suemeaker5924]

Just watched with interest, having built beds and converted a couple of vans... Shouting at TV, "keep the wood, save you lots of money or at least use as templates!!

[@dhadventure2655]

Most of the wood is quite damaged, I also spilt a gallon of paraffin in there over a year ago and it still smells, good idea with templates though.

[@polarbearrob7378]

I was thinking the same ref templates as be good for wheel arch templates..

[@johnbeard8013]

Hello Craig, I have plans to make the frame for a single rock and roll bed that I bought for a similar project but didn't have the time not inclination in the end. I will gladly let you have them, would give you a third seat and a single bed. Looking forward to the progress ...

[@dhadventure2655]

Thank you John, not 100% sure on my seating arrangement yet but if I think the plans could be of use I will give you a shout. Thanks again buddy.

[@polarbearrob7378]

Hey bud. Just found your channel.. and am looking forward to watching along with you as you build.. how about when you have your ladder 🪜 put some brackets so your ramp connects/ hangs on it… as remember you mention in your second part, of a toilet on runners.. like your positive attitude.. stay safe…. 👍🏻

[@geoffs1000]

Nice job Craig good luck, etc etc

[@andrewbarlow1707]

You need a thanks button on this channel.

[@dhadventure2655]

I need 4000 watch hours before youtube let me monetize the channel.

[@dodgybodger3124]

Hi Craig. I'm late with watching. Subbed at the start but, forgot the bloody notification bell. Just call it a senior moment. Wishing you well n good luck with the van project. A fan on the roof with the solar panel will be needed I'm thinking pal. 😉👍

[@dhadventure2655]

Thank you Dodgy, A skylight/fan and solar panel will be on the list and a bank of leisure batteries. I think I have senior moments every day.

[@dodgybodger3124]

@@dhadventure2655 😂😂😂 not on my own then 👍😉

[@grahamhider3754]

Love the helmet. Loving van video. I like to do that but not got money to buy one 😭nice one Craig ❤🚗🔧

[@HepcatHarley]

Good evening :)

[@nightster6378]

Hi Craig did you consider looking for an old caravan preferably 2 berths and use the inside hopefully having a fridge, sink, cooker, beds, some of the cabinets and if you're lucky a heat exchanger heater, often these caravans go cheap especially if the chassis is rotten. I have a mate who did this and it's a great job.

[@dhadventure2655]

It's a very good idea but I want it a certain way and colour with black gloss finished cabinets and a mix of dark and light greys for walls floor and ceiling, I'll see if I can find some pics of other vans for the next video to give folk the idea of the direction I wish to go in. Ive found some really nice kits with the black gloss finish; a bit pricey but I don't mind waiting and saving for the look I want. Certainly lots to learn as the project progresses. Thanks for the idea, there could be other caravan related items that could be handy.

[@yvonnemartin7428]

Why don’t you take the bulkhead out then you can put captain’s seat that swivels around then you can put your removable table in this will save space. Good luck with the build. Thanks Malcolm.

[@dhadventure2655]

Thank you Malcom, That is the plan as the build progresses, I plan to make my own seat swivel frames.

[@haydneasy9736]

for your 3rd chair, what about a folding jump seat from the back of a landy discovery.

[@garrybowers414]

Going to be interesting as thinking of throwing the towel in with the house and move into a van .was going to sell up and do this three and a half years ago but every thing went wrong .Good look with the build will be following every one .watching van builds from others so many ways to do it 🙈🙈

[@dhadventure2655]

Just like everything else van life will have its fors and against, but plenty of people are doing it and a lot of them seem happy, I guess its how you deal with not having certain luxuries.

[@garrybowers414]

Had a good look into everything .you are right ..way too much at stake .I would be daft to walk away from the house 👍

[@garrybowers414]

I was into hiking as a teenager 🤔so 35years later going to give that another go

[@garrybowers414]

Oops 44 years 🙈

[@powermothphil2556]

Looking forward to this!

[@TheMatlockBiker]

First priority is to make some temporary wooden steps so you can get in and out easier………😂 👍

[@dhadventure2655]

I was thinking a stair lift😂

[@darrinberesford3387]

Don't forget about good ventilation💨, and keep an eye on the weight ⚖️

[@dhadventure2655]

Im thinking skylight with fan, I will be considering the weight throughout the build, especially with transporting bikes.

[@craigdewey4787]

Craig look at project mans channel he is just doing same as you on a budget hes just sound deadening and 4 way stretch carpet material may help

[@keithf8890]

Hi Craig.Would a trailer be an option?Loads more scope for storage.All the best.

[@dhadventure2655]

A trailer would be awkward in some of the areas i visit, especially some of the single track back roads of Wales that I often find myself using, some are a very tight squeeze for the van alone. Thanks for watching Keith.

[@michaellittler2616]

Hi Craig looking forward to following this build have a look at a KZbin channel called diy campervans and variety how he doe’s his window blinds on a budget using ikea blinds for little money hopefully this helps

[@dhadventure2655]

Thank you Michael. I will take a look at his channel.

[@michaellittler2616]

@@dhadventure2655 I’ve just looked on his channel there’s one titled how I fit ikea blinds save you trawling through all the videos

[@dhadventure2655]

@@michaellittler2616 Thank you Michael, Ive got some work to do in the shed ready for tomorrow then I'll give that a watch.

[@derekdingwall]

Something different Craig my nephew earns a living out of converting the Boxer vans for camping 👍as for the piece of metal with a face on could it be part of one of those metal things that people used to have at the back of an open fireplace ?🤔

[@dhadventure2655]

They are a great van, they seem to be coming just as popular as the VW's if not more so. Great idea with the fireplace back plate, you are possibly right. Thank you.

[@martinboagey2422]

Hi Craig are you taking the bulkhead out for more space normally just bolted in?

[@dhadventure2655]

Yes the bulkhead is coming out then two captain seats with the removable table fitted.

[@allangeorgewainwright3812]

Save the wheels arch ply for templates

[@dhadventure2655]

Good idea👍👍

[@gwilymjones1202]

why not place the bike ramp under the van allong side the spare wheel

[@dhadventure2655]

Very good Idea

[@andrewbarlow1707]

You forgot the bog ?

[@dhadventure2655]

it will have one hidden away somewhere

[@Papa_Kilo]

It really p**ses me off that you have to sleep in the shed/van. Obviously its none of my business. The "face/plaque" looks like it was part of a sun dial. Where did you get the fishing magnet from?

[@dhadventure2655]

I really dont mind staying in my van, sometimes I just need my own space, it will be a lot better when I have it finished. The magnet was off Ebay. Thank you Papa

[@chrisktm2010]

Have a look at KZbin channel “ prisoners no longer accepted “

[@chrisktm2010]

Also I think you need to think of what your going to use it for. If it’s a sleeping area then design around the bed. If it just a base camp with the occasional sleep in then base it around that. That way you can make it the most comfortable for what your going to use it for

[@andrewbarlow1707]

That not a pad, it CAD ( cardboard aided design)

[@dhadventure2655]

hahahaha I dont normally sketch any ideas, I change my mind to much