Van Build Vlog #2: Installing Sound Deadening & Other Projects

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Hello Friends!
This vlog spans a couple of weeks as I can only work on the van in the evenings if it's cool and on the weekends. Still, I think I got a lot done! I'm forced to go at the pace of the delivery of supplies since so much of it you have to order on line. Next up will be insulating, swivel seat and Maxxair fan installation.
But for this week, here's what I did....
I finally received my Kilmat sound deadening so that was the first project I tackled. It’s super easy to install and really helps the van not sound so hollow and loud when I drive.
KILMAT 50 mil (1.3 mm) 50 sqft (4.7 sqm) Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive Sound Deadener, Audio Noise Insulation and dampening: amzn.to/3keSdiq
Next, I scrubbed the rubber mat that came with the van. I’ll eventually insulate and install a proper floor but for now, I just wanted to get the grease and dirt off the mat.
Then I filled in the holes in the floor from the anchor rings I had removed with J-B Weld 8267 Steel Stick Steel Reinforced Epoxy Putty Stick: amzn.to/3k7UfRG and replaced a little rubber bumper and tightened the back door so that dust and bugs won’t be able to get in.
Then I removed the vertical beams on the wall above where my bed will go so that I can take advantage of the full width of the van. This took some muscle but actually came off easier than I expected.
Check out this great channel that I’ve been learning a ton from. Will is also a newbie at the van conversion game and he’s a few steps ahead of me in his build process. So, that means I get to learn from his experience! Will’s Whereabouts: / @willswhereabouts
Watching Will’s videos have given me lots of ideas, such as using the IKEA SKORVA center support beam as bed rails with their bed slats. He’s also the one who gave me the push to take out that vertical support piece above my bed so I can use the full width of the van. I’m taking notes as he installs his Maxxair fan which I’ll be doing very soon.
I am constantly making mistakes and learning from them. The truth is I’m having the time of my life and I really and truly appreciate all the love and support you have been sending my way in the comments.
Please like and don’t forget to subscribe! And, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram: @myBIGtinyhouselife.
Here are some of my favourite things I use practically every day in my tiny house on wheels:
This little ceiling fan has been amazing at cooling us off at night during the hot summers. Mengnessly USB powered Small Ceiling Fan: amzn.to/4dL4VOJ
Sun lamp for those grey winter days on the island Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus - UV-Free LED Bright White Light Therapy Lamp: amzn.to/3SNj0mt
I don’t use this every day but have several in the house and in the van. Fiberglass Fire Blanket for Emergency Survival, Flame Retardant Protection and Heat Insulation 2-pack (: amzn.to/3WMOqLa
If you have pets that shed, this is a life saver! ACE2ACE Pet Hair Remover Roller: amzn.to/3hgxJXM
Best can opener you will ever use! ZYLISS Lock N' Lift Can Opener with Lid Lifter Magnet:amzn.to/4dGgbvM
This water filter is amazing! ZeroWater 7 Cup Water Filter Jug: amzn.to/3Azy0y0
I use my IP every single week! Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker:amzn.to/3YQ00Yi
Steamer Basket for the Instant Pot: amzn.to/3M9n2So
I use these to listen to guided meditations as I drift off to sleep. Sleep Headphones Wireless, Perytong Bluetooth Sports Headband: amzn.to/3SMZTJx
Some of my favourite cookbooks:
Fuss-Free Vegan: 101 Everyday Comfort Food Favourites: amzn.to/4cnNeDF
Vegan 100: Over 100 Incredible Recipes from Avant-Garde Vegan: amzn.to/471znlD
Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health: amzn.to/4dm1TAE
Please Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualified purchases (but you won’t pay a cent extra if you do purchase😊).
My tiny house builder is Teacup Tiny Homes: teacuptinyhome...

[@shirleyward5230]

I have no doubt that you will be successful in this endeavor and I will be right there with you. I enjoy sharing your activities and adventures. Thank you so much

[@xflyer87]

How cool are you with the coffee and the tools ☕️😎. Personally, fixing that door properly may seem a small issue to some people, but it’s actually a quality of life thing. No door noise working on your last nerve, while you’re driving or sleeping. Knowing that with patience, willingness, and KZbin you can tackle items like this and do it right. Obvs I’ll be watching your progress because you are fun and I love your calm voice.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊. I agree, small things can make a big difference. And sometimes you need a quick win on a big project 😁.

[@tammyjohnson7401]

That is so right, we can do anything with good information and determination. I look forward to watching each blog update. Stay safe, cool and dry.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@juliewilber9759]

I look forward to these videos so much! I admire your hard work, your great ideas, and your excellent taste. Thank you for sharing it all!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Julie ❤️🙏🏼.

[@geraldineross5168]

You have the right mind set to do anything!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I believe that If it’s been done before then I can do it too.

[@marijanel9639]

You are making such good progress! Just so you know, I am living vicariously through you!😊💕

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@dianegoss7181]

You are a SUPERSTAR!!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊🙏🏼

[@bytheriverbank1885]

Great job with the door, filing that tip away for future

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@momskelton5794]

You are amazing! Your van re-build is fascinating!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@bettydodd2382]

Wow I didn't realize van conversions were such a big thing. Now am watching lots of others on KZbin and I be interested to see how yours progresses. Amazing project !

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@irhonda31]

I’m a year late seeing these videos, but thoroughly enjoying them. Nice fixes in this one!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😁

[@psychedout1028]

Great Job!! I don't think the removal of those two vertical pieces will be any problem because the windows with their frames will give just as much support if not more. The J-B weld is a good product and should work just fine. The sound-proofing is a good idea to keep the van from sounding tinny and noisy when driving, and you are right, you don't need to cover more than 25 -50% of the sides to make a noticible difference. I'm really impressed by your vision and motivation and you get me motivated to get to work on my own projects even though it is so hot it is really draining of energy. Can't wait for your next episode!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks so much 😊.

[@lindasteinbrenner8065]

I think you are doing great! The door fix was so great! Excited to see the next vlog! 👍🏻❤️

[@Louie12673]

I just looked up Will’s KZbin channel and watched his 19 minutes bed frame video. Great idea and looks very sturdy!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Awesome Luis 😊

[@alissonvonderlane862]

You're so courageous!!! I was so happy when that door closed snug! 😊 💙

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Alisson 😁.

[@mariadavis2685]

Wow it’s coming along 😁 looks so good. I’m enjoying watching your progress 🚐 can’t wait to see more 🚐 stay cool see ya Wednesday 😃

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Maria! 😁

[@janetgifford743]

Looks like you could use thode D hooks in the floor to anchor down furniture and stuff....

[@myrnaedmisten599]

You tube university is doing you well. Very fun to watch the progress.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Myrna 😊

[@brigittecrawley1872]

You are doing amazing so far. The van is looking good.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@MoonSoar]

Love the vlog!!!! Thanks for the spiderweb.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊. The web was beautiful 🕷❤️.

[@djar220]

Looking good, van is coming along nicely. 🚐

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@beth7467]

You are so courageous! Keep going!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Beth 😊.

[@annlindsey7696]

Love everything you’ve been doing….with your van build….it gives me some great ideas…thanks.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@melizabeth908]

You can do anything, girl! “Just do your research” You use that line a lot, lol.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I live by that motto 😊🙏🏼.

[@beverlysyferd379]

Great job!!! Look forward to the next video

[@katrinaphipps8681]

You’re doing great.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Katrina 😊.

[@stephaniedaniels9285]

You are great!! Thank you for taking us with you!!

[@rose2525bud]

Cheering you on!! 🤩👍🏼

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Terri ❤️🙏🏼

[@suejohnson3972]

Good job Adelina😁❤️ watching your progress 👍

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Sue. 😊

[@maighreadoleary9140]

Great job . It's great when the jobs work out! Thank you for the video

[@oldmanjimh3165]

I would've filled the floor holes with actual headless bolts using Loctite. You are a hard working gal.

[@LeahCash]

So proud of you for all your dedication to this build and living your dreams

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Leah 😊. Wow, that’s hot! Take care of yourself too 🙏🏼🇨🇦.

[@sherryr.1698]

Looking good so far!

[@RoseofSharon3]

I’m so excited for you. And I’m so excited your bringing us along on this build.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Tammy 😊

[@RoseofSharon3]

@@myBIGtinyhouselife, I’m so excited to start this new adventure for my family.

[@lisaelder2676]

I am impressed!

[@HaywoodHomestead]

You’re doing an awesome job! This is so fun to watch this come along. 😎💙

[@RoamingRuca]

Ok I’m starting to think I WILL be able to do my own “build”. You are inspiring me so much 🙏💪

[@nikkiep23]

Sooo excited! Awesome series.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Haha I can’t believe you’re copying me only because I don’t want to be held responsible for anything going wrong or breaking 😂. Just a couple of novices trying to figure it all out, hope your build turns out as amazing as you hope 😀

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hey Will! Seriously, finding your channel was fortuitous. I’ll just let you do the trial and error so I can avoid those mistakes. It’ll leave me all sorts of room for my own mistakes 🙄🤣.

[@Louie12673]

Hey Will I found your channel by coming across @myBIGtinyhouselife. She mentioned you while talking about her bed build. You both have awesome channels.

[@sinaranunesdesouza1474]

Great job! You rock lady! 😉

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

👍🏼😁

[@michelemarquardt326]

You’re doing a great job!! Keep up the good work. I am enjoying watching your progress. 😁❤️

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Michele! 🙏🏼😊

[@jacquiscottagelife7746]

Great job on figuring out and fixing the door!! I'm looking forward to following along with your van build series and seeing what adventures you get up to. Must admit to being a little jealous as I'd love to do the same thing. A lot of van lifers seem to go for the instagram perfect rigs but I've been watching Chrome on Van City Van Life for a long time and I liked his live in it first and figure out what you need way of doing things. He's ended up with a great van, although I'd have to have a high top like yours. Anyway, enough rambling. Keep up the great work!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I’m a huge fan of Chrome & Cruise 🐶!

[@debrakrause8893]

Totally enjoying your van build. I'm sure it's going to be awesome! Something tells me you are a strong willed woman. Lol . Good luck!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Debra 🙏🏼❤️😁.

[@Yvonneb_]

You are doing great xx

[@karenmurtaghyoga9195]

Good job! Miss seeing Sophie though LOL

[@LeahWriter]

Yes! Great job

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Sadie 😊.

[@JipseeGirl]

I don’t know if you are my hero or my spirit animal!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

LOL! That's just about the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me! 😁

[@JipseeGirl]

@@myBIGtinyhouselife I’ve been shopping for a van for a while now and no luck. Your build is exactly what I am planning. No plumbing and no major electrical. I have a 2000 Wh Bluetti solar generator but will also put shore power in. I will be doing the work myself. Bingeing your videos now!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

You can definitely do it!!❤️😊

[@mytinycastles5855]

Another successful step in your journey. You are rock’n it!!!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@sovereigns1grace]

Adventure lady! I love it. Encourages me, too. I'm going to do some SUV living soon as I get some things set up. Looking forward to the next video!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you! 😊

[@janstroud8948]

Ĺove watching for new journey reno 😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Jan 😊

[@christinejones5511]

I saw a lady that covered her insulated walls with material temporarily. She used large sheets of Indian material, but sheets or other large pieces of material would work. They had added small strips of wood to the walls and stapled or tacked the material on to the wood.

[@lynnloehr1566]

I love watching your adventure! Good to see your success. I hope you are having fun!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Lynn 😊

[@carlarevie6817]

Well done - looking forward to seeing the finished project

[@angelikaszabo1962]

Nice job with the back door! It worked! Yay! KZbin University! I love it! The swivel seat episode is going to be interesting. Those seats, I think, are heavy. Are you putting in just one or both?

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Just one in the passenger side.

[@angelikaszabo1962]

@@myBIGtinyhouselife Oh, cool! I was thinking both that way you could have the seats facing each other with a table in the middle and it will be like a dinette. Love your videos.

[@sarahwallace9013]

Oh this is fun to watch! Waiting patiently here in Ontario for the next video 🙂

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Sarah! 😊

[@12Gaile]

Wow good job Adelina...BTW I was at Ulta & bought the eye serum by Ordinary. So far so good. Apply at night & in the morning. Helps with puffiness. Thanks for the tip. Take care & stay cool. 🌹

[@selamefrem5829]

Great starting. I can imagine after everything done. 👍🏾

[@suefrack2958]

For not having done this before, I think you're doing a fantastic job! So excited for you.😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Sue ☺️.

[@cigarmann]

You woman handled it!

[@madelinevegas8123]

Your doing a great job

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@dannolawson263]

Cool!

[@Kelleena1on1]

Inspirational :)

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@alliphil1]

I’m taking notes 😀 Learning a lot. Thank you!! 🙂🙏🏼❤️

[@ruthanderson1758]

Not being critical of what you're doing just voicing a bit of concern that removing those vertical metal braces above the bed could potentially cause structural issues. With regard to the flective/sound deadening stuff you put on the walls and wheel wells, I think it would be better if you had put 2 pieces in each section instead of one to give more sound deadening. Great job on fixing the door.

[@patriciawilliams3165]

I’ve watched all your blogs so I’m commenting on several, I have a lot of fears also and am concerned about are compromising the structure of the van when you remove the wall between driver seat and the living area? and also the little bracing pieces you are removing to give you a few extra inches where you plan to put your bed? Love watching, if I were younger I would love doing what you are doing, so I’m living through watching you.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi Patricia. Thanks for watching 😊. The divider wall is not structural and the braces at the back are always removed when you are adding windows. It’s my understanding that it doesn’t make that much of a difference structurally. It’s a very common thing to do in conversions and I’ve yet to read/find anything that warns against it 🤷🏻‍♀️. I do appreciate your concern though 🙏🏼☺️.

[@RoamingRuca]

KZbin University is amazing isn’t it 😁

[@Tonniece3]

👍🏾💯❤️. Hugz

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Not sure about the sound-deadening. I mean the only road noise will be when you're in the cab. Insulation, yes.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

The sound deadening made a remarkable difference just on it's own. I was surprised.

[@susann1311]

Did you order a die cut flooring mat? Mine fit my Nissan perfectly, they have die cuts for every van ie. Sprinter, Ford etc. Got mine from eTrailer

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

The black mat came with the van. Thanks for the tip though. I’ll check them out. 😊