Off Road Off Grid Van Built for Van Life | Overland Van Tour

[@arturoleorigins]

Great and serene tour I must say you should feel proud of your build. I hope you and Meg enjoy Betty 2.0 for many future adventures cheers and also thank you for inspiration

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks so much for the kind words! This is actually Betty 3.0, Meg did the initial build in the van. Thanks for following along on the adventures!😁🙌🏻

[@sylvainlaforest4393]

Hi guys. I love the use of all the nooks and crannies. I’m using 1/2 inch Baltic birch ply from Windsor plywood on my build and it’s plenty strong. Did you put any kind of protective coating on it? The pressurized shower is a great idea.

[@SlowRoamers]

When I went to purchase plywood for the build I had intended to do 1/2” but they had a lift of 5/8 prefinished on sale for least than 5/8, so I opted to save time and money. Whatever I build next will be with higher quality 1/2”. I don’t think the 5/8 was a mistake, but I have found the prefinished veneer pretty thin and peels easily and it’s just extra weight that I’d otherwise not want.

[@Adventuredriven]

Great video, well done.We stopped making videos for a few years now, but we sure love your style. Inspires us to maybe start up again and make a few videos. Have fun.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for watching. So stoked you’re enjoying the videos and inspiring you to get out and shoot your own!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Alex and Megan, what an excellent video! I’m still working my way through it.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks Mitchell! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@SlowRoamersYou are most welcome!

[@SlowRoamers]

@@mitchellbarnow1709 🙌🙌🙌

[@alistairjackson7658]

Mitchell, you must be the guy who's made this video blow up all previous performance records!! 😂 Thanks, keep watching ... over and over, please! 9K subs tomorrow, I think.

[@tikienvy4814]

Thanks for the thorough tour! I really liked the pee funnel idea and anyone who’s ever lived in a van for even a little while knows how important laundry storage is. You said a couple of times you are proud of your designs and you should be. Earthroamer has got nothin’ on you with that dish storage!

[@SlowRoamers]

Oooof, BIG compliment!🤣 Earthroamer…did you read that?!🤣🤣 Thanks for watching, as always. I have to attribute the pee funnel idea to our friends Max and Rachel, they were the one who gave us the idea.

[@themadnomad5361]

I have the Propex 2000 and if anything it blows to hot so you might have a problem with your unit?

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for the input! I chose the 1Kw setting I think, I just haven’t taken the time to tinker with it.

[@themadnomad5361]

@@SlowRoamers I just finished watching your video and see you want a extra Fuel Tank, Titan Fuel Tanks make the Trail Trekker a 12 gallon Tank that fits behind your rear spare Wheel Mount, that’s what I plan on buying once I am finished saving up for a 5” lift, a re Gear, and Locker for my 98 E350.

[@SlowRoamers]

@@themadnomad5361 Interesting! I'll have to check them out. We don't actually have a spare between the frame, so I was intending to put an aluminum cell back there, but if there's something ready-made, that would be perfect. I'm mostly concerned about how the heck I'm going to do the transfer pump. Thanks for the input and for watching!

[@themadnomad5361]

@@SlowRoamersWeldtech has a Video on it.

[@ruthjackson5378]

Always learn something new. You are an encyclopedia of van living. Very proud of you.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks mom, I’m doing my best.😁♥️

[@alistairjackson7658]

Indeed you are, Laddie. Somehow "your best" keeps getting better and better!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Hey Bro, your tires are all going flat! What did you run over, a bunch of nail guns? 😂

[@SlowRoamers]

ABAD: Always Be Airing Down. 😁😁 It’s our motto.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I love that about you!

[@brettferguson6954]

I have a water saving tip for you….i use biodegradable, kitchen safe, wipes for my dishes and utensils. Eliminating the need for a sink.

[@SlowRoamers]

We have certainly done this, however finding that kind of thing is Mexico is a little challenging. 🫤

[@brettferguson6954]

I believe you can make the solution pretty easily with a touch of water, vinegar, and some lemon/lime juice. Mix it up and keep it in a spray bottle…then just wipe it off with a paper towel? Then just dispose of the towel …🤞

[@diegoarmijo1426]

Have you had to rebuild or tweek your engine at all? How many miles do you have on it, if its the original engine? I've learned a lot from the short time Ive been following your channel. Thanks

[@SlowRoamers]

Hey Diego, glad you’re learning stuff from the channel! We haven’t really touched the engine whatsoever other than regular maintenance. The 4.8L is the “economy” V8 from Chevy, or so I’ve read, which to me means reliable. Thus far it’s been a great engine. I think we’re at around 240,000km’s.

[@realmicrobet]

I thought it was "lagoon style table" and looked it up and it is "Lagun", but...that's Swedish and is pronounced "la-goon". Very educational.

[@SlowRoamers]

Yeah, it’s just one of those “who knows, but the internet?” Kind of things.🤷🏼‍♂️🤣

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

OMG you guys have an awesome rig layout! I have a 5x10 converted cargo trailer that I pull with my 4Runner. PRO: can leave my trailer and run into town or explore and 'hold' my spot. CON: I'm stuck with the same issues most class C motorhomes have of finding a spot to park in town. One of my friends has bet me that I will have a lifted van within five years. If it is like your van I would! And I agree, it's about the tires-not the 4x4 that gets you places. I have good clearance on the 4Runner and the trailer along with off-road tires all around...that and common sense is all I need to get to most places others will not try. There are definitely some things in your build I want to put in mine. Amazing planning for sure!

[@SlowRoamers]

😁😁Thanks Sarah! I’ve done the trailer life before and after one trip south decided to go back to just a van. I called it my ball and chain, so I know the struggle. A capable van is definitely a big advantage especially if you’re an intrepid person that enjoys solitude. Tires, clearance and a locker are about as close to 4WD as you’ll get and just that’ll get you pretty far. Thanks for watching!

[@leechavarie4675]

Wow it really is a home on wheels ! Nice job ! Weather looks way better there than here in Nanaimo .

[@SlowRoamers]

Haha, you bet! Gotta live in this thing for the next two years! 😁 We come down to Baja, JUST so we can avoid B.C. weather. 🤣🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@alistairjackson7658]

Hey, another Islander! Hello from Quadra. (Yup, the parents!) 🤣

[@AceRph]

Thoughtful build, A&M. Plus another 100 subs this week! Awesome! Keep up the good work. I'm always happy to see a new upload.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for watching! I’m excited to get the next one posted! 😁

[@alistairjackson7658]

9K subs comin' right up! 😅

[@brownworld2605]

Very well thought out!! I know endless hours thinking, planning, building , tweaking and refining goes into this. Very well appointed for a van. Bravo!!!

[@alistairjackson7658]

You got it. So true. He's a master now.

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks! Yeah, it’s taken a number of different van builds and iterations of this van to get it right and I think we’ve packed this van with almost all of our ideas. Thanks for watching!🙌🏻

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

You left out the first and most important thing in an overnight camper van friend ? Where's your privacy ? Every vehicle needs fast deployable, bullet proof privacy !

[@SlowRoamers]

lol, our privacy comes in the form of mud terrain tires, upgraded suspension and a locker so we can be so far away from everyone that we don’t need privacy. 🤣🤣🤣

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

@@SlowRoamers Very funny 🙁.

[@reidcrosby6241]

Very true SR

[@touristiqueducanada346]

🐾👣🌮🍺✌️🏴‍☠️

[@SlowRoamers]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻😁

[@alistairjackson7658]

CONGRATULATIONS on this great tour video that got you to 9K subs! 💥💥💥

[@ChristonBirge]

Thanks for the in depth videos man! Do you happen to have any time line on when you're going to have the extended fuel range complete? Also, what current mpg have you been averaging with this set up? Just subscribed!

[@alistairjackson7658]

Awesome! Welcome to the channel. Lots of build vids to check out. You'll find a DIY Build Series playlist, including several Build tour videos. Alex will confirm the timeline for the extended fuel range but I'm gonna guess this summer before they head out on the next big trip. Thanks for subscribing and commenting. Hey, share the channel with your friends - only 9 to go to hit 9K subs! 😀

[@SlowRoamers]

Hey Christon, thanks subscribing! We’re aiming to have the auxiliary tank in by end of May prior to heading up North for the summer. We’ve got a few things to figure out there, but I’m hoping I can piece together a setup. Currently we’re doing about 15mpg on the highway, but it drops pretty quickly as soon as we jump into a gravel route. Currently we’re getting 500-600km to a tank on gravel and pavement respectively. Hopeing for a range of 800-1000km, but we shall see, with added weight comes lessened fuel efficiency.

[@patm5483]

Thx for sharing. Very difficult to make all the pieces come together, suspension to kitchen and you have done an excellent job. I think you are based pretty close Pat Victoria BC

[@JackMac]

Great tour. Lots of very cool features!

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks! It’s taken a few builds, but we’ve manage to pack in most our good ideas.😁

[@jameshummel7349]

Awesome build.. but we need to talk about how you pronounce “lagun” lol

[@SlowRoamers]

It’s “La-gooon” right…?🤔

[@cabracove]

Cool. I'm always interested in the power system. When you said it will power anything but an induction cooktop or a microwave, that cracked me up. A 2000 will though. Induction REALLY burns power though, reconsidering that even though I have 460AH. The thing I like best about my van is the garage slide. I had Slidemaster make it custom. It's 60x40, extends almost all the way out the back doors, and will hold a 1000 pounds extended. About 500 pounds of firewood, water etc in the back makes a one ton ride a whole lot nicer too. Nifty that you have a locker as well, this was the first trip with mine, and it really gives me some peace of mind. Been stuck with the one leg before. Cheers.

[@SlowRoamers]

Yeah, we had induction in our last build and it really limited our stay in places because we’d completely drain the battery and have to drive to charge. The propane, although we have to refill every 2-3 months is so much better, IMO. I’ve had one of those slides in a pickup before, they’re great and I considered doing the same in the van, but given they’re so heavy I opted not to since the van is already overweight and a dog on long hills. The LSD has really come in clutch (pun intended). It always hooks up when we need but doesn’t chirp the tires. We’ve basically never spun a tire since installing it.

[@cabracove]

@@SlowRoamers More weight is fine by me. It's an extended E350 that was meant to carry 3800 pounds. I don't have anywhere near that in it. The 6.8 will pass anything but a gas station, LOL. The aluminum slide doesn't weigh much though I don't think. I could pick it up and put it in alone.

[@SlowRoamers]

Oh I see, didn’t realize yours is aluminum. Mine was steel and weighed a ton. I get a little particular about weight. I often state that it’s the slow and silent killer of vehicles. With the miles we put in, a little extra weight turns into a lot of extra wear on all suspension components, engine and transmission. Ironically, we’re already overloaded, I accidentally went a little too full send on the interior build…oops😬

[@cabracove]

@@SlowRoamers Ya, weight can be an issue. This trip I stopped at a closed weigh station in WA for a minute. Nobody there. Noticed the red zero on the scale was lit so I drove onto it. Van is just a hair over 8000. Curb is 6160, gross is 9960. But all the seats weighed a lot and they're gone. It's still missing a couple hundred pounds of woodwork trim, etc where the hi-top transition is, but I'll be good even after that.

[@JOHN_COSMO]

Nice truck!!! I have Chevy Express 1500 LS AWD high top conversion I've been building it up slowly over the years. wish I had the skills you have ...enjoy God bless and get to South America!!! Any idea when you plan on going to South America or Alaska ? Really look forward to that hope you do a lot more filming show the area and such!!!

[@SlowRoamers]

We’re heading north this summer. We’ll spend most of our time in Northern Canada but will do a short stay in AK, then we head all the way to Argentina at the end of the summer.😁

[@noxtwilight_]

Awesome van, thanks for the tour 🤙

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks for watching!!

[@wahlet]

Best way I’ve found to clean my Raptor lining at a carwash is wet everything down, scrub with the foaming brush, and rinse. But yeah, good luck getting a good wash in Mexico! My raptor tore up a few hombres’ hand scrub rags!

[@SlowRoamers]

Daaaang. Man, I’m so stoked to wash the van again. Pretty sure ol’Betty is caked is salt.

[@stacky512a]

Cover shot with pretty girl, and today’s video, no pretty girl. 😢

[@HD.Adventuring]

Garbage stool- GENIUS. Might be stealing that one.

[@SlowRoamers]

Bahaha, that was Meg’s idea!

[@TheWanderingWelder]

Definitely my favorite build and couple to keep up with 🤘you guys are awesome!

[@alistairjackson7658]

Hey, nice van man. I wanna see it in a year! A Betty look-alike? Glad Alex has been able to inspire you. You've seen the DIY Build Series playlist, right?

[@SlowRoamers]

Awww man, thank you. So stoked you’re enjoying the journey. We won’t disappoint, go some big plans ahead.😉

[@TheWanderingWelder]

@@alistairjackson7658 thank you! I sure have I’ve been following them almost since the beginning love these guys ❤️

[@alistairjackson7658]

@@TheWanderingWelder so good to hear. Thanks for being one of the faithful!

[@luisramirez2263]

Sexiest paint job around.

[@SlowRoamers]

You know it.😉

[@buscampers]

Great video. That rack on the back has me thinking now lol

[@SlowRoamers]

Hehe, good, let the inspiration thrive. 😁😁

[@craighusted1511]

who makes the fridge?

[@SlowRoamers]

It’s a SetPower fridge.

[@brianshaw2914]

only criticism i have is the weight......my goal is too reduce weight everywhere possible.....you have beautiful van, well done....

[@SlowRoamers]

I can’t disagree with you one bit. After this I was keenly aware of the negative effects the vans weight had on our ability to pull through stuff. I’ll be shedding as much as I can in the near future.

[@wahlet]

The only reason I watched this video was to see the pee funnel again. 😍

[@SlowRoamers]

Bahahaha, I get that.🤣

[@malazkm]

Where did you get your mattress from?

[@SlowRoamers]

It was a used latex mattress that we cut into four pieces then my mom made th covering.

[@birdden4x4ambulanceoverland]

Another great video guys. Awesomeness

[@SlowRoamers]

Thanks guys!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@antigroundhogday]

Thank you for going over your van in detail! Could you address the following for your next Q&A video (or here in the comments, I selfishly won't mind!)? - What is the interior standing height of your van now that it is finished inside? - What is your opinion on the minimum tire/suspension mods, and recovery gear, general tools (u have carpentry and mechanics tools I see) for overlanding in Baja on a budget (your mods are super nice, but cost a bit)? - What has been your avg. monthly budget while on the road in various places? - What was your unmolested MPG and current MPG with mods? - What would you change at this point if you could? - If you started over and you didn't already have the Chevy, would you go with the same make/model van while considering reliability, purchase price, upgrade costs, and parts availability outside the US? Heck, what are your thoughts on a truck camper for your adventures vs. a van?

[@SlowRoamers]

Whew, ok, that is a lot of questions! I think it might be best to do a Q&A video for all the viewers. Keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks and thank you for watching!

[@antigroundhogday]

@@SlowRoamers currently in Santiago, Chile with my wife longing to return to the US and start a build. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and GL with the channel and your travels! 🤙

[@mh5858]

I am wondering what kind of insurance you have for your van?

[@SlowRoamers]

We’re using Baja Bound insurance while in Mexico.

[@mh5858]

Sorry, what I meant is do you have normal auto insurance or RV insurance or ??

[@SlowRoamers]

Just normal insurance. We probably my quality for RV insurance but haven’t been inspected yet.

[@reidcrosby6241]

Not all companies will insure "camper vans" domestically. Erie won't, State Farm will.

[@quigglychildree5495]

🤪 *Promo SM*

[@mysticfishinglens]

following from Vancouver Island - I have a GMC 3500 extended and am stoked to head for Baja this coming winter. We have enjoyed the island, California, and midwest but can't wait to enjoy Baja and am tracking your journeys there with pencil in hand :) enjoying your story and channel.

[@alistairjackson7658]

Hello from Quadra!

[@SlowRoamers]

Radical! Thanks for following along. We’re on our way, slowly, back to the island now. Very much looking forward to seeing green again. You’re gonna love Baja!

[@mysticfishinglens]

@@alistairjackson7658 howdy - had some great camps on quadra, one at -5 during that cold snap 2 yrs or so back. Beauty place!

[@mysticfishinglens]

@@SlowRoamers especially with a fishing rod and kayak :) next step raptor in army green, very tempted to high top (saw your link to friends in WA) and diff lock. If I win lottery go 4x4 😁

[@mysticfishinglens]

@@SlowRoamers “slowly is the way” drive safe and enjoy

[@cwetfeet]

How is the propane tank connected to the stove and heater?

[@SlowRoamers]

Copper hardline run underneath the body, T’d off before it enters the cab.