Rich's Box Truck to RV

This video is a little long, but goes through the project from start to finish and summarizes the overall build. The project is about 90% complete.

[@OrganistRichardBunbury]

Excellent build! Beautiful aesthetics! I would want a bathroom and give up part of the corner behind the driver’s seat.

[@lilymcmillan7004]

This is ONE OF THE NICEST CONVERSIONS I'VE SEEN !! It really does feel like "THE RITZ." 😎 I definitely think the butternut table should stay. I just LOVE all the gorgeous wood !! I wouldn't change a thing. 👍

[@tracischeelk29]

Absolutely one of my favorites as well, and I have watched several hundred! He did such a good job presenting too for us to envision why. It was perfect pace, as one that is not visual could really take it in to see for themselves how to plan.

[@rich2222]

Thank you both very kindly. "The Ritz". I like that. I think our RV has a new name!

[@kylennelson5043]

I realize I'm kinda randomly asking but does anybody know of a good site to watch new movies online?

[@jonahmarc5153]

@Kylen Nelson Flixportal

[@kylennelson5043]

@Jonah Marc thanks, I signed up and it seems to work =) I really appreciate it !

[@mariawinzler]

I will say, out of all the box trucks I have seen so far on youtube and on other videos, this box truck looks the best so far. Thank you for showing us your home away from home!!!!

[@tradmanmike3360]

GLAD I WATCHED THIS VIDEO! THAT RED OAK PANELING IS GORGEOUS! GREAT, SIMPLE SOLUTIONS! THAT'S WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT TO DIY PERSON WITH SOME SKILL AND REAL DETERMINATION! GOOD STUFF!!!!

[@Josho922]

you cracked me up when you said i learnt off ebay i was like wtf how then your correction up had me in pure stitches ohhh its made my day !!

[@DougFenrich]

WOW, The Cleanest Box ride I have ever seen! ! ! I am so wanting to do this!

[@corry7040]

As others have commented, this is by far the best box truck build I've ever seen. One comment about the Buddy heater. From experience, do not let propane sit in the hose for more than a few weeks. It will start to dissolve the hose lining and clog the heater jets. You can more or less throw the heater in the trash (or buy parts near as expensive as a new heater). To avoid this you need to turn off the gas supply and let the heater "run out of gas". For others, consider building a loft bed and put the "great room" underneath. This will create space for an SSS (S**t, Shower, Shave), aka "bath" room. Although having many feet of head-room above the bed is great, space in a small RV is precious...

[@jerryhofstra6894]

I have watched thousands of nomad/rv/road living vids and this build is in the top 10

[@frankiebeech5577]

Thank you for the motivation to finish my own box truck conversion. I've lost a little bit of the wind in my sails but you are definitely right. It is about the journey and I've really enjoyed learning about all of the different systems. Great job!

[@rich2222]

I have lost a little wind in my sail for this project myself the past few months. Life's priorities change. But I am not tracking my time, and I have no deadline. Yes indeed, enjoy the journey whatever it is.

[@tricountymusiccenter]

awesome, my first box truck was a '79 ford 14'. it turned out great, I'm on my way to go look at a 2008 today. All you gotta do is stay focused and they are cool

[@helened6896]

Superior to anything I've seen. The design and functionality is incredible . Really love it.

[@missy3609]

I love your setup, the way you have the "great room", "kitchen", then "bedroom". and that the bed is at a normal height. Great job, its really beautiful!

[@rich2222]

Thanks so much!

[@cabovercamperdarrenthomas1286]

excellent craftsmanship

[@jeffattty426]

cabover camper darren thomas t

[@Eleivana777]

Love the interior woodwork. That color of wood just makes the interior so warm and inviting. Wonderful work. Can't wait to see the finished project.

[@sebastianshaw210]

Really good woodwork. Thanks for sharing

[@FLAWDAJAY2003]

Damn dude I was not expecting that inside. Awesome work man.

[@kathymack3791]

It looks amazing, Rich. Excellent craftsmanship and I like the simplicity of the sitting area.

[@nyxdoc2801]

Hi Rich, We love your videos here in Iran. We learned so much from you. With lots of respect from Iran 🇮🇷

[@tamaraweber3296]

Very smart ideas 💡. The back window with the picture, skylights and exhaust fan. Your woodwork is awesome 👏. Fantastic heating at the foot of the bed. Love ❤️ the walk through wood frame👍. Enjoy 😊

[@michaelalvarado597]

Hey Rich! I agree with everyone else... Excellent craftsmanship! I started shouting at the screen when you showed the problem propping up that door. "I've got a solution!" It's a small c-shaped bracket thatgoes between the door and the piston. Draw a "c" on a piece of paper 3in tall. Make the c 1 inch thick. Put a hole in the lower end for the piston and attach the upper end to the door.(you figger how). When you close the door the piston compresses then decompresses just a little and holds door closed as an added bonus. I'd mail you a pic but I bet you can see it. Put piston in usual place when mounting

[@luckyfinds1]

WOW, RICH, AWESOME BUILD SO FAR. Thanks for sharing.

[@janetspell1396]

This is beautiful!!! I would love to travel around in this truck conversion.

[@michaelblasi9412]

Excellent job Rich, I have been watching from the beginning. Good to see it coming down the home stretch. You will have many years of travels with it, and it is one of a kind. Very impressive!

[@nunyabiznaz833]

Had to like the video before the conversion tour started because I LOVE your dogs!🐕🐺🐶

[@nancywolfe1983]

I think you have done a fantastic job. Very much like a cabin.

[@angelgeeks]

Nice! Appreciate your willingness to share and give back!.

[@brandonleesanders]

This is one of the most professionally finished box trucks I've seen. Most look like a school project. This one looks like a Best Western 👌🏽

[@joycependleton589]

Very nice! Love how you included Duke in you video.💞🐾🐾💞

[@maryolson3677]

I love the skylights and back windows. I thought it would look dark and dismal but it's wonderful.

[@jman6030]

That's a cool camper!great work man 😉

[@cheekyoziechick]

Everyone needs a box truck in their life. It is really cozy.

[@jamiesmith1343]

It's perfect!!! What a wonderful build! Thank you for sharing your gifts! Great video

[@dmwi1549]

Awesome job! Thanks for sharing.

[@ejazali3441]

As of the sleeping and eating, bathroom is another major human requirement. Such an impressive work and a wonderful RV but without a bathroom is incomplete.

[@beezytalkingshit9319]

agreed.

[@Psalm_27.4]

Ejaz Ali I agree, too!

[@MichelleLevasseur]

Yup gotta agree as well. No need for stealth but even if there was I would gladly trade that in for a bathroom and windows. Can't do without windows. If you can't see the view, why bother to go anywhere? I couldn't live in this but I do appreciate you sharing your work on the RV.

[@DereksAwesomeLife]

Theres public facilities everywhere. Why sit inside a camper and look out when you can actually go out and see everything?

[@327h7]

I second that .

[@scotthowe4659]

Very nice good work I got a project too 80 Winnebago 16 footer one of 490 I love working on mine too I'm about 70 percent done you got another subscriber .

[@susanhernandez8088]

Gorgeous! Love all the woodwork! 👍👍👍 Looks very well made! Love the decor! Very clever, thanks for sharing...

[@theyliedtoyou4270]

Amazing work there mate, great stuff. Thank you.

[@kansascat321]

nice work. should be a ton of fun to camp and travel in.

[@margaretstewart3255]

beautiful work....thanks so much for letting in on your work and plans and life....

[@JohnAvantiBK]

nice rig and set up. The port o poddy was a good idea.

[@markmoorhead1442]

Good job, love the woodwork!

[@nelsonrivera2438]

If you make a murphy bed ,you could add a pop out bathroom using the same concept of the bed

[@biggp181]

Love what you did with the door and the propane/ electric boxes. Smart thinking!!

[@krisley5178]

Beautiful execution Rich. So well done. You should be proud. And It's so true what you said about it being difficult to remain enthused about a project. No one ever talks about that, but it happens to me with almost every project is seems. Great stuff Rich. Thanks for sharing!👍👍

[@como5555]

very nicely done....love the craftsmanship...

[@musingsfromthehill9030]

Greatjob

[@MyCatsR2Crazy]

It's beautiful, you've done a wonderful job. Couple feet longer and you could a had the bathroom but you have something in the interim and you can always do a portable shower inside if you need too

[@isaiahbangura4421]

People add showers in Transit and Promaster vans

[@scottdonnelly1734]

Great video and nice presentation! Thoughtful design elements and nice detail and quality workmanship. Look forward to updates! Thank you for sharing - very inspiring. Safe and happy travels!

[@scottdonnelly1734]

PS. Loved the dog fetching interruptions!

[@cddart21]

Beautiful job,can’t wait to see it finished. Congratulations on a job well done!

[@roadhog4948]

Very nice build👍

[@tamicalder3221]

BTW, Rich, there is a little latch that alot of RV stores carry that you can attach and then it just clips your door upright for you while you are getting into the storage areas.

[@LindaSChastain]

Fantastic Build and you've given me some excellent ideas. I'll look now for more to watch a finished segment. Safe Travels and much happiness. Hugs

[@girldread78]

That's ceiling is EXCELLENT!!! I love all the wood work too! Looks warm and cozy without feeling dark like some all wood builds I've seen. Great job!!

[@vanessaboman8143]

Love this video.. Just found your KZbin channel... Wonderful..

[@ericobannon2235]

Use magnets to hold the electrical door outside open.

[@corry2039]

Great idea, Eric. 2" rare earth disc magnet inside the box and inside the door. That way they're both hidden when closed (-:

[@kenbarnett8189]

I think Rich did the right thing with the prop sticks, no fuss no muss. Magnets just add more junk on the exterior, though my solution would have been an attached bar that slid down from the door, Rich's solution works perfect!

[@rich2222]

Thanks Ken. The trouble with magnets is that the door latch keeps the open door a few inches from the side of the truck. The door does not get close enough for the magnets to attract. So for now... the stick is working just fine.

[@socialmediagoon892]

Why dont these dudes ever say how much they purchased the truck for?

[@nathanchildress5596]

@@socialmediagoon892 Because it's easy to look up. Around me you can get retired trucks from $7,000 for a beat one with 200K miles up to $15,000 for a nice fresh one with low miles. look on Penske, U-Haul, eBay, Craigslist, etc.

[@gregggpinc.8989]

Rich! You are a true craftsman! One the best I've sEen! Thank You For Sharing! Congratulations To You And Your Wife! All Inspiring! My truck is next!

[@bsdgodgivenrights1181]

Thank you I specifically liked the wooden dowels to hold the door open simple and keep cost of building down

[@notkeith123]

"The Great Room" and leopard print curtains???? lol Where's the wine cellar? lol And shall I pass the Grey Poupon? lol Great job! I'm doing something similar but in a uHaul. If your furnace doesn't work out, try the chinese diesel heater. People are raving.

[@CMCrockett]

That's why you needed the 18' - the bathroom. Put a rod across the open back doors, hang a curtain, run a handheld under the bed and youre all set. This is probably the best conversion of anything on youtube.If you could, I'd appreciate a view of the inside with just the skylight leds on at night.

[@youtubecommentpolice2043]

lionhiker there are smaller length with showers. Plenty of ideas out here.

[@youtubecommentpolice2043]

lionhiker anything on KZbin????? Come on. Yes it's nice but there's millions. WITH a shower be honest not ass kiss. But in fairness. Its built well.

[@tracischeelk29]

It's all a matter of one's priorities. I'd absolutely forgo the inside shower and use a bucket to have this layout and beauty. For my own tastes and priority, the only thing I would change, is the sitting area to be for my desk with seat and a swing big screen. It would be able to compact. Or, I'd have a couch that turns into a bed (I'm 5'3 and 120lbs where the sitting area is. I'd keep the isle open where the bed is now with storage on both sides. Maybe a murphy bed. I like that the shower can be outside using the doors. There'd even be a nook for a seat, where underneath is the porta potty. I'd rig a table outside, just like he did for the doors, that I would use to cook with outside. Maybe where the sink is now, I'd have an extension that turns into a desk, a pullout so I could sit next to it with my big screen on the wall and ability to swing for viewing from my bed across the way. The heck with the stove and shower inside. I can cook outside hooked to propane, and use a folding oven box. Voila. I plan to get 18' - 20' for the box. I may go as high as 24, but don't think so. I need to work from it daily and have two cats that will be on long leashes that will come in and out as they please during the day. I'd manage to have dual screen ability at the end too, so in the early and dark eve, I could open the doors for full air. :) Someone else might not like how I've used the space, but it would work best for me. :)

[@jax-zm1bb]

Older folks need a toilet in the night often.

[@absolutecowitness6608]

Very nice craftsmanship, nice build. Get her done and go out and enjoy her. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@donwyates]

Man, what a gorgeous rig you've built! I'm glad I found your channel. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@kayceegreer4418]

Hey, you! Don't be shamed those are some dang fine door-holderuppers! And be ye thankful, right?

[@tracischeelk29]

Easy and inexpensive door-holder-uppers! They look clean enough. I LOVE the simplicity and ease of how he converted the doors and nooks.

[@crywhit4619]

Wow, for just a hobby you did an amazing job! That red oak is gorgeous!

[@kevinlaw826]

People's creativity and skill never ceases to amaze me, this is awesome

[@tracybrown2115]

Beautiful work! Glad to hear you are from Wisco!

[@ginamartindale8095]

That looks awesome and great job. Can't wait to see the rest.👍🤘✌❤

[@DiHandley]

A stealth RV! Love it. You’ve done a fine job there Rich. Thanks for sharing. Australia 🇦🇺👍

[@morganmacdonald8512]

Looks great. I am concerning starting a cube van conversion myself. Love the sky lights as it really brightens up the truck without adding extra windows.

[@beverlyhigh620]

Really like the look of the oak, warm and inviting. I'm sure you've heard, excellent detail and craftsmanship.

[@martingindulis5310]

I,m very impressed0

[@davidevans8826]

Wow it looks amazing good for you dude !! it’s gonna be a nice vehicle to travel around the country ,camping on the weekends beauty!!!

[@crusherjones6809]

The inside of your van is absolutely breath-taking. Wonderful work.

[@desertangelfish140]

Awesome woodwork, nicely done. Best I've seen so far!

[@tayfan2]

I also have probably watched hundreds of RV conversion vids & yours is beautiful, functional & versatile. Your windowless truck is what aids in the stealthability. You are literally hiding an RV in a box truck. WELL DONE!! I could see three people in this comfortably with an air mattress on the floor. I love the siting area. Will there be a big screen tv?

[@rich2222]

Thanks for your kind words. You could sleep three, but it is just for my wife and I. Big screen TV is now installed.

[@tracischeelk29]

Where did you put the big screen t.v.? On a swivel/extender? We'd all LOVE to see the new additions. You could just do a short one and point people to this video. So they start with the finished and last additions to see this video. If my husband (not married), built us a truck like this, It would sure intensify my commitment to pamper him. You have lots of cookies and kisses coming your way.

[@standraiveyjones3670]

Three people and no bathroom???

[@patti9392]

What a wonderful job! Do you plan on adding a bathroom?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Stealth camping seems a wonderful way to live and it was ...at one time. When I started in 1995 it was no problem to drift around and cleverly hide in plain sight. Nowadays it is not so easy. The police routinely investigate trucks parked on an industrial street and security services routinely check out trucks parked in business parking lots. The longest number of successive days I ever experienced without being woke up in the middle of the night for an explanation was ...ten days. There are some places where the mobile lifestyle is welcome such as most of Alaska yet do not try it in Oakland or Berkeley, CA. Your best bet is to mooch-dock in a friends driveway IF the local ordinances allow RV's in the area. See you on the road!

[@loryscott1483]

Great video, love your work. I have been pounding the idea into my husband's head of living out our retirement on wheels instead of retirement villages, homes, etc. A box truck is my first choice. His choice is a standard, ready made, everyone has one, type of RV. We would have to purchase used, many years old and they always come with terrible problems, leaks, mold, etc. So no way will I live in an old Winnabago. I have finally found a wonderful mechanic that will help us buy a solid, road worthy truck and can do the few problems I am willing to overlook when we find our "new" home. As to the build out, we will have to utilize Ikea ready mades but I think we will have an attractive living space anyway. For the bathroom, I will do portable until we get the feel of how we will be most comfortable with all the sleeping, eating relaxing areas. Then perhaps enclose a small area for the toilet, sink. The shower, no problem, we live in Florida and an outdoor shower sounds refreshing and fun. Well, thanks again for a great video, enjoy your time with your lovely "RV" truck and remember, your build out could have been a million dollars and the internet is full of butt pains that will find something to gripe ( probably the million bucks, lol) about. Plenty of conversions I have seen leave off a bathroom and use other ideas. Good luck on your travels.

[@rich2222]

Thanks for your comments Lory. It sounds like you have some wonderful dreams and passions. Don't lose them!

[@epknight7833]

It's always better to finish than to start! Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@CURVEDGLASS123]

This could go on all day. Brilliant.

[@ronblack9615]

I know this is 2 years old but this guy must be a engineer just a brilliant conversion

[@MrChangeordie]

3:39 was my favorite part with the dog "This could go on for awhile " dog runs off and brings back the frisbee 😂👍

[@kellyandjulieelander5523]

I love that you have skylights! Especially important since you don't have many windows. Great idea!!

[@kenolsen1845]

Nice work 👍👍

[@michaelo1907]

Awesome

[@kimpierre7977]

Nice!

[@carriedugan6769]

Wow!! Very Nice!! Have fun on the road!!

[@boxvango9021]

Hey Rich, I wanted to say thanks for your videos, and for the inspiration you've given to myself, and the KZbin community. Very cool truck! I'm hoping to find myself one of those!

[@eccentricdetectorists9754]

@ 6:09 he finally shows the inside of the box truck......

[@rich2222]

I think it's more like @9:55. Oh the suspense!

[@susannad27]

rich because you are in a cold climate you may want to make insulated panels to fill in your skylights to avoid condensation i know from experience i live in canada

[@rich2222]

Thanks for the suggestion Susanna. I have noticed condensation on the skylights when I run the big buddy heater. That thing really throws moisture into the air. If I use the Suburban furnace the air remains much dryer. Insulation panels would also keep things warmer as the skylights are quite a thermal hole.

[@wallacemurray134]

i was wondering about this too. could you use a clear panel as insulation/thermal barrier?

[@tracischeelk29]

Absolutely STUNNING, IMPECABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND DESIGN, AND EXTRAORDINARILY FUNCTIONAL. Thank you! Would you describe where and how the insulation panels would go to both insulate and prevent the condensation? I don't understand. i LOVE those skylights. They totally take the design up from perfect to spectacular. Your video also wasn't too long. You also did a great job presenting with all the details. I have a VERY difficult time visualizing. You were so helpful in what you created, even though I will change some things for my own, because of my own priorities with work and storage vs. resort look (I must sacrifice). I wrote how I'd adjust for my needs above, not to change what you should have done. I couldn't have seen it clearly without what you've done and shown so clearly. No bouncing camera, and enough time to take in the articulate details.

[@Sig721Tau]

Rich Next video, you should show us what your RV feels/looks like with you inside while the doors are closed at day/night time. We need to see how much light the skylights give you during these times.

[@edwardmcclelland5519]

Nice job! Lotta work! Kudos!

[@lukes7027]

Great job man! You really made a dynamite little home there!

[@margemargie9891]

the red oak paneling does look very nice....great tip. Thank you for sharing your information and giving a tour of your RV. Nice job.

[@rich2222]

Thank you Marge

[@Philip_Early_Retirement]

Wow! One of the most nicely thought out build. Very nice. Good for retirement tour around north America.

[@jimf2842]

Good job, am impressed with the simplicity and care.

[@iknowheis]

This is very pretty inside. The wood is attractive. Nice and open!

[@A-HotSauce]

Nice work and good advice about the pace and managing expectations and not giving up on your mission.

[@crabby117]

I like how clean your electrical area is. Nice work!

[@synsilver3315]

Rich, thanks for the inspiration since my friend has been considering a Box Truck Conversion. You are a Craftsman, and it shows with the foresight and detail in your work. Can't wait to see the " relatively final product " ( but we know such projects are actually always ongoing ), and seeing your travels and enjoyment. Thanks again, Syn Silver.

[@rich2222]

Thank you for the kind words Syn. We will be on the road next week, but I don't know that the camera will be rolling. I want to keep these videos focused on the build and not my boring adventures. But you are right... such projects seem to be ongoing. Any new videos will be focused on the project.

[@DonnaCrow-HealingSchool]

Really nice. Like the comfy looking Great Room chairs. Good job.

[@marysstilllearning5803]

I love it absolutely gorgeous very inventive, gave me quite a few ideas thank for showing your work. Awesome craftsmanship,

[@MrMeddle2243]

one of the best looking vans I've seen, thanks for sharing it

[@Edgar-Friendly]

BEST thing for projects like this is to PLAN it out from the beginning. SEE the inevitable pinch points and have a realistic time-frame. Do not just go along willy-nilly. PLAN.....and a PLAN will have some wiggle room for contingencies but you will have the right mindset to deal with nearly everything that could happen. Car restorers run into this often - Last 10% takes 90% effort. PLAN.

[@themysterysuk2097]

Just watched the whole video, good job mate, keep up the good work and show us when it's finished.