Savana Camper Van Tour

This is a van tour of our 05 GMC Savana. Check out other videos for the Awning and Room Tent
If you wish to see any better footage of the van please drop in the comments below.

[@jeremygraves7982]

one of my favorite builds I've seen

[@SaidiLouise]

What a marvelously spectacular build!!!!! Doggie is the winning feature!!!

[@ExploringthWorld]

This is amazing! I would buy this van in a heartbeat.

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

One of the best setups ive seen so far. I just got a very similar van and Im not 100% sure what to do with it yet, but I will be using a lot of these idea.

[@martinstreasurehunting]

Nice Job like the pocket doors that separate the cab.

[@davidarevalo3027]

I cracked up with their bloopers thanks for the video a lot of great ideas

[@torriebrown9607]

Beautiful home. So well organized. Cute roommate.

[@sashanealand8315]

I like how the roofrack extends over the back for shade

[@jessejames9576]

Perfect space. Really like the GMC.

[@docink6175]

Im in the process of building a van to live in, your build is the closest Ive seen to what I want, thanks for sharing!!

[@charliestrickland6194]

I was so happy to see this video! I saved your build out video because it was the best design I've seen. I wanted to copy everything you did(hope you take that as a compliment) however, I quickly realized my Astro is much shorter than the Savanna. So, I'm trying to figure out how to condense and still make it as useable as yours. Thanks so much for giving precise details. And...you do just fine on camera!

[@keithrose7334]

That bed is slick... nice job

[@Locd4life707]

You did a GR8T job on your van! 👍

[@allthingsnu4673]

You did a beautiful job! I also like the tent you had on the outside at the end of the video... very nice setup!

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Nice build. Simple but functional. And I like the way you put the screen house on the side. That is perfect for nice nights when you just want to sit outside and relax without the mosquitoes eating you alive. Thanks for making this video.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Nice side tent, well done!

[@angelalane8678]

Great job. Creative and cozy.

[@burlmapleleafs]

Right on Right on Nice build Sir Burlington Ontario

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks

[@SOSsmokedoutsam]

😂😂😂 I was so confused about the laundry at first lol

[@Hoplite9]

Well done. Thanks for making this video. I’m considering doing a van build and I like the Savannah. It’s just me and and my Golden Retriever, it doesn’t have to be fancy. You have a lot of fabrication talent, and a great dog.

[@rowdysgirlalways]

You did great! Your build is marvelous! You may not have planned the video, but your van shows good planning and careful thought in each aspect. It's a lovely van.

[@sassypackratstudios361]

Great build! Love the table design.

[@johnwitt586]

Great job on your van build! Looks like you put a lot of thought into it! Thanks for sharing!

[@Kilkenny1923]

Back when I lived out of a cooler, I used one with a drain port I attached to a short piece of garden hose which drained through the floor of the van. That way all I ever had to do was add ice and my food was never swimming in ice water. Also, roof vents also come with steel covers. I bought mine to block inconvenient street lights. I watched the whole video to learn about your screen house attachment. Not a word was said about it.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks for watching the videos. That is a cool idea with the cooler, I thought about it but worry about more holes in my van, haha. We are going to post a video tomorrow about the awning and screen attachment set up. Stay tuned

[@212caboose]

This is a SWEET set up!

[@mysticfishinglens]

you deserve that beer after all that camera work - you did great :) watched because I have a 3500 extended and I'm slowly building it into a hybrid work / pleasure. Stay warm with your artic air .... its hitting us full blast on Vancouver Island right now

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thank you! I hope to someday visit Vancouver Island with the van.

[@mysticfishinglens]

@@AlaskaCamperVan check in when you do

[@crazygrandma2972]

We have a white Chevy express low top too. You did an outstanding build out. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@sabrinafife2000]

Wow you did a great job, beautiful wood work one of the best van builds I seen yet

[@user-rm9mo7rb8l]

I got several good ideas for my build. Thank you.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Glad to hear it!

[@mikestone9129]

Awesome build. Thanks for all the great ideas.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks!

[@shanemulligan3571]

Awesome build, we did something similar with rope in our van build. Really like your set up!

[@MagicCatJinx]

This is the best cargo van layout I’ve seen! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m doing a rebuild on my Ford Econoline and you’ve given me so many great ideas! 💜 it!

[@Aguynamemiguel]

Nice tour and nice setup 👍

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Wow! Very nice build! I would’ve never have imagined there could be so much storage space in a low roof van! So much you’ve built that is just mind blowing to me! I’ll be going full time soon and would LOVE to have you build out my future Promaster 159” in a complete stealth build! Don’t worry about how the video turned out..it was just fine and very informative! Thanks for sharing! ~Jim~

[@denniscoughlin7437]

Love how dark it is in there! Great build.

[@tamarahackworth5568]

I love it! The screened in area is a fantastic idea! I love your dog! She looks so sweet! I wish you happiness!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thank you so much! What a kind comment.

[@shlomiamsili5]

Amazing 🤩 Thanks for sharing

[@flgirl250]

Amazing Build

[@rottie6900]

Amazing built!

[@bque9444]

Thank you for sharing. I just finished installing the first layer of polyiso foam insulation on my 2005 Savanna, by myself. I have a steel cargo partition with swinging door (wish it was sliding door). You have put a lot of work into your conversion. I like the rear opening cupboards plus multi access refer cupboard. I also like the side door easy access to gray water and garbage, so practical.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

I wish I would have done more videos of building the van. Did you check out my video of the photos i took during the build?

[@chip582002]

The best sink I've ever seen in a van. Everyone always gets those tiny sinks, which in my opinion they are useless.

[@r.d.ontheroad-1094]

I think you did a fantastic job of your video on the Van!

[@faze_buendia9514]

You did a great job! On the video and on the van build, your vehicle is really quite exquisite I absolutely love it! I'm an Alaskan as well and am currently working on renovating our RV. I don't know for sure, I've never lived anywhere 'Down South' as we call it, but I think it's gotta be harder to do things like this up here where there is no Home Depot, IKEA, Lowes, or same day delivery. So even more kudos to you for building such a great van conversion, I know one sometimes has to get creative when acquiring materials.

[@roaming_bob8591]

Great setup.

[@slackdaddy1912]

Very Nice Job!

[@daizamaker-jerrybraswell1997]

Nice! I really like your set up!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks!

[@garegardner6782]

Great video.. Im looking forward to more

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Awesome, thank you!

[@davoshaunessy3428]

Love the stealth factor plus the side tent I always wanted to see some kind of shower set up with the 2 back swinging doors

[@r.d.ontheroad-1094]

Get some semi soft rubber to put under your water pump, that should quiet it down considerably. Great work you've done. great ideas!

[@FloridaOverland]

I have been looking at van designs for years. This build is perhaps the best build I've seen so far... I am 6'2" and sleeping sideways is not possible. Your design I am able to create a sleeping space for me... Also, all of the detail, use of space is just great. I enjoyed the video, your van build and I agree with a lot of folks here... your "puppy" added the perfect touch... Thanks for the video.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks for the comment. Our first cheap build, we built the bed in the back, width ways. I wasn’t comfortable, had to lay diagonal with my head and feet up against the cold wall. Helpful hint. Get a good measurement of your height when sitting. Plan your bed height to ceiling a inch or two bigger than that. You will less likely bump your head.

[@millerlisa1]

​@@AlaskaCamperVan would like to see the bed a little better... do you have a video of the build? Thanks!

[@donnataliercio7080]

That was the best of all of them

[@qweenbailey560]

Love the van build, thts exactly hw I wud wnt my van 2 look. I wish he cud build out mines whnevr I get one!!!!🤞🏽😜

[@lolafalana3636]

Nice build.

[@thomasharhen2168]

Great video bro!!!@

[@wabinagi]

Amazing!

[@monirep5359]

Great job 🥰🥰

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thank you!

[@leisacrawford8090]

Good job, dude!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks for the comment. We haven’t posted a video in a while, but we like the nice comments.

[@darryldoesit966]

Wow, Ive seen a lot of van builds since im in the same process but I have to say this is the nicest...most well thought out and quality build Ive ever seen. Not sure if you did the outdoor screened in area in a build type way since you didnt mention anything about that living lounging area? Maybe you have a separate video on that, I will check your other vids...BRAVO !!!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Yeah, check out the other videos. I’ll gladly try to answer any questions. If I can still remember 😉

[@Veolfa]

Nice video

[@aphmaple2348]

partition, pullout table, under-van wiring

[@terri-bl5zn]

Im in Anchorage and for my birthday I'm doing this ,gotta find the rig by summer🤟

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Right on. Got most of my supplies from SBS, Lowes, and amazon. Alot of the wood I used, I got from local glass shops. They have wood crates they typically through away made from 2x4 and 2x6. Greg Virgoe videos are good for insulating, and Will Prowse videos for electrical.

[@leilal8053]

I like the cover 😮for the sink. I can't stand seeing a massive sink the moment you open the 🚪 door. When I saw the cresent moon like on an outhouse. I thought it was your bathroom......partially correct. 😅

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks, I thought a simple closet door would have been too boring.

[@cantseeusprius9069]

Love it

[@rondamon8004]

Great doggie! Great build would be a lot more comfortable with proper height for head room, high top maybe?

[@darrellfort1668]

awesome

[@howardkarp206]

Great design, the sink, sliding bulkhead doors and especially the table also like the cooler compartment dual access. What would you think about bulk head doors that both slide behind the drivers door so you could put in a swivel seat, and given the excellent build of your van would you opt for a high top next time?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks for the comment. I had a few different ideas when planning the bulk head wall. One of the ideas was to tuck the doors behind the driver seat, so we could have a swivel. The idea was to make telescopic door panels, where the edges would interlock like a French cleat, this would help prevent light coming through. It would slide over and lock into a DIY wood door jamb. The reason we chose not to do this was because we didn’t like idea of the swivel seat’s base making the seat higher, and the bulkhead wall thickness would have been thicker. High Top? They seem nice and I see the appeal. If one was available we probably would have considered buying one, but I really like my roof top storage/deck. It allows me to bring more stuff, and it give me a place to put wet and dirty stuff. Plus with the ARB awning and the attached screen room gives us plenty of space for standing. Thanks again for the questions.

[@allrightsreserved3237]

I’m in the process of building one of these… man these electricals scare the heck outta me. Why does it look so high tech? And sure woulda liked to see some spiced potatoes, lol. Beauty build!!!!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

I recommend looking up Will Prowse on KZbin. I watched a lot of videos about electrical. I found his videos to help the most.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks for the comment

[@allrightsreserved3237]

@@AlaskaCamperVan I ordered a solar kit with just one 100watt panel for now, it looked pretty basic on the Amazon crap, hopefully it’s a good starting point. I haws told the main thing is the battery banks, I wanna run a smaller tv in there and of course the fan and a few lights, and one of those little portable air conditioners when necessary. Thanks for all the cubby ideas sir!!! I never thought too much about those.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Excellent build out! I watched two videos and enjoyed them both. Nice use of wood interior (I like the mix of white and light wood). Thanks for making the videos to share your build. I do have a couple of questions, as I am considering a similar van. I am wondering: 1. What weight does the wood and build add to the van? 2. What is the average MPG (fuel economy) after the build (compared to empty before build), when the van is loaded with water/food/gear/etc? I am most interested in highway mileage for trips.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks for the nice comments. I really don't have good answers for you- sorry. I figure we get about 16MPG.

[@joncamp9126]

These are the kind of vans I want to see more of!! I get so sick of people trying to show off vans that cost more than a 2 story 5 bedroom house. I like vans like this that have some character. The insistence on modern people to make everything look modern/industrial/rich is sooooo boring to me. Especially the stupid videos that straight up say…look at my 250k van, I’m 🤑. I love seeing people get creative with the materials the have available rather than van that’s impregnated with Ikea BS. Anyway, great video!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Glad you like our van. It’s a warm dry place for us to sleep, custom to our needs.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Also. I follow this KZbin Vanlife couple "Adventureman Van". They met eachother, each with separeate rigs. But kept it that way to avoid space issues, and convoy together. They don't have to switch to a bus. They have the kayaks, bikes, and all the gear. They sleep in one rig or another, or a tent. They separate to visit family or whatever, and meet back up to convoy. Works out wonderfully in a lifestyle I've been at for 10 years. Where couples haven't often lasted too long. Not you guys, Just sayin.

[@duane4972]

You probably mean "Adventurevanman" Brian and Kelly. He has done a video of my van, watch " Man follows his dreams" video title. You have done a great job with your van.

[@zeussinternational]

Nice..👍

[@nicoletechico3378]

Wish you would’ve showed the tent/extra room thing . I been looking at on Amazon n been wondering if would fit the van . As far height . I have like 1 1/2 -2 lift on my 01 Savana. But great video

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Check my other videos. We did a video for the tent

[@isidorodelapaz8207]

Nice.

[@RetireandGo]

It's a nice set up. The netting must be nice for evening outdoors

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks, Alaskan mosquitos can be brutal, haha. Tomorrow we should have a video up of how we set up our awning and screen tent.

[@hldye7442]

Very Good Build and Design ! Like the Setup and you two have a cool Pup Dog / Type of insulation ?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Savana Camper Van - Sound Damping, MaxxFan/Electrical, Insulation, and Flooring

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Check out our build part 1 video. We talk about how and what we used to insulate.

[@lakayfreddiecastillo2599]

Love your roof rack , did you buy it on Amazon? Love the way you build.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

I bought them on Amazon.

[@ktk2094]

Nice build but your dog kept distracting me. She's so sweet 🐾

[@akfr0zen]

Amazing van build!!!!! I don't suppose you want to build mine do you? I'm in Fai

[@normanmazlin6741]

Your dirty laundry store is genius

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks. I knew there was going to be extra space behind my cooler design. It has served us well! No laundry stink. Keeps us on the road longer.

[@Karinkit0]

Wow ❤️✌🏼

[@rennemichaels2706]

Nicely done. So the screen room is a necessity in Alaska? :)

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Only during mosquito season. :) Late fall we drop the walls, and put the buddy heater in there to keep us nice and warm.

[@mikewk426]

Looks good,I have a 03 chev van im converting, 2 questions #1 how and brand of screen house and #2 your dog? we had a fawn great dane what is she? Mike K

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Thanks. The brand is ARB. I got it through amazon. I added links in the description. Our dog is a Ridgeback/Bloodhound. I should probably do quick video on how I attached the awning and tent to the van.

[@Hoplite9]

@@AlaskaCamperVan my girl is an over loved Golden Retriever, she is 11 years old. She eats well, maybe too well. But she doesn’t lack for love. Both of us don’t have a lot of time left, what we have have left we will not suffer hunger or fear of missing or fear of anything. Much love and respect, my brother. I’m not an overly techy dude, I think I’m a decent mechanic and a pretty fair shot with a firearm If you find yourself in Deep South Alabama, and need a friend, holler. I could be called a little morally ambiguous, but I’m not gay and I like beer, tacos, coffee, firearms and a good smoke. I like that Rock and Roll music, any old way you choose it.

[@hopehope938]

Hello, I do not live in AK but the lower states but even in the state I live in California we have micro climates and different temperatures and elevation’s and I want to insulate. With insulation foam board a over kill. At least three inches of form insulation board on the back doors, I would think the back doors would be a big problem area with the heating and cooling. I want a van that can be used in area’s that get a lot of snow fall. I did not notice what you had for a heater/furnace? I would like to include a mud/snow area in the design of van I want to build. Sorta multiple utility area, that is designed for the water/snow run off clothing,boot, and gear can drain/ a combo of a shower area and a place to wash clothing. Hope

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

We use a propane buddy heater. Works great, it gets warm in our van quick when needed. On nights it gets down to 30 degrees, it's about 58 degrees with no heater, 2 people and a dog. Cool idea about creating yourself a mud room! We sweep our van out constantly to keep the mud down.

[@evacsofie_jc]

♥️♥️♥️

[@TheQueenLioness100]

Awww I want to see tent

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Check my other videos.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Nice, cheaper build for AK. I also follow Timmy on his awsome AK KZbin channel "Truckhouse Life". He built a custom Apres Ski Cabin on the back of his monster flatbed diesel truck. He's out of Girdwood. My L.A. County vanrig is getting an upgrade with my stimulous check money. A no tank, small, thin hotwater heater inside a wooden insert, inside one of my two back van doors. It can be thicker than the door. I connect the water hose, and electrical when showering. I have a welded homemade 4' diameter hula hoop that folds into quarters. I mount it above my back doors, put a shower curtain or two around it. Lay down a foldable floor mat underneath. And I have no indoor space wasted.

[@Thumper7818]

I like the side screen house. Where did you get that?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Amazon. It’s the ARB screen tent for the ARB awning

[@Thumper7818]

@@AlaskaCamperVan looking into it

[@jilllester4049]

Did your van have back air and heat? Did you remove all that before adding your wood ceiling. Please explain. We have one were working on but can't decide on taking the air and heat out. We don't want to lose our cab air and heat. Thank you

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Our van didn’t have any air or heat in the back. I’d probably try to keep it, and build around it in some way. Depending on where you are located those could be a luxury. Also doesn’t the van need to be running for those to work? How often will it be used is a good question.

[@jilllester4049]

Yes the van must be running for it to work. We do not need it at all. And it takes up so much room.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Or, since you already have a pump, get a faucet with a pull off spray head to use as a showerhead on the side doors, like some builds have done.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Yes, our faucet can do that but we recently built a solar shower too. Video to come on that soon.

[@chadparkermusic838]

How do you seal of the tent room to the van to keep bugs out?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Will have a video out tomorrow about how we set up our awning and room tent. Stay tuned.

[@VarsityOverdrive]

Nice job. Welcome to the life. It would be nice to get a man's thoughts on my van book on Amazon titled- Things Change: The Saga of Sara Timms.

[@michaelwhite2823]

It's amazing what you did, but where do I poop when I visit?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Bring a shovel and dig a hole. Lol

[@kristamarshall6399]

Where is the awning tent from ?!

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

ARB

[@aaronsesula2033]

What goes in the top rack ?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

We have our solar panels, cargo carrier on the top. Hope to have a video out tomorrow showing a tour of the top. Stay tuned

[@jimdeporche7027]

Is this an extended chassis?

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Yes it’s the extended savanna

[@johnwolf1475]

why do people always leave out the tool boxes, spare parts, and jacks.... it is a chevy, they break...at the worst possible times

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

I do carry tools for van, electrical issues, and stuff for changing/repairing tires. I’m wondering, what spare parts? I get regular oil changes and my mechanic really looks over my van

[@CaliforniaBushman]

I'd go with a foot pump for water. Pump is overkill. Even expensive sprinter rig people are going with that to avoid pump noise because doing dishes for two or less is so simple. Some just use soap, water, a towel and vinegar to wash dishes in cold climates especially - adventurevan man. And myself, in warm ones.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

My wife loves our pump but yes, a foot pump works just as well.

[@jerryhofstra6894]

I tuned in for the awning and the screen room. 😢

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

I plan on doing a follow up video in September showing more of the van. Including the how the screen room works.

[@AlaskaCamperVan]

Made a video for the awning and screen room