Sprinter Powered by a Portable Generator DIY RV Camper Van

Helping my viewers do their own maintenance and repairs so you can save money by not taking it to the Dealer. If you Like to support the Making of this Videos Please go to Paypal.me/OutO... and any Small Donation will greatly be appreciated.
thank you for your support...

[@huynhtsang]

Hello, I'm from Vietnam, I also thought about living on a truck, but the tropical climate is a big problem until I watch your video, it gives me many ideas. Thanks very much.;)

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

I'm glad I helped you and I hope you get your dream van soon and if you have any questions that I can help you with don't hesitate to ask thank you for watching

[@MrMeanderthal]

I used my 2000 watt Yamaha primarily to power battery charger.. because the battery charger is only 50 amps I use the extra power from generator for other things while charging batteries but as soon as batteries are close to full charge I shut down the generator and use the battery/inverter for power.. on average I only run the generator once every 3 or 4 days for about 5 hours.. it's nice to have power to use and no noise while using it... over many years of trying to find best way to have lots of power cheap and quiet I think 6 golf cart batteries, a 2000 watt inverter and a 2000 watt generator is best.. not too big, not too small and not too much money to buy or run..

[@e.simons6964]

I appreciate your desire to make do with the application/appliances you have! Particularly, your air conditioner! Keep up with the good work!

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

E. Simons thank you and thanks for watching

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

That is the best AC mode I have ever seen. I never thought of taking the condenser off and plumb it outside . Just add a coil guard to protect it. Just remember an AC works best the higher you can put it. I give this a mode a 10. As it has many options to place it anywhere you have space.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Master Chief 00117 thanks Master i really appreciated

[@royalflushecho4243]

The air conditioner is the best vanliving tip i've ever seen on youtube, nice one! It gave me a crazy idea though, I wonder if you can build a generator box on the floor of a van, and have the exaust and air exchange cut into the floor, or if the heat would rise too fast and shutdown the generator. It would sure be a lot quieter than RVs with built in side generators, maybe even quieter than the engine. Subbed, love your other channel too!

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Royal Flush Echo thanks buddy i realy appreciate you watching my 2 channels and yes that is a great idea and im sure it could be done with some thinking. Keep up those great ideas

[@thomas4315]

I got a yamaha 1,000 generator under my ford van right behind the driver seat. There a 13” Chanel between the frame, and before the gas tank hose. I cut a hole above and it has a pulley to pull start from above. 2 gal gas on the side I transfer . It’s build with angle iron. Sit 2” below the bottom of van. I like that set up.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Thats a great idea and the 1000 yamaha is very fuel efficient Thanks for your exelent suggestion

[@thomas4315]

I also found see if you can find 1” foam sheet. I put mine inside the plaster cover. But you can make a fold up cardboard box and line it. Get a boat cutter and rubber cement cut the 1 feet foam in 4. And Each one cut goves at a angle so it look like mountain. The porpose is More surface area and defected at a angle and absorbed. Cut another Square and glue it a diffrent way. Line the inside of the box or generator inside. I quiet mine 10 + it cut out the high sound the piston, air, whining noise. I only hear the deep sound so it sound solid now. Twice as quite. Before it was noisy to watch tv. Now it just a light low drone on a rhythm at Economy mode. They sell these acoustic foam at amazon for home musicians. But can be made.

[@thomas4315]

Cut endless goves on each sheet.

[@carlosespinal1434]

@@thomas4315its safe to running in side with the door close

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

I have a 2300 watt Onan microlight generator built in underneath my 2006 sprinter. This portable in the video is better in every conceivable way except you can't start it from within the van. There are larger generators that are portable yet start with a remote.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Burt Hulbert thanks Burt That a great idea and more convenient agree thanks for your comment

[@MrJfred78]

Nice work with the AC unit!

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Thanks buddy and if you want to check out how I installed it look at my channel and I showed you step-by-step. How I did it thank you for watching again

[@Errror404]

Ahh, thought I heard you say some dude was brave for going from FL to Bimini in a 19 footer. That was you on your other channel! LOL. Anyway, you're killing me with the boating & fishing vids, I'm stuck inside in CT today during a blizzard. Keep up the good work.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Errror404 thats funny you rember the brave guy lol i just was trying to advertise my other chanel without telling people it was me that wau i did not sound pushing. hope you get some great summer days soon so you can get out there and enjoy the outdoors. take care.

[@thomasharrison6367]

I love the simplicity of the build.. brilliant! Would adding those thin flexible solar panels on the roof be any use to you with all that sunshine in south Florida? Also how about a slim roof water tank that heats the water from the sun for a hot shower you could rig up on the inside of a rear door when off grid? And maybe an induction plate to cook on instead of a gas camper? I still can’t get over how simple this build is but with all the mod cons... amazing well done!👍

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Thomas Harrison thank you and those are great ideas I really appreciate your advice

[@nouraabdullah6077]

Love this for getting it

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

thanks for watching👍

[@Dtom-zr9jz]

The ac coil is meant to remove moisture from air which gives you cold air. This means u are not removing humidity from inside the van.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Yes I put a little hose to drain that water all the way to the condenser to cool the condenser with that cold water just like the window AC was design and there's plenty of moisture coming out of inside the van

[@MrRickb04]

This is a great idea but the position of your cooling unit under the van makes it very vulnerable to road hazards like rocks or raised areas on the road. Just have to be careful as you drive but it looks good.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Rick Bernst thanks and you are right but i had this set up in other vans for over 8 years and had no incidents yet ,the sprinter has lage mid flaps that protect alot of flying objects. Thanks for your great comment

[@steveleston1848]

hello Captain on crooked parker I reconizned your voice again. very cool van that AC condenser when you gonna fab some protection from rocks. is your frieg a household 120V AC running off the inverter? my frieg is a 12V DC 120VAC and propane, very expensive to replace (I think I need to replace the freig)you should know the marine RV type frieg in the crooked parker was like $700.+ and that was in the good old days how many watts doe's the frieg use and amp hours per day. I'd like to see you fab a rear bumper bracket for the genney an make it lockable, or having it on the rear bumper will carbon monoxide seep in? nice video my friend.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Hello Steve and yes the 12 v fridge is awesome cap. It runs on 50 amp batteries for over 24 hrs and is 73watts running. And yes the generator bracket is perfect and i made a video on it ,and i have no problems with carbon emissions and i have a carbon monoxide alarm inside the boat. Thanks for watching my second channel cap. 👍😉

[@lindamorgey6736]

On the Avasva you can count on professional help with problems and technical support.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Linda Morgey thanks

[@lindamorgey6736]

I'm glad I could help

[@israelquintero3118]

Nice video cap

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Thanks Israel , you watch my other channel, i know because you called me cap lol😉👍👨‍✈️

[@israelquintero3118]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 I got to this channel looking for some Ideas to make a trip van , no exactly a camper , just need a nice bed a porta potty for emergency and probably a portable a/c with a generator ( saw that in your other channel first) just want something to sleep on my trips and stop paying for a night in a hotel to be there only a few hours thank you cap

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

@@israelquintero3118 that makes sense , why pay for a hotel just to sleep, hope everything comes out great with your build 👍

[@Errror404]

Hey, just found your channel and I've been watching a bunch of your vids. Great minimalist build on that sprinter! Interesting galley layout athwartships along the forward bulkhead. Did I hear you say it's a work truck too? Do you remove the bed/frame when working? Good idea on the A/C mods and generator, I guess you need it in south FL! Thanks.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Errror404 thanks ,i take the bead out and the truck is used for work and i use my kitchen for my lunch time at work and yes here in florida is great because we have the beach very near by. if you like Ocean exploration i will send you my other KZbin Channel so you can take a look at it, i did some modification to my boat to

[@allthingsme9810]

BEST YET

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Thank you Anthony

[@jimmybonifacio6734]

About to ask if the exhaust is ducted! Thanks for showing the window to split system! Nice Van build

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

thanks Jimmy for watching

[@StephStance]

My ac in my van is a lot like this but I got my van off ebay and it was a medical van

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

StephStance does it look the same as mine or is it a wide body fiberglass body

[@germamhernandez4752]

What if you run on to something on the road? You got no protection. It's a great idea don't get me wrong. Still you need a shilled to protect your generator.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

great question but i have big mud flaps that protect from flying debris

[@Rainrainrain17]

Great video. Can you tell me how much is the generator? More power to your channel!

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

RainLefty Gmonster Vlog thank you Is about $550 and it runs my van perfect. thanks for watching my channel

[@kenmackenzie7338]

Hope you see this. Would it be possible to position the compresor below beside the condensor?? Great vlog swill be starting my sprinter hopefully soon

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Awesome you got your Sprinter I hope my videos help and when it comes to putting the compressor in the bottom it could be done but I'd rather have it indoors it's more secure

[@kenmackenzie7338]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 I am looking to see if there is room to cut a section in the floor so i can fabricate a box to housethecompressorinsulateittokeepitquietandalsofitanextrafantokeepitcool. Thats the idea anyway lol I'll also look to see if I can fit the honda generator where the spare wheel is and sound proof that too. So many ideas lol

[@johhny711]

Great videos

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Johnny morris thanks buddy thanks for watching my channel

[@jsmith6259]

Here here

[@kevnrob1]

Having the condenser under the van, do you get any damage from rock, mud or any other debris?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Kevin H no no damage at all I had this AC mounted and another van for 3 years and never had a ding on it the Sprinter van has big mud flaps that protects from any flying rocks towards the condenser so yes well protected never had a problem with it

[@imdyinginside1919]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 what about rain or water

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

@@imdyinginside1919 nothing happens to it works for me perfect

[@mosheg77]

Hi, I'm a new van dweller, interested in a Westinghouse generator (same model as yours) and really need your advice. Could you please tell me how many hours you have on your generator? Did you have ANY problem with this specific brand (Westinghouse), or did you need to fix anything on it (besides maintenance)? Thank you very much and best of luck!

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

to really answer you question look what i use my Westinghouse generator , i power my boat with it, if you like check out my other KZbin channel called OUT ON THE REEF i have used it for more then 600 hrs no problems just maintenance , in hope this help, and thanks for watching .

[@mosheg77]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 Thank you very much sir - I really appreciate it!!! Wishing you a safe and happy van life!

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

@@mosheg77 same to you Captain👍👍

[@David-rx2to]

New sub here and this is the first video of yours I have watched. Do you transport the generator inside the van while traveling? Can you detect gasoline fumes from either the generator or your gas can used to fill the generator? I'm planning a build and if you can smell gasoline inside, I'll have to make plans to build a box to mount outside for the generator and gas can. Thank you. Clever to separate the AC like you did.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

David Golembeski thanks buddy and thanks for subscribing. wen i travel i place the generator inside and gasoline too ,because i have a divider from the driving Cabin so i don't smell anything and wen i get to a site i take it out and the gasoline also that way i dont smell anything

[@steventaylor8785]

Wow, very nice and good video also. How much does that Westinghouse gen. cost if I may ask, and approximately how long would , say, 2 gallons of gas running it last running an ac?

[@steventaylor8785]

Sorry, I should have read some of the other responses before I posted.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

the link is in the description below and i can run it for 6 to 8 hrs depending on ac size

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

no worries and thanks for watching

[@johnnypena1083]

I think the condenser should have a shield over it.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Johnny Pena thanks for the suggestion that's a great idea but I had this condenser under a van for about 8 years in a van like this one and never had any issues my van has big mud flaps that protects any flying rocks or debris from the condenser thanks for the suggestion

[@DavidHaney1]

Nice

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

David Haney thanks David And thanks for watching

[@nelsonsoaresusa]

Please post link for A/C and Fridge. Thanks

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

I don't have the link for those but the air conditioner is sick 6000 btu

[@titto379]

hi ..where can i get the same blower gracias

[@iaminyourbasement]

Thanks for the video, that is what I need in my gmc savana.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Luis Guerra anytime Luis thanks for watching my channel y Saludos amigo

[@mrbr549]

That condenser hanging under your van looks like it would be a dirt and mud magnet. Do you only drive on paved roads, or do you clean it daily when using the a/c?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

that a great question ,i only drive it in pavement and the sprinter has a great mudflaps i only clean the condenser once a year it does not get to dirty im very surprise too, but it always works amazing ,nobody has attempted to do this in a automobile or van , thanks for watching .

[@alasdairnewlands9283]

Great videos mate. How much fuel does it use please? Also how long would it take to charge x2 110 leisure batteries? Thanks.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Alli Newlands I have not calculated 100% but with the air conditioning running I could do between 8 to 6 hours on a gallon or fuel but I have a link in this video that shows you the Yamaha generator wish I had before in that one does 10 hours per gallon much better unit check it out you have time it's in the link in description below thanks for watching

[@alasdairnewlands9283]

thank you mate

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Alli Newlands about charging the batteries it will be the same as regular power or your house because you get 110 so whatever it takes on land power it's going to take the same on your generator

[@bigjoe2458]

need to get several more batteries for dc

[@bigjoe2458]

I would think that a window ac would have several advantages over auto ac and cheaper

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

BIG JOE 245 it's a lot cheaper and also you don't have to open a hole on your roof of your van and looks more stealth and air dynamic

[@Luther-dj8si]

Your van doesn't appear to be insulated, which I might add might be the most important feature.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Luther7449 yes is most important i do have a video showing the insulation on my van is in the inner walls behind the plastic Gray protector

[@elainefox2978]

great

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

elaine fox thank you

[@yotagang3705]

So how do you run this w/o them calling the cops on u, where do u go

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

On the wilderness

[@yotagang3705]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 so never in the city?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

@@yotagang3705 Yes because the loud noise

[@dlfleischerlmt]

What size ac and generator please

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Is a 6000 BTU's and the generator is 2000 W and it runs perfect

[@theeaskey]

What the size of that TV .

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

I think is 19 or 21 inch

[@theeaskey]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 tks

[@embrj1453]

Can i ask who build your van ?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Mercedes benz

[@leom5894]

Where are you plugging in the cord as at runs into the RV?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

i only use it wen parked in a rv park and my fridge runs on 12 volts

[@matl2629]

@@mercedessprinterdiy8556 I think he means where is your outlet. I was wondering too did you drill a hole in the bottom of the van and place an AC outlet or did you use an RV/industrial outlet?

[@gabrielaespinoza917]

What air conditioner you use?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

ge 6000 btu i think i have the link in the description below

[@creativereinvestor]

Is that a 6000 btu ac ? How many hours can you run that exclusively before you run out of fuel?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

creativereinvestor yes it is 6000 btu and fuel will last 5 to 7 hrs depending in how's the temperature

[@edgeyt1]

How is the generator earthed/grounded?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

I do not have a grounded to anything and it works perfect

[@everybodyzuncle5792]

How many btu is that AC?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

dennis hiday is 6000 btu

[@sc3743]

How long can it last ?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

8 to 10 hrs on 1.3 gallons ,i placed the link of this generator so you can compared with others

[@christoffer1973]

why didn't you go for solar and battery bank?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

christoffer1973 I like generator because of the weight the solar panel and Battery banks are very heavy I'll compare to the generator and the generators less expensive

[@user-yx9zl4rz6y]

where the hot air comes out?

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

куку куку it comes out in the bottom of the van ,i have other videos showing how it works. I wait to ccol down the generator and then place a strong plastic garbage bag to avoid smells

[@MarksWorldofEngravingandMore]

You mean to tell me you couldnt find a space to make a generator bay insulate it and install a nice quiet generator, common dude you can do better than that.

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Lol no room under the van 🤣😰

[@cirwo85]

QUESTION; I’m about to be living in my van, days only - I work nights. Do you know if it’s easy enough to camp in van during days on parking lots with a generator running? I have the Predator 3500. I’m just worried people will be kicking me off the lots everywhere. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Adam Davis where are you going to have the generator installed on the floor or is it going to be attached to your hitch tray

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Adam Davis that's a lot of places that won't allow you to do that you have to look stealth that way they don't know that you're staying inside

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Adam Davis I recommend you to go to a KOA or a camping ground if you going to do that and they provide the power but if you have a good parking lot that you can set the generator that's best for you cuz I will you be saving some money

[@gimme1smile]

can you list make and model of generator please:-)

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

martin m is a Westighouse 2000i

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

martin m sorry is Westinghouse WH2000i thanks for watching

[@marywrong7041]

Too much noise from the generator !

[@mercedessprinterdiy8556]

Mary Wrong can't hear it inside the van is very insulated