STARTED VAN INSULATION | VAN LIFE BUILD CONTINUES

I strongly believe you should LIVE IN IT FIRST and build as you go. Or at lease spend a few solid weeks in your van to learn what you really need and don't need. I am still learning and moving things around. I started my insulation experiment this past weekend...but ended up doing more then i thought. Experiment continues....
I started VAN LIFE because i was tired of the day to day routine of doing the same thing, same job, same drive to work, same mornings, same nights...everything was the same day after day. Van Life has been just an awesome experience since day one. This full time for me. I am in this for the long haul. I Love Van life. Its been the best choice i have ever made. I started Van life with my English bulldog names Disco. He is my hommie and my heater lol. I Built my van build is simple to show everyone that you can start Van Life with just the basics and build your van as you go. That you don't need a big fancy build to get started. VAN LIFE is closer then you think. just grab the basics you need and get started. You will figure out what you need after you are in the van. I don't have solar or battery banks, a sink or an electric fridge. I didn't need that stuff to get started. I am sure in the future at some point when i feel the need for those things i will get them. But so far i have everything i need without all the fuss and stress of Solar panel, deep cycle batteries, and a full van build. One day maybe but right now i feel at home in my van with everything i need.
I have dedicated my life right now to doing youtube full-time, i have fallen in love with the creative aspect of filming and editing. I am still learning and and grinding to make this a full time gig for me. I would love to earn enough through youtube and Patreon to be able to travel and film for you and the world everyday. To share my journeys from my prospective and to inspire and uplift my viewers to be themselves and life the life they want. To be who they are truly meant to be. YOU.
Thank you for being here on this great Van Life adventure with me.
PATREON: / vancityvanlife
Much By: Sound stripe

[@familyfunshots]

For the first time since my husband asked me for a divorce... I've felt VERY proactive. 1. Going through my actual bills. 2. Realizing I have more than I realized. 3. Found my first van that I REALLY liked, however decided that I need to get some thing cleared up. 4. Taking my car to Ohio from VA, then from Ohio to Vegas, then possibly off to Alaska!!! 5. I do the car thing and love it! But would love to completely stretch out. The way you broke down the installation... not too scary!

[@familyfunshots]

I cannot believe how much I love this channel!

[@mimitravels710]

Colleen Tillett he is the coolest thing I've found on you tube. I wake up and look to see if he's posted. (Think I'm in love!)

[@cattsmahal1005]

Me too! Binging at this time!

[@HulaShack1]

Get a sub zero sleeping bag and you and Disco can snuggle if it gets too cold! I love your house! It is awesome! Now please give Disco his ball! LOL Love to you and that pup!

[@gremlinsbreath]

You might try a heavy curtain across the the drivers section to keep the heat in the back end of the van.

[@norriscoleman3141]

Wrap the insulated Panels with Fabric and now you got a bulletin Board of and Art Design.

[@BlackRose-xt2xu]

I love Disco. So cute.

[@Mike__james]

That pee wee doll would have been awsome to have in the van. It's great how you only do a little at a time to see if really need it.

[@laurajphillips5981]

Very good! Thanks!

[@lifewithluluthecat835]

"Learning as we go" is the motto in life ... we can only plan so much while we are at it. Things are looking good in the van. Awww, please give Disco the ball ⚾️ back or he'll stay mad and will not appear in the next video for us. Keep up keep up! 😎🐶😎👍👍

[@bmaaxx]

The search for a van has begun now that the jacked-up prices have started to come down (and my landlord told me they're selling the house). Watching all these old videos is a real education in what to think about now before buying (standing headroom is a non-negotiable) and planning ahead for the layout and electrics.

[@darlacurry1312]

I'm so glad you insulated!

[@vagabonddeesadventures8491]

Bingeing love to the puppy! 😍🥰

[@MrChipclip12345]

Another idea for reducing moisture and the possibility for mold is buy a battery operated dehumidifier from Amazon. I found one for $30 that I plan to buy. Love your channel and I have binge watching it. I just found it yesterday and have already watched around 50 videos.

[@donnanewsome5857]

I like how you think Chrome 😉

[@wolfsmith2865]

For my van, 04 extended Chevy express 2500, I also wanted modular and removable cabinets and a kitchen unit. So after a lot of research, I found aircraft cargo rails. I will attach one each wall and this will allow me to secure, or remove, any of my cabinets any time I want by removing a few anchor bolts and wresting the cabinet boxes out the sliding cargo door. As far as covering the pink foam panels, i am using speaker cabinet carpet, but you could use fabric, contact paper, decals, little squares of carpet like a parquet floor....

[@helenahon690]

Looking good. Stay warm. Both you and Disco.

[@donr2258]

Wow! All that moisture I'm surprised it wasn't raining in there!

[@maylin1986]

For all the work you are putting into this van on insulation, for what it's worth, try buying a pretty beast curtain rod for the front of your van and place the curtain rod across the ceiling and have a thick curtain come down just behind the driver and passenger seats. That way all that heat won't be sucked out from the front windows. I understand that people need to keep a window cracked to let air out of a van when using a Mr. Buddy heater and that can still be done. Just leave a crease opening in the section the curtains meet. I have a Mr. Buddy heater I am excited to try using in my place soon, but I want to have a carbon monoxide detector to make sure the Mr. Buddy heater that I own isn't releasing carbon monoxide into the air. I've been told it's totally safe to use a Mr. Buddy heater without having any open areas for the fumes to excape. I would rather be safe than sorry. :| Edit* Never mind about curtains. D: I just watched another video of yours, where you say you have drapes for privacy. Lol.

[@kellybrace3889]

Pee wee is just chillin😂

[@JessieGamerGirl]

Just a suggestion for excess humidity and dampness, get a small container of damp rid. It should really help with the last of the condensation!

[@sueeasley5366]

I love Disco.

[@quicksilver3601]

I know this is a little more expensive, but if you want a really sealed, really air tight unit, get a spray foam kit that is designed to spray larger areas. This can be purchased at a home depot/Canadian tire or similar store, for about $300. You spray about a half inch throughout the whole interior. right on the steel walls, the bends, the ceiling everything. once dry you can cover it with whatever covering you want. it works well.

[@scotta4726]

Great deal on insulating the van🇵🇷

[@gracecallowayable]

Learning so much!!!👠🚌👠

[@fernwehchronicles193]

Hey Chrome - thank you for sharing your 'baby-steps' :o)

[@markreynolds3850]

Interesting comments, thanks for sharing!.

[@sandraosbourn8535]

Great video, glad you insulated and Disco is adorably cute.

[@Feedback4Utoday]

u have a great sense of telling a story via great camera angles/ scanning & right amount of time. well done again

[@VANESSASBLESSEDLIFE]

*watching again getting ready to do mine this week*

[@puropinchepretty]

Thumbs up for that RBD sticker! Hahaha!

[@VANESSASBLESSEDLIFE]

*Another amazing*

[@marygibbons2099]

OMG! I have the very same Pee Wee doll. Mine has a pull string and says different phrases like “I know you are but what am I.” Lol. My grandson (in second grade) just took it to school this morning for show & tell!!!!

[@LorisRVLife]

Pretty "warm" idea... Thanks for sharing, Lo :)

[@helenarreola3704]

Love the doggie

[@yang3625]

If insulate the backdoor is a bit too much trouble, I would suggest you to find a way to hang a blanket. It works really well for me, I am sleeping with my head towards the window, which made me head&shoulder a little chilly during sleep in the winter even with the heat on. I used to add bubble sheets over the glass (they naturally adhere on it), however it looked ugly and needed to be put on again every time after I opened the window. This year I just used two really old blankets, poked some hole on it and placed it behind the curtain (as adding a layer of curtain) and so far it works great!

[@kodeywhitewolf4056]

One step at a time Good for you

[@tarabrown5666]

IKEA has a mobile kitchen for $138. I will find the link for you

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Is good to see some insulation going in Chrome. The silver material will reflect heat back into the van, from body heat and the Mr Buddy. I am sure what you have done so far will help, and it actually looks quite cool... but not as cool as Disco !! :-)

[@Lakaymaria27]

Today’s video referred back to this video so I had to look at what you were talking about. I’m in the interior but I feel like this will help me a lot this year. RIP Disco 🕯🥺

[@AnnetteZang]

Great job on the insulation, and also insulating the side panels....when in Rome! Clothes in the rear is a good idea, as u can still access the clothes from inside the van... well done. The insulation will also keep the van cooler in summer..

[@cattsmahal1005]

I’m hererrrairrrr! Hi Disco!

[@kellylarson3565]

I wish you lived closer, you could use my shop and tools. Sask. Great videos and a great person making them.

[@followingbreadcrumbs]

hahahaha starting off with the PeeWee Herman doll. priceless. The van is coming along nicely. trial and error. i like your style :)

[@followingbreadcrumbs]

haahahah nice! i think pee wee needs to make an appearance in the next video lol

[@montydenney3860]

The doll was probably a geocache. Should leave something in its place.

[@ShemajRagin]

Thanks for sharing

[@JudyG745]

Good job - looking forward to hearing if it make things more cozy.

[@HeatGeek1]

Stay cool (and warm) chrome!

[@adventuresphere7036]

If you still have the fairy lights from Amazon, I think the foil will make the lights pop! If you still get condensation, get a bowl or some socks n fill them with rice. The rice will absorb the moisture. And! If you go with the sock method, you can put em in a microwave (not sure if the gyms or coffee shops have them.) Maybe warm them up under the hood of the van with the engine running, or next to the space heater. for a minute give or take n can help keep you warm or give any aches n pain some relief. ❤️ the great work you do!

[@mrjerpsvr4105]

Great vids I'm binge watching all of them

[@debbie90805]

Glad you put some insulation in, so looking forward to your future videos, you and Disco take care.

[@loudnproud4596]

I like where this is going. I look forward to see how well that little bit of insulation holds heat over night. my biggest peeve was waking up to turn the buddy heater on every hour or 2 in the cold weeks. hot in 10 minutes.. turn it off and freezing in another hour again.

[@maggiedoor6093]

Great information, you can get a Tenergy Sorbi Mini Air Dehumidifier from Amazon. Also a Bcamelys purple light mobile air conditioner, nightlight, fan 5 in 1.

[@roadrunner17lee66]

Great video. I’ve planned on doing the same thing. I told my son that I just want to put the basics in until I figure what I do or don’t need and where it works the best. My bed tho has be done first. Everything else can wait. 😎

[@tyrese777r]

Little trick bro paint one side of the reflectix it's if both sides are silver it will generate heat in the summer and cold in the winter trust me paint one side white and that white side up on Metal and it works better

[@enslavedheart]

Sounds like things will be toasty warm for you both..... looks good. Safe travels.... hugs to Disco!!!

[@sjr7822]

Pee Wee Herman! We had a rec director that looked just like Pee Wee and acted like him, he was so amusing. As for insulation and looking pretty, A lady glued cloth to the fan fold insulation, cloth will absorb some of the moisture

[@sandrakleven41]

Binge watching...I have that Peewee Herman doll.

[@lauryzummak6535]

Hello Handsome How are you and Disco doing? I hope all is well. I have been watching your KZbin videos for a little over a month now, and really enjoy it. I bet you get a lot of Ladies offering to help keep you warm, lol. I live in Iowa, and it’s pretty cold here. I felt sorry for the Trick or Treaters last night. You’re KZbinr Friend Laury

[@CandycaneBeyond]

I would have went to the thrift store and got some blankets and put them on the walls and ceiling. Wash them in downy, get April fresh sent daily!

[@TrustingYourProcess]

Good ideas!!

[@katjah.8957]

Great video. I love it. Ur van looks very good👍so U are ready for the winter.

[@kimwilliams7051]

another great video love you guys xx

[@benjaminmccarthy783]

Dude.....great video Great van

[@rogerchouinard1548]

PEEWEE!!! Dude, you're videos are awesome! Love your content and your videography. Love how you're experimenting as you go. The insulation you have seems like it might work for your climate. I noticed your using a Mr. Buddy heater. Maybe a good thick curtain behind your seats for privacy and to minimize the space for heating. just keep the heat where it's needed.

[@corybowes9400]

💕 Hi Chrome, I have spent a lot more on insulation an floors than you have. I insulated my floors with 1 1/2 inch insulation also I put plywood on to with 1 1/2 inch slats supporting the plywood so the insulation wasn't being compressed. I cant seem to get the insulation to stick to the ceiling. I have 1 1/2 to put up there too. I'm using rolls of paper backed fiberglass on the side walls. I have a passenger van so the top half of the walls are windows. I have a wave 3 and it was to cold in the van to start this winter so I hot a cheap apartment for a while, and will finish the van once its nice out again. I live in South Dakota. It gets cold here and I was struggling at 20°f. So I pressed pause. I'm planning on getting a wave 6 or 8 and finishing the side walls and ceiling. I'm going to try the foam I have 1 more time Otherwise I'm going to get it sprayed professionally.

[@kathleennawalt9855]

Dear Mr. VANCITY, Nice Pooch. Keep up the good Information. Sincerely, Kathleen.

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Love the experiment!

[@Lmnop913]

I really really really really like your videos. New subscriber. Awesome. But you got it easy in Vancouver with their mild temperatures. That’s awesome what you’re doing. Keep it up!

[@RenayEmond]

Ball ? 👏👏👏

[@fpchicago]

Love the channel

[@jfx863]

Keep them vids rollin out bro. Best van life channel to date!

[@annmcwilliams1230]

Get a wee cube fire like Justin That would keep you warm

[@ryanhitchcock4570]

Good info 👍🌵

[@DonovanRush]

Oh yeah!

[@Wolfsmate73]

Looking good there Chrome. The low cost is well worth the big benefits. Enjoy!

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

Gotta live in it to change it .lol

[@mishu3271]

Hi Chrome and Disco 👋 Question: what exact pink foam board did you buy? I cant see the specs on it when i freeze frame. Is it the one meant for sub-grade applications? Im asking because of the chemicals involved that could off gas in your van. If you need "stuffing" insulation consider experimenting with Roxul but keeping in tact as much as possible and not squishing (you'll lose R value). It can be cut with a special knife which is pretty inexpensive. Also, consider buying an "Olfa" utility knife - the pros use them and yes, they make a huge difference. CT or HD or HH or Amz..often on sale. Perhaps your pieces of furniture should be solid wood, plastic or metal given condensation issues. Ikea has mostly particleboard pieces meant for conditioned homes. I have had good luck at Restore (Habitat for Humanity) for interesting odd size storage pieces for small spaces. Always a pleasure to get a notice that your vids are up. 🎉. Thanks for taking us on the journey! 👍

[@nomaticvanduraartz1720]

hey bro I love what you doing you should look into Bob Wells cheap RV living looking to his post about insulating I give you straight up tips he was living in a van in Alaska

[@Mr-hz6jz]

Cool it’s always good to do some upgrades, I hope it works out good and help keep you and disco warm 👍🏾

[@kristibeth6370]

Love that you learn as you go and you keep it simple! Curious how it goes when the temps drop. We’ve had some great weather though eh? I’ve been outdoors a ton.... don’t wanna waste the beautiful days while they last

[@thomaspaine6682]

Condensation is going to form on interior surfaces whose temperature is below the dew point regardless of whether they're insulated. Some surfaces just show it more than others. Worst case, condensation will now form between the bare metal and the foam board you placed on the ceiling and take longer to dry, potentially leading to mold formation. Regarding your little buddy heater, H2O is one of the products of combustion, and that vapor is going to condense on some surface within the van (usually the roof since warm air rises) unless you somehow either capture it with a desiccant, or vent it outside.

[@donnyten2041]

Is there an effective way in preventing this mold formation?

[@thomaspaine6682]

Use of a "dry" heat source and/or fresh air ventilation are about the only ways to reduce high humidity levels which can lead to condensation. Some have tried using desiccants to absorb moisture, but I suspect that is not very effective. Bottom line is that condensation needs to be able to dry quickly. If it's trapped, say beneath a layer of reflectix, well that's how you get mold.

[@clarapettit3303]

Art is your home. 🏔 Well Done!!! 🎆

[@ramvanbobby3889]

i like it

[@CalmTurtle2023]

Ahhh, the guinea pig comes off the wheel! 😀

[@davidc2019]

Glad to see you did some insulation, I was going to recommend a Army Poncho liner, does a great job of keeping you toasty! Loved the video, great to see you and Disco out and about enjoying life. Much blessings... Just another day in Paradise!!!

[@mimitravels710]

David C poncho liners are great to sleep under too

[@plutoplatters]

i would think just the "reflect tix " ? sp? would help a LOT just with sound alone... less " tinny"

[@hannahotwa1047]

I am glad you did, I worried about you, that you might freeze. Starting to get cold. Stay healthy, stay strong. Greetings. 👍😻👍

[@saroyaarts2455]

That looks like a voodo doll

[@ProfessorGrimm]

Low expansion, expanding foam in the Ribbing, will tighten things up nicely. Just do it in small amounts, drilling a couple holes midway through the ribs vs. trying to fill it from one end, test a spot and see just how much it fills,you can trim it to fit and paint it later so it does not look like a bunch of tumors oozing into the van. If you are worried about attaching things to those ribs later you can always use pop rivets in place of screws and may actually be a better fastener in the end vs. self taping sheet metal screws.

[@tarabrown5666]

Ok I found it SUNNERSTA Mini-kitchen, 44 1/8x22x54 3/4 " $139.00

[@cattsmahal1005]

Tara Brown -Classy lady!

[@angelfaye101]

I know this is an old comment, but I truly appreciate this!

[@sandienochs6132]

Thanks

[@philcapling8268]

Good way to do it-insulate as you go...stuff insulation of the door areas makes a lot of sense; you can also get spray in foam for the areas that are harder to reach. Best wishes to you, Chrome! Stay weird, man!

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Thanks for the video. Have a look at my Van Conversion video Part 4 to see where I hang our clothes.

[@ricstrach9476]

trial and error the best way

[@bbthehugger2515]

Thank you for showing the simple way of doing things. It's appreciated and greatly inspiring!

[@kath2391]

Great job Chrome. Happy to know you and Disco will be a little more comfy and cozy as the temps drop. Sending love to you both from Michigan.❤️

[@skunklepew6469]

Watching your video's has convinced me,this is the type of van I'm going to use. And finally be free in my life. As a truck driver the lifestyle similar. I can forgo the gym membership and use my truck stop fuel credits for showers and laundry. Then visit relatives and tap their utilities as needed.

[@MsSensationalMechele]

You did an excellent job on the insulation of your home. As always I love the scenes of all the colors. Take care and be safe.

[@kristiwilmoth2760]

It makes so much sense to see how you feel first. I'm always hot so I don't know that I would insulate if it we're just me. My biggest worry about agreeing to live in a can/trailer is the heat. Any ideas on hotter weather what the heck to do with the dog?

[@TerryManitoba]

Just found your channel - I am 2 months in my self build as you go/change as you go van build. I was going to buy a 20 year old b-class - but am so happy I went this route.

[@SnowyOwlPrepper]

You seem even more at home. I Like what you are doing. Peace.

[@adventuresinmichiganwlisa9852]

THATS PEE WEE HERMAN DOLL CHROME IN THE TREE!!! 😆 GUESS IM BACK IN THE ARCHIVES OF VIDEOS